Chapter Twenty-Eight

The rest of the day was tense, with Cornelia and Phobos openly snapping at each other, often about the others 'poor' sense of fashion, something Hay-Lin thought was going too far for both. The girls eventually left to meet up with Caleb and Matt, leaving Phobos to watch over the apartment and its defenseless occupants. While Serena and Susan didn't care, as they weren't trying to butt heads over something they didn't really understand that well, Thomas was less than thrilled with someone else being in charge at his home. And he complained to the three women every chance he got.

Thomas even made a big show of coming out of his room and loudly talking to Will about all the fun times they had back when she was dating nice, respectful, in a band, has such a bright future, Matt. Will wasn't sure if this was his bizarre way of dealing with her approaching death, or him being his petty self, so she humored him for a while. And it turned into an actually enjoyable conversation about the recent times she had fun with her father, that wasn't buried in her brain under childhood trauma. Both Susan and Phobos held their tongues to Thomas' over the top performance, each letting Will handle things, only saying something when they were directly addressed. Serena was happy for a more positive conversation, even if it was phoney at times.

Will felt wrong in that strange way throughout the day, but kept it to herself, as there wasn't anything that could be done. But every time she spied Phobos when he thought she wasn't looking, she could see the clench of his jaw and the stiffness of his shoulders. He never carried worry in him before and it showed with how easy it was to see it take him over the moment he let his mind drift.

While Serena didn't know Phobos well enough to know his slight signs of distress, she was smart enough to know that Will's new boyfriend was having a hard time not only dealing with Will's family, but being forced to watch and wait like everyone else. So she played interference when Thomas was clearly saying something to get a rise out of the younger man. It helped keep things civil while the others were away.

When the group finally returned, Caleb was not as good spirited as before with the prince, defensive of his girlfriend after hearing what happened. Matt was livid. As Lilian was his charge and Phobos planning to put her at risk was not going over well. While they both admitted they saw where Phobos was coming from, it was too close to some of the once evil prince's old schemes for comfort, leaving the rebel leader and Earth guardian on the same side of anger towards the mage.

In time, the group split again. Hay-Lin had to leave to do an evening shift at The Silver Dragon, with Irma and Taranee going along, protection in numbers. Plus, their working would keep Hay-Lin from being too exhausted after work, as Irma and Taranee's powers would help smooth things over in a 'customer is always right' setting.

With the sun finally lowering in the early autumn evening, Dean walked through the threshold into a fight between Matt and Phobos over Lilian's safety. The history teacher found his soon-to-be step-daughter sitting out by the pool, not in the mood to break them up. She honestly felt like they enjoyed fighting. Matt finally had someone he could take out his built up anger on, over the less than fairy-tale part of his magical based life. And Phobos was… Phobos. He was going to make a frienemy. Plus, he was still worked up from his fight with Cornelia and a full day of her dad making petty comments at him.

"You okay, out here?" Dean asked, sitting on a deck chair next to her, still in his work blazer.

"Yeah, I'm all good," she answered at the edge of the pool, kicking her legs through the water. It was getting chilly, but she was reluctant to go in. A mix of not wanting to play peacemaker with her boyfriend and ex, and also filled with the dread of never being able to enjoy the crisp, cool touch of the water. Funny, what she once took for granted, the little joys of life, was what she was wishing she could do one more time. Swimming with her friends at the beach. Eating dinner alone with her mom. Working at the pet shop with Mr. Olsen. Studying with Phobos. Playing with Napoleon and Huggles.

"They really are in high spirits, in there," Dean said, pulling off his leather loafers, slipping off his wool socks, and rolling up his pants.

"Yup." Not that she was mad. It was hard on everyone, being forced to wait for Nerissa to make a move. To watch as Will slowly lost herself. Actually, it was happening faster than any of them knew. But it would just make them panic even more and she just wanted to talk to them all without seeing the pain and sadness as they looked at her.

She still had people to talk to and things to say.

"Does it bother you?" Dean gently asked, legs now in the pool, kicking them out of sync with hers.

Will watched the water ripple in the cool blue of the submerged lights and laughed at his serious tone. "Is Mr Collins asking that?"

"No," he answered quickly, with a soft smile on his face. "Just good old Dean here."

Will felt a strange tug at her chest. Why did she push him away so much? She shrugged, both to him and herself as she mumbled, "I know Matt's hurt. That the break up was sudden to him, since I never told him what was wrong.…" She shrugged again, not sure what to say, when she couldn't even talk to Matt or Phobos clearly about it.

Dean was quiet for a few long seconds, eyes scanning the dark sky and then her face, before he earnestly asked, "Do you really think a smart guy like Matt didn't know you weren't happy?"

Her brows pulled together. If she didn't say it, how could she expect him to know? Taranee was the mind reader, after all. "What…?"

Dean looked back at the patio doors, a rare frown on his face. "He's clever," he said, looking back at Will. "Able to help run his family's pet shop when his parent's past since he was just a little kid. Helping his grandpa without being asked. Helping at school, with friends. Inserting himself in situations that he feels he can help someone. Anybody. He's emotionally mature in that way. I'm sure not to Hay-Lin's level, but pretty sharp." Dean placed a large hand on her shoulder. It was warm and comforting. "He wants to help, and you… don't need the type of help he can give. Matt's been… conditioned to find his self worth in what he can do for others. Mr. Olsen, his band, his friends, the guardians, you."

"But I never," she stopped, trying to process what Dean saw in a student he watched grow for years. "I never wanted him to help with everything. I just wanted a… a…."

"A partner," Dean solemnly finished. "I get it. And your mom would too, if you want someone to talk to about all this."

Will wanted to laugh. Dean really had her mom's back.

"You really think he… knew? Knew I wasn't happy with… everything?"

Dean nodded, but added, "At the very least, saw it coming. It's difficult, admitting when you try your hardest and it's not enough."

"Yeah… it is," Will agreed, feeling that tug on her chest again. "Speaking of that, um, I want to say sorry, Dean, about how I-"

A look of panic and hurt flashed on the older man's face. He wasn't there to guilt her into an apology. "Will, you don't need to-"

"Let me finish, please," Will said quickly, worried her bravo would fail a second time that day. "I was scared. Scared of letting someone in like you. Because… you see my dad, you know?" Damn stupid tears! Now wasn't the time. She could be all sappy later. "It's not great. He's never been… great, or good, or okay. But mom, mom has. And she means a lot to me. Means everything, really. Anyone she's with… would mean a lot to me, too, I think. So… I…."

"I understand," he said, voice tight as he placed an arm around her shoulder, letting her lean against him.

"I'm happy you're here," she forced out, jaw clenching as she fought back sobs. Why did she waste so much time with Dean? It was like she felt all she deserved was Thomas. That she was too old to want… want a dad. It felt so selfish and silly. "Not just to help mom, but because you help everyone. Including me."

"That… means a lot," Dean said slowly, hugging her closer. "Thank you, Will. I'm looking forward to that 'planet hopping' you promised."

She hugged him back. "Me too."

Of all the promises she made, this one was the one she prayed the most she didn't break.

Later that evening, Will was on the couch, sharing a blanket with her mom, watching a movie she'd been wanting to watch for a while. The girls were back and scattered around with Matt and Caleb, watching some scenes from time to time, but giving the mother and daughter space.

Will knew it was hopeless to search for Nerissa. She had the advantage and was waiting until they were desperate. Yet, searching gave the group something to do, so Will didn't voice her thoughts on it. Still, she wished they could spend more time at home as a full group. Since she noticed it was less likely people ended up bickering with more people around to occupy each other's time.

There were two thoughts in Will. The first was Nerissa would not let her die, as that would put the Heart of Kandrakar decades from her reach. Not that it was a bluff, per say, just what the hag wanted was something the group wouldn't like, but might tolerate in the short term, until they could gain an advantage again.

The other thought was Nerissa was the desperate one, not them. That years of being shunned, mocked, vilified, and imprisoned left her with a deep fear of loosing everything again. She had accomplished so much after so long of planning, of waiting for the right time to make her move. So messing up now was just beyond comprehension. And while she might not want to kill Will, it could be seen as necessary. Like tricking Julian, the only person she seemed to love, by wearing the face of the mage of Meridian. Like her never being there for her son, only slipping him food as Trill, whispering secrets of the castle to aid him, watching him fight the very prince she served.

Nerissa could reason anything to herself.

And she already tried to kill Will once.

So was this really a true second try?

If it was, Will just wanted time with her family and friends. For weeks, while Phobos was on Earth, she had been obsessed with swim and school, feeling like her Earth life was passing her by. Now, looking back, she knew it was her ties to the people she loved that suffered the most.

Will looked at her mom, light dancing across her face, strain around her eyes.

Will knew it was her mother she had hurt the most.

"Mom?" Will called, adjusting to curl up at her side.

"Hmm?" Susan said, pulling her eyes from the screen.

"I love you," she ended weakly, not able to say everything in her heart. Susan was owed the most, yet that was all she could utter.

Susan smiled, hugging her. "I love you too, Wilhelmina."

Still, she wanted to apologize for every stupid thing she ever did. Every late night of worry she caused. Every tear her mom shed. Every fight. Everything.

But she couldn't, because she didn't want to admit this was it for them. She was supposed to have years to fix the damage her magical life did to her Earth one. At least, that was what she always told herself. Fix it later. Her mom would get over it. That she would get better at the double life she led.

Now, her double life wasn't the only thing ending.

So she tried again. "I'm sorry for-"

"Shush, my baby," Susan breathed. "You have nothing to be sorry for." She hugged her tighter. "Nothing at all. Please, know that."

Will stayed quiet, not feeling like that was true.

Because, at the very least, she was sorry to break her mother's heart once again.

After, in her room, Will was in her pajamas showing Phobos videos of her top favorite Earth animals, basically all of them, on his tablet. He was interested in the weird one, with him stating platypus' were clearly the last traces of magical Earth creatures, as they were chimera-like in structure. Also, he liked maned wolves. Something about their long legs just entertained him.

A knock at the door drew their attention, with Phobos getting up and pulling on a robe. Even with the door barely opened a crack, Will heard her dad as he asked for her.

"It is late," Phobos uttered quickly with disdain, moving to close the door with a scowl. "Inquire in the morning at a respectable hour."

Thomas was pushing at the closing door. "You have a lot of nerve for a guest in my house-"

Will jumped up and scrambled over. It was too late for this shit.

"What's up, dad?" Will asked, pushing a peeved Phobos aside and opening the door wider.

"Didn't know I needed to book appointments to see my daughter in my own-"

"Dad. It's late."

"Ah, right." Thomas cleared his throat. "Got a minute to come talk with your old man?"

While the timing was odd, Will needed to speak with him one-on-one in private. He seemed in better spirits, so she hoped it would be a good time to open up about a few things. Nothing huge, as she didn't want to, um, die and leave things sour between them. Just maybe he could actually help Susan… after? Or just not get in the way when Serena did?

"Yeah, of course. Give me a sec," she agreed, happy he seemed to finally stop pouting over hearing the bathroom adventure too.

Only she was pissed seeing what Thomas wanted to 'talk' about. He had wanted to speak in Serena's studio, saying there wasn't anywhere else private. But privacy wasn't really his goal.

"Don't be mad, kiddo. This wasn't his idea," Thomas said with a small laugh at the look on her face, misreading who her anger was for. "Took a while to convince him you both need to talk things out like adults and make things right." Closing the door, he kept his voice low, trying not to draw attention to the room.

To Matt's credit, he looked annoyed enough that she believed it wasn't his idea to lure her into the mini photo studio while everyone else was settling into bed. Just to hash out only god knows what Thomas thought they needed to. Not saying they didn't need to talk, but it was a delicate topic that needed both of them to keep cool heads to make decent ground with. Something she wasn't sure either of them could do, given everything. As much as she wanted to leave everyone with some closure, she doubted she had enough time to even scratch the surface of the betrayal Matt was still feeling over their breakup and her dating the person he blamed for it.

"What," Will started, only to stop and lower her voice from yelling-pissed, to whisper-pissed. "What the fuck do you think we need to talk about right now, dad?"

Thomas frowned, humour dropping. "Watch your tone, young lady," he lectured. "Your mom might tolerate that mouth, but you're too old for this."

Will glared at her dad, wishing she could free Matt from whatever scheme her dad had come up with. Neither of them needed this right now. Also, while not as pressing, why was something always messing with her sleep schedule? If she made it through all this, she would devote herself to naps and a decent bedtime.

"And what is 'this'?" she hotly demanded, ready to shove her dad aside and storm out. "Why did you drag me and Matt in here, huh?"

He bristled, growing more upset, and almost embarrassed, at the tone directed at him. "Stop making me repeat myself; you're too old for these temper tantrums and games. I get young girls have to have a 'bad boy' phase, but this is loony. That man needs to leave to whatever planet he's from and you need to get your head on straight, for once."

Will's jaw dropped, and she stared up at her father.

She was fucking dying, and he was more interested in her having a boyfriend he approved of?

The soul eater was the only thing that kept her from completely exploding, as it was making her feel more numb as her body worked through the stored magic in her fury. It had been a long day, with Will spending time with other people than Phobos. He had just started sharing magic when her dad interrupted. And even then, it wasn't that potent.

Time was short.

And this was how Thomas wanted to spend it?

"And like I said, Matt's a good kid; he'll forgive you."

Matt was frowning at that comment. He never really saw Thomas outside of his 'fun dad' mask, so it did not prepare him for the man underneath the bullshit.

"Forgive me?" Will said, a mix of fury and numbness. Just the right mix of wanting to just let go and not caring about the fallout.

So she did.

She let go.

Let her mouth spill all the shit she's been storing for years. No matter who it hurt. Thomas, Susan, Serena… why hold it in, anymore? Why fight… just why fight? Him, Nerissa, the twisting leech… it was just never ending.

"Like Mom forgave you when you refused to put your name on my birth certificate, because my red hair didn't match yours and was too 'flashy'?" she said, thinking of his comment the other day. "Or how you forged her name on loans and credit cards because her working two jobs to make sure we ate wasn't contributing enough to the household? Or how you left me home alone over and over because you had 'gigs' that just couldn't wait. Until mom came home early to see a three-year-old crying with a broken arm from falling down the stairs? Because I don't think I'm the forgiving type, like mom. Teen girls are just so stubborn, ya know?"

Holy shit, it was a blur of yelling, with Thomas and Will drawing the attention of the rest of the household. Matt was doing his best to pull Will away from Thomas, as what she was saying was things she could never take back. And might not even have the time to repair things later if she wanted to.

Because every fucked up thing Luba had told Will her father had done, that had the council scrambling to make sure the Light of Infinity made it to adulthood, was pouring out of her mouth.

And Thomas either had selective amnesia or he wasn't about to admit his flaws as he denied anything he couldn't twist into 'it was necessary' or 'your mother filled your head with nonsense'.

"Will," Matt called, hands pulling at her shoulders, as the door opened to Irma and Susan, both in pajamas, hurrying in. "Hey, let's go outside and cool down a bit-"

Only Thomas turned to Susan and yelled, "I knew you hated me and my success, but to turn my daughter against me? That's low, even for you!"

Susan froze, confused at the heat directed at her. Dean had caught up and was quick to answer for her, finally done with Thomas' crap.

"Fuck off, Tony," Dean said, looking peeved. "If Will hates you, it's because of shit like this," he empathized that with a sweep of his arm. "You corner her like this and yell at her? After-"

"Who are you to say anything?" Thomas growled. "She's my daughter, not yours. Even if you want to play pretend-"

"Thomas!" Serena snapped, pushing her way past the household now gathered at the door. Will's eyes caught Phobos' and she knew she needed magic. As she was feeling less angry and just so… done. Done with everything. "I can't believe you! I told you to leave Will and Matt alone about this!"

Thomas redden, as the only person he ever seemed to give a shit about disappointing was Serena. While Will often felt jealous of that, she felt nothing right now.

"I can't just sit by and watch her throw away the one thing that has always made her happy!" Thomas argued in his misguided attempt to help his daughter. "You even agreed she's better off with Matt!"

Serena paled. While she might think that, she had never let on she disapproved of Phobos.

"I never said that!" she blurted out in panic. "Only I'm worried how she will juggle all her… these magic duties, and then be with a prince! So much on her all the time. It's not fair. She's just… she's-"

"Young," Thomas finished, looking at Will. "And look at how things have turned out? You fighting 'magic wars' while you're just a kid! Listen for once-"

"Dude, you need to chill," Irma called, eyeing Will. They could see. See the fading fight in her as her body relaxed.

"Stay out of this for once, girl-"

"You know," Will said, cutting him off before he turned on Irma. "You guys keep bringing up how young we are, but it's your fault, dad."

Thomas' face conveyed his confusion and Will answered before anyone could ask.

"Mom never told me all the shit you did." Will glanced at her mom, able to see the pain there. "But I know everything. There are a lot of people who had to watch over me because of you. To make sure I wasn't homeless or starved. That I only broke my arm and didn't crack open my skull. That mom was also okay. That she could eat enough, sleep enough, to work job after job. But it came to a point when I was an angry girl who was on the edge of breaking. So either Kandrakar gave me my powers, my friends, and showed me there was a universe full of shit to punch, or they waited until I was a bitter, asshole 'adult'." She held her father's gaze. "Like you."

"Will," Susan said, eyes rimmed red, breathing uneven. "I didn't know you knew… that's not right. They shouldn't have told you. It wasn't your burden. It was mine."

"So now I'm a damn burden?" Thomas frothed.

"It's not about you!" Hay-Lin yelled, pushing past to grab Will's arm. "Will, oh no, please," she called, feeling Will's emotions flatten. "Phobos-!" Hay-Lin called, and the others parted as he rushed forward. "She's getting weird again! I thought you said a week!"

Understanding, the room fell quiet as Phobos touched her hand. "This bickering has done her no favors," he said, eyes troubled. "It wasted her life-force with petty squabbling and let the leech regain a hold." Will could feel his magic, but it was like a feather tickling her arm. "It is not letting free," he ended, expression icy.

In the thick silence, he let out a hollow laugh, looking back at all her parents with loathing and disgust. "Are you all proud her last moments of awareness were that of anger and pain? Was it not cruel enough we all had to sit and watch the one who pulled this haphazard group together fade, but now she was robbed of what short time she had left?"

"Wait, wait, wait," Irma mumbled, pushing to Will's side. "Hay-Lin's right; you said a week! It's been three days. That's not a week! That's not a fucking week! You're supposed to be smart about magic and all this shit. You can't be wrong." She was shaking Will, wide eyes shining with building tears. "You can't be," she said, more to Will than the prince. "You can't."

Taranee approached and gently tried to connect, but this time the leech didn't flinch. "Phobos is right; its hold is a lot stronger this time. I can enter her mind but… she's quiet. Empty."

"Hey, maybe," Cornelia called, voice shaking, Caleb at her side, his eyes dropped to the ground. "Maybe we can try with, with your idea, Phobos? Maybe…." She stopped, hands over her mouth and Phobos shook his head, not bothering to say it was pointless.

"We can go get the other regents," Caleb said, looking up at Matt. "If this place is a temple, they can help push the leech off her enough for magic to reach her?"

Matt looked lost, unable to look away from her empty face, hand at her elbow, unable to answer Caleb.

Nothing answered him but the unexpected hum of magic.

Then, on the far side of the room, a portal opened.

There was a pulse of magic, pushing back everyone but Will and Phobos, making the invitation clear.

Irma made a move for the portal but Taranee stopped her.

"She might close it on you," Taranee said. "Remember what happened when Gargoyle was caught in a tear? His hand was cut off." She looked at Phobos. "It's not safe for anyone else to cross over."

Cornelia rushed forward and grabbed the Prince's arm, turning him to her. "I don't give a shit what happens to that witch. Just be your best asshole, snake self and win, got it?"

He shook her hand off, nodding.

Prince Phobos scooped up the Light of Infinity and walked through the portal, with it closing the second they crossed.