W.I.T.C.H. Dreams of Lusteria
by Galistar07water
Disclaimer: W.I.T.C.H. is owned and copyrighted by the Walt Disney Company Italia and is in no way affiliated with the fictional works of Galistar07water.
Author's note: If you would like to see drawings of W.I.T.C.H. Dreams of Lusteria, please visit my page and click the "W.I.T.C.H. Dreams of Lusteria" folder in the gallery section.
Chapter 05: A Heart of Ice pt. I
"You should have seen the little girl's face when I destroyed Kohaku," Xuan Wu beamed with savage glee. "The look of despair was absolutely delicious!"
"So you keep saying for the hundredth time, sister," Seiryuu scoffed, rolling her eyes. Personally, she would have played with her victims before killing them. It's more fun for her that way. "I'm amazed that you were willing to use your skill and rid yourself of an enemy. Normally, you would prefer to leave all the work to your followers. After all, you are the Lady of Sloth, are you not?"
Xuan Wu shot Seiryuu a cold glare, but the latter was not affected.
"You're an imbecile, Xuan Wu," Seiryuu chastised.
"How so, little sister?" Xuan Wu asked. "As far I'm concerned, I just avenged Byakko's death."
"My dear, you may be the oldest of us, but you're still as slow as a turtle!" Seiryuu mocked. "You've failed to grasp the fact that you've given our enemies the opportunities to strike, especially when you have delayed in your assault in the Northern Water Kingdom."
Xuan Wu growled.
"By killing Kohaku, you have ensured the road of vengeance for his daughter," Seiryuu explained. "Know that vendetta can drive one's self to an extent and make them act in such a way that it's unthinkable."
"Let her come! I would welcome her with a cold embrace," Xuan Wu declared as the floor beneath their feet froze over into solid ice. "She and her Guardian friends are easy picking compare to the legendary shadow-wielder."
"With Byakko deceased, our opportunity to conquer the Western Earth Kingdom is over," said Hwang-Ryong. The two women and several automatons in the back turned to see him getting up from his throne. He gracefully walked up to the stone block in front of them where Kyochi Watsuki's unconscious body lay there motionless. "However, the previous battle has turned the capital into a desolation of ruins."
Xuan Wu nodded and bowed before airing her request. "If it pleases you, my Lord, I will return to Joseon and unleash the final stages of my siege. Once Queen Sŏndŏk hands over her crown, I will have the northern sphere under my control, thus bringing our plans closer to fruition. Once Lord Zhu Que launches his assault in the south, I ask for your permission to return to Zhong-guo."
This caused Hwang-Ryong to raise an eyebrow. Strange how Xuan Wu continued to want to go back to the Western Earth Kingdom.
"And why do you ask for such a request?" he asked coldly.
"It would take some time for those mortals to rebuild the Imperial City after Byakko's last battle destroyed over half of it, even with magic. After Joseon is under my control, I will mobilize my troops and attack from their northern borders when they least expects it. The Guardians will most likely be too occupied fighting Zhu Que's forces. And without them to spirit the Emperor away this time, he'll have no choice but to give up his throne to our causes. Once we've conquered the other four kingdoms, Zhong-guo will also fall to our feet in due time."
Hwang-Ryong glared. "And what of the Guardian of Light?"
"She won't be a problem anymore than those pesky Earthlings and that Basilíadian bitch. I believe that coming after me with a vengeful heart of ice, the little girl will become my prisoner," Xuan Wu assured him confidently. "I can use her as bait to lure the other Guardians into my realm and as a leverage against Chancellor Komei."
Xuan Wu's proposal intrigues him. If they could incapacitate Kimi, they'll be able to use both twins against the Chancellor Komei when they attack the Eastern Air Kingdom of Nihon.
"Hmm…your proposal has been noted, Xuan Wu. See to it that you do not let me down," Hwang-Ryong warned. "Failure will result in your immediate demise. You may be lethargic, but your skill is highly prized and would be a waste if you do not put them to good use for our causes."
"You are a gracious lord with good eyes for talent, Hwang-Ryong," Xuan Wu replied. "It is no wonder you appointed me as your second in command."
She gave him another bow before disappearing. A moment of silence passed between Seiryuu and Hwang-Ryong before the latter opened an interface screen in front of him. The screen shows the back of Lord Zhu Que in his lair somewhere in the south. Realizing that he's being watched, the Celestial Warrior of Fire turned around to face his brother and sister.
"Lord Hwang-Ryong, what's trouble thee?" he bowed his head slightly.
"Remind me of Xuan Wu's true fidelity, Zhu Que," the leader ordered. "Ever since Byakko's demise, I suspect that she has another motive for something."
Zhu Que nodded and sent him a file. Hwang-Ryong received the magical message and played it on another monitor. It shows Zhu Que's memory of Xuan Wu immediately after she killed Kohaku. The curl on her lips definitely tells him that she's all too happy about what she had just done.
"Now that our poor baby brother is dead, I can't imagine anyone else taking his place when Zhong-guo falls to our knees in the future."
"With Lord Byakko dead, Lady Seiryuu wilt surely taketh his lodging as fourth in command."
"True, but since I am Hwang-Ryong's first lieutenant, it's only right that I should have his domain. Not to mention that Zhong-guo borders my kingdom in the north and I am the one who killed Kohaku Watsuki. My followers will agree and demand our leader to bestow Byakko's realm to me! Once the entire planet is under our control, I will have a larger realm than Hwang-Ryong! And who knows? Perhaps once we declare war on Kandrakar, I will conquer and rule over more worlds and be the dominating Celestial Warrior!"
The magical memory file ended and the interface screen disappeared, leaving only one line of communication left between Hwang-Ryong and Zhu Que. The Celestial Warrior of Fire's face remained expressionless while Hwang-Ryong and Seiryuu are clearly ticked off at their sister's devious plan.
"Well, now we know why she was so eager to volunteer herself in finishing up Byakko's debacle in the first place," Seiryuu noted vehemently. "She may be a lazy wretch, but she plans to usurp us!"
Water is patience. In time, it slowly dissolves the earth and weakens metal, Hwang-Ryong thought. The Black Tortoise is the only Symbol out of us five depicted with another creature: a snake that intertwines it. And like a tortoise, she moves slowly before striking like a viper.
Hwang-Ryong scowled, clearly fuming at the thought of it. Being the Lord of Greed, he hates it when others got more than what they deserved compare to him. By foolishly sharing her avarice side to Zhu Que, Hwang-Ryong decided to see her as an expandable pawn rather than a fellow Warrior. Time to fix this.
"Zhu Que," he said at last, turning to face his remaining brother on the screen. "Thank you for sharing that information. In return, I would like to offer you the opportunity to prove your loyalty to me and our causes."
Zhu Que nodded. "I will beest delighted to doth anything thee asketh, me Lord and brother."
"Good, halt your plan to conquer the Southern Fire Kingdom for a while and monitor Xuan Wu from a distance. Ensure her defeat at the hands of the Guardians when the time comes. Do this and I shall make you my first lieutenant."
With a stoic expression on his face, Zhu Que graciously bowed and the interface screen disappeared, leaving both Celestial Warriors to look down at the unconscious boy before them.
Several of Hwang-Ryong's automatons have been standing in the background watching the entire conversation silently. One of them have took note of the unconscious boy on the stone block and thought he noticed a finger twitching for a second. He decided to approach his master.
"My Lord, with all due respect, the Guardian of Darkness in this headquarter will bring disaster should he awaken!" he insisted. "Don't twins have a way of communicating with each other, even when one of them is catatonic? Surely the boy is going to inform the others of his whereabouts?"
Hwang-Ryong calmly listened to the rant for a moment more before he turned around and sliced the sentient automaton in halves with his electric whip. The other automatons watched the scene in horror as the pieces of their fallen brother fell to the floor in a heap. Hwang-Ryong looked up at them and arched his eyebrows.
"Would anyone else care to question my decision about our guest?" he asked. "No? Then get back to work!"
The automatons scurried about, continuing their duties in trying to find the weakness of the King of the Central Kingdom. Hwang-Ryong scoffed before turning his attention back to the boy and Seiryuu. Automatons…next time, he'll make them mindless drones instead.
"Zhu Que also informed me the details of the last battle: Byakko's failure didn't just lose us the western hemisphere, but it has resulted in the birth of a new transformation for one Guardian," Hwang-Ryong continued. "The Keeper of the Heart has discovered a way to defeat a Celestial Warrior. We must be cautious."
"Do not fret, my Lord. It will take more than a new magic trick to defeat us," Seiryuu assured him. "And it's perfect for one of those little Guardians to kill Xuan Wu for us."
Placing her hand on Kyochi's head, she ruffled his hair playfully. As always, he didn't respond. "Oh don't be so surprised, little boy. Sure, it might result another new transformation for a Guardian, but if it means us being rid of a treacherous bitch like Xuan Wu, it will be worth the sacrifice."
Hwang-Ryong smirked. "I am no stranger to slaughtering my own kin should they have the audacity to betray me."
Will was surrounded by darkness. That much was for certain.
She looked around and knew that there was nothing around her except for pitch blackness and the solid ground beneath her feet. The strangest thing about it was the fact that Will can see her limbs and her green pajamas with the little frog-shaped pictures on them. It was as if her body was lighting up like a lamp.
She doesn't remember how she got here, but she knew that she has to find a way out.
"Hello?" Will cried. "Anybody here?"
Nothing.
"Of course, why would I expect an answer?" Will thought stupidly to herself and began to look around.
Suddenly, she felt a small breeze from behind and turned around. Will saw what appeared to be a figure in black sitting on a porch of a Japanese-styled house looking at a cherry blossom tree in the middle of the yard. His back was turned to her so Will can't make out his face, but as she got closer, she could tell that the mysterious figure seemed to be male.
"Hello?" Will spoke up.
The mysterious figure in black quietly turned around to acknowledge her. To her surprise, he was wearing a white mask under a dark hood. The mask was nearly featured-less and only has two small slits for the eyes. It was supposed to be intimidating, but Will didn't feel in any real danger as he greeted her with a gentle nod before returning his attention back to the tree.
"Konbanwa, Guardian," he said. Patting the empty spot next to him, he said, "Please come and join me for some tea."
Before Will could protest, she found herself actually sitting next to him with a cup of tea in her hand. Weird because she doesn't even remember kneeling down to take her place or remembering the guy pouring her some tea.
She was about to ask when she noticed something strange about the cherry blossom tree: its petals were consisted of many colors and they were glowing! They fluttered through the gentle breeze and one petal landed in Will's tea as she curiously plucked it out for a better look. They have an ethereal and transparent look to them that was beautiful.
"It's a special cherry blossom tree," said the mysterious figure warmly. "Its petals are made of pure light and energy and can, at times, reflect the emotions we feel in our hearts. They're so scarce to the point that they're virtually nonexistent, even on Lusteria."
"So…we're on Lusteria?" Will asked.
"No, Guardian," the figure replied. "This place exists next to any world, yet does not touch any of them. We are in a realm that is created by our subconscious and desires…specifically mine."
"So…we're…" Will thought for a moment and the answer came to her. "This is a dream? I'm in your head, aren't I?"
If he wasn't wearing a mask, Will would say that he seemed amused by her answer based on how he tilted his head to one side. "This is my home and not just anyone can stumble upon it by accident. You must really want to meet me in order to find this place."
"But I don't even know you," Will pointed out. "You're a guy wearing a mask! How do I even know if you're friendly?"
The figure chuckles and offered her what she assumed are Japanese versions of cookies. Not wanting to be rude, she took it. "Does sharing tea with you while watching the blossoms bloom make me an enemy?"
Will seemed skeptical, but then again this guy does have a point. "I don't know! You're wearing a mask under that hood! That kinda makes you suspicious, doesn't it?"
"Does my mask frighten you?"
"No, it's just…let's just say that the last guy who covered his eyes with a blindfold tried to kill me and my friends," Will admitted, looking down at her tea.
"You must have been through so much, then," the figure decided. "Perhaps that is the reason why you have found this place in your sleep. If you wished, I would be more than happy to be an impartial judge to hear your tales."
"You mean…" Will started then thought for a moment before she nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I guess…but we haven't introduced ourselves yet. I'm—"
"Wilhelmina Vandom-san," the figure cut in. "A very strange name, but not unpleasant."
Will stared at him with her eyes wide open in surprise, unsure if she should be insulted or flattered. "Th-that's right," she nodded slowly. She wanted to ask him how he knew her name, but then she decided to ask, "And yours?"
The mysterious figure hesitated and looked down at his cup of tea. He thought for a moment before glancing at her, "When I wear this mask, I do not have a specific name, Vandom-san."
"Well, surely you must have a title of your own?" Will pressed.
He shook his head. "I do, but alas I cannot call it my own for it was passed down to me from my predecessor before he passed."
Will sighed and realized that she's drumming her fingers on her lap, still waiting impatiently for his name. Despite his formal speech, this guy is really quiet and slow in his replies. Finally, he gave her an answer.
"For centuries, they called me…Yami-no-Oji."
Will giggled. And yet, he said that her name was strange!
"I prefer it when people shorten my name to Will."
Yami-no-Oji continued to glance at her curiously, unsure where this was going before he repeated, "Will…san?"
Will nodded encouragingly. "Yeah, just Will. I like that much better. Can I just call you Yami for short?"
Again, Yami thought for a moment as if the idea was strange to him before he finally nodded. Will smiled and took a sip of her tea. Only then did she realize how good it tasted. Yami noticed this before holding up a pot and offer to pour her another cup.
"The best cup of tea can happen between friends when they're sharing stories," he noted. "Please, I would be honored to hear of your tales, Will-san."
Will smiled and relaxed. Under normal circumstances, she shouldn't be sitting down and sharing anything about her magical life recently with a guy in a mask, but his gentle presence and formal way of talking gives him a compassionate and respectful aura. Will felt as if she could trust Yami enough, and before she knew it, she started to tell him about all of her worries and troubles ever since that ox-demon came down from the sky and attacked their magical school bus.
She told him about the other Guardians and who they were, about the Gemini Council, how they met Kimi, the fights against the five Celestial Warriors, their missions in Zhong-guo, and how she got her new transformation and defeated Byakko. Will also mentioned about the sadness and the despair, such as their friend Kohaku being killed by Xuan Wu and how they desperately needed to find Kyochi and the elusive Prince of Darkness in order to save the universe.
Yami listened patiently and based on his body languages, he seemed to understand their struggles and displayed remorse for their loss.
"So…it's true, then?" said Yami, looking on in the distance sadly. "Kohaku Watsuki is dead…"
Will nodded. "Yeah…you sound as if you've known him, Yami."
"Kohaku Watuski-san came into my home through dreams many times before like you are now," Yami explained. "I mourn for his death deeply and shall cherish his many visits from years before. But despite his demise, I sense that he is now at peace with his beloved wife, Kotone."
"Tell that to his daughter," Will said. "Ever since he died, she's more withdrawn than before. I have never seen a Guardian with a cold heart like hers."
Yami seemed interested by this notion. "Is the Guardian of Light really that terrible?"
Will nodded. "Since the Gemini Council forced us to work together, all Kimi ever did was criticized and condescend to us. She's not a team player and she's a loose cannon. Some of my friends can't even stand her. I'm not sure that I can put up with her myself after what she did to my boyfriend."
Yami thought for a moment before deciding his choice of words, "Answer me one question, Will-san, do you think everyone is born evil?"
Will looked at him in confusion for the question clearly caught her by surprise. "I don't understand how this has anything to do with—"
"Your vocal tone indicates that you view those such as Kimi Watsuki and Byakko with disdain," Yami stated. "You speak as if they had been bred this way. I wish to know if you think everyone is born evil."
Will didn't know what to say at first. When it came to talking to her friends, they tend to agree with her justification, especially Irma. She thought that talking to Yami would be the same, but true to his words, he appeared to be impartial and saw something else beyond what Will tries to preach and justify.
Will suddenly remembered the moment when she defeated Byakko. After impaling him with her elemental claymore, his corrupted element and his Deadly Sin washed away and revealed his true self before his passing. His serene smile still haunts her mind as if it reveals how grateful he was to her for freeing him from being the monster she thought he was.
If Byakko wasn't born evil, then people like Kimi wasn't born bad either, right? Yet for her, Will found it hard to believe that the death of Kimi's mother and her father's betrayal were the only things strong enough to transformed her into a twisted little girl. No, there has to be more…
Before she could give a meaningless reply, a gentle breeze caught her attention as she gazed up at the sakura aura tree. Its ethereal and colorful petals fluttered, as if trying to catch her attention. Curiously, Will got up and came closer to gaze upon its beauty.
Yami nodded as if encouraging her to continue. "As I've mentioned before, this tree can reflect the emotions you feel in your heart, especially the deep ones in your memories. However, it's also said to have other abilities…such as showing us the truth behind reasons beyond our comprehensions and indictment."
The tree began to play images…recent memories of Will's time with her friends and fighting alongside Kimi and Orube…the scenes seemed to be going backwards in time to the point that the Keeper of the Heart realized that the tree wasn't showing Will her memories…but Kimi's!
Will already heard of how Kohaku accidentally killed his wife in front of his children that night, but when the tree began to show her Kimi's dark memory of it, she felt nothing but anguish and despair. After such a traumatic experience, Will now understood why Kimi hated her father for so many years and why she was so reluctant to forgive him. And yet, both father and daughter were able to reconcile before the final battle against Byakko.
The tree suddenly showed an unfamiliar memory that took place long ago. Will realized that it was during the twins' mother's funeral and the Elders of the Kinomoto Clan were deciding the children's fate. They looked upon the twins in disgust at first, for they were the offspring of the traitor. They were to be cast out as well, but Chancellor Komei stepped in and pleaded for them, stating that it would be unjust to condemn Kimi and Kyochi as traitors for the actions of their father. The Chancellor decided to take them into his home in memory of his beloved sister and the Elders of the Kinomoto Clan agreed.
The years passed by for the twins as they were trained to fight and to practice the arts of magic. At a young age, Kyochi revealed to have one of the most brilliant minds the world has ever seen, putting some scholars and healers to shame and making the Kinomoto clan very proud. They saw that despite being a shadow-wielder like his father, the boy inherited his mother's kind and gentle nature as well as her beauty and her intellect.
However, they didn't see that in his twin sister. Kimi only inherited Kotone's light magic and her beauty, but she was nothing like her mother or brother…in fact, she seemed to be almost as stoic and cold as her father even before the murder that night…and the more they see Kohaku in her, the more they hated her. To them, she would always be the traitor's daughter.
"What a waste this child is," said one Kinomoto Elder.
Others agreed when one said, "I see Kotone's beauty in Kimi, but it's a shame that her elegance is muddled by the blood of her cowardly father."
"A great pity that she has her father's eyes," said another. "Prey that they will not be as treacherous as his."
O
"Is there something you need, girl?" one aunt asked condescendingly and the seven-year-old Kimi shook her head. "Then perhaps you'll find something more fascinating while you walk away! Kyochi-kun, you can stay and help me with the ceremony preparation."
O
"Do it again! Aim your magic at the target in the woods with precision! Can't you be more like your brother? Then again, what do I expect from a traitor's daughter?"
O
"I pity you, Komei, for you carry the burden of being with the child of a traitor in public. She's not like her brother…"
"Not at all, cousin," said Komei. "She may be difficult, but she is still my sister's daughter. I care for her and her brother deeply and wished them both great honor and happiness they solely deserves."
"You are wise, Chancellor, but at times you can be too naïve."
"Perhaps…but you forget that Kyochi also has his own curse to bear."
O
The tree began to show more bitter memories as Kimi grew up. Due to their parents' hostile viewpoint of her, most of Kimi's cousins saw her as someone to condescend to. The more they treated her this way, the more she became what they hated. As a result, her sociopathic personality was created from witnessing her mother's death and being treated as the shameful traitor's daughter. She began to taunt and bite back at the world, even at those who did show her some form of kindness like the Chancellor and her twin.
Then the tree showed Will a memory of when the twins were chosen to take the mantle of becoming the new Lusterian Guardians, much to many of her clan members' surprises. While they were thrilled that the prodigy son is the new Guardian of Darkness, the position of the Light was a waste on Kimi.
"Impossible!" one family member sneered as the Jewel of Life floated over to a young Kimi's hand. "How can the talismans chosen a traitor's daughter as the Guardian of Light?!"
"Who can explain the way of Heaven and Kandrakar?" Chancellor Komei shrugged. "It says that life will grant the things we fear to fruition. I would advise you all to treat her more respectfully."
"This changes nothing! It is not her birthright!" some of the Kinomoto clan members insisted.
"The Gemini Council will not revoke their positions on your selfish whims," Komei replied calmly.
O
Despite obtaining the honorable position of Guardianship, many of the twins' relatives continued to view Kimi with scorns. They have treated her more fairly, but the sneers on their faces lingered for years. Despite Komei and Kyochi's best attempt to bring out the best in her, life seemed to bring out the worst.
The tree ended its visions and Will couldn't believe what she saw.
"You mean to tell me that Kimi's been treating me and my friends like crap because the Kinomoto clan has been treating her like dirt?" Will demanded, "She's doing all of this to make herself feel better?"
Yami calmly did not reply, yet he did not deny it.
"That's not a fair thing to do! It's terrible! I thought it was just that jerk of a cousin of hers, Kenji! The Kinomoto clans are families so why would they treat their own liked that?"
"You must feel very sorry for her, then," Yami replied, catching Will by surprise.
"What?" Will blinked.
"The concept of family relations isn't always the same on Lusteria as it is on Earth. Despite what your biological father did in the past, you grew up with a more loving family than the Watsuki twins," Yami pointed out.
"How do you know about what kind of man my dad was?" Will demanded.
"The same way I knew about your name."
Will exhaled deeply. "The Jade Dragon was right...no one is born evil."
"Will-san," Yami started again, "no one wished for a difficult life growing up. Despite how negatively Kimi's been treating you, I feel that in your heart, you have feelings of remorse and sadness for her, especially what's she's going through now with her father's passing."
Will tried to think about what happened right after Kohaku's death: there was nothing to celebrate about, despite saving the Kingdom of Zhong-guo and Will achieving her new transformation. Since Kohaku's death, Kimi pushed everyone away. She didn't talk to any of them, she barely shows up in school to continue her cover-up as a transfer student, and she's disappearing somewhere every evening doing who knows what!
"Kimi's been…avoiding us these past several days, Yami," Will said. "I'm afraid that it's only a matter of time before she starts to do something reckless, like running into the battle against the enemy without us again."
"Then you must do everything you can to help her," Yami pointed out. Will was about to object, but he continued before she could interrupted. "Will-san, throughout your times as Guardians, you've accomplished more than others before you: you've earned many of the Elders' respects and you've transformed stern warriors like Orube into a compassionate beings. I sense a special energy within your heart than enables you to connect with others. Therefore, I believe that you can change Kimi and influence her for the better."
Will didn't know what to say. It's strange when someone puts their faith in you, especially when you don't think that it can't be done. Will wanted to disagree but a part of her heart is telling her that Yami is right. Will suddenly remembered how much her friends had been there for her when Will was undergoing several heartaches and she has done the same for them. Why should Kimi be any different?
"Thanks for the pep talk, Yami," Will nodded with a gentle smile. "I needed that. Sorry for snapping at you before. I know that the road ahead isn't going to be easy, but I won't give up and neither will my friends. We will help each other, Kimi included and together we'll find rescue Kyochi and stop the other Celestial Warriors."
Yami nodded and the wind gently blew through the blossoms again. He raised his tea cup and said, "I am happy with your response and shall wish you the best of luck. This dream is about to end. Would you care to share one more cup of tea with me before you wake up?"
Will smiled and allowed her new friend to pour her another cup. "I would be happy to."
Will woke up to see her room brightly lit and sighed. It's been a while since she was able to sleep in a little bit. Although they came back with a hallowed victory a few days ago, Lady Ngọc Long insisted that they still wake up early for their usual training with her in order to keep their magic and fighting skills sharp should the next battle call them to the field soon. However, their caretaker was forced to cancel their training session for this morning in order to take care of several businesses: both on Earth and in Kandrakar.
Will turned to see that her alarm clock reads seven o' five. Although she wanted to sleep in a little bit more, Will decided to get ready and go to school. After that strange and wonderful dream of Yami, Will couldn't wait to tell the others about him.
The day passed by in a flash and Will barely remembered it. Professor Mitridge (who still didn't retire) resumed her lecture on light reflecting and refracting through prisms and crystals in physics class. Will thought for sure that the old curmudgeon would take the day off after what Kimi did. Still depressed about her father's death, Kimi barely paid any attention to the lectures and even ditched a few classes. While the others teacher were sympathetic for her loss, Professor Mitridge wasn't going to cut her any slacks.
"I am sorry for your loss, Miss Watsuki," she had said yesterday, "but if you're here, then I would expect you to pay attention in class! If not, then don't waste my precious time! Now if you don't have anything to say, then would you like to go up to the board and complete the formula on light disperses through this prism!"
Will didn't remember exactly what Kimi said in respond, but it was definitely nasty enough to leave someone as stern and mean like Mitridge shaking. The next thing they knew, Kimi was given a week of detention for disrespecting and humiliating her and Principal Knickerbocker wanted to speak to Ngọc Long about her outburst. Still posing as her host parent, Ngọc Long had to cancel this morning's lesson and show up for a conference. There was no need to erase everyone's mind this time.
Today, everyone was whispering rumors about what happened in Will's science class. Unfortunately, her classmates were directing their attention towards Will and the others since they were seen hanging out with Kimi the most. It gets worse when the Grumper sisters were blocking their path in the hall way.
"What do you two want?" Cornelia glared.
Faking looks of concern, the two sisters relied, "Oh, we just want to see how you were doing that's all, Cornelia Hale."
"Yeah, you don't look so good. In fact, you look kinda pale today," Bess noted. "Either you didn't put on enough make-up or maybe you were also a victim of that cold-hearted witch Kimi."
"After all, she almost made Mitridge cry yesterday in class!" Courtney added. "I guess it's true that it takes a person with a frozen heart to break that teacher!"
They both laughed, but Will and Cornelia didn't find much amusement in such tasteless joke. Both girls were about to push their way through, but the Grumpers weren't done yet.
"Hey, Cornelia," said Courtney. "Who's the queen of your little group? You or that Kimi girl?"
Surprised at their question, Cornelia glowered at them. "What are you talking about?"
Bess ignored Cornelia as she turned to her sister with glee. "Oh, why ask when you already know the answer, Courtney. They're both ice queens. After all, it's the only reason why Cornelia would hang out with someone with a heart of ice like Kimi."
Cornelia clenched her first furiously. Of all people the Grumper sisters would compare her to it had to be Kimi Watsuki! Despite feeling sorry for her loses, Cornelia still can't bring herself to like that girl's attitude. Before Cornelia could give a snarky retort, the electrical lights above them flickered and the next thing they knew, the two Grumper sisters were running home screaming with their hair all fizzed up.
Cornelia couldn't help but laughed and glanced at her friend. "You didn't have to do that but thanks."
Will shrugged. "I've been itching to try my new powers on them since I got my Power Girl. I hope I didn't go overboard."
Cornelia laughed. "No, I'd say you gave them the right amount of electricity. I would hate to see the bill from their hair stylist to fix that kind of mess."
"If we're lucky, the electrical currents would fry their brains a little bit more," Will added.
Looking around, she spotted Hay Lin and Irma waiting for them at the front gate of the school.
"We just saw Courtney and Bess running home with their hair all…frizzled up and I think it's slightly on the crispy side," Hay Lin giggled, glancing at Will. "Using your new powers for the little things again?"
Irma snorted. "Oh, c'mon, Hey Hay! It was worth it. I even took some photos as leverage against them in the future."
"We'll talk about my new powers later when we get to the Jade Dragon's house," Will interrupted. Glancing around, she asked, "Where's Taranee? I need to tell you guys about a dream I had last night."
"She went on ahead to the dance school with Sheila," Hay Lin explained. "They wanted to get there early so that they can plan out their routine for the upcoming Winter Festival."
Will was about to call Taranee when she suddenly felt something vibrating. At first she thought it was the Heart of Kandrakar, but then Will realized that it was just her cell phone in her pocket. Will looked on the screen to see Taranee's name. Speak of the devil.
"Taranee? You know you could have just—wait, what?" Will paused for a moment as she listened to what Taranee was saying over on the other line. Cornelia, Irma, and Hay Lin exchanged glances of worry and curiosity. "She is there and doing what?! Okay, we'll use teletransportation."
Hanging up, Will looked at her friends who were eying her expectantly. "Kimi's there and Takuya and the others can't handle anymore of her brutal training. Taranee and Sheila are doing their best but it looks like they might need our help, too."
Irma rolled her eyes as they walked into an empty alley so no one can see them use their magic. "Why does Kimi always have to be a big pain in the butt even when she's depressed?"
Cornelia nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's bad enough that she makes us miserable when she's in a good mood!"
"Okay! That's enough, you two!" Will warned them. "Look, I know it doesn't seem to make any sense but Kimi does have her reasons for taking her emotions on us."
"Says who?" Irma snorted, folding her arms. "And why do it violently?"
"Later! Right now, let's just concentrate and get to Sheila's place," Will ordered.
The other three nodded and held their forefingers together. With precise concentration, they teletransported to Jensen's Dance Academy.
To say that Takuya and his friends weren't having fun training with their new team captain is an understatement. After being thrown across the room for the eleventh time, Takuya had about enough as he glared at his club's new team captain. By the time Will and her friends arrived, Taranee and Sheila quietly motioned them to watch from the side line.
"That was pathetic!" Kimi said, standing over him with glowering eyes. "You're getting slower on your reaction. I told you time and time before not think about your counter attack! Get up and let's go again!"
"How about a break, huh?" Takuya sighed. "We're tired and we can't think straight."
"Typical. Whenever the fight gets too difficult, you just want to take a breather and be a sloth," Kimi countered. "Well, not this time! Get up and go again!"
"No, we're done for the day, Kimi!" Zoë interrupted. The other boys nodded and the Guardians realized that they all looked like hell with small bruises covering their bodies as they tried to catch their breaths.
"Listen to her Kimi," Sheila advised but Kimi ignored her.
She shot Zoë a warning glare and the blond girl gulped nervously. "You're not done until I say you are! Now get back up, all of you! We're going to practice again!"
"Hey! Don't talk to my girlfriend like that!" Takuya snapped, getting up to defend Zoë. Pointing an accusing finger at Kimi, he continued his rant. "We thought it would be fun having you as our new captain, but we're exhausted and your training method is too much for us!"
"You wished to be victorious in the city's Winter Tournament, don't you? If you don't want to work hard for it, then I'm not interested in training you sorry lot!"
"DAMMIT, WOMAN! YOU'VE THREW ME ACROSS THE ROOM OVER TEN TIMES THIS MORNING. I HAVE BRUISES THE SIZE OF WATERMELONS! YOU NEARLY SENT J.P. AND TROY TO THE HOSPITAL BY HAVING THEM BREAKING ALL OF THOSE WOODEN PLANKS AND THEIR KNUCKLES ARE PRACTICALLY BLEEDING! OKAY, MAYBE I WAS EXAGGERATED ON THE LAST PART, BUT YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!" Takuya screamed, catching them all by surprised.
Rarely had Takuya loses his control, being one of the most cheerful members of the club. But when he really is losing his cool like right now, it was almost as scary as Kimi's deadly glare.
A moment of silence fell in the make-shift dojo room as everyone held their breaths as if afraid of what Kimi was going to say. After what happened to Professor Mitridge yesterday, who knows what she's going to say to him. Stubbornly, Takuya continued to defy Kimi's glare by matching her with his own. Will and her friend jumped in and put themselves between Kimi and the other members of the Martial Arts Club. After all, Kimi looked as if she was about to sock Takuya in the face.
"Kimi, stop!"
"Enough, just let it go already!"
"C'mon, let's just go back home. We have to meet up with Rebecca and your host parent."
Instead, she scoffed and turned around and said, "You've kept your arms too far apart again. Keep them together so that you can protect your center. Go again with Troy. The rest of you sorry lot partner up and spar until I say you're done."
Takuya stared at her dumbfounded, unable to believe that she had ignored him! He was about to snap at her again with another outburst, but Zoë placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him.
"Kimi, we're sorry for your loss, but I don't think it's in any of our best interest if you continue to drill us like this," she said. Her expression was angry, but she was doing her best to keep her cool. "Look, we were really excited to have you on our team at first and we really want to win the city tournament, but frankly…you're the one whose mind isn't clear!"
"What does that mean?" Kimi demanded. Zoë gulped nervously, but continued to stand her ground.
"I think the only reason you've decided to become our captain and train us is so that you can distract yourself from your loss," Zoë blurted out. "Perhaps you should take a few days off to collect yourself. And when you feel like you're ready to focus on helping us fight with some compassion, then you know where to find us."
Sheila and her friends couldn't believe it: Zoë just stood her ground and practically suspended Kimi as her club's team captain and trainer without getting a scratch on her face! They half expected Kimi to punch the girl in the face and start a cat fight, but Kimi gave her a cold, calculating, and condescending look before turning away.
"You're right," she said evenly as she grabbed her gym bag and head out the door. "This a waste of time. You lily-livers are nothing but bleeding hearts."
Takuya snorted at her answer and before they knew it, he ran up to her and yelled, "Yeah? Well, I'm may be stubborn, but at least I know that compassion isn't weakness! If anything, it's what makes us stronger!"
Kimi paused for a moment just as she was about to open the door. She turned to face them and said, "If compassion is as powerful as you say, then why did it ensure my father's death?"
None of them have any answer as Kimi left the room. Even with her gone, room didn't feel any lighter. Her cold words have left an icy impression.
To be continued…
Sorry for taking so long. This chapter was supposed to be up back in October but I had troubles writing this because it didn't come out the way I wanted it to the first several times. I must have re-written this more than ten times until I was satisfied. This may have been a breather chapter after such an epic battle, but the action will continue in the next part.
The mysterious masked figure in black, dubbed "Yami" by Will, is an important new character. He will make several more appearances in future chapters.
The curmudgeon Professor Mitridge was in the original comic series. She teaches physics and her lesson on light through a prism will play a big role later.
Story Trivia: Did you know that Kohaku Watsuki/Kaishin wasn't supposed to be in this story? In my original script, he was already deceased long before the Guardians met Kimi. However, I've decided to write him into the story while writing chapter three. Originally, I wanted him to be an admiral, but decided to write him as a repented monk who's still haunted by his past.