Hello all! Glad to see everybody. No, this is not a good time to point out that I can't actually "see" any of you. First let me thank my reviewers:
XV-Dragon (Once again, first off the block. Thanks for your loyalty.); Toolazytomakeanaccount (Hehe...thanks for the compliments); Shocklance (Things are going to get hairy, yes); Nemrut (Still not offended, my friend. Thank you for having the balls to call it like you see it.); Nightroad (Always seeing between the lines, my friend. Thank you for bringing up the moral conundrum.); Wolfgurl211 (You have been a loyal reader, my friend. Thank you for the compliments.); Philip Gipson (I was hoping you would pick up on the Voltron thing. I put it in there just for you.); Lost Prince (Thank you for the PM. You will see how close you came in a few minutes. Hug your mom for me...yes, go on...give her a big hug!); Nerd4eva (Have I ever told you I like your sig a lot? LOL...Nerds Unite! Anyway, thanks for your loyalty); Starwin (My friend I look forward to your reviews because they make me a better writer. I am not offended nor do I think you were harsh. I thank you for your opinions in whatever arena.); Cartoonloverfan101 (THANK YOU for calling me young! LOL...and thank you for the compliments.); AJ (Glad you and your girls liked the chappie); DayDreamer9 (Irma's been through a lot, true. Would I put her through more? You didn't even think about that when you answered, "YES!" Thanks for sticking with me.); Cal (Hey, hey, welcome to the Pit! Thanks for your compliments; they really make my day.); Dawntodark (Welcome, welcome! I don't think we've met officially. So welcome! Thank you for your compliments; they warm my heart...they do.).
Thank you all for reviewing. Your thoughts and suggestions make me a better writer and make me want to continue writing.
Now, without further ado, may I present:
Chapter 19
Irma and Hay Lin followed Luba somberly. Neither Guardian knew exactly what to expect, but they both felt trepidation at what was to come.
Irma, for one, harbored no illusions that the Council would simply let her off. She had committed the most heinous crime possible, and she had done it on purpose. Her friends could argue until they were blue in the face that she had done it to protect everyone, but Irma knew better. Protection and self-preservation had not been forefront in her mind when she had killed Nerissa, and Irma knew it.
She glanced sidelong at Hay Lin, walking beside her. She looked somehow older, and her beautiful, innocent face had taken on a steely expression. It hurt Irma to see her friend's face set like that, for she knew she was the cause. Hay Lin had been forced into a role she wasn't used to playing...that of Irma's protector. How the Water Witch wished she could take it all back; then Hay Lin would still be the happy-go-lucky kid she had always been.
But the past was unchangeable, and no matter how badly she wished it, Irma could not alter it.
Hay Lin felt eyes upon her and glanced at Irma. Their eyes met and she graced her friend with a sideways grin. Irma tried to smile back, but the smile never quite reached her haunted blue eyes. Hay Lin wasn't sure she knew what Irma was thinking, but she could almost taste her fear. She had a feeling Irma would docilely accept whatever punishment the Council handed out; after all, a few minutes ago, Irma had wanted to kill herself. Well, Hay Lin was not about to let anything happen to her friend...not without a fight.
Luba stalked ahead of the Guardians lost in her own thoughts. Her cat ears had picked up Irma's final words to Nerissa, and she understood the implications. She knew if called upon to testify that she would have to give witness to what she had heard. She couldn't lie, for the Oracle would surely know. Lying for the Water Guardian couldn't help, anyway. She would have to face her punishment and there was little Luba could do to help.
The cat felt slightly angered by the whole incident. She did not feel any remorse for Nerissa, but she mourned the death of the Water Guardian's innocence. Part of her still believed the Oracle and the Council could have prevented some of it had they chosen to act sooner.
It was dumb luck that had allowed Nerissa to escape her prison on Mount Thanos, but Luba felt the Oracle should have sensed it somehow. He should have known the Mage was an imposter, and that she would harm the Guardians. He should have made a greater effort to destroy the rogue Keeper when she last attacked Candracar.
Luba stopped herself then, as she could feel the anger beginning to boil inside her. Blaming the Oracle and the Council was misplaced. The blame lay entirely with Nerissa, alone. It had been she who had planned to capture and torture the Water Guardian. It had been she who had planned to use the girl to capture the heart of Candracar. It had been she who had sought vengeance on a teenager for the sole purpose of making her hurt.
All in all, Luba couldn't blame the young Guardian for killing Nerissa. Her mind certainly wasn't right, and she couldn't possibly be held accountable for her actions in this kind of situation.
The big cat realized she was trying to convince herself, so she stopped her inner musings. It wasn't healthy for her to think too much, anyway.
The trio approached the doors to the Central Chamber. They stood closed like sentries. Luba pushed the heavy, rose-colored doors open and stood aside. Her paw indicated the two Guardians should enter.
Irma looked the cat in the eyes and swallowed hard.
"Luba, what's going to happen?"
The Caretaker bowed her head slightly. "There will be a trial to decide what, if any, punishment is appropriate for your crime."
"And who exactly decides this punishment?"
"The Council will confer and decide together."
Irma looked at Hay Lin, and for the first time, felt a glimmer of hope. Surely Halinor and Yan Lin would see her side of things.
She looked back at Luba. "Does it have to be unanimous?"
"I do not know, Guardian. There has been only one other trial before. The decision then was unanimous to imprison Nerissa. There is little precedent for this kind of incident."
Irma frowned but nodded. She turned to her less-hairy friend and grasped her hand.
"I'm ready to face this. Are you with me?"
Hay Lin squeezed her friend's hand and nodded. She didn't trust her voice, so she said nothing, but did offer a reassuring smile.
Irma was somewhat confused by Hay Lin's lack of a verbal response, but appreciated the smile. She release her friend's hand and strode into the Chamber.
Elyon and the other Guardians were already waiting at the back of the room. Will and Taranee looked nervous, but Cornelia had the same cocky, superior look she always wore. Irma tried to draw strength from her expression as she approached her friends.
"How are you doing?" Will asked quietly.
Irma nodded. "Not bad. A little nervous."
"Don't sweat it," Cornelia said. "We all know that hag got what she deserved. You just did what the old people should have done in the first place."
"You think I was right to kill someone?"
"Not just someone, shrimp. Nerissa. Yeah, I think you were right to kill Nerissa," Cornelia replied.
Irma's heart warmed so much, she couldn't even take offense to being called a shrimp. To have someone so unaffected by what she had done was gratifying...and a little frightening. Irma wasn't sure anyone should be so nonchalant about taking human life. Nevertheless, it felt good to know someone was completely on her side without any misgivings.
The massive doors banged shut and Luba walked towards the group of Guardians. She addressed Irma.
"Be strong, cubling. Do not be intimidated and speak only the truth, for lying will only make things worse for you."
"I don't need to lie, Luba," Irma replied quietly. "I'm ready to accept whatever the Council hands down."
"Now what kind of defeatist attitude is that?" Cornelia asked harshly.
"It's not defeatist, Corny, it's realistic. I killed someone. I deserve what I get."
"Whatever. It's a classic case of self-defense. You should get off scott-free."
Irma opened her mouth to reply when she heard the Oracle clap his hands. She swallowed and took a last look at her friends before turning to face the Council. She felt a hand on her shoulder and glanced at Hay Lin. Her friend nodded grimly, her features set with determination.
"I would be honored to act as your Defender," Luba said suddenly.
Irma was caught off guard. "Defender? You mean, like my lawyer?"
The cat nodded. "The Accused requires a Defender. Will you allow me to play that role for you?"
Irma's heart warmed. She turned to Hay Lin. "What do you think? Should I let ol' Fluffy be Perry Mason?"
Hay Lin grinned slightly. "Sure. She probably knows what she's doing."
"Then my lawyer you shall be," Irma said to Luba.
Luba nodded and stepped forward, taking Irma by the arm as she did so. She led the Guardian to the center of the Chamber.
"Hey, Irma," Cornelia hissed. "Don't call me Corny."
Irma grinned and allowed Luba to drag her along.
"Honorable Council of Candracar," Luba began, "it is by your summons that the Water Guardian presents herself for judgment."
"Then present her and let her be judged," Tibor intoned.
Luba turned her head to Irma and nodded. The young Guardian swallowed again and stepped forward.
"Um...hi. I'm Irma, and I'm here. I'm ready for this judgment thing...yeah."
"Then let us begin," Tibor said. "First, we must make a change to your Defender. Luba shall not be allowed to act in this capacity."
Luba inclined her head sharply. "Why?" she growled angrily.
The Oracle spoke up. "Because, my dear friend, you are once again a member of this Council."
Luba's eyes went wide, and she turned to Irma. "I did not expect this."
"Yeah, but this is a good thing, isn't it? It means they forgive you and you get your old job back."
"Yes, but it also means I cannot act as your Defender. Council members can not defend the Accused."
"Then it looks like I'm on my own," Irma whispered, casting her eyes to the floor.
Luba shook her head and addressed the Council again. "I decline this honor, noble ones. I have a duty I am sworn to perform, and I cannot, in good conscience, allow it to wane."
The Oracle raised an eyebrow. "Your heart is pure, noble friend, but I must impress upon you that this is not a request. You are, once more, a member of the Council. It has been completed and your standing is thus. You may not defend the Guardian."
"Oracle, no," Luba pleaded. "If not I, then who shall defend her?"
"A fellow Guardian may defend Irma," Halinor answered. "If there is someone willing, let them step forward."
Irma didn't want to pressure anyone, so she kept her eyes pointed at the floor. She thought sure, however, that someone would step forward.
Cornelia started forward, but was stopped by Hay Lin's outstretched arm. The smallest Guardian moved to stand beside Irma and addressed the Council.
"I'll defend her," she said firmly.
Irma looked gratefully at Hay Lin. The Asian girl whispered, "I won't let you go without a fight."
"Thank you," Irma whispered back, a tear coming to her eye. She wiped it away swiftly and faced the Council.
Luba nodded and walked slowly to join the other Council Members. She took a place next to Yan Lin and noticed the other was shaking slightly.
"Are you alright, honorable one?" Luba asked quietly.
"I am nervous, Luba. I wish this did not have to be done."
"It will be alright; you will see," Luba replied gruffly.
"I hope so," Yan Lin replied nervously.
"Let it be known the Air Guardian shall act as the Accused's Defender," Tibor intoned.
"The Accused has a name, you know," Cornelia shouted.
Tibor was about to reply when the Oracle placed a hand on his shoulder. "Guardian, it is good that you care for your friend, but there are customs that must be observed. Hereafter, the Water Guardian is to be referred to as the Accused, and the Air Guardian shall be Defender."
"Congratulations," Irma muttered to Hay Lin.
"Try to be serious, Irma," Hay Lin hissed.
"Sorry..."
"The charges stand thus," the Oracle continued. "The Accused has committed an act of life-taking. It is the purpose of this tribunal to discover the motives behind this act and to decide what, if any, punishments should be dispensed. Tibor shall act as Accuser, I shall act as judge, and the Council Members shall act as jury."
The Oracle turned to his protector. "Tibor, please commence this trial."
The big bodyguard wasted no time. "It is the opinion of this Council that you did take a life in cold blood, that you did purposefully end said life, and that you do show no remorse for what you have done."
The Oracle turned to Hay Lin and nodded. Hay Lin remained motionless and raised an eyebrow.
You're supposed to rebut, Taranee's voice said.
What does my butt have to do with this?
No, no...you're supposed to make a counter-argument. Tell the Council what you think happened.
Oh. Okay, I get it.
Hay Lin swallowed and thought carefully about her next statements. "I'm not the smartest person in this room, but I know a little something about remorse. I can say, for sure, that Irma, I mean the Accused, is remorseful. And I have to say that I don't think it's the opinion of the entire Council that Irma...I mean the Accused...is a murderer. I think it's just your opinion, Tibor, and that you're not allowed to speak for the entire Council."
"Semantics," Tibor growled.
"Well, semantics could cost a young woman her life, so let's try to stick to the facts from now on, okay?"
"Objection sustained," the Oracle said quietly.
Tibor glowered but continued. "The Accused stands before us a cold-blooded killer. She did willingly take the life of her enemy in payment for the horrors delivered upon her by said enemy. She did also take this life in a fit of uncontrolled rage that shows her mental instability. Furthermore, the Accused did attempt to murder other members of the victims entourage with powers she was unable to control. I shall show she did these things with the sole intent to kill."
Hay Lin was shocked by the unabashed anger she heard in Tibor's voice. He seemed to genuinely believe what he was saying. All the big words he used; Hay Lin didn't understand what some of them meant. She suddenly felt so inadequate; but she knew she had to help Irma.
Hay Lin thought carefully for a few moments before beginning to speak. "We do stand here today with the Accused being charged with a terrible, terrible thing. Murder is nothing to shake a stick at, but is it sometimes justified? It is my opinion that Nerissa would not have honored her agreement to stay away from all of us, and Irma did the only thing she could have done to protect herself and everyone she loves. This uncontrollable rage was caused by the other powers she received from us. It wasn't her fault."
"Are you saying, Defender, that the Accused should be found not guilty because her mental state was altered?" Tibor asked.
"Think about it for a second," Hay Lin answered. "Think about all the tortures Irma went through. Not just the beatings, but also the mental stuff, too. Her mind has been altered for weeks, now; and it's Nerissa's doing. To say Irma was in her right mind when the duel occurred is like saying thunder doesn't accompany lightning. It's ludicrous."
Tibor spoke quietly. "The Accused has never spoken, publicly, to this Council about her ordeal. How are we to know what she endured? I believe it is time for her give testimony about this time."
Irma's eyes went wide and her head snapped towards Hay Lin. "No, Hay Lin, no. I can't do that. Please, you can't let them make me testify to that."
Hay Lin nodded, shocked at the naked fear she saw in her friend's eyes. "I fail to see what good that would do."
"It would paint a picture as to why her mental state was so altered, as you claim it was. Without testimony from the Accused about her own mental state and how it came to be, your words are just, pardon the pun, empty air."
Hay Lin set her jaw and fought the urge to drill Tibor with a whirlwind. "You saw the aftermath. She was dying, and would have died outright, if not for her Chamber. Why do you need the details?"
"To say she was dying is simply not enough of a picture for this Council. To have one's mental state altered so completely as to commit murder takes quite the ordeal. We need to hear it in its entirety."
Hay Lin opened her mouth to speak but was stopped by the Oracle. He held up his hand. "I agree with Tibor. We need to hear this testimony from the Accused."
"Hay Lin, no..." Irma pleaded.
"Why do you need to hear it? Can't you see this is distressing Irma?" Hay Lin pleaded.
"The Accused's distress is not this Council's concern," Tibor said. "She killed someone. She should feel some distress."
"Please, Guardian," the Oracle said. "This ruling has been made. You must recount your ordeal at the hands of Nerissa for this Council or forfeit your defense."
Hay Lin turned to her friend. "I'm sorry, Irma."
Irma let out a small, strangled noise, and tried to smile at her Defender. "It's okay, Hay-Hay. You did your best. I'll just have to suck it up."
And with that, Irma faced the Oracle and began to recount the brutal tortures at the hands of Nerissa's underlings. She recited her testimony with a horrifying flatness to her voice, as if she was detached from her body. To Hay Lin, it seemed like she was doing nothing more than reading a script.
Then Irma began to tell of the lightning attacks and how they had hurt her more than any of the beatings or cuttings. She told of how she wanted to die, of how she had begged for mercy and for death.
Irma then recounted the mental tortures she had endured. From the injuries that the Mage's spell had caused, to the cases of mistaken identities when she had attacked Martin and the Lurdens at Luba's obstacle course. How she had thought they were Frost coming to hurt her again.
She recited the agonies of slowly losing her mind. How she felt dirty with Nerissa inside her head. After some hesitation, she even testified of the voices she used to hear inside her head. A collective gasp went up from Council Members and Guardians when Irma said this.
"She was inside my head, always whispering and talking. She never left me alone. It wasn't enough to beat me, cut me, burn me, fry me. She mind-raped me repeatedly. Yes, that bitch raped me more than once. She tried to turn my own family against me, and she made me wish to die."
Irma paused then and finally allowed tears to flow down her cheeks. "Are you happy now, Tibor?" she spat bitterly. "Are you satisfied with my testimony?"
Tibor stood motionless and for a moment did not reply. The Chamber was deathly quiet.
"Yes, Guardian, I am satisfied. Thank you."
Irma curled her lip and snarled under her breath. She turned her eyes to the floor and wept quietly.
"Can we stop this now?" Hay Lin demanded. "Has the Accused's mental state been sufficiently dissected? Or perhaps you would like to call Frost back here and have him tell you how he tried to pull her wings off with his bare hands?"
Easy, Hay Lin. You don't want to turn the Council against you.
I'm trying, Taranee, but right now I'm seeing red.
Tibor swallowed hard and turned to the Oracle. "I would like to call one witness, if I may."
The Oracle nodded and Tibor turned to Luba.
"Luba, I call upon you to testify before this tribunal."
Luba closed her eyes and sighed quietly. She was hoping this would not happen. As much as she wished not to testify, she knew she had no choice.
"Ask your questions, Tibor," Luba said, a dangerous edge to her voice.
"We all saw the Accused lean down and whisper to the victim. With your feline hearing, it is likely you heard what was said. Please tell us what you know."
Tibor was smart, Luba had to give him that. She was hoping that after the emotionally charged testimony of the Water Guardian, that Tibor would simply withdraw and allow deliberations to begin.
But that was not to be.
"I heard what she said, yes," Luba answered.
After a pregnant pause, Tibor finally prompted the witness. "And?"
Hanging her head in defeat, Luba replied slowly. "She said...'I lied.'"
Tibor's eyes went wide and Will and Taranee looked at each other. Cornelia smirked, and Halinor looked perplexed. Only Yan Lin didn't seem surprised. Even the Oracle hung his head in sadness.
Tibor turned back to Irma and Hay Lin. "Do you, Accused, deny this statement?"
Irma closed her eyes. She couldn't lie, but she knew this was the dagger to the heart she had been fearing.
"No, I do not deny that statement. What's more, Hay Lin heard it, too. That's why she went so berserk just before I killed Nerissa."
"Irma, what are you doing?" Hay Lin gasped.
"Telling the truth. I need to tell the truth, Hay Lin. I don't feel right not saying everything. It's like lying if I leave something out just to protect myself. I won't do it."
Hay Lin groaned and scrubbed her face with her hand. She didn't want to, but she followed her friend's lead.
"That's true. I did hear it, too."
Tibor nodded and turned to the Oracle. "I have nothing further."
"Defender? Have you anything you wish to say, or witnesses you wish to call?" the Oracle asked.
Hay Lin thought for a moment, then made a decision. "Yes. I wish to call all of the Guardians and Elyon as character witnesses. I wish to call Luba, Halinor, and Yan Lin as witnesses, as well."
"Then let it be done," the Oracle said.
For the next hour, the Guardians recounted the best times they had had with Irma. They told of her heart and her courage. They testified of her unwillingness to break under torture just to protect her friends from walking into an ambush. They explained how she had suffered in silence when her parents had thought she was taking drugs just to protect the secret of the Guardians.
"She died to protect us from Nerissa," Taranee said.
"She's the bravest person I know," Will testified.
"She would rather take her parents' wrath than betray our secret," Cornelia said.
"She helped save my life," Elyon testified. "She has a great heart."
Then Yan Lin testified of the caring young woman Irma was. How she had such tender feelings for her daughter, and how she had always been Hay Lin's protector.
Next, Luba talked of Irma's strength and devotion to her duties. How she had refused to give up even when her mind was betraying her. Then she spoke of how containing the awesome power of all the Aurameres was impossible for a mentally-altered being.
"It would be a great difficulty for someone of strong, sound mind. The Water Guardian was neither strong of mind, nor sound of mind when she was given those powers."
The most compelling testimony came from Halinor. The former Guardian testified how Irma had nearly killed Raythor during Nerissa's attack on Candracar...and how she had stopped short at Halinor's pleading.
"She's not a cold-blooded killer," Halinor intoned. "She gave herself up to death rather than destroy a life."
Finally, Hay Lin called herself to the proverbial stand.
"I witnessed the Accused trying everything she could to hurt herself because of what she did. If her Chamber hadn't stopped her, I believe she would have found a way to kill herself. She was physically sick by the realization of her actions. To say she has no remorse is ridiculous."
Finally after an hour, the testimonies were finished. Tibor, looking solemn and subdued, addressed the Council.
"We have heard much testimony as to the character of the Accused. We have heard testimony as to her mental state at the time of the killing. We have had many witnesses testify to the Accused's easy-going nature under normal circumstances. But these circumstances are far from normal. It is my opinion, still, that the Accused did willingly take a life with full knowledge of what she was doing."
Hay Lin, this is your last chance to leave the Council with a good picture of Irma. Don't blow it.
Had Hay Lin not heard the slight twinge of laughter in Taranee's "voice," she might have been offended. Instead, she felt bolstered.
"Irma killed someone, that can't be denied. Yes, it may seem like murder, but there are extenuating circumstances. Was she in her right mind when it happened? All the tortures she was forced to endure, the mental traumas, the powers of all the Guardians simultaneously. All of these things served to damage Irma's mind so severely, it is my opinion that she didn't truly understand the consequences of her actions. This must be taken into account when you make your decisions."
After a short pause, the Oracle spoke. "Council Members, please begin your deliberations. Guardians, Accused, Defender, Queen Elyon, please depart this Chamber until such deliberations are completed. I will send Luba to retrieve you when the Council has finished."
The Guardians and Elyon filed out of the Central Chamber and headed for the Elemental Chamber of Water. Everyone figured Irma would feel most comfortable there, and since she was the one on trial, they should defer to her.
No one spoke as they walked the silver halls. When they finally entered the Chamber of Water, the mood was solemn and subdued, indeed. Irma went directly to the pool and dove right in. The other Guardians and Elyon sat near the side of the pool, and removed their boots. Then they dangled their stocking feet in the water.
After a few minutes, Irma surfaced and swam slowly to her friends.
She looked at each pair of eyes in turn and was disturbed by what she saw there. She saw defeat.
"Somebody say something," Elyon finally prompted. "The silence is killing me."
But nobody seemed to have the capacity to speak. Instead all eyes found the polished floor very interesting.
"Alright, fine," Elyon said, "I'll say it. Hay Lin...the insanity defense?"
"What choice did I have?" Hay Lin said flatly. "After Luba's testimony, everyone knew Irma murdered Nerissa."
"Do you have to put it that way?" Cornelia said.
"Should we lie about it? We all have to get used to it, guys."
"Yeah but you could have-"
"No, Cornelia, Hay Lin's right," Irma said. "I murdered Nerissa because I wanted that bitch dead. It's true...it's all true."
Again silence descended like a pall. The mood was such that they could have been attending a funeral.
"Well no matter what, Irma, you're still my friend," Elyon said. "Nerissa tried to kill us both, and for that, she deserved to die."
"Thanks, Elyon," Irma replied.
"We're all with you, Irma," Will said quietly.
"Yeah, we won't abandon you," Taranee spoke up.
Irma tried to smile, but she felt like this was the last day of her life. She appreciated the support of her friends, but she just couldn't be happy...not now.
"Can I tell you guys something?"
"Haven't you learned by now that you can tell us anything?" Will replied.
"Yeah, but this is kinda...I don't know...kinda big."
"Bigger than murdering the Wicked Bitch of the West?" Cornelia asked.
"Cornelia!" Taranee raged.
"What, I'm just saying..."
"Yeah, I think it's bigger than murdering Nerissa."
"Just take your time and tell us when you're ready," Will said.
Irma took a deep breath. "I don't feel safe unless I'm in the water. I think I'm addicted to it. It's become like a drug to me. I need it all the time."
The Guardians exchanged looks, but said nothing.
"I make it rain all the time when I have to walk to school alone. I ditch my homework because I'm always in the tub. When I'm not in the water, all I can think about is how I'm going to get back in. I don't know what to do...it rules my life."
Cornelia raised an eyebrow. "So you like the water. How is this a bad thing?"
"Because I can't control myself. I need to be in the water. If it weren't for my powers over water, my affinity for it, I don't know what I would do."
"Well I think we need to start having more sleep-overs," Will said. "It's clear you need us still, and we want to be there for you."
Hay Lin nodded. "I agree. We need to spend more time with you."
"But how can you feel safe around me? I'm mentally unstable, remember?"
"You've always been mental," Cornelia said, waving her hand nonchalantly. "That's not going to start scaring us now."
"I'm serious, you guys. What if I try to harm one of you?"
"You won't," Taranee said. "And if you do, I'll just scream really loud."
"Yeah, she'll just pretend she saw a big, scary butterfly. That should do it," Cornelia zinged.
Even Irma had to laugh at that. The mood had just been lightened.
"Are you serious, Will?" Irma asked quietly. "Do you really still want to be with me even after what I've done?"
"Friends don't let friends battle their demons alone. Whatever you need, we're here."
Irma reached up and hugged her leader, and it wasn't long before the entire group joined in.
"Last one in is a rotten egg," Irma said.
"What?" Will asked.
"Oh no, don't you dare!" Taranee said, trying to pull away. But she was too late. Irma shifted her weight and toppled the entire group into the pool.
Amid screeches and playful curses, the water fight began.
An hour later they were still playing, when the Chamber doors opened. Luba strode inside and waited politely. Finally Cornelia noticed her presence.
"You guys, stop. It's Luba."
The play-fighting ceased and all eyes turned to the Caretaker.
"A decision has been made. Come with me."
The Guardians and Elyon pulled themselves out of the pool and looked at each other with trepidation. Irma used her powers to siphon off the water, and soon everyone was dry. Then the troop slowly followed Luba out of the Elemental Chamber.
As they approached the Central Chamber, Hay Lin squeezed Irma's hand. Irma squeezed back and hoped it wouldn't be the last time.
The heavy doors opened and the group filed in. The Guardians and Elyon resumed their previous positions at the back of the Chamber, while Luba rejoined the Council Members.
"Accused and Defender, please step forward," the Oracle said.
Irma and Hay Lin moved to the center of the Chamber. Each young woman held her breath.
"This tribunal has found you not guilty of murder, Water Guardian," the Oracle said quietly. "They recommended a full pardon in light of what you had to endure. The decision was unanimous."
A collective cheer went up from the back of the Chamber as the Guardians and Elyon exchanged hi-fives and hugs.
The Oracle held up his hand.
"However, I am the judge of this tribunal, and as such, I have the final word."
The air immediately went out of the celebration. Even the heads of the Council Members snapped towards the Oracle. Everyone held their breath.
The Oracle continued. "It is my judgment that you shall remain not guilty of the murder of Nerissa due to temporary insanity. However, it is also my judgment that you are, at the moment, and by your own admission, mentally unstable. As such, I find you to be a danger to yourself and to the Guardians."
Irma sank slowly to her knees. Somehow she knew what was coming.
"Therefore, Irma Lair, I strip you of your powers over water, and remove you from your position as Water Guardian."
"No," Irma whispered. "Please, don't do this."
"It has been spoken, so let it be done."
With that, the Oracle clapped his hands once. The sound echoed through the Chamber and Irma felt her chest begin to constrict. Her hand flew to her chest and she gasped. A brilliant blue light filled the Chamber then gradually began to recede. Irma cried out in frustration and pain as her powers were forcibly sucked from her.
Hay Lin grabbed her friend's shoulders, her support the only thing she could offer now. Finally the blue light receded completely and the Chamber resumed it's normal, silvery hue. Irma, on her hands and knees, wept silently. She had resumed her human form.
The Guardians rushed forward and knelt by their friend. Elyon approached the Oracle. Tibor moved instinctively towards his charge.
"How could you do this? You may as well have killed her!" Elyon shrieked.
"She is not in a mind correct enough to fulfill her duties as a Guardian of the veil," the Oracle said sadly. "This was not a decision I came to lightly. A life has been taken because of this mental instability and I worry for the Guardian's well-being should she be forced to remain in her capacity as Guardian."
"Oh you worry for her well-being, do you?" Elyon challenged. "Well I worry more for her now than I did five minutes ago. And what's more, I worry for the entire universe."
"I suggest you watch your tongue, Your Highness," Tibor said dangerously.
"How about you come here and watch it for me!"
"Enough!" the Oracle shouted. "The decision has been made. I suggest you return to your homes now. Irma's parents are no doubt worried for her."
Even Elyon was not hot enough to challenge the Oracle. She knew it would be foolish...at least for now.
"This isn't over," she said as she rejoined the group surrounding Irma.
"Come on, Irma," Hay Lin soothed. "We should get you home."
Irma clung to Hay Lin's neck like a lifeline. "I can't breathe. I can't breathe."
"Take slow, deep breaths, Irma," Cornelia said softly. "Just concentrate on breathing right now."
Irma tried to do as instructed and found that it actually worked. With help from Hay Lin and Taranee, Irma struggled to her feet. Her friends continued to support her, as Will opened a fold to Shell Cave. Cornelia went through first, followed by Taranee and Hay Lin, Irma supported between them. Elyon went next, her anger still bubbling. Will started towards the fold, then stopped. She turned back to the Oracle.
"We'll talk about this later," she said quietly. There was a dangerous edge to her voice.
Then she turned and stepped through the fold.
–
And there it is, Chapter 19. Hope you enjoyed it. Please review for me, should you feel so inclined. Cheers!