"Just close your eyes

The sun is going down,

You'll be alright

No one can hurt you now.

Come morning light,

You and I'll be safe and sound."

—Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift ft. The Civil Wars

Irma glanced around the dungeon, hearing the thundering footsteps of the guards approaching. It rattled the chains and cages that dangled from the ceiling, shaking the building and from what she saw on the way in, the Guard's tower was close by. She needed to give orders, she decided.

Taking a look at her comrades, she cursed. Cornelia was flipping out so she couldn't do it, Taranee was panicking and Hay Lin was staring at her wings as if they had just sprouted from thin air…well they had but that was beside the point. She'd been flying through the palace with them for well over half an hour, she should've adapted by now. They had transformed when they had reached the castle, finding that the Heart refused to transform them when they were so far away from the building where the Keeper was held. Irma thought it was something about the Heart disliking Cornelia but then came to the slightly more intelligent conclusion that the Heart probably sensed that the Keeper was unbelievably close, and refused to transform the Guardians when it wasn't in its Keeper's possession. Hay Lin had suggested the insane notion that the Heart of Candrakar had some social issues with Cornelia, which they'd all laughed about, but while that was no doubt bullshit, it was likely. However, that wasn't the main problem, or anywhere near it currently. For once, Irma was in charge and she didn't want to be.

The door to the dungeons slammed open, the panicking Taranee immediately causing Cornelia to flip her stack again, and Irma found herself looking down the hole, trying to zone out and concentrate. What to do? Well, Hay Lin was the best flyer; she would be the quickest to find an exit. Cornelia would obviously have an advantage of bricks being part of Earth, meaning she'd be able to handle the stairs…but what else? There was something screaming at her, demanding her attention and on instinct, Irma yelled out; "Taranee, Cornelia! Block the stairs! Hay Lin find us a way out. I've got Carrot Top down the hole." The three Guardians gave each other a look then shrugged before flying off to do as told. Who cared about how Cornelia and Irma suddenly switched leading roles? It wasn't that big of a deal. They could no doubt argue about it later, but Cornelia found she couldn't complain. It helped. And it wasn't long after they flew off to perform their tasks before two thundering calls rang out; "Earth!" "Fire!" followed by the screams of the green creeps, Irma had heard someone call them Lurdens, and the guards.

Ha! she beamed, that shows them! Underestimating the Guardians! Assholes! Quickly focusing her attention again, she stared back down the hole, wondering how on Earth she'd lift this girl out, when an idea struck her. She was so stupid. Why do something you'd do on Earth when you were on Meridian and could do something so much better? Sometimes she doubted her own intelligence, but then she thought better of it. Doubting her intelligence was not a confidence boost, the thing she needed to lead her friends. Downer equals Dead, she chanted as a smirk lit up her face. "I don't have to lift her out…Water!"

Two pulsing beams of the liquid shot out of her palms, seemingly appearing from nowhere, and flooded into the hole. She could just lift the girl with water, fill the hole up to the top and watch her float out. But would it work? Well she'd find out soon. The continuous sounds of explosions, no doubt Taranee letting loose, assured her the guards were still being taken care of. Though she wasn't sure if that was a good thing, or a bad thing. The only thing it told her was that she had time. She had a couple of golden minutes. Though it would probably be best if they were gone before Lord Cedric appeared, it gave her a moment to calm down. She could do this if she tried. As her teacher, Ms Applebaum had told her, "Irma, anything is possible if you can pull a prank like that."

A sputtering cough and rioting laughter caused her to look down. There climbing out of the hole was the red-headed girl, their Keeper, laughing her ass off as a brunette boy shivered, coughing and gagging. Well that was handy, she mused. They'd not only found their Keeper, but they had also found the rebel.

***Rebel Fire****

Redemption. That was the only thought that recurred in her mind. Redemption. Redemption. Redemption. It hummed as she nodded. If they saved him as well, they could redeem themselves from their screw up. After all, Irma Lair was not one to make a bad first impression. Looking down she realized they were slowly stopping, calming down. Show time it seemed. "Hello," Irma greeted in her best snazzy servers' voice, "My name is Irma Lair and I'll be one of your rescuers today." The girl nodded, much calmer then a normal person could ever be, taking in the scene while Irma turned her attention to the recently grounded Hay Lin who was fingering a green frog-like creature with a childish gleam in her eyes. She looked like she'd won the lottery, not that it wouldn't be possible. The girl was luckier than a leprechaun in the Water Guardian's opinion. She'd won almost every competition and raffle she'd entered while Irma could barely manage to win at 'Hoop Toss'. It was ridiculous. "Can we keep him?" Her eyes widened. Hay Lin was excited, pumping her fists as she bounced up and down. Was she brain dead? They were in a life and death situation and she asks for a pet? Mental note, she chirped, talk to Yan Lin about a brain scan for Hay Lin. "Can we get out of here?" Irma mocked as the Air Guardian nodded. "There's like a bazillion tunnels down there—" "Fire!" "—it's like a really cool maze! Well, cool if we weren't like trapped and everything…" The frog pulled Hay Lin's hand, grinning slimily and causing Irma to shriek, jumping away from it. She hated slimy things, but not as bad as Taranee. "Blunk know way out! Take Blunk with you!"

Irma was actually considering it, though the smile he gave her was putting her off. But despite personal views…it'd be helpful, a great asset for their future escapades in the castle, which was apparently a guarantee as a Guardian. And Hay Lin might relax, grow a little, mature, not that Irma could say much, but it would be better. She was just about to accept when the boy's voice broke in, "Don't trust him! He's a passling. Passlings lie. They deceive anyone who trusts them—" "Nonsense Caleb. Blunkers here wouldn't do that to anyone. He was raised better than other Passlings. And you shouldn't say that out loud; number one it's stereotypical and number two it's rude." The girl jabbed him in the chest with her finger, cocking an eyebrow as she smiled smugly. Irma had almost forgotten she was there before she contradicted the boy. She seemed to know she'd won this argument, and Irma agreed as she continued, "You don't know for a fact that all Passlings lie and deceive. And Blunkers wouldn't do that to anyone. It's all about nurture over nature." The red-head announced, balancing the little Passling on her hip like he was a child. An incredibly smelly, green skinned child,Irma nodded. She stole a glance at the rebel and nearly laughed. His face was bright red, redder than the girl's hair and he looked largely irritated. Carrot Top's words seemed to strike a chord with Caleb, like they had a double meaning. But what was it? It intrigued the Guardian, almost as much as the girl herself did. Her new life was slowly bringing out the Sherlock Holmes within. But whatever it was, it could wait as they needed to leave. Irma called Taranee and Cornelia back down, watching them both cringe at the sight of Blunk as they nodded to her. She turned back around, met with a staring competition.

An intense stare between the duo, Carrot Top and the Rebel, had ensued and it was practically stamped as 'sexual tension' in Irma's book, but it quickly ended when Caleb sighed, nodding. "I trust her." He conceded as the red-head walked off in the direction of the tunnels, whistling with a mile wide shit-eating grin on her face, the Guardians and Caleb following after her as Irma cocked an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? How would you know if she's trustworthy?" She challenged. From what she'd seen in the crystal, the girl had only fallen down there recently and the boy was put in recently as well. And though the pair suited each other, there was something distinctly new about them. Though Irma didn't doubt her, didn't disbelieve her, she wanted to prove a point. How could the rebel know if she was trustworthy or not?

Caleb was a rebel and so was Irma, but he was a cocky one, it seemed and she needed to challenge him to keep him at arms-length, remind him he wasn't trusted. But other than complete distrust, Irma felt envious and territorial. Rebel was her title. She would not lose it to a real one. A thought nagged at her when she spat out, "And who the frick is her, anyway?" The rebel smiled dreamily at Red's back. "Angel." He mumbled before grinning at Irma with a glazed look in his eyes, "She's my Angel."

****Rebel Fire****

Flashback

A young red-headed girl sat on the stairs of a throne, sobbing. She was frightened and in need of comfort, but the man who comforted her wasn't there when she entered the throne room.

An attack had rumbled the palace, drawing both the girl's best friend Miranda and her mentor/babysitter Cedric, into the fight. This of course, left the young girl alone with only the General of the guards, her personal bodyguard Raythor, to protect her. The fights had become more violent, and so, out of both curiosity and concern, the young girl had left with her guard to find her friend. This had proven to be the wrong choice.

Raythor had run into battle upon her orders when the red-head noticed Miranda was in trouble. She could've gone herself; she would've, except that she was forbidden from risking her safety. But once Raythor had left, she was defenceless. Remaining uncaring to that fact, the girl scanned the crowd of warriors for the blonde man, but he wasn't there, so she took it upon herself to find him. Though her fear was not for her friends or her comforter, they were able to take care of themselves to a massive extent and were all very powerful. She knew this, and so, she feared nothing for their safety until legitimate danger arose.

Her fear, had come when the invading party sent a group of their fighters towards her. They charged her and then halted when a tallish man with wild brown hair and an unshaven face held up his hand, indicating for them to do so. But that wasn't what scared her. It was the way they approached her; slowly creeping around her, a satchel in hand to put her in. They treated her like she was an animal. A monster. She screamed, eardrum shatteringly loud, and several guards from the castle ran to her aid along with a platoon of Lurdens that attacked the men ruthlessly and allowing her to run. And run she had. She'd run all the way to the throne room where he usually was, tears running like rivers down her face as she thought of herself being an animal—a monster. It frightened her more than anything that they were coming for her, trying to kidnap her and then treating her like some creature from the Dark Woods. She'd pushed open the doors to the throne room, his name hovering on her lips and—He wasn't there.

And so she sat now, crying on the steps to his throne, listening to the fighting dying out. "My dear girl," someone tutted. Her heart jumped in her chest. She hadn't sensed another presence with her. And though it felt overdramatic, she'd go as far as to say they'd given her a mini heart-attack. The person sat beside her, warm hands rested on her back, rubbing circles and immediately she knew who it was. "Why did you leave your room?" She turned, tears blurring his face. But she knew it was him. "Phobos—they—they tried to… they tried to take m—me…" she hiccupped. Small hands reached out, begging for her to be held, embraced, and two loving arms had curled around her in response, drawing her towards the silk robes that covered him. He hushed her, eyes hardened, grip light and soft as he pulled her further into his chest. He didn't want her to be frightened and even more so, he didn't want her to look around. The fighting may have ended and the palace may have been restored to its brilliant silence, but there were still too many horrible sights, things that a child of seven should never be allowed to see. "Just close your eyes, my dear," he cooed, watching as they slammed shut, her little hand fisting his robes. "Just close your eyes and rest."

He picked her up, keeping her curled into his chest as he walked the halls back to her room, glaring at guards that dared try to approach them after failing to keep her safe. He was furious, but for her sake, he remained calm. Laying her in her large double bed and tucking her in, he kissed her forehead, ready to leave when she whimpered, grasping on to his hand, "Don't let them take me." He shook his head, frowning. "Never." "Promise?" "I swear, little Angel, that they shall never take you. Their shadows shall never dull your little fire, they will never be in your presence long enough to be remembered again. Little one," he sat down on the side of her bed, looking her dead set in cinnamon eyes that were clouded by so much fear that he was hurt by looking at it. But he didn't turn away. It was his fault she was frightened, and he had to face the mistake that lay in her eyes, "Little one, I promise, that in our home, you will always be safe and sound."

"Irma!" Taranee hollered. A pink jem in her hand that glowed and buzzed had captured her attention; the Heart of Candrakar. Irma tore her eyes away from it, and turned to Taranee, ignoring Hay Lin's curious glance. The dark-skinned girl gestured to the melted bar and the Water Guardian nodded, lifting her foot.

Clunk! The red head looked up, tensed, to see Irma had kicked away the bars to their exit. Their exit, which she had quickly corrected Blunk's directions on, was a tunnel under the mote. It led directly out of the castle with no defences that prevented them from leaving. The reason for that being that it was a small crawl-space that the guards would never fit through. But she'd been strung up in her thoughts for a little longer than she'd believed. The last she remembered, the Guardians had bid goodbye to Caleb, who had gone off to distract Cedric; most likely knowing that if she went, she'd never come back willingly, and Taranee, the Fire Guardian had set to work melting the bars. The Universe apparently didn't favour her much, as while she was perched on the only clean rock in the disfigured, dark, damp cell in the older regions of the dungeons, she had an acquaintance keeping her company. Something she detested unless she knew them or at the very least, trusted them. The blonde Guardian, Cornelia, was sitting beside her; glaring. Apparently, Red's taste in boys was shared.

Ever since Caleb had left; screaming she might add, the Guardian had been less than pleased. Of course, that might also be due to the fact that once Caleb had screamed, Red had had to be physically restrained to stop her going to get him and in that moment of desperation to escape, had kicked Cornelia in the shin. Painful? Yes. On top of that, she'd momentarily lost her cool, or what little of the thing she had left, and screamed for Phobos. This of course, resulted in a combination of air and water being launched at her, freezing over her mouth and handcuffing her hands together. It was impressive as well as annoying as from what she'd heard; the Guardians had only been formed a few days ago. But of course, her gag and handcuffs hadn't stopped her struggling. No. She'd fought relentlessly until the Earth Guardian, most likely as an act of revenge, had slapped her.

So, now, in a slipping state of calm, she sat, silently fuming and awaiting her release. She'd need to give a report to Phobos immediately. And he would no doubt, be displeased. "Okay babe," Irma smirked nodding at the tunnel where Blunk and Taranee had disappeared with Hay Lin, "let's get a move on. Hay Lin will go back for Caleb, he's around here somewhere, and we'll all go to Earth." Her eyes widened. All? As in her included? She shook her head ferociously, jumping up only for Blondie to grab her. "Uh uh, Missy, you're coming with us." A buzzing noise dragged the Water Guardian's attention away to a pink crystal necklace as Red shook her head again, unwanted memories swarming her, throwing her back into a time when she was forced away from the palace.

Memory

An older woman gripped the girl by her arms as she squirmed, trying to escape. She was gagged, hungry and frozen, sure to get sick in the cold. Her arms were loosely tied with a large rope but it was clear that she could move as if the rope wasn't even there, it was tied so badly. The woman was yelling at her, glaring at the red-head as she shook her head defiantly. "Your brother isn't here to protect you, girlie," she sneered before a sickening crack was heard and the girl fell to the ground. Her hand was wrapped around her heavily bandaged arm, a splint of wood now broken in two suggesting the arm itself was broken and set. The bandage was several inches thick and was slowly but surely turning red, but she made no move to scream or show her pain. "Defy me again, child, I dare ya!" She cackled, bringing her hand back and slapping her across the face, causing the skin to burn as bright as her hair. The girl clambered away only for the woman to stand in front of her, tutting as her calloused hands gripped the girl's chin, jerking her face up to look at her. "Uh uh, Missy, you're coming with us." The 'us' was unclear but the fear was evident as the girl was towed away.

Irma tore her eyes away from the Heart of Candrakar again, restraining herself from gaping. Her eyes wandered to Cornelia, who hadn't noticed the interaction with the jewel and who kept a firm grip on 'Angel', firm enough to break bone. Irma slapped her hand, giving her a look that clearly said 'Tell ya later' and told the blonde to let go. She nodded and retracted her grasp and Irma smiled slightly at the difference to Angel. Her face was quickly eased of stress and discomfort and Irma draped her arm around the girl's shoulders. "Angel, we don't want to hurt you or scare you, the Heart of Candrakar, this yokie-ma-bob," she dangled it in front of the girl, gauging her reaction and was pleased when she saw the gentle look of awe and familiarity. She was the Keeper. No doubts now. "So, this yokie-ma-bob, told us to help you." She soothed. It wasn't normally her strong suit with strangers, but Irma felt like she'd known this girl for years. She was a friend, and a close one at that. Cornelia offered an encouraging smile for Irma to continue once Angel relaxed into almost a slouch, filled with calm and reassurance. "Will you come with us?" Biting her lip, she patiently waited for the worst. She was adamant about leaving five minutes ago, what's to stop her now? Relief bursts through as she nods, and Irma gestures for them to go through the tunnel. It was time to go home. Bending down, she prepares herself to crawl through when the girl calls out, "Irma?" "Yes?" "My name is Wilhelmina, not Angel." "Right Carrot Top."

****Rebel Fire****

"…So…Wilhelmina, that's a cool name." "It's a sign of propriety—Just call me Will for short. Oh, and don't tell Caleb." Will skipped a little further up in the group, smiling at Taranee and picking Blunk up, pulling him from the girl's leg and keeping him away from the girl. The Fire Guardian dropped back with the other two girls, a small smug grin on her face as she looked at Cornelia. After swooning over Caleb, Cornelia had discovered that he liked Will. Or at least, didn't like her. It was the first rejection for the girl and Irma had rubbed it in her face for the first leg of the trip to the portal. "Oh…I feel a song coming on! Do you feel it Taranee?" She looked at her pointedly and nodded. "Yeah, Irma, I do feel a song coming on." Cornelia groaned. She'd heard this one roughly around fifty times already and that was after five minutes. "REJECTED! Rejected! Yeah you just got rejected! RE-JE-CTED, Rejected!" Will glanced over her shoulder and shot them a disbelieving look, rolling her eyes before moving her gaze forward. It seemed she was growing used to them.

"She seems really nice," Taranee offered as her friend nodded, Cornelia staying silent. They'd been walking on foot towards the portal so they could get to know Will. Since Cornelia's apology for hurting the girl's arms, which surprised everyone considering Caleb outright refused to like her, she had been especially silent. Irma was quite found of Will already and in their brief conversations, had learnt a great deal about the girl, including that she loved games. Especially name games. Irma had laughed when she found out the rebel leader, who obviously loved the girl, didn't even know her name and had therefore, christened her Angel.

Though it did make her wonder…why didn't she ever just correct him? And then a thought hit her. The images in the Heart of Candrakar quickly put down the question as Irma thought back to what she'd seen. Not only had the Heart shown her what Will was so afraid of, but while Taranee melted the bars, Irma had found another image, a memory perhaps, waiting for her in the Heart. But knowing that the reaction to such a statement could be bad, Irma hadn't said anything about the Heart. In the vision a man, Phobos, he had called her his 'Little Angel'. Maybe the reason she didn't complain about Caleb's name for her was because she was used to it, she liked it and it reminded her of a man who protected her. However, the new information about Phobos did make Irma question if he was really as evil as he seemed. How could a Tyrant care so much for one child? Was he even a Tyrant or was he framed to look like one? But then again, it raised other questions, like if he cared so much about Will, why put her in the bottom of a hole in his dungeons? "Oubliette, Irma, it's called an Oubliette." the girl had corrected, but it was the same thing. Hole, oubliette, oubliette, hole. Who cared what it was called, it was still a pit in the bottom of a dungeon.

"Cornelia! Smile, it's good for you. Brooding will only give you worry lines." The blonde immediately straightened out, running a hand over her forehead checking it for the dreaded creases as Taranee hid her snicker. Irma cracked a smile, pulling herself from her thoughts. She would talk to Yan Lin again later. Maybe the older Guardian could give some insight.

***Rebel Fire****

Splash! Thud! Irma covered her face with her arms, trying to stop the mud from hitting her good looks and nodded as she heard Hay Lin's squeaky apology and Cornelia's indignant shriek. Nice one, Hay Hay, she applauded. The girl always had some way of getting one of them wound up, intentionally or not. "Can we go now?" Cornelia whined while Irma nudged her playfully. George of the Jungle, or in this case Gaea of the Veil, had been a little more petulant and ticked off after face planting into the castle wall on the way in. Apparently, she was one of the worst flyers on Team Veil. It didn't hurt her too badly, but her ego was getting more and more bruised. "C'mon guys! Let's rock and roll!" Irma grinned again, prancing towards the portal before something rumbled behind her and the sound of water droplets falling came to her senses. What the—"Gargoyle!"

Screaming, Irma fell into her element as she dodged the creature's fist. It was a large stone bodied monster with weeds for hair, a single red eye in its face and a large flattened stone sitting on its head as a hat. It had two legs and two arms, but one of each limb was skinnier, bony looking while the others were strong, full and rocky looking in appearance. It was covered in garish scars and stony lumps and bumps. And it was angry, worse than Cornelia after a match with the Blonde Ditzes at school. "Take it down! Use your powers!" Caleb roared. "Jeez, thanks for the help Captain Obvious!"she groaned, standing up and taking to the air.

Caleb dragged Will behind him to protect her, Blunk standing behind her legs. She willingly complied, feeling his hand in hers as she wrapped her arms around him. She peeked over his shoulder and watched the scene, grateful for his protection. The Guardians were swooping in and out, trying to confuse the creature, but it didn't look like it was working. "Water!" Irma hefted a ball of the liquid at the Gargoyle, watching happily as it winded and twirled before striking it in the face, knocking it onto its back. Hay Lin took that as her cue, blowing a gale force wind at the creature, causing it to be pushed back, flipping and flying in her breeze. "Nice one Hay Hay!" The water Guardian called out as Gaea stood in the air, floating, and grinning cockily at the Gargoyle. For a second, Will was unsure what she was doing. Why wasn't she attacking? "Earth!" A puddle of mud that swarmed at its feet was raised to the air, forming a ball larger than the beast itself. Looking up, the creature was confused, obviously not understanding her attack. A giggle left her lips, as she clicked her fingers, sending waves of green energy out that knocked the ball onto it, completely covering the Gargoyle as Taranee stepped in. "Fire!" The flame roared around it, circling every inch and hardening the mud completely, making it resemble a statue. Pleased, the four Guardians hovered over their creation as Irma regained her snazzy server's voice and enquired, "Anyone for baked creep?"

Will shook her head, the first one to see the cracks appearing in the Gargoyle's form. "Run!" The mud sculpture broke, and the red-eyed Gargoyle growled, coming barrelling after them as they sprinted towards their escape. It seemed that none of them would need to worry about their weight if they had to do all this running every time they came to Meridian. "Into the portal!" Caleb grabbed Will's hand, grimacing lightly as he glanced over his shoulder. Gargoyle's steps were large, matching several of their strides and he was closing in. Will squeezed his fingers before dragging him through the blue light, still running full force. They were the last ones through.

"Argh!" Caleb yelled. A large oversized stony hand was holding him much like Cedric had. The Gargoyle's fist was tightly wrapped around him and squishing him. But it was slowly dragging him through, like it was struggling. Was it the portal preventing the Gargoyle from pulling him through? "Caleb!" Will called. Behind her the Guardians were struggling to use the Heart, like it was refusing to work for them. And it was really annoying her given the situation. But Will was still holding tightly onto Caleb's hand. She wouldn't let go, not for anything. She dug her heels into the ground, pulling against the Gargoyle in what she thought was a vain attempt to keep Caleb on this side of the portal. The Guardians' panicked screams filled the air, and on a sudden burst of strength, Will tugged harshly. She wasn't expecting anything to happen, least of all, what did happen.

The Gargoyle's fingers slowly cracked, smashing and releasing Caleb, who flew from its dying grip, knocking Will over. The duo rolled over several times until Caleb was panting heavily, leaning over Will and staring into stunned cinnamon eyes with awe. At that moment the Heart released a bolt of bright pink, closing the portal and leaving the remains of Gargoyle's wrist and hand on the ground. Turning to face the duo, the girls found relief and shock radiated through them. Will had done something spectacular and it had saved Caleb where they had failed to. They were grateful. But a different emotion was radiating from Irma, who held the Heart tightly in her hand as it buzzed and bounced. It was pride and the feeling of accomplishment. They had found her. The Keeper was home.

****Rebel Fire****

"You would've been so proud, Mrs Lin! We were flying and whooshing and we kicked ass! I mean seriously!" Irma beamed as Yan Lin nodded. "I am proud Irma, very. You have accomplished much on your first mission."

Irma had hung back again, planning on sleeping over with Hay Lin tonight anyway. The rebel leader was staying on Earth for a while and had been invited to stay in the Lin's basement and help around the restaurant in his free time. It was either that or school and he, although having little knowledge of Earth school, had blatantly refused to attend. He had been introduced to Yan Lin and then kicked out of the closed restaurant area, sent straight to the basement to go get some rest. Hay Lin had been sent with him so she could help him set up his bed. It had been Yan Lin's idea and Irma was grateful, it had given her time to explain, though she did wonder where Will had gone. That was before she remembered the Earth clothes Will wore and made the assumption that she had a place to live on Earth. Irma felt rather calm talking to Yan Lin, and as she was currently the temporary leader of the Guardian's, she found that seeking council with the ex-Guardian was a crucial part of her job. It was helping her remain objective and clear-headed. It was helping her better understand everything going on.

Once Hay Lin and Caleb had disappeared downstairs, Irma had burst into her explanation, barely taking time to breathe in between sentences and had just finished telling Yan Lin everything that occurred. Well, almost everything. She had reported about the Keeper; Will, being found, their escape, the rescue, the fight with the creature identified by Caleb as Gargoyle, but she had yet to tell her of the events in the tunnel.

As if sensing something was bugging the Water Guardian, which Irma was starting to speculate was one of Yan Lin's actual abilities, the older woman nudged her, giving her the pointed look that the younger girl often gave her friends that clearly said, 'tell me what's wrong'. Nodding her head, she contemplated the best way to explain it and decided to start from the beginning. She explained how Will had to have been restrained to stop her from jumping out to save Caleb, which Yan Lin had identified as the immediate instinct of 'Young Love' with a merry sigh. She told her how Will had screamed for Phobos and Hay Lin and Irma had to use their powers on her. She narrated the events with Cornelia and Will, the look of fear in the girl's eyes, and then the two visions she'd seen in the crystal. All had stunned the woman, though she hid it well and Irma was slowly coming up to her questions. "…I got her to calm down and everything and she came with us, but it makes me wonder…How could a Tyrant care so much about a child? How could she make him act that way? And how come the Heart showed me her memories? I don't understand it—" "Irma, child, breathe. Take a moment and I shall explain what I know…or as much of it as I can." Irma nodded, though her brow was raised in question of the woman's statement. 'As much of it as I can'…what's that supposed to mean? the Water Guardian remained silent though her mind was slowly coming to the conclusion that Yan Lin was hiding something. Something about Will and Phobos.

"I cannot tell you much about the relationship between the Keeper and Phobos," Irma's mind was slowly chanting a string of 'I knew it', too caught up in itself to realize Yan Lin didn't use Will's name, "That is her story to tell you when she feels she is ready. But she has changed the man who rules Meridian quite a lot, though not many know this side of him. The laws of Meridian apply to all and every citizen in Meridian knows this, but the imagery you saw of the Keeper's attempted kidnapping, is the small group of people who do not follow such rules. Phobos created the laws against child cruelty, harm and kidnapping to protect not only all the children who suffer it and fear it, but mostly he created the laws to protect the Keeper." Irma's eyes widened but she didn't dare interrupt. Yan Lin found pride in the cover of her feelings, it meant Irma was going to remain objective, a girl of clarity who would stop the war but take into account all the sides of one person, all the sides of Phobos, before deciding punishment for his crimes. Nodding, she continued, "He felt at fault for her fear when she was to be safe in his home, so he created the laws to protect her and make her feel safe. Guilt is a strong thing Irma; it can even change the darkest of hearts. But why the Heart showed you her memories, is for you to understand."

Irma slowly recounted what she'd thought of before and what the Heart had shown her. She and the crystal were waiting for the Keeper, ready for her to lead them and to take control. But…was the Keeper ready for them? She didn't know them. Sure, Will was comfortable with them, but she was purely on Phobos' side. She only saw the good in him. She didn't understand that he had darkness in his soul no matter how good he was to her. "She's not ready for us. We're ready for her though…is it…did it show me because we're still waiting? We have to wait until she can accept the truth of Phobos' wrong doing? See that he's more than a good person, that there's darkness in him too?" Yan Lin nodded, a wild gleam in her eyes. Though the girl was unsure, she knew the truth and she understood it better than most people would. It reminded her more and more of Cassidy. "The scars of her past have made her only see the goodness in Phobos. He has protected her from every threat and made her safe in every situation. He is family to her. But despite everything he has done to prevent it, she is still scarred, traumatized and until she can overcome it and openly welcome the Heart…until she is as mentally strong, emotionally strong as she is physically, then the Heart will not claim her. A trait of peace is patience. The ability to wait. The Heart will wait until she is ready to bring peace and the two can form the bond of Keeper and Heart. Until she can realize that Phobos is not as he—" "What about her brother?"

Yan Lin frowned, the many creases on her face becoming a clear account of her age. "I cannot tell you anything of her family. She must tell you herself." "But the woman, she knew Will's brother! She said her brother protected her and that he wasn't there now to do it. Does that mean he's dead?" "No, child. He is not dead. He lives in Meridian. But you must be patient, little River, she will tell you in her own time—" Yan Lin's frown deepened as she was interrupted yet again, "Hey Irma! You ready?" "Yep. Be right up Hay Hay." The Guardian stood from her seat, thanking Yan Lin for her insight and followed her friend up the stairs to her room. "What were you talking about?" "Nothing…just asking about…boys! That's it! Yep, asking about boys."

A light chuckle came from behind the older woman and she turned to see an equally amused Will. "She can't lie to save her life." She giggled as Yan Lin nodded. "She can't, but my granddaughter believes most things Irma speaks so she will be safe for now. How long have you been standing there, dear girl?" "Only a moment, long enough to hear her ask about a brother? Mine?" Yan Lin nodded as Will leaned against the wall, head down. "Thank you." Again, the older woman nodded, staying put. "I don't think I'm ready to tell them of my family…how would they react to him being my brother when they're to fight him in the future?...I just…thank you for not telling her." "You will tell her in your own time," the ex-Guardian replied knowingly as Will looked up, forgetting the real reason she was here, to seek her own council with Yan Lin. The woman never ceased to amuse her. "And how would you know, Yannie?" "Because you remind me of an old friend."

The red-head opened her mouth to speak and then closed it, pausing to think. "Nerissa?" "Yes. Irma resembles Cassidy does she not?" "She does…so you think we'll be the inseparable best friends that they were?" "Minus the backstabbing and murder, yes. You will grow close and eventually you will trust her enough—" "I do. I do trust her—" Yan Lin smiled a wild grin as she finally interrupted someone instead of being interrupted, "You will know her enough to know how she will react, then. And things will work out as planned." Will nodded, looking up the stairs after the girls in a questioning manner. "I've noticed…there's only four Guardians. Aren't there to be five?" "The fifth is waiting." "For?" "For friendship to lighten her corner." Yan Lin studied her stance, noticing it was rigid like she was waiting to do something."Questions may be asked tomorrow, while the girls are at school. Goodnight Wilhelmina, I shall see you then." The knowing glint had returned and Will groaned. "You have to tell me how you do that!" "I don't think so. I rather prefer knowing something magical that you do not. Now go child, your minder will grow worried if you do not return." "I know. Goodnight Yannie, I'll seek council with you tomorrow." A green light surrounded the girl and she disappeared. Damn tele-transporting child. She could've heard everything, the ex-Guardian cursed. Wilhelmina would rather die than be a Guardian to fight her brother, the woman knew that. But times would change, and change was coming soon. The questions and curiosity, the pull to the other Guardians, was just the start of it.