Guardians of Good
Written by: Jumper Prime
For Disclaimers see Chapter 1.
Last time on Guardians of Good: Luis, Sheridan, Miguel, Charity, Kay, and Jessica all went to see Matthew Sorenson, who gave them a brief history of Good and Evil. He also provided information on the three Bennett girls' powers, setting to rest Jessica and Charity's fears. Then, Luis received a call from Reese, who reported that the Youth Center was experiencing supernatural activity. Everyone, including Matthew, drove to the Youth Center and joined Reese, who had retrieved his negative energy vacuum, and all entered the Youth Center, only to find themselves trapped inside. They were suddenly attacked by evil spirits and a fight ensued, with never ending waves of spirits replacing the ones captured or destroyed. A possessed table shattered into a mass of wooden spikes which shot unerringly towards Charity, whose powers are useless against ordinary matter, like the wooden spikes.
Chapter 10: Completion
As the Guardians of Good entered the Youth Center, Tabitha, Timmy, Diana, and Hecuba were watching them via the mirror in Tabitha's living room. Timmy had his laptop open, ready to take notes for Tabitha, Diana had her own pink laptop whose power cord had plugged itself into the wall, while Hecuba sat back on the couch staring at the mirror with a bowl of popcorn in her lap.
I hope your lack of pen and paper is because you have a photographic memory. Diana said calmly to Hecuba
Hecuba answered
Then wouldn't it be prudent to take notes on what you see? The information we hope to gather will be key in planning our strikes. Of course, with you not involved in the planning stages, the probability of success will be somewhat higher...
Hecuba snorted I don't need notes or a photographic memory to remember what's about to happen.
To each her own. Tabitha sighed No use pestering her, Diana. You'd just make it harder for all of us to focus on what happens in there.
Very well, Aunt Tabitha. Diana nodded
The three witches and one living doll watched the events shown on the mirror as the battle began, Timmy marveling at the magic used by some of the Guardians of Good.
Hmm, that's a very sophisticated lightning spell Sheridan cast. Tabitha commented Sequential targets with one cast, yet it stops exactly when she wants it to. Make a note of that Tim-Tim.
You got it, Princess. Timmy responded enthusiastically, typing away
This Matthew appears to utilize crystal magic to great effect. Diana noted as she too typed on her laptop
There's a possible weakness right there, Hecuba pointed out That is, if it's the only combat magic he knows. Separate a crystal magician from his crystals, and he's a sitting duck.
Did you see that? Tabitha asked as one of Charity's light blasts splashed off a construct
See what? Ah! I do! Diana responded as another of Charity's blasts failed to affect its target
The brat's powers don't seem to be working. Hecuba smirked
Ah, thank you very much for the explanation, Matthew. Tabitha chuckled as Matthew explained to Charity why her powers were ineffective, the Silver Knight not realizing that the witches were hearing every word. So her powers don't work on ordinary matter. Timmy, make a note of that.
I believe if there were a finite number of enemies, the battle would be over by now.
But that spirit summoning talisman you planted there is still working. Hecuba smirked
Tabitha nodded Running off the energy from all those ley lines, that talisman will keep the Youth Center haunted well into the 22nd century, assuming those goody-goods don't find it, anyway.
The witches continued to watch the events unfolding on the mirror as the Guardians of Good fought wave after wave of ghosts. Timmy gasped and the witches smiled as they saw a table break into a mass of spikes that flew straight at Charity.
Hecuba cackled Holy shish kebab!
Miguel's voice echoed from the mirror
In the Youth Center, Miguel saw the spikes heading for his beloved and knew he had only seconds to act. With no regard for his own safety, Miguel threw himself between Charity and the wooden spikes.
Miguel! NO! Charity cried out as she saw her true love put himself between her and the sharp spikes
Miguel instinctively raised his arms in a vain effort to shield himself from the spikes which were about to pierce his body. As the spikes flew at him, Miguel's watch glowed and changed into a silver buckler strapped to his wrist. The buckler immediately started radiating silver light and the spikes shattered into sawdust as they struck an shimmering barrier in front of Miguel. As the sawdust started to drift towards the ground, the buckler stopped glowing and Miguel stared at the air that was no longer shimmering.
He said in awe
Charity whispered and Miguel turned just in time to catch an exhausted Charity as she fell into his arms.
Charity, what's wrong?
So tired...
You're exhausted from using your powers. Miguel realized
A desk flew at the two teens while Sheridan was blasting apart a rather monstrous-looking collection of parts, including a power saw and several other kinds of blades, and Miguel instinctively raised his left arm while holding Charity with his right. Silver light poured from his buckler and once again a shimmering barrier sprung up between him and the oncoming object which smashed itself to pieces against the magical barrier. Reese sucked up another ghost into his negative energy vaccum and a red light on the wand started flashing.
Uh oh! Reese exclaimed and frantically dodged out of the way as a wood block dragon breathed fire at him
Reese, what's wrong? Jessica yelled to him
Containment module's full! Reese yelled back If I try to suck up any more ghosts, it'll explode.
I've got an idea!
Jessica's eyes flashed white as she dashed across the battlefield that was the room. When she reached the couch Reese was using for cover, she gestured with her hand as it and her eyes glowed blue. A small blue portal, about as big as Jessica's hand, appeared in the air in front of them.
Can you reverse the polarity on that thing in a hurry? she asked
Reese answered I just gotta flip a solenoid in the wand. But that'll just release all the ghosts I've already captured and we'll have to deal with them again.
Not if you shoot em though that portal I just opened. It leads to Limbo. The ghosts will be trapped.
I hope you're right about that.
As Reese popped open a panel on the wand of his device, the witches observed all through the mirror.
Jessica always has been a smart cookie. Tabitha commented That tactic just might work, IF there weren't a summoning talisman running hot in there.
Good to know that geek's gizmo has a finite capacity. Hecuba commented between mouthfuls of popcorn Not that I'm scared of it or anything.
Timmy, make a note of that. Ross's gizmo can only hold so much negative energy before it gets full. If it absorbs too much, it would probably explode.
Yes, Princess. Timmy replied happily as he typed away on the keyboard
In the Youth Center, Matthew was peering at the glowing symbols on a small crystal tablet in his hand. He frowned as he mentally compared the readings to ones he had taken immediately before going into the Youth Center.
Something's wrong! Matthew called out There are more ghosts here now than there were when we started!
How's that possible? Luis yelled back
There must be gate or summoning spell active. Jessica, Sheridan, see if you can find where all these spooks're coming from.
Both Jessica and Sheridan narrowed their eyes, calling up their Magesight so they could find the source of the ghosts. Sheridan gasped as her vision came unto sharp focus. The glowing lines which crisscrossed the Youth Center had been straight and orderly that morning, but now they had been warped by some unknown force, the colors of the lines closest to each other were bleeding together.
Something's really wrong! The ley lines are all twisted! Sheridan announced
Ley lines? Jessica was confused as she looked around What're ley lines?
They look like colored lines of light crisscrossing the room. They're currents of nature's magical energy.
I don't see anything like that, Sheridan.
How can you not see them? There's one running right past you!
There'll be time to figure this out later, ladies. Matthew interrupted as he shot down another ghost What's important now is finding the gate. The twisted ley lines could be an indicator of where the gate is. Are they twisted in any particular direction?
Yes. They all look like they're being dragged towards the library.
Both of you check it out.
As Jessica and Sheridan made a dash for the library, several constructs got in their way. Sheridan blasted one apart with lightning, Kay knocked one apart with a kick, and Luis tackled the third to the ground, causing it to break up. While everything went on in the Youth Center, the witches watched it all from the comfort of Tabitha's living room.
That Matthew is certainly on the ball. Tabitha commented He figured out the ghosts were getting constantly reinforced.
Isn't it odd that Sheridan could see the ley lines clearly, but Jessica could not see them at all? Diana commented
Kid, that points to a fundamental difference in their powers. Hecuba pointed out Also means that the Seer has at least one blindspot, and where there's one blindspot, there's usually more.
Tabitha agreed It's comforting to know that the Seer isn't omniscient. Timmy, make a note of Jessica and Sheridan's perceptual differences.
Their what? Timmy blinked in confusion
She means that Jessica and Sheridan can see different things. Diana calmly explained
Oh. OK.
In the Youth Center library, Jessica and Sheridan found several floating tables and chairs, which Sheridan blew away with a spell.
Sheridan thrust her open palm forward and an intense gust of wind blew the floating furniture against the walls hard, pinning them there.
Sheridan kept her hand extended as the wind continued to blow. Jessica peered around the room and saw a faint pulsing from a bookcase.
You see that? she said
Sheridan answered The ley lines in here are twisted every which way.
No, not those. I told you I can't see them. That pulsing from the bookcase.
What is it?
I'm not sure. I need to get closer so I can have a better look at it.
Go up the middle. Sheridan ordered as she spread the fingers of her extended hand It's like the eye of a hurricane.
Jessica walked carefully towards the bookcase, wind blowing over her clothes and hair, and reached it without incident, the trapped furniture vibrated against the wall as she approached. She saw the pulsing light was coming from between two books and moved the volumes aside to reveal a gold triangle.
Now, let's see here. Jessica muttered and peered carefully at the talisman, as though studying an intricate diagram. Got it. It's our culprit alright. It's sending out pulses that are attracting the ghosts. No booby traps I can see. she gingerly picked it up and turned it over in her hand, examining the silver square on the other side. Hmmm. Looks like the main energy flow is going through this little square... It doesn't look like a permanent part of this thing. Looks more like a fuse, or the magical equivalent of one. Let's see what happens when I yank it.
Jessica slipped her fingernail under the square and quickly pried it loose. A spark flew between the triangle and the square as it came loose, but died out as soon as the two pieces of the talisman were fully separated. A few seconds later, a spectral wailing filled the Youth Center as multicolored ghosts flew out of the furniture and through the ceiling. At the same time, the constructs the others were fighting fell apart on their own as the ghosts with them vacated in the same way as those in the library.
That was sudden. Kay commented as she relaxed from a fighting stance, on the ground in front of her was a collection of random parts that, moments before, had been a metal monstrosity.
Looks like they closed the gate. Matthew observed Though from the behavior of the ghosts, it may have actually been some sort of attractant spell.
Well, at least Charity can rest now. Miguel said as he supported an exhausted Charity She's totally wiped from using her powers so much.
Our troubles are over. Jessica declared as she and Sheridan walked back into the main room, a piece of the talisman in each hand It was a summoning talisman, kept the ghosts here while it was running. I yanked the pieces apart and the ghosts made themselves scarce.
Could I see those? Matthew asked and Jessica handed the two pieces to him Hmm. Where's the rest of it?
The rest of it?
Yes, talismans like this generally need a power source, usually in the form of another talisman, a crystal, or a gem.
All the ley lines snapped back into place as soon as Jessica separated the two pieces. Sheridan said Maybe it was drawing power from them?
Yes, that could be it. You said ley lines, plural. This place is on top of a nexus?
A mega-nexus. There are a lot of ley lines crossing here. Enough to power just about anything.
An ordinary ley line nexus could power one of these. A nexus like the one you describe would supercharge it and produce the mass haunting we observed.
As Matthew put the two halves of the talisman into separate pockets, Reese walked over to them, marveling at the reading on his device.
the bespectacled teen said 80% full, and that's after emptying a full load of negative energy into that portal Jessica whipped up. Reese smiled as he reached back to hang the wand on a hook attached to the side of the backpack.
That's quite a device you've got there. Matthew said with seriousness And you said you made it yourself?
That's right. Every part assembled by my own hand.
You know, standard technology wouldn't be able to produce the results your device produced. But I can tell that you don't have any real magical ability.
What're you saying?
I'm saying that many have tried to combine the supernatural and the scientific, but no one has ever achieved complete and consistent success. It's called Neo-Alchemy, and it looks to me like you have succeeded in achieving it. You've succeeded in combining alchemy with technology, the magic of machines.
You mean I'm.... Reese's eyes widened
The last one mentioned in the prophecy. Let me officially welcome you to the team.
As Matthew shook Reese's hand, Charity snapped alert. The room was suddenly filled with the sound of a heavenly choir. Reese's body started to glow with white light, immediately followed by Matthew. A second later, Luis and Sheridan began glowing, closely followed by Miguel, Jessica, Kay, and Charity. The bright white light filled the room. Ordinary people could not see the light, only those with a connection to the supernatural. The light started to spread over Harmony as a beam of intense white light shot into the sky from the Youth Center. The light was so intense, that a magically sensitive person in orbit would have their attention drawn to Harmony immediately, no matter where they were looking.
In Tabitha's house, the witches cried out in surprise and pain as pure holy light poured from the mirror they had been using to spy on the Guardians of Good.
Diana! Shut it down now!! Tabitha screamed
With her eyes squeezed shut, Diana made a sweeping gesture with her arm and the light immediately ceased, the mirror only a mirror again. Tabitha, Diana, and Hecuba cautiously opened their eyes, noticing that all three of them had sunburns from their brief exposure to the light. Timmy seemed unaffected by the light and, in fact, had been staring into the light with no ill effect before Diana ended the scrying spell.
Hecuba groaned That seems like a Grade A backfire to me.
It would've happened eventually. Diana countered At least we have more information on our enemies now.
Don't make me separate you- Tabitha started to speak, but stopped as the house started to rattle like in a minor earthquake Uh oh. The pulse is more powerful than I could have dreamed. Everyone brace yourselves!
Tabby! What's happening? Timmy cried out as the house's shaking intensified
It's the holy pulse, Tim-Tim! Tabitha yelled back The house's structure is saturated with evil from my three centuries of inhabitation, and it's reacting badly to the holy energy it's being bombarded with! I just hope those ratty old wards I put up a long time ago hold up!
Harmony's resident witches were not the only ones affected by the pulse of holy energy as it swept over the town. A purse snatcher who had grabbed a woman's purse right before the pulse suddenly stopped short and cried out in pain, holding his head, giving a good Samaritan the opportunity to tackle him and hold him for the police. Father Lonnigan and Grace Bennett felt a few moments of what could be termed as euphoria while they experienced the pure, unadulterated goodness of the event.
Sally Chin and her kitchen staff were making preparations for the night's business. At the moment the pulse hit the restaurant, Sally herself was checking the specially mixed flour she used to ensorcell her famous Love Noodle. The flour in the jar glowed like a miniature sun but the glow was secondary in Sally's mind at that moment. Her senses practically exploded as she felt the magic all around her in perfect clarity, just as her mother had described it. She could feel the energy in the flour, the minor protective wards she had set up around the restaurant to deter evil from entering. She could feel conflicting forces in Harmony, Yin and Yang struggling to overpower each other, and within the wall of the restaurant, there was some sort of tiny speck of evil which vanished almost immediately.
Ethan and Theresa kissed passionately as the wave of light washed over them, never knowing of its existence. Gwen Hotchkiss, watching Ethan and Theresa with a sad look on her face, suddenly had a headache. A coma patient in the hospital opened his eyes for the first time in years. In the Crane mansion, Julian Crane and Rebecca Hotchkiss experienced simultaneous migraines as the mansion itself shook. Ivy Crane also experienced pain, but far more intensely than her husband. She fell to her knees, holding her head and screaming in pain.
Ivy! What's wrong!? Pilar asked worriedly, unable to fathom how her longtime friend could be in so much pain when the world felt so right.
The holy energy kept on going, though becoming a bit diffuse as it left Harmony. Worldwide, the balance edged a little farther towards good. Some people who had previously turned a blind eye to crimes committed by others decided to turn them in, witnesses who had been reluctant to testify suddenly made the decision to take the stand, and people who were having crises of faith suddenly felt their faith reaffirmed.
Half a world away, the shimmering crystal on Alistair Crane's desk suddenly went dark and opaque as a small pop was heard, a whiff of black smoke rose from it as the faint scent of brimstone hung in the air.
the magnate cursed and picked up the phone
As suddenly as it started, it was over. The euphoria felt by Grace Bennett and Father Lonnigan faded, as did the headaches experienced by Harmony's less than virtuous citizens. Sally Chin sighed when her perfect clarity faded as suddenly as it had appeared, though she felt grateful to whatever force was gracious enough to give her even that small glimpse of the mastery her mother had tried to teach her.
Sally, are you alright? Sally's elderly head chef asked
Sally blinked Yes, I'm fine.
You looked a bit out of it for a minute. Something wrong with the Love Noodle flour? You were staring at it.
No. Nothing's wrong. I just... For a minute, I saw everything mother tried to pass onto me but wasn't able to hammer into my thick skull. I saw it all. The energy in the flour, the wards protecting the building, Yin and Yang in the outside world... It was all so clear, and now it's gone again.
Best not to dwell on it. Even without that total clarity, you're good enough to succeed at what you try to do. The Love Noodle is never wrong and we haven't had a robbery since you put those wards in place.
Yeah, I can't really argue with that.
Good. You shouldn't argue with your elders. Now, what say we finish getting setup for tonight?
Sally smiled and nodded her head, getting back to the business of preparing for the night's customers. Meanwhile, in the Crane mansion, Julian and Rebecca were rubbing their respective temples, recovering from their sudden, yet fleeting, headaches.
Julian, is it my imagination or did we just have an earthquake? Rebecca asked
Well, the earth definitely moved, my dear. Julian quipped in response
I'm serious!
I'm sorry Rebecca, gut response.
Your gut, isn't what I'm interested in. Rebecca smirked but the phone rang before she could elaborate
Julian Crane here. Julian picked up the phone
Julian, what the hell just happened!? Alistair's voice issued from the handset
Why, whatever do you mean father?
My detection net just went dead! It took me fifty years to get it to the point it was at, with Crane Construction putting a sensor crystal in every building they ever built in Harmony, and now, in the space of a few seconds, the whole thing has gone dark!
Well, we uh, had a slight earthquake a moment ago...
Inside the mansion?
Get down to the sanctum and check the recording on the ruby in there.
Can't you check it with your, uh, Julian hesitated a moment, knowing Rebecca was right next to him Remote link?
No, I can't. The crystal I use to monitor the net from here burned out when the detection net did. It's worthless now!
Well, if your end burned out, wouldn't the same have happened to the, uh, main database?
Maybe if you had set it up, but you didn't, I did, and I took the possibility of overload into account. The ornate gold sculpture the ruby is set in acts like a surge protector. The chances of the ruby getting damaged are infinitesimal, and I need to know what happened, so GET MOVING!
Yes sir! I'm on my way! Julian hung up the phone and stood up
Where're you going, Pookie? Rebecca asked
Father needs me to check something for him, immediately.
Can't it wait?
I'm afraid not. But don't worry, I'll be back as soon as I can.
Just don't take too long. Rebecca called as Julian left the room.
A corridor away, Pilar helped Ivy to her feet, the blonde woman shaking the cobwebs out of her head.
Ivy, are you alright? Pilar asked
I'm fine, Pilar. Ivy answered
But a moment ago, you were screaming like your head was about to explode.
Well, obviously it didn't and I'm feeling better already.
Are you sure?
Yes Pilar, I'm sure. Ivy, now back on her feet, shook loose of Pilar's helping grip
I could bring you up some aspirin in case the pain comes back.
The pain only lasted a few seconds. IF it does come back, by the time I can get the pill down, it'll already be over.
If it goes away as fast as before.
Pilar, I'm FINE! Surely you've got other things in need of doing?
Well, yes but-
Then go do them. I think I'll take a nap or something.
You're sure?
Very well, then. Sorry if I bothered you. Pilar turned to leave
No Pilar, you didn't bother me. I'm glad you were so concerned, but I assure you, I'm OK now.
Alright, but if it happens again, please call a doctor. It could be a sign of something terribly wrong. Pilar walked out of the room and gently closed the door behind her.
A doctor wouldn't be able to help with that sorta pain anyway. Ivy muttered after Pilar had left
Back in the Youth Center, the white light died out, leaving the Guardians of Good blinking. The contents of the Youth Center had been restored to a pristine state, even the items that Sheridan had blasted apart were back in one piece and in their proper places.
What was that? Luis asked
The completion of the prophecy. Matthew answered All but the last line, anyway. I was told what would happen when all the Guardians of Good came together, but I wasn't prepared for something this intense.
I feel incredible! Charity announced, now standing on her own I'm not tired at all. It's like that light totally replenished my power, and I was completely spent a minute ago.
With the Guardians of Good all together as one, the balance has shifted towards goodness. All across the globe, the light of goodness has gotten a little brighter. But now we'll have to be even more vigilant, because now evil knows that their most dangerous enemies are fully aware of their power, and that the only way to end the threat to them is to destroy us all.
Whoa. That's deep. Kay said after a moment of silence
Sorry if I was a little profound. Only to be expected after being at ground zero of a heavenly event like that.
Reese adjusted his glasses as he spoke I just see one problem. I don't know a thing about alchemy.
Maybe not consciously, but you've got a talent for it. You couldn't have made your device work without a little alchemy. You used the plans you found on the Internet as a template, but without the alchemical modifications, like using different stones in place of the quartz crystals and whatever other design changes you made, it wouldn't have done a thing to the ghosts you captured. Still, Neo-Alchemy will be a lot easier if you know what you're doing on a conscious level, as well as an instinctive one. Matthew took a small notepad out of his pocket and wrote something on a page before tearing it off and handing it to Reese. That's a website which houses a complete guide to modern alchemy. My place has a fully stocked lab you can practice in.
Thanks! Say, is it really possible to turn lead into gold?
Yes, and the formula is relatively simple once you know it. The only problem is that the cost of the reagents needed to achieve metallurgical transmutation, and the price of gold, generally make it financially unsound to do so. It's really only good for practice, or if you need gold in a hurry for some reason and all you have is lead.
Well, it'd probably be an interesting exercise anyway. Reese shrugged
Miguel, where'd that come from? Luis asked as he noticed the buckler on Miguel's arm
I'm not sure. Miguel replied When I put myself between Charity and those spikes that were flying at her, it just appeared on my arm and threw up some sort of shield that protected us.
%I wondered what happened to that thing.% The voice of Martin Fitzgerald echoed in Sheridan's head, causing her eyes to widen. %Don't worry Sheridan, it's just me. Never apart from your teacher' remember? Just think the words and I'll hear them.%
~How come you never talked to me this way before?~ Sheridan thought in response
%Because you would likely have thought you were going insane if I had.%
~Yeah, that's true. What did you mean? That first sentence you said.~
%Miguel's new' buckler. It's something I had when I was alive, usually wore it in the form of a watch. Magic, of course. I never knew why, but the night I was killed, I left it on my night table. Now I know why. Pilar must have given it to Miguel, thank God.%
The funny thing is, Miguel continued speaking while Sheridan had her mental conversation with Martin Fitzgerald I was wearing papa's watch when I came in, and now this shield is strapped to my wrist instead.
Matthew took out a circular piece of crystal and looked at the buckler through it while Jessica stared at it as well.
Looks like that buckler's capable of throwing up a magical shield that'd stop most mundane attacks, as well as a decent-sized magical assault.
There's something else there, too. Jessica added I think it can change its form into something else.
As soon as Jessica finished her sentence, the buckler glowed and its shape changed, shrinking in on itself until the glow faded, leaving behind a seemingly ordinary digital watch.
I don't get it, Miguel scratched his head How did papa's watch change into a magic buckler like that?
Because papa knew some magic. Luis answered It's why Alistair Crane killed him.
I knew Papa wouldn't just leave us without a reason. It happened the night he disappeared, didn't it?
Yeah. Papa found out the Cranes were practicing black magic and Alistair used it to kill him.
He used me to kill him. Sheridan's eyes started to tear up
Miguel blinked
My father cast a spell on me, Sheridan's voice was filled with anguish To force me to kill your father. Then he made me forget the whole thing.
But Papa got the last laugh. Luis said grimly Alistair wasn't content with killing him, bastard wanted to imprison his soul too. But papa was too smart for him and relocated his soul into Sheridan's body to hide inside her.
Ever since, he's been inside me, his soul hiding behind mine, continuing the magic lessons he started teaching me before he died.
Man, this is gonna hit mama hard. Miguel sighed She's always held onto the hope that papa was somehow alive somewhere.
Maybe we shouldn't tell mama. Luis suggested She... she wouldn't understand. Hell, I barely understand it all, and papa told me himself... In a dream, that is.
Kay said after a few moments of silence Since the ghosts are spooked, and the evil guys in the world are too, why don't we take a take a well deserved break?
Sounds good to me. Jessica agreed
Miguel, what do you say to a walk in the park? Charity asked her boyfriend
If you're sure you're not too tired. Miguel answered Just a few minutes ago, you were exhausted.
C'mon. I'll race you there. That should convince you I'm not exhausted.
Charity walked briskly out of the Youth Center with Miguel close behind. The rest of the Guardians of Good soon left as well. A short while later, in the Crane mansion, Pilar knocked on Ivy's bedroom door before opening the door and entering with a load of towels in her arms.
Mrs. Crane, I brought some fresh towels for- Pilar spoke as she looked up and dropped the towels in shock at what she saw MADRE DE DIOS!
Pilar crossed herself as she saw Ivy floating six inches above her mattress in a Lotus position. Ivy's eyes snapped open and she dropped to the mattress, still in the Lotus position, as Pilar shouted. She extended her arm towards Pilar, palm open.
Cohibeo tui vox et artus. Ivy spoke in a slightly melodious voice
A ball of orange light shot from Ivy's hand and enveloped Pilar. The housekeeper opened her mouth to scream, but to her horror, no sound came out. Pilar's fear only intensified when she realized her body was paralyzed, rendering her unable to even try to escape. Pilar had never thought she would ever be afraid of Ivy, their friendship was so strong, but now she was deathly afraid of her as Ivy displayed supernatural abilities Pilar hadn't known she had.
End of chapter 10
Alright! After 10 chapters, the Guardians of Good are all together. Now the real war between Good and Evil begins. Our heroes aren't just gonna have to worry about Tabitha, Diana, and Hecuba, either. Evil comes in many forms, including some that you wouldn't expect, as we just saw in the cliffhanger.
Bet you never figured Ivy was magically inclined. But what do you expect from someone living in close proximity to Alistair(closet sorcerer) and Julian(bumbling apprentice, at best) and who has the run of a mansion containing a room filled with magical stuff?
Latin translation: Cohibeo tui vox et artus means Restrain your voice and limbs (More or less. I don't know if Latin syntax is different from English syntax or not)
Written by: Jumper Prime
For Disclaimers see Chapter 1.
Last time on Guardians of Good: Luis, Sheridan, Miguel, Charity, Kay, and Jessica all went to see Matthew Sorenson, who gave them a brief history of Good and Evil. He also provided information on the three Bennett girls' powers, setting to rest Jessica and Charity's fears. Then, Luis received a call from Reese, who reported that the Youth Center was experiencing supernatural activity. Everyone, including Matthew, drove to the Youth Center and joined Reese, who had retrieved his negative energy vacuum, and all entered the Youth Center, only to find themselves trapped inside. They were suddenly attacked by evil spirits and a fight ensued, with never ending waves of spirits replacing the ones captured or destroyed. A possessed table shattered into a mass of wooden spikes which shot unerringly towards Charity, whose powers are useless against ordinary matter, like the wooden spikes.
Chapter 10: Completion
As the Guardians of Good entered the Youth Center, Tabitha, Timmy, Diana, and Hecuba were watching them via the mirror in Tabitha's living room. Timmy had his laptop open, ready to take notes for Tabitha, Diana had her own pink laptop whose power cord had plugged itself into the wall, while Hecuba sat back on the couch staring at the mirror with a bowl of popcorn in her lap.
I hope your lack of pen and paper is because you have a photographic memory. Diana said calmly to Hecuba
Hecuba answered
Then wouldn't it be prudent to take notes on what you see? The information we hope to gather will be key in planning our strikes. Of course, with you not involved in the planning stages, the probability of success will be somewhat higher...
Hecuba snorted I don't need notes or a photographic memory to remember what's about to happen.
To each her own. Tabitha sighed No use pestering her, Diana. You'd just make it harder for all of us to focus on what happens in there.
Very well, Aunt Tabitha. Diana nodded
The three witches and one living doll watched the events shown on the mirror as the battle began, Timmy marveling at the magic used by some of the Guardians of Good.
Hmm, that's a very sophisticated lightning spell Sheridan cast. Tabitha commented Sequential targets with one cast, yet it stops exactly when she wants it to. Make a note of that Tim-Tim.
You got it, Princess. Timmy responded enthusiastically, typing away
This Matthew appears to utilize crystal magic to great effect. Diana noted as she too typed on her laptop
There's a possible weakness right there, Hecuba pointed out That is, if it's the only combat magic he knows. Separate a crystal magician from his crystals, and he's a sitting duck.
Did you see that? Tabitha asked as one of Charity's light blasts splashed off a construct
See what? Ah! I do! Diana responded as another of Charity's blasts failed to affect its target
The brat's powers don't seem to be working. Hecuba smirked
Ah, thank you very much for the explanation, Matthew. Tabitha chuckled as Matthew explained to Charity why her powers were ineffective, the Silver Knight not realizing that the witches were hearing every word. So her powers don't work on ordinary matter. Timmy, make a note of that.
I believe if there were a finite number of enemies, the battle would be over by now.
But that spirit summoning talisman you planted there is still working. Hecuba smirked
Tabitha nodded Running off the energy from all those ley lines, that talisman will keep the Youth Center haunted well into the 22nd century, assuming those goody-goods don't find it, anyway.
The witches continued to watch the events unfolding on the mirror as the Guardians of Good fought wave after wave of ghosts. Timmy gasped and the witches smiled as they saw a table break into a mass of spikes that flew straight at Charity.
Hecuba cackled Holy shish kebab!
Miguel's voice echoed from the mirror
In the Youth Center, Miguel saw the spikes heading for his beloved and knew he had only seconds to act. With no regard for his own safety, Miguel threw himself between Charity and the wooden spikes.
Miguel! NO! Charity cried out as she saw her true love put himself between her and the sharp spikes
Miguel instinctively raised his arms in a vain effort to shield himself from the spikes which were about to pierce his body. As the spikes flew at him, Miguel's watch glowed and changed into a silver buckler strapped to his wrist. The buckler immediately started radiating silver light and the spikes shattered into sawdust as they struck an shimmering barrier in front of Miguel. As the sawdust started to drift towards the ground, the buckler stopped glowing and Miguel stared at the air that was no longer shimmering.
He said in awe
Charity whispered and Miguel turned just in time to catch an exhausted Charity as she fell into his arms.
Charity, what's wrong?
So tired...
You're exhausted from using your powers. Miguel realized
A desk flew at the two teens while Sheridan was blasting apart a rather monstrous-looking collection of parts, including a power saw and several other kinds of blades, and Miguel instinctively raised his left arm while holding Charity with his right. Silver light poured from his buckler and once again a shimmering barrier sprung up between him and the oncoming object which smashed itself to pieces against the magical barrier. Reese sucked up another ghost into his negative energy vaccum and a red light on the wand started flashing.
Uh oh! Reese exclaimed and frantically dodged out of the way as a wood block dragon breathed fire at him
Reese, what's wrong? Jessica yelled to him
Containment module's full! Reese yelled back If I try to suck up any more ghosts, it'll explode.
I've got an idea!
Jessica's eyes flashed white as she dashed across the battlefield that was the room. When she reached the couch Reese was using for cover, she gestured with her hand as it and her eyes glowed blue. A small blue portal, about as big as Jessica's hand, appeared in the air in front of them.
Can you reverse the polarity on that thing in a hurry? she asked
Reese answered I just gotta flip a solenoid in the wand. But that'll just release all the ghosts I've already captured and we'll have to deal with them again.
Not if you shoot em though that portal I just opened. It leads to Limbo. The ghosts will be trapped.
I hope you're right about that.
As Reese popped open a panel on the wand of his device, the witches observed all through the mirror.
Jessica always has been a smart cookie. Tabitha commented That tactic just might work, IF there weren't a summoning talisman running hot in there.
Good to know that geek's gizmo has a finite capacity. Hecuba commented between mouthfuls of popcorn Not that I'm scared of it or anything.
Timmy, make a note of that. Ross's gizmo can only hold so much negative energy before it gets full. If it absorbs too much, it would probably explode.
Yes, Princess. Timmy replied happily as he typed away on the keyboard
In the Youth Center, Matthew was peering at the glowing symbols on a small crystal tablet in his hand. He frowned as he mentally compared the readings to ones he had taken immediately before going into the Youth Center.
Something's wrong! Matthew called out There are more ghosts here now than there were when we started!
How's that possible? Luis yelled back
There must be gate or summoning spell active. Jessica, Sheridan, see if you can find where all these spooks're coming from.
Both Jessica and Sheridan narrowed their eyes, calling up their Magesight so they could find the source of the ghosts. Sheridan gasped as her vision came unto sharp focus. The glowing lines which crisscrossed the Youth Center had been straight and orderly that morning, but now they had been warped by some unknown force, the colors of the lines closest to each other were bleeding together.
Something's really wrong! The ley lines are all twisted! Sheridan announced
Ley lines? Jessica was confused as she looked around What're ley lines?
They look like colored lines of light crisscrossing the room. They're currents of nature's magical energy.
I don't see anything like that, Sheridan.
How can you not see them? There's one running right past you!
There'll be time to figure this out later, ladies. Matthew interrupted as he shot down another ghost What's important now is finding the gate. The twisted ley lines could be an indicator of where the gate is. Are they twisted in any particular direction?
Yes. They all look like they're being dragged towards the library.
Both of you check it out.
As Jessica and Sheridan made a dash for the library, several constructs got in their way. Sheridan blasted one apart with lightning, Kay knocked one apart with a kick, and Luis tackled the third to the ground, causing it to break up. While everything went on in the Youth Center, the witches watched it all from the comfort of Tabitha's living room.
That Matthew is certainly on the ball. Tabitha commented He figured out the ghosts were getting constantly reinforced.
Isn't it odd that Sheridan could see the ley lines clearly, but Jessica could not see them at all? Diana commented
Kid, that points to a fundamental difference in their powers. Hecuba pointed out Also means that the Seer has at least one blindspot, and where there's one blindspot, there's usually more.
Tabitha agreed It's comforting to know that the Seer isn't omniscient. Timmy, make a note of Jessica and Sheridan's perceptual differences.
Their what? Timmy blinked in confusion
She means that Jessica and Sheridan can see different things. Diana calmly explained
Oh. OK.
In the Youth Center library, Jessica and Sheridan found several floating tables and chairs, which Sheridan blew away with a spell.
Sheridan thrust her open palm forward and an intense gust of wind blew the floating furniture against the walls hard, pinning them there.
Sheridan kept her hand extended as the wind continued to blow. Jessica peered around the room and saw a faint pulsing from a bookcase.
You see that? she said
Sheridan answered The ley lines in here are twisted every which way.
No, not those. I told you I can't see them. That pulsing from the bookcase.
What is it?
I'm not sure. I need to get closer so I can have a better look at it.
Go up the middle. Sheridan ordered as she spread the fingers of her extended hand It's like the eye of a hurricane.
Jessica walked carefully towards the bookcase, wind blowing over her clothes and hair, and reached it without incident, the trapped furniture vibrated against the wall as she approached. She saw the pulsing light was coming from between two books and moved the volumes aside to reveal a gold triangle.
Now, let's see here. Jessica muttered and peered carefully at the talisman, as though studying an intricate diagram. Got it. It's our culprit alright. It's sending out pulses that are attracting the ghosts. No booby traps I can see. she gingerly picked it up and turned it over in her hand, examining the silver square on the other side. Hmmm. Looks like the main energy flow is going through this little square... It doesn't look like a permanent part of this thing. Looks more like a fuse, or the magical equivalent of one. Let's see what happens when I yank it.
Jessica slipped her fingernail under the square and quickly pried it loose. A spark flew between the triangle and the square as it came loose, but died out as soon as the two pieces of the talisman were fully separated. A few seconds later, a spectral wailing filled the Youth Center as multicolored ghosts flew out of the furniture and through the ceiling. At the same time, the constructs the others were fighting fell apart on their own as the ghosts with them vacated in the same way as those in the library.
That was sudden. Kay commented as she relaxed from a fighting stance, on the ground in front of her was a collection of random parts that, moments before, had been a metal monstrosity.
Looks like they closed the gate. Matthew observed Though from the behavior of the ghosts, it may have actually been some sort of attractant spell.
Well, at least Charity can rest now. Miguel said as he supported an exhausted Charity She's totally wiped from using her powers so much.
Our troubles are over. Jessica declared as she and Sheridan walked back into the main room, a piece of the talisman in each hand It was a summoning talisman, kept the ghosts here while it was running. I yanked the pieces apart and the ghosts made themselves scarce.
Could I see those? Matthew asked and Jessica handed the two pieces to him Hmm. Where's the rest of it?
The rest of it?
Yes, talismans like this generally need a power source, usually in the form of another talisman, a crystal, or a gem.
All the ley lines snapped back into place as soon as Jessica separated the two pieces. Sheridan said Maybe it was drawing power from them?
Yes, that could be it. You said ley lines, plural. This place is on top of a nexus?
A mega-nexus. There are a lot of ley lines crossing here. Enough to power just about anything.
An ordinary ley line nexus could power one of these. A nexus like the one you describe would supercharge it and produce the mass haunting we observed.
As Matthew put the two halves of the talisman into separate pockets, Reese walked over to them, marveling at the reading on his device.
the bespectacled teen said 80% full, and that's after emptying a full load of negative energy into that portal Jessica whipped up. Reese smiled as he reached back to hang the wand on a hook attached to the side of the backpack.
That's quite a device you've got there. Matthew said with seriousness And you said you made it yourself?
That's right. Every part assembled by my own hand.
You know, standard technology wouldn't be able to produce the results your device produced. But I can tell that you don't have any real magical ability.
What're you saying?
I'm saying that many have tried to combine the supernatural and the scientific, but no one has ever achieved complete and consistent success. It's called Neo-Alchemy, and it looks to me like you have succeeded in achieving it. You've succeeded in combining alchemy with technology, the magic of machines.
You mean I'm.... Reese's eyes widened
The last one mentioned in the prophecy. Let me officially welcome you to the team.
As Matthew shook Reese's hand, Charity snapped alert. The room was suddenly filled with the sound of a heavenly choir. Reese's body started to glow with white light, immediately followed by Matthew. A second later, Luis and Sheridan began glowing, closely followed by Miguel, Jessica, Kay, and Charity. The bright white light filled the room. Ordinary people could not see the light, only those with a connection to the supernatural. The light started to spread over Harmony as a beam of intense white light shot into the sky from the Youth Center. The light was so intense, that a magically sensitive person in orbit would have their attention drawn to Harmony immediately, no matter where they were looking.
In Tabitha's house, the witches cried out in surprise and pain as pure holy light poured from the mirror they had been using to spy on the Guardians of Good.
Diana! Shut it down now!! Tabitha screamed
With her eyes squeezed shut, Diana made a sweeping gesture with her arm and the light immediately ceased, the mirror only a mirror again. Tabitha, Diana, and Hecuba cautiously opened their eyes, noticing that all three of them had sunburns from their brief exposure to the light. Timmy seemed unaffected by the light and, in fact, had been staring into the light with no ill effect before Diana ended the scrying spell.
Hecuba groaned That seems like a Grade A backfire to me.
It would've happened eventually. Diana countered At least we have more information on our enemies now.
Don't make me separate you- Tabitha started to speak, but stopped as the house started to rattle like in a minor earthquake Uh oh. The pulse is more powerful than I could have dreamed. Everyone brace yourselves!
Tabby! What's happening? Timmy cried out as the house's shaking intensified
It's the holy pulse, Tim-Tim! Tabitha yelled back The house's structure is saturated with evil from my three centuries of inhabitation, and it's reacting badly to the holy energy it's being bombarded with! I just hope those ratty old wards I put up a long time ago hold up!
Harmony's resident witches were not the only ones affected by the pulse of holy energy as it swept over the town. A purse snatcher who had grabbed a woman's purse right before the pulse suddenly stopped short and cried out in pain, holding his head, giving a good Samaritan the opportunity to tackle him and hold him for the police. Father Lonnigan and Grace Bennett felt a few moments of what could be termed as euphoria while they experienced the pure, unadulterated goodness of the event.
Sally Chin and her kitchen staff were making preparations for the night's business. At the moment the pulse hit the restaurant, Sally herself was checking the specially mixed flour she used to ensorcell her famous Love Noodle. The flour in the jar glowed like a miniature sun but the glow was secondary in Sally's mind at that moment. Her senses practically exploded as she felt the magic all around her in perfect clarity, just as her mother had described it. She could feel the energy in the flour, the minor protective wards she had set up around the restaurant to deter evil from entering. She could feel conflicting forces in Harmony, Yin and Yang struggling to overpower each other, and within the wall of the restaurant, there was some sort of tiny speck of evil which vanished almost immediately.
Ethan and Theresa kissed passionately as the wave of light washed over them, never knowing of its existence. Gwen Hotchkiss, watching Ethan and Theresa with a sad look on her face, suddenly had a headache. A coma patient in the hospital opened his eyes for the first time in years. In the Crane mansion, Julian Crane and Rebecca Hotchkiss experienced simultaneous migraines as the mansion itself shook. Ivy Crane also experienced pain, but far more intensely than her husband. She fell to her knees, holding her head and screaming in pain.
Ivy! What's wrong!? Pilar asked worriedly, unable to fathom how her longtime friend could be in so much pain when the world felt so right.
The holy energy kept on going, though becoming a bit diffuse as it left Harmony. Worldwide, the balance edged a little farther towards good. Some people who had previously turned a blind eye to crimes committed by others decided to turn them in, witnesses who had been reluctant to testify suddenly made the decision to take the stand, and people who were having crises of faith suddenly felt their faith reaffirmed.
Half a world away, the shimmering crystal on Alistair Crane's desk suddenly went dark and opaque as a small pop was heard, a whiff of black smoke rose from it as the faint scent of brimstone hung in the air.
the magnate cursed and picked up the phone
As suddenly as it started, it was over. The euphoria felt by Grace Bennett and Father Lonnigan faded, as did the headaches experienced by Harmony's less than virtuous citizens. Sally Chin sighed when her perfect clarity faded as suddenly as it had appeared, though she felt grateful to whatever force was gracious enough to give her even that small glimpse of the mastery her mother had tried to teach her.
Sally, are you alright? Sally's elderly head chef asked
Sally blinked Yes, I'm fine.
You looked a bit out of it for a minute. Something wrong with the Love Noodle flour? You were staring at it.
No. Nothing's wrong. I just... For a minute, I saw everything mother tried to pass onto me but wasn't able to hammer into my thick skull. I saw it all. The energy in the flour, the wards protecting the building, Yin and Yang in the outside world... It was all so clear, and now it's gone again.
Best not to dwell on it. Even without that total clarity, you're good enough to succeed at what you try to do. The Love Noodle is never wrong and we haven't had a robbery since you put those wards in place.
Yeah, I can't really argue with that.
Good. You shouldn't argue with your elders. Now, what say we finish getting setup for tonight?
Sally smiled and nodded her head, getting back to the business of preparing for the night's customers. Meanwhile, in the Crane mansion, Julian and Rebecca were rubbing their respective temples, recovering from their sudden, yet fleeting, headaches.
Julian, is it my imagination or did we just have an earthquake? Rebecca asked
Well, the earth definitely moved, my dear. Julian quipped in response
I'm serious!
I'm sorry Rebecca, gut response.
Your gut, isn't what I'm interested in. Rebecca smirked but the phone rang before she could elaborate
Julian Crane here. Julian picked up the phone
Julian, what the hell just happened!? Alistair's voice issued from the handset
Why, whatever do you mean father?
My detection net just went dead! It took me fifty years to get it to the point it was at, with Crane Construction putting a sensor crystal in every building they ever built in Harmony, and now, in the space of a few seconds, the whole thing has gone dark!
Well, we uh, had a slight earthquake a moment ago...
Inside the mansion?
Get down to the sanctum and check the recording on the ruby in there.
Can't you check it with your, uh, Julian hesitated a moment, knowing Rebecca was right next to him Remote link?
No, I can't. The crystal I use to monitor the net from here burned out when the detection net did. It's worthless now!
Well, if your end burned out, wouldn't the same have happened to the, uh, main database?
Maybe if you had set it up, but you didn't, I did, and I took the possibility of overload into account. The ornate gold sculpture the ruby is set in acts like a surge protector. The chances of the ruby getting damaged are infinitesimal, and I need to know what happened, so GET MOVING!
Yes sir! I'm on my way! Julian hung up the phone and stood up
Where're you going, Pookie? Rebecca asked
Father needs me to check something for him, immediately.
Can't it wait?
I'm afraid not. But don't worry, I'll be back as soon as I can.
Just don't take too long. Rebecca called as Julian left the room.
A corridor away, Pilar helped Ivy to her feet, the blonde woman shaking the cobwebs out of her head.
Ivy, are you alright? Pilar asked
I'm fine, Pilar. Ivy answered
But a moment ago, you were screaming like your head was about to explode.
Well, obviously it didn't and I'm feeling better already.
Are you sure?
Yes Pilar, I'm sure. Ivy, now back on her feet, shook loose of Pilar's helping grip
I could bring you up some aspirin in case the pain comes back.
The pain only lasted a few seconds. IF it does come back, by the time I can get the pill down, it'll already be over.
If it goes away as fast as before.
Pilar, I'm FINE! Surely you've got other things in need of doing?
Well, yes but-
Then go do them. I think I'll take a nap or something.
You're sure?
Very well, then. Sorry if I bothered you. Pilar turned to leave
No Pilar, you didn't bother me. I'm glad you were so concerned, but I assure you, I'm OK now.
Alright, but if it happens again, please call a doctor. It could be a sign of something terribly wrong. Pilar walked out of the room and gently closed the door behind her.
A doctor wouldn't be able to help with that sorta pain anyway. Ivy muttered after Pilar had left
Back in the Youth Center, the white light died out, leaving the Guardians of Good blinking. The contents of the Youth Center had been restored to a pristine state, even the items that Sheridan had blasted apart were back in one piece and in their proper places.
What was that? Luis asked
The completion of the prophecy. Matthew answered All but the last line, anyway. I was told what would happen when all the Guardians of Good came together, but I wasn't prepared for something this intense.
I feel incredible! Charity announced, now standing on her own I'm not tired at all. It's like that light totally replenished my power, and I was completely spent a minute ago.
With the Guardians of Good all together as one, the balance has shifted towards goodness. All across the globe, the light of goodness has gotten a little brighter. But now we'll have to be even more vigilant, because now evil knows that their most dangerous enemies are fully aware of their power, and that the only way to end the threat to them is to destroy us all.
Whoa. That's deep. Kay said after a moment of silence
Sorry if I was a little profound. Only to be expected after being at ground zero of a heavenly event like that.
Reese adjusted his glasses as he spoke I just see one problem. I don't know a thing about alchemy.
Maybe not consciously, but you've got a talent for it. You couldn't have made your device work without a little alchemy. You used the plans you found on the Internet as a template, but without the alchemical modifications, like using different stones in place of the quartz crystals and whatever other design changes you made, it wouldn't have done a thing to the ghosts you captured. Still, Neo-Alchemy will be a lot easier if you know what you're doing on a conscious level, as well as an instinctive one. Matthew took a small notepad out of his pocket and wrote something on a page before tearing it off and handing it to Reese. That's a website which houses a complete guide to modern alchemy. My place has a fully stocked lab you can practice in.
Thanks! Say, is it really possible to turn lead into gold?
Yes, and the formula is relatively simple once you know it. The only problem is that the cost of the reagents needed to achieve metallurgical transmutation, and the price of gold, generally make it financially unsound to do so. It's really only good for practice, or if you need gold in a hurry for some reason and all you have is lead.
Well, it'd probably be an interesting exercise anyway. Reese shrugged
Miguel, where'd that come from? Luis asked as he noticed the buckler on Miguel's arm
I'm not sure. Miguel replied When I put myself between Charity and those spikes that were flying at her, it just appeared on my arm and threw up some sort of shield that protected us.
%I wondered what happened to that thing.% The voice of Martin Fitzgerald echoed in Sheridan's head, causing her eyes to widen. %Don't worry Sheridan, it's just me. Never apart from your teacher' remember? Just think the words and I'll hear them.%
~How come you never talked to me this way before?~ Sheridan thought in response
%Because you would likely have thought you were going insane if I had.%
~Yeah, that's true. What did you mean? That first sentence you said.~
%Miguel's new' buckler. It's something I had when I was alive, usually wore it in the form of a watch. Magic, of course. I never knew why, but the night I was killed, I left it on my night table. Now I know why. Pilar must have given it to Miguel, thank God.%
The funny thing is, Miguel continued speaking while Sheridan had her mental conversation with Martin Fitzgerald I was wearing papa's watch when I came in, and now this shield is strapped to my wrist instead.
Matthew took out a circular piece of crystal and looked at the buckler through it while Jessica stared at it as well.
Looks like that buckler's capable of throwing up a magical shield that'd stop most mundane attacks, as well as a decent-sized magical assault.
There's something else there, too. Jessica added I think it can change its form into something else.
As soon as Jessica finished her sentence, the buckler glowed and its shape changed, shrinking in on itself until the glow faded, leaving behind a seemingly ordinary digital watch.
I don't get it, Miguel scratched his head How did papa's watch change into a magic buckler like that?
Because papa knew some magic. Luis answered It's why Alistair Crane killed him.
I knew Papa wouldn't just leave us without a reason. It happened the night he disappeared, didn't it?
Yeah. Papa found out the Cranes were practicing black magic and Alistair used it to kill him.
He used me to kill him. Sheridan's eyes started to tear up
Miguel blinked
My father cast a spell on me, Sheridan's voice was filled with anguish To force me to kill your father. Then he made me forget the whole thing.
But Papa got the last laugh. Luis said grimly Alistair wasn't content with killing him, bastard wanted to imprison his soul too. But papa was too smart for him and relocated his soul into Sheridan's body to hide inside her.
Ever since, he's been inside me, his soul hiding behind mine, continuing the magic lessons he started teaching me before he died.
Man, this is gonna hit mama hard. Miguel sighed She's always held onto the hope that papa was somehow alive somewhere.
Maybe we shouldn't tell mama. Luis suggested She... she wouldn't understand. Hell, I barely understand it all, and papa told me himself... In a dream, that is.
Kay said after a few moments of silence Since the ghosts are spooked, and the evil guys in the world are too, why don't we take a take a well deserved break?
Sounds good to me. Jessica agreed
Miguel, what do you say to a walk in the park? Charity asked her boyfriend
If you're sure you're not too tired. Miguel answered Just a few minutes ago, you were exhausted.
C'mon. I'll race you there. That should convince you I'm not exhausted.
Charity walked briskly out of the Youth Center with Miguel close behind. The rest of the Guardians of Good soon left as well. A short while later, in the Crane mansion, Pilar knocked on Ivy's bedroom door before opening the door and entering with a load of towels in her arms.
Mrs. Crane, I brought some fresh towels for- Pilar spoke as she looked up and dropped the towels in shock at what she saw MADRE DE DIOS!
Pilar crossed herself as she saw Ivy floating six inches above her mattress in a Lotus position. Ivy's eyes snapped open and she dropped to the mattress, still in the Lotus position, as Pilar shouted. She extended her arm towards Pilar, palm open.
Cohibeo tui vox et artus. Ivy spoke in a slightly melodious voice
A ball of orange light shot from Ivy's hand and enveloped Pilar. The housekeeper opened her mouth to scream, but to her horror, no sound came out. Pilar's fear only intensified when she realized her body was paralyzed, rendering her unable to even try to escape. Pilar had never thought she would ever be afraid of Ivy, their friendship was so strong, but now she was deathly afraid of her as Ivy displayed supernatural abilities Pilar hadn't known she had.
End of chapter 10
Alright! After 10 chapters, the Guardians of Good are all together. Now the real war between Good and Evil begins. Our heroes aren't just gonna have to worry about Tabitha, Diana, and Hecuba, either. Evil comes in many forms, including some that you wouldn't expect, as we just saw in the cliffhanger.
Bet you never figured Ivy was magically inclined. But what do you expect from someone living in close proximity to Alistair(closet sorcerer) and Julian(bumbling apprentice, at best) and who has the run of a mansion containing a room filled with magical stuff?
Latin translation: Cohibeo tui vox et artus means Restrain your voice and limbs (More or less. I don't know if Latin syntax is different from English syntax or not)