Hello my lovelies, welcome back to The Pit. Let's get right to business shall we?

Thank you to: Athena of Ravencalw (yay my number 1 fan!); Raniphae (thanks for sticking around and for reviewing :) ); Nisa (thank you from the bottom of my heart); Shocklance (thank you for loving my story...it makes me feel good); LoD (LOL...Nerissa the badass Disney villainess); Rob Teague (Thank you for your compliments my friend); Loveline (I love you too Elle); Visigoth (thank you for badgering); Knight (thank you for your kind words); Chase (thanks for reviewing); Krystal (Good to see you too, my friend); Lilly Tiger (thank you for your words...I appreciate you); Mallratrebel (Welcome to the pit; hope you will stick around); Sasha (thanks for your review...you are very kind); Guardian's Light (get some sleep woman :) ); Maria (thanks for stopping by...hope we will see you again. Thanks for your review as well); CP (Thanks for your review...I found it encouarging and wonderful to read).

Like to give a shout-out to Pita Girl...where you been girlfriend? Also I would like to shout-out to Azhure Tigress. Due to unforseen circumstances, she did not serve as my editor for this chapter. Instead Visigoth stepped up for me. So thank you Vis for coming through for me. Azhure...talk to me please. I miss you.

Now without further ado...please enjoy:

Chapter 26

The sun shone bright and clear, and a cool spring breeze flitted through the trees of Heatherfield. Birds sang sweetly atop those gently swaying branches as Anna Lair spread a cheerful yellow tablecloth across a wooden table. As she placed simple flatware around the places, her thoughts drifted to her daughter. Lately she had not seemed quite herself, and Anna was worried. Irma was always so sarcastic, sometimes to the point of pugnacity; yet lately she was considerably more subdued; even downright quiet. The corners of Mrs. Lair's mouth twitched slightly at the thought of Irma wearing a sundress and bonnet, curtsying politely to guests. Anna giggled softly; not my Irma, she thought. No, she's far too headstrong for that. And yet...

Mrs. Lair made several trips into the house, lost in her thoughts. She barely noticed what she was doing as she laid a spread of pasta salad and fruit on the table. She was just pouring the fresh lemonade when her doorbell rang. Moving automatically to answer the door, Anna's smile was somewhat forced as she greeted her caller. Elizabeth Hale stood on the porch holding a basket of freshly-baked sourdough bread.

"Elizabeth," Anna Lair grinned, "welcome. I'm glad you could make it this morning."

"Thank you Anna," Mrs. Hale replied, striding into the living room. The room was clean, and tastefully decorated. The furniture, while simple, exuded an air of elegance; though to Elizabeth Hale's vaunted eye, it looked simply...cheap. Nevertheless, the high-class woman held her tongue and merely smiled at the décor.

"I love what you've done with the place, Anna."

"Thank you," Mrs. Lair responded automatically. She highly doubted Elizabeth was sincere, but she appreciated the effort nonetheless. "This bread smells wonderful," Anna said, taking the basket of hot loaf from the tall blonde woman.

"Why thank you; I baked it myself just this morning."

"Of course you did," Anna replied, her smile starting to feel somewhat forced and stiff. "Shall we retire to the back yard? The others haven't arrived yet."

"Charming idea, Anna," Elizabeth responded, pulling her tasteful, white shawl tighter about her slender shoulders. No matter the season, you could always trust Elizabeth Hale to be the epitome of high-fashion. Anna glanced at her own simple, tailored pants and blouse...and refused to feel second-best next to this woman. Holding her head a little higher, Irma's stepmother indicated the direction to the back yard with a sweep of her hand.

"After you then."

Elizabeth nodded and proceeded out the back door. A modest yard of freshly-cut green grass greeted the fashionista as she strode purposefully towards the wooden picnic table. Settling herself into the comfortable, high-backed, padded chair, she took a sip of lemonade and gazed around the area. Though not large, the yard was roomy enough to accommodate playful children or pets. A small apple tree blossomed cheerfully near the back corner, bringing the promise of fresh, sweet fruit come summertime. The songs of birds nearby made Elizabeth wonder if perhaps an avian family hadn't made its home in the boughs of those snowy blossoms. While the Lair home would never compare to the Hale Highrise, Elizabeth couldn't help longing for a yard similar to this one.

"How is your book club going?"

Elizabeth jumped slightly; she had momentarily forgotten she was not alone. "Oh, it's fine, just fine. We are reading some Steinbeck at the moment."

Anna merely smiled slightly. She was starting to feel very awkward and cast about for any snippet of conversation in which to engage her company. She had just opened her mouth when she was, quite literally, saved by the doorbell.

"Excuse me," she said, sliding out of her chair and moving to answer the door.

Judge Theresa Cook stood on the porch as Anna opened the door. Taranee's mother smiled warmly at the other woman.

"Anna, thank you so much for organizing this brunch."

"It's good to see you Theresa. Here, let me take that," Anna said, reaching for the judge's potato salad.

"Thank you. Oh what a lovely home," Theresa cooed, stepping over the threshold. "It's been so long since I've visited that it all seems new."

Anna giggled. "Well I hope you'll feel welcome enough to return more often. The back yard is through that door. Elizabeth Hale is already here; feel free to help yourself to some lemonade while I find a spoon for this salad."

"That sounds wonderful; thank you."

As Judge Cook exited through the door, Anna began rummaging around the kitchen for a spoon. She had just found one, when her doorbell chimed again. This time, Susan Vandom awaited entry. Anna Lair knew next to nothing about this woman; they had met briefly on Parents' night at the school some months ago, but beyond that, they had never had contact with each other. Nevertheless, Mrs. Lair smiled warmly and nodded.

"Hello Susan; welcome. I'm glad you could make it."

"Hi Anna; thank you for having me over. I'm sorry, but I have only an hour; I need to get back to work this afternoon."

"I understand completely; please join the others in the back yard right through there. We're just waiting for Joan." She took the bowl of green salad from Susan's arms and indicated the back door.

"Thanks," Susan replied, striding swiftly towards the yard. Anna watched her disappear through the door then set about locating salad tongs. Moments later, she appeared in the back yard carrying both salads. She had just set them on the table when her bell chimed once more. Excusing herself, she moved to answer her door for the last time.

"Joan, wonderful to see you. Thank you for coming."

"Thank you for inviting me. I cannot stay long; I have left Chen alone at the restaurant and I must return soon."

"Of course, say no more. We'll get started directly. Let me take those wonderful noodles for you."

Joan smiled and handed off the pan-fried noodles to Anna, then followed her through the house to the back yard. Three women smiled politely as the two appeared and quickly took their seats. As the food was passed around, Anna Lair cleared her throat.

"Thank you all for coming this morning. I know all of you are busy and I appreciate your taking the time out of your schedules to meet together. As you know, I have grown somewhat concerned about my daughter, Irma; she just doesn't seem like herself lately. I wonder if any of you have noticed anything odd of late."

Joan Lin swallowed a mouthful of potato salad. "My Hay Lin has seemed distant lately; she stays in her room most evenings, or goes off with her friends. I do not see her as often as I used to."

Anna nodded and looked at Susan. "Well, Will has seemed a little more affectionate of late. She's wanted to spend time with me; she even said she didn't mind my relationship with Mr. Col...with the man I've been seeing."

"Oh do tell!" Elizabeth interrupted enthusiastically. Judge Cook rolled her eyes; trust Elizabeth Hale to have all the town dirt, no matter the situation.

"Perhaps we should save the gossip for another time," Anna said, looking sternly at the blonde woman across the table. "Susan, is it unusual for Will to wish to be around you?"

"Well, no; just not quite this much is all," Susan shrugged. "I just chalked it up to stress at school, or maybe a falling-out with her friends. You know, normal teenager stuff."

"Well I know Taranee hasn't been herself at all," Mrs. Cook chimed in. "She never wants to do her homework anymore; she just sits and pines for this Nigel. Honestly, it's all she talks about anymore; and I for one simply do not approve of that boy."

"Well of course you don't," Elizabeth drawled tiredly. "He's a ruffian by your standards; a downright criminal. Why I'm surprised you haven't forbidden your daughter to even talk about him in your presence."

Four sets of eyes blinked in shock. Had Elizabeth Hale just called out Theresa Cook? The silence was deafening as everyone awaited a response.

Judge Cook removed her glasses and methodically cleaned them before answering. "I'm quite certain how I choose to raise my daughter is none of your business, Elizabeth; nor is Susan Vandom's love-life. Perhaps we should try to stay on topic and speak of relevant things?"

"All I'm saying," Elizabeth responded, "is that our teenagers are acting like...teenagers. Honestly, I wonder why all the worry. Teenagers have mood swings like this all the time; it's not a new concept."

"Yes, but getting detention twice in the same week is a little much even for Irma," Anna replied. "Even she doesn't smart-off to the gym teacher that much. It just seems...odd. Almost like she's a different person entirely. Have any of you noticed anything like this, or is it just me?"

"It's not just you, Anna," Theresa said quietly. "Taranee hasn't seemed herself at all, and I don't mean just because of Nigel and the homework. If she could get away with it, I think she would hang out with her friends all day and all night. I don't know where she's going, she won't talk to me."

Anna nodded. "Irma has been similarly quiet around me; she's never been much for talking about her feelings with me, but it's spooky how quiet she is lately."

"Maybe that's because you are not her real mother and she resents you. And Taranee would be crazy to talk to you what with how you've blown this whole thing with Nigel out of proportion," Elizabeth said as she sipped her lemonade.

Theresa was about to reply, but Anna beat her to it. Rising to her feet, the slender woman banged her fist into the table. "Elizabeth Hale, you are a guest in my home and I will not have you insulting me or these women. Is that clear?"

"Oh do sit down sweetheart...and don't glare like that; you'll get wrinkles around your eyes. I only meant that once teenagers feel threatened they aren't apt to sit down and have a chat with that source of anxiety. Susan, for example, has a new man in her life...a child can feel very displaced by that. Theresa has forbidden Taranee to see her new crush, so there is animosity there. Anna is not Irma's mother, so the child feels some hostility towards you...her real mother's replacement. And Joan pays so much attention to her customers..."

"Do not finish that sentence Mrs. Hale," Joan snapped. "I always have time for my daughter and she knows this. If only she had more time for me..."

"The point is, I think our daughters are acting exactly as I would expect them to. It's just normal teenage brain damage, and you all are making a big deal out of nothing."

"Well I don't think it's nothing," Susan chimed in. "Will is certainly acting different, and it worries me a little."

Anna nodded. "I'm worried as well. I may not be Irma's biological mother, but I am still her mother...and I know my daughter. This isn't Irma."

"Who else would it be then, Anna?" Elizabeth asked exasperatedly. "Unless you believe in something like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, or cloning..."

"Elizabeth, I had hoped this would be a friendly brunch where five intelligent women could get together to discuss their concerns. Why do you insist on constantly berating me and these other women?"

"Perhaps because you are such an easy target, dearheart." Elizabeth replied airily.

Anna clenched her fists and was about to explode when Joan stepped in. "Perhaps it would be better if you leave, Mrs. Hale. We thank you for your time, but I believe you have contributed all you can to this conversation now. Please...leave us."

Elizabeth looked around the table and saw agreement in four faces. Taking a deep breath, she rose from her seat. "If that is your wish, then I shall go. I only meant to point out how silly you all are being over nothing. Teenagers act like this all the time; there is no great mystery here, just overprotective mothers. I bid you farewell ladies."

The tall blonde woman strode proudly away, leaving the other four women staring after her in speechless shock.

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Irma's mind was racing; what could be wrong with Hay Lin? If that bitch has done something to permanently damage my sister, I swear I'll...She couldn't finish the sentence because quite frankly she had no idea what she would do. The Guardians lay gravely wounded in their Chambers, having been no match for Nerissa; why would their next encounter be different? As much as she hated to admit it, Irma was worried they had bitten off more than they could chew this time.

No one spoke as the three women rushed headlong for the Air Chamber, each lost in her own thoughts; Irma, concerned for Hay Lin; Halinor scared for Yan Lin; Luba apprehensive for all of Candracar.

As they approached the Chamber, the unmistakable roar of heavy winds met their ears. Luba stopped so suddenly that Irma rushed headlong into her furry back. The Guardian bounced off the larger woman with an "oof," and may have fallen to the floor had not Halinor steadied her. Luba turned and began to speak as though nothing had happened.

"We must talk here; the winds are too loud for our voices to penetrate if we move any closer."

Irma resisted the urge to spit out cat hair. "Tell us what's going on."

"The Air Chamber is out of control," Luba answered calmly. "My information is limited but I believe its mistress may have lost her command. It is imperative that you reach the Air Guardian and put an end to this chaos."

Irma's mind spun at the thought of Hay Lin losing control of her Chamber. "How did this happen?"

"I do not know," Luba shook her head. "I have never before seen anything like it. Indeed, I did not know it was even possible."

"How do you know it's happened then?" Halinor asked.

Luba growled softly and turned her right shoulder to view. The fur was singed and blackened. "Because I have seen and felt the Chamber's wrath. I was going to check on the Air Guardian, but the Chamber refused me passage."

Halinor covered her mouth in horror. "Luba! Are you alright?"

"I will be fine," Luba replied gruffly, twisting her shoulder away from the old woman. "Your concern should now be for the Air Guardian and her grandmother. I did not see the Honorable One during my brief visit. I am concerned for her safety."

"But she's a former Guardian," Irma said, "the Chamber wouldn't attack her."

"The Chamber should not have attacked me either, Guardian," Luba replied. "There is something very wrong here and you must move swiftly to correct it."

Irma nodded. "Alright; I'll reach Hay Lin and get her to shut the thing off. How's that?"

"It may not be that simple," Luba remarked. "If the Air Guardian has lost control of her Chamber, she may not be able to simply command it to cease hostilities. I believe Yan Lin would have informed us had the Guardian awoken; as I have not heard any reports like this..."

Halinor creased her brow. "You think Hay Lin is still unconscious."

Luba only nodded.

"Oh dear; that does pose a problem," Halinor muttered. "We need the Oracle, Luba."

Luba's eyes darkened, but flashed back to her icy blue so quickly, Irma wasn't sure she had seen anything amiss. "The Oracle is unavailable to me at this time," the Caretaker growled. "You must do this without his aid."

"Luba, you know I'm not strong enough to-"

"You reached the Water Guardian; you will reach the Air Guardian."

"Yes, but it took me three days! Do you truly believe we have that kind of time? We must send for the Oracle..."

"The Oracle cannot help us," Luba snapped.

"Luba-"

"TIME...OUT!" Irma hollered, forming her hands into a "T." "Water Guardian thoroughly confused here. Will somebody please tell me what the hell is going on?"

Halinor sighed. "Forgive us Irma; we believe the Air Chamber may be out of control because Hay Lin is having dreams or memories in her unconscious state."

"Oh yeah, that's clear as mud," Irma muttered.

"The Chamber is a sentient being in its own right," Luba explained. "When the Guardian is in harmony, so is the Chamber. When that harmony is threatened or otherwise unbalanced, the Chamber can become confused...theoretically."

Halinor nodded. "It may be attacking everyone because it perceives us all as a threat right now. This would be especially plausible if Hay Lin feels she's in danger."

Irma narrowed her eyes in thought. She remembered how her dreams felt, and that they had been real enough to cause her some actual physical injury at one point. If that hadn't felt threatening to her own Water Chamber...

"It's just a theory," Halinor said, noticing Irma's concentration. "We have no way of actually proving it at this point. What we do know is we have to reach Hay Lin as quickly as possible before the Chamber tears itself and those within it apart."

"We?" Irma raised an eyebrow.

"I must go with you Irma; if you can't wake her, telepathy may be our only chance to reach Hay Lin."

Irma was alarmed. "Oh no, you can't go in there; you could be killed! Fire and Air don't make a good...ok actually they do make a good combination, but that's not the point!"

"It is the only way," Luba answered. "She is correct, Guardian; you need her help."

"I can't protect her, Luba. Hell, I can't protect myself from the Chamber. What is Water going to do to Air, huh?"

"You are a Guardian of the Veil," Luba said stoutly. "You must find a way. It is your duty to protect those that cannot protect themselves."

Halinor chose to ignore the unintended barb. "She's right Irma; there's no other way. We have to do this...now."

"But...I can't lose you Halinor. And if I fail to protect you-"

"You won't," Halinor cut in. She knelt in front of the distraught Guardian and placed her hands on the young woman's shoulders. "I trust you, Irma. You won't let anything happen to me...I know this. Now if I believe it, why can't you?"

Irma wanted to argue, wanted to tell Halinor she was a fool for trusting in something so ridiculous and so unlikely. She knew her powers would be useless in the Chamber, so what did Halinor expect her to do? But there was no time to argue; both Yan Lin and Hay Lin could be in grave danger. Irma shook her head and covered Halinor's right hand with her left and squeezed it briefly.

"You're an idiot; you know that..." Irma grinned.

"Yes," Halinor smiled as she rose to her feet, "Cassidy used to tell me that all the time."

"You will have to ferry Halinor across the skies, Guardian," Luba said, clearing her throat. "Her powers are such that she can no longer fly. Keep her safe...please."

"Did Fluffy just say please?" Irma quipped, jerking a thumb towards the Caretaker.

Halinor giggled at the expression on Luba's face. "Yes I think she did."

"Well that has to be a good omen then," Irma grinned. Then her expression turned serious once more. "Don't worry Luba; we'll get to Hay Lin and set things right. I promise."

"I know you will Guardian. Go now...and be careful."

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Hay Lin slumbered on the edge of sanity. Her filleted stomach burned with Nerissa's fire. Her back was seared by Frost's whip. Miranda cackled gleefully as she carved the porcelain flesh from Hay Lin's body. Her wounds crushed down upon her like a vise. Make it stop, please...oh make it stop. But no one would hear her pleas...they fell on the deaf ears of her captors as they continued their merciless torture.

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The Elemental Chamber of Air was confused. Its Guardian was in distress and the Chamber could not figure out why. It reached out to touch its mistress' mind and found agony and despair. Someone or something was hurting the Guardian! Frantically the Chamber cast about for the culprit. Her! It had to be her, there was no one else here. No, that's the former Air Guardian; she couldn't be doing this. But what if it's an enemy in disguise? Yes! Yes, that's it...a disguised tormentor trying to fool us. We cannot let this torture continue. Immediately the Chamber wrapped the intruder in an airy cocoon, powerful and deadly. Slowly, ever so slowly so as to inflict the same torture on the intruder as she was inflicting upon the Guardian, the Chamber began to drain the air from Yan Lin's prison.

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Irma and Halinor approached the large doors of the Air Chamber. The sound of the winds was deafening and Irma was forced to cover her ears. I can't rescue anyone like this; I've gotta drown out the noise somehow. Thinking quickly, she filled her ears with water and slowly pried her hands away. The sound, while not eliminated, was muffled enough for Irma to deal.

Irma, can you hear me?

The Guardian jumped and turned to face Halinor. She nodded.

No, just think about your words and I will hear them telepathically.

Think about my words? You mean like this?

Yes exactly. But you'll have to speak up a little; I can barely hear you.

Is this a bad time to tell you I'm not actually speaking?

Just think louder, Halinor grinned.

Think louder? What does that even mean? Like this?

Much better, yes.

Alright, thanks for the lesson. Ready?

Halinor took a deep breath. Ready.

Irma nodded and turned back to the doors. She pushed gently and found them locked. Taking a deep breath, she summoned her powers. Water gushed forth and blew the doors from their hinges. Immediately lightning flashed through the ruined doorway. Irma dove to the floor as the deadly bolts slammed into the wall behind her. Grabbing Halinor, she took off into the charged air.

Lightning flashed around the two women as Irma dodged another furious bolt. Bobbing and weaving, Guardian and former Guardian made their way towards the center of the Chamber. They were nearly there when the lightning finally struck home. With a cry, Irma dropped Halinor and doubled over with pain. Screams of terror echoed around the Chamber as Halinor fell through the air. Irma blinked away her fog of agony and dove after the old woman.

Halinor screamed, her hands clawing the air uselessly. She closed her eyes, waiting for the impact to crush her body. Instead she felt herself lifted under the armpits. Irma had caught her!

Are you ok Halinor?

I'm fine thanks to you.

I'm sorry I dropped you; it won't happen again.

Nevermind that...I know what made you drop me. Are you alright?

A little shaken, but I'm ok. Can you try to contact Hay Lin?

I've been trying but I can't reach her. I'm going to try to get Yanni.

Ok, I'll try to get us closer.

The women flew off again, dodging lightning as they went. Suddenly Halinor gasped.

Irma we have to hurry! The Chamber has imprisoned Yan Lin in a bubble and is slowly suffocating her!

What?!

Hurry Irma, please!

Irma flew with renewed determination. They had nearly made it to Yan Lin's prison when a powerful gust of wind blew them back. Unable to control their momentum, the women were slammed from behind by heavy lightning. Irma's body burned and she fought to maintain her hold on Halinor. She screamed as another bolt jolted into her side. She tried in vain to fly against the wind, but she could not make any headway.

Irma listen to me...erect a shield around us in the shape of a needle. We should be able to pierce the winds.

Irma didn't think, she only obeyed...and the ruse worked! The needle-like water shield pierced the air and they sailed through to Hay Lin and Yan Lin.

Halinor tried desperately to contact the unconscious Guardian while Irma concentrated on dodging more deadly bolts.

Hay Lin can you hear me? Please wake up; your grandmother and friends are in danger.

There was no response.

Hay Lin please...you must wake up! Hay Lin, Hay Lin!

Still nothing.

Irma, it's no use; I can't reach her.

You have to keep trying Halinor; it's our only chance.

Irma gazed at Yan Lin desperately; the old grandmother was slumped against the wall of the bubble, barely breathing. When she noticed Irma looking at her, Yan Lin raised her fingers to press against the cocoon. Slowly her fingers trailed down the barrier and she gasped and lay still.

"Mrs. Lin!" Irma shouted, though no one heard her. Momentarily distracted, Irma never saw the murderous arc that sped towards her. The lightning smashed into her, crushing her in a vise-grip. She screamed an inhuman scream as the tendrils tore through her body. She lost consciousness and the women fell once more...with nothing to stop their descent.

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There we have it folks; hope you enjoyed it. Thanks again to Visigoth for all your help! Please let me know what y'all thought! Until next time...