Hi everyone! I have returned! (Everyone groans.) And chapter 7 is up:)

Anyway, now is where it begins to make sense. Kind of.

R and R!!!!!!

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Chapter 7: The Oracle

He floated, deep in thought, in the middle of a huge, seafoam green chamber with tall windows that seemed endless. A man with a white beard that grew down to his feet stood as motionless as ever beside him, always vigil. The whole chamber was silent, yet you could imagine how noises would echo in it if someone did utter a sound. And that was what happened.

The Oracle arose, his liquid movements seeming to make the room itself ripple. Tibor slowly opened his deep blue eyes and awaited the Oracle's conclusion.

"Caleb," began the Oracle slowly, his soft voice finally resounding through the room,"will die if we do nothing."

Tibor waited patiently for the next words, but then realized the Oracle wished for his opinion on the subject. "Sir, would it not be right to...intervene?"

"It is not my place to do so, as much as I wish to, Tibor. We must call upon the Council to discuss this matter that weighs so heavily on my heart."

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The formerly empty chamber was now filled with wise magical beings that sat stiffly upon rows of velvety benches. The Oracle once again stood in the middle of the room, this time Tibor sitting in the stands next to Luba.

The Oracle raised his voice to fill the room. "Today we have gathered to speak upon the issue of the life of Caleb, the Earthling. We must discuss whether or not to intervene and save his life for him to become a leader of the Meridianites. Luba, where do you stand on this issue?"

Luba stood. "I believe that the Earthling Caleb would be a great leader. I have examined him closely and seen that he has all of the qualities of a strong Metamoorian: first and foremost, strength, of not only body but also mind; leadership abilities such as motivation and inspiration; and lastly, the ability to think the way the people do; to understand them and help them. Please

seriously consider him as candidate for the Rebel Leader. I might add that the current leader is aging and has no son to succeed him. I know how much Julian would love to have a boy of his own."

And so the arguments went on, back and forth, until much time had passed and the Oracle grew weary, but remained firm and calm, until there was only one Council member was left to speak. But the Oracle wanted to listen to this one's speech carefully, for he knew that she was among one of the wisest of the Congregation and always had good reasons for her actions.

So tiny, big-eared, frail-looking old Yan Lin arose and began in her shrill, reedy voice,"I believe that Caleb should most definitely be chosen as next Rebel Leader." And she sat down.

The Oracle was puzzled."And what is your reasoning behind this, Yan Lin?"

"Why, he's the cutest candidate, of course,"she squeaked happily.

The Oracle managed a laugh. "Please, Yan Lin, explain why you really would choose Caleb as Rebel Leader."

Yan Lin rose again. "For the same reasons that Luba had; the logical ones, of course, but also the emotional reasons. How do you think poor Cornelia Hale would feel if her one true love died? His parents will move on; they are vain people, so just think if he went 'missing' on Earth and escaped to Meridian. He is a fine boy, too fine to let die at his young age. We should give him a chance in another world. We could fabricate memories of his youth with Julian in Meridian, so he would feel like he had always been there."

"And what of Julian's memories? And how would Caleb disappearing be any more comforting to Cornelia?"wondered the Oracle.

"As for Julian, we will make memories of fathering Caleb for him. And, Cornelia will meet Caleb again. In the future." Yan Lin looked satisfied.

"And how will Cornelia meet him again?"inquired the Oracle.

"Why, Cornelia will be a Guardian and meet him in one or two years,"Yan Lin stated simply.

"Hmmm," mused the Oracle."Luba, is this true? Do the aurameres show it?"

Luba stood gracefully."Yes, the aurameres have revealed that she is the next Earth Guardian."

"In that case, the majority of the Congregation votes in favor of Caleb becoming the next Rebel Leader of Meridian," boomed the Oracle."We shall set to work immediately."

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Meanwhile, on the shaking, rumbling train, Cornelia Hale dialed the cell phone number on the small slip of paper that she clung to like life itself.

Tears streamed down her face as she glanced at the paper, touching the corresponding buttons on her father's Blackberry.

Finally, agonizing seconds later, the last button in the number was pressed and Cornelia, trembling, put the phone to her ear and shoved an annoying strand of straight blonde hair away from her ear.

"Hello?"said a voice on the other line.

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Next chapter, find out:

Who the voice was on the other line...

And how all this connects to the future of W.i.t.c.h.!!!

Hope you liked it!!!!! Review, please, please, or no chapter 8!!!!!!!!