Disclaimer: I do not own W.I.T.C.H. This is a work of fan fiction.

Season Three Episode Eight: "Cassidy Revealed" Chapter Four

Theresa stared at Cassidy as the girl pulled herself back onto her feet. "Wow. Draining life-force really takes it out of you."

"I asked you a question young lady." Theresa said. "What was that?"

"Mrs. Cook… Theresa… I'll tell you what you want to know, but we've got to get out of here. I don't know if I took all the fight out of them or not, and if not they'll come back again." Cassidy started to walk away, then realized Theresa wasn't following. She turned back. "I swear to you, you don't need to be afraid of me. I won't hurt you, I only do that kind of thing to the bad guys."

Theresa was indeed frightened. Still… "Well… You did save my life I guess. That's got to count for something. Let's go, but where are we going?"

"Back to my place."

Garix watched in shock. He hadn't realized former Guardians retained some power. "Shall we attack sir?" A soldier asked. "She has seen Guardian powers now."

"No. This is splitting hairs very finely, but this may not be sufficient to satisfy the rules of engagement. Cassidy used Guardian powers, but she is not a current Guardian, and worse, not related to Theresa Cook. If she were married to the Fire Guardian's brother, this would be more clear cut. But as it is, mother would not want us taking the risk."

"Then shall we return home to Varthan my prince?"

"Yes." Garix held aloft the transit crystal and opened a fold.

Irma and Martin were on a double date with Will and Matt. As they left the movie theater, Matt said "You've been reserved all night Martin. What's wrong?"

Irma held him close. "Is this still about the locker incident?"

"Nah. It's not like that hasn't happened before. I'm still thinking about what I told you before Irma."

Will leaned over. "Ooh, is this something private between the lovebirds?"

"Martin thinks there's something familiar about Neera's attack pattern." Irma informed her, "Something he's seen or read about somewhere before."

"The more I think about it, the more certain I get." Martin said. "It's right there, I mean right there, but I just can't grasp it."

"Don't try to fight for it." Matt advised him. "Just let it come in it's own good time. That's always faster."

Theresa sat in a chair in Cassidy's kitchen. Cassidy sat across from her. "Ask your questions." she said.

"The big one first. How did you do that water thing?"

"Long story short? Magic. No really, don't look at me like that. I used to have access to a magical power source that let me control water, however I wanted, effortlessly. The power source isn't connected to me anymore, but a bit of the power is still here. I can use it in emergencies, but it's not easy because to power it now I have to use some of my own life energy."

"And Taranee? Is this what her secret is? Does she know about this? Can she do this as well? What is my daughter caught up in?"

"Yes, Taranee knows about what I can do. No, she can't do it herself. I swear to you Taranee has no ability to control water."

"Hmmm…" Theresa mused aloud, "You're telling me the truth, or at least you've learned to mislead with a partial truth. Why do I suspect the latter?"

"I have no idea."

"You avoided my last question. What is my daughter caught up in?"

Cassidy fought to avoid feeling exasperated. She knew Theresa was just being a good mother, but it made it harder to keep her safe. "Theresa, why does Taranee have to be 'caught up' in anything? She's a teenage girl. She has a boyfriend. She has a massive class load for her 4.0 GPA. She has friends."

Theresa stared at her. "I know you're lying, yet at the same time I know you're right. How can you be so young and so compelling?"

"What the heck? Cassidy said. "One more piece of truth… I'm a little older than I look."

Theresa raised an eyebrow. "How much older?"

"About sixty." Theresa fainted.

Outside the theater, the two couples just hung out, enjoying the cool but comfortable night. The happiness didn't last long. "Well well, if it's not locker-boy!" Martin and Irma looked up to see Uriah and Judas approaching. Sandra and the Grumper sisters stood at a distance, watching and giggling.

Uriah focused on Irma when he saw her holding Martin's hand. "And who's this? Locker-girl? Ooh, wouldn't you like to be shoved in there together?" He made mocking smooching sounds.

Irma was boiling with anger. Overhead, the formerly clear sky began to fill with dark clouds. Thunder rumbled, and a downpour began. Irma, Martin, Will, and Matt were safely under the matinee awning and remained dry. Uriah and company were quickly soaked and shivering cold. As Uriah jumped under cover, Irma couldn't resist saying, "Looks like you're all wet Uriah. And by the way, yeah, I would like to be shoved in together." She turned and kissed Martin in front of him.

Uriah sputtered in shock. "You… you're really… Ahh man, wait'll everyone hears about this tomorrow morning!" He ran to catch up with Judas and the others.

"Sorry Irma." Martin said.

"Sorry for what? You think I'm embarrassed to be with you? Let Uriah tell the world, it'll save me the trouble."