Hello everyone! Thanks again for all your reviews. You guys totally rock! Blaze you get the extra cookie for being first this time (even if you do call me a bully…wink). Also thanks to Raven's Soul Sister (she's got soul but she's not a soldier…); Irma 1 (I put my fingers on the keyboard and…oh wait…); AzhureTigress (aka Dame Jackass…wink); Invader Spyder (the Fox Mulder of the Whale Pit); Irma Rokz (quit eating all the brownies); KiiroK (wake that foot up Missy); Prince Vince (get your groove thang on); Pita Girl (so….do you like the story?); and Visigoth (our resident shell shock guy). Now please give a huge blubbery welcome to Mr. S Q Evans and Miss Nisa Tunesque, our newest Whale Pit members! Yo, welcome to da Pit; I hope you'll stick around. Alright time to pass out some chocolate éclairs. Let's see…….Raven gets one for thinking Grandma Lin is Nerissa. Grandma Lin is not Nerissa, but you're thinking Raven…well done. I think we'd better give one to Azhure because that kind of ranting needs chocolate. As a woman, trust me…I know these things. Spyder gets one for being suspicious of everyone…LOL. Yep the man is thinking. Enjoy the éclairs folks, and keep those suspicious little wheels turning. Right then, now I need to request an official Whaleguard because Blaze is going to do me bodily harm. Why, you ask? Well because I have no intention of leaving Irma alone; she's going to go to some very dark places before we're finished. So I am now taking volunteers for the position of Whaleguard. The pay sucks, the perks are nil, and it might even hurt your reputation a little. But if y'all want me to finish this story, I'm going to need some protection from Blaze. I would like to take this moment to officially name Blaze da Dragon as Whale Pit Enforcer. Congratulations sir…Alright, on with the show!

Chapter 17

Yan Lin and Halinor entered the Elemental Chamber of Water still supporting Irma between them. The two former Guardians half-dragged the younger woman to the edge of the giant water-filled pool that dominated the Chamber. Unwilling to simply toss their charge into the depths of the pure, blue water, the two old women lowered Irma gently into the pool. When Irma was halfway into the water, Halinor and Yan Lin knelt at the edge of the pool and shifted their grip so they each held the trembling Water Guardian under an armpit. It took a few minutes but gradually Irma began to calm. Slowly, her body ceased its incessant trembling, and her lips stopped pleading for mercy. Presently, Irma's head dropped to her chest and her breathing stabilized into a more natural rhythm.

Halinor glanced at Yan Lin and raised an eyebrow. Yan Lin shrugged. Halinor took that as agreement and released her hold on Irma. Yan Lin, unprepared for the shift in load distribution, stumbled, tried unsuccessfully to catch herself, then plunged head-first into the water. Irma's unconscious body slid beneath the gentle waves, but only for a moment. The water, in response to the understood command of its mistress, gently lifted her body above the surface. It rolled gentle, soothing waves along the Guardian's back as it cradled her protectively.

Yan Lin's journey to the surface required more effort. Taking a few seconds to right herself, she clawed her way to the surface. She broke through and spit water out of her mouth. She looked around to see that Irma was alright. There she was, floating serenely on the gentle waves. Of course she's alright, Yan Lin thought, she's the Water Guardian. The water would never harm her here. Yan Lin nodded once and struck out for the edge of the pool.

Halinor reached down and pulled her friend out of the water. Yan Lin expected the former Fire Guardian to look sheepish, but instead she looked like she was trying desperately not to laugh. A silent battle of wills raged inside the old woman; Halinor vs. the giggles. It was a battle Halinor was never destined to win. Her last defenses finally overcome, Halinor sputtered once and then howled with laughter. Putting on her best Cornelia scowl, Yan Lin sniffed at her friend and began wringing out her soaking dress.

It took several minutes for Halinor to run out of gas, and she was clutching her side as she stumbled to a bench and sat down. She was wiping the tears out of her eyes as Yan Lin sat down beside her.

"Oh Yan Lin," Halinor sobbed, "I know I should apologize, but that was the funniest thing I've seen in years."

"Hmmm…I see time has not changed you much, Halinor." Yan Lin replied stiffly.

Halinor finally managed to compose herself and tried her best to look sheepish. But the corners of her mouth kept tugging themselves upward, making the expression impossible to pull off with any degree of sincerity. Yan Lin lowered her eyebrows and inclined her head. She really wanted to pretend to be angry with her longtime friend, but she just couldn't do it.

"Oh you're forgiven Halinor; now stop trying to look ashamed."

Halinor responded with another small giggle and embraced her friend. "I really am sorry I misread your signal. I thought that shrug meant we were on the same brainwave."

"It would seem you are somewhat out of practice. I guess it's not as easy to read me when you no longer have the power of telepathy."

Halinor nodded. "True, but at least I can sleep better at night. You would not believe how hard it was to sleep with all of you in my head."

Yan Lin's eyes narrowed. "You never told me that."

Halinor shrugged. "It didn't really matter; what were any of us going to do about it? Besides, I eventually learned to quiet things down a little."

"Why did you not simply turn it off at night?"

Halinor's blue eyes darkened and her expression turned hard. "I used to, but after Cassidy died…"

Yan Lin felt a brief tightening in her chest. She had never stopped thinking about Cassidy, but time had shifted her deceased friend to the back burner. Over the last few weeks, Cassidy had again been brought to the forefront of her thoughts. It still hurt Yan Lin when she thought of how the young Guardian's life had ended so abruptly.

Halinor's soft voice brought Yan Lin out of her musings. "If I had only known that she was going to meet Nerissa that night, I would have been with her. I would never have let Cassie meet with Nerissa alone."

"You cannot blame yourself for what happened, Halinor. Cassidy chose not to tell any of us about her intentions. The blame rests solely with Nerissa; she struck the fatal blow, not you."

Halinor hung her head sadly. "I know; I just wish I hadn't turned my telepathy off that night. Maybe if I hadn't…"

"It is pointless to think this way, Halinor. We cannot change the past; we can only learn from it."

Halinor nodded again. "I know……it just still hurts."

"I know it does."

Halinor gazed at Irma, floating gently in the water. "She reminds me of her you know……Cassidy I mean. She's a feisty one, that's for sure. Did you know she actually took a swing at Luba earlier?"

A ghost of a grin played on Yan Lin's lips. "Somehow, that does not surprise me. Luba can be……abrasive at times; and I am afraid Irma is not known for her patience."

Halinor's eyes clouded over. "Well given what she's been through, the last thing I would want is someone like Luba yelling at me and calling me useless all the time."

Yan Lin's eyes narrowed. "That is a little much even for Luba. What aren't you telling me, old friend?"

Halinor realized too late that she had made a mistake and said too much. Silently, her eyes implored Yan Lin to drop it, but the latter's gaze remained firm. Halinor sighed and fixed her gaze on Irma, still floating unconscious in the pool.

"Luba wants to replace Irma. She doesn't think she has what it takes to be a Guardian anymore."

Yan Lin worked to control her growing anger. "Luba has never trusted the current Guardians, and yet they have done nothing but save Meridian and Earth time and again. When is Luba going to admit that she is wrong about them?"

"It's not just that Linny," Halinor replied quietly, her gaze still locked on the unconscious Water Guardian. "Irma's having a difficult time overcoming her demons. She reacts badly whenever anyone touches her; she's deathly afraid of fire; the mere thought of lightning paralyzes her."

Yan Lin interrupted. "Anyone who had endured what Irma was forced to endure would have similar problems. The Joining will have intensified those experiences a hundred-fold. I would think her reactions are to be expected."

"Yes of course, but there's more. During her first run of Luba's obstacle course, Irma made it through to the Gauntlet. Luba said she proceeded to beat her first opponent so badly…" Halinor shuddered and closed her eyes.

"Yes?" Yan Lin prompted after a moment.

Halinor gazed at Yan Lin, and her voice turned hard. "Let's just say the display of rage was enough to literally frighten Luba. She said Irma insisted the opponent was Frost the Hunter, when it was really just a holographic Lerden."

Yan Lin, though a little surprised that Irma was capable of that kind of rage, still didn't understand what was so upsetting. "Victims of trauma often react with anger when faced with their attacker."

Halinor shook her head and sighed. "Yes, but how many of them possess the power to control the forces of nature? Irma has to get that anger under control; she has the very real ability to seriously hurt someone…or worse."

As Halinor's intense gaze pierced Yan Lin, the smaller woman suddenly understood. She gasped and her hand flew to her chest. She turned her shocked gaze to Irma's unconscious form. Yan Lin didn't want to believe it; not her Irma. She turned back to Halinor, a cold fire burning in her eyes. "You cannot compare Irma to Nerissa! Not only is it not fair, but that girl has never shown one flicker of desire for power. She is here because of Nerissa's cruelty; do not forget that!"

"Easy Linny; it's not my belief that Irma's that unstable. But you and I both remember the kind of rage that possessed Nerissa at the end. Cassidy knew too, but that didn't stop her from trying to redeem her. Those two had a special bond; I've never quite understood it. Your Hay Lin has a special bond with Irma; though different from Nerissa and Cassidy, it exists nonetheless. If the comparisons turn out to be accurate, and if Nerissa was capable of doing that to Cassidy…" Halinor left the rest of the thought unspoken.

In her younger days, Yan Lin would have walloped Halinor alongside her head for even thinking such a thing, much less voicing it. But time had tempered the former Air Guardian, and wisdom had replaced impulse. She thought carefully on Halinor's words; she knew her friend was only voicing her concern for Yan Lin and her young granddaughter. Still, she couldn't bring herself to entertain the possibility of Irma doing anything to cause Hay Lin injury.

"Your words are well-meant, my friend; but your fears are misplaced. Irma would never hurt Hay Lin or any of the Guardians."

"That's what we all thought about Nerissa, and you see what happ-"

"She is not Nerissa!" Yan Lin cried, pointing at Irma. "She is much stronger than Nerissa ever was; she will not give in to anger and hate. She will learn to deal with these traumas; and her friends will not abandon her."

Halinor opened her mouth to reply, but was interrupted by a groan from the pool. Both women moved to the edge of the pool and watched as Irma opened her eyes. The young Guardian looked around wildly for a moment, then visibly relaxed as she noted the water that surrounded her. She closed her eyes and let out a shaky breath.

"Irma," Yan Lin called.

Irma's head whipped around; she had not noticed she wasn't alone. Seeing Yan Lin, she smiled slightly and swam towards her. She propped her arms over the edge of the pool and grinned at the old woman.

"Hi," she said nervously.

Yan Lin smiled broadly. "It is good to see you Irma. How are you feeling?"

Irma shrugged. "Okay I guess. Halinor is an excellent babysitter."

Halinor snorted and winked at the young woman. "You don't need my help Irma; as long as you don't take another swing at Luba, I think you'll be fine."

Irma rolled her eyes. "Oh like you've never done it!"

"Actually no; that honor went to Cassidy." Halinor replied with a small laugh.

Irma raised her eyebrows. "Yeah? And how did it go over?"

"About the same as yours," Halinor replied. "Only Cassidy sported a permanent scar on her back instead of her neck."

Irma's mouth dropped open. "Permanent?"

Oh no, I did it again, Halinor thought. Fortunately, Yan Lin swooped in for the save. "The Guardians are worried about you, Irma; they miss you."

Irma nodded. "I miss them too Mrs. Lin."

"Then let me bring them here; they want to see you."

Irma shook her head. "No! I mean, please don't, Mrs. Lin. I'm not ready for that yet."

Mrs. Lin's eyes saddened. "But Irma, they are your friends; they will understand."

Irma snorted. "Right, they'll really understand…"

Yan Lin looked at Halinor but the former Guardian looked as confused as her friend. "I don't understand…"

Irma clenched her fists and her eyes grew cold. "Of course you don't, how could you! Unless you've ever had a seven-foot maniac crush your bones, or a demented shapeshifter slice you up, or a crazy lightning-throwing bitch try to make you betray everything that you love, how could you possibly understand!"

Halinor and Yan Lin sat there with their mouths open, their faces a picture of shock. Irma's eyes widened and she stared in shock at the two former Guardians. She started to shake her head emphatically. "No, that's not what I meant; that is so not what I meant…" She groaned and placed her hand over her face.

Yan Lin reached out and took Irma's chin gently in her hand. She was surprised when the younger woman did not pull away. Yan Lin used her other hand to pry Irma's hand away from her face. As Irma opened her eyes, Yan Lin gazed at her with love. "I know, sweetheart, I know."

Irma's eyes began to well up and her face contorted into a mask of fear and sorrow. She reached up and wrapped her arms around Yan Lin's neck and cried into the old woman's shoulder. "What's happening to me Mrs. Lin? I'm so confused and angry…I don't understand."

"Shhhhh, little one; it will be alright." Yan Lin whispered into the terrified Guardian's ear. She held Irma and let her cry.

Halinor felt a little awkward and out of place. She rose and was about to quietly excuse herself; but at a small gesture from Yan Lin, she stopped.

After several minutes, Irma pulled away from Yan Lin. "You're all wet," she croaked, still struggling to control her emotions.

Halinor started to grin, but immediately stopped at a look from Yan Lin. "I took an unexpected swim a little while ago."

Irma looked confused, so Yan Lin related the events of her "swim." Irma giggled a little, and Halinor joined her. Yan Lin still did not look amused.

The doors opened and the Oracle strode into the Chamber. Yan Lin stood up in respect. The Oracle nodded politely to Yan Lin then turned to Irma. "Ah, I am pleased to see you smile Guardian."

Irma had no idea what to say to that. "Umm…yeah," was all she managed.

The Oracle didn't seem to be insulted by Irma's lack of eloquence. "I heard about your encounter with Luba; I wanted to see if you are alright."

Busted. "I'm fine, sir; uh, your Oracleness, sir…"

Yan Lin placed her hand over her face and groaned. The Oracle merely smiled. "That is good. I think if you were feeling well enough to attack Luba, then you are likely well enough to go home. After, of course, the Mage is able to counteract the curse."

"The what!" Irma and Yan Lin asked simultaneously.

The Oracle seemed surprised; he turned to Halinor. "They do not know?"

Halinor looked sheepishly at Yan Lin. "No Oracle, they don't."

The Oracle looked disappointed as he turned his attention to Yan Lin. "The Guardian has been the victim of a particularly troublesome curse. We assume it was perpetrated by Nerissa, but we are unsure. The Mage has been having a most difficult time devising a countercurse."

"What sort of curse?" Yan Lin asked.

"It prevents all manner of magical healing. That is why the Heart of Candracar failed to heal her injuries."

"Then why did the…..I mean, how did Irma recover from her injuries?"

"Candracar has many forms of ancient magic that cannot be negated with a curse. It was this magic that healed the Guardian."

"What else has this curse done to her?"

The Oracle was about to reply, but Irma interrupted him. "Hell-ooooo! I'm still in the room folks."

The Oracle smiled again. "My apologies Guardian," he bowed.

"Oh no, you did not just bow to me…"

The Oracle looked confused and was about to question the young Guardian, when Halinor cut him off. "Uhh…the important thing is, the Mage should be able to lift the curse really soon."

"Yes," the Oracle nodded, "her research must be nearly complete."

Yan Lin turned to the Oracle. "Oracle, might I have a few minutes alone with Irma, please?"

"Of course, Honorable Yan Lin," the Oracle replied. He bowed to the old woman, and she returned the gesture. The Oracle turned and moved away. After a brief hug from her old friend, Halinor followed. After the doors had closed, Yan Lin sat down at the edge of the pool.

"Irma, are you alright?"

Irma's eyes narrowed as she tried to process this whole curse business. She vaguely remembered hearing something about ancient Egyptian Curses in school, but it was fuzzy. No doubt she had been passing notes with Hay Lin and hadn't bothered to pay attention. Yet somehow she doubted that's what everyone had been talking about. She met Yan Lin's concerned gaze.

"I don't really know; I don't understand this whole bit about a curse."

"A curse is a powerful bit of magic that causes some sort of stress or trauma to its victim, or otherwise hinders some kind of action. They are usually unstable, but if performed by a competent sorcerer, they can be difficult to counteract."

"Causes some sort of stress for its victim? Well I would say it's certainly done that…"

Yan Lin was quiet for a minute. "Irma, we need to talk."

Uh-oh; every time Irma heard that at home it usually meant extra chores or a week's grounding. She regarded Yan Lin nervously. "About?"

Yan Lin patted the ground next to her. Irma took the hint and climbed out of the water. When Irma had seated herself next to her, the old woman spoke. "We need to talk about your initial reaction to me. You pulled away from me; you were frightened of me; you did not want me near you. Please, tell me what's wrong."

Irma sighed and closed her eyes. Tell you what's wrong? I don't know what's wrong. She shook her head and put her hand over her face. "I don't know, Mrs. Lin; I really don't. I just keep having these…" Irma shuddered.

"What?" Yan Lin prompted gently.

"I don't know. I keep seeing…places…people where they shouldn't be. At first I knew it was you, but then you became Nerissa. I knew it wasn't possible for her to be here; and yet there she was. I just had to get away…"

"Then why did you stop? You collapsed in the middle of the room after only a few steps. You did not struggle when I wrapped my arms around you."

"I really don't wanna talk about it Mrs. Lin. It's too soon..."

"But you need to talk about it; you cannot keep this inside, Irma."

"Yes I can, and I'm going to," Irma replied firmly. "It's not your problem, it's mine and mine alone. I'll handle it myself."

"Yet you are not handling it Irma. This is not the first time it has happened. Am I correct?"

"I said I'll handle it," Irma replied, starting to get a little irritated.

"It's getting worse isn't it? First it was Frost the Hunter, then the fire, the lightning, now you are seeing Nerissa. I fear these hallucinations will continue unless you let us help you."

Irma's whole body began to shake with rage. "You think I'm crazy don't you!" she shouted. "You wanna lock me up in the nuthouse and forget about me! Well I won't let you…I won't let you!"

Yan Lin reached a placating hand towards the frightened Guardian. "Irma, that is the furthest thing from the truth. I am here to help you…"

As Yan Lin's arm stretched toward her, Irma curled her lip into a snarl and grabbed the old woman's slender wrist. Her other hand grabbed Yan Lin's shoulder and she pushed the old woman into the water. The enraged Guardian waited for her to surface. As Yan Lin's head broke through the waves, Irma slapped her angrily. "You can't hurt me bitch, I won't let you. I'll kill you first!"

With that, Irma placed her hand on top of Yan Lin's head and pushed her beneath the surface of the water. Yan Lin struggled feebly, but Irma was much younger and stronger than the former Guardian. Just as Yan Lin felt herself about to black out, the pressure was removed from her head. She broke the surface coughing and sputtering. She turned to see what had saved her.

Luba had pulled the angry Water Guardian away from Yan Lin. She threw her away from the pool and faced her now. She growled, seeming to dare Irma to try for Round two. Instead Irma rose to her feet and growled back. She summoned the power of her element. As she felt the familiar force of water magic course through her being, she snarled at Luba. "Is it true that cats hate water?" With that she thrust her hands towards the Auramere Caretaker and released an enormous jet of water. Luba wasn't expecting that sort of an attack, and thus was unable to dodge the deadly spray. It hit her square in the chest and knocked her back into the pool.

Irma raised her fists to the ceiling and roared triumphantly. Then she walked towards the pool, the same crazed anger in her eyes. "Now, where were we?" she growled at Yan Lin.

"Irma, you must stop this. This is not you!" Yan Lin shouted.

"Bite me!" Irma yelled as she extended her hands towards the old woman. Suddenly Irma was paralyzed and felt herself being lifted off the ground. She cried out, but she was lifted still higher. When she had reached a height of thirty feet, a voice muttered some words in an unrecognizable language. Irma screamed loudly and then lost consciousness. The force vanished, and the Guardian free-fell into the pool of water. She hit the blue liquid hard and vanished beneath the surface just as Luba's head popped up. She and Yan Lin looked at each other briefly, then they both dived under the waves. Luba reached the Water Guardian first and hauled her to the surface. She supported the Guardian's head on her furry shoulder as Irma floated unconsciously in the water. She had one paw resting on Irma's forehead, the other wrapped across her collarbone. Yan Lin surfaced seconds later. She swam over to Irma and grabbed her wrist. She breathed a sigh of relief when she felt a weak, yet steady pulse.

"You can let her go Luba; the water will not allow her to drown."

Luba released her grip on Irma. Just as Yan Lin had said, the water supported its mistress. Luba and Yan Lin swam to the edge of the pool and hauled themselves over the edge. Both lay on the ground for a moment, trying to process everything that had just happened. Presently, a hand was extended to Yan Lin. She took it gratefully and allowed the hand to pull her off the ground. She was surprised to see the Mage connected to that hand. The strange woman pulled Luba up in like manner. As soon as Luba was upright, she was in the Mage's face.

"What were you thinking? A fall like that could have killed the Guardian!"

The Mage looked as unperturbed as always. "I was thinking of saving your life Caretaker. And the day that a Guardian is unable to survive a fall like that is the day the universe ends."

"But she is damaged Mage; you know as well as anybody that she is somewhat fragile now."

"Not so fragile that you have seen fit to tone down your exercises. Honorable Yan Lin, are you alright?"

"I am fine; thank you Mage."

The Mage nodded. "The Guardian will sleep until tomorrow. I believe I have found a way to counteract the curse at last. I was going to perform the countercurse now, but in light of current circumstances, I believe it more prudent to wait."

The Mage turned to leave. Yan Lin's voice stopped her. "Wait! What have you done to her?"

"I have not hurt her, Honorable One."

"But she screamed Mage. Tell me what you have done."

"It was naught but a scream of frustration, Honorable Yan Lin. I merely put her to sleep for a few hours. She will feel better when she awakens."

With that, the Mage strode out of the Chamber. With a curt nod to Yan Lin, Luba, still soaking wet, followed. Yan Lin sank down at the edge of the pool and rubbed her still-stinging cheek. She gazed sadly at the young woman floating in the water. Oh Irma…please tell me how to help you.

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"Miss Will, wake up. It is 6:00 and time for you to get up."

Will groaned and thought seriously of throwing her cell phone across the room; but she knew Ed was just doing as she had asked. Since there was no alarm clock in the Silver Dragon's basement, Will had asked Ed, her cell phone, to wake her at 6:00 so she and the other Guardians would have time to run home and clean up before school.

She rolled onto her back and yawned hugely. "Time to get up kids; another exciting day in Knickerbocker's world awaits us."

The other three girls stirred and groaned their displeasure. Taranee sat up, stretched and put on her glasses. Hay Lin crawled out of her sleeping bag and yawned. Cornelia didn't make any effort to get up at all.

Hay Lin crawled over to her blonde friend and poked her shoulder. "Come on sleepyhead; we have to get ready for school."

Cornelia angrily pulled her sleeping bag over her head. "Just call me in dead," she growled.

Hay Lin giggled and moved to start rolling up her sleeping bag. As she grabbed the bottom of the bag, she noticed a piece of paper pinned to the fabric. Curiously, she unpinned it and looked it over carefully. She gasped, catching the attention of Will and Taranee.

"What is it Hay Lin?" Taranee asked nervously.

"It's a note my grandma left last night," Hay Lin answered, still staring at her grandmother's familiar script. The note was written half in blue ink, half in black ink, but there was no mistaking her grandmother's handwriting.

Will walked over behind Hay Lin and read the note over her shoulder; Taranee followed suit. Soon, the three Guardians were looking at each other.

"Well what does it say?" Cornelia asked. She had popped her disheveled head out of the sleeping bag and now regarded the group curiously.

Hay Lin began to read:

Dear Hay Lin

I have gone to Candracar to visit our friend. I will return later.

Love,

Grandma

P.S. There are extra fortune cookies for you and the girls on the counter in the kitchen.

P.P.S. Don't forget to clean up the basement before you leave.

P.P.P.S. The lousy pen ran out of ink; that's why this note is written in two different colors.

Hay Lin lowered the note and shrugged at Cornelia. "I guess grandma's gone to Candracar for a while."

Taranee's eyes narrowed. "How did she even do that without folding?"

All eyes turned suspiciously to Will. It took a moment for the redhead to realize everyone was staring at her. "Hey don't look at me," she said in a shocked tone. "I was completely unconscious last night; not even my mother's singing would've woken me up."

"Could Mrs. Lin have borrowed the Heart to fold to Candracar?" Cornelia asked.

"I doubt it," Will answered. "That thing makes a terrible racket if anyone disturbs it."

"Worse than your mother's singing?" Hay Lin asked.

"Define worse…" Will quipped.

"Look it doesn't really matter does it?" Taranee said. "The point is she's in Candracar and we're not."

Cornelia looked confused. "Not following you Taranee."

"Why haven't we gone to Candracar to check on Irma? Aren't we supposed to be her friends?"

All eyes turned to Will again. "I don't know; I guess I just figured the Oracle would let me know when she was awake, you know? Until then, what can we do for her anyway?"

"We could sit with her and be supportive." Taranee answered. "We all feel guilty about what happened to her; maybe this would help us feel a little better."

"I don't know T; Irma's got a lot of pride. If she's reliving everything that happened, she probably wouldn't want an audience." Will replied.

"Besides, grandma said it would be best if we just left her alone for now." Hay Lin said quietly.

"What! When did she say that?" Cornelia asked.

Hay Lin sighed. "Right after we got back, I told her how mad I was that I wasn't allowed to stay with Irma during the Joining. I thought it would be important for her to see a friendly face right off when she woke up. I thought maybe I could offer some sort of comfort during the…really hard times. But grandma said I needed to be here; she told me to let the Oracle take care of Irma."

"Well there you have it; Mrs. Lin thinks we should stay here." Will said.

"Well Mrs. Lin isn't here now," Taranee replied. "In fact, hasn't she just gone against her own advice? I've gone to Candracar to visit our friend; somehow, I don't think she means Luba."

"Great it's decided then; the Astral Drops will go to school, we'll go to Candracar." Cornelia said, finally crawling out of her sleeping bag.

Hay Lin and Taranee cheered while Will waved her arms. "Hold it, hold it. Nothing's been decided; why would Mrs. Lin tell us to remain here if she really wanted us to jet off to Candracar?"

Hay Lin looked confused. "Will, don't you want to see Irma? Don't you want to know how she's doing?"

"Of course I do Hay Lin, it's just…"

"Just what Will?" Taranee asked.

Will sighed and hung her head. "It's just that I don't feel very comfortable in Candracar. I feel like everyone there is judging me and thinking how badly I've failed. Plus, I'm not entirely sure the Oracle agreed with my decision to put Irma through the Joining. He sure seemed upset anyway…"

Cornelia spoke up. "Come on Will; there's no way it's like that. Besides, they're just a bunch of wrinkly old men who are just as happy snoring through immortality as you are snoring through History class. The only opinion that counts up there is the Oracle's and I'm not sure he's capable of getting angry. Plus we all think you're doing just fine, so let it go would ya?"

Will blinked; had Cornelia just said that? She shook her head a few times and blinked some more. Cornelia rolled her eyes. "Oh please; I'm not always the self-centered bitch you all think I am…"

"Cornelia we don't think that…" Taranee started to say.

Cornelia held up her hand. "This isn't about me, it's about Will. For the record, Wilma, there was no good decision in Irma's case. But we all think you made the best choice of the two offered…even me. You can't let a bunch of apathetic immortals push you around and make you feel like crap, Will. Stop worrying so much about what other people think; just do what you think is best. For good or ill, we'll be right beside you all the way."

Hay Lin spoke up. "We would follow you anywhere Will; to Hell and back if needs be."

Will started to open her mouth but Taranee cut her off. "And if you say that what's Irma thought and look at her now, I may have to forget my unofficial role as the Team Peacekeeper and just pop you."

Will couldn't help it; she started to laugh at Taranee's serious expression. She had seen Taranee the Fire Guardian kick plenty of booty, but she just couldn't imagine Taranee the terrified teenager kicking her locker, much less any booty. Will was soon overcome with an attack of the uncontrollable giggles. She felt such overwhelming relief to know her friends trusted her so much; even after everything that had happened over the past few weeks.

Soon Hay Lin and Taranee were giggling with Will. All three of them fell to the floor laughing uncontrollably. Cornelia just shook her head and started rolling up her sleeping bag.

After several minutes, the three Guardians were finally able to control themselves enough to roll up their sleeping bags. They helped Hay Lin store them back in a closet and started for the stairs. At the foot of the stairs, Will stopped them. "Okay, everyone run home and get ready for school. Then instead of going to school, meet at Shell Cave. Good?"

Everyone nodded and they bounded up the stairs.

Two hours later, the four Guardians arrived at Shell Cave. Will wasted no time in summoning their four Astral Drops. After giving them their instructions, the Guardians sent the Drops off to school. As soon as their doubles were out of sight, Will turned to her friends.

"Since we all know how much Cornelia loves to make an entrance, I think we ought to arrive in style. What do you guys think?"

Taranee and Hay Lin giggled and nodded. Cornelia folded her arms and sniffed, feigning offense.

Will grinned and summoned the Heart. "Guardians Unite!" she shouted.

As soon as the four teenagers were transformed into four young women, Will created a fold.

"All aboard for Candracar, ladies."

With that, the four Guardians charged into the fold.

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Yan Lin was meditating next to the pool in the Elemental Chamber of Water. Irma was still sleeping, supported by the gentle waves of her element. Thus far, she had been doing so calmly, and Yan Lin was grateful for that. The old woman's meditations calmed her mind; a much needed peace after Irma had tried to kill her. Yan Lin was frightened for her "adopted" granddaughter; she knew Irma would never harm her under normal circumstances. The young girl was going to be devastated when she woke up; and Yan Lin was determined to help her through it. She may not be the Air Guardian anymore, but Yan Lin wasn't going to let Irma go without a fight.

A movement in the water brought Yan Lin out of her meditation. She looked towards Irma and stood up immediately. Irma was thrashing about in the water; seconds later, she began to scream.

Without hesitation, Yan Lin dove into the pool and swam towards the frightened Guardian. She took hold of Irma's shoulder and tried to shake her awake, but to no avail. She shouted her name and splashed water in her face, but nothing worked. Yan Lin was about to summon additional help, when the doors opened.

Luba strode into the Chamber and dove into the pool. She swam quickly to Irma's side and extended the claws of her right paw. With a loud cry, the Caretaker jammed those claws into Irma's left hip. Irma's eyes flew open and she reflexively punched Luba. The feline was knocked back and slipped under the water, the force of the blow dislodging her claws from Irma's flesh.

Irma realized what she had done immediately. She swore and dove under the water. Quickly retrieving Luba, the Water Guardian hauled her to the surface. She dragged Luba to the side of the pool and pushed her up over the edge onto dry ground. Luba lay on her back for a moment before turning her head to face Irma. The latter had wisely swum back a few paces, out of Luba's reach.

"That is the second time in less than two days that you have forced me to get wet, Guardian," Luba growled.

"And that's the second time in less than two days your claws have managed to bury themselves in my flesh, Morris."

Luba grunted and decided not to ask about the reference to "Morris." She stood up and almost smiled. "Your training with me is complete Guardian. The water stream you sent at me a few hours ago tells me that you do not require a refresher on using your powers. And my jaw tells me that you are physically fit enough; putting you through the exercise again would be…redundant."

Irma looked confused. "Wait, you mean all I had to do to pass your stupid test was punch you? Well hell Garfield, why didn't you say so earlier? I would've done that five minutes after I met you!"

Luba sighed; it was useless to try and explain why the Guardian had completed her training, and that the exercise was not a test. "I apologize for embedding my claws into your hip Guardian; it was necessary to awaken you."

Irma nodded solemnly. "I'm glad you did; there's nothing worse than a nightmare you can't wake up from……thanks."

Luba nodded and pointed behind Irma. "I think the Honorable One wishes to speak with you."

Irma glanced over her shoulder and saw Yan Lin treading water. At once the Guardian's face became a mask of horror as she gazed upon the old woman she had nearly murdered a few hours before. Instinctively, Irma propelled herself back towards the side of the pool.

"She will not hurt you Guardian; the Honorable One is only concerned for you." Luba said quietly in Irma's ear.

"Are you kidding me? I just tried to kill her! The woman who means more to me than my own mother, and I tried to drown her. She can't possibly…"

"And yet she is, Guardian. Do not fear her, for she does not fear you."

With that, the sopping-wet feline turned and left the Chamber.

Yan Lin paddled towards Irma; the young Guardian swam slowly to meet her. Taking the old woman under the armpits, Irma dragged her to the side of the pool and helped her climb out. Even though Yan Lin was perfectly capable of doing these things herself, she let Irma assist her. She knew the young Guardian was nervous and probably frightened of how Yan Lin would react to her in light of what had happened.

Yan Lin made herself comfortable near the edge of the pool and smiled down at Irma. "Thank you Irma."

Irma lowered her eyes, turned, and began to swim away.

"Wait! Don't go…please." Yan Lin pleaded.

"It's better if I do," Irma choked out, her back to the old woman.

"Better for whom?"

"For you……for everyone."

"Why would you say such a thing?"

Now Irma was getting frustrated. Why does she have to play so dense? "In case you missed it, I just tried to drown you! My best friend's grandmother, and I tried to murder you…"

"No, Irma, not you…you did nothing of the sort. Whatever demons possess your mind, they are the ones responsible."

"I'm not possessed Mrs. Lin, don't you get it! Luba was right, I am damaged and not worthy to be a Guardian anymore. If I can turn on my friends at the drop of a hat, then I don't even belong in society. It's best if I just remain up here for the rest of my life…where I can't hurt anyone."

Yan Lin was silent for a moment. When she was sure Irma was finished, she spoke. "Are you finished with the pity party now?"

Whatever Irma had been expecting, it wasn't that. "What?"

"The Irma I know would not let herself be so easily defeated."

"The Irma you knew is gone; Nerissa saw to that."

"You have been through a terrible ordeal, one I would not wish on my worst enemy. That ordeal was compounded by the method used to heal your injuries. Your body has been mended; now you must find a way to heal your mind."

"What are you talking about? What method?"

"It is called the Joining. Your Auramere is used to heal your physical injuries, but in so doing, it inflicts terrible psychological damage. That is why you suffer from these hallucinations. They are most likely flashbacks to your time as Nerissa's captive."

Irma was speechless; what do you say about something like that anyway? Her turquoise eyes filled with horror as she recalled the ongoing nightmares of the past two weeks; she had felt so certain they were real. "Mrs. Lin, how long was I with Nerissa?"

"Five days, I believe."

Irma started to shake her head slowly back and forth. "No, no that's not right. It has to have been longer……more like a few weeks."

"Your healing took two weeks; during that time you relived your experiences in their entirety. This is the reason for your confusion. I assure you, you were with Nerissa for only five days."

Irma's mind couldn't handle this; here was Mrs. Lin telling her that her "ordeal" had lasted only five days, when Irma clearly remembered several weeks of torture. She knew Mrs. Lin wouldn't lie to her, but if that was the case, then Irma truly was losing her mind.

"It was the only way to heal your injuries, my child. Will did not make the decision lightly."

"Will?"

"Yes; it was she who was tasked with the decision to allow the Joining to occur."

Irma's head was starting to hurt; she still didn't completely understand what was going on, but she trusted Yan Lin. She looked into the old woman's eyes and saw only compassion. Irma closed her eyes and tried not to hate what she had become. Yan Lin was right; Irma was supposed to be tougher than this. Somehow she had to get a handle on her emotions and not let the nightmares overwhelm her. She needed help, and she knew it…

Opening her eyes, she swam towards Yan Lin. "Can you ever forgive me Mrs. Lin? I know I have no right to ask, but I don't know where else to start…"

Yan Lin reached out and placed her wrinkled hand on top of Irma's head. She smiled and said, "There is nothing to forgive my child; there never was." She took the young Guardian's face in her hands and leaned over to kiss Irma's forehead.

Irma was unable to hold back the tears and she let the old woman gather her into her arms as she sobbed. Irma's whole body shook as Yan Lin held her tightly. She rubbed Irma's back and whispered comfort in her ear.

The doors opened then and Halinor approached the pool. Seeing the tender moment, she turned to leave, but Yan Lin gestured her over. Halinor whispered something in Yan Lin's ear; the former Air Guardian nodded imperceptibly and Halinor left quietly.

After a time, Irma's shaking subsided, and her tears dried up. Yan Lin let her slip back into the water where she was most comfortable. "How is your hip?" she asked.

Irma had forgotten about that. "It must be okay; I didn't even remember it until just now."

Yan Lin nodded. "Good."

Irma got very quiet. "Mrs. Lin, I don't know what to say. You mean so much to me; there are no words to describe it. I would kill myself before I let anything happen to you or Hay Lin. And yet…"

Yan Lin held up her hand. "As Hay Lin would say, don't go there. Nothing more need be said about that; it is over now, do not dwell on it. Concentrate on getting well."

"I don't know how to do that Mrs. Lin; I can't exactly go to a doctor and say, "Hey I was tortured by a megalomaniac for a week and now I can't sleep. Got anything for that?" The guy would seriously freak…"

Yan Lin smiled. "Perhaps; but there is another source you may turn to."

"What's that?"

"The Guardians. They are your friends and they want to help. They are also uniquely qualified to understand your ordeal. They may not be professional doctors, but they are your best friends and they will not abandon you."

Irma sighed. "They have enough problems; they don't need my drama too."

"What they need is irrelevant. Do you honestly believe they would leave you to deal with this alone? This has affected them as well as you; they need you as much as you need them."

Irma shook her head. "I can't ask them to carry this; it's too much."

"You must Irma; else I fear you will only get worse. Do not shut them out."

"I just don't want them to get hurt."

"They are already hurt because of what happened to you. They blame themselves for your capture."

"What? Why? That's ridiculous; what could they have done?"

"You see? That is why you need each other now more than ever."

Irma closed her eyes again. "You're right, of course. I do need my friends. I'm just scared; I don't want them to see me like this."

"Like what, exactly?"

"Like a nutcase; off my rocker; out of my gourd; two french fries short of a Happy Meal; whacko!"

Yan Lin giggled. "Oh Irma, you have such a way with words. The Guardians will understand; they expect you to have suffered some psychological trauma. I believe they are prepared for you to be…out of your gourd."

"But what if I try to hurt them, like I hurt you and Luba?"

"What if an airplane falls out of the sky and crushes us all? You cannot live your life waiting for something horrible to happen. You can only try to prevent them and if you cannot, then you must deal with them as they come."

Irma nodded; Yan Lin's words made sense and gave her new hope. "I'm not good at asking for help…"

"I do not think you will have to; just let them in." Yan Lin stood up. "And I think you may get that chance sooner than you think."

"What do you mean?"

"The Guardians are here; they want to see you."

Irma opened and closed her mouth a few times; then she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She climbed out of the pool and ordered the water off of her body. Glancing at Yan Lin's still damp clothing, Irma flicked her hand and Yan Lin was immediately dry.

"Should've done that sooner…sorry."

Yan Lin just hugged the young Guardian. Irma stiffened but she did not struggle.

"Are you ready, my child?"

Irma took another deep breath and nodded. "As I'll ever be, I guess."

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Yan Lin led the way out of the Chamber and towards the same room where she had met Irma several hours before. She opened the heavy doors and stood aside for Irma to enter first. Irma glanced at Yan Lin for reassurance then entered the room.

Almost immediately she was set upon by an avalanche of squealing young women. The four Guardians caught their friend in a crushing group hug. Irma closed her eyes; it took everything she had not to throw them off and run back to her precious water. She was grateful she couldn't return the hug due to the fact that her arms were pinned to her sides; she wasn't sure she would've been able to.

Irma's sense of security was starting to waver when Yan Lin came to the rescue. "Alright girls, let her breathe."

The four Guardians released Irma, but continued to surround her. Yan Lin could see the nervousness in the Water Guardian's eyes. "Here, why don't we all have a seat? We can talk over here."

Irma breathed a sigh of relief as her friends meandered to a sofa and sat down. Yan Lin gave her hand a squeeze and led her to a sofa close-by. She and Irma sat down, Yan Lin the closer of the two to the other Guardians.

Irma tried to grin, but wasn't sure she managed to pull it off. Nevertheless, Hay Lin beamed at her best friend. "We've missed you so much! Your Astral Drop isn't anywhere near as fun as you are!"

Irma grinned and nodded. "I've, uh, I've missed you too Hay Lin. All of you actually…"

"How are you doing?" Taranee asked.

"Good…I'm good."

"How long have you been…awake?" Cornelia asked.

"Maybe three or four days, I guess."

"What have you been doing in that time?" Will asked.

Irma's lip curled slightly and her voice took on a definite coldness. "Running some pointless obstacle course for Fluffy the Mutant Space-Kitty."

At the girls' confusion, Yan Lin translated. "Luba has been getting Irma reacclimated to using her limbs; to reverse the atrophy."

That seemed to make sense, and Hay Lin started to giggle. "Fluffy the Mutant Space-Kitty? Wow, I guess you two don't get along?"

"That would be putting it nicely," Irma answered.

Before anything else could be said, the doors opened and the Mage entered the room. Everyone stood up as she approached the group. "Good, you are all here; you may wish to witness this."

"Witness what, exactly?" Will asked.

"I have found a way to counter the curse that has infected the Water Guardian. I am here to perform that countercurse now."

Irma moved instinctively behind Yan Lin. Taranee noticed and her eyes narrowed.

"Come forward, Guardian," the Mage commanded.

Yan Lin squeezed Irma's hand to reassure her. Irma swallowed and stepped forward.

"Relax child; this will not take long." The Mage raised her hand and began to speak in a language none of them recognized. Presently, she reached her hand towards Irma and grasped her face.

Irma had a sudden flashback. Nerissa was grabbing her face in exactly the same way and intoning her awful curse. This was something new Irma had not remembered during her healing period. She panicked and ripped her face away from the Mage's grip. She extended her arm towards the seven-foot woman and choked out, "Don't touch me."

The Mage's eyes narrowed and she reached for Irma again. Taranee stepped forward and pushed her friend behind her. "Wait a second, what exactly are you doing?"

Hay Lin joined Taranee, adding to Irma's human shield. The Mage looked calmly at the two Guardians. "I am performing a complicated countercurse. The Guardian will feel better once I have finished. But it requires her to be still. Your friend has not been completely rational since she awoke. She has been having hallucinations; she may believe I am attempting to harm her."

Hay Lin held the Mage's gaze. "Are you?"

"I am not, Air Guardian. I am attempting to heal her. Will you help me to help your friend?"

Will moved closer to Irma. "It's okay Irma; she's not going to hurt you. Let her get rid of the curse and then maybe we can all go home."

Irma wanted to trust Will, and she wanted to show her friends that she wasn't crazy. She took a deep breath and stepped around Taranee and Hay Lin. The Mage nodded and raised her hand again. She began intoning the strange words and then grasped Irma's face. Irma felt as though a jolt of lightning had passed through her. She knew that grip; it was Nerissa! With a strangled cry, Irma pushed the Mage away. "Don't touch me; stay away from me!"

"It is dangerous to interrupt a spell this complicated; it could further damage your friend's mind. I ask you four to assist me. Please, restrain her so I may complete the spell."

Irma turned wild eyes to her friends. "No, you can't; don't let her touch me…please."

"She is not herself; and I fear she will only get worse until the curse is lifted. Guardians, will you help me help your friend?"

The four Guardians looked at each other. Hay Lin was the first to speak. "Irma, she's trying to help you; you have to let her."

"Yeah, just hold still and it will all be over really quick." Cornelia said.

Will nodded. "It's okay Irma; she's one of the good guys."

Irma began to breathe heavily and shake her head. "You too? You would turn on me? I thought you were my friends; why…?"

"Hold her now Guardians; I can sense her mind deteriorating as we speak."

Will nodded to the three, and they all wrestled Irma to the ground. Irma screamed maniacally and tried to fight them off, but the Guardians were too strong. Taranee and Cornelia each held one of Irma's legs, while Hay Lin and Will pinned her arms and held her head steady.

The Mage raised her hand for the third time and began the spell. Irma struggled and screamed, but the Guardians held her fast. The Mage reached towards the helpless Water Guardian and grasped her face roughly.

"NO! NO!" Irma screamed. She thrashed all the more, but to no avail. The Mage held her face and continued her spell.

Irma felt white-hot lightning shoot through her brain and she screamed in agony. Taranee jumped and grabbed her head. She gritted her teeth through the sudden pain she felt. Cornelia compensated by summoning thick vines to restrain Irma's now-free leg.

As the Mage shouted the final words of the spell, Irma fell silent. There was a blinding flash of light and the Mage released Irma's face.

"The spell is complete; you may let her up now. I thank you, Guardians, for your assistance." The Mage turned and started for the door.

Hay Lin, Will and Cornelia looked at Irma. Their friend had lost consciousness and was breathing raggedly. Taranee had fallen onto her side and continued clutching her head. She was moaning softly and Yan Lin was kneeling next to her.

Will stood up angrily and raced after the Mage. "What the hell did you do?"

"I removed a terrible curse from your friend; she will feel better soon."

"Yeah well it sounded to me like you were killing her."

"I told you she has not been herself. I did not hurt the Guardian, child. However, she will feel more comfortable in her Elemental Chamber. Perhaps you would be wise to take her there."

"Will, get over here, NOW!" Cornelia shouted.

Will raced back to her friends. "What's wrong?"

"It's Irma; I think she's having a seizure."

Irma was shaking all over and mumbling incoherently.

"Will, I can't wake up Taranee!" Hay Lin shouted.

"What the hell is going on?" Will shouted.

Yan Lin touched Will's arm. "Come, we must get them to their Elemental Chambers. Follow me."

Hay Lin immediately conjured a gust of wind to lift the two stricken Guardians into the air. Then she and the other two Guardians followed her grandmother.

Will wasn't sure what had just happened; but one thing she did know…she didn't trust the Mage. She only hoped they had not unwittingly caused Irma and Taranee further damage.

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There we go folks, a nice long chapter for you. Let me know what you think. Cheers!