I generally don't like to criticize, as I love this episode of W.i.t.c.h. (I love most episodes of w.i.t.c.h.), but why didn't Phobos put the portal 'close by' but on land, so that his ambush could be waiting like directly on the other side? - some proof that I'd be a better tyrant than Phobos lol, because if Caleb really wanted his dad, I bet he wouldn't mind walking that extra 100yards or so to get him :L :L

And I figured I'd put this out as a smaller chapter, seen as TTigerz is desperate for it.. I hope I live up to your standards. :L

"We'll have to swim it." Taranee stared out at the water, to the light that was being emitted, presumably by the portal.. But Irma didn't bother to look, with her blue eyes fixed onto Caleb; not her only guy friend, but the first she'd truly been close enough to share secrets with, and Irma even felt her own eyes prickling with sympathy, as Caleb stared down at the ground dejectedly; the grin when he'd followed his redheaded muse into the kitchen having been wiped away and smudged in a quiver look of purely apologetic hopelessness. And Irma knew Will would be bothered by the fact that he was embarrassed. To be truthful, it bothered Irma a little, that he didn't feel comfortable to be emotional with them, or to open up. He wouldn't even meet their gazes, and it disturbed her to think he'd dare feel ashamed about something as big as his father: Irma was scared every time her father left for work, when he'd first been going on patrol. And to think your father was dead, then find out the opposite was true.. That it was almost worse that his father had been suffering - Irma didn't exactly know the details, but Caleb had said something about mines, and she was sure it meant Phobos had enslaved him..

"Swim..?" Irma smiled soberly, as Caleb finally glanced up; his eyes flashing over Cornelia, before they were on the ground again, and she supposed it was like shock therapy; just don't make them feel self-conscious by taking the attention away from them. She was sure she'd heard that from someone; presumably her father, or one of his force members. So she forced a grin and jabbed Cornelia playfully.

"You know, body in water.." Irma watched Caleb as she spoke, but he didn't even blink as she rambled sarcastically, "Legs kicking.."

"No, no.. I just, uhh, washed my hair.." Irma raised an eyebrow, wondering if Cornelia was serious.. Perspective was truly lost on that girl.. "If it get's wet, it'll get all.. 'frizz-icky'."

'Frizz-icky'..? Irma grinned for real at that, and Cornelia seemed to bow-out under a silent pressure.

"Alright! I can't swim, okay!"

Irma's smile increased, as Taranee and Hay Lin echoed notions of surprise, and Caleb's mossy eyes raised to study the girl silently; curiously. Either Cornelia was a genius, or Irma would have to laugh at her inabilities later, as they would appear to have bigger fish to fry[0], and she concentrated as much energy as she could muster to her fingertips; feeling a tickle of energy, before the heavy sphere of water rose from the lake.. Will could direct them another time - she looked about as out of it as Caleb looked depressed, and Irma guessed that Will's advice would probably be a little less useful than usual for once. "No problem.. Hay Lin?"

Hay Lin instantly understood, and Irma noted the humor in Hay Lin literally 'blowing' the bubble, by pursing her lips and using her powers to breath a strong pocket of air into the water, and stepping into it; pulling Taranee with her, "Don't be afraid Cornelia! Lot's of things can't swim! ..Like rocks!"

Irma rolled her eyes playfully to Cornelia, but frowned as Cornelia stepped into the bubble, at Caleb and Will's.. Distance. Dread purged into her system slightly, and she wondered if that would be it then.. If Caleb and Will would just 'stop'.. But the girls were fighting, while Cornelia seemed to be freaking out, and Irma was quite sure that no one else apart from her saw Will go from looking at the ground and shuffling awkwardly, to planting a kiss on Caleb's cheek.. And Irma found herself beaming, as Will scurried past without giving anyone any eye contact, while Caleb's green eyes followed her questioningly; no words needing to be said, as emerald shone with curious innocence in the early moonlight. They were going to be alright, and Irma grabbed Caleb's arm and pulled the fazed boy in comically, "GET IN!"

[0] I know, I know, but with Irma I can never resist a good pun when the opportunity arises.. :P