Chapter 23: Enter Jessie Alexis

"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."
- A. Einstein


In the center of Infinity, where time runs differently, time for negations is still, very much limited. In the spur of the moment, during one of the, lately, more and more frequent meetings, these were the thoughts that went through Yan Lin's head.

Yan Lin was an old hand when it came to Kandrakar and its many quests, rules and ordeals. In her time, she had probably seen more than any other former guardian or alumnus of the fortress could brag about, yet she could still not bear to accept certain opinions without a hint of disfavor. Whether it was hidden in her disciplined posture, the way her sleeves went in each other while she listened, or in a certain new little wrinkle around her eyes, the trace of disapproval for bizarre was always there. The ex-guardian perceived herself as a calm and rational woman, but sometimes, her inner immigrant old-lady who has spent the last sixty years of her life in an American city, said her eloquent word:

"As much as I sympathize with your opinion and stance, my old friend, Luba is henpecking you big time, and according to my ken, that has never ended gloriously for any man, anywhere."

Her blunt, but honest statement, caught all the eyes of the hall, including those of the Oracle who looked as if he sensed a great deal of headache coming his way.

Endarno rustled in his place, visibly taken aback by what he had heard. He had come to this meeting from one of the fortress's many towers, where he spent the majority of his time. He had received a special invite to join a discussion, he didn't have much to say about, but before he could even reply, Luba took the word, fuming:

"Yan Lin was not originally a part of these meetings, Oracle! How are we to be certain that she won't reveal our discussions here to Nerissa? They're friends. And judging by her behavior, I'm dispirited!"

"Luba."- Himerish sighed almost inaudibly. "Do not stir up the harmony, Luba. Yan Lin is here to represent Will, who has problems on Earth and is hindered from attending, you are aware of that. The Council has full trust in Yan Lin and we are certain that understanding the true essence of these meetings, she will keep them in secret. And why wouldn't she? She has never before given us reason to doubt her intentions and devotion, hence your words are offending. Please, stick to the point."

"Thank you, Oracle."- the former Air guardian smiled awry. "Yet I feel that Luba and I pursue a different point."

"My point is clear. I want to fulfill the will of Kandrakar and help keep the Universe balanced. What is yours, Yan Lin?"- Luba glared at her with her cat-like, piercing eyes.

The old woman just shook her head with a wistful smirk. Yes, she couldn't hide her disapproval, but at least she could display it as reasonably as possible:

"Your radical suggestion to do something impossible resembles that one wrong decision the Council took many years ago, Luba. It- "

"So you finally stand by your friends and their opinion!"- Luba exclaimed accusingly, raising her long-nailed finger at Yan Lin. "You admit you find the decision Cassidy to take control over the Heart of Kandrakar to have been wrong? I wonder as to why it took you many years to express your real opinion, Yan Lin. All these years you've been pretending to stand by our Oracle, but now, when your old guardian group is reunited, you've turned overconfident! Did you hear that, Oracle?"- and with a rapid look, she faced the bald man, who remained still and visibly calm. "This is the real face of Yan Lin, who you consider most worthy of the Council's trust!"

"I didn't mean that decision, in particular, Luba, and I may have my own thoughts on it too; we all do, don't we. But in the end, that has nothing to do with the point we're trying to prove around here."- and the former guardian blinked calmly, relishing in the sight of the face which the keeper of the Aurameeres made. "I was speaking of the decision to imprison my old friend Nerissa on Mount Thanos, all these years ago. It sadly reminds me of your today suggestion to take all her power and turn her ordinary. I know Nerissa; ordinality will be her undoing. And I don't want that to happen now when I can finally see her soul uncorrupted and her heart filled with love. Oracle-"

Yan Lin turned to the man who smiled at her warmly. He could see through her words as she could see through his smile. For both they knew, they were both being sincere.

"Oracle, the crisis with Phobos is under control, but only for now. The Council has already foreseen a new problem that'll arise in the near future and that problem will be connected to him. Until then, we have to keep waiting. My experience has taught me that patience is the key to fight the unknown."

"Experience is the teacher of fools!"- Luba hissed angrily, having sensed the direction in which this meeting was going. Himerish was going to agree on Yan Lin's terms any minute now and she couldn't allow that. She couldn't live through this again.

"And the father of wisdom."- Yan Lin added and winked at her.

Shaking with anger, Luba went on. She had had it with these former and present guardians playing the entire Council for fools. She longed justice. And justice had to be served once and for all.

"We have to act before the situation with both Phobos and Nerissa has gotten out of control!"

"To be completely fair, Nerissa hasn't lived up to our worst expectations."- Tibor interfered after a long silence on his part. "Despite the failure of her plan to defeat Phobos and Leonida, she hasn't lost the string of sanity as she has respectively done in the past."

"Who cares!"- Luba barked. "Who cares! Neither has Phobos! What of it? Does that mean that he can be redeemed as well?"

"Maybe."- the ex-guardian said, mostly to peeve her.

"It is possible, though I don't believe it."- Himerish shook his head. "He will be a father...then we will know for sure. The paths of faith are unknown."

"He won't change."- Elyon said bitterly. "Not for his child, not for anything."

As usual, the young Queen was also attending the meeting, but her mind was elsewhere. She thought of all the problems and trouble she was facing, and how her decision to reprieve Phobos yet again had made everyone look at her with disappointment. Nerissa, most of all people... But then again, Elyon respected her for it. She knew she deserved reproach. Maybe the Mage just had the guts to express it openly, unlike everyone else.

While the queen was going through an inner identical crisis, Luba's rage kept gaining speed:

"Why don't we let each and every criminal redeem themselves and start over?"- she shouted, enraged by yet another fruitless meeting. None of these beings knew what had to be done. None of them knew what it was like.

"Is that what you all want? Тhere's no balance in the Universe this way! We're toying with forces we cannot control. Oracle, sinners have to be punished and saints have to be cherished! Not the other way around! Why is that those who deserve good never get it and those who don't get so many chances?!"

Endarno and Tibor exchanged glances, while Yan Lin chose to look at the Oracle's stoical posture.

"Luba."- he said in the end. "You mustn't be polemical like that. You know that the Universe balances itself. We have to guide the good, but in the end, fate's decisions always prevail. We don't interfere in fate; you are aware. I sense dread hanging over your rationality and soul. Please, stay safe from darker thoughts. I proclaim this meeting over now. We shall meet again when my upcoming three moon- meditation comes to an end. I'll be going to the meditation chambers now if you'll all excuse me. Only deep cogitation within my own body and soul will help me figure out the next right step. The next three days we will let the events flow freely."


Heatherfield

"What do you mean ''it's too early to discuss this''? It's been two days, I'm here to pay Wilhelmina Vandom's bail!"- Cornelia slammed her fist against the police desk with an angry spark in her bluebottle eyes.

Not the smartest move, Hay Lin noted with worry as she observed the tall police officer stand up from his chair. But Cornelia was not to be underestimated. Even when Hay Lin thought that they'll be thrown out:

"If you do that one more time, Ms. Hale, I'll throw you in Wilhelmina Vandom's cell!"

"Really?"- Cornelia sneered in his face. "And I'll press charges against you for violating your position! Will's lawyer and the Supreme Court, settled the price of the bail yesterday! I don't get why you're trying to keep her and her mother in here, but you can't do that anymore, not without evidence against them! For all we know, anyone could've put that body in their condo! Do your investigating before trying to give out life sentences! Yesterday you closed the entire Police Station early, just so that we couldn't pay the settlement, but now you can't reject us."- and she threw the judicial warrant in his face. "So, take the money and release my friend!"

Officer Alexis replied to her poisonous glare with a cold one and took the paper off his shirt.

"I know how things work in your world, you spoiled bitch."- he gritted his teeth at her. "You pay for everything with you daddy's money and you think that just because you can afford it, you can have it instantly-"

"Excuse me?!"- Cornelia couldn't believe her ears.

Seeing that she was on the verge of slapping the man, Hay Lin grabbed a hold of her hand instinctively.

"-But guess what."- the officer went on. "This is not the mall, so sit down on your ass before you get to know how exactly the police can make you respect them. No autopsy results, no bail for your friend."

"The autopsy results are here!"

Finally! Hay Lin breathed in relief.

Alexis turned around, having heard Irma's loud announcement, only to find her standing beside one of the main pathologists. The man with the shaved head took the paper folder being handed to him reluctantly and visibly irked, then looked back at the doctor to make a comment, but the doctor was faster:

"Inspector, the results on the Vandom case were already sent to the official email of the police station, but I'm here to give them to you in person, by Ms. Lair's request. It was highly unprofessional of us to slow them down so much, but due to the unforeseen circumstances that hit forensic medicine yesterday..."- the man cleared his throat.

Cornelia and Hay Lin exchanged suspicious glances. They were both thinking the same thing, and they didn't even need telepathy to double-check. The police station being unreasonably closed just when they were to arrive and the 'unforeseen circumstances'' that had hidden the pathology department, both had to do with Officer Alexis's frantic reluctance and hostile demeanor towards Will and her mother...

"You may not know this about me, Alexis, but I'm a cop's daughter."- Irma said jauntily as she watched the man go through the documents with a pulping vein on his forehead..."I know how things work around here and when dad's friends in the pathology said that there has been a false gas leakage signal there yesterday, I had to make sure that Will's ticket to bail will be delivered here today."

- What took you so long!- Cornelia elbowed Irma with a reproachful face. This guy was so getting on my nerves.

- I had to convince the pathologist to finish Will's report today and it wasn't easy, OK, Corny?!- Irma's telepathic voice snapped. My dude here has all the lower positioners under his thumb! Not only has he started that gas leakage rumor, the doctor who was supposed to originally operate on the body found at Mrs. Vandom's, has been hit by a hit and run driver! Coincidence, I don't think so!

- That jackass. - Cornelia raged. - What's his problem, anyway?! He's new in town, he substitutes your father, why is he so determined to make Will's life a living hell?!

Irma didn't have an answer to that for she wondered the same. But as the two young women got carried away in their conversation, Alexis handed the folder back to the dazed doctor.

"Trust me, I know all about your nepotism practice. That's exactly why I have the full reason to deny these results and demand a doublecheck."

"What?!"- Cornelia gritted her teeth and looked back at her friend, who just glared grimly at the officer. He smiled snidely in return.

"See, this time, your daddy being a cop won't cover for your shit, Ms. Lair."

The water guardian had assumed he'd use a line of that sort to his advantage; her mother had warned her how to speak and not to speak in front of the authorities, for years. But then again, Alexis hardly lacked the given information already.

"You can't do that!"- Hay Lin exclaimed, sincerely concerned about her friend being held like a prisoner for another day. "Will's innocent, you can't do this to her and her mother!"

"Can't I?"- Alexis seemed to find relish in her helplessness. "That's what they all say. And what does a restaurateur's daughter know about police rights, anyway?"

Hay Lin gawked at him. She and the other guardians exchanged glances. That they had never told him. So, he really did have them pinned...But why?! This man's attitude was frighteningly starting to resemble that of Sylla, one of their former teachers who had wanted to expose their double identities to the world...

"You're free to go, doctor."- Alexis said coldly, looking down at the other man. "Take these results and run a double-check. Make sure that your friendship with the former chief constable around here, doesn't cloud your judgment."

Cornelia was beside herself. She hated this guy with a passion already. But before she could lash out and yell at him, Irma spoke, in a surprisingly calm manner:

"At this point, it's pointless to deny you're doing everything you can to keep the Vandoms behind bars for a longer time. Say, Officer, do you sincerely believe them to be guilty or are you just desperately trying to make a name for yourself in Heatherfield?"

"I don't have to do that, because I'm not planning to stick around your little town for my entire life like your father did."- the man replied almost maliciously. "I'm here to substitute for the next 4 months. Then I'm off to New York. I don't have to work to create a name for myself, my name works for me, Lair. That being said, if you're all quite done with the desperate attempts to get the Vandoms on bail, come again in 24 hours. I have the legal right to keep them here until then. After all, they're suspected of murder."

"Inhibited jerk."- Cornelia murmured under her breath, tossing her long blond pony back. Her eyes met those of the inspector. Whether he had heard her or not, the tall man only smirked:

"Sorry not sorry, Hale. Come try to bite me again tomorrow. Or anything else you'd like to do to me. Anytime, you've got my number and I certainly have got yours."

Alexis was just turning around on his heel to leave the setting smugly and let the three women be with thumbs in their mouths, unable to say or do anything more, when another, new female voice interfered:

"Can I bite too? But be warned; I'm a shark."

Theresa Cook had entered the building and everyone knew what that meant. All the police officers, who had been ignorant of the recent dispute, hurried to go to their places or busy themselves with work. The pathological doctor took a respective step back, for the woman was now standing directly in front of the officer.

With her strict gray pantsuit and flawlessly cut, straight bangs, Theresa Cook knew how to provoke anyone's respect. Jessie Alexis was yet to be convinced of that:

"Don't you greet people? Perhaps we haven't been acquainted yet. I'm judge Cook. Don't you think it's a tad unprofessional to talk to women in this way when at work?"

Even her first question had undermined him. As Alexis seemed to struggle with finding the right words to reply with, the girls couldn't help exchange small smiles. Taranee, who was coming their way, smiled back at them. Her mother could have many traits she wasn't exactly fond of, but her desire for justice was to be admired.

- Thank God you came, Taranee! - Hay Lin greeted her when their friend lined up with them. - We were beginning to lose hope. This guy really wants to torment Will and Susan.

- He's such a bitch! - Irma was furious. - I can't believe that's who's to substitute my father.

- Not for long, he'll not! Taranee, get your mom to send him away. - Cornelia insisted. - He's an ass and his place is not in Heathefield. He belongs on the top of a mountain!

- Take it easy, girls. - Taranee was the voice of reason in their heads. - We have to take things one at a time; we're here to arrange Will and Susan's bail. They need their freedom. Once that is done, we'll get to the bottom of everything else.


Fifteen minutes later, in Nigel's car, Irma was starting to get impatient. It was a cold, bright day out in Heatherfield, and she and the others were waiting in the police station's parking lot, as advised by Mrs. Cook. Alongside all the problems on Meridian, they now had this horrible cop in town who was clearly determined to turn their girlfriend's daily routine into hell under the stars. Just fabulous, the water-witch thought bitterly as she glanced at the others.

Taranee was nervously stretching her neck, looking at the exit. Hay Lin was biting her nails, while Cornelia was wrapping a strand of hair around her finger, again and again. Of course, they were all impatient. How unfortunate it was that her father had had to transfer just now!

But Irma's impatience quickly grew into disappointment when she saw Theresa walk out of the police station, alone.

"This soo can't be happening."- Cornelia murmured.

"Poor Will."- Hay Lin sighed.

Taranee just stirred in her place. She wasn't about to underestimate her mother just yet and she would turn out to be right. It was just that, in addition to her worry for the Vandoms, Taranee was also worried because of her work, lectures and the fact that she was breaking out at 24. Stress was such a major factor for them on the daily...

"Mrs. Cook, did that son of a bitch-"- Irma began when the judge opened the door of the jeep, but Theresa was quick to give them the news:

"Will and Susan are getting ready to leave, relax."- she said to their relief. "In spite of everything, justice will be served. Jessie Alexis is a tough one and he won't leave the case just like that, but we will prove him wrong. I will personally see to that."

"How did you him to accept the bail, after all?"- Taranee asked, suspicious of her mother's vehement tone. "Even though he's slowing down the evidence, we can't prove it. He had the legal right to keep them in custody for another day- "

"Don't get me started, because I'll get angry again."- Theresa tried to dodge the question, moving her suitcase and her handbag from the left hand to the right. "Anyhow, you wait here, Will and Susan will need a lift. I'm going, I have to be in time for Cassidy's checkup- "

"Mom!"- the fire guardian demanded. "Tell me! We have to be ready for everything, so better tell me what you did. Because if he gets you off the case- "

"He can't do that."- Theresa interrupted her and then sighed. "I'm a professional, Taranee, but I do admit, that man got on my nerves. I've interacted with thousands of cops, yet I've never encountered a more insolent one. Noting against cops, by the way, Irma."- she added. "Your father is a great, heroic man, who keeps the profession's good name."

"I know, Mrs. Cook."- Irma beamed in response, much to Cornelia's distaste. She had told her not to use that babyish tone a thousand of times. Whenever Irma did, even unwittingly, she cringed.

"Mom."

"Fine, it may have slipped my lips. Fine. I said it. I said 'I've known Susan Vandom and her daughter for 12 years. There's a much higher chance for her dead ex-husband to have committed the crime, after all, it was his property.' Then he asked me whether I'm pressing charges against Tony Vandom and I said that the court will consider it, hence he released Will and Susan. Up until this point, no one but the police has pressed charges against them, because there was a body found on their property, but with no witnesses, no evidence... Now the case may have a main suspect, who's reported...-"

"Oh, boy."- Irma cringed and looked at her friends.

They were all in perplexity, except for Taranee who slapped her forehead.

"But how can charges be pressed against a deceased man?"- Cornelia couldn't understand. "What are they gonna do, how will they prove it? Tony died in March last year. This person can't have died that long ago, can they?"

"They can. Ugh. Everything's a lot more complicated now!"- Taranee exclaimed in frustration. "What a newbie move, mom! When did you start work, yesterday? Susan and Will are going to be extremely angry with us now."

"I know, Taranee, but he got me angry! What's the point of crying over spilled milk now?"- Theresa leaned on the car door. "And don't be quick to rebuke me. I know how to proceed from now on."

"Yeah, right. Once you've brought that into the picture, it's just a big mess. We should've just let them stay in custody another day, tomorrow it would've been illegal for Alexis to refuse the bail."- Taranee folded her arms and sunk in the driver's seat. "It wasn't worth it."

"On the contrary, Taranee."- Hay Lin disagreed with concern in her eyes. "Will couldn't spend another night there. We have to think of her mental health. "

"Hay-Hay's right."- Irma said. "Will hasn't been the same lately. She doesn't need all this additional stress. We did good. You did good, Mrs. Cook."

"Besides, since Mr. Vandom is no more, what can the court do?"

"When you think of it, people would've linked him to it, either way."- Cornelia reasoned. "It was his apartment."

"It's different when someone puts his name in the story."- Taranee shook her head. "My mother, in this case. Alexis is, for some reason, determined to make Will and Susan's life hell, and now he has a platform to do many different things, which he couldn't do before. If he's creative enough, which he is, he might still sue the Vandoms. If the jury recognizes Tony as guilty, they can demand a settlement. Much more than his good name will be tarnished and- "

"Big deal, we'll pay the settlement."- Cornelia interrupted her friend. "Money won't be a problem for Will, because she's my friend. What matters is that she and Susan won't be sentenced and won't have a criminal record- "

"Cornelia, you don't know all about law."- Taranee snorted. "In part, you were right."- she added upon realizing her words had triggered a scowl on the blonde's face. "They weren't going to be able to proceed against a deceased man if my mother hadn't mentioned it. Because she's the judge and she has the power to bring it up! Alexis disabled one of the few advantages which we had, that's why I'm angry. We can't flop anymore- "

"Taranee, that's enough."- Theresa cut her off. "Maybe you shouldn't have given up being a lawyer since you know so much about the codex and the law of the state."

"Well, maybe I will reconsider the opportunity."- her daughter frowned.

"I'll be extremely happy if you do. But until you get your degree in that, don't be so quick to doubt me. I already said that I'll fix it. Alexis won't be able to bring it up in Court because I'll change my statement, when in front of the jury- "

"Perhaps I didn't express myself clear enough. We lost one of the legal advantages which we had. What you're suggesting is illegal!"

"You'd be surprised to find about the illegal affairs I've closed my eyes for, in your name."- her mother said, making Irma almost burst out in laughter in the worst possible moment. (chapter 7 ;)

Hay Lin's mouth hung open, while Cornelia just stared incredulously. But Taranee was definitely the most astounded:

"What?!"

"Nothing, I have to go! I'll be late for the checkup"- and Theresa waved them off, heading for her own car." I'll catch you later. Bye, girls!"

A minute passed in half-tense, half- comical silence as the guardians waited for her friend and her mom to emerge from the building, after Theresa's departure.

"IN my NaMe. What is she talking about?!"- Taranee exploded. "She's getting crazier than ever! I'll have to- "

"Forget about that, Tara, we have more important things to discuss!"- Irma slapped her knee. "If it'll make you feel better, my dad used to give tickets to all the parents who complained about me in kindergarten! Oh, and one time, when Cornelia and her grandmother were about to come and pick up Lillian when she and Chris were in 10th grade, dad got his friends to put a brace on their driver's car. Just to give Lil and Chris more the before the next socialite sermon. Of course, it turned out that it had been pointless because Cornelia and Vera were sooo busy doing their makeup, they headed for their car two hours later than they had announced they'll come to our house..."

"Big Ha!"- Cornelia glared daggers at the water-witch and at Hay Lin, who giggled. "My grandmother made me drive her to the stupid police station and I lost two more hours of my night while she spoke to your dad about 'the importance of shaving'!"

"My point is that at a certain point, everyone abuses their authority to some extent."- Irma summarized, taking out her phone. "Now, forget about all that, and let's do our planning carefully. We'll investigate the case with the corpse in the condo, ourselves."

"That's not a bad idea."- Taranee admitted. "But given the circumstances, finding where to start from will be hard, even for us, guardians. But if we all think together-"

"How about starting from the autopsy."- Irma grinned slyly. "These files are confidential, but guess who took pics of the entire folder on their phone."

Her friends stared at her with plate-like eyes.

"Gee, being a cop's daughter definitely taught you to think like a criminal."- Cornelia teased. "Good job, though."

"Ah, don't pretend that we haven't done shit like that before, Corny Jenner! Remember when we broke into ''Simueltech''?"

"Let me see."- Taranee took the phone from her friend and started reading out loud. "Gender- male, age- around 63, time of death- "

She suddenly stopped.

"Um, girls..."- Hay Lin began, but the other two were too occupied with Taranee's reaction.

"What is it already?"- Cornelia demanded.

"Yeah, what's the cause of death?"- Irma asked, shaking Taranee up. "Hellooo."

"If we're going to be keeping this a secret from Will, you better shut up!"- Hay Lin pinched the water guardian.

"Ouch! And whyyy-"

"Because Will and her mom are coming this way!"

She was right. Everyone, but Taranee, aimed their attention at the two women that had just walked out of the police station.

"Quickly, honk so that they see us!"- Cornelia reached from the back seat to follow her own advice. "And zip it with the investigation! They shouldn't hear about Tony being dragged in the case just yet."

Taranee handed Irma back her phone.

"I don't see that happening."- she said quietly.

"Huh?"

"About Tony."- Taranee looked at the other three women seriously. "They'll hear."

"Yeah, if you don't shut up!"- Irma shoved her. "They'll be in the car in 30 seconds!"

"No, not because of that, but because the condo corpse died about 340 days ago."

"Your point?"- Irma rolled her eyes.

Susan was going to open the door any minute now. She was probably wondering why they waited in the car, without emerging to welcome them properly. Will just looked grim and Taranee wasn't talking anymore.

Then, all of a sudden, Cornelia got it:

"Oh, my God!"- she whispered in the last moment, available for pondering on the topic. "Tony was still alive back then."


Luba walked into her personal tower with a grim expression on her face. Kandrakar was her home. Kandrakar was what she had devoted herself to, but deep inside, she'd always know- Kandrakar was her final stop. The one on which her dreams and hopes, had been forever halted and shattered. Her life's journey had forever become a stagnation and desertion.

"My destiny and the promises given to me were never fulfilled, my student."- the Basilíadian narrated for the mysterious figure in her tower. "I was promised a life of adventure, love and happiness. A life that had a future. I was never made what I was initially fated to be. Yes, they made me keeper of the Aurameeres. A position and responsibility, the importance of which I understand and value. For so many human years, I've been devoted to and perfect in taking care of the mystic Aurameeres. But the amount of injustice I've suffered is an unbearable weight on my shoulders. I'm afraid I can no longer carry it as I did up until now"

As she said that, the waters in the mystic pond stirred, projecting the images of her memories. The mysterious figure in the shadows watched in silence, as Luba sat by the waters, somewhat tiredly.

*FLASHBACK*

A young Luba entered the Hall of the Congregation, all trembling in awe and anticipation. Her long years of preparation and training in Basilíade had ended two summers ago. She was one of the brightest students of her teacher, Sina, and was hence approved by the Oracle himself, who welcomed her with a warm smile. Luba was thrilled to serve Kandrakar, like most of her kind, but her skills, talents and achievements assured her precedence. Not just anyone got invited to Kandrakar during an important ritual, and she was proud of herself it.

The current situation in the Fortress of Infinity was solemn and of great importance. The entire Council had gathered in the special amphitheatrical hall, specially created for the purpose of the Mystic Picking- an ancient ritual in which the almighty Heart of Kandrakar was about to distinguish its next guardians.

Luba watched, holding her breath in awe. She felt so very privileged to attend such an exceptional ceremony; Sina, herself, had told her how lucky she is to be here, with all these wise beings, as the Heart of the Fortress makes a choice of a lifetime.

The Oracle was decked in a pristine, pure white robe when he stepped into the center of the majestic temple, around which light flowed freely and graciously. He looked so very solemn, yet welcoming at the same time, Luba could not not feel her heart skip a beat...

Then, he took his place on the circle like podium, and sat by the jewel, placed in an eye-catching stand made of pure energy. Then, the Aurameeres, these five magical, colorful orbs emerged from the Heart in a graceful manner, slowly beginning to circulate around the Oracle and his right-hand man.

Luba could feel their mystic force from her seat. These orbs were beyond powerful...They were of key importance to the guardians. To her...

"A time has come, my friends."- Himerish spoke in a dignified tone. "A time for Kandrakar to choose a new set of guardians. Five protectors of the Hearts' cosmic might. Five girls that are going to protect the Universe from all evil that lurks in the shadows...For the evil which is looming above all of us..."

"Who are the chosen ones this time, Oracle?"- one sage asked.

"Patience, my friend. The good news are to unfold in front of your very eyes."- the Oracle smiled, spreading his arms. "The Heart of Kandrakar has not recognized beings capable of bearing its incredible demand and power in years. But today its voice is strong and it must be heard!"

Could it be, Luba thought, trembling in her seat. Could it be that I've triggered the mystic Heart. Could my hard work and devotion have made it chose me after years of naught? Sina did say that there hasn't been a student like me in years...

"...The five girls, chosen by our beloved Heart, are extraordinary human beings."- Himerish went on. "All of them carry significance in their souls and a great potential to one day reach absolute perfection with the five elements that will serve them from this day on!"

"Human girls?"- Sina raised her voice.

"Magical girls, Sina."- Himerish corrected her with a smile. "Nature is their friend, Earth their mother and the forces of nature their allies. The new guardians of Kandrakar are meant to do great good!"

The rest of the ceremony, Luba spent in a blur. At first, she didn't understand what was going on and when she did, all the nature forces had already emerged from within the orbs, which were the only thing to remain...

*END OF FLASHBACK*

"My faith was deceived; my dreams were ruined and my future was tainted."- the keeper of the Aurameeres kept narrating once the image of the memory faded. "Sina had beguiled me. She was my teacher and all she ever wanted was for me to be a good student... But the way she laughed in my face when I shared my pain with her was pure evil. She said someone like me would never in a million years be chosen by the Heart of Kandrakar. She suffered feeling inferior herself, hence she wanted to make me feel the same...After she had given me false allusions after I had pictured a life of glory and good in my head, she just ruined it with but a few words. She never even tried to comfort me after the Heart chose Nerissa and her guardians over me."- Luba turned to face the other being on the premises. "Now you know why I can't stand the injustice. Why I can't stand watching Nerissa being given new chances after each and every one of her terrible mistakes! Why must someone as diabolic as her keep receiving while I lose?! It's horrendous iniquity..."

Luba made yet another pause, but the other figure didn't speak.

"And now that you know my secret, I expect of you to support me, Orube. You're my last little piece of hope. Everyone else are already lost in the web of Nerissa's madness. No one finds her to be a menace anymore. They're all so terribly wrong."

"I understand you, teacher Luba, but I'm afraid that what you're asking me to do is beneath me."- Orube finally spoke up.

Her answer was short but eloquent. Dressed in a traditional light Basilíadian kimono, she stood in her place stoically and with pride. Luba, however, wasn't quite satisfied with the heard:

"What!? Orube, I'm your teacher. I've fought for you so many times, are you actually going to betray me as well? After all that I've done for you!"

"It brings me great pain that you feel this way, teacher Luba, but what you ask of me is not what a warrior does! And I'm a warrior; I've fought side by side with the guardians, I cannot now put a knife in their backs."

"What about my back?! My forsaken trust and destiny?!"- Luba raged. "Did you not see and hear what injustice I've suffered?! Orube, the guardians are deranged ever since that woman entered their lives in this new way. They can no longer distinguish right and wrong."

"And the Oracle? The otherwise people around here?"- the younger Basilíadian asked distrustfully. "Are they beguiled as well?"

"You have not yet met Nerissa."- Luba approached her within inches and hissed: "She is beyond base. She was able to fool so many people, for so many years, the Oracle included. That woman pulled him into embraces, so many times, pretending to be his ancient ally, the Mage while tampering with his sight and power! Ten years ago, when she had every chance on her side, the only reason why she was stopped was her over-certitude and a moment of weakness, which the guardians managed to take advantage of. Pure luck."

Orube lowered her gaze. She had heard this story; it had long reached Basilíade and many other realms around the Universe. The story of the traitress and ex-guardian, and her dangerous conquests... Word is, that she had even managed to raise her once fellow guardian from the grave...But still, teacher Luba expected too much of her. Orube couldn't see herself participating in a dishonest situation, which the current was, with her coming to Kandrakar, secretly, during the Oracle's absolute meditation... Was her teacher on a right track or was she giving in to vices, such as old pangs of jealousy and bitterness?

Deep in her soul, the feline knew that betraying her old friends, the WITCH girls was out of the question. But her teacher kept insisting:

"Orube, years ago, when you decided to abdicate to Basilíade in a search of yourself, I supported you. When you wanted to leave Kandrakar and search cure for your aching heart, despite having worked so hard to get where you were, I said yes. Now I'm asking you to do something for me and for the better good of the entire Council. Orube, you're an intelligent being, you must understand the tribulation which we're to face with someone like that woman among our ranks! Kandrakar is the ultimate center of Infinity and Fortress of Weal. Not a correction facility of any sort."

Orube kept silent, observing the emotions dancing on Luba's face. She was longing for justice...But was that justice for the good of everyone or was it for the young, betrayed warrior in her? The revenge of the unreleased guardian was demanding and cruel, but Orube knew better than to deny it straightforwardly. The iron is to be forged when hot, but not when melting...

"I will go to Earth. I will request access to my old identity and house there, and I will spend more time around the girls and this Nerissa."- she said in the end. "But only for intelligence purposes. I will not do anything without being given a reason to. I'm a warrior, teacher. I'm not a mercenary."


When Susan strolled in the supermarket wearing a dark pink headscarf and a pair of sunglasses, terrified by the fact that she might get recognized after the humiliation she had lived to, it was already late in the afternoon. It was not like her to lack confidence and pride when out in the public. But this last year had just turned her life around completely- the once confident and self-aware woman, that she was, was now emotionally broken and drained.

She had come to pick a few groceries and go. She needed all the rest she could get before having to face all the trials and tribulations which Tony had left her to deal with yet again.

Tony...She shook her head. One has to only talk good of the dead. Either good or nothing at all. Regardless... That corpse that had been found at his old place, the fact that she and her daughter had to now face the consequences for something which they had nothing to do with, was more than embittering. Embittering and confusing. It was all up to themselves and their friends now. They had to overcome this challenge and prove their innocence. There was no other way.

Upon getting thrown into the arrest for almost three days, Susan had decided to send her younger son, William, off to Dean's parents' place, out of Heatherfield. The little boy needed not see the entire city point fingers at his mother and younger sister. But even with that, Susan needed to get a few snacks from the supermarket. She wasn't planning on going out all that much from now on. Not until her name was clear again.

Strolling around the aisles, she got the things which she needed as quickly as possible and headed for the checkouts. Her cart was relatively full, she needed to pay for everything and get to her car.

It was a straight and easy wrap up of her running her errands. Yes, everything would've been peaceful and easy. If only someone had shouted after her, attracting an entire mass of attention. Attention which she hadn't wanted to draw, especially now...

"Hey! Stop right there! Murderer! Get the murderer!"

Susan was shocked to hear that. When she turned around, she saw them approach. A crowd of angry people, circling her all of a sudden. All of a sudden, the supermarket was a battlefield. A gladiatorial arena... And the gladiator being shamed for edification and punishment was she.

"Susan Vandom, Heatherfield is no place for people like you!"- the lady that had started shouted again. "Vandom down! Vandom down!"

"What do you think? That you can murder innocent Samaritans and then pay off to get away with it?"- another man yelled. "Oh, no, Mrs. Vandom! If the law can't, society will punish you!"

"Excuse me?!"- but Susan's shock and outrage were quick to morph into utter bewilderment. A grave feeling overtook her chest when she saw them. The tomatoes. The angry crowd that had surrounded her took tomatoes out of their shopping carts and baskets.

And so the spectacle was on her account. Her fate and this public punishment that she failed to comprehend. Susan Collins was a proud woman, but in that situation, she had no choice. She screamed and raised her hands to protect her face, as the angry citizens roared while throwing tomatoes at her. Relentlessly, again and again. Her lynching was humiliating, not painful. She fell to the ground...

"What the..."- Chen Lin and his wife, Joan, happened to be at that supermarket at the same time. They were just emerging from the bakery section when they witnessed the ugly scene. "Isn't that..."

"Oh, my God, Chen! That's Susan! Susan Vandom!"- his wife gasped at the moment in which one tomato pushed Susan's glasses off her face... "We have to do something!"

She didn't need to repeat herself. Her husband was already running forward, abandoning their grocery cart.

"Stop it! STOP IT! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!"- Chen screamed and shielded the fallen woman with his back, pushing one flying tomato away with his palm. "Stop it, you insane sheep!"

"Security! Security do something!"- Joan cried, kneeling down to Susan's level. She then turned to glare at the crowd, who had stopped the lynching at this point. "What's wrong with you people?!"- Chen pushed his glasses back. "Susan, Susan are you alright?"

"Susan, we'll help you!"- Joan added with concern. "Come on, let's get out of here! Shame on all of you! Rude barbarians!"- she added, aiming her reproach at the attackers.

Susan could just nod, helplessly, struggling to gather all her confidence and pride that she had just been stripped off. Her humiliation couldn't get bigger...The security guards were approaching the scene, hence her attackers started to scat. But what did it matter? They had already done what they had been here for. They had degraded her...

At the other end of the supermarket, behind the automatic doors, Jessie Alexis narrowed his eyelids at the scene.

The Lins... They had to come now, didn't they? Everyone in this city is nosy and obnoxious. Jessie snorted, going out in the winter evening air. No problem, though, he thought to himself with a growing smirk. Hold on tight, Susan Vandom. Your friends won't be there to save you in each and every moment, no...You got but a taste of my revenge today. You and your daughter will never forget me, once I'm done with you. Once I'm done with you, you'll be too left with just that. Memories. You're a challenging case, you have all these people to shield you, but that won't help you forevermore. Because I adore a challenge.


Orube joins the cast with a mission of her own. And the new cop Jessie Alexis's true colors are starting to show up. Who is he? And why does he despise the Vandoms? The Condo Corpse case is about to distract the guardians, but for how long? Stay tuned.