Disclaimer: I do not own W.I.T.C.H. This is a work of fan fiction.
Season Three Episode Nineteen: "M.A.C.E., Part Two" Chapter Three
After a full afternoon of practice, the Guardians went their own ways for the evening. Will joined Irma for dinner at the dragon, and Cassidy went along. Miranda however hurried home, expecting a call from Gideon. When they arrived at the restaurant, Joan Lin seated them, then leaned in close. "We're sorry we couldn't be there for whatever you girls had going on." She said. "Did everything work out okay?"
Irma answered "Great. Cass is officially on the roles again."
"Oh! Well, good news to celebrate then. I'll have Hay Lin fill me in on the details when she gets home. For now she's out on another date with Eric." Joan took their orders and walked away.
"So how does it feel Cassidy?" Will asked. "Something tells me right now you're remembering the good old days and forgetting the lost sleep, the sprained ankles, the burns…"
Irma took over "…The freezing cold, the burning heat, the big giant monsters trying to kill you and make you into appetizers…."
Laughing, Cassidy said "Oh, I've not forgotten. I guess I just loved the work so much I don't care. Seriously girls, these are the best days of a person's life. Enjoy them, 'cause you never know when they'll be over…" She stopped for a moment, then said 'Whoops. Think I bought the room down. Sorry."
"It's cool. We know you're right." Will said. "So let's focus on better things though. Irma, Martin asked you to the dance yet?"
"I think so. Thing is, it's like the first Big event he's had a chance to ask me to since we started dating. He was kind of nervous and the words didn't come out quite right." She said. "He said it something like 'To dance with you will I go maybe?'" They were still laughing when the food arrived…
Taranee and Nigel were together in her room, listening to music and ostensibly studying, though in reality most of the time was spent in each other's arms. The door was open of course, Theresa wouldn't allow it closed with Nigel there, so it was pure luck that they happened to actually be working on assignments when Theresa came to the door. "Tara," she said, "I need to see you in the kitchen for a moment."
Taranee got up and followed her mother out of the room. Nigel started to follow, but was intercepted by Peter who said "Hey man, you seen the new 'Call of Duty' game yet? It's sweet."
Recognizing a distraction when she saw one, Taranee said "Go ahead Nigel, check it out. I'll get back with you as soon as I can." Nigel went with Peter, and Taranee followed Theresa quietly until they reached the kitchen. "Okay, what's going on?" she finally asked.
Theresa glanced towards the kitchen window, which looked out onto the dark backyard. "There's someone here to see you." She said. "Or more accurately, someTHING here to see you. It's in the backyard. Some kind of… talking tree…"
"Tree? That sounds like a Zambalan. But how in the world did one get to earth?" Taranee went out the kitchen door, Theresa following close behind, and found her guest. "Ironwood!" she exclaimed. "What happened to you?"
"Please forgive my rough appearance." Ironwood said. "It was a long and difficult battle. Even with the Heart, I barely had the strength to open a fold."
Concern crossed Theresa's face. "Battle? I don't like the sound of this."
"As well you shouldn't." the tree replied. "I fear I have made a terrible mistake. I should have come seeking the Guardian's help at once. Instead I allowed my pride and arrogance to dictate my actions. Now, only I remain. My people, all of them, have taken refuge in cocoons once more. May the gods forgive me…"
Still uncertain as to what had occurred, Taranee said "I think you'd best start at the beginning. What happened? Who were you fighting?" Ironwood started at the beginning and told her everything…
Hay Lin had just returned home to the Dragon and joined the other girls in their booth when Taranee's call for help reached them. "I'll fill you all in once you're here." She thought to them. "Just get here quick." Together, they slipped out of view of the other customers and teleported away…
Cornelia was walking along the moonlit pier, hand in hand with Caleb, when she got the message. "Aw man, not now!" she thought. Though she tried to hide it, Caleb had noticed her sudden start when Taranee's message came in.
"I know that reaction." He said. "What's up with the other Guardians?"
Sighing deeply, she told him. "I could just pretend I didn't hear her you know. How often do we get to enjoy each other's company alone like this?" Caleb gave her a look that said it all. "Okay, okay… we'll go. Hang on tight." Seeing no one looking their way, she transported them both to Taranee's home…
Alchemy stepped out of her room and found both parents in the den. "Hey," she said, you got a minute?"
"What's up hon?" Arthur asked.
"Well, I never thought I'd be saying a sentence like this, but I just got a message from Tara. She says she knows where our missing classmates are, and it's time for us to go after them."
"I didn't hear the phone ringing." Arthur said.
"Oh, well, it wasn't a phone call." Alchemy explained. She tapped a finger on the side of her head. "It was a call in here. And just let me tell you, that's gonna take some getting used to."
Paula looked nervous. "So this means… what? You'll be going off to some other world? Fighting maybe?"
"Yeah, on the first part, probably on the second."
"I hoped it wouldn't happen this soon." Paula answered. "But, I guess this is your job now. Be careful Alchemy. Stick close to the others."
"Do you need a ride to Taranee's?" Arthur asked, "Or will you be doing that teleporting thing we've seen Elyon do?"
"El's coming here dad." Alchemy replied. "They all say teleporting around is something best experimented with a little at a time." Moments later, Elyon appeared with Miranda already by her side. Alchemy joined them and they vanished from sight…
Irma was the last to arrive at Taranee's home. "Sorry guys." She said. "I was babysitting Chris and had a hard time finding someone to pawn him off on. So, we've found the Dominators?"
"Yeah." Taranee said. She pointed to a dark grove of trees at the back of the yard. Ironwood stepped out of the shadows. "We're going to Zambala. And it could get rough. They've taken over the temple."
"Then let's go take it back." Will said. "Guardians Unite!"