Story: Remember me
Plot: A battle with Phobos proves to be difficult and life threatening, as a certain guardian is affected the most. Will the rest of W.I.T.C.H and the rebels be able to bring her back?
Chapter 26: Eyes Open
A/N: Please read the important message at the end of the chapter! Anyway, here's chapter 26!
At the basement of the Silver Dragon, the gang had met up.
"We can't risk failing this time." Hay Lin pondered, as she paced around with her hands clasped behind her back.
Irma raised an eyebrow at her, "We didn't fail, Phobos just managed to escape, that's all. His army are being kept in prison, which means that he's on his own...right?"
Caleb furrowed his brows together, "I don't think it's that simple."
"He's most likely working on an attack on Meridian castle." Cassandra placed her hand under her chin.
Will frowned, "Well, what makes you say that? Wouldn't it be easier for him to just take control of Oceanus first?"
"He probably already has. Aaron is under his control and so his people might also be working with him. After all, they can't possibly object to their leader."
"With the crystal destroyed, don't you think whatever spell he has placed on him would have also been...gone?"
Taranee shook her head, "Phobos already has a lot of power, and he's not locked up so he has enough energy to restore him under his command."
Irma groaned, "Taranee, how do you know all this stuff?"
Taranee rolled her eyes at the water guardian, before turning to Yan Lin. "Mrs Lin, where do you think we should start?"
As if on cue, the Heart of Candracar started glowing around Will's neck. "Why is Candracar calling us?"
They were silent for a while, until the redhead's eyes widened in realisation, "Cornelia!"
...
"Oracle!" Cassandra exclaimed, as the man walked over to them.
He had a look of worry on his face, as the others exchanged nervous glances. "I think you all know why I have called you here."
"Is it Cornelia? Is she okay?" Hay Lin's voice said shakily.
The Oracle nodded at her, "Her auromear has fully recovered, but she needs a bit more strength to awaken."
They nodded as he led them to the chamber where Cornelia lay still.
"Will." He nodded at her as she held out the Heart in front of Cornelia.
The earth guardian's body started glowing bright gold as her body slowly hovered a few inches up in the air. Everyone stared in awe as the glow soon disappeared and she lay back down. After a moment of silence, her body stirred and her deep, blue eyes fluttered open. Everyone was beaming as she squinted her eyes from seeing light after a very long time.
"Guys?" her voice was hoarse and weak, but she managed to say it loud enough for them to hear.
Hay Lin was the first to squeal and attack her in a bone crushing hug, "Cornelia! I was so worried about you!" her voice was muffled against Cornelia's shoulder. The blonde chuckled as she also hugged her back with the same affection. Cornelia could feel her heart warming up as they girls all got into a group hug. After months of pushing them away, they had shown Cornelia that they were true friends and they would always be there to comfort her.
Cassandra offered her a warming smile, and nodded. "It's good to see you're feeling better, Cornelia."
Will turned to the blonde, "This is Cassandra, and she's been helping us with a few things."
Cornelia turned to her and offered a smile, "It's nice to meet you."
"Likewise."
Caleb stood watching Cornelia with a smile on his face. To say that he was relieved that she was feeling better was an understatement. However, he was also feeling guilty, for her had yelled at her before this all happened and he wasn't even sure if she wanted to look at him right now. He felt a lump forming in his throat as she turned to look at him with watery eyes. She grinned at him kindly and he returned the look, before they were interrupted by the Oracle.
"We're all glad that you're awake." He paused, before he took a more serious turn, "After you have fully recovered, the group may need your assistance."
Cornelia blinked a few times as she choked on a reply. Instead, she ended up just nodding at him as they all left on a fold back to Earth. Cassandra stayed in Candracar, as WITCH along with Caleb left the world.
...
They made their way to Cornelia's house, to give her some time to rest. She was on her way to recovery and the others were all feeling uplifted.
Hay Lin hopped along the sidewalk, giggling in excitement, "Okay, girls, I'm having a sleepover in a few days. I expect you all to be there, no backing out."
Caleb rolled his eyes, but stayed silent, as he followed from behind, smiling to himself.
Irma rolled her eyes, "Sure, Hay-Hay. We can't wait." She glanced over at Cornelia before speaking, "But I'm sure Corny might have to back out of a few hundred shopping trips in order to grace us with her presence."
Will snorted with laughter, along with Hay Lin, while Taranee giggled. Cornelia looked over at the water guardian, before almost pushing her over in a tight embrace.
"Whoa, I get hugged for insulting you? What's happening to the world?" she mocked, but gladly returned the hug.
The earth guardian giggled before smiling warmly and honestly, "I've just missed you guys, especially you calling me Corny."
Everyone laughed as Irma flipped back her hair, mocking the blonde. "Well, of course everyone misses me."
They stopped outside Cornelia's house, and Will spoke up, "I guess we'll be seeing you tomorrow?"
Cornelia nodded at her and smiled, "What's the situation?"
"We need to go to Meridian. Phobos has teamed up with Aaron, leader of the world of Oceanus. He could attack very soon."
Taranee held the blonde's arm comfortingly, "If you don't feel up to it, let us know, ok?"
Cornelia nodded again as Hay Lin flashed a smile and hugged her once more, "We're here for you, Cornelia." She whispered so only Cornelia could hear. The earth guardian's eyes were glowing with happiness as they said goodbye. She spotted Caleb walking behind them, and called him back. He gestured for the others to keep going, as he walked back to Cornelia.
"Is everything alright?" he asked sweetly, while looking at her with a worried expression.
Cornelia looked to the ground, with her hands behind her back, feeling guilty, "I...I just wanted to say that I'm sorry. I should have listened to you before."
Caleb felt his heart breaking at her words, "No, Cornelia, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you. Will you forgive me?"
She looked up at him and smiled, "Always."
There was a silence until he spoke up, "You know, you had me really worried back then. I felt as if...my whole world had come crashing down."
He looked away as he felt tears stinging his eyes. Cornelia's expression softened as she raised her trembling hand and cupped one of his cheeks. He looked down at her as he covered his hand with hers.
"You're everything to me, Cornelia." He whispered to her, as she tightened her lips together.
She breathed deeply before removing her hands, "Caleb...after everything that's happened between us...I..."
He took her hand in his and squeezed it slightly, "That's in the past, Cornelia. We've both made mistakes and...I want to be with you."
She replied much quieter, "Me too. I just want us to...take things slowly."
They were just standing there looking at each other for a while, until Caleb looked at his watch. "I should probably get going. I'll see you tomorrow, ok?"
She nodded and he slowly kissed her on the cheek before squeezing her hand one last time and walking away.
A/N: Sorry for not updating yesterday!
Anyway, things are finally getting back on track for Cornelia and the others. Now all that's left if the attack and then the story will soon be ending!
*Important note: I am sorry to say that, from now on, I will only update once every month, or maybe twice. I'm really sorry about that, but I have to focus more on starting my new college and working! I have picked some very tricky subjects and so need most of my attention on that. I hope you guys understand and still follow my stories, it means a lot! Don't worry; I'll never abandon fanfiction (I'll probably continue until I'm like 100, LOL).
Thanks for reading, reviewing, adding to favourites and following my story! It means so much to me.