SEARCHING
DISCLAIMER: I don't own the characters of BTVS or W.I.T.C.H. and I earn no profit in writing this.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This takes place in the same continuity as 'I'm Done' but is not a sequel and stands alone quite well. If you have any comments or preferences, please don't be shy. RandR.
"This can't be a coincidence," the Mage declared, when Matt had finished his story. "An attack on Earth, in front of witnesses is a disturbing turn of events indeed."
"I'm not convinced it was an attack," Matt allowed. "It may have been an accident of some kind. Something went wrong with their spell, maybe?"
"Perhaps, but Will's disappearance, under these circumstances serves the sorceress' ends too well. The Heart of Kandrakhar is missing leaving the other Guardians powerless."
"She'd have to find them first," Matt assured her. "They and their families are scattered at the moment."
"And thus no threat to our enemy. Let us hope she agrees. In the meantime, I will begin a search for her using my own means. It should prove quicker than sending out search parties to every corner of the kingdom. " She considered. "How long has she been missing?"
Matt looked at his watch and considered a moment. "Almost four hours. Will's mom called me barely an hour after it happened, and I went straight to Hay Lin."
"Excellent. The less time wasted, the better." She turned to Elyon's parents. "I would suggest keeping this secret. The abduction of the queen has unsettled the people enough. If it is learned that Heart of Kandrakhar and its bearer are missing, there may be a panic."
Elyon's mother nodded faintly, distractedly. "Very well Mage. We shall leave the search to you."
"But the more people who search, the better chance of finding her!" Matt pointed out.
"And if the sorceress is not responsible for her disappearance? The more people who know, the better chance she has of finding out and turning the situation to her advantage." Matt hesitated and finally nodded. "I know you are worried," the Mage continued, "but I promise, I will do my best to find her quickly."
OOOOOOOOOO
Nerissa was nothing if not adaptable. Her plans had been disrupted by unforeseen circumstances, but the most important goal had been achieved. The Heart of Meridian was hers. The Council had become aware of that fact sooner than she would have liked, but the disappearance of Will and the Heart opened up a new range of possibilities, especially if she could find the missing Guardian first.
There were certain magical means of tracking people at her disposal, but the most obvious solution was the Stone of Threbe, lifted from Elyon's palace along with a few other choice items. When the stone was activated, Will would be drawn to her, and it would have the added benefit of interfering with anyone else who might try to find her. Nerissa allowed herself a smile. An elegant solution, indeed.
She abandoned her guise as the Mage as soon as she returned to her current base of operations to retrieve the Stone from its hiding place. "See you soon, Will."
