Chapter 15: Oberon VS Jason

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"Break the pendant!" Jason yelled in between attacks. It was a rather difficult task to even fling the sword due to the water pressures. Oberon kept aiming for his head, but Jason managed to fend it off. It was getting too difficult for Jason. The only sword practice he had was when his dad took him to fencing class when he was five but quit because the teacher was getting too flirtatious with his dad. Another blow came but again he managed to bring his sword high enough to protect himself. He caught a glimpse of one of David's Earth minions who were busy bashing up the hall. Some were already slowly dissolving into ashes that fall back to the blue floor. Jason tried whistling to them for some assistance but they never came and continued destroying the place. "Yoohoo! I need help here, walking rocks!" Jason yelled for attention as Oberon swung his sword high above Jason's head. The breeze that swam through was quick enough for Jason to dodge.

Suddenly, a blast of rainbow colours shot out from behind that sent him off balance by the waves. The debris of the shattered cage was also carried through the vibes. With his eyes closed, Jason held up his sword just in case Oberon was to make another blow. But as soon as he did that, Jason felt a sharp pain that stabbed through his chest. He could feel the blade string through harder and further. A silver band formed on his wrist at that frightening moment. The blood red element blinded him with its waves as he collapsed to the ground.

Oberon pushed him off the throne and strolled towards Tiadora. David yelled a command to his rock-people, but with just one blow from Oberon, the summer dissolved back to the ground. "Escatus!" black smoke flowed out of his hands to attack the other guardians. Tiadora managed to create a dome shield just on time, but her energy faded and the black steam exploded in their faces as they fell to the ground. Oberon wrapped his hands around Tiadora's neck and crashed her to the glass wall. Luckily they were in water or else the sharp shards would have pierced Tiadora.

His hands squeezed tight on Tiadora's neck. His eyes glared with fury and hatred. Tiadora choked and coughed profusely as it got tighter. "You scumbag of hell! Look what you have done! The pendant has been broken!" Oberon shouted at her. David tried growing his minions again but it grew only half the size of its original form and most of them instantly dissolved off. Noticing the reaction, Oberon commanded the Merlon guards to seize the guardians with the poison weapon.

"Let her go!" Oberon turned to see Jason, with the blade still in his body, standing up without pain or unsteadiness. He held onto the base of the sword and slowly pulled it out like as if it was only a needle. The bloody red stains on the sword and his clothes changed to a luminous blue glow and disappeared instantly. The deep wound through his chest showed numerous small blue crystals sticking out. It glowed with intense light and when it dimed, the crystals vanished and so did his wound and alone. Jason grinned as he firmly held Oberon's sword. Fire fiercely engulfed the King's sword, licking its blade and fending off the waters. He leaped off from his position and raised the blade up high, ready to strike.

Oberon snatched a floating sword to strike back but Jason's fiery blade but through Oberon's sword. Jason gently landed on the ground but took no time to hesitate to slice the blade through Oberon's body in half. However, the body didn't tear or rip. The moment Jason's sword was out of Oberon's body, a black smoke was being pushed out by his blade. The black smoke had a human figure but it evaporated the moment Jason registered the image in his mind. Oberon stumbled across the throne stairs. Tiadora helped Kiara up as she had sprained her ankle. David assisted Cornelia instead. Jason lifted his blazing sword and aimed for Oberon's body. But before the blade could purge into him, Tiadora halted him.

"Stop, Jason! He's harmless now!!" Tiadora instructed. Everyone gave her the 'Huh?' look. Tiadora let Kiara sit on the throne for her feet to rest. Tiadora continued, "Oberon was possessed by a dark spirit of Xana. That's why he acted differently. I know King Selis and he won't knight a traitor for an advisor." Jason lowered down his blade and turned away. The sight of Oberon has disgusted him too much. He headed towards his twin sister but fainted halfway. His vision went blur but it eventually disappeared, leaving a pitch of darkness.
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"My deepest apologies, my liege. That was rather inhumane of me to injure you or your friends," Oberon kissed Tiadora's hand. All the evil from his eyes has disappeared. A wide smile was spread across his face as he shakes hands with Tiadora, Kiara and Cornelia. "Why, my dear, you bloom like the rarest coral in the deep seas," Oberon commented on Kiara when he kissed her hand. "Thanks. Glad to be appreciated unlike somebody...” Kiara eyed David, who immediately pretended to say something to Jason. Jason's light green singlet had been sewn to cover up the hole as he covered with his darker green jacket. Oberon headed towards the boys and stretched out his hand to shake.

Jason didn't take it, looking away from Oberon's gaze. Oberon didn't look insulted but patted him instead, still smiling, "My dear guardian, you've been gifted with the Sapphire Crimson's special abilities. Normally if someone were to do swallow even a minute scratch, that person would face death instantly. It's a miracle." Jason looked at him, forming his words carefully, "But I didn't die because I was a magical descendant..."

"Ah and that's where you misunderstand...” Oberon corrected, "Even if you are Sir Lancelot's descendant, your body and mental functions will be the same as others because you aren't Sir Lancelot. Plus, you swallow that rock before the Fire element bonded with you. Consider yourself lucky." Jason just scoffed, ignoring the facts. Oberon turned to David and they both shake hands. "So you are the Earth element...” Oberon said out loud. Then he came closer to David and whispered, "...better watch out. I sense a dark aura within you which may attract a dark mage. Her name's Cyrus, a pure-blood va...”

"Sire, the seahorses are ready!" the general reported. "Wonderful! Tiadora?" Oberon faced Tiadora as she nodded in reply. He walked towards her again, "Don't worry. I've already got my magicians working on the return trip. In the mean time, I'll take it from here and if you ever need assistance, you know where to find me." Oberon ruffled her hair which swayed with the vibrations in the water. All of them headed for the reins outside the castle where five seahorses were lined up neatly. "Awesome ride," Cornelia slapped the seahorse's butt as she hoped onto the first one. The seahorse didn't flinch at all but obliged the arrival of its rider.

The rest jumped onto their own seahorses and sailed off swiftly. Oberon waved hysterically and so did the general. Puzzled, Oberon asked, "You're happy to see them go?" The general gave a sly smile to Oberon and replied, "Yes, I am. You've done well, Marabonta." Oberon's body slowly changed his form into a beautiful long-red hair girl. She stood back as the general too molded himself into a handsome-looking boy of the same age as the girl. He held her hand tightly and faced the aquatic kingdom. "Ready, Xana?" Marabonta giggled.

He nodded and gripped her hand tighter, murmuring a few ancient words. Both spoke fluently and quickly as their hands glowed a dark colour. After a few moments, they brought their hands up and chanted louder. The sand underneath the sacred buildings engulfed the kingdom slowly. A vortex soon accompanied the debris and sand, and completely enclosed Oceanatic. The vortex soon subsided as the sands fell or floated around the empty space that once laid a water kingdom. Xana let go from their grip and strolled across the void. Merlons or their kingdom were no more of existence in this time. Marabonta walked to his side and Xana answered her question that she thought in her mind, "Don't worry. They have been reunited with their true king." Swiftly, they vanished from the waters leaving their footprints which the sand soon swept upon.

Chapter 14: The Revelation Of The Guardians

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"Did you hear? Our king is marrying the guardian leader! A two-leg!" a well-dressed Merlon lady carried out a conversation with another Merlon. As soon as the Merlon-block turned to 11o'clock, the hall was filled with many happy Merlons, dancing gracefully around to the bubbly music. The food was getting restocked every 10 minutes, but Jason didn't have the appetite and neither did Kiara, David or Cornelia who were sealed in a rusted metal cage which was situated right beside the stairs that lead to the throne. They all leaned against the smelly rusty bars, feeling rather useless to the whole situation.

"No fair! My brother at least gets to be outside and not in this piece of trash!" Cornelia kicked one side of the cage and a small piece got broken. The broken piece floated away as Cornelia caught it in time. She kneeled down to the broken side and tapped the piece against the cut. Another smaller piece got broken off. Cornelia had an idea and revealed it to David and Kiara. "Brilliant!" David exclaimed loudly. Cornelia and Kiara shushed him. David can really be loud for a Goth person. Soon, they got to work, trying to break an exit
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11.58pm.
"My beloved citizens of Oceanatic, it is my greatest pleasure to invite you all to this most important event in my glorious life. I will be wed in exactly a moment's time with the young and beautiful Princess Tiadora of Anatasia!" Oberon announced as the doors, as if on queue, opened wide. Oberon instructed the general to bring Jason up the stage, threatening with its weapon. Jason was now forced to be on his knees. The blue luminous doors revealed a stunning beautifully dressed bride. She wore exquisite garments and jewellery that reflected many lights.

Tiadora strolled down the red carpet towards the throne, holding a bouquet of corals. King Oberon stood in front of his majestic throne, smiling to Tiadora. As she came closer, Oberon took her hand and position himself sideways to the audience. A Merlon came from the crowd with a brown pot and gently poured a hot burning red liquid over the hold hands. The liquid floated upwards as soon as it caressed Tiadora's smooth skin. Jason watched in awe. This was the moment that Tiadora'll see Oberon's memories, right? Jason thought. Nothing moved for those few moments. Tiadora and Oberon's eyes were shut closed like as if they were dead.

After what felt like forever, both finally opened their eyes. Jason could see worry and shock in Tiadora's expression. But before she could say anything, Oberon shakes his hands furiously. His nails grew longer, sharper and deadlier on his left hand. Was this the second stage? Tiadora lifted her right hand and closed her eyes, frightened. Oberon glared at her palm. Whatever he saw, he didn't like it. Oberon's voice boomed throughout the hall, "I will not carry out the second stage with your vampire-bitten hand. That's Azric's mark. I'll make mine on your left palm!" Tiadora obeyed and lifted her left hand instead. Oberon's nails stabbed through her clear palm but as quickly as it came in, it came out fast too.

Tiadora clenched her injured palm into a fist. Jason couldn't stand it. He had to do something because if that was second stage, third stage would be worst. Tiadora then tore off her pendant from her neck and stretched out her hand to give it to Oberon. But before he could get his hands on it, Jason's voice was heard, "Stop! STOP IT!" All eyes were on Jason as he head butted the general. The Merlon guard collapsed. Jason pushed back Oberon and in between them, protecting Tiadora. Bravely he said, "You can't marry her! She's engaged to Sir Lancelot! I AM HIS DESCENDANT!!"

Gasps and whispering echoed through the halls. Cornelia was taken aback by Jason's words. They were almost free. Just a few more rusty bars and they'll be free. The long silence was painful. Nobody uttered a word until another voice was heard, "And he's not alone!" Kiara turned around. What did David just said? From the throne, Jason winked at David as David stood up from his position to the middle of the cage. David stretched out his arms and shouted with confidence, "EARTH!"

Immediately, the castle rumbled to live. Part of the floor changed its form. It molded itself into a human figure and soared out wildly. Merlons wailed and swam out through the open windows and the stone-people crashed the party literally. "Hold my hand!" David instructed the two girls in the cage. Once done, Kiara could see his pupils turned into a glowing yellow colour. Instantly, the cage shattered into bits of pieces. They quickly swam out towards the stunned Tiadora.

"Tiadora, break the pendant!" Jason instructed. Outraged, Oberon unleashed his sword and aimed for Jason. However, he managed to grab the Merlon general's sword to protect himself. For a few moments, their swords were pressed against each other. Jason started to pull back and attacked Oberon, striking with the sword. "Break the pendant!" Jason yelled in between his attacks. In her hands, Tiadora just realised that there was a crack. How could that have happen?

David patted her from behind. Realising her shock, David explained, "I tried breaking it when you were unconscious. That's how I got my powers. Break it and it'll go to its respective descendants." Tiadora herself was puzzled but there was no time to think. She pushed her nail in between the crack and broke the mystical sphere. Colourful water radiate through the sea out to the far land. The strong waves pushed everything back like a vortex in reverse.

Further away from Oceanatic, the waves flowed through the icy mountains. A group of people were strolling along the freezing snow. Neither wore extra fur for warmth or climbing gear. Not one was feeling the freezing sensation. Everyone was in their usual mage attire as the ice pricked through their skin. Leading them through the ice-caps was a man in a black hood with a torn cape. When the waves craved in, everyone but their leader fell. He showed no expression. "My Lord!" the middleman called out to his leads. The teenage girls and boys looked towards their leader for an explanation, "What was that vibe?" The leader looked up into the sky and puffed out a snowy pant. He turned back and the wind blew off his hood to reveal his dark handsome face. He spoke with a deep voice of confidence. "I sense the four elements in different souls."

Whispers and murmurs ran through the entire group. The man lifted up his hand and they instantly grew silent. He has a wife smile. A young lady kneeled before him and asked a question, "Lord La..."

"NEVER CALL ME THAT AGAIN, CYRUS! Or I'll send you to oblivion!" the leads tent out his frustration. Cyrus went on her knees and begged for forgiveness. The man just tore his gaze from her and continued to head out through the mountains. "Is it true..." another slim woman walked up to him and whispered. Her long blue hair reached the grounds as she continued, "...has the princess found them, Lord Xana?" He nodded strangely with a smile. Marabonta nudged him playfully, wondering what he was thinking, "What are you up to, Xana?" He laughed silently. They finally reached to the top of the cliff and stared down at the Grand Canyon as the Sun started to rise. It was beautiful sight indeed. Marabonta was shocked instead, "I thought this was purpose to be the Heritage. What has happen to it? Aren't you at least a bit suspicious, Xana?"

"Everything's going according to plan, my hypnotist," Xana said expressionless as he continued walking down the Grand Canyon.
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The silver band that Tiadora had been waiting for, had formed nicely against her wrist, down to halfway of her arm. Her element was neatly surfaced as the sphere glowed gold. Beside her, Kiara was surprised to they the magnificent blue says shooting out of her element, Water. Cornelia stroked hers gently despite the blinding lights. The black-grey rays calmed down and a symbol formed on her sphere. "Awesome!" David shouted it out loud as the green lights turned many shades of green. Glad that everyone had received the elements, she remembered of Jason and called out to him, "Jason! Jason! Use your Fire ele..."

Her frail voice trailed off as soon as she turned to face the grand room of the fight. As far as the end of the magnificent throne, Tiadora saw Oberon's glaring at her with bloody hands. Surprisingly, he didn't have his sword with him. In front of the king, was Jason who was on his knees, clutching his heart. But what struck her wasn't Oberon. The maroon-stained blade that sliced through Jason's dark green jacket spilt red patches of blood that dissolved into the salty waters of the ocean. Kiara, David and Cornelia too were rooted to the ground, unable to make movement. And just as Tiadora had registered that bloody image in her mind, Jason fell to his side as the agony that pierced through him was unbearable.

"NO!!"

Chapter 13: The Wedding Must Go On

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"Don't think that I do not know why you want to marry me," Tiadora said as soon as she entered Oberon's chambers, "You want the five elements at the last stage, right?"

"Is that all?" Oberon smirked. He was wearing a robe in his spacious grand blue room. His bed was plain but was decorated with many crystals and gems. One of them, she saw, was the Crimson Sapphire. She crept forward to his bed where the sapphire was hung. Oberon looked up from where he laid down and smiled gleefully. The sapphire was plastered on the wall right above where Oberon laid. Tiadora walked to the left side of the bed, closing in at the sapphire above the wild hair of the Merlon king. She stopped and looked down towards Oberon.

"Go ahead. Ask," Oberon looked away. Tiadora moved closer towards the sapphire and started to ask, "Show me the magical descendants of Sir Galahad, Sir Thomas, Sir Arthur and Sir Lancelot!" But as soon as the question was asked, Oberon pulled her hands, got out of his bed and forced Tiadora on his bed. He pushed her two hands against the walls, with his tail in between her legs. He eyed her fiercely, not believing what he heard, "Do you really believe that you could defeat Xana?"

"I know I will! Because if the 21st Century is a good future, then my victory is sealed!" Tiadora yelled back at him. Oberon looked deep, trying to find for something. He kneeled down closer to her face. "History, fate, and destiny can be changed," Oberon whispered in her face, "It was my destiny to serve King Selis as his pitiful advisor, but look where am I now? I wear the High King's crown. All credits go to Xana's brilliance!" Tiadora couldn't believe her ears. Was he crazy? Then a thought came to mind.

"You're not you," Tiadora gasped at the thought. Oberon still plastered his smile on his face. It was true! But before she could relieve from her shock, Oberon pressed his lips on her's. Tiadora could feel a strange-tasting liquid flowing from his mouth, down her throat. It was very bitter. She struggled to get her hands free but it was no use. His weight was pressed against her body, making it more complicated to get loose. Luckily, moments later she was saved by the bell. A bell that sounded like a siren. Oberon detached himself away from Tiadora and covered his ears. Booming in Tiadora's ears as well, she also covered her ears from piercing scream. Once the shrieks were over, a guard forced open Oberon's door, panting from swimming. "There's a commotion at the dining hall, your highness!"

Oberon floated up from Tiadora and headed towards the guard. He smiled calmly, "Not to worry, general. Just get ready to catch them when they fall." With that, Oberon took a small sword from the general's gear and made a small cut on his wrist. "King Oberon! Your hostage is escaping," the general pointed over to the chamber window. As calm as Oberon's face looked, the general was given instructions to prepare for the wedding that will take place at twelve midnight tonight.
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Tiadora swam out as soon as Oberon got distracted. The dining hall window was still open. She could hear the banging of swords and screams of Merlons. Or humans. She quickened her race at the thought of losing her friends but a strong pain strike her heart. It was an unbearable sensation. She clutched her heart with her right hand and it immediately stopped. The pain came to a halt. She could feel her alone rushing out from the two bitten holds of her right hand. What was that pain? Was it that black substance that Oberon transferred? STOP! No time for a break as she continued to glide her way through the small open window.

The floor was scattered with the bodies of Merlons, including Jason and the rest. Oberon was hovering over her friends talking about something so soft that from where Tiadora stood, she couldn't hear. It must have been a bad comment as Jason shouted back angrily, "You bastard! Tiadora's not a toy!" With Oberon still distracted, Tiadora landed a strong kick at his back, sending him flying over the long rectangular white table. Food was spilled over the floor. There was even a guard who was buried under a pile of seaweed.

However, Oberon was faster. He leaped out from the stained table and cast a spell which Tiadora managed to dodge out of the way, furthering away from the others. Oberon kneeled over Jason and pulled his blond hair as Oberon reached for the nearest sword of a guard and pressed gently against Jason's neck. Blood slowly trickled onto the clean out sword. Oberon started panting deeply. Tiadora was at the end of the room and she wasn't able to use her powers. Kiara, Cornelia and David were knocked out cold. Tiadora couldn't form a perfect plan. There was only one thing to do. Surrender.

Tiadora raised her hand to surrender. Things were going Oberon's way and Tiadora didn't like it. Especially when a loud blaring sound filled the eerie silence of the room. It was followed by a Merlon who spare through a trumpet. He was making an announcement. "Dear Merlons of Oceanatic, your beloved King Oberon has decided to bring forward the marriage with his bride, Tiadora, at midnight tonight. Rejoice for his majesty's wise decision. Bring along your families to enjoy tonight's festivity. Long live King Oberon!"

Confused and shocked, Tiadora stood there rooted to the ground as two Merlon guards seized her from behind. She struggled to break free but Oberon threatened, "I'll kill this boy in front of your eyes if you don't obey my commands!" Defeated, Tiadora stopped her struggle. It was completely useless. Tiadora didn't have a plan. Everything was happening so fast. Jason was trying to resist the pain that inflicted upon his fair neck. A plan was forming in his mind but he couldn't put it to work now. He had to be patient.

"Guards, send her to the dressing quarters and get my bride ready," Oberon ordered as he released his grip on Jason, throwing him towards the general, "Use him and dump the rest of them in a cage." The general managed to catch Jason in time, tying up his hands to his back with a rope as the general pressed a weapon against Jason's side forehead. The same weapon the Merlons had used to infect Jason with the poison. The two guards, who held Tiadora, swam swiftly towards the dressing quarters and handed Tiadora over to four Merlon-servant girls as they guarded the entrance of the door.

"Where have they taken her?!" Jason seethed at Oberon as he was brought to a decorated spacious room, full of crystal slaves, furniture and done that laid on two tables. In front of the wide space were two grand chairs that were of the same shade of blue. It was brightly designed cravings of many gems that glittered the two chairs as bright as the enormous chandelier that too hung from the ceiling. "Respect the king, you filthy creature," the general knocked his gun-weapon at Jason's head, "..Bow down!"

"You're talking to the wrong dude, man!" Jason stood still as the general forced him down on his knees. For a fish, he was quite strong, Jason thought. Oberon stroked his throne gently not noticing about the commotion behind him. He lifted up his crown from his wild red hair and admires its colourful features. "General!" Oberon bellowed as the general gave up on forcing Jason down. "Yes, your grace?"

Oberon turned around to the general and smiled. Jason's starting to hate that smile. "Please welcome our guests."

Chapter 12: The New King Of Oceanatic

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"My apologies for you’re lost, my beauty. But it was the way it was meant to be. Xana must have gone easy on you," Oberon pointed out, "Don't you know that Xana knows the identity of the descendants?"

Many questions flashed through her mind. How did Xana know that she was looking for the descendants? How does he know the identity of the descendants faster than Tiadora. "You must be thinking. How? Why? Ask him that yourself," Oberon whispered something to one of his guards, making him swim off hurriedly. Oberon moved gracefully towards her and kept on staring at the pendant which now glowed faintly. He them raised his hand to his next guard who immediately took out a weapon and fired it at David's shoulder. Tiadora went to his aid, pulling out the arrow fast from his shoulder. David's screams filled the hollow hut. Ticked off, Tiadora made vicious red sparks from her hand. She wanted to attack Oberon.

"Don't waste your energy. Using the FIRE element against my pet, must have already worn you down since it's not your element to begin with." he smiled. Tiadora relaxed her hand. It was tiresome, especially on her right hand which got bitten. She clenched her right hand into a fist, accidentally allowing blood from the two holds to flow out. Red patches could soon be seen floating around her hand.

"I believe Azric has said you a visit. Smart bastard!" Oberon cursed. David clutched his left shoulder. The weapon had fired and arrow that pierced through his right shoulder. Tiadora stared square into Oberon glare, frowning.

"What happened to Selis?!" Tiadora demanded to know.

"Left behind of course. Or should I say, DEAD! Haha!" Oberon laughed hysterically aloud. He then stopped and became serious, "Pitiful human. Poison will soon strike your heart till death."

"How would I know if it's poisoned?" Tiadora voiced out. ”Take a close look at the arrow."

True to be told, the arrow was filled with a black substance that flowed in the thin space of the arrow. Oberon snatched it from her hands and said, "Civs can be a rather deadly liquid, don't you agree?" He smirked and continued, "And right now, as of this moment, all of your companions have been infected and by just spilling a drop of my blood from my wrist, they'll experience half the pain of death. I only ask of you just one favour."

"This can't be good" David spoke out.

"Marry me by the three stages of marriage of Oceanatic's rituals!"

Tiadora agreed silently. David was very puzzled by the way she just gave in like that.

"Then we shall be wed tomorrow night, my bride. See the disappearing Sun?" Oberon moved away from the door to show the Sun's rays that shone dimly, "...It’s almost nightfall. I trust that you will enjoy your stay in Oceanatic." Oberon signalled to the guard as it swam towards Tiadora and unlocked her chains that hung around her wrists. Swiftly, the guard wrapped a bronze band on her right wrist. The guard did the same thing to David.

"You're letting us go…" David was shocked as he pointed to his bronze band, "...with a souvenir?"

"Inferior two-legs!" Oberon insulted, giving orders to his faithful guard, "Release them into my humble kingdom. They will not be of any threat."

"Tiadora, why is he letting us go?" David shake Tiadora's shoulder. "He's not," Tiadora replied, still frowning at Oberon.

Suddenly, Oberon shut his eyes, resulting in a strange orange glow that radiated from his body. He made a weird hand gesture and whispered softly. Tiadora didn't realize what it was at first but his chanting grew louder and firmer. She knew the spell Oberon was casting. "Enchalus Meteroq Zegato Alis!" A strong dark blue energy strike Tiadora's pendant from his fingertips, making the pendant flicker wildly for a few moments as it ended leaving the pendant glowing as black as coal.

"You should know what was that for, my beautiful queen-to-be. And explain to this animal that the sevil is not a souvenir," Oberon said before he strolled out, leaving the door wide open.

"David?" a familiar voice came from outside the door. "Kiara, is that you?" Tiadora said happily as Kiara appeared from the door side and swam to David as she gave him a bear hug.

"Suffocating him can kill him, Kiry," Jason came out from nowhere. Beside him was Cornelia who had let down her small ponytail which formed the rest of her short blond hair. Kiara immediately let go of David and smiled at him. But David replied by giving her his normal expressionless look. Angry, she punched him at the shoulder where the arrow hit him. "Ouch!" David pushed Kiara away and swam in between Jason and Cornelia.

"Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! It hit me there too."

"Yeah me too. Could you explain this, Tia?" Jason touched his bronze band. Tiadora had a lot of explaining to do, "I'll explain as we walk through the city."
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The city of Oceanatic was a magnificent sight to see. Merlons lived in the same kind of houses as they did but it was more curved than sharp edges and it was all blue. Different shades of blue. Like what they've seen on land, there were sea-looking buildings, fled markets, etc. Tiadora and the rest wall through a sea-made garden full of corals and dishes. They sat together on to of the blue benches.

"Not that I don't like blue, but this," Jason spread out his arms to the buildings behind them, "…is too much!"

"We can't even get out of this kingdom because of this sevil-thingy," Kiara tried pulling her's out.

"And what's worst is that Tiadora can't use her powers till after tomorrow night because of that spell Oberon cast upon her," Cornelia complained.

"Xana sounds really..." David finally spoke after a walk of silence, "…evil."

"He's the leader of all badies..what do you expect?" Jason joked.

Tiadora's tummy started to rumble and so did Kiara's. They've not eaten since morning. So they decided to stroll around the brightly lit market as the sea turned dark, night time. Twenty-four more hours more till tomorrow's big event. Together, they walked through many shops and stalls but with no money, they couldn't even get the cheapest snack which was seaweeds. Until they heard a small voice from behind them.

"Your majesty, King Oberon wants you in his chambers," a dressed servant girl spoke. Reluctantly, Tiadora followed the servant girl with Jason and the rest tailing her. David then asked aloud, "What are the laws and rituals of Oceanatic marriage?"

"It consists of three stages.." Tiadora started explaining as they slowly swam through the gates of the castle. "First stage, the groom will hold the bride's hands while this liquid called Lvy is poured over the hold-hands. At that time, the groom will be able to see every memory of the bride. The bride will also see the groom's memories...”

The castle didn't seem dark and mysterious as what Jason thought it would be for someone like Oberon. The pain from his shoulder was long gone and he didn't feel any poison anymore. They walked past numerous rooms. Jason often wonder how the king managed to find his way throughout the castle without any labels on the doors. Finally, they came to a grand blue (again?) door which the servant girl called the King's chambers.

"Your companions are not permitted to enter. Instead, they will be taken to the dining room to feast on their long-awaited dinner and will sleep in their own common chambers," the servant girl promised.

"Go." Tiadora said sadly but quickly swam to Jason and whispered to his ear, "Escape while you still can. That servant Merlon has the key to unlock your sevils," Tiadora pushed him back and smiled as Tiadora slowly entered Oberon's chambers.

"Let's proceed," the servant girl ushered the rest. Jason couldn't tear his gaze from the door but he had to move. Key? She mentioned that earlier. Where is it? True enough, clinging to the servant's bracelet was a small key that was a shape of a fish! Predictable sea creatures. Jason whispered about it to Cornelia who told Kiara. David too heard Jason's plan, eat first pounce servant get key. After a really long walk, they finally reached to a magnificent room with a yellow chandelier. The long white rectangle table was littered with what the Merlons called food. They served raw dishes and live corals! Is this what they call fresh?

"Suddenly, I don't feel so hungry," Kiara groaned.

"Me too," David answered back.

"Me three," Cornelia jumped, winking to her brother.

"Me two square!" Jason shouted, "NOW!"

Together, they pounced at the servant girl. Both Jason and David tried to hold her back while Cornelia and Kiara try and grab the key that moved wherever her wrists moved. It was rather a difficult task as the servant's slimy green tail flapped wildly, beating Cornelia and Kiara away. Finally, David caught her hand and twisted it to the back, breaking the bracelet of the Merlons wrist. A shocking scream pierced through the silence.

David realized that he had twisted her arm too hard as he dropped her. He tossed the key to Cornelia after unlocking his band. Once everyone's band was unlocked, the screams of the servant girl turned into a wail of sirens that echoed through the halls and corridors. In less than five seconds, the Merlon guards had them surrounded.

Chapter 11: Monsters Of The Sea
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"Soober diving?" Tiadora asked confusingly as Jason held her up and pushed her towards one of the stewardess.

"Get her equipped," he instructed. Before Tiadora could say anything, she was shoved into another room and saw weird-looking costumes. Soon, much scuba-diving equipment, including air tank, were attached to Tiadora clothes. As quickly as possible the stewardess dressed Tiadora up, she was pushed back into the room where she sat during her trip. There, she saw the rest of the gang already geared up.

"Um..where are we going?" Tiadora asked again.

"Into the ocean!" Cornelia cheered as she slide open the main jet door, allowing the strong wind to rush into the jet.

"Ready, people?" Jason asked as everyone but Tiadora replied. Cornelia ignored and just leaped out through the air, "WOOHOO!"

David then bravely took the second jump without yelling 'hooray' or anything. To Tiadora he looked like as if he was very confident in this adventure. After David, Kiara did a backfliped into the air and glided through the clouds. Jason was about to leaped when he realized that it was Tiadora's first time. Jason took Tiadora's cold hand, the bitten hand, and asked Tiadora, "Trust me."

With that, he pulled her towards him, making her fall into his arms as he held to her tightly when they fell together. The cool clear waters swallowed them, pulling them deeper into the sea. Jason pulled Tiadora up towards the surface where everyone was already situated.

"Okay...” Jason spit out water, "...Over there is Cave Vernos.." he pointed north-west from his direction.

"Tiadora, breathe through your mouth through this," David instructed her as he helped her put in her breather.

Tiadora knew of the procedure. She's gone underwater before but not with all the fancy equipment. It took Tiadora some time to get used to it. The flipper was rather irritating and the air tank was heavy, but when submerged in water it was weightless. Normally she and the other guardians would just make an air bubble and travel as per normal through the deepest pressures of the oceans. After a few more moments, everyone started swimming towards Cave Vernos. Littered with plenty of fishes, Tiadora saw new species of corals and creatures. Jason held onto her hand just in case Tiadora got lost. Though his intentions were more than that. David led the way with Cornelia and Kiara as his bodyguards. David kept signaling to Cornelia as to inform of their location and she'll convey the message to Jason. There was never a moment where he communicated with Kiara until he realized that she was no longer by his side.

He stopped and swam towards Jason who was with Cornelia and Tiadora. He did hand-signals, counting the number of people and showed that Kiara wasn't with them.That's when Tiadora was swept away forcefully aside. To their right was a big huge purple octupus with eight fleshy tentacles. Tiadora and Kiara were on one tentacle each. Without even flinching, Jason, David and Cornelia took out a laser spear from their gear from their back. They charged towards the violet beast, slashing ferociously trying to save them but the beast was too strong. It slapped Jason out of the way, slamming him on the nearest coral.

Tiadora kept on beating the creature. She somehow recognized it but didn't care. Then she remembered that she had powers. Maybe this could fend it off. With that she closed her eyes and concentrated on the beast. Soon, a yellow sphere formed in between her hands and threw it right in the monster's eye. With the octopus distracted, Cornelia cut off the tentacle that wrapped Tiadora while David helped Kiara out. Quickly, everyone swam back towards their route while the octopus was groaning in pain behind them. Jason gave a thumbs-up to Tiadora as they continued swimming to Cave Vernos.
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At the mouth of Cave Vernos, they slowly pealed away their scuba-diving gear and left those to dry as the gang explore the inside of the cave. Their remaining journey was undisturbed by any creature. David was able to find the cave that was hidden very well between the thickest corals of the sea. In the cave, Tiadora lead the way through the damp grounds.

"Creepy crawlies!" Kiara squealed as she felt her left leg vibrating, but it was only her phone. As soon as she realised, she picked it up. "There!" Cornelia pointed out to a dead end but at the end was a rock that jutted out high, supporting a wide flat crystal.

"Sapphire Crimson," Tiadora murmured. Jason was kicking small pebbles aside not realizing their discovery. However, a shine caught his eye from the ground. He kneeled down to retrieve a very small light blue crystal. He held it up high above his head to get a clearer view when the ground shakes forcefully. Losing his grip, the small crystal fell into his mouth as he accidentally swallowed it. Luckily, the ground stopped. Phew. A close one. Jason made many groans but everyone turned their attention towards the Sapphire Crimson instead so he decided to stop his moaning. One silly crystal isn’t going to kill him.

"Wow. They have good reception here," Kiara complimented the cave.

"Go ahead, Tia. Ask for the guardians," Jason said out. Tiadora nodded and looked at the sapphire as she spoke, "Show me the magical decesdant of Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad, Sir Thomas and Sir Arthur!” Almost immediately, the ground shakes again. This time the earthquake didn't stop like last time. The ground started to crack into many fractions. Water gushed out from the openings, flooding the rocky surface. Things were getting wet.

"I'll try and get our gear!" Jason yelled as he dashed out to the mouth of the cave.

"Tiadora. Quickly!" Kiara instructed. The process was rather slow. The image in the Sapphire Crimson was still forming from its clear surface. She was getting very impatient.

"Hurry!"

"Wait."

But as soon as the image appeared, Tiadora fell from a crack and did the rest of the gang. Once she tripped, she tried desperately to swim back up but suddenly, three knives cut through her throat, allowing her blood to be exposed. Before her surroundings turned black, she caught a glimpse of a scaly green tail.
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"Tiadora?"

Who was that?

"Wakey, wakey.."

A familiar voice sang through her ears. Tiadora struggled to open her eyes. Blur vision came to sight, allowing it to adjust to its surroundings. Cring! The sound made her hand chains that bonded her two arms together. Carefully, she touched the three wounds at her neck. Gills. She was breathing through gills which were mad by her throat wound. It was amazing and pretty easy getting used to. Her eyes finally focused and saw David in front of her.

"David?" Tiadora managed to say.

"Oh finally! I thought you'd gone," David smiled.

It was the first time she saw him smile. She torn her gaze and looked around. There was absolutely nothing. There were 2 sealed windows with white-blue walls that were brightly lit. Only David was in the room with her. "Did you see the descendants?" David started asking.

"No," she replied grimly, "Where are the others?" David stood up and urged her to the window before saying, "You see those two other huts? Kiara and Cornelia are in the hut with two guards. Jason's alone in the hut with 5 guards."

"Five?"

"Yup. He punched the hell out of one of those human-fish guards. Hey they're..." David hesitated a while, "...mermaids?"

"Merlons. Royals of the sea in my time. Look's like they've escaped," Tiadora answered. ”But how to they 'teleport' the houses? I thought only people?"

"Must have used some kind of magic to rebuild it," Tiadora glanced over the door window to see two guards. She decided to improvise. "Excuse me, but I’m Princess Tiadora of Anastasia. As a member of the high royal family, I should not be sealed in a filthy prison cell as I am not guilty for any treason." The guards turned around, dumbfounded to hear a prisoner act this way. They gave each other the dumb look and laughed loudly at Tiadora. "Tell that to the King!"

"Why not? Bring me King Selis at once!"

"King Selis' dead!" brawled one of them. This was sheer rudeness, not only to her but also their king. Tiadora gave up and turned back to David. She mouthed back to him 'I tried' so that the guards won't hear her. "Who's King Selis?" David became puzzled. The guards who overheard his question laughed louder. Tiadora gave a kick to the door and lunged one guard to the ground.

"And I thought Merlons float!" Tiadora shouted over the door before turning back to David. "King Selis of Oceanatic is my father's comrade. He's like an uncle to me. Surely he won't put me in prison if he knows that it's me." As if on queue, the prison door swung open followed by the noises of the trumpet. Three Merlons entered. Two guards, one wearing a hood that covered whatever face he hid. The two guards pulled the grand cape and hood away revealing a Merlon with wild red hair and his eyes were like snake's as he eyed Tiadora with a cunning smile. Something was wrong, she thought as the Merlon who wore grand expensive clothes, had a slim gold crown on his head.

One of the guards commanded to Tiadora and David, "Bow down to King Oberon of Oceanatic!!"

Chapter 10: J.A.T. and Nightmares
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For the rest of the Saturday, Kiara brought Tiadora on a shopping spree at the nearest mall, Deluxe Inc. It was a huge building with glass on it's surface but inside was grander. Every level contains at least about 10 to 15 different stalls, told Kiara. The escalator was located in the middle of the empty space of level 1. It formed a spiral shape all the way to the top. There were plenty of Kadic Academy students. As Kiara brought her around level by level, she kept talking about fashion and the different clothes different people wear. Whenever Kiara spotted a student, she'll go introduce her to them.

"Hey Bobby. Meet my sister, Tiadora," Kiara tugged Tiadora by the arm.Kiara had earlier told her that in order to keep a low profile about her, Tiadora will act as Kiara's younger sister. The gang had also earlier convinced her that if she were to stay at the academy, she'd enroll the school, posting as Kiara's sister.

"Hi," Tiadora gave a little wave.

The team of 5 players laughed at that sight. "Yeah right. Since when were you and Sally close till you say she's your sister," a guy named Ian said.

"Look closely, crackface!" Kiara shouted. So they stared at Tiadora carefully. For a moment, it crept her but these guys are just harmless commoners, she thought. Tiadora shifted her fringe a bit.

"Woah..you aren't Sally. What are you? Her twin?" Ian began saying.

"She's Tiadora. My sister not Sally's" Kiara made it clear.

"You have beautiful brown hair," Ian took a lock of Tiadora's hair and played with it, "...And dashing blue eyes...” Ian lifted Tiadora's hand and kissed her knuckles gently. Uncomfortable, she tried pulling her hand off but his grip was stronger than Jason's. So she kept nudging Kiara who was busy entertaining Bobby. Ian continued to smoothen her hand, at one point even smelling it.

"Please let go of me," Tiadora struggled.

Not hearing what she said, he overturned her hand and stroke her palm with his sharp nose. He held it against his lips and stared at her with his raven eyes. "I'll never let you go, your majesty," Ian hissed as he opened his mouth to reveal a pair of long sharp fangs that hang from the side of his mouth which pierced through Tiadora's palm. Blood slowly streamed out from her veins as she wobbled a bit. This can't be happening, she wished. But then halfway through Ian's devouring, he looked up at her again. This time it wasn't Ian anymore.

"Azric?" she managed to say. Suddenly, pains strike her body. Poison. As she fell, knees first, Tiadora caught a glimpse of the monster smiling. Ready for the kill.

Tiadora screamed till it woke Kiara's slumber. Puzzled by the strange experience, Kiara removed her sleeping mask. "You know, it's essential for models to get their full 8 hours of sleep" Kiara grumbled.

"My sincere apologies, my friend. I had a most horrifying nightmare," Tiadora placed her hand on her forehead as she felt feverish.

"Really? What was it about?" Kiara spoke.

"It was about Saturday's trip to that..supping mall..when we met Bobby and Ian.." Tiadora explained when Kiara interrupted, "Oo..do you have a crush on Ian? Because you totally freaked out when he said that you didn't you like Sally. You were so scared, you ran behind me like a frightened mouse."

"No. I just dreamt that he turned into one of my enemies called Azric," Tiadora felt nausea.

"Azric? Hot name. Why? Did he attack you in your dream or something?"

"Azric is a pure-blood vampire who is one of the strongest foes I've met. This time in the dream, Ian turned into Azric and bit me. I'm deeply sorry for waking you up," Tiadora apologized again.

"No biggie. Don't worry about it because it's just a nightmare. Only dreams come true, not nightmares. Well...” Kiara looked over to her bedazzled alarm clock, 2.47am, "...Better get all the sleep you have left. In less than 12 hours, we'll be cruising through the air! It's going to be so cool! Last year, he brought us to Hawaii during summer. Ooh! We had an awesome time. Okay, enough talking, more sleeping. It’s going to be some adventure since we're going with Jason. Haha. Good Night again," Kiara told while she banged her head on her silk pillow, dozing off to sleep again.

Tiadora laughed a bit softly but abruptly stopped. Somehow she felt that it was real. If magicians can do loads of stuff, this'll be one of them. She looked at her pendant which contained the 5 elements that hung around her neck. Still glowing different colours. Blue for Water. Red for Fire. Green for Earth. White for Air. Lastly, Gold for Energy. She felt very unique being the special one, the leader.

Though she was the only girl, a princess with no experience of fighting, magic or sword-handling. She felt lucky. Then for a moment, unlucky. Why did she have to take responsibility for every saving-job? Can't she just be a normal princess like any other? Being a guardian can have its ups and downs. Tiadora sighed at the thought of it and stared at her right arm. Soon, she told herself. There'll be a silver band for her and the next guardians along with its elements on its surface. There was hope, she hoped and smiled, feeling glad. Then she glances at the 'dream-bitten' palm, telling herself that was just a nightmare.

It wasn't.

Right there, smacked in the middle of her palm were 2 holes that were horizontal. Blood was coming out. Why didn't she felt that when she touched her forehead? That's when she touched her forehead with her left hand. There was blood.
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"Hey, Princess!" Jason waved at Tiadora as she, Kiara and Cornelia walked with trepidation towards the jet plane that was situated right in the middle of Kadic Academy's parade square. The jet plane was coated with white, red and blue metal sheets. At its tail were golden words 'Kingston Kingdom'. It looked slick inside and outside. At the door were the usual doorman and Jason who were discussing some safety measures.

Tiadora wore a new set of clothes. Her dark blue shirt was short sleeves and it reached until her shoulders revealing singlet strap inside. Below was a comfortable black skirt which was right above her knees. She remembered how reluctant she was on Saturday when Kiara picked out these clothes for her. The three of them moved to the mouth of the jet.

"Where's David?" Kiara asked Jason.

"He's already inside, tied up," Jason said seriously while Kiara gave a shocked face.

"Haha! Just kidding. He's reading his dark secrets book again. Beware!" Jason made ghostly sounds, "...So how was Saturday and Sunday. This girl," he pointed to Kiara, "...Said that you'll be having some girly time."

Tiadora was about to answer when the pilot yelled out to Jason that it was time to get moving. Jason rolled his eyes before saying, "You scared?" to Tiadora.She nodded. It's the first time that she's flying in an object. She’s flown before but with powers.

"JASON THEODORE KINGSTON!! HOW MANY TIMES MUST I TELL YOU NEVER TO BRING YOUR JET TO THE ACADEMY!!" Mr Galili, principal, shouted while running towards the jet. He looked furious.

"Uh-Oh. Got to go," Jason said as he shoved everyone inside. Just in time, the jet took off, leaving Mr. Galili dumbfounded. As the jet quickly rose into the skies, Jason pulled up his window and waved at him yelling, "Nice Tie!" before zooming away from the academy.

"Daddy?" Mr. Galili heard a familiar voice. It was Sally. She was clad with her cheerleader outfit also staring at the jet. There was a moment of silence between. After a while, she frowned. “DADDY! I WANNA GO WITH JASON!!" Sally whined while her father covered his ears.
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The entire trip was covered with another hour of silence though there were times where Jason would make fun until the flight attendant strapped him down. Each was seated in their own comfortable first-class chairs. Tiadora was staring at the fluffy clouds that covered whatever beauty of the Earth. Jason moved his chair (the chairs can move automatically) towards her and he positioned to sit beside her. "Enjoyed it so far?" Jason asked.

"I guess so. Why are you willing to help me?" Tiadora wanted to ask badly, "..until you chased me from that dark alley when I gave up on you guys."

"Hey I'm a helpful guy. I don't give up that easily. Plus, it'll be a good reason to go on this vacation trip," Jason smiled wittily.

"Do you know what is this called?" Jason continued.

"A jat?"

"Jet. J.E.T." Jason corrected. Tiadora just nodded her head. "Once you find the descendants, will you leave?" he continued again.

"Yes, I must. If not your time and mine will be in grave danger," Tiadora replied leaving them in silence again. Jason was hoping that she'd stay. He really wanted to be there for her. The friendship band was still with him in his left pocket of his jeans. He wanted to suggest something when a computerized female voice was sounded.

"Mr. Jason Theodore Kingston, we are exactly 1km away from desired destination, Cave Vernos of Southern Iceland. Get ready for sea expedition." With that, all of the chairs automatically moved back to another room. Tiadora looked at everyone. They showed no shock or surprise. Kiara, Cornelia and David stood up and headed towards the silver cabinets that were aligned neatly. Jason too stood up and held out his hand towards Tiadora.

"Where are we going?" Tiadora said reluctantly.

Jason replied with a playful smile, "Scuba-diving."

Chapter 09: A Decision Never Made
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The sun glimmered so brightly that Cornelia couldn't see the oncoming call flying towards her. At the moment she caught a glimpse of its shadow, she leaped into the sky, felt the sphere on the palm of her sweaty hands and sent it straight back to the other side of the net. The hit was so great; it pushed one of the players off guard, making her fall because of the impact. Am irritating whistling sound filled her ears. This was not good."Cornelia! If you happen to injure a player in the competition, you will be disqualified! To the bench NOW!" Mrs Harper instructed.Cornelia has never been benched before. Ever since, she and her brother came, there hasn't been a time when either one of them were benched. She exhaled deeply, glad her brother never get to see her humiliation."Corny!" Jason waved wildly from afar.Or so she thought."This is weird. You're being benched!" Jason pointed out to the rest of the gang."Glad to lighten up your day!" Cornelia said sarcastically, "So, found anything?""Something about a Sapphire which can. what can it do?" David trailed off. “It’s the same crystal that Sir Galahad and Sir Thomas gave me. It can answer any questions you ask for. Unfortunately, I left mine in my room," Tiadora explained."But you could always go back in time, right?" Jason asked."Hey! Couldn't you just go back in time and reverse the deaths of the other guardians?" Kiara suggested making everyone give the 'oh-ya!' look."It's not that simple. As of right now, time in my kingdom is still moving. So if i came here for 3 days, it'll be 3 days later when I go back," Tiadora revealed."No. I'm talking about the time span. I'm asking why you don’t just go back in time BEFORE the deaths of the people!" Kiara made her clear."Forwarding into the future is alot easier than returning back to the past. It should have been the same but because of the forces of death, it'll be difficult. It will take more power. If i were to try it now, it may be fatal for me," Tiadora sighed."So how are you going to get back then?" David became puzzled with the scenario."Well, i planned that after I’ve found the descendants, I’ll train them, get stronger then go back," Tiadora suggested.Cornelia leaned back on the wooden bench, analyzing Tiadora's last few words. This was way too much."So what? You have to get the crystal for the answers, is it?" Cornelia confirmed as Tiadora nodded."But how are we going to get there? It's at Iceland," David remembered."Hmm. We could always use my private jet and we could go next week since its 'Renovation Week' and...” Jason suggested till Tiadora interrupted, "No. I waste any time. I must go there NOW. I can't let my people's suffering prolong."She looked back, "I'm sorry but thanks for all your help. I will go alone from here." Tiadora turned around and started walking away. It's not easy, she kept reminding herself. Even though it was easy to escape from problems, she knew it was her responsibility to head back home fast with or without the next generation of guardians.Jason grabbed her right wrist to stop her, giving that 'don't-go' look. Tiadora looked back at him sourly. How pathetic can he be? Something was in between her wrist and his hand. Maybe this will make him let me go, she thought."If you want to help me, let go!" Tiadora said while slipping away from his grasp, leaving that something back in his hands as she quickly ran away."Wait!" Jason yelled back at her as she vanished into the shadows.He looked at his palm. There laid the special friendship came that if have her just now. Stroking it like it was treasure. Cornelia stood up and patted her brother on the shoulder. She was unable to check his expression."Well...” Cornelia sighed, "..That’s another crazy story, OVER!""It's not over," Jason murmured as he too dashed in the same direction as where Tiadora went.Cornelia was about to chase after him when she was blocked by a strange-looking man. He had a lighter shade of black unkempt hair. His clothes were shabby and old-fashioned, more like a maid's clothing. His eyes were small but rapid."Excuse me, young lady. Do you know where Princess Tiadora is? I thought i just smell her scent just moments ago," the shabby man said quickly."She went off in that direction. Why?" Kiara pointed to the direction Tiadora and Jason went."They are here! They are ALL here! The 21st century is doomed!" if screamed, unable to keep his cool."Who? Who is here?" David asked, flipping away his dark fringe from his eyes."You won't understand. I need to find her. Find the princess!""Figis!"The untidy man turned around to see his majesty walking towards him. The man named Figis kneeled down in respect. Following her from behind was Jason, strolling forward and smiling happily."Princess Tiadora, your grace," Figis greeted."What is this I hear about the 21st century?" Tiadora stood firm."It's horrible, your majesty. Time. Time froze in Anastasia!" Figis said uncontrollably."What do you mean, servant?" Tiadora asked. “It was the day of the Veex! The Veex!""Veex? What's that?" Cornelia asked.Tiadora shushed Figis and turned to Cornelia, "It has been said that on the day of the Veex, the vibrant Sun will explode, sending shockwaves throughout the world, freezing everyone in it""Then, what about the stuff about the 21st century being doomed?" Kiara asked.Figis stammered, "Xa..Xana! Before the shockwaves reached him, he and other dark magicians managed to jump into time and since your majesty leaped into the 21st century, so did they.""Then, how did you escape?" Tiadora was curious."Xana's forces attacked the village. I wanted to fight back so I went into Wizard Kar's shop. That was when I heard the explosion. I threw at myself the nearest time spell and landed here, your Excellency," Figis recalled back."How did you find me?"Figis inhaled slowly, "There was a girl who had the same face as you, my high lady. However, she didn't have your scent. That's when I picked up your scent, right here in this weird-looking building.""Must be Sally," Jason thought aloud. Cornelia finally spoke, "I don't understand.""It means that I can't go back until Veex's time is up," Tiadora realized."That turns the tables around. Now you don't have to rush back and we can wait till next week for the Iceland trip," Jason suggested."I suppose so," Tiadora looked down."When does it end, your highness?" Figis lifted up his head to see his majesty's flawless skin.Tiadora kept silent. She didn't know of an answer. Everything was so coincidental. Now she didn't have to rush but there's nothing to be happy about. Xana is here with about at least 50 skilled dark magicians with the power to crush anything in it's way. Even if she managed to find the guardians, it'll be a tedious task during and after the journey. She didn't care. No matter how long Veex is, she's going to train the guardians by hook or by crook.Tiadora closed her eyes before saying, "When do we depart?"

Everyone smiled as they can't wait for Monday.

Chapter 08: Secrets Unveiled
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David and Kiara shared a computer.

There were lots of students (not from Kadic Academy because there’s already 2 computer labs with a hundred computers. Renovations for the third computer lab start today). Mainly, the students were from Cross Academy, a rival school just blocks away. Unlike Kadic Academy, Cross Academy is still an old-school. It doesn’t have ‘specialized toilets’ or 3 huge computer labs like Kadic Academy. It doesn’t have much of modern technology inside it which Kadic Academy has. Though it is an older school, Cross Academy is not intending to renovate or modernize its buildings or equipments.

“God. Even the cheerleaders are nerds!” Kiara whispered loud enough for David to hear.

They had quite a hard time finding for at least one computer. Kiara had earlier complained to Jason (when they were walking to the public library) about doing the ‘searching job’ in the school’s very own library and computer labs which is many times bigger but NO! Why? Because someone doesn’t want to be seen in a library. And that someone is called Jason Kingston.

“A jock in a library? C’mon. People will think that the world has turned upside down because of this strange phenomenon which is me being in a library,” Jason pointed out.

“But you like reading?” Tiadora asked.

Jason hesitated for a moment, took a quick glance at Kiara and David, and winked at Tiadora. That wink reminded her of Sir Lancelot. He had taught her on communicating silently and one of them was to wink, so she understood him. It amazed her that people of the 21st Century still uses it.

Since there were no extra chairs, Kiara and David shared a seat. Kiara didn’t like the feeling of being high and mighty with David by taking the whole chair to her and David felt the same way. The internet wasn’t helping at first because when David typed in the Yahoo search engine, ‘Anastasia’, there were many links for the Disney cartoon movie called Anastasia.

“Being stuck at one computer won’t help! Why must there be so many Cross Academy students?!” Kiara complained again.

“I blame the school,” David answered her.

Kiara sighed. Even with Kiara, David never talked much. If he did, it’ll be only a few words or something about the secrets of the dark which Kiara doesn’t like to hear as it gives her the creeps. She always tried to make conversation like about fashion or gossips but just like Kiara, David doesn’t wish to hear about it either. It was a disappointment that both felt guilty of because they were once best friends, close comrades, childhood playmates.

“David, I’m planning to join the squad,” Kiara finally said it.

David’s eyes were still glued to the computer, expressionless, clicking on every possible link. Kiara could tell that he wasn’t please. David always had a thing for cheerleaders. When he was just 4th grade, he accidentally spilled a jug full of mango juice on the cheerleading captain’s suit, minutes before the Cheer Regional. The girl was drenched from head to toe because David was on a stool selling mango juice for his class. The captain never got a chance to participate in the finals which was her very last competition. She was so pissed that the following cheers that the squad did, ended with a jeering cheer for David.

The cheerleaders made bad comments about David through their cheers which everyone in the school would hear. Being a laughing stock, David was often bullied by the cheerleaders and their jock boyfriends. Kiara always tried to make the effort to fight back with comebacks but she was only in 4th grade too. However, instead of being bullied with David, the cheerleaders soon grew to admire Kiara’s ability to do magnificent stuns during her gymnastics classes. They recommended her to join the squad but Kiara never did because she didn’t want to be like them.

Unluckily for David, it wasn’t a good thing. The cheerleaders always had a way of making him feel miserable till today. So ever since that day, he tried hiding in the shadows, lonely and isolated from the world, thinking how cruel it is to be cursed with miserable experiences. That was when he met Hector, a guy who lured him into believing things about the dark side and being silent, separated from the world. Believing that it will help him, he joined the Goth club and became a Goth, something Kiara would resent on.

Though it has been years ago, juniors of the squad has since been pestering him, especially since he’s Goth now. He was a loner, someone without someone. Kiara tried hard to talk to him but he shields her out of his way. It was like this until the ‘Athlete Twins’ came, Jason and Cornelia Kingston.

“Congrats,” David said it with no expression.

“C’mon. At least look at me like you mean it..” Kiara pleaded.

“I don’t mean it,” David snapped back.

Kiara looked down, sad. She always wanted to be in the squad but not like this. Maybe things will be different since now he’s friends with Jason. Jason? Does David treat him as a friend in the first place?

“I don’t understand you. Why are you distancing from me ever since you became Goth? Did I do anything wrong?” Kiara asked him loud enough for him to hear but soft enough for the silence.

“There’s a link about a Sapphire crystal..” David said instead while Kiara interrupted.

“Don’t change the subject! Just because some cheerleader gave you some attitude a long time ago, that doesn’t mean that you can treat me like a total stranger!”

David read from the screen, “The Sapphire, which was found in the caves of Southern Iceland, was known for..”

“God! Are you even listening to me?”

“..it’s magnificent purpose in the past, which was as early as the 16th Century..”

“Stop looking at the screen and tell me why you are like this to me?!” she twisted her body so that her head was covering the screen.

David still had the same expression as just now. Kiara couldn’t sense any anger or sadness in him at all. It was getting difficult for her.

“In case you weren’t listening to me, there is something about the 16th Century that might be helpful to Tiadora. Can you help me call them please?” David said after a long moment of silence.

“Despicable!” Kiara seethed before heading towards the History section to find Jason and Tiadora.

After Kiara was out of sight, David lowered his head down and banged it against the monitor gently, whispering what he felt inside.

“I’m sorry”

Chapter 07: Library Of Thoughts
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“Here you go. Change,” Kiara barged into Cornelia’s room and threw clothes at Tiadora.

“Don’t’ want the whole world to know about you,” she continued.

Tiadora was lying down on Cornelia’s spare mattress that was filled with many colourful flowers. She vividly remembered the night before when Cornelia had brought into the room a mountain of spicy noodles.

“It’s alright. Tonight’s carbo-load night. Plus, we’re sharing it. I don’t really gobble everything up unlike that brother of mine. Oh and by the way, he wishes you good night,” Cornelia said.

Tiadora just smiled gratefully and shared the mountain meal with her before lights out.

“Where’s Cornelia?” Tiadora asked Kiara as she scanned the athlete’s room.

“She has training so she won’t be coming to the library with us,” Kiara managed to say.

“Thank You,” Tiadora took the clothes that fell onto her lap.

“Look. We kind of started of on the wrong foot because I thought you were actually Sally. So I’m sorry. Friends?” Kiara held out her hand as a jesture.

Puzzled, Tiadora just stared at the outstretched hand infront of her. Realizing Tiadora’s confusion, Kiara lifted Tiadora’s right hand, place it on her’s and shake it.

“You do this,” Kiara pointed to the moving hands,” whenever you meet new people. C’mon, get change. I’ll help.”

Reluctantly, Tiadora was forced to bathe differently in the specialized toilets. It felt weird but soon got used to it. She changed into a cobalt blue shirt with slim black jeans which she felt very uncomfortable in since she would look like a boy. Fortunately, Kiara managed to calm her down by saying that now boys wear like girls and girls wear like boys. Soon, they made way to the usual vending machine.




Jason was lying down on top on the vending machine, feeling bored. He didn’t want to disturb David, who was reading a book called “A Book Of Secrets”. Jason should know not to mess with David when he’s reading his books of darkness. Jason didn’t want to risk being on the wrong side of David. David flipped to the next page. Last page of Chapter 8. He felt more than relieved that he got Jason to shut up. The silence was all that he needed. Strands of hair started falling in front of his green olive eyes. It irritated him so much but he wasn’t going to complain. Coincidentally, at the very last word of the chapter, he heard Kiara’s high pitch voice. Sometimes he wondered why Kiara never joined Choir.

“Ooi, sleepyhead! Lets go!” Kiara pushed Jason off the vending machine.

With that, they walked side by side on their way to the nearest library. Tiadora learnt that students now had to take extra special activities after school lessons. Jason promised Tiadora to show her his super move in soccer. Also, Kiara showed off the wonders of her Blueberry hand phone. Tiadora was fascinated by how so many things could fit into a slim metallic item. Tiadora too described the festive events events that took place in Anastasia and the worthwhile learning experience of magic.

Upon reaching the library, the gang split up into 2 groups. Kiara and David were to find in the internet about the 16th Century or Anastasia while Tiadora and Jason searched through books.

“The library in my palace is so much bigger. And dustier,” Tiadora spread a finger across the clean smooth wood shelve.

“Like my room?” Jason said, making Tiadora laughed.

“Your laugh is so different from Sally even though she’s your descendant,” Jason continued, trying to make conversation.

“How does she laugh?”

“Something like Kiara’s but more glass-breaking.”

Tiadora smiled while scanning across history books. Most of them were on the events of World War 1 or World War 2. Soon, they grew tired and Jason sat down on the floor.

“Isn’t the floor dirty?” Tiadora asked.

“In the 21st century, nobody cares if it’s dirty as long as you don’t see it,” Jason confirmed.

Tiadora sat believe him sighing. There was absolutely nothing about her kingdom at all. She felt that these past few days have been a total waste of time. What might be happening at Anastasia right now?

“What’s your life like?” Jason broke the silence.

“Pardon?”

“I mean. You just talked about your kingdom when we were walking here. You never said anything about yourself. And that’s what I wanna know,” Jason explain.

Reluctantly, she said, “My life has been like any other princess before me. Well, until I turn fourteen. It’s when I found out I was a guardian.” Jason drew closer to hear.

As she continued, “Adapting to the powers and challenges were a burden on my shoulders at the beginning. Eventually, it became easier. Me and the other guardians fend off many enemies from the outer kingdoms. After a while, my father, the King grew quite fond of Sir Lancelot, the guardian of Fire and engaged me with him. Too bad, I never liked him in the first place. He was very proud and arrogant. Enjoyed boasting with his swords skills to others.”

“You got engaged to a loser? What a pity,” Jason meant it.

“The rest of the team was okay, I guess. I miss them already,” Tiadora hugged her knees.

Silence filled the air for a moment. Then Jason reached for his pocket jeans to take out a small box.

“Happy Belated Birthday!!!” Jason handed her the box with a smile.

“Thank You!” Tiadora smiled gratefully as she unwrapped the box and opened the cover.

There on the soft cushion laid a friendship band made of colourful strings and beads. It bewildered her as the design was exquisite.

“It’s a friendship band I made. Only for my friends. Here let me help you put it on,” Jason offered as he tied the two ends together on Tiadora’s wrist.

It fitted perfectly.

“Don’t take it off. If you do, it means you’re not my friend,” Jason joked.

“I promise. Hick!” Tiadora sounded.

Hick! Hick!

“Looks like somebody needs a glass of water. Here drink mine,” Jason passed her his Adidas bottle from his bag.

She gently sipped. For a while there wasn’t anything. Then, Hick!

“What is ...Hick!. happening?” Tiadora asked desperately.

“You’re having hiccups. Everyone has them. Unless…” Jason stared, not believing the facts.

“You’ve never hiccupped before? Weird? Must be that yesterday’s spaghetti. You want to get rid of it,” Jason eyed her.

She nodded furiously. So Jason tried ways like standing on your head but Tiadora thought that it was insane. Next, he tried to scare her but failed on the first try because the librarian found Tiadora’s scream a little too loud. Finally, he thought of a brilliant plan but chose not to tell Tiadora.

“Okay. It’s clearly experimental but it might work. You up for it?”

“Yes. Hick!”

“Remember it’s experimental.” Jason grabbed her shoulders.

“Just do it..Hick!..I can’t stand..Hick!..the feeli..”

Tiadora didn’t get to finish what she wanted to say because Jason had pressed his lips onto her’s.

Five seconds later, he let go. He was shocked he did it. She was shocked he did it. His hands were still on her, unable to release because of the sudden incident. Both eyes widened with surprise. Tiadora hesitated and waited.

“My hiccup? It’s gone?” Tiadora discovered, “You just kissed me..”

“HEY!” Kiara yelled from the end of the corridor, not too loud for the librarian to hear, “I found something!"

Chapter 06: Princess Tiadora
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Kadic Academy’s toilets have specialized cubicles that has all facilities in it such as a toilet bowl, shower area and a personalized mirror. Some even have bath tubs instead of shower areas. Each cubicle is sealed by a metal automatic door that activates by placing the right hand on the scanning pad on the door. Outside the cubicles are filled with shelves of cosmetics and make-up, especially for the students’ use. The door that leads into the girls’ or boys’ toilet also has the same scanning system. This is to allow only the correct gender in the respective toilets.

Jason, Kiara, David and Cornelia dashed out of the computer lab towards the girls’ toilet. Jason tried to scan his hand on the toilet scanner but it kept saying ‘Access Denied’. He kept kicking the door furiously.

“Jason!” Kiara yelled almost near to his ear, “This is a girls’ toilet.”

“Oh yeah. After you. Quickly,” Jason soon realized and let her scan her’s.

Immediately, the door slid open. Kiara pulled Jason in quickly to avoid the notice of a boy in the girls’ toilet and so did Cornelia who pulled in David. The toilet was empty and silent. The only noise that could be heard was the sound of the running tap.

“Tia!!” Jason called out.

“Over here!” David urged the others to a sealed cubicle while trying to bust it open.

“I wonder how could she have activated the scanner,” Cornelia asked.

“Less talking, more action. Move it Dav,” Jason said and started kicking the metal door furiously.

“Tiadora!! Open the door!” David yelled, kicking with Jason too.

Right on queue, the door opened forcing a wave of water, higher than the teens, and crashed down towards them. The water’s force was so strong that it pushed everyone to the pink ceramic wall. Water kept on rushing out furiously. It never seem to end till its level slowly lowered to reveal what was inside.

Jason tried to stand up but fell carelessly on the wet floor upfront. There, he saw Tiadora standing up looking just fine. From Jason’s view, Tiadora was standing right opposite the personalized mirror holding her hands out. Floating above her two hands were 2 brightly shined circular spheres. One was blue in colour while the other was white. The spheres were floating and glowing with brightness.
Tiadora saw her companions starting to wake up. The magic spell that she wanted to conjure up wasn’t complete yet. The two elements, Water and Air, won’t work without any disturbance. She then saw Jason, staring at her breathing deeply from the waters. Shocked as the past isn’t supposed to be mixed with the future, she was rooted to the ground, afraid of what Jason would say.

But his reply was with a smile, “Hey Princess!”

All of a sudden, a group of girls came running into the toilet, seeing Jason and the gang lying on the ground. Tiadora quickly made the two elements vanish before anyone could see it. Silence filled the air for a while. Shaniqua came in with Sally to see the messy toilet. When Sally saw Tiadora, she screamed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the principal’s office, Jason and David were stuck inside for about half an hour. Mr Galili had his stern face on. He heard the boys’ explanation and nodded a few times before letting them go. Jason and David came to Jason’s room again to find Kiara and Cornelia there. Tiadora wasn’t present.

“Still can’t find her?” Jason asked the girls.

“Nope. How’s the principal?” Cornelia replied.

“He let me go because I’m soccer captain but David’s forced to join the team. Well, I almost feel like thanking him for putting Dav in the team. What do you think about Tiadora?” Jason asked.

Everyone looked down. Didn’t know of an answer.

“I’m here!” Tiadora materialized back.

“Where were you?” Kiara asked.

“I made myself invisible to avoid any miscommunications. I’m sorry,” Tiadora explained.

“So Princess, you still don’t want to tell us your magical abilities?” Jason asked.

“You read?!” Tiadora started to steam.

“A blog is a diary whereby everyone is able to read,” Cornelia explained.

“If you’re finding for people, then tell us. We will help you find them,” Jason smiled.

“We will??!!” Kiara stammered.
“Hey Hey. How about showing us some magic first,” Cornelia was eager to see.

Tiadora then materialized her element and pointed it to the window. Immediately, a bolt of light blue lightning shot out from the element and was fired into the sky. On queue, the sky turned dark and snowflakes fell from the dark fluffy cotton-like clouds.

“Wow. Snow in spring!!” Cornelia said joyfully.

Tiadora then erased the spell and turned back to her 4 strangers.

“I don’t want you involved so I better be off. Goodbye and Thank You,” Tiadora said gratefully while heading towards the door.

Jason blocked her way quickly.

“And what if I say, I know something about the people you are finding for?” Jason smiled again.

“What about it?” Tiadora frowned.

“If you’re from the past, then there must be a history book about your kingdom which I happen to have seen it yesterday night at the library,” Jason exclaimed.

“There is?” Tiadora was shocked.

“Yes. And if you stay with us, we can help you,” Jason offered.

“Must we??” only Kiara voiced out.

“Of course!” everyone shouted at her.

“Alright. Alright. Geez!” Kiara frowned.

RING!!

“Dinner time! Finally,” David cheered.

“Just because it’s dark, doesn’t mean that there can’t be any light, gothzilla,” Jason joked.

“Hey, which one of you girls don’t mind having a roommate?” Jason asked.

“I’m okay with it.” Cornelia said.

“That’s my sister! Tia, you follow Nilly to her room and she’ll bring for you your food. Do not go out! You’ll be sleeping there for the night and we’ll go to the library first thing in the morning,” Jason said.

“Sorry. I got volleyball practice,” Cornelia pointed out.

“..and I have to go to a monster-mega shoe sale!” Kiara said.

“Nilly is excused. Kiry, you’re coming us. After that, we can go to your shoe sale,” Jason confronted.

“C’mon, Tiadora. Today is carbo-load day!” Cornelia smiled, putting her hand around Tiadora’s shoulders.

“What’s carbo-load?” Tiadora asked Cornelia.

“Don’t’ worry, you don’t have to know. Only athletes eat carbo-load. Right Jay?” Cornelia confirmed.

“Yeah. Yeah. Get going you two,” Jason urged.

And Cornelia and Tiadora left for the girls’ dormitory.

Chapter 05: The Magical Kingdom, Anastasia
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“What’s a blog?” Tiadora asked.

Jason gave another wink at his other three friends and said back to Tiadora, “Let’s give you a trip to the computer lab.”

Everyone then stood up and ushered Tiadora outside.

“So a cumputor lap is a blog?” Tiadora asked again.

“Not cumputor lap. Computer lab. You don’t know what’s a computer lab?” Jason questioned.

“No. I come from a place where there are no computers,” Tiadora chose her words carefully.

“Great,” David turned to looked at her.

“Why?” Tiadora was puzzled.

“Nothing. Nothing. C’mon” Jason pushed her forward.

“Hey. What if Mrs Galili saw Tiadora?” Cornelia asked while walking towards the computer lab. “I mean Sally’s supposed to be at cheerleading practice and if someone were to see her..”

“I’ll come up with a plan. Don’t worry,” Jason said confidently.

Kadic Academy’s 3 computer labs were as big as 5 classrooms combined, each. Though only about 25% of the students only use it, the superintendent has decided to turn one of the labs into a ‘Fun-dimental Room’ where students can relax and spend their free time there. Filled with approximately 70 computers in each lab, Tiadora was told to sit down at one of the empty seats that weren’t taken. The modern world amazed her.

“Wow! Is this thing a blog?” she pointed to the switched on computer in front of her.

“Urm. No. This is a computer,” Kiara said irritated and whispered to Cornelia’s ear, “It’s like talking to a baby.”

Then Kiara bent down to the keyboard and logged into her blog website. An empty slot on the screen appeared, which surprised Tiadora further.

“Ok. This, Tiadora is a blog. Its like a diary but you type it on this keyboard instead of writing it down,” Kiara pointed to the keyboard.
“Amazing! A diary on a flat colourful brick,” Tiadora gasped.

Kiara slapped her head in astonishment. A brick? What a joke.

“So what to you want me to do with it?” Tiadora asked.

Seeing that Kiara was slightly pissed, Cornelia explained, “You can write in this cyber-diary anything you feel like writing. About your experience, your time spent in wherever you came from, anything. Oh, and no one can see it.”

“Really? Just like a real diary?” Tiadora asked.

“Yup. But after you finish writing your diary, click with this thing,” she pointed to the mouse, “..on the ‘Publish Post’ button. Okay? You think you can handle it?” Cornelia looked at her.

“Umm. Yes, I think so. So I just push all these square thingy to write my diary?”

“Yes. Now we’ll just be on different computers. Okay?”

Tiadora nodded her head in excitement. She can’t wait to write her first entry in a blog. So she began typing down slowly. But soon she managed to type very fast, making it very amusing and fun to Tiadora. She wrote down everything she knew. Well, almost everything and the four friends who were on the computer beside her were anxious to find out about her ‘diary entry’.

About half an hour later, Tiadora turned to her right, Jason, and said, “I’m done. That was so fun!”

“So happy to hear that!” Jason meant it.

“Um. Jason. I need your help,” she said quietly.

“About your blog? I thought you’ve posted it already?” Jason said.

“No, its not that. I need to find some people here,” Tiadora finally said.

“People? Who?” Jason turned to face exactly opposite her.

Tiadora wanted to tell him but it was difficult. What if he didn’t help? What if he was one of Xana’s monsters? Then, she thought, why she didn’t think that Jason was Xana’s monsters in the first place when she saw him and his friends? She looked down to the floor in between Jason and her.

Jason looked at her, trying to find an answer but he was too confused. A girl in a princess costume sleeping near the boy’s dorm to find people and who looks like the bitchest person in the school, is not what you see everyday.

“Um. Sorry I need to go to the toilet. Where is it?” Tiadora still looked down to the floor when she asked.

“Let me show you..” Jason offered when Tiadora rebutted.

“No. I want to go alone. Is it near?” Tiadora asked.

“Yeah. Just go out and turn right and there’s the toilet.”

“Thank You,” and with that she left the room in silence.

Jason was now more confused. What’s wrong with her? Why is she acting this way?

“Is she gone?” Kiara asked.

“Yes and she’s done with her entry,” Jason said.

“Oh finally. Let me check,” said Kiara while she went to her blog website where Tiadora’s blog entry was type-written.

Cornelia, David and Jason crowded around Kiara’s chair and read Tiadora’s blog. Jason said it aloud.

“Hi. This is my first time writing in this computer. It’s so magical. I should bring one of these back to Anastasia, if there is Anastasia again when I come back. It all happened so fast. Why wasn’t I there with the knights when Xana attacked? Just because it was my birthday that day, doesn’t mean I get a break from my duties as a guardian. I should have been there two nights ago.

At about 9.15 last night, Sir Lancelot bid me a good night sleep. Saying that he was going to be the one guarding at the shield of Anastasia, he wished he could spend more time with me that night. I didn’t like it when he said that. Yes, so what if we’re engaged. That doesn’t mean he can do anything to me. Sometimes I wonder why father, the King, chose him as my suitor. Maybe because he was the Fire Element. But, honestly, I’ve never loved Sir Lancelot.

Sir Arthur and Sir Thomas were kind. They gave me a crystal that was made from the combination of his water power and air from Sir Thomas. Surprisingly, Sir Galahad wrote me a book on the outside world which looked interesting to read. Sir Lancelot gave me a bunch of golden roses. Rare and beautiful but I got pricked many a times by it while carrying it to my room.

I walked back to my room, reluctant to leave all the four knights to guard without me. I’m the one with the Energy power! Well, I guess I should appreciate but what happen next was tragic. About 45 minutes later, I heard the first beam. It was very impactful. My tower didn’t give a clear view of outside. I banged on the door as it was locked. The guards outside told me that Xana was attacking and made it pass through the shield.

I told them to let me out but they refused due to father’s instructions. Then, the shocking thing happens. Inside the Pandora’s Box slowly appeared the Air Element. I couldn’t believe my eyes. According to Pandora, if an element were to reappear back in the Pandora’s Box, means that the elemental holder has died. Sir Thomas has passed away. But he wasn’t the only one. Slowly, the Fire and Earth element appeared. This could not be happening. I needed to get out and protect Sir Arthur but before I got out, the Water element appeared. My good friend was now gone.

I don’t know how to describe my devastation by just writing it down. However, I didn’t have time to weep over it because Xana was just outside my door. The door rumbled and made noise from outside. I couldn’t let him come in and kill me too. So I absorbed all the elements in Energy and jumped down from my balcony, to my stallion, Genevieve, and galloped into the Furran Forest outside Anastasia.

Xana was soon right behind zapping black magic charms towards me. I decided to give all my strength to Energy with the combined 4 elements to conjure up a time spell. My hope is to fly into the future to find for the four knights’ suitable magical descendants, bring them back here to Anastasia and fight Xana to free my kingdom.

Successfully, I landed safely at the other time, leaving the portal closed before Xana could charge in. My stallion must have gone to another time because it wasn’t with me when I landed. So I searched through the streets, asking around for the descendants but no one seemed to care. I saw many different things that weren’t present in 1865. Everyone looked so busy and wore revealing outfits. Soon, I grew tired and rested at one of the buildings I saw in a nearby park.

However, when I woke up, I found myself in a room. Brighter with pale colours that made my room at the castle looked gloomy. But the room was in a mess. If it was back in the castle, my servants would quickly finish cleaning it up at once. So unable to bear the awful stench that was coming from a closet, I decided to clean the room myself. And after that read a book called ‘History’ that talked about the times in the 19th century but there was nothing about my kingdom at all.

Then I made four new friends, Jason King stone, Kiara Sandals, David Feels and Cornelia King stone. They’re so nice but I do not have time to make friends. I need to find the descendants quickly. Maybe I can ask them to help me. But that would mean putting their lives in danger if Xana knew about it. Or if Xana managed to come to this time. I need to get help fast,” Jason finished reading.

No one said anything when Jason finished. Some were shocked and some were slightly confused. But Jason broke the silence.

“I can’t believe she mistook Sanders for Sandals!” Jason started to laugh out loud.

Everyone turned towards him awed by his reaction.

“I don’t believe a thing she is saying at all,” Kiara said.

“I believe. I mean she’s wearing a princess outfit with a gold crown and has no clue about what a computer is,” David answered back.

“Plus, this is a diary, something that she has wrote her personal feelings into. I would believe this crap if she can show us the magic, Energy,” Cornelia suggested.

“What do you think Jason? You’re quiet, that’s something odd,” Kiara sounded.

“All this sounds very familiar to me somehow. And I believe her. Look. She’ll be coming back from the toilet soon. Let’s just wait till after dinner. Then we get down to questioning. Alright?” Jason finally said.

Everyone nodded. Suddenly, Shaniqua, one of the cheerleaders came into the computer lab, looking rather frightened.

She ran over to Jason and the gang and shouted, “Help me! Sally’s gonna drown in the toilet!!”

Chapter 04: Four Or Five Friends?

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“My name is Tiadora,” she said it for the first time to them.

And for a moment, Jason thought he had heard that name somewhere before but couldn’t recall.

“Tiadora,” Jason uttered to himself and looked down. He felt uneasy somehow.

“For a Sally-clone, you have a nice name,” Kiara commented.

“Hey your name sounds like ‘Diadora’. That shoe company,” Cornelia said, showing off her sports knowledge.

“So..uuhh..where are you from?” Jason looked back up to ask another question.

Tiadora remained quiet. She didn’t feel like telling them anything about her kingdom. She just needed information. Getting other people involve in the situation, could risk their lives. Nothing of the past should be revealed to the present. That’s what she thought. Keeping silent would be a pain but she’ll have to live with it.

“I’m sorry but where I come from, doesn’t have anything to do with why I am here,” Tiadora said quietly.

“Then, why are you here? Cause there’s a cheerleader, Sally, outside who looks just like you,” David pointed to the window.

“There is?” Tiadora stood up from the fluffed bed towards the window above the desk.

Downstairs was a group of cheerleaders, right in front of the boy’s dorm, who was doing their cheers but to Tiadora, it’s a different thing.

“Are they doing a ritual?” Tiadora randomly asked.

Everyone became puzzled with that statement. How can no one know what a cheerleader is? And to think that someone would mistake a cheer for a ritual.

“That’s a cheer,” Jason came to her side again and pointed to their movements, “And that,” he pointed to Sally, “is Sally.”

“Is she well?” Tiadora turned to face him.

“Uh I think so,” Jason replied.

“Is she aided with sufficient health and a good life?” Tiadora asked again.

“Yeah, I guess. Okay. This is weird. Someone is concerned for the cheer captain,” Jason eyed her, looking at her closely with every detail.

“Have I seen you before?” Jason narrowed his eyes.

Tiadora just stared at him. To her, first impression was that Jason was a curious guy but now she just finds him plain strange.

“What’s your name?” Tiadora asked instead, ignoring his question.

“Jason. Jason Kingston. Oh sorry we didn’t introduce ourselves. I’m Jason,” then Jason pointed to Cornelia, “That’s my lil’ sis, Cornelia Kingston and that,” he pointed to David, “is David Fields, whereas that wannabe over there..”

“HEY!” Kiara complained.

“..is Kiara Sanders,” Jason said.

“Is your name just Tiadora?” David said.

“Yes. Actually, its..” she stopped halfway.

She was already so used to people calling her ‘Princess Tiadora’ instead of just ‘Tiadora’ but she didn’t mind. It was something different. Time has since change from her time, she thought.

“Never mind,” she ended.

“Can I call you Tia, for short?” Jason asked.

“Huh?” Tiadora wasn’t sure of their short-name custom.

“Oh I see. You ask a stranger permission to call them a nickname but you never ask your friends. You just blast it off,” Kiara complained.

“What’s wrong, Kiry? Jealous that I’m being sweet?” Jason said back, then turn his gaze back to Tiadiora, “It’s a nickname. A name that only friends would call. Something different.”

Different. She’s starting to like different. Maybe this way, she can also learn the modern ways and bring it back to her kingdom when all this war is over. This could gain more trust to aid her.

“Okay, Jason Kingston,” Tiadora said.

“It’s just Jason,” he said running his hand through his blond hair.

“So you’re still not going to tell us, why you’re here?” Kiara gave a curious look.

“Yes, I’m not going to say anything,” Tiadora replied firmly.

Then the 4 friends gave one another a wink. Mission, Find Out Why This Girl Is Here, Operation.

Jason smiled cunningly and said, “Then do you know what’s a blog?”

“Um. No,” Tiadora answered.

Instantly, everyone gave the same sly smile like Jason’s.