Summery: Based a year from the show Will and the other Guardians of the Veil have started normal lives. But when Will falls into a portal she is into the future, alone without anything familiar and has to find a way back home before history repeats itself and something terrible happens.
Warning: Mild cursing, AU since it differs from the books.
Disclaimer: I don't own W.I.T.C.H.
OOooooOOOOoooooOOOOOooooooOOOOOOooooooOOOOOoooooOOOOooooOO Prologue: It's Just Beginning OOooooOOOOoooooOOOOOooooooOOOOOOooooooOOOOOoooooOOOOooooOO
One year had passed since the defeat of Phobos with Elyon placed on the throne as the rightful ruler of Meridian. With the Netherworld restored to its former glory, there didn't seem to be a need anymore for the Guardians of the Veil. So it gave time for the girls to move on with their lives and do the normal things that belonged to girls their age. Though they would be forever changed by the events of the war that they fought, what they had seen, and what they still were. Sighing Will Vandom made her way down the street clutching her backpack to her shoulders. She was in a bit of a hurry because she was going to the mall to meet up with the girls. Sighing she shook her head as she stopped by her door, panting a little as her breath came out in white puffs in the cool air. Reaching into her pocket she pulled out the house key and unlocking the door she stepped inside, dropping her bag on the floor with a loud bang. "Mom! I'm home!" She shouted pausing and listening for a response, getting none she walked into the kitchen and spotted a note on the fridge.
Pulling it off the door her eyes scanned over it, as she brushed a stray piece of red hair out of her eyes. It seemed that her mom had gone out with a friend and suggested that Will work on her math homework and finish it, before leaving the house. Sticking out her tongue the guardian rolled her eyes, crumpling up the note and tossing into the trash. She could always do her homework later, besides now it was a bit rare to ever get a chance for the entire group to hang out together. Ever since the guardian business was over, they had started getting involved with things that caught their interest more. Noticing she had a little time, Will reached into the fridge and pulled out a soda, popping open the can and taking a sip she leaned back, closing the door, as her thoughts trailed back to the last year.
Her first thoughts went to a certain blonde as it registered as Cornelia or Corny, as they liked to call her at times. The Guardian of Earth if anything was busier than all of them, between her visits to Meridian to see Elyon, spending time with Caleb, or her fashion club she had started, the blonde wasn't seen very much. The rest of the time was taken up with her family and could barely squeeze in time to spend with the other girls, not counting when she needed Will to open a portal for her. Though being a guardian had changed her, she became more caring towards her friends, and not thought of herself 24/7 the majority of the time anymore. She also was very protective of her close friends. She still was a shopping maniac, but now she didn't judge as quickly as she used to, like towards Irma, and how she had never said anything useful.
Thinking of Irma the brown haired girl rose next in Will's mind next, if anything Irma was her best friend out of the entire group, sure the other girls were as well, but her and the Guardian of Water hit it off right away. It was Irma who had first suggested that the other girls rescue her from the clutches of Phobos all those months ago. If anything Irma changed the most, but at the same time remained the same. She would still crack jokes at odd times, and be sarcastic, but now she could stand up for herself, especially when it came to her friends. Which was one of the reasons why Will didn't have another huge surprise birthday party again this year. Sure the first was fun, but it had been awkward and overwhelming. Irma always had time to hang out with her friends, and would change her schedule to fit them in. Even with her joining the recent riders club that had opened up in their school. She had Will join as well, so they could hang out more, even though they didn't have their own horses they worked with the ones, that were at a ranch Irma had a after school job at. With the other girls help they had managed to keep their grades up and still joked every now and then and spent their study time over at Hay Lin's.
The Guardian of Air came to mind then, along with several images. After all they had gone through the Chinese girl remained the same, maybe because her grandmother had been a guardian before her so she was used to it. Hay Lin was busy like the rest of them, with peace restored she had jumped into her life headfirst, she may not have a boyfriend yet, but her schedule didn't allow her to have one. Or she just didn't feel like it at the time, she spent half the time working at the restaurant her family owned, mixed in with art club, which led to her designing costumes for the drama club that was at school. In a couple of months she was going to head to a state competition to have her drawings judged. It made her life almost as busy as Cornelia's, but Hay Lin kept her head high, and did it all with a smile, and sometimes a laugh. She still held study sessions at her home above the restaurant with Irma and Will, so the three spent at least five times a week hanging out, catching up, and doing work. The only thing that seemed to change was now she was more serious, and very intuitive, when it came to her friend's problems. She seemed to be always their when they needed someone to talk to, or a shoulder to cry on. She even convinced Taranee to ask out a boy the dark haired girl had crushed on, and now the two were a couple.
Finally the Guardian of Fire crossed over Will's mind, along with memories. The dark haired girl had changed, so much; at times the others hardly recognized her. She grew bolder towards everything in her life; maybe learning how to control fire helped her in that way. She wasn't scared as much now, and was always ready to try something new when it came to her joining the science club, to taking up Photography, to even tutoring, which she excelled in greatly. Taranee was the one that most of them saw the least often, earning money for her tutoring, adding in all the clubs she had joined, plus her newest boyfriend, the guardian was only seen in school. Which was why today was so special, the student she tutored was sick so she had some free time, and agreed to hanging out with the group that day. Fighting in the war to free Meridian had caused Taranee to view the world first hand, and had caused her to not only work harder, but figure out a career, plus what college to go to. She had also helped Will out in the very same way, and now she had more options than possible open towards her, that probably without the dark haired girls help she would be out of the loop.
Taking a long drink of her soda, Will thought about her own changes over the past year, without having the burden of saving an entire world on her shoulders anymore she could be free to live her life; or as much as her mom would allow it without getting too extreme. Being leader of the guardians had taught her responsibility, respect, how to defend herself, and also five close friends that she would never give up for anything in the world. Also how to love, she had fallen hard for Matt, and he didn't run away when he found out her secret, in fact they just became closer. There were no secrets between them, and they talked often and were inseparable. Lately though they had been talking about a sensitive subject in Will's opinion and she decided to bring it up to the other girl's sometime today, after shopping to see their views on it. She shook her head causing her red hair to fly around a little as she moved from her position against the fridge to throw her can in the recycle. She knew she had become busy herself, yet there were times when she was completely free for an entire week with nothing to do. Then though she tried to spend time with her mother, even if they didn't get along half the time, she at least tried to spend time with her. Graduation was coming up in a few years, and she wanted to try to spend time at home, before moving out to college. Giving a small smile she realized a year ago that college wouldn't even come close to the list of her priorities, now though it was pretty near the top. Mixed in there were her friends, then her horseback riding tournaments, and finally acting. Realizing the irony of it, she couldn't believe how Hay Lin had asked her to try out for a play. Even more amazed when she had landed a good part, since then she spent half of her free time acting, and making some friends outside of her close group. Adding in her job with Irma, and riding, it clashed with Cornelia and Taranee's schedules, which was why a lot of her time was spent with the other two guardians.
Then there was Matt, her thoughts trailed off though as she looked up at the clock, her brown eyes widening in shock. If she didn't leave now, she would be late; quickly she dashed to the door, and threw on her coat. Making sure the door was locked, and slamming it shut behind her, she jumped off the stairs and took off at a run.
OOooooOOOOoooooOOOOOooooooOOOOOOooooooOOOOOoooooOOOOooooOOWill finally made it to the mall, panting, making a small note to start taking up jogging or something to get in better shape. Adjusting her coat the red head walked through the glass doors of the mall, and started moving towards the center of the ground floor. She remembered they had agreed to meet there, taking a deep breath she pushed herself through the giant crowd of people.
Fifteen minutes later she managed to escape for the most part just a bit ruffled, and saw the fountain, and two very familiar people standing nearby. Smiling brightly she called out, "Hey Irma, Hay Lin!" When the girls looked up she jogged over and avoiding a couple which caused her to pause. The boy looked familiar, shrugging it off she made the rest of the way over, pausing to catch her breath. "So has anyone else arrived yet?" She asked.
"Nope, I called them, and they both seemed to be running a little late, but promised to be here." Hay Lin commented giving a small smile.
"Yeah, we've just been sitting here and waiting, I thought it was strange that you said you could meet us Will. I mean didn't you have a date with Matt today?" Irma asked her eyebrows raised a little as the trio sat down at a nearby table.
Putting her coat on the back of the chair the red head locked eyes with Irma. "We did, but he canceled, said something about his parents wanting to spend time with him today. But it's strange it seems like…." She began, but trailed off her eyes going distant.
"What's strange?" Hay Lin pressed gently, something suddenly didn't seem right.
Will felt her cheeks turning red, as heat rose up before she began speaking. "Well a week or so ago, Matt brought up something when we were talking." She began.
"Which was?" Irma asked, having a feeling of what it was exactly by the redness in her best friends cheeks.
"Sex, he thought that since we've been dating so long, we were ready for it." She murmured her eyes closing as she missed the look exchanged between Hay Lin and Irma. "I disagreed though, I mean isn't it supposed to be saved until you feel it is the right time? Myself I wasn't ready, this is one of the first relationships I've been in that's lasted for so long and I told him that. He became quiet then and we didn't say much afterwards, since then he's been canceling our dates, or when we go there seems to be a tense silence." She finished opening her eyes locking them briefly with the other girls. "Do you two know what…."
Will didn't get to finish her sentence as their names were being called out, turning they saw Cornelia, Taranee, and Caleb walking towards them. Standing the trio avoided some people and strolled out to meet them. The blonde had her hand firmly clasped in Caleb's gave Will a strange look, her blue eyes thoughtful. Before the red head could say anything the Guardian of Earth interrupted, "Hey Will, why aren't you with Matt? Didn't you two come together?"
The leader paused as she heard Cornelia's first question, but paused at the second one confused. "What are you talking about Corny? Matt said he had something to do with his parents today, that we couldn't go on our date." She answered.
"Really because we just passed him like….." She then trailed off her eyes going wide, as her grip tightened on Caleb's hand. For once she didn't retort about her nickname blue eyes became serious as she formed her next question before asking it. "Will, does Matt have a sister?" She hoped it was a yes, as she crossed her fingers with her free hand, but already fearing the worst.
"No, I've told you before he doesn't, which was one of the things we had in common….." It was her turn to trail off as she noticed the look exchanged between Caleb and Cornelia, their eyes held worry in them. Will instantly felt a little worried herself. "Guys is there something you're not telling me?" She asked carefully her hands crossing in front of her nervously.
"It's probably nothing, just a cousin visiting in town that's all nothing to worry about Will." She said and noticing the spaced out look in her friends eyes cleared her throat. "Will are your listening to me?" She asked.
Will wasn't listening instead she was focused on a couple not too far away, the same couple she had almost collided with earlier. Now she recognized the boy, it was Matt standing there with a shorter girl with black straight hair, fair skin, wearing a tight fitting outfit. Holding Hands! What happened next shattered Will's heart into tiny pieces as she watched the two kiss. Her gasp caused the others who were staring at her in concern to follow her gaze, and gasp as well, while Caleb became enraged, and Cornelia partly held him back. The next few events became a blur in Will's mind as she felt someone's hand on her shoulder, but she shrugged it off. Anger filled her; the pain and heartache would be later, now it was time to be angry. Ignoring her friends pleas to stop she stomped over to the couple to see them making out on a bench unaware of how public their affection was becoming. She watched them for a few more moments, before clearing her throat, her hands shaking.
Instantly the two broke off as Matt opened his eyes to look up straight into angered brown ones. His dazed look faded to one of recognition and shock, as he quickly stood. "Will, what are you doing here?" He asked caught off guard.
"What am I doing here?" She repeated quietly to lift her head up and glare straight into those eyes she had loved to get lost in once before, now all she could feel was hate. "I'm hanging out with my friends, the question should be is, why are you not with your parents? Why are you here making out with this stranger?" She demanded, voice starting to rise a little.
The girl then choose the wrong moment to interrupt as she stood up to take the boy's hand and hold it tightly. "What business does he have to answer your questions?" She asked coldly glaring dead on with the red head.
"What right?" Will asked her voice going a little shrill. "How about being his girlfriend for the past year and a half!" She shouted getting some peoples attention as her friends who had been watching before came closer to see their best friend shaking. She kept glaring at Matt though as her next words came out so she didn't see the black haired girl's reaction to her words. "Was this what the excuses were really about Matt? Lies, so you could go see this girl behind my back. Well that's it, we're through Matt, are you happy, now you can spend all the time you want with this girl and not have to worry about lying to me anymore!" She shouted and that was when her eyes began to blur, filling with tears, as she turned on her heel, shoving past her friends, going at a dead run.
She ignored the calls of her name as she just ran faster pushing and moving around people before shoving open the door into the cold air outside. Tears running down her cheeks she just kept running, she had to get away, away from it all, before the true pain settled in.
OOooooOOOOoooooOOOOOooooooOOOOOOooooooOOOOOoooooOOOOooooOOA couple of hours later found Will curled up under part of a bridge, shivering as her tears kept falling. She had forgotten her coat at the mall, but that didn't matter, she was cold, but her thoughts dominated through her mind, along with her emotions as the tears suddenly fell harder as she let out a sob. 'I thought he loved me, he said it so many times I thought it was true. Was he playing me this entire time? While behind my back he kept seeing this other girl? Now that I think about it, she was prettier than I was, or maybe she was more exciting than me? What's wrong with me to make Matt want too….want to be with someone else?' She thought pulling her legs up against her chest as pain kept stabbing at her heart, to match her mood snow then began to fall, as the sky became darker. It made her realize she should have been home long ago, slowly standing she wiped some tears from her face and eyes, as she shivered again.
Jumping down from her spot she stuffed her hands into her pockets, to have one suddenly give off a strange warmth. Pausing she reached into her pocket to pull out a very familiar object, as the pink light filled the small space around her. Taking a hold of the chain she saw the heart float in the air before her, as the glow became brighter. 'That's strange, the heart hasn't acted like this for a long time' Before she could think of anything else, the heart suddenly tugged in a direction in front of her. She stopped herself though thinking about calling in the others, she would have to push her other feelings aside for now, but if there was trouble it had to be taken care of. Reaching down to pull out her phone, she had turned off at one point of time, was about to dial Hay Lin's number, when the heart tugged again, this time harder as she almost fell on her face in the ground. Cursing she watched as her phone tumbled from her fingers to hit the ground instead.
She couldn't even reach for it as she was dragged again, by some unseen force as the heart started to have a mind of it's own. She had to run to keep up with the urgent tugging, as she passed into the darker end of town as the snow kept falling harder now then every before. Turning a corner she almost fell again as the heart stopped dragging her along as brown eyes studied the portal floating a few feet away. She was startled though at the color change, instead of the regular blue of every veil this one was pink, almost the same pink glow of the heart, if not identical. Curious with her eyebrows raised, Will came a little closer to the portal her plan to close it. It wouldn't be a good idea to leave it open and floating there for anyone to walk through. Before she could even try, the heart suddenly became alive again and pulled now hard, caught off balance she tumbled headfirst into the portal's base, not noticing as the portal closed behind her.
The next thing she knew she was falling, through what appeared to be pure black as her body became freezing. She flew head over heels clutching the heart tightly to her chest, shutting her eyes tightly as suddenly her feet collided hard with the Earth and thrown off balance she crashed into the ground with a groan. Feeling the cold leave her body, Will slowly opened her brown eyes to look around to see dirt. Giving another groan of pain she slowly sat up, to a kneeling position to better take in her surroundings. The breeze blew warm as it caressed her face, as she noticed she was in an alley, like before, but instead of seeing snow, she saw the ground, and it felt warm, very warm. Surprised she looked down at her hands to still see the heart glowing brightly sending off a sense of security. Carefully she put it around her neck and willed it to vanish inside of her, and stood her knees still shaking from her abrupt landing. Looking around she leaned against a wall to take a few deep breaths of air, and still using it to steady her she walked out into the street.
What she saw caused her to loose her breath and her heart to stop for a few moments before beating again, harder. Before her eyes she saw Meridian, but not the one she was used to see, full of bright light and happy people, this one looked like the one when Phobos was draining the energy. Her brown eyes wide she stepped further out into the open, still caught up in her shock she didn't see the guards until they were almost upon her. Turning she gave a small smile and a surprised look to their weapons that were raised. "Hey I'm not an enemy, but could you tell me…." She didn't get to finish her sentence as she dodged the ax that was aimed right at her. Feeling very confused even a little scared because she thought everyone knew whom the guardians were by now; she got ready to summon the heart, but before she could she bumped into someone from behind. Looking up Will was met with a pair of familiar eyes before something hit her in the head and everything became dark…….
OOooooOOOOoooooOOOOOooooooOOOOOOooooooOOOOOoooooOOOOooooOOOkay that's it for the prologue, let me know if I should keep it going! Read and Review!