A/N: This chapter is pretty climatic, do tell me what you think. There is much more about to happen though. :)
Also to my dear guest reviewers, to whom I can't reply personally, thanks for following and liking. Your opinion means a lot.
As for Nerissa being a little evil, I feel like she is going to keep that little devil in herself and if not evil, she will be naughty for sure.
Stay tunned :)
The Silver Dragon hadn't looked so desolate in weeks, perhaps even longer. With Mr. and Mrs. Lin going away for the weekend, and Yan Lin also taking a sudden unplanned trip, there was no one left to look after the place and hence it had to remain closed until Monday.
The Chinese restaurant had become even more popular over the years and this temporary break at six o'clock in the evening was spotted by many people, who walked away disappointed at the sight of their favorite venue closed. Everyone were about to look for another place to dine.
Everyone, but a tall woman with a perfect figure, who approached the door, unflappable. Her long, enviable black hair was tied in a low ponytail, reaching to the end of her spine, if not even further below. The top of her head was covered by a large chic hat, which also hid her features with it's wide periphery.
The doors shuddered and opened as enchanted, in front of the mysterious woman, and she passed through them with a gentle step. Only the sound of her heels could be heard in the darkened salon. But just when she was in the restaurant, the door behind her closed with a crash, and a rope was wound around her body.
"Oh hello, Nerissa."- Will said sardonically, as she floated in the air over the newcomer. "Surprised much? We just knew you'd drop by and couldn't miss the chance to have a little chat."- with these words of hers the restaurant was illuminated by all the lights it housed.
The rest of the guardians left their hiding places and surrounded her. Irma crossed her hands on her chest with a militant smile, while Hay Lin and Taranee summoned their magic in their hands, ready to attack.
"Impressive."- the familiar voice of Nerissa rose above them, in a mocking tone, as she lifted her head enough for her smile to be seen under the hat. A white, smug smile which didn't at all appeal to Will. Something wasn't right.
"But I knew, you would know. Which is what the whole point of this was, really."- Nerissa said simply, with a sweet tinge in her voice which made Taranee's hair bristle.
"Uhhh, come again now?!"-Irma exclaimed.
"What are you talking about, Lady Nina."- Hay Lin blurred all the windows in the restaurant, blocking visibility from the outside thanks to her powers. Then with a powerful surge, she blew the hat from the woman's head, away. "We heard you in the mall, you told Julian that nobody would disturb you here, don't try to lie and tell the..."
Hay Lin paused. Now that she and the other girls could see Nerissa clearly, they could tell she was not in her guardian form, but she was glowing just as she did in it. Her feline eyes and high, spectacular cheekbones looked as mesmerizing as ever- her juicy, red lips and raven-black hair, complimented by her makeup, made her look gorgeous even in the harsh light of the lanterns.
"Wow, don't tell me now, you don't age anymore."- Irma remarked, and Taranee elbowed her in annoyance.
Nerissa looked even more complacent, as she spoke:
"Not in the last ten years. But anyway, If I can reply to you, my gullible Hay Lin. I really wanted you to meet me here, and I knew that you and Taranee would pass my message to the others. Which is why I took your purse, knowing just when you will witness my alleged phone call."
"So that was the real trick."- Taranee whispered angrily. She couldn't believe that she of all people had been so easily fooled. One hour ago she had been so sure in herself and her abilities, she was sure she would defeat the evil ex-guardian with her brain...Only your brain has been at my disposal for days, Nerissa thought with a smirk, having sensed Taranee's thoughts.
"But why?!"-Irma exclaimed. "After spending weeks hiding from us, after you escaped your prison, you just decide to meet us? Woah babe, what's the catch?"
"This was pretty stupid of you, Nerissa."-Will spoke with clenched teeth. "You put the rope around your own neck, it's four against one, you have no chance."- and without further ado, she blasted her on the ground with a lighting bolt.
The others didn't wait for a second invite. Taranee sent a vicious fire ball at her, which Nerissa dodged , but was unprepared for Hay Lin's whirlwind that pushed her off a few tables away .
"Have you really learned nothing over the last ten years?!"- Nerissa yelled with hatred in her voice, as she split Irma's wave into two. "You're no guardians, you're barbarians! This is why this universe is doomed with someone like you fools, possessing the power of the heart!"
"Oh boo-hoo! The same old song again."- Irma exclaimed sarcastically. "Someone can't take their ass getting kicked."
"You should have known better not to mess with our lives again."-Taranee added, as she threw Nerissa into the wall with a firesickle. "You don't have the powers which you used to have anymore, the only source of your magic is what you have learned over the years. What made you think that you can defeat all of us?!"
"Not the only one, exactly."-Nerissa hissed, as she lifted her hand revealing the Mage ring and a wave of dark magic struck the four young women, slamming them all together in the opposite wall.
"Now listen to me, you wretches."- she began, as she approached the still stunned guardians. "Do not attack me again, at least not as long as your loved ones are at Lady Nina's conference."- she added threateningly.
"What are you talking about?!"- Will yelled.
"Your brother."- Nerissa pointed at Taranee. "Your boyfriend and your mother..."- she continued with pointing at Irma and Hay Lin with her long nail. "They are all attending my conference as we speak, and I suggest that for their sake you listen to me and follow the rules which I have made for you, otherwise there will be no mercy!"
"You're lying!"-Hay Lin screamed, but the fear in her voice was obvious. "My mother and father are out of town for the weekend, she can't be at your..."
"Oh, but when Lady Nina herself called her to attend on her daughter's behalf, Joan couldn't resist. She postponed the departure for a few hours just to fulfill the dream of her Hay Lin, isn't it darling of her?"- Nerissa said and then snarled at the others: "So don't cross me again, understood? And your phone calls are pointless, their phones will be off until the end oф the conference, if not until their very own end!"- she crossed her arms, as she watched Irma and Taranee pulling out their smartphones with worried looks, not to mention Hay Lin who was on the verge of tears.
Will was the only one to glare at their enemy with no fear. She hadn't mentioned any of her close -ones, Will knew they would never go to such an event anyway, her mother hated things of this sort and Matt was nowhere to be found, still mad at her...And yet, Will still had to obey the old hag, and she hated it. She hated her with a passion by now.
"You don't mess with family, Nerissa!"- she growled. "When will you learn, is there nothing human left in you?! How can you sink so low each time, that you always have to bring our families in, so that your goals can be achieved, you ..."
"Don't lecture me, after you kidnapped Julian."- Nerissa interrupted her. Her self-control she had already lost, but she would not lose the war, not this time. "This is about my family. I only brought yours in to make the bet equivalent."
"Is this some game to you, you ridiculous bitch!"- Irma vociferated in fury and fear. "I swear if you do anything to Martin, I will..."
"Zip it!"- Nerissa ordered, as her eyes shined coldly. "The only thing which all of you will need to do, to guarantee your dear ones safety, is stay out of my way! You will remain here in the Silver Dragon, until I get back. Oh and without any attempts to fool me or contact someone outside this restaurant. Understood?"
Irma and Hay Lin looked at each other, while Taranee was trying to calculate the possibilities. There had to be another way to deal with her, but how...
"And because I do not trust you."- Nerissa continued, stopping her piecing green eyes on Will. "Will is going to swear on the heart of Candracar, not in any oath, but in an inviolable oath. You will bet the heart, and if one of you breaks my rules you will lose it forever."- she declared.
"Nice try to steal the heart."-Will remarked bitterly. "Do you see the word 'idiot' written on my forehead? I will never fall for such a stupid..."
"Oh, yes you will"- Nerissa interrupted her impatiently. She was losing time, Julian was probably already wondering what is taking her so long...they had to act now. "To make things fair I will bet all my powers. How does that sound?"
Irma gasped quietly, as the redhead tried to estimate the other woman's intentions with a glance.
"I'm not after that piece of shit, don't worry."- Nerissa looked Will straight in the eyes. "I'm after something much more valuable for me. The sooner we put the inviolable oath, the faster it will do. Don't test my patience, Will, or your friends' families will pay for your arrogance!"
"Will, please, we have no other choice."- Hay Lin begged her.
"Fine."- the guardian agreed with a death glare.
"Perfect."- Nerissa just smiled, and started the spell, triggering the process of inviolable swearing. Both she and the redhead held the sources of their forces, and when they voiced on what they swore, the heart and the ring separated themselves from their hands and remained locked in small mystical balloons connected to each other by quintessential charges.
"One more thing. Taranee,."-the ex guardian warned. "Do not try to outsmart me by using your telepathic powers. I have had access to your mind for days, I will get to know exactly what you do and that will break Will's vow."
Then Nerissa teletransported victoriously, leaving the four women, who were now back in their human form, alone, furious, scared and desperate...
"She has had access to my mind."-Taranee repeated incredulously and sat on the floor. She had to get Nerissa out of her brain, how dared she violate her personal space like that. How had she done it anyway? The fire guardian concentrated into freeing herself from any foreign influences, as her friends looked at each other:
"Nerissa tricked us again."- Hay Lin said despondently. "Had she bet all her power, she wouldn't have been able to teletransport..."
"This is not even the real Mage ring."- Irma noted,as the ring in the balloon turned all white. "Urgh, I hate her!"
"Neither is this the real heart of Candracar."- Will smiled archly, as the actual jewel appeared in her hand, and the one in the balloon turned into pink dust.
"Will."- Hay Lin exclaimed amazed. "You're a genius!"
"That's our girl!"- Irma cheered and hugged her friend, dragging Hay Lin in too.
"I knew she would lie, she is such a cheater."- Will explained, after she responded to her friends' happy hug. "I would never risk the heart going in her claws, she's not the only one who can make duplicates!"
"But what do we do now. Our families are still in danger, and we don't know where Nerissa is gone to, how are we going to stop her?"
Will sighed.
"I think that what we should do now is go and evacuate everyone from fraudly Nina's dumb seminar. It is smarter than crossing her way right now."
"You're right. Let's do this."-Irma said firmly. "Coming Taranee?"
"Let her stay here, she needs to get free of that old hag's spells."- Will raised the heart. "We will manage on our own. First we save the people from the conference, then we look for Nerissa. We are not taking risks. Guardians Unite!"
Magenzjan Falls, Meridian, 11:35 PM, local time
"So dad, Magenzjan Falls? I don't get what are we doing here?"- Caleb turned to look back at his father, who sat on a rock near the river.
The place was as beautiful, as ever, the moonlight reflected in the water, bathing the entire picaresque nature surrounding them in shades of light, making it look even more enchanting. Julian lowered his gaze and almost looked through his son:
"You will see."- he answered rather mysteriously, in Caleb's eyes. "Let's take a little walk, what say?"
"Sure."- the younger man agreed and walked with his father along the familiar path, following the river. Accompanied by the moon illuminating their footsteps, they breathed the fresh air as they walked.
"I know this place is special to you."- Caleb started.
"You do, don't you."- Julian smiled, keeping his hands in his pockets. "It is indeed. My youth and it's best days were spent here."
"Look, we haven't had a chance to talk about this, dad."- Caleb scratched the back of his head, feeling a little awkward. "But since you brought me here, I assume it's about something important and I can talk to you about this...if the girls are right and you really are seeing someone new... It's OK for you to introduce us."
Julian looked at him both flabbergasted and relieved. His words gave him hope, once again, that it would be possible for him to accept Nerissa in their life. Oh, Julian was praying that it could happen from once, but he knew it was going to be a journey with a lot of hard moments. It already had proven to be, but they were close, so close to becoming a family. Something which at a previous stage of their life, had been almost impossible due to many different factors. This had been their fate so far- the future was going to be better.
"I am seeing someone, I guess you could say."- the father finally admitted. It was time, he had to get his son ready for what was about to happen. "But she is not exactly new to any of us."
"Huh?"-Caleb looked puzzled. "What do you mean? Is she from Meridian? When did you meet her, anyway?"
"28 years ago we met each other here."- Julian said point-blank. "I know this will come as a shock to you, Caleb. But please, give her a chance."
Caleb had stopped walking and stood in one place. He wasn't sure if he had heard right. What was his father talking about? What did he mean by that?
Julian sensed his son almost jolting, but he also knew that she was coming. They were about to meet for the first time in ten years, it was both scary and amazing.
"Please, Caleb."
"I don't get what are you trying to..."- the younger man began, but the fold which opened near them caught their attention, and when she stepped out of it, everything was clear to the rebel leader. There she was in a simple, but beautiful, plum-colored dress and her long black hair, flying back from the sudden wind. Her image turned his world upside down...
"Nerissa!"- Caleb growled angry and confused, tightening every muscle in his body. "Dad what the hell is going on, how did she..."
"I helped her."- he just shot, shocking his son even more. "But before you do anything, Caleb, please listen to us..."
"Dad, how could you..."
"Caleb."-Nerissa spoke, making every hair on his body bristle. "You deserve to know everything, which is why we brought you here."
"No!"-Caleb yelled in response. "You...what do you want!? I can't deal with you, I have to..."
"You have to be with Cornelia?"-Nerissa helped him, as she approached him with wet eyes. "Don't worry, I will send you back to her, as soon as you hear me out. I will not make you do anything against your will, I am not here to corrupt you or use you, I am not back to destroy my last chances."
"Then what are you back for?"- Caleb asked with a bitter tone. "To ruin more lives? To take your chances to take over the universe again? You can forget about that, it's never going to happen, mom"- him accenting on that last word, made her heart tremble, as Nerissa took another step and was now in front of him with a look on her face, which stunned the young man. He hadn't taken any steps back, he wasn't scared of her. He had never been, but was angry and hurt by all that she had done. What was she going to do now?
"I have forgotten all about that already."- she said in a raspy voice. "What I haven't forgotten for a minute is that I am your mom. For years I have dreamed of you calling me so, with a feeling other than pain and contempt. My dear boy...you have every right to hate me and want me away from your life. But please, hear me out before you take such a decision."
Caleb felt dizzy. All those emotions she had provoked in him at the moment, he had suppressed since he had been a child. What right did Nerissa have to take advantage of them now? He looked at his father, who nodded encouragingly at him with pleading eyes. She was taking advantage of him too, she knew he loved her... She would use their weakness and have them serve her...Then Caleb looked at her too -his mother...she looked so shattered and ready to surrender anything, even she could not be such a good actress or could she... Was she being sincere after so much time? Was it possible?!
Caleb was stunned when she took his hands in hers and kissed them, holding them close to her face.
"I kissed your little hands when you were a baby, and now they are so big. You're a fine young man, and I have missed so much. Allow me in your life now, my dear son."
Caleb felt himself weakening up in front of her, he knew he had to remember she was evil, but he had secretly dreamed of this day. Before he got to know who his mother was and even after that, in his bravest dreams she loved him and was good again... Dreams. Caleb pulled his hands away from hers, startling her and gritted his teeth:
"Why now? Why not when you left me more than 20 years ago? Didn't want to be in my life back then, huh. I thought so. You never loved me, you only had me so that you could bring Phobos down. I was never a part of your heart, so don't expect me to believe your lies now, when you have nothing. You only remembered I am your son, now that your dreams are in the dust."
Nerissa closed her eyes, the pain of this old wound was ignored for so long that it was now burning with every breath.
"Had I listened to the heart of a mother, I wouldn't have given Meridian the brave heart of a savior they needed. We both know, Caleb, that if things were different, your homeland would remain under the authority of that tyrant for God knows how much more."
"Yeah, I forget, I was only created with that purpose."- Caleb said bitterly, even though he understood that part of her argumentation and even agreed with it. The little betrayed child in him just wanted to hurt her, at least this time, if she was sincere at all.
His bitter words would have affected her more, if she wasn't so busy with admiring him. Nerissa loved everything about how her son had turned out to be, from his character to his appearance. How he had her eyes and Julian's thick brown hair. His intelligence and nobility, her temper and inner power...
Just looking at his features, made her proud- his facial structure was a perfect mixture of hers and Julian's best sides. She herself could not have made him better, even if she had to design him. Mother Nature just knew her job. He reminded her of Julian when he was his age, so much, but at the same time he had everything she loved about herself. Oh Caleb, you are the best thing I have ever done, Nerissa thought. Naturally, now he could have tried to hurt her, but she was not stupid. She knew it would happen, because she would do the same if she was in his shoes.
"Yes, purpose, but not the reason or the essence of why you were created."- Nerissa smiled at her son, as the moon light gleamed in his eyes. Julian stood behind him and seeing them then and there, in front of her, made Nerissa feel like she had everything in the Universe. "The reason why was absolutely natural- our love with your father created you, the best thing I have ever had and created. Something real..."- she took his hands again, and Caleb just stared, not pulling away. "I had a dream for your destiny while and before I was pregnant, and that dream came true turning into your main purpose in life. This doesn't mean that I didn't love you."
They just looked at each other for a while, not talking or moving. Caleb looked deep down in his mother's eyes looking for a sign that she was deceiving him again. Knowing that she was up to no good was so much easier that dealing with this...He had already learned to hate her,but not really...
"How did you escape this time?"- he changed the topic.
"I will tell you everything. Let's take a walk, this is a beautiful place. Has your father ever shown you the lagoon where we used to spend so much time. You can take Cornelia there once she gives birth..."
Caleb couldn't help admiring how quickly and easily Nerissa had made her way in his life. But she had been with him for the last ten years, through his father, as he got to know. She knew everything.
Walking with both his parents by his side, through the night, was a weird, but warming sensation. Caleb had never had this before, except maybe when they fought with her the last time and and got to spend the occasional moment only between the three of them. But this was totally different, now they were taking a walk like a family, it almost felt surreal.
"So you lied to everyone again."- Caleb remarked, after hearing the entire story of how Julian had helped Nerissa to get out of the old jewel. "Nice."
"There was no other way."- Nerissa shrugged, catching him under the arm, as they walked. "I waited ten years, so that me and your father could reconnect again, so that I could prove my love for him and besides, you were still settling down in life. Coming to you any time sooner, wouldn't have been as sensible and right, as now."
"Don't make wrong conclusions that you've succeeded now."-Caleb said in a cold voice and released his arm.
Nerissa smiled and walked in front of him.
"No worries, I am used to waiting, I will prove myself to you, you will forgive me sooner or later. You're my son."
"Don't count on that."-Caleb murmured, as he watched his father wrap his arm around her shoulders. He looked so much happier,indeed he really loved her. And Nerissa? Caleb couldn't determine whether her love was sincere or not. She had saved them a couple of times and showed mercy to them, while they were fighting , but was that reliable enough? That was the problem with her, she could never be trusted...
A sudden fold opened meters away from them, drawing their attention.
"The guardians."-Nerissa whispered with fear and venom in her voice. How did they flee the restaurant without her knowing? Taranee must have restarted her mind, that was how. Curse those amateurs, she had been younger than them, when twice as better with her powers.
"Take Caleb and run."-Julian whispered. "I will try to..."
"Blunk?"-Caleb exclaimed, but when he saw the figure of his pregnant girlfriend coming behind the little creature, he was about to lose it: "Cornelia!"
"Nerissa!"- Cornelia Hale screamed, directing her power at the other woman. "You are not going to take my child's father away from me. You are not going to turn my love into your freakin zombie!"- with her telekinesis she slammed he ex-guardian in a rock, and then tied her to it with vines.
The scene was about to get even uglier. So the others had finally told her, that was their revenge. What fools, Nerissa thought venomously. And some friends they were too, sending her alone, which was to her advantage...but the baby...the baby had to be protected at any cost.
In her own mind, the young woman was scared, but determined to save Caleb from Nerissa's claws. She was desperate not to lose him, and after hearing from the girls that their old enemy is back and going after her son, she had just dragged Blunk and came to the rescue, where she already knew Julian and Caleb were gone to, without telling the other girls or anyone else.
"Caleb run!"- Blunk cried.
"I'm fine."- the rebel leader ran to them and held his girlfriends hands in his. "Don't worry Cornelia, I am fine, calm down."
"No."- she shook her head frantically. "We're not going to be fine as long as she follows you around. She wants to take you away, I know that. Come with me, let's get out of here."
Caleb hesitated for a moment, long enough for Nerissa to free herself and rush toward the young couple, with Julian behind her.
"NO!"-Cornelia yelled and made a hoop of tall, prickly bushes around them, blocking their way. She was breathing heavily now, having lost a lot of energy. She leaned on Caleb who took her in his arms this time, and whispered to him desperately:
"Please, Caleb, let's get out of here!"
He nodded and gave Blunk a sign.
"Stop using your powers without the heart, you fool!You're going to harm the baby!"- Nerissa yelled, as she burned a hole in the hoop and blasted Blunk's tooth from his hands, stopping him from folding.
"And I am sorry, but I can't let my son leave just yet, I haven't finished talking to him."
"You stay away from him!"-Cornelia yelled back. "Don't you dare hurt Caleb, Nerissa or I will destroy you!"
"I love Caleb, much more than you. I would never..."
"As if!"- Cornelia was on her feet again, glaring at the older woman. "You're a fraud and a psychopath, I am sure that you want to control Caleb, just like you hypnotized all your friends! But I am not going to allow this, you hear me!"
"I am looking forward to see how you will stop me do anything!"- Nerissa snarled back.
"Enough with this!"-Caleb stood between his mother and his girlfriend. "Are you both insane? Cornelia you use your powers and endanger our child! And you, mom, you realize that fighting with Cornelia, doesn't really prove that you have changed."
"Hello, I'm trying to save you from your so called mom."- Cornelia snapped and folded her hands.
"I told you I am fine."- Caleb insisted. "You have to trust me, Cornelia, and never tire yourself like this while you're pregnant. Never again!"
"Nerissa what are you doing."-Julian whispered in her ear. "Cornelia is like our daughter, you can't fight with her even verbally."
"She is stubborn, impulsive and full of herself."- Nerissa hissed.
"And you are evil, insane and full of yourself twice as much!"- Cornelia yelled in response. "You are so the last person who can criticize my flaws, you are literally a criminal!"
"Blunk thought, Blunk part of rescue mission, but turns out Blunk part of family scandal."- the little passling murmured. He wasn't scared anymore, as the situation had suddenly taken a comic turn.
"This is ridiculous."-Caleb declared. "Let's just go home, you need to lie down."- he frowned, as Cornelia turned her back to him and raised her chin up. Well she was annoyed, but at least she wasn't subjected to fear anymore,being dangerous to herself and to the baby.
"Caleb, wait."- Nerissa caught her son's arm. "Don't go now, I still have to tell you so many things, I don't know when I will get another chance, the guardians will not let me near you."
"What can I tell you, no one can top what one does to their self."- Caleb pulled away, coldly, even though he really didn't want to go in that moment.
"Please, Caleb!"- she insisted, in despair.
Julian walked to them and placed his hand on Cornelia's shoulder.
"Are you OK, Cornelia."- he spoke softly. "Can I explain a few things to you, while we are still here, so that we can give Caleb some more time? There is nothing to be afraid of, I promise you."
Cornelia looked at the older man, still frustrated, but her ocean blue eyes were giving him a a look of childish innocence. She felt like she could trust him, but hesitated for a moment, looking at Nerissa. Her eyes were on Caleb who really didn't know what to do at this point, he had strained himself to the limit...Something which Cornelia had fought with her friends for, just to make sure he will not do. And still, Nerissa was looking at him with a pitiful and hopeful look. She actually cared for him, Cornelia realized and sighed:
"I don't know..."
"Nerissa isn't going to do anything to him."- Julian assured her and took her hand in his own. "What do you say, dear girl? Will you trust me on that?"
Cornelia finally agreed, convinced by the calmness and firmness of the man. If he said everything was going to be alright, then it was going to be alright indeed. She would follow him to the meadow where they would talk. The blond turned to Caleb for the last time and embraced him:
"I want the best for you. And if that means I have to give you time with your mother, then I will, because I know that you suffered because of her, but also because of her missing for so much time..."
Caleb sighed, as he breathed the beloved scent of his girlfriend's hair and ran his hand on her back gently.
"Cornelia, I'm so confused, I don't know what to do."- he confessed.
"Hey, I am with you, don't lose it, rebel boy."- she tried to fight the tears away, but they were streaming down her face. "Got that?Whatever happens, I'm always going to support you."
Caleb kissed her, truly grateful for having her. She was the best thing in his life.
Then Cornelia looked over at Nerissa who had stood aside until now, looking at them with something that the earth guardian saw as a smile.
"I trust you with my boy, because you gave birth to him. Don't do anything crazy for once. Please, just be a mother."
Nerissa was actually left speechless at that, she saw the blond girl in an entirely new light, as she gently reached to her and wiped a tear from her face.
"I promise that I will."- she said sincerely.
Cornelia wasn't scared of her anymore, she even allowed her to touch her. Looking deep down in her green eyes, she saw something good and real which assured Cornelia, that she had taken the right decision by giving the other woman a chance with their beloved rebel leader.
Caleb who had watched them interact with a warm feeling in his chest, accepted his mother's hand a little uneasy. Though it was still strange for him, her hand felt so warm and comforting in his, that he followed her. They headed for the forest, while Julian, Cornelia and Blunk went in direction of the meadow across the river, where the moon was brightest.
It wasn't clear to him how all this had happened, normally he would never agree to spend time with Nerissa, but something made him want to hear what she had to say. She was his mother,even if a villain and all that...And Cornelia and his father they had also encouraged him to give it a chance...Maybe, just maybe it would be worth it to hear her out. The young rebel leader secretly glanced at her, and realized that the feeling of love for her, which he had surpassed for many years, was more tangible now. Caleb sighed in his own confusion and internal dilemma.
"You must feel upset and confused."- she spoke in a caring voice. "Perhaps you even have questions..."
"Upset because of you? Never again."- he lied. "And I know all your answers. Power is always most important you."
"Caleb, your mind says that, not your heart."- Nerissa kept holding his hand, in spite of his attempts to let her go. "You're my son, you can't hate me as much, as you want to and that is killing you."
"And what of it."-Caleb stopped walking. His tone was bitter and he felt stupid. "You know this and you are using it against me, I really wish I could hate you, because you deserve it. But when I look at you, I just can't. It hurts me, because even those illusory moments in which you have done something for me and my father come to my mind. Happy?"
"I want to take this pain away from you, by seeking your forgiveness and love."- Nerissa smiled at him with tears forming in her eyes.
"It's just not fair."- Caleb grunted and hit a tree nearby with his fist. "It's not fair for you to do this to me, mom. After everything you've done."- he leaned against the tree with his hands titled forward.
"There is hardly such a thing as fairness, in this world, my son."- Nerissa gently pressed her head to his back. Her touch and presence were a foreign, but comforting sensation to him. "The fact that I am not a good person, doesn't meant that I am unable to love you and Julian. You're the only people I care about in this universe. If there is even a little place for me in your heart, I will be the happiest. Take your time and think about it, I just wanted to tell you that even when I was locked in the crystal by the other ex- guardians, I was left with my dream of a perfect universe with you and Julian in it, loving me and being by my side."
Caleb turned around and glanced at her incredulously.
"My vision was not complete without you, and when I snapped out of the trance and realized I am trapped in a glamour zone, I came to understand."- Nerissa continued looking in her son's eyes. "I came to understand that a universe in which I don't have you isn't worth anything, even if it is all mine."
This time he just knew she was sincere, her eyes revealed the truth as in a movie strip to the young man.
"Even if I wasn't there when you needed me the most, if you ever wish, I will be here for you, I..."
Caleb couldn't help it anymore, he embraced his mother tightly, as tears wet his face. And for Nerissa it was her biggest dream finally coming true. All her worries disappeared, as she held him in her arms tightly, and he held her back. Tears of happiness in her eyes and eternal joy in her heart,a heart of a mother, made her life complete after a long wait. Her dream and her vision, everything was in it's place. How hadn't she seen it before? This was the only thing she had ever needed to hear:
"I still need you, mom."
/When times are hard, you to help me,
to be happy when I am happy,
when nights are cold, you to tuck me in,
mother, I still need you.../
- Dedicated to all mothers out there, you're awesome-