Hello everyone. Welcome back. As always, I want to thank all of my reviewers: XV-Dragon (We'll have to wait and see about the Council, but you can bet, they'll have something to say); Wolfgurl211 (Thank you for reading, and reviewing. You've been very stalwart); Laserleg (Thank you for being honest in how you feel. We can all learn something from you. Thank you also for your PM); Nemrut (You were close, weren't you...); Nightroad (It's not over quite yet. Thank you for another insightful review); Darev (Thank you for another outstanding review; they always make me think); Mecha Tails V6 (Irma needed a little help, but she won, and that's what counts); Cartoonloverfan101 (Nerissa's dead...what happens next); ThePink1 (Interesting that Hay Lin should react that way...hmmm); Philip Gipson (Is the Lair family safe? Don't know yet...); Shocklance (Always the Council...let's see what happens when they get involved); Lost Prince (Liked your dissertation on darkness...thanks for that); Mangafreak326 (I felt satisfied too); Nerd4eva (I think we're both just sickos...not that there's anything wrong with that); toolazytomakeanaccount (I like your sig! As for the misery being over? Guess we'll see); DayDreamer9 (I like the way you're not too sure about Nerissa being dead. Hehe...); Starwin (Another fantastic review. You have such helpful words, my friend. Thank you for your compliments); Zestychicken2 (Hehe...stop apologizing. I'm just happy you're reading at all. Thank you for reviewing. I like Luba too).
Thank you all for reading from the bottom of my heart. You all have such wonderful, honest, and helpful things to say. It makes me want to keep writing.
Now that we've acknowledged all the wonderful people, may I please present:
Chapter 17
Raythor watched the battle unfold, confident in Nerissa's abilities to destroy the Guardian. In a matter of minutes, the fight would be over and he and the rest of the Knights of Vengeance would have some new toys to play with. A single Guardian against the might of the Heart of Meridian? What chance did the upstart girl have?
So why did Raythor have such a feeling of foreboding?
He watched his mistress fling the water witch against the fortress wall; watched the swift kicks to her ribs. He saw the Guardian's feeble attempts to fight back, and to counterattack. The sorceress was ready for every challenge, every move. Raythor knew when Nerissa was toying with her prey, and his lip curled into an appreciative sneer. Nerissa was truly the perfect hunter, mixing just the right amount of pleasure and business.
So why did he feel a sense of dread?
Something wasn't right...he could feel it in his bones. His years as a palace guard had honed his instincts to razor sharpness; and he had learned to trust those instincts implicitly. Now those gut-feelings were screaming at him to do something, to stop the carnage he somehow knew was coming.
But what could the Guardian possibly do to his mistress?
Nerissa was far more powerful than the five Guardians put together, much less one on her own. Nerissa had the Heart of Meridian; the Guardian had the pathetic power of Water. Nerissa was used to fighting her battles alone, whereas the water witch relied on her friends for support and strength. In the end, the numbers said Nerissa would be easily victorious.
So why did Raythor fear the worst was about to happen?
All of a sudden, four Guardians left the Chamber, along with the Caretaker. Raythor frowned and nudged Frost.
"Something's up...look."
Frost reluctantly turned his sneering attention to where Raythor pointed. He watched the five women leave the Chamber...and shrugged.
"Guess they can't take watching Nerissa beat-down their friend. Just goes to show you where their loyalties really lie."
Raythor's frown deepened. His instincts told him something was going on, but he was barred from interfering. He wanted nothing more than to destroy the Guardians while Nerissa took care of business, but he couldn't take the chance. What if the powers-that-be construed that as interference? Nerissa would be destroyed if that happened. So the former palace guard crossed his arms and contented himself with frowning deeply. He still didn't like it, but what could he do?
Nerissa kicked the Guardian witch and sent her sprawling to the middle of the Chamber. As the evil sorceress stalked toward her enemy, the girl struggled in vain to rise. Nerissa laughed derisively and thrust her staff into the small of the Guardian's back. She reveled in the girl's cry of pain, and kicked her in the ribs. The blow knocked the teenager onto her back. With relish, Nerissa placed her foot securely on the girl's chest, and placed her staff at the child's throat.
"Surrender, Guardian. You have lost and you're too injured to continue this farce. Surrender, and I may let your family live."
Raythor, though pleased with the ploy, knew not even a child was stupid enough to fall for that one.
"Never," the Guardian moaned.
Nerissa removed the staff from the girl's throat and thrust it heavily into her stomach. A shiver ran through Raythor at the Guardian's cry of pain.
"I will ask you again, Guardian. Will you surrender to a superior foe?"
"You'll have t-to kill me first," the Guardian replied, spitting blood onto the polished floor.
"Then die you shall," Nerissa said softly, raising her hand.
Raythor was about to shout to his mistress to wait, when the most peculiar thing happened. A bright blue light filled the Chamber and disappeared into the fallen Guardian's chest. She screamed...but it was not a scream of pain...it was one of power.
The water witch rose to her feet then, and began to pepper Raythor's mistress with bolts of lightning. His jaw dropped open. How was it possible? What had happened?
The floor suddenly buckled and pinned Nerissa to the ground. The powers of Earth, Water, and Quintessence? What was going on?
The Guardian was speaking, but Raythor heard none of the words. His attention had turned to the five women who had suddenly re-entered the Chamber. They had done something, and he knew it. He clenched his fists and was about to protest when something happened that Raythor had not thought possible.
His mistress surrendered...surrendered to a teenager.
Then to his horror, his mistress suddenly screamed with pain and lay unmoving on the floor.
"NO!!" Raythor shouted, turning immediately to the Oracle.
"What did you do? What did they do?"
The Oracle inclined his head and stared serenely at the the furious Knight.
"We did nothing. You know the rules of permission magic as well as I."
"You found a way around the rules. What did you do?"
"Had we broken the rules of permission magic, the Guardian would be dead," the Oracle said matter-of-factly. "Therefore, one must conclude, we did not violate the rules."
Raythor clenched his fists, turned, and charged the murderous Guardian. He drew his sword, and bellowed his war cry. The rest of the Knights followed their leader, each drawing a weapon and charging.
The Guardian grinned evilly and cut them all down with chain lightning. The tendrils jumped from one Knight to the next, cooking their skin and inflicting severe pain. The evil creatures cried out and fell to the floor.
The powerful young woman laughed shrilly and poured on the lightning, reveling in the screams of her victims.
–
Hay Lin watched as her best friend defeated the greatest foe any of them had ever known. Nerissa had surrendered, and Hay Lin knew she and her friends were now free forever. She had just turned to hug Will, when she heard Nerissa suddenly beg for her life.
"Stop, Guardian. I surrendered. You said you would let me live."
Hay Lin watched as her sister leaned close to her enemy's ear. Using the power of the air to make even the quietest noise sound crystal clear, the young Guardian was shocked by what Irma whispered.
"I lied."
Her face a mask of horror, Hay Lin started forward to prevent her dear friend from making the biggest mistake of her life. Will, misinterpreting the Air Guardian's intentions, grabbed her and held her back.
"We can't interfere yet. It's not over."
"She's gonna kill her, Will," Hay Lin exclaimed, scrambling to get free. "Irma's gonna kill her!"
Then it was over. The evil sorceress lay unmoving on the floor.
Irma's face was screwed into something that could only be described as barely-contained rage. Hay Lin, seeing that expression, froze in Will's arms. She had never seen anything like that look on her friend's face. It was murderous...and frightening.
Then the Knights of Vengeance charged, their weapons gleaming in the glorious light of the Chamber. Instinctively, Hay Lin spread her hands to knock them back with a burst of air. But nothing happened...she had forgotten, she had no powers.
But Irma hardly needed her help.
Hay Lin watched lightning cut down her enemies, and watched them writhe in agony on the floor. She saw the deadly tendrils continue their murderous assault and heard Irma's laugh of triumph. The smallest Guardian knew she had to do something, but she couldn't get free of Will's hold.
So, she did something drastic.
Screwing up her courage, she thrust her elbow back and up. She heard Will cry out as that elbow connected squarely with her leader's jaw.
Hay Lin was free.
The young air witch charged her friend, and grabbed her from behind. She pinned Irma's arms to her sides, and shouted for her to stop the assault.
With the strength of five Guardians, Irma easily broke her friend's grip and turned. Her face a mask of rage. Murder on her mind, Irma thrust the heel of her hand into Hay Lin's chest. The smallest Guardian crumpled backward, her expression one of shock and horror.
Irma raised her hand.
"Irma stop," Hay Lin cried. "I'm your friend."
Irma cocked her head then, and lowered her hand. "My...friend?"
Suddenly she was tackled by three Guardians. She landed on the floor with a loud "oof." She struggled to free herself.
"Stop, Irma. We won't let you hurt anyone else."
Irma looked at Will, and suddenly understood. She stopped struggling and let herself go limp.
The Knights of Vengeance picked their battered bodies off the floor, and stood looking in shock at the surreal scene in front of them. Only Raythor seemed to have the power to act.
He charged forward, his sword raised above his head. Irma saw the blade dropping towards her head, but knew she would never free her hands in time to stop it. Her eyes widened as the deadly blade came closer, with nothing to impede its progress.
Inches away from the Guardian's beautiful face, the sword suddenly bounced back. It took only moments for the palace guard to recover, and he began to beat on the barrier that stood between him and his intended victim. But try as he might, the enraged man was unable to break through.
Then Luba was there, slashing at the attacker with her claws. The former guard managed to raise his blade and ward off the blow just in time. The combatants exchanged a few furious blows, but neither managed to hurt the other. Then a barrier raised itself between Luba and Raythor, while another encircled the other recovering Knights.
"No," the Oracle intoned loudly. "There shall be no more bloodshed here today."
Luba, breathing hard, reluctantly lowered her clawed hands, but remained ready for any treachery. Raythor dropped his sword and sank to the floor. He placed his head in his hands.
The Five Guardians rose from the floor and faced the Oracle.
Irma swallowed. "Thank you," she said hoarsely.
The Oracle barely acknowledged the young Guardian. Instead he addressed the Knights of Vengeance.
"You will take your fallen leader and leave this place. Though I have not the power to banish you from this or any other realm, I would submit that without Nerissa you are nothing. Do not trouble the Guardians or this Council ever again."
Raythor growled and pointed at Luba. "She did something and so did the other Guardians. Somehow the Water Guardian was given all the others' powers. How did you do it, bitch? The conditions were no interference from the Council or the Guardians."
Luba bared her teeth. "I owe you nothing, worm. You are naught but a pathetic pawn; a plaything for Nerissa that she would have discarded the moment it was convenient to do so."
"She killed my mistress," Raythor screamed as he crawled to his fallen leader. He knelt there beside Nerissa and pointed at Irma. "She killed the woman I loved."
"And what did you do to her?" Halinor said loudly. "You nearly murdered her! You tortured her to death, and only the efforts of her friends saved her life. You stood by and let Nerissa torture and rape her mind. And what did you do to stop it? Nothing!"
"She's the enemy," Raythor snarled.
"She's a child," Halinor replied, her voice shaking with rage.
"And that child just murdered a human being," Raythor snapped.
"She was no human being," Cornelia said, clenching her fists. "She was a monster and she got what she deserved."
Raythor pointed an accusing finger at Irma. "She had surrendered. She was defenseless...and you murdered her!"
Irma swallowed and said nothing. Taranee moved to stand in front of her friend.
"Now hold on just a minute..." she began, but was cut off by the Oracle.
"Enough!" the bald man said loudly. "Leave this place immediately."
"Wait," Hay Lin said, moving to stand near Raythor. "I had a dream and in it I saw Nerissa torture and kill Irma. I want to make sure she's really dead before we let them all go."
Raythor shook his head. "Don't you touch her," he growled.
"I know what I saw," Hay Lin insisted. "And I want to make sure that-"
"You probably saw her kill the Astral Drop. She captured the thing and turned it into an Altarmere just so she could hear it scream. She got a little overzealous and accidentally killed it."
Hay Lin's mouth dropped open and she turned to her grandmother.
"Grandma, is that possible?"
Yan Lin thought for a moment. Cocking her head, she replied slowly.
"It is possible, child, yes. We wouldn't know the difference between an Altarmere and the real Irma in a dream."
"Then, she really is...dead," Hay Lin said slowly.
"Happy, Guardian?" Raythor spat.
Hay Lin shook her head sadly and turned to face Irma. "No," she said, "I'm not."
Irma felt like she had been punched. She heard such betrayal in that small voice.
Raythor turned his face back to his fallen love and gently lifted her from the floor. Then he picked up her staff, and turned to his comrades.
"Knights," he said, hatred etched into his every feature, "we leave this place...for now."
The other Knights of Vengeance followed Raythor as he started away.
"Wait," Irma suddenly said, stepping from behind her friends. "The Heart of Meridian...give it to me."
"It can't be given by me, foolish girl," Raythor sneered. "You murdered the only person with the power to give it up."
"That is not so," the Oracle said. "As Nerissa is not the rightful owner of the Heart of Meridian, nor is she a Guardian, it can be taken without her permission."
"Well we're not giving it to you," Raythor snarled. "You've taken enough already."
"It's doing you no good," Halinor said. "Give us the Heart so we can undo Nerissa's evil."
"You'd like that wouldn't you?" Raythor said. "Well you can all rot in Hell, for all I care. My queen for yours."
"Give me the Heart, or I'll take it by force," Irma threatened, raising her hands.
Raythor gently lowered Nerissa to the floor and placed her staff across her chest. "So, one murder isn't enough for you, eh Guardian? You have the taste in your throat and now you want more. Well come and get some then, because we're not giving you anything."
Hay Lin suddenly placed herself between her friend and the sneering Knight. "Irma, no, don't do it."
"Hay Lin..."
"I don't want you to become Nerissa...please, I'm begging you."
"Hay Lin..."
"Irma, don't, please." Hay Lin threw up her hands. "No more, please, no more."
"Hay Lin, I'm not going to hurt them," Irma whispered. "Watch."
Irma raised her hand and made a gesture. Nerissa's staff flew across the room and into the Guardian's waiting hand. Using the power of Earth, she splintered the staff and the Heart of Meridian fell into her other palm.
"Telekinesis. Remember?" Irma said, tapping her head with a finger. She winked at Hay Lin, but her friend only turned away and went to stand by Taranee.
"Cute trick," Raythor growled. He scooped up his mistress once again and turned to leave. As the other Knights filed out the door, Irma created a fold.
"I have no idea where you're going, but it's the only way out of here," she said.
The Knights walked forlornly through the fold. Raythor, bringing up the rear, turned his head back towards his love's killer.
"This isn't over, Guardian. Mark my words."
Then he stepped through the fold.
–
Irma shivered at Raythor's parting words. As soon as the former guard was through the fold, she closed it and turned back to her friends.
"I don't know how you did it, but you saved my life and the lives of my family. I can never repay you for that."
"We're your friends, Irma," Will said stiffly. "We couldn't stand by and do nothing."
"It's really Luba that deserves the credit," Taranee said. "It was her idea. We just followed along."
Irma swallowed and approached Luba. "How can I ever repay you for what you've done?"
Luba inclined her head. "Please, Guardian, it was my duty."
"But how did you do it?" Irma asked. "The rules were no interference from the Council."
"I am no longer a member of the Council," Luba answered. "I was discharged some time ago. As such, my interference was not covered under the conditions Nerissa set."
"What did you do, exactly?" Irma asked.
"I instructed the Guardians to transfer their powers to their Aurameres. After they did so, I transferred them to you. Your friends had no idea what they were doing, so they did not, technically, interfere."
Irma nodded. "Nice loophole."
Taranee turned to the Oracle suddenly. "Did you see this coming? Is that why you booted Luba off the Council?"
The Oracle smiled. "Guardian, you may never understand the powers of an Oracle, but I assure you, had I seen this coming, I would have done everything in my power to stop it."
Irma threw her arms around Luba and buried her face in the furry shoulder. "I can never repay you for what you did. Never."
Luba wasn't sure how to react, so she simply patted the girl's back until the embrace subsided.
"Thank you, Luba," Irma intoned. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."
"Enough, Guardian," Luba purred. "No thanks are necessary."
Irma let go of the big cat and turned to her friends.
"Thank you for trusting Luba and for always being there for me." Her eyes met her friends' eyes. Will and Hay Lin turned away.
Irma's heart sank. She opened her mouth to say something, but was cut off by Luba.
"Guardian, you need to relinquish your powers now. They do not belong to you, but to your friends."
Irma barely heard Luba as she continued to gaze at Hay Lin. The smallest Guardian had already turned and was stalking towards the Chamber of the Aurameres.
"Guardian?" Luba said, approaching the dazed young woman.
Irma shook herself. "Yeah, yeah I know. Just tell me what to do."
"Follow me," Luba said. She led the Guardians from the Chamber and into the Chamber of the Aurameres.
"Place your hands on either side of your Auramere."
Irma did so, and felt the throbbing hum and the warmth of the shining orb.
"Now hold onto it...do not let it go."
Irma nodded and tightened her grip.
Luba intoned some words in a strange language. The Auramere began to shake uncontrollably, and Irma fought to maintain her hold. A high-pitched shriek filled the Chamber, and Hay Lin clapped her hands over her ears. Then suddenly, the offending sound ceased and the Auramere exploded into four differently-colored lights.
Irma cried out and collapsed to the floor.
Cornelia and Taranee raced to their fallen friend. Will took a few steps then stopped to observe from a distance. Hay Lin stood still and never moved.
"Taranee," Irma said shakily, "it hurts."
"What happened?" Taranee asked as she knelt to comfort her friend.
"The powers of the Five Guardians have left her," Luba answered. "Her injuries are more than one Guardian can bear."
"We have to get her to her Chamber," Cornelia said quickly.
"Not yet," Luba replied. "We must complete the ceremony first, else your powers will be lost."
"But she's in pain!" Cornelia insisted.
"Go," Irma croaked hoarsely. "Just hurry up...please."
Taranee and Cornelia returned to their Aurameres. Instinctively, they placed their hands on either side of their respective orbs. They were followed quickly by Will and Taranee.
Luba intoned more words in the same strange language as before. The high-pitched shriek once again filled the Chamber, but subsided almost instantly. In a blinding flash, the lights disappeared into the orbs, and the Aurameres began to hum with power.
The Guardians felt their powers return.
The Guardians maintained their hold on their Aurameres until Luba nodded. Then Cornelia, Will, and Taranee made their way quickly to Irma.
Cornelia took Irma's hand. "Hay Lin, can you use your powers to float Irma to her Chamber? That way we won't have to touch her and possibly aggravate her injuries."
She received no response.
"Hay Lin?" Cornelia looked around.
But the Air Guardian had already left the Chamber.
"What's up with her?" Cornelia asked.
"I don't know," Taranee answered. "I'll see if I can help later. Right now we have to see to Irma."
Luba knelt and examined Irma's injuries, probing gently with her paws. The girl hissed in pain when the cat touched her ribs, and moaned deeply when she pressed on her back.
"I believe her ribs are broken, and her back is severely injured," Luba finally answered.
"Is it broken?" Cornelia asked breathlessly.
Luba shook her head. "Doubtful. Were it broken, she would feel little pain."
Cornelia nodded, realizing that was obvious. "Can you pick her up without hurting her?"
Luba shook her head. "I can lift her, but it will likely cause her some pain."
"We have to get her to her Chamber, but I don't want to hurt her," Cornelia stressed.
"Do we really have a choice?" Will responded, gazing into Irma's pain-filled eyes.
Irma swallowed hard and nodded.
"Here, Will," the young Guardian said, holding out her hand. "You should take the Heart of Meridian. I don't want it and I don't need it."
Will covered Irma's hand with her own and took the softly-glowing jewel.
"It belongs to Elyon. I'll make sure she gets it back."
Irma nodded first to Will then to Luba.
The cat slipped her powerful arms underneath the Guardian and lifted her off the floor. Irma bit her lip to keep from crying out, but even so, a low grunt escaped from her lips.
The women exited the Chamber and made their way through the fortress. Irma, too weak to even hold the cat's neck, lay limply in Luba's arms.
"We will be there soon, cubling," Luba intoned softly. "Rest now...you have earned it."
With those words, Irma passed into darkness.
–
Will walked silently behind the procession. It somehow felt wrong for the group not to include Hay Lin, but Will thought she knew why. Her Airy friend seemed most disturbed by what had happened to Nerissa. No, not by what had happened, but by who had happened.
Irma had killed Nerissa to protect herself, her friends, and her family. Will harbored no illusions that the evil hag would have respected the banishment had Irma let her live...but was that reason to kill her?
On the one hand, Will knew Nerissa would never let Irma go as long as she drew breath. She would have found a way around the consequences of her surrender. Therefore, one could argue that the killing was justified to save lives.
On the other hand, killing another soul was enough to rip one's own apart. Could such a final solution truly be justified in the end? Was all life truly precious, or were there some people who just didn't deserve to live anymore? Nerissa had killed a previous Water Guardian years ago, and had nearly murdered another many times over. She had been prepared to kill Irma just moments ago, and Will knew the evil hag enjoyed hurting others. Their pain gave her pleasure. Did such an obviously sick individual have the right to draw breath?
Will's head began to hurt. She was no good at moral conundrums. She needed to talk with Taranee.
Taranee, can we talk?
Always, Will. What's on your mind?
I'm not sure how I feel about what just happened.
Will paused for a time.
Go on, Taranee prompted.
Well, it's just that, I guess I can understand why Irma did what she did, but I'm not sure I like it.
Taranee said nothing, content to allow Will to get it all out first.
I don't believe for one second Nerissa would have stuck to being banished, so what Irma did, she did to protect herself and those she loves.
So what's the problem, Will?
I'm just not sure how I feel about Irma actually killing someone. I'm afraid it will change her a lot, and that she won't be the same person we know.
Taranee paused before answering. Could she really be any worse off than she was after Nerissa finished with her?
Will thought for a moment. Probably not, but it would be in a different way. She killed someone...you just can't be the same after something like that.
True, but what choice did she have? You said yourself Nerissa would have found a way to come after us. The way I see it, this was the only way to protect herself and everyone else.
So you're not concerned at all about the implications of killing another human being?
I didn't say that, Will. Of course I'm worried about the effect this will have on Irma. I think once the reality sinks in, she's going to be in a very bad way. She's going to realize exactly what she's done and it's gonna hit her hard.
So what do we do about it?
Taranee was silent for a time. I'm not sure there's much we can do, Will. She's going to have to come to terms with what she's done. We can try to lend support as much as we can, but ultimately she's going to have to work out her feelings on her own.
And what if those feelings cause some kind of emotional damage she can't deal with?
You mean like a psychotic break?
Will shrugged. Okay, like a psychotic break.
I don't think any of us are prepared to handle something like that. It would be reminiscent of a few weeks ago when Irma was trying to deal with being tortured. She got through that eventually...we'll just have to hope she's got some strength left.
Will was quiet for a time. There's something that's really bothering me, Taranee. What if Irma's not disturbed by this at all? Did you see how she laughed when she was attacking the KOV? She was enjoying it, T.
Taranee nodded. Yeah, that bothers me a little bit, too. But I think it's more likely Irma will be bothered by what she did, eventually. She had a lot of adrenaline during the battle. Once that's worn off, she'll be able to reflect on everything's that happened. That's when I think we'll see a difference.
I hope you're right.
They arrived at the Elemental Chamber of Water, and Cornelia opened the double doors. The aquamarines filling the Chamber sparkled like diamonds and reflected in the surface of the impossibly blue pool that dominated the Chamber.
Luba approached the giant pool and gently lowered her load into the water. Irma sank beneath the blue liquid and was immediately enveloped in a clear sphere, shielding her lungs and body. The water seemed to embrace her lovingly.
"She will recover now," Luba said, standing upright. "It may take some hours, but she will heal."
"I'd like to stay with her," said Will.
"I'll stay with you," Cornelia volunteered.
Taranee was quiet and had her eyes half-closed. Presently, she looked at her friends. "Hay Lin's not answering me. I think she might need some time, so I'll hang out here, too."
Luba nodded. "As you wish, Guardians. I shall leave you to your thoughts."
The Guardians nodded and the big cat exited the Chamber, closing the doors behind her.
"Wasn't that just the bomb?" Cornelia enthused. "That bitch is finally dead."
"Irma killed someone, Cornelia," Will said. "How can you be so enthusiastic?"
"Hey, I'm not gonna cry over Nerissa. She got what she deserved. I'm only sorry I didn't get to do it myself."
Will nodded. "Yeah I guess so. She really wouldn't have left any of us alone. I suppose it's for the best."
"Damn straight it is," Cornelia said. "I'm going to congratulate Irma the minute she wakes up instead of insulting her."
"Wow, you really are pleased," Will grinned.
Taranee spoke up. "I'm worried about Hay Lin. Did you guys see the way she reacted after we got our powers back? She made a beeline for the door. She didn't even seem to care about Irma."
"She'll get over it," Cornelia said, waving her hand. "She's just in shock. When that wears off, she'll realize Irma did the only thing she could do."
"I'm not so sure of that," Taranee replied. "She seems really upset, and she's refusing to answer me. I'm not even getting a 'not now, Taranee,' or a 'go away, Taranee.' I'm just not getting an answer at all."
"Maybe we should go talk to her," Will suggested.
Taranee shook her head. "No...I think she needs some time. Besides, her grandma should be the first to approach her in a case like this. She needs an adult, not a bunch of kids."
"Hey I am not a kid," Cornelia sniffed. "We've been through a lot more than most adults, so that makes us...er...not kids."
Taranee grinned a little. "Okay, so we're not kids. But we're still not as old as Grandma Lin."
"I'm gonna tell her you said that," Cornelia said.
"I just meant that she has more life experience than we do."
"I'm still gonna tell her you said that."
Will turned the Heart of Meridian over and over in her hand. She was staring at the lovely jewel and barely listening to the banter between her friends. Something seemed to hold her mesmerized, and she could swear she heard whispering. Suddenly a thought came to her and she jumped to her feet.
"Guys," Will said, "maybe we can use both Hearts to heal Elyon!"
"Come again?" Cornelia said, still dwelling on Yan Lin's age.
"Elyon couldn't be healed by the Heart of Candracar, but maybe if we use both Hearts together..."
Taranee and Cornelia looked at each other.
"It's worth a try," Taranee shrugged.
"And Sleeping Beauty over here isn't going to wake up for a while," Cornelia said, indicating Irma with her thumb.
"Then let's go," Will enthused.
Together, the three Guardians exited the Chamber and took off for Elyon's room at a run.
–
Hay Lin exited the Chamber of the Aurameres quickly. She couldn't face Irma right now. Her friend had just murdered someone and tried to murder several others. Hay Lin, quite frankly, wanted nothing to do with Irma.
The Air Guardian stalked through the fortress, unsure of where to go. Finally she headed for her Elemental Chamber. If she could find peace anywhere, it would be there.
The slender girl entered her Chamber and allowed a cloud to ferry her to the center. Hay Lin didn't have the energy to fly and wasn't sure she ever would again. Everything about her world had been shattered. Sure her enemy was dead and couldn't hurt them anymore, but she hadn't died gloriously or valiantly...she had been murdered.
Hay Lin was aware of Taranee attempting to contact her telepathically, but she ignored her friend. She really wasn't in the mood to hear her friends try to justify what Irma had done.
As Hay Lin's cloud approached the center of the Chamber, she could see another figure already sitting on the largest, fluffiest cloud usually reserved for the Air Guardian. Hay Lin didn't need to be a telepath to know this was her grandmother. Hay Lin really didn't feel like talking, but what could she do? The old woman had already seen her.
Hay Lin's cloud deposited her on the fluffy Cumulus next to Yan Lin. Then it floated serenely away to play amongst its fellows. The old woman approached her granddaughter and immediately hugged her. Hay Lin hugged her grandmother back, but felt little emotion behind it.
"My dear little one," Yan Lin cooed. "Tell grandma what's wrong."
Cutting right to the chase, Hay Lin thought.
"I don't wanna talk right now, grandma."
Yan Lin sat down and patted the cloud beside her. Hay Lin sighed and sat down next to her grandmother. The old woman gazed at the small Guardian expectantly.
"I said I don't wanna talk," Hay Lin said, refusing to meet the older woman's gaze. Instead the young girl looked at the cloud, trying to admire the magic that allowed something so fragile to be so strong.
"We all have to do things we don't want to do," Yan Lin replied. "Now tell grandma what's wrong."
"Who says anything's wrong?"
"I saw how you looked in the Assembly Chamber, and I heard the way you spoke to Irma. You sounded sad. I want to know why."
Hay Lin sighed again and closed her eyes. She realized her grandma wasn't going to let it go, so she decided she would spell it out for her.
"Irma just murdered someone, grandma. And she did it in cold blood. How am I supposed to feel about that?"
"I'm not sure it was murder, child," Yan Lin responded. "It seems to me like she did it in self-defense. You and I both know Nerissa would never have honored her punishment. She would have found a way to come after you girls."
"So that makes it alright to just wipe somebody out?"
"I didn't say that. What you need to understand and realize is-"
"No, grandma, not this time. You didn't hear what Irma whispered to Nerissa just before she killed her."
"And what was that, little one?"
Hay Lin stared down at the cloud. "When Nerissa had surrendered, and was begging Irma to stop, do you remember when she was pleading for her life? Irma said she would let her live if she surrendered. Well, when Nerissa was begging her to stop, and reminding her of her promise, Irma whispered, 'I lied.' So you see, it was murder...it wasn't self-defense."
Hay Lin continued. "I'm completely disgusted by Irma right now. I can't even look at her. I thought she was strong enough to handle this, that she was healing. I thought she was putting her life back together, and now I see it was all just an illusion. I feel lied to, grandma, and I don't want to associate with a lying murderer."
Yan Lin was unaccustomed to hearing such harsh words from her granddaughter, especially towards Irma. She thought nothing would ever separate the two girls...they had been practically joined at the hip since they had first met years ago. Yan Lin understood that Hay Lin was hurt and angry, so she decided she needed to soothe that hurt first.
"My little one, such pains you have endured these past several weeks. I fear you have been permanently scarred by more than just Nerissa's lightning. I know deep down you still care about Irma. Somehow, we need to get you to see it again."
Hay Lin closed her eyes and tried to feel what her grandmother was saying. She supposed it should be difficult to throw away years of friendship for one incident, but this was a huge incident. Her parents had taught her to respect life of all kinds, and now her best friend had snuffed one out like it was nothing more than an ant invading a picnic. Hay Lin understood that sometimes you had to do drastic things to protect your loved ones, but she didn't think herself capable of killing a human being. During her musings, she realized her grandma was speaking again.
"Try to think of all the good things your friendship has brought. Even before you were chosen as Guardians, you have protected one another, been there for each other, cried and laughed together. You have been instrumental in helping Irma to heal emotionally. As bad as the physical damage was, the mental damage was worse; you helped Irma through that, too. You refused to abandon her even after she said terrible things to you. She tried to push you away, and you would not be denied. She needs you now, more than ever. You cannot turn her away."
"She doesn't need me," Hay Lin replied, her dark eyes flashing. "She needs her head examined. Irma killed Nerissa out of some misplaced sense of vengeance, not because she was thinking of the rest of us. Then she turned on the KOV and would have killed them had I not stopped her. Did you hear her, grandma? She was laughing. She was enjoying it. For a second, she was the enemy she hates most. She was Nerissa. Now she's seeing the price of vengeance...and it's me."
"But Irma stopped, Hay Lin, she stopped. Nerissa would not have allowed anyone to interfere, and, indeed, managed to kill Irma the way she killed Cassidy. Oh she would have claimed it was an accident, but we would know the truth. You cannot compare Irma to Nerissa for this reason alone. Irma stopped, and you stopped her. That shows you care about her."
"How so?"
"Because, little one, unless I miss my guess, you restrained Irma to keep her from killing the Knights of Vengeance because you did not wish to see your friend become a cold-blooded killer. It wasn't because you wanted to save your enemies' lives...it was because you wanted to save Irma's. Once someone kills another, it is hard to stop. You become drunken with their blood and the sheer godlike power murder grants is difficult to break."
Yan Lin continued. "Plus, being granted the power of five Guardians is an awesome undertaking. It takes a strong mind to handle it, and Irma's has been damaged. The power associated with the five elements is not to be taken lightly. There is a reason the elements are split between five individuals and not given to just one or two. No one can handle that amount of power for any length of time. Giving it up would have been very difficult for Irma had you not steadied her mind."
"She attacked me, grandma. She pushed me to the floor and was raising her hand to strike me down. The only reason I'm still alive is because Will, Taranee, and Corny tackled her."
Yan Lin shook her head vigorously. "No, Hay Lin, no; that's not true. Irma was standing down before the others restrained her. You said you were her friend and she recognized that. I believe no one but you would have been able to get through to her at that time. Your relationship defies everything conventional wisdom has to say. It transcends the highest of obstacles, and has never been stronger. Even though you struggle now, I know you will find it in your heart to forgive Irma."
Hay Lin had to admit her grandmother was right. Still, she was horrified on every level by what Irma had done.
"How do I get past this, grandma? How do I learn to love a murderer?"
"You must talk with her; you must tell her how you feel. But abandoning her like this...it's cruel. When Irma realizes the full magnitude of what she's done, I believe she will fall into an abyss of self-loathing. She will need your light to guide her back to herself. If you cannot get past this, then Nerissa will have killed Irma anew. Driving a wedge between you two will surely have a devastating effect on her...and on you."
Hay Lin's eyes filled with tears as she struggled to do the right thing. "I can't do it, grandma; I just can't. Everything between us has changed, and I can't pretend it hasn't. She murdered a woman who may have deserved it, but who are we to decide that? We may be Guardians, and we may kick serious booty, but that doesn't give us the right to start judging who lives and who dies. Irma had no right to murder another human being, no matter what her crimes. I just can't get past that."
"But what had Nerissa done to Irma?" Yan Lin replied. "She tortured her terribly, raped her mind many times over, tried to kill her friends, threatened to torture her family to death, tried to drive a wedge between her and her parents through deception and mind games. Can you truly blame Irma for wanting revenge on someone like that?"
"No, not really," Hay Lin sighed. "But that's no excuse to murder. There's a difference I don't think you're seeing. Irma didn't just kill Nerissa, she murdered her. I don't know how many times I have to keep saying that before you understand."
"I do understand, child, I do understand. But we cannot change the past. Are you going to make Irma suffer because she made a rage-induced decision you wouldn't have made? How can you say you wouldn't have done the same thing in Irma's position? You haven't been through what she's been through, experienced what she's experienced. All the horror Nerissa visited upon her, it changes a person. You can't judge her based on normal circumstances. These are clearly not normal times."
"You think she was right don't you?" Hay Lin said, her voice full of outrage. "You think she did the right thing in killing Nerissa. How can you possibly support this?"
"I do not support or fight her decision. It is simply something that is; something I cannot change. What I prefer to concentrate on is how we can help Irma get through this. We are all she has, and she will need us."
Hay Lin opened her mouth to respond, then almost immediately closed it. The truth was, her grandma was right. Here was Hay Lin trying to find every reason not to support Irma, and her grandmother was doing everything possible to show her she was wrong. Well no one had the right to tell her how she was supposed to feel. Hay Lin felt betrayed, but she saw she needed to try and help Irma, nonetheless. She was torn between anger and gratitude for her grandmother.
"Alright, grandma, I'll try to get past this. But somehow I don't think our relationship will ever be the same. My best friend the Guardian, just became my best friend the murderer. She's no better than Nerissa, as far as I'm concerned. At least when Nerissa killed Cassidy it was an accident. This was calculating and personal."
Yan Lin folded her hands in her lap. "There is something you should know. Nerissa told me herself not long ago that she killed Cassidy on purpose. She told me it was intentional and had been planned for some time. Nerissa was a murderer, little one; plain and simple. At least Irma killed her enemy in the throes of battle and rage. I do not believe she went into the duel expecting to kill her opponent. I believe the feelings of murder and destruction entered her heart after she received the five powers. I believe this should be taken into account before Irma is judged too harshly."
"So, Cassidy was murdered? It wasn't an accident?" Hay Lin's tears began to course down her cheeks.
"No, it was no accident."
"Then Irma did to Nerissa what Nerissa did to Cassidy. Even if it wasn't planned that way, murder is still murder. They put people in jail for the rest of their lives for stuff like this. What is the Council going to do to Irma?"
Yan Lin shook her head. "I don't know, but they won't stay quiet about it."
"But there are extenuating circumstances, like you said. Maybe they'll just let her go."
"Perhaps, child."
Hay Lin furrowed her brow. "I don't want to see Irma locked up like Nerissa was. Then she really will become the nightmare. Nerissa will have won after all if that happens."
Yan Lin placed her hand on Hay Lin's moist cheek. "Now you begin to understand. When Nerissa killed Cassidy, I felt just as betrayed as you do now. Nerissa was my best friend, after all. I made the mistake of not standing by her at her trial. It was my betrayal of our friendship that caused the most damage. Sure, isolation will brew contempt, but I believe Nerissa would not have been so bent on vengeance had it not been for me and my actions that day. In a roundabout way, I feel like much of this horror has been my fault. If we do not want Irma to end up the same way, you must stand by her now. Show her your friendship is stronger than Nerissa."
Hay Lin sniffed loudly and nodded. "It will be stronger than Nerissa. I still don't like what Irma did, and it will take me some time to get past it...if I ever do. But that hag is not going to break us up."
The slender Guardian threw her arms around the old woman's neck and hugged her tightly.
"Thank you, grandma. Thank you for making me see two sides."
"Go to her, child. Go to your friend and mend bridges."
"I will," Hay Lin said, rising to her feet.
With that, she fluttered her wings and took off for the doors.
–
Three Guardians sprinted through the halls toward Elyon's bedroom. Cornelia held onto a sliver of hope for her friend at last. She prayed Will was correct and that the Hearts' combined powers would wake the young queen.
The three girls burst through Elyon's bedroom door to find her still slumbering. The only difference from the last time they had seen her was the slight greenish hue to her features.
Cornelia sat down on the bed and took her friend's hand. She placed her other hand on Elyon's forehead.
"She's burning up. We have to do something fast."
Will nodded and stepped closer to the bed.
Holding a Heart in each hand, she raised both fists high above her head. Clutching the Hearts tightly, Will allowed her own energy to flow through them. The room filled with amber and rose lights as the young Keeper commanded the powers of the jewels. Then without warning, Will brought her hands together, so the Hearts now physically touched one another. The lights combined, each trying to outdo the other.
Will directed the lights at Elyon's chest. Power poured into the slumbering royal as Taranee and Cornelia watched breathlessly.
Presently, the lights faded and the room returned to its normal, soft glow.
Elyon remained motionless.
Cornelia swallowed and placed her hand on her friend's forehead.
"There's been no change," she said sadly, her shoulders slumping.
Will looked confused. "I was so sure that would work."
Taranee and Will placed a hand on each of Cornelia's shoulders. The blond Guardian began to sob softly.
"She's going to die, isn't she? The only person in the entire galaxy with the power to stop this is dead now. My best friend is going to die and there's nothing I can do to stop it."
Cornelia threw herself over Elyon and cried uncontrollably.
"All this power we have, and what good is it now? The Heart of Candracar couldn't save Elyon from Nerissa, and now the combined might of the Hearts of Meridian and Candracar can't save her, either. I can't live without her, you guys. What am I going to do?"
Will looked at Taranee and was about to reply, when something interrupted her.
Elyon's eyes flew open and she looked around wildly. Her chest heaved and she let out a strangled cry. Cornelia, alarmed at the strange events, sat up and gazed at her friend.
"Elyon? Elyon, can you hear me?"
The queen's eyes focused briefly on the young Guardian. She raised her hand to Cornelia's cheek.
"Cornelia...I'm...sorry."
Then the small body slumped into the pillows and lay motionless.
–
And there is Chapter 17. I hope you enjoyed it, but if not, that's okay too. Please let me know what y'all think...I love to hear any and all comments. Thanks for reading.