Good day to everyone! You guys totally rock! All the reviews are so helpful, so thank you for taking time to review for me. A shout out goes to my two new reviewers, May and Visigoth29527; thanks so much for your comments. On a side note, May's review is written in Spanish. May I am so totally impressed that you are bi-lingual, but my Spanish really sucks. Someone who speaks Spanish, please send me a private message and translate. I think I know what it says, but it would be nice if someone can tell me for sure. Anyway, gracias May just the same! Now on with the story!

Disclaimer: I don't own W.I.T.C.H……sigh….

Disclaimer 2: WARNING! More graphic violence here…in fact it has been suggested that this chapter receive an "M" Rating...which may not be a bad idea.

Disclaimer 3: Pay attention to Disclaimer 2...I mean it; not for the weak stomach. Still it's a good chapter, so make your own decision.

Chapter 8

SMACK!

Irma was dragged back to consciousness in the rudest manner possible…a slap across the face. Raythor grinned as his captive grunted and painfully opened her eyes. "Time to wake up Guardian…school's in session!" he said.

Irma tried to glower at Raythor, but she just didn't have the energy. So instead she closed her eyes again and tried to brace herself for more punishment. At least Nerissa isn't in the room right now, she thought. Nerissa's lightning attacks had driven away any fight Irma had left in her shattered body. She hated to admit it, but she was thoroughly broken in every way. She had been beaten, burned, cut, twisted, crushed, taunted; all of these she could bear a little longer…she knew she could. But the lightning…she couldn't handle that. Has to be my affinity with water, she thought. Whatever the reason, she couldn't take another attack like that last one; she would do anything to keep that from happening again.

Irma thought of Hay Lin and how disappointed she would be if she knew what Irma was thinking. Irma silently kicked herself for being so weak; for begging Nerissa to kill her! What kind of Guardian was she anyway! Nerissa throws a few lightning bolts at you and suddenly you're a quivering mass of spineless Jello!

But the lightning hurts soooooo much! One lightning attack causes more damage than six weeks' worth of Frost's beatings.

Yeah maybe, but you are a Guardian of the Veil. It's your job to be in situations like this…to save the people of Earth and Meridian from having to go through Hell like this!

Hello! I never asked to be a Guardian…in fact I don't recall even getting to vote on the matter!

You wouldn't have said no anyway!

That is completely beside the point! And if I had known this was gonna be part of the deal…I might have said no…

If you had known this was gonna be part of the deal, you would have insisted on being the one to go through it…just as long as your friends were safe.

The "weak" part of Irma's personality struggled to find a comeback…but it couldn't. The fact was the "warrior" side of Irma was right. She did have a responsibility to the people of Earth and Meridian. Situations like this came with the territory, and she was glad that she was the one experiencing it and not her friends. Well, okay maybe not glad exactly, but still……………….And Irma was proud, damn proud, to be the Water Guardian! Like or not, it was a part of her and she couldn't give it back; even if she wanted to. Thoughts of her friends gave her strength…and Irma felt a little calmer.

It was then that Irma noticed a small difference in her attire: her bra was gone! In its place was a blue bikini that tied behind her neck. It wasn't much, but it was enough to preserve her modesty. Under different circumstances, Irma would have found this to be a curious gesture; however, now it barely registered as…

CRACK!

Irma cried out as the cruel lash struck her already ravaged back. Frost grunted with satisfaction as he pulled the whip back to strike again. He cracked it against Irma's back and smiled at her cry of pain. He took pride in his work and gained satisfaction from his captive's distress. He cracked the whip again and wrapped it around to Irma's ribs. Blood flowed anew from the Guardian's back and ribs; Frost loved the way the lash cleaved flesh from bone. Again and again he cracked his whip at Irma's back; each time the Water Guardian struggled not to give Frost the satisfaction of hearing her tremendous agony…each time to no avail. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head and she welcomed the oblivion of unconsciousness. Hay Lin……………where are you?

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"Wake the others; I know how to find Irma."

Taranee immediately sent a mental wake-up call to the other Guardians. The Fire Guardian had been mentally monitoring Hay Lin for a few hours; ever since everyone had called it quits and succumbed to sleep. Taranee had chosen to bed down on the floor so she wouldn't be too comfortable; she didn't want to miss any change in Hay Lin's mental state. Taranee had been awoken twice when she felt great distress from Hay Lin, but it hadn't lasted for long. Now as the other Guardians began to stir, Taranee noticed Hay Lin seemed a little the worse for wear. Her eyes seemed far away, and you didn't need perfect vision to see the pain behind those black, almond-shaped pools. Whatever had happened, it had affected Hay Lin physically.

Taranee placed a hand on Hay Lin's shoulder. "Are you alright?" she asked.

Hay Lin nodded slowly; she was still dizzy from the old woman's lightning attack against Irma. Her insides felt jarred and her skin still burned a little. But this wasn't the time to dwell on it. "I'm fine Taranee," she lied.

Hay Lin knew Taranee didn't buy it, but they had more important things to worry about right now. She mentally pleaded with her dark-skinned friend, Please Taranee, just let it go!

Taranee's eyes narrowed, but she nodded slightly; she would respect Hay Lin's wishes…for now.

"You're awake!" Cornelia observed. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," Hay Lin said quickly. "More importantly, I think I know how we can find Irma!"

Will knew Hay Lin was being less than truthful about her condition, but figured the asian girl wouldn't talk about it until she had spilled her information about Irma's location. So Will went with the flow; "How?" she asked.

"Irma thinks she's in a cave of some sort and she's near a large body of water…like a lake or something."

Cornelia was confused. Even though Will had filled her and Taranee in on Hay Lin's last "dream," Cornelia still didn't understand how any of this was possible. "She thinks she's in a cave near a lake? Since when is Irma telepathic? And for that matter, since when can you interact with somebody in your dreams, or visions, or whatever they are?"

"I don't know; I just know that I talked with her and that's what she said."

"Did she say anything else?" Will asked.

Hay Lin hugged her knees to her chest. "Not really…she was so weak she barely knew I was there." Her voice dropped to barely more than a whisper. "They've hurt her so much……………the beatings, the burnings……………so much blood. Now the lightning…" Hay Lin shuddered.

"Lightning?" Taranee squeaked.

Cornelia cringed. "Lightning…water…bad combination." She muttered.

Will knew Irma was in trouble before, but throwing lightning into the mix made it all that more vital they get to Irma now! "Cornelia, go wake Elyon and ask her to come in here please."

Cornelia left without a word. Hay Lin held her throbbing head in her hands and groaned. That was enough for Will.

"Alright Hay Lin…tell me how you're really feeling." The redhead demanded.

Hay Lin really didn't want to talk about it, but she knew an order when she heard one. "I feel all dizzy and everything hurts. Before, I felt like I had been hit by a truck, but I was wrong. Now I know I've been hit by a truck; then he backed up and hit me again. But I'll be okay…really."

Will looked skeptical, but she knew it was the only answer she was going to get out of Hay Lin.

"Guys, she's in sooo much pain! She's given up; she told me she can't take it anymore. I have to get back to her immediately."

"No way!" two voices shouted at the same time. Taranee and Will were not going to let Hay Lin endanger her own life again.

"Just listen!" Hay Lin begged. "When I'm "with" Irma, somehow I can absorb some of the punishment so it doesn't all reach her. She needs that or she won't survive! Besides, I told her I would be right back."

"Well you're just going to have to break that promise Hay Lin; I'm sure Irma will forgive you. I can't let you put yourself in that kind of danger again." Will retorted.

"Besides," Taranee spoke up, "we're going to need you when we confront the Knights of Vengeance. Will's right Hay Lin; Irma's going to have to hang on herself for just a bit longer."

"She's been hanging on for four days waiting for us to rescue her!" Hay Lin shrieked. "She's done her part; how can we just ask her to go it alone when there's something we can do!"

"Actually, five days Hay Lin;" Taranee said gently. "It seems these little jaunts of yours take twenty-four hours each…"

Hay Lin's eyes grew angrier. "All the more reason I have to go back. I can't, I won't leave Irma to face those………those………monsters alone; not when there's something I can do about it!"

Will was about to reply when Cornelia interrupted. "She's right Will." The Earth Guardian had returned with Elyon and now stood in the doorway listening to an impassioned Hay Lin argue with their leader. "If Irma's in as much trouble as we all think she is, a friendly voice could make all the difference."

"Not if it endangers Hay Lin's life in the process." Will replied.

"Hell-oooo; which of us actually doesn't put her life in danger everyday?" Cornelia retorted. "The cafeteria food alone is a constant test of bravery and endurance."

Taranee grinned in spite of the situation. Who would've thought Cornelia would be trying to fill in for Irma?

Will opened her mouth but Cornelia held up her hand. "Look Will, we all know you feel responsible for this whole mess; you're wrong, but that's not going to change your mind. We also know you don't want another trauma on your head by allowing Hay Lin to put herself at risk; but the fact is this: if Hay Lin goes, Irma has a much better chance of survival. In addition, the chances of Hay Lin actually suffering some kind of permanent damage, beyond her normal teenage brain damage and mortally wounded fashion sense, are fairly slim. So, what's the problem here? Let the pipsqueak go."

Hay Lin thought she should probably feel insulted, but she couldn't help feeling grateful to Cornelia. She looked at Will hopefully.

Will sighed and glanced at Taranee. How do you feel T?

As weird as it sounds, I actually agree with Cornelia. I've been reading Hay Lin's thoughts a little and I can tell you she's not telling us even a tenth of the horror. Something has her seriously freaked Will; and I think we both know it has everything to do with what's happening to Irma. You don't understand how much courage it's taking for Hay Lin to want to go back.

Pardon?

Will, Hay Lin is terrified! Even though it's for Irma, I know Hay Lin would give darn near anything not to have to go back. This is a huge sacrifice for her, and I don't think she would do it for just anybody.

If she's so scared, why should we let her go?

Because she needs to. She believes Irma will die if she doesn't go back. Whatever it is they've done to her, it's worked…Irma is completely broken. She's given up; and if we don't do something drastic right now, there won't be anything left to rescue.

I see. I know you wouldn't exaggerate Taranee. What else have you read?

Nothing much else; my telepathy still isn't working quite right.

Somehow I doubt that's because of sand anymore…what's going on?

I don't know, but it's not really the issue right now.

Alright, thanks for the advice Taranee.

Sure Will.

"Elyon, would you come over here please?" Will asked.

Elyon walked into the middle of the room. She shot Hay Lin a comforting glance and turned her attention back to the Guardian leader.

"Hay Lin says Irma's in a cave near a large body of water. You know Meridian a lot better than we do; can you think of a place that matches that description?"

Elyon raised her hand and a map of Meridian appeared in the air. "I think we can eliminate the desert areas," she said, "and the poles are probably out too." As she said this, the poles and desert sections disappeared from the three-dimensional map.

"There are three major lakes in Meridian, and maybe a dozen smaller ones." Elyon continued. "One of the major lakes is in a heavily populated area, so that one seems unlikely, agreed?"

"Agreed." The Guardians echoed.

Another section disappeared from the map. "Several of the smaller lakes are in more forested-type areas, and I don't think caves are likely to be there." A few more areas disappeared from the map.

"I would say these areas are your most likely locations." Seven areas on the map flashed orange. "I can't really narrow it down any more than that." Elyon said regretfully.

"That's ok Ellie, you did great." Cornelia praised.

"I agree." Will said. "Okay guys, we'll have to check them all. Since Hay Lin will be staying here, Taranee I'll need you to use your telepathy to see if you can…I don't know…sense?...if Irma is near. Cornelia, I need you to stay with Hay Lin; you'll need to watch over her and make sure nothing terrible happens while she's asleep."

"No problem Will; but I have just one question…"

"What's that?"

"Okay, I know Taranee is a bad-ass and everything, but still….you'll be seriously outnumbered. How are the two of you going to take on all the Knights of Vengeance by yourselves?"

"We won't," Will replied. "When we find where Irma is being held, I'll fold us back here and pick you two up. That way, we'll all get a chance at a little pay-back! Other questions?"

No one responded, so Will turned to Hay Lin. "You know I don't like this, but I like the alternative less. We've haven't found a way to wake you yet, you've always woken yourself up, so hopefully Elyon can help with that. Needless to say, however it works, prepare yourself for an abrupt and probably rude awakening."

"Thank you Will; thank you for trusting me."

"It has nothing to do with trust Hay Lin; I just don't want you to get hurt……so make sure you bring yourself back in one piece; got it?"

"I won't let you down chief!" Hay Lin flashed her leader a thumbs-up. She dropped her head back onto the pillow and closed her eyes.

Will turned to Elyon. "Elyon, since I won't be here with the Heart to enhance Hay Lin's dreams, I'll need you to take over in that respect."

"Don't worry about that Will; you just focus on finding Irma." Elyon replied.

Will nodded. "Ready Taranee?"

"Ready Will."

"Alright then; we'll see you when we've found Irma." said Will.

With a final glance at Hay Lin, Will created a fold and she and Taranee charged through.

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Irma was awake again. Frost had abandoned his whip for now and had returned to using his heavy fists; there was just something about skin to skin contact that satisfied Frost in a way a weapon could not…He was merrily focusing on his captive's face; she was just a little too beautiful for his taste. So far he had managed to hit her hard enough to make her right eye close. He continued to beat her entire body, focusing more-so on her head and torso. Her cries of pain made him smile, and her ragged breathing gave him satisfaction. Never again would the mouthy Guardian insult him or taunt him; he would make her pay for every belittling comment she had made. He felt all-powerful now; she was helpless and he was in complete control. He wanted her to beg for mercy just so he could laugh in her face!

"Come on little Guardian, beg for mercy and I'll stop." Frost cooed. "That's all you have to do."

Irma answered him nothing, so he hit her again in the ribs. She groaned and he grinned. "Just a little begging…that's not so hard is it?"

Again Irma answered him nothing. He walked behind her and punched her in the kidneys. This time she cried out and continued to whimper a bit. He punched her again and again. Still she would say nothing. He wrapped his huge hand around her neck and squeezed until she nearly passed out. Though she coughed and sputtered, she still refused to beg. He punched her in the stomach and she spat blood. He punched her again and again until she fell unconscious. Raythor woke her with his smelling salts, and Frost beat her some more. Still, the Water Guardian said nothing.

"I know you can speak, because you can scream. BEG GUARDIAN!" Frost shouted.

"N-n-n-never, you…big….u-u-gly…b-b-brute!"

With a cry of rage, Frost hit her so hard her head twisted halfway around. Irma was unconscious again; Frost slapped her back awake. He put his face close to his captive's. "I will see you BEG Guardian!" he spat.

He walked around behind her and grabbed hold of one of her wings. Bracing his foot against a stalagmite, he pulled with all his might.

Irma screamed! It felt as if someone was pulling out a bone through her back. The pain was exquisite; different from the lightning, but certainly a close second. Frost continued to pull and Irma heard a ripping sound. She was sure Frost wouldn't quit until he had managed to shred her wings…or rip them from her back…or both. Her head was spinning; the pain was too much! But she knew that even if she passed out, it wouldn't save her. The only thing that might make him stop was if she begged him to stop. Still, she had no hope that he would stop even then.

Suddenly, she felt a different sensation…Miranda had begun cutting Irma's wings. She laughed gleefully as she cut away a thin strip of the fluttery membrane. Irma screamed and writhed in pain; Miranda may as well have been skinning the Water Guardian alive! Frost punched her in the back to make her quit. Momentarily paralyzed, Irma hung motionless as Frost continued to tear and Miranda continued to cut. Irma was panicked beyond anything she had ever known.

"STOP……..!" she cried, tears rolling down her cheeks. Frost let her wing go, and Miranda ceased cutting. Walking around to the front, Frost grabbed Irma's chin and leered in his captive's face.

"What was that Guardian? I couldn't quite hear you…"

Irma closed her good left eye and shook her head. "I…..said…..s-s-stop."

"Stop…what?" Frost leered.

"Stop……." Irma gasped.

"What's the magic word?" Frost taunted.

Irma gasped as a new wave of pain rolled over senses. "P-p-please………s-s-stop."

Frost grinned evilly. "Not good enough little fairy; I recall telling you to beg!"

Irma's tears increased as Frost took the last thing from her that she had left…her pride. "P-p-please…….I'm…b-b-b-beg-g-ging……you…..s-s-stop."

Frost smiled, "That's better; show some respect." He dropped her chin and walked around to Irma's back. "Unfortunately for you, I have no sense of honor." He punched her kidneys again and laughed at her strangled cry of pain. Then he grabbed hold of her wing again and continued trying to pull it from the Guardian's back. Miranda took her cue and continued slicing. Irma screamed all the more….

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Okay this chapter is a little shorter than the others, but I hope it's okay and meets with your approval. I promise we'll see a rescue, or at least an attempt, in the next chapter. So those of you faithful readers who are getting a bit tired of me beating up Irma (as am I), hang on until chapter 9. As always, I appreciate any and all reviews. Cheers!