Once A Guardian II

by Lexvan

Sequel to "Once A Guardian". Months have passed and things aren't going good for our three new Guardians. But after a funeral, three of Will's friends move to Heatherfield and two of them end up becoming Guardians. Can Will put her anger towareds Cornelia aside and be happy for her two friends, or will a new enemy take advantage of her anger?

43. The Challenge & Kidnapped

Chapter 43:

Well the carnival came and went. Everyone had a great time and they raised a lot of money for the school. Which made the school board happy of course. And with Monday off the students that worked so hard during the carnival got a day to kick back and relax. Which brings us to now where our heroes have gathered together to hang out and have a bit of fun. Plus, those that had placed in the costume contest had cashed their checks and were ready to give Hay Lin her share of the money.

"Okay, Hay Lin, here's $300 from the group costume contest.", Cornelia said as she gave her the money they promised. "Followed by the $160 from the last contest.", she sdaid as she gave Hay Lin her share of the money.

"And here's $350 fromw my winnings on the solo contest.", Elyon said giving Hay Lin her share of the winnings. "And here's a $100 from our winnings in the last contest.", she said giving Hay Lin her promised share.

"Wow! Thanks guys!", Hay Lin said as she put her money away. "I can use this to finally get a new bike. My old on is a bit... well... old.", she said getting a laugh from the others.

"No problem, Hay Lin.", Alchemy said. "You earned that money. We couldn't have made those costumes without your help."

"Yeah!", Elyon said. "It's like this is something you're born to do."

"Awwwww... geezs, you guys.", Hay Lin said with a blush as she scratched the back of her head.

"I don't see why I had to give up so much cash.", Irma said to herself while Hay Lin put her money away. "Hay Lin has more than enough money with her family's business. I need this more than she does."

To bad for Irma, Hay Lin heard her. And so did Selece.

"Are you kidding me!?", Selece questioned getting the attention of the others.

"You okay there, sis?", Micheal asked.

"Oh! I'm fine.", Selece said as she glared at Irma. "Irma is the one with the problem!"

'Crap! I forgot she has the same powers as Hay Lin!', Irma thought to herself. 'Aw crap! Hay Lin!', she thought as she looked at an upset Hay Lin. 'Aw man!'

"What are you talking about?", Matt asked Selece.

"Irma thinks that she shouldn't have to give up so much cash.", Selece explained.

"Is this true, Irma?", Will questioned.

Taking a deep breath Irma turned to the others and...

"If you all must know, then yes it is.", Irma said.

"Wow! Now that's messed up.", Cassidy said.

"Money isn't everything you know, Irma.", Angelo said. "That's something I learned from my family."

"Well excuse me if I wasn't born into a fortune!", Irma snapped at Angelo. "Or into royalty!", she snapped as she looked towards Elyon. "Some of us have parents who work hard for their money."

"And my family doesn't?", Angelo questioned. "Let me tell you something, my family works hard so that they and those working for them get paid. So watch wht you say."

"And the fact that you're upset at how much money we gave Hay Lin is just wrong.", Cornelia said. "She worked hard on these costumes while missing work at the Silver Dragon. The money we gave her makes up for that."

"Well if that's the case why don't you give her more of your share?, Caleb said. "You're pretty well off, from what I've seen."

"Yeah, Rich-Girl!", Irma said. "Let's see you give up some cash."

"Okay fine.", Cornelia said. "But you know what? I'm going to give my share to you, Irma.", she said as she slapped the money in Irma's hand. "Cause it seems that's all you care about now."

"You know what? You can have my share, too.", Alchemy said giving Irma her money.

"Same here.", Elyon said doing the same.

"Take mine as well.", Drake said doing the same.

"Mine as well.", Aldarn said.

"And please take mine as well.", Cassidy said.

"Oh well. I'm not complaining.", Irma said as she put the money away in her purse.

"She didn't even hesitate.", Micheal said. "You're a class act, Irma."

"Bite me!", Irma snapped as she glared at Micheal.

"You know what the messed up part about all this is?", Cornelia asked. "Unlike you, our younger siblings were actually willing to give Hay Lin half their winnings. Unlike you.", she said Irma who got really pissed at what she said. "Makes you think who the real mature sibling is in your family."

At that moment, Irma snapped as she ran at Cornelia and jumped at her knocking her down to the ground with her on top. Irma then began to hit Cornelia not caring what the others would think. Someone tried to pull her off but Irma back-handed whoever it was before Will and Cassidy grabbed her and pulled her off of Cornelia.

"You think you're so special, Little Ms. Moneybags!", Irma snapped as Micheal helped Cornelia to her feet. "Walking around like you're so special! People may think you're hot stuff but you're not! And you know what REALLY gets me about you? That no matter what happens to you, things seem to just go your way! First, you get kicked out of the Guardians only for you to get your powers back thanks to your best friend, who is a queen! And let's not forget your bratty sister who is the Heart of the Earth. I mean how lucky can you get! Even back when we were kids, you were so lucky! If I had my way, you'd have nothing! You hear me!? NOTHING!", she ranted as she was being held by Will and Cassidy.

*SMACK!*

Irma said nothing as she felt the smack Selece gave her. The Water Guardian then glared at Selece who didn't show any fear as she glared back at Irma.

"You wouldn't be so tough with these two holding me back.", Irma said.

"Shut it!", Selece said. "I don't know what your deal is, but you need to take a good look at yourelf before you hurt another friend."

"She isn't my friend!", Irma said referring to Cornelia.

"I was taking about Hay Lin.", Selece said surprising Irma who looked around for Hay Lin only to see her sittting on the ground while Angelo sat with her.

"You okay?", Angelo asked Hay Lin who was holding her cheek.

"What...?", Irma began to ask when Will and Cassidy let her go.

"You hit her when she tried to pull you off of Cornelia.", Cassidy explained.

"Hay Lin, I...", Irma began to say before Hay Lin turned her face away from her which hurt Irma.

As for Cornelia, Elyon used her powers to heal up her face.

"How do you feel?", Elyon asked when she was done.

"I'm okay.", Cornelia said.

"Okay. I think we've all had it with all of this. It needs to end now.", Will said as she looked from Irma to Caleb.

"Why are you looking at us?", Caleb said.

"Because it's you two that have the problem.", Will said. "Cornelia has more than proved herself to be a good friend. And a true Guardian. Why can't you two see that?"

"Because I don't trust her!", Caleb said. "She has you all fooled!"

"Oh brother.", Taranee said as she rolled her eyes.

"You all may not see it, but we do!", Irma said. "Mark my words, sooner or later she'll show her true colors!"

"That's enough, Irma!", Cassidy said. "Either you and Caleb get over this crap, or..."

"Or you'll what!?", Caleb questioned as he walked up to Cassidy. "What are YOU going to do?"

"I'll go to the Oracle and have you two stripped of your powers.", Cassidy said not being phased by Caleb and the glare he was giving her.

"Oh you will, will you?", Caleb questioned with a smirk not being afriad of Cassidy.

"Yes. I will.", Cassidy said standing her ground.

"We both will.", Will said as she stood with Cassidy. "You and Irma keep saying that Cornelia is bad for the team when it's your attitudes that's making us weak!"

"What!?", Irma questioned.

"You heard me!", Will said. "You two aren't even trying to be friends with Cornelia. And I've noticed how you treat Selece, Cassidy, Alchemy, Angelo, and Micheal as well. And it's getting off my nerves. It needs to stop! NOW!"

"Or you'll go running to the Oracle?", Irma questioned.

"That's right.", Cassidy said.

"Why do that when we can settle this ourselves.", Caleb said.

"What does that mean?", Taranee questioned.

"I mean we settle this our way. Or should I say the way we settled things during the rebellion", Caleb said. "Will Vandom! I challenge you for the Heart of Kandrakar and leadership of the Guardians!"

"WHAT!?", all but Irma questioned in shock.

"Oh, he done lost his mind!", Angelo said.

"Have you lost it, Caleb?", Drake asked his friend.

"No I haven't.", Caleb said. "I will no longer stand by and let Cornelia drag us down any further! Someone has to do something! And it looks like I'm the one to do it."

"Well you'll forget that Will and I both lead the team.", Cassidy said. "You'll have to fight the both of us."

"No he won't!", Irma said as she stood with Caleb. "Cause I challenge you for your Heart and leadership of the Guardians!"

"Stop this, both of you!", Elyon said.

"With all due respect, Your Majesty, this is Guardian business.", Caleb said.

"In other words, but out, queenie!", Irma snapped at Elyon. "This doesn't concern you!"

"You know what, I've had it with your attitude, Irma.", Cassidy said. "If Kandrakar says it's okay, then I'll give your challenge."

"Why go to Kandrakar?", Irma questioned. "We don't need their permission to do this."

"Oh yes, we do.", Taranee said. "This is something we have to go over with them before we go any further."

"Fine.", Irma said. "Do what you have to do. But one way or another, we will settle this!", she said as she glared at Cassidy who returned the glare.

"Same goes for us.", Caleb said as he looked at Will.

"Are you really willing to fight a female?", Aldarn asked his friend.

"One who is your ex-girlfriend?", Alchemy questioned.

"She's the leader is she not?", Caleb questioned. "So she should be able to fight for her role as leader.", he said surprising the others.

"Unless someone fights in her place.", Angelo said as he stood next to Will.

"You think you can take me, Rich-Boy?", Caleb questioned with a smirk.

"I don't think I can. I know I can.", Angelo said. "Plus, I see your little plan."

"My plan?", Caleb questioned.

"That's right.", Angelo said. "You figure that if you beat Will and Irma beats Cassidy, you can get the Council of the Known Worlds to strip the powers of Cornelia, Selece, Alchemy, Cassidy, and myself and have them given to you, Will, Irma, Taranee, and Hay Lin. Tell me I'm wrong."

"No. You pretty much got it right.", Caleb said. "And it will happen. It's time for thing to go back to the way they were. With there being five Guardians. Not ten. Five! So enjoy the powers while you wannabes can. For you won't have them for long.", he said as he and Irma walked away.

"Think Kandrakar will let them have their little challenge?", Cornelia asked.

"No idea.", Will said. "Only one way to find out. But not today. I plan on having a good time with my friends. And that's what I plan to do."

"Might as well.", Cassidy said. "Can't let them ruin our fun."

"You okay, Hay Lin?", Selece asked as they were leaving the park.

"Yeah.", Hay Lin said with a sad smile. "I just can't believe that it's gotten this bad with them."

"Don't worry.", Selece said. "Things will work out in the end.", she said with a smile which got Hay Lin feeling a bit better.

As for Caleb and Irma, they were walking down the street feeling a bit proud of themselves.

"Man that was just... Wow!", Irma said. "I can't believe we just did that."

"I can't believe you attacked Cornelia.", Caleb said with a grin. "I'm impressed."

"Boy did that feel good!", Irma said with a smirk. "I don't know what came over me, but pounding her felt good."

"To bad you hit Hay Lin by accident.", Caleb said.

"Yeah.", Irma said with a frown. "But she'll be okay. I'll talk to her later and smooth things over with her. But for now, how about we go get something to eat. It'll be my treat. Think of it as a pre-victory meal to us being the new leaders of W.I.T.C.H."

"Sounds good to me.", Caleb said as they headed for a place to eat. "BUt let's not count our chickens before they hatch."

"Relax, Rebel-Boy.", Irma said. "We got this in the bag."

But what they didn't know was that Hollens and Riddle were spying on them through the mental link they had with them. And they were pleased with what just happened.

"Looks like they played right into our hands, Riddle.", Hollens said as they cut their link with the two teens.

"Indeed.", Riddle said. "And the good part is that we didn't have to do much to push them. For the girl wanted to strike the Earth Guardian for a while now. And as for the boy, well he felt like he would make a better leader for some time now."

"All they needed was a slight push in the right direction.", Hollens said. "And that's not all those two want."

"No, it isn't.", Riddle said. "I say we move our plans up a notch."

"I couldn't agree more, my friend.", Hollens said knowing what Riddle was thinking. "Soon those brats will be out of our way with the way things are going."

Later that day, Irma decided to go talk to Hay Lin and try to smooth things over with her. And she knew just where to find her.

"Figures she'd be here.", Irma said to herself as she saw Hay Lin at the Vanders' home where Hay Lin was saying goodbye to Lala.

"It was so great meeting you, Mrs. Wong.", Hay Lin said as they stood by John's car. "I hope you can make it to the convention we'll hopefully have this coming Summer."

"Just post the date and I'll do my best to be here.", Lala said with a smile that Hay Lin returned. "Well I'm off. I'm meeting my husband in Paris for our vacation. It was a blast being here. Be sure to keep up the good work, Hay Lin."

"I will!", Hay Lin said as Lala got in the car. "See ya around!"

"Likewise!", Lala said before John drove her off to the airport.

"Hey ya, Hay-Hay!", Irma said. "How's it going?"

Hay Lin said nothing as she turned and began to walk down the sidewalk.

'Figures she'd be this way.', Irma thought to herself as she followed Hay Lin in hopes of fixing things.

"Come on now, Hay Lin. I'm sorry about hitting you by accident.", Irma said following Hay Lin. "I just snapped when Corny said what she said and went off. I didn't mean to hit you. Really I didn't"

"You shouldn't have attacked Cornelia in the first place.", Hay Lin said as she turned to face Irma not looking to happy.

"Well she shouldn't have said what she said.", Irma countered.

"Even if it was true?", Hay Lin said.

"Hey!", Irma said feelnig offended.

"Well it's true.", Hay Lin said. "Chris and Lillian were willing to give half their prize money and yet you were conplaining about give up some of the money you won. And you didn't even help with the costumes. How would you feel if it was you who worked hard on something for a friend only to have them complain about sharing some of the prize with you?"

"Okay. I was wrong for what I said.", Irma said. "I just figured that you wouldn't have taken so much money."

"Unlike you who had no problem taking the money the others gave you after complaining about it!, Hay Lin snapped.

"Hey. It's their lost.", Irma said as she shrugged her shoulders. "If they wanted to prove a point, so be it. Far for it be for me to turn down some cash."

"I can't believe you, Irma.", Hay Lin said sadly. "First you attack Cornelia and then you and Caleb go and challenge Will and Cassidy for the Hearts and leadership of the team. What were you two thinking?"

"That it's time for a change!", came Caleb's voice as he walked up to the two girls. "You may not see it yet, Hay Lin, but this is for the best."

"Oh really?", Hay Lin questioned.

"Yes. We don't need ten Guardians. Five is enough.", Caleb said. "And when Irma and I win this challenge, and we will win, the first thing we'll do is convince the Council of the Known Worlds to have the Oracle strip those wannabe Guardians of their powers and have them given to us. The true Guardians. And it'll be us who defeats this coming robot army and save all of Metamoor."

"Everyone wins.", Irma said. "Well... those that count anyway."

"You're forgettting one thing.", Hay Lin said.

"And what's that?", Irma asked.

"If Kandrakar allows this stupid challenge.", Hay Lin said. "And even if they do, and you two manage to win, it won't change a thing that's happened. Will, Taranee, and I will still be friends with the others no matter what you two say. And you two still won't be getting back with your EXs."

"Be careful with your words, Hay Lin.", Caleb said as he narrowed his eyes at her. "Do not think you can't be replaced as well.", he said as he walked inside the house and closed the door behind him.

"What is your deal, Hay Lin!?", Irma said. "Don't you see what Caleb and I are doing is what's best for all of us?"

"No! Because it isn't.", Hay Lin said. "You and Caleb are letting your anger and hatered towards Cornelia, Selece, and Angelo get the better of you. Cornelia isn't evil. And as for Matt, he's moved on. You've got to let it go.", she said as she placed a comforting hand on Irma shoulder. "Please.", she pleaded before Irma smacked her hand off her shoulder in anger.

"How would you feel if Eric dumped you only to move on and get with Selece or some other girl!?", Irma snapped as Hay Lin saw the hatered in her friend's eyes. "You don't know how it feels, Hay Lin, so butt out! And stay out of my way! Cassidy is going down! And she and those so-called Guardians are going to be history!", she declared as she stormed off towards home.

"Oh, Irma.", Hay Lin said as she sadly shook her head feeling sorry for her best friends. "I hope you see how wrong you are before it's to late.", she said as she headed for the bus stop to catch the bus for home.

Now inside the Vanders' home, Will was with Angelo in his bedroom laying on his bed. Angelo was laying sideways with his feet hanging off the side while Will laid her head on his stomach. Of course they had the door opened a bit seeing as Kadma demanded they do that so they wouldn't try anything to frisky. They were pretty comfortable yet one thing was running through their minds.

The possibility of Kandrakar okaying the challenge.

"Think they'll give the okay for it?", Will asked as she was holding the stuffed frog she gave Angelo.

"I have no idea.", Angelo said as he was stroking Will's head with his left hand. "For all we know, Kandrakar may see this as a way to settle things among us."

"The only thing that needs settling is the beef Caleb and Irma have with Cornelia.", Will said. "And there shouldn't be any beef at all anymore. I mean if I can get over it and be friends with Cornelia again, why can't they?"

"Because they're stubborn as mules.", Angelo joked getting a laugh out of Will when suddenly the door flew open with Caleb standing there.

"Or maybe we see that we don't need so many Guardians.", Caleb said. "But that's soon going to change.", he said with a smirk.

"Okay. First off, ever hear of knocking?", Angelo questioned. "And second, what will you do if Kandrakar allows this challenge and you and Irma lose?"

"And what do you have planned if that happenes?", Caleb questioned.

"Maybe I'll find a replacement for you and Irma.", Will said.

"Yeah right.", Caleb said with a cocky grin.

"Why not?", Will questioned as she got up from the bed. "Cause from the way I see things, it's you and Irma's attitude that's holding us back from being stronger. That's something we don't need right now. So I'd think twice about this whole challenge idea. You and Irma just may lose and then what will you do?", she questioned as she was face to face with Caleb.

Caleb said nothing as he turned and went to his bedroom and slammed the door. As for Will, she suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around her from behind.

"That was so hot.", Angelo whispered in Will's ear getting a giggle out of her.

"Thanks. I needed that.", she said as they laid back on the bed in the same position they were in. "I just can't believe that it has gotten this bad."

"None of us saw this coming, Will.", Angelo said. "All we can do is hope that Kandrakar doesn't agree to this challenge."

"And if they do?", Will questioned with some worry.

"Then we'll have to hope that Cassidy and I can pull off a win and try and fix things.", Angelo said hoping for the best.

Will said nothing as she held Angelo's right hand close to her. Angelo said nothing knowing Will needed more comfort than anything and held Will close. Later that evening, after dinner John woke up and went to get a drink of water. As he walked into the kitchen he found Caleb there drinking a glass of water. Once he was done, Caleb began to walk out of the kitchen when...

"So you're really going to do it, huh?", John questioned. "You're willing to fight Will for leadership."

"Yes, I am.", Caleb said not looking at John. "And I would like it if you would stay out of it, Sir. This has nothing to do with you."

"Now see, that's where you're wrong, my boy.", John said as he sat his glass down on the counter. "I've known Will for far longer than you have. I see her as the daughter I never had. So don't you dare think I've got nothing to do with this. You are living under my roof, boy. So show some respect!", he said to which Caleb said nothing. "Now I don't know what kind of problem you have with Will or any of the others, by I suggest that you settle it in a better way before you end up with nothing."

"My problem isn't with Will.", Caleb calmly said as he turned to face John. "It's with Cornelia and those so-called Guardians. One of them being your nephew. But that will change soon. Very soon.", he said as he turned to go back upstairs.

"Foolish boy.", John said before finishing his glass of water. "He has no idea what pain he is about to cause.", he said as he placed the glass in the sink and headed upstairs and to his bedroom to get some sleep.

The next day went by for a normal school day. Well... sort of. Caleb and Irma kept their distance from the others who went along with their school day knowing that they would have to go to Kandrakar to see if they would allow the challenge in the first place. Which brings us to know, where the Guardians are it the basement of Vanders' home ready to go to Kandrakar. Will says nothing as she opens a fold to the source of their powers and walks through with the others behind her. Once through the fold they find Halinor waiting for them in the main room of the Fortress of Infinity not looking to happy at Caleb and Irma.

"The Oracle will be here shortly.", she said.

"What's her problem?", Irma questions.

"My problem is why you are all here.", Halinor said. "Did you not think that we wouldn't have seen what happened yesterday?"

"Okay. First off, you all need to mind your own business.", Irma said. "I mean geezs! Can't we get some privacy!"

"Listen well, child.", Tibor said getting their attention. "We do not spy on you. We only look on you from time to time. But when we sensed discord from the Aurameres, the Oracle looked in on you all and we saw what happened. Since then, we have been awaiting your arrival."

"Indeed we have.", came an all to familiar voice getting the attention of everyone there. "Welcome Guardains. We have some things to settle.", the Oracle said as he and Endarno walked into the room.

Seeing Endarno made Caleb and Irma a bit happy seeing as he was against Cornelia, Cassidy, Alchemy, Selece, and Angelo being Guardians in the first place. Maybe he can convince the Oracle to allow the challenge.

"Hello, Oracle.", Caleb said with a respectful bow. "I wish...", he began to say before the Oralce halted him with the raising of his hand.

"I know what you wish for, young Guardian.", the Oracle said. "And I must say that I am surprised that you and Irma would want such a thing."

"We just feel that new leadership is in order.", Caleb began to explained.

"Is it that, or is it that you and Irma still do not trust Cornelia?", the Oracle questioned. "You forget that here in Kandrakar, your thoughts are more open."

"Well if that's the case, then yes.", Irma said. "We still do not trust Cornelia. If Nerissa were to escape, she may be able to take control of her and use her against us."

"I understand your worries, Guardian.", Alfor said. "But rest assured, the control Nerissa had over Cornelia is gone. The Oracle, himself, has made sure of that."

"See!?", Hay Lin said. "We told you there was nothing to worry about! Now please stop this before it's to late!"

"There is more to this than worries about Cornelia being under Nerissa's control.", the Oracle said as he looked at Caleb and Irma. "Isn't there? Yesterday was proof of that.", he said as he waved his hand in the air and made an image of Will and Cassidy holding an angry Irma back.

"You think you're so special, Little Ms. Moneybags!", Irma snapped as Micheal helped Cornelia to her feet. "Walking around like you're so special! People may think you're hot stuff but you're not! And you know what REALLY gets me about you? That no matter what happens to you, things seem to just go your way! First, you get kicked out of the Guardians only for you to get your powers back thanks to your best friend, who is a queen! And let's not forget your bratty sister who is the Heart of the Earth. I mean how lucky can you get! Even back when we were kids, you were so lucky! If I had my way, you'd have nothing! You hear me!? NOTHING!", she ranted as she was being held by Will and Cassidy.

The Oracle then made the image fade.

"You have much anger in you, Irma.", the Oracle said. "As do you, Caleb. I would say to not let it consume you, but I may be to late. You, Irma, have envy towards Cornelia for having the life you wish you could have. So you decided to poke fun at her and insult her whenever you can. And it does not stop there. You are angry at Selece for winning the heart of Matthew. Just as Caleb is angry at Angelo for winning Will heart. As much as this hurts to say, but you two brought this misfortune on yourselves with how you have been actting as of late. Now as for this request of a challenge, I must say no to it."

"Thank goodness.", Taranee said with a sigh of relief.

"That is what I would of said before talking with Endarno.", the Oralce said.

"Uh-oh.", Alchemy said.

"Before some of you judge, I wish for you to hear Endarno out.", the Oracle said with a smile. "You may be surprised at what he has to say.". he said as Endarno stepped forward.

"This ought to be good.", Angelo whispered to Will and Cassidy who nodded.

"Months ago, I said that it would be best if only five Guardians would wield the powers that the ten of you have now.", Endarno said. "I was sure that the current five could handle the power and the threat the Oracle warned us about. But I am glad to say that I was wrong.", he said surprising the Guardians.

"Come again?", Selece asked.

"I have watched you all in your battles against the enemy .", Endarno explained. "I saw how you worked together as a team and how you helped each other. Well most of you.", he said referring to Caleb and Irma. "The Oracle was correct to have the ten of you work together. But with two of you not trusting one of you and being angry at two of you does not help you all. So this is what I propose. You go ahead with this challenge.", he said to which Caleb and Irma smiled. "Yet it will not be for the Hearts of Kandrakar and leadership of the Guardians. Instead, it will be to settle things once and for all."

"What do you mean?", Cornelia asked.

"As much as you all have done during your time as Guardians, you can become much stronger if you Guardians are a whole and work together in harmony.", the Oracle explained. "So I shall allow this challenge."

"Thank you, Oracle.", Caleb said. "I assure you that this is for the best."

"I am not done, young one.", the Oracle said. "I have more to this."

"What do you mean?", Will questioned.

"Per Endarno's advice the challenge will go as such.", the Oracle said. "It will be two fights. The first will be between the two Water Guardians. They will be in their Guardain forms and be able to go all out to decide the winner."

"I got no problem with that.", Irma said with a smirk.

"Me neither.", Casidy said.

"After that, the next will be between Caleb and Angelo.", the Oracle said. "Only you two will fight as yourselves. No powers. No Guardian forms. Just the skills you have. Will that be a problem?"

"I have no problem with it.", Caleb said. "But Angelo may not feel up to it.", he said with a cocky grin.

"Oh! I'm up to it.", Angelo said. "Besides. This has been something one of us has wanted for a while now. But to be honest, I wish there was a better way to settle things."

"Now as for what happens when this is all over.", the Oracle said.

"We already decided on that.", Irma said. "If Caleb and I win, we get the Hearts and leadership of the Guardians."

"That was what you wanted.", the Oracle said. "But it will not bring harmony to you. So this is what will happen. If Caleb and Irma win, then you, Cornelia, will no longer bea Guardian.", he said surprising Cornelia and the others.

"Works for me.", Irma said.

"Same here.", Caleb said.

"But if Cassidy and Angelo win, then it will be Caleb and Irma who will no longer be Guardians.", the Oracle said surprising the young heroes.

"What!?", Irma questioned. "That's not fair! How come we get kicked out?"

"Simple.", Halinor said. "For it is you two that have the problem with Cornelia."

"Fine.", Caleb said. "But I have an extra request. If Irma and I win, then not only does Cornelia leave the Guardians, but Angelo and Selece!", he said as he pointed at the two."

"No way!", Cassidy said.

"Why not?", Caleb said. "The Oracle said it himself. Irma and I have anger towards them. So I say we go all out with this."

"Why you...", Will began to say when Angelo held out his arm stopping her. "Angelo?"

"What do you say, Selece?", Angelo asked while looking straight at Caleb. "Willing to trust Cassidy and I to determain if we stay or go?"

"Darn right I am.", Selece said. "Go for it."

"There you have it.", Angelo said.

"Very well.", the Oracle said. "If Irma and Caleb win their fights, the Cornelia, Selece, and Angelo will no longer be Guardians."

"But what if, let's say, I win my fight and Caleb loses his?", Irma questioned.

"Then no one will be stripped of their powers.", the Oracle said.

"Well we don't have to worry about that happening.", Caleb said as he stepped up to Angelo. "For I intend to win."

"Same here.", Irma said as she stepped up to Cassidy.

"Good luck.", Cassidy said to Irma.

"You'll need it.", Angelo said to Caleb.

"So when and where will this stupid fight be?", Alchemy asked.

"This Friday in Heatherfield Forest.", Caleb said. "That'll give you two days to get ready."

"Fine with me.", Angelo said.

"Very well.", the Oracle said as he opened a fold to Earth. "May everything work out for you all in the end."

"Oh, it will.", Irma said as she and Caleb went through the fold first.

"Those two really need to hook up and get it over with.", Cassidy said as the others headed through the fold.

"Oralce, I wish to be there for the challenge", Halinor said.

"Very well.", the Oracle said. "You shall make sure that things will go fair."

"Thank you, Oracle.", Halinor said with a bow.

"I only hope that things truly do work out for them all in the end.", the Oracle said hoping for the best.

A day passed and we have our four fighters training for Friday. Angelo and Cassidy are at one side of Heatherfield Lake while Caleb and Irma are on the other side. Both Irma adn Cassidy were transformed so they could get what training they could get done. All of them are training like they normally do. Only they know what's at stake if they were to lose on Friday. Let's see how Caleb and Irma are doing.

"Crap!", Irma said as she tried to freeze some water only to come up short. "Why can't I do it?"

"Do what?", Caleb said as he was working on his moves.

"Make ice.", Irma said. "I mean I can make ice. I just can't do as much at 'she' can.", she said referring to Cassidy. "The best I can do is make small ice balls, throwing stars, or shards."

"I thought you could freeze a person.", Caleb said.

"I can.", Irma said. "But I have to be touching said person."

"Then all you have to do is find a way to get close enough to Cassidy and freeze her until she surrenders.", Caleb said.

"Easier said than done, Rebel-boy.", Irma said. "No way Cassidy is going to risk getting close to me."

"Not unless you fake being down and out.", Caleb said.

"Maybe.", Irma said. "But I'll only do that as a last resort."

"Fair enough.", Caleb said as he continued to work on his moves.

"You do know that you and Angelo are bascilly even in a fair fight.", Irma said.

"Are we now?", Caleb questioned. "Remember, Irma, I led the rebals against Phobos and his forces for a long time and fought many battles. All Angelo has done was fight in little compititions. I think I'll have the edge."

"If you say so.", Irma said as she went back to working on what she could do with her powers.

"I know so.", Caleb said. "Vanders is going down!"

Now as for Angelo and Cassidy, they too were working on what they could do for the challenge on Friday. Angelo was working on what skills and moves and fighting styles he learned from his family over the years while Cassidy was working on the training she developed in the past as well as her skills as the Water Guardian.

"So... You worried?", Cassidy asked as she formed a sword of ice with ease.

"About Caleb? Heck no!", Angelo said. "He talks a big game, but he's no better than me in a fight."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that.", Cassidy said. "He did fight a war against Elyon's brother."

"Maybe so.", Angelo said. "But I've had my fair share of fights as well. I'm not worried. I know that you aren't worried about your fight."

"Please.", Cassidy said. "That girl has a lot of mouth but can't back it up as well as she thinks she can. I'm going to let my experiance do the talking."

"Well aren't we looking forward to Friday.", Angelo said with a smirk.

"Sorry.", Cassidy said as she took a break from what she was doing. "It's just that I look at how Irma acts and I see how I could have been had I not worked at improving my skills and powers. During my beginning days as a Guardian, I learn real fast that I had to get stronger or I just may end up holding the girls back. Or even hurt while trying to help me. So I first decided to learned and make ice without help from Yannie. It took a while but I learned to do it. And from there, I improved on it. I even offered to help Irma work on it, but she thinks she can do it on her own."

"And now it's come to bite her in the butt big time.", Angelo said. "I bet she's now working on her ice making skills wishing she got help from you when you offered it to her."

"Well I'll give her a crash course on Friday.", Cassidy said with a grin. "But for now, I'm done with training."

"Same here.", Angelo said. "I know what I can do. So I'll just have to be ready for whatever Caleb throws at me."

And so Angelo and Cassidy relaxed and waited for Caleb and Irma to be done with their training seeing as it was Cassidy who transformed herself and Irma in the first place. Later that evening, Irma was home in her room thinking about a way to beat Cassidy.

"Let's see. She can do ice better than me. But we both can use water well.", Irma said to herself as she laid on her bed while tossing a small ball in the air. "She's a pretty good fighter. Man I wish I had trained better! I may have to use a few tricks to pull off a win!", she said to herself. "At least I can count on Rebel-Boy to pull off a win against Rich-Boy."

Speaking of which, Caleb is right now in his room, at the Vanders' home, doing a little workout before bed focusing on beating Angelo on Friday.

"I'm so going to enjoy beating Rich-Boy!", Caleb said to himself as he was doing some sit-ups. "I think I'll evening make him surrender instead of knocking him out cold.", he said with a smirk as he finished his sit-ups.

As he got to his feet, Will suddenly teleported into his room surprising him for a moment.

"Ever hear of knocking?", Caleb asked.

"Funny.", Will said in a deadpan tone. "We need to talk."

"If it's about this Friday, you can forget it.", Caleb said as he turned away from Will. "Nothing you say will change my mind."

"Listen to youself!", Will said as she grabbed Caleb's arm and forced him to turn and face her. "Do you have so much hatered for Cornelia that you're willing to go this far?"

"Yes! I am!", Caleb snapped. "She's a threat us all, only you all don't see it. That is why I'm doing this. For the good of Kandrakar."

"For Kandrakar of yourself?", Will questioned to which Caleb raised a questionable eyebrow. "I know that you want Angelo out of the way thinking that it'll better your chances of getting back with me. Well you can forget it. It won't happen. What you and I had was nice but..."

"It can still be again.", Caleb said as he placed his hands on Will's shoulders. "Everything was fine until "HE" came along. Once he showed up, he drove you away from me and towards him!"

"No. YOU drove me away from you.", Will said as she backed away from Caleb. "Your hatered and mistrust of Cornelia drove me away. And now you and Irma pull this crap! Well it won't work."

"Then we have nothing to talk about.", Caleb said as he turned his back to Will again.

"Please, Caleb. Don't do this.", Will pleaded. "Nothing good will come of it."

"We'll see.", Caleb said. "If you have nothing else to say, then leave the way you came."

Lettnig out a sad sigh, Will teleported back to her home wishing her talk ended different. As for Caleb, he got in bed and turned off the lights and slowly went to sleep. Soon it was Friday and with it being no school due to an inservice, our young heroes decided to meet at Heatherfield Lake, in Heatherfield Forest, at Noon. Once there, Cassidy, Irma, Angelo, and Caleb took a few minutes to do a little warming up before the challenge began.

"Well this is it.", Angelo said as he and Cassidy stood alone.

"Yep.", Cassidy said. "You ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be.", Angelo said. "You?"

"Yeah.", Cassidy said. "Wish we didn't have to do this, but I guess we don't have much of a choice seeing as those two REALLY want this."

"Man does this suck.", Angelo said.

As for Irma and Caleb, they were as ready as they'll ever be for what it all as well. As they were warming up, Matt decided to try and talk Irma out of doing the challange.

"Come to wish me luck?", Irma asked as Matt came walking up to her.

"No. I came to talk you out of this.", Matt said. "What do you plan to get out of all of this?"

"Things back to normal, for starters.", Irma said. "Where there are five, not ten, Guardians. We didn't need ten to begin with. We were perfectly fine with five."

"And you think you can beat Cassidy?", Matt questioned. "She has way more experiance than you. And unlike you, she can actually fight. She's going to beat you, Irma."

*SMACK!*

"Go. Away.", Irma said after smacking Matt across the face.

"I suggest you do as she says.", Caleb said as he walked up to them.

Matt said nothing as he turned to join the others.

"You okay?", Caleb asked.

"Yeah.", Irma said. "That just gave me more drive to kick Cassidy's butt."

"Now you're talking.", Caleb said when a fold opened.

Out of the fold came Halinor in her white Kandrakarian robes ready do what she came there to do.

"What are you doing here?", Irma questioned.

"If you're here to stop us, then you came here for nothing!", Caleb said.

"First off, you both need to respect your elders.", Halinor said in a stern voice. "Second, I'm here to call the matches and to make sure it goes fair. Is that a problem?"

"I'm cool with it.", Angelo said.

"Same here.", Cassidy said.

"What of you two?", Halinor asked Caleb and Irma.

"If that is what you wish.", Caleb said.

"Whatever.", Irma said as she rolled her eyes.

Now as our four fighters got ready for their challenge, no one noticed that they were being watched. And who was watching them you ask? Why it was none other than some of Hollens and Riddle's robots. These robots were modeled after Lurdens only they had wings and a rocket on their backs. They were sitting and waiting for their commands keeping out of sight. Now back to our four challengers, they were finally ready to do what they came there to do.

"Are you four ready?", Halinor asked to which they nodded. "Very well. First up is Cassidy verses Irma."

"Ready to lose?", Irma asked with as smirk.

"I don't plan on losing.", Cassidy said.

"If you would, Will.", Halinor said.

"Okay.", Will said as she got ready to transform Irma and Cassidy.

"I don't think so!", Caleb suddenlly said as she walked up to Irma.

It was then that the robots charged out from the forest and stood with Irma and Caleb surprising the others.

"What the heck!?", Micheal questioned.

"Greetings Guardians, Regent, and Honor Guard of Metamoor.", Irma said in a tone that didn't sound like her. And hello to you, Queen of Meridian."

"Irma?", Hay Lin questioned.

"No you fool!", Irma said with a smirk. "Irma isn't here right now. I'm in control of her."

"And I am in control of the boy.", Caleb said in a voice that wasn't his.

"Who are you?", Elyon demanded.

"You'll find out soon, Queen of Meridian.", Caleb said surprising the others again. "For soon we shall rule your world of Metamoor.", he said surprising everyone.

"You're the ones behind the robot attacks!", Drake figured.

"Indeed we are, boy.", Caleb said. "And now we have enough robots to launch a full scale attack! Not to mention your two friends here."

"And thanks to the microchips that the Robertsons and John Vanders perfected, our robots are now better than the ones you fought in the past!", Irma said with a laugh.

"No way would they work for you!", Selece said.

"Not willingly.", Irma said with a smirk. "They think they were working with Simmutech, yet they were really working for us."

"You little weasel!", Angelo said. "When I get my hands on you..."

"You have to find us first.", Caleb said. "Now if you would please transform your two friends here and we'll be on our way."

"Yeah right!", Will said. "That's not going to happen!"

"Oh really?", Irma questioned with a smirk when one of the robots turned and pointed it's right arm at her.

The hand then turned transformed into a blaster and began to power up.

"Now either you transform young Irna and Caleb, and them only, or you'll be short one Water Guardian.", Irma said.

"Do it, Will.", Halinor said.

"But..."

"You can always find them.", Halinor said. "Right now, there is a lot at stake."

"Hallie's right, Will.", Cassidy said as she took out her Heart. "They'll be okay."

"Okay.", Will said as she took out her Heart as well. "Water Guardian, Unite!", she said transforming Irma.

"Earth Guardian, Unite!", Cassidy said transforming Caleb.

In a flash of light, Caleb and Irma were in their Guardian forms.

"Thank you.", Irma said before turning to Cornelia. "You come with us. Now."

"What!?", Cornelia questioned. "What do you want with me?"

"Don't ask questions, girl!", Caleb snapped. "Come with us now!"

"No way!", Micheal yelled as he stood in front of Cornelia. "You won't touch her!"

"Micheal, wait.", Cornelia said. "I'll go with them."

"What!? No!", Micheal protested. "Who knows what they'll do to you!"

"But if I go with them, Alchemy and Taranee can keep in contact with me with our telepathic link.", Cornelia said.

"She's right, man.", Angelo said. "It stinks, but it's our best bet at saving them."

"Fine.", Micheal said. "I don't like it, but... it is a good plan. Just be careful."

"I will.", Cornelia said before she gave Micheal a kiss. "I know you'll come for me."

"You bet I will.", Micheal said making Cornelia smile a little before she headed towards Caleb and Irma..

"Good luck.", Will said to Cornelia as she walked towards Caleb and Irma.

"Thanks.", Cornelia said. "Something tells me that I'll be needing it."

Once close enough to them, Caleb grabbed Cornelia by her arms.

"And now we'll take our leave.", Caleb said before he and Irma teleported away.

As for the robots, they took to the sky and flew off. But not before dropping some smoke bombs covering their take off. By the time Hay Lin and Selece used their powers of air to clear the smoke, the robots were long gone.

"We have to find them.", Micheal said.

"Can you two get a read on Cornelia?", Cassidy asked Taranee and Alchemy.

"We're trying.", Alchemy said as sne and Taranee tried to contact Cornelia. "She's far away."

"Really far.", Taranee said. "But we can sense her."

"Good Then let's go save her, Irma, and Caleb.", Will said.

"Wait.", Halinor said. "Not all of you have to go. Remember the robots heading to Metamoor."

"She's right.", Elyon said. "My Honor Guard and I will head to Metamoor and prepare for battle."

"I'll go with you.", Matt said. "And I won't be alone.", he said as he used his telepathic link to contact Mr. Huggles who teleported and went Regent.

"I want to go with you guys.", Micheal sid to Will.

"I figured that.", Will said being okay with Micheal coming with them.

"You'll need this.", Elyon said as she opened a small fold in which Micheal's broad sword came through it and floated to him.

"Thanks.", Micheal said as he strapped the sword to his back.

"We get to Metamoor as soon as we can.", Cassidy said as she and Will got ready to transform themselves and their fellow Guardians.

"Gotcha.", Elyon said as she opened the fold more.

"Good luck.", Aldarn said to Cassidy.

"Same to you.", Cassidy said before they shared a quick kiss.

"Be careful.", Matt said to Selece.

"You too.", Matt said before they shared a kiss.

Matt then went Regent and he along with Huggles headed through the fold with Elyon, Drake, and Aldarn. Once through the fold, it slowly closed leaving the others in the forest. It was then that Cassidy and Will got ready to transform themselves and their fellow Guardians.

"Guardians Unite!", they both shouted.

"Water!", Cassidy shouted.

"Fire!", Taranee and Alchemy shouted.

"Air!", Hay Lin and Selece shouted.

"Quintessence!", Will and Angelo shouted.

In a flash of light the seven of them were transformed in to the Guardians of the Infininte World and ready to jump into action. Halinor then opend a fold back to Kandrakar.

"I'll fill the Oracle in on what is going on.", Halinor said. "But he may already know."

"If you can find where Cornelia, and the others are, we'd be real happy.", Hay Lin said.

"We'll do our best.", Halinor said. "But whoever they are, they know how to block us from finding them."

"Great. That's the last thing we need.", Alchemy said.

"The microchips!", Selece said.

"That's right!", Angelo said. "If I know your parents and Uncle John, they had to of put some sort of tracking device on the chips."

"So we head back to your place and see if he did.", Cassidy said before they all teleported away with Micheal in tow.

"Good luck to you all.", Halinor said as she went through the fold alllowing it to close behind her.

At the Vanders' home, John was about to kick back and watch a game when Angelo and the others teleported into the living room.

"Whoa!", John shouted.

"We got a problem, Uncle John!", Angelo said.

"Don't tell me that you lost the challenge.", John said.

"There was no challenge.", Cassidy said.

"What happened?", asked.

"Long story short, Caleb and Irma are under some kind of mind-control by the ones behind the robot attacks and have kidnapped Cornelia.", Selece explained.

"And they some how got their hands on the microchips you and our parents have been working on.", Micheal said.

"Say what!?", Johhn said as he got up from his seat. "There's no way anyone could of gotten their hands on those chips!"

"Well they have, Sir.", Taranee said.

"The only ones with axcess to those chips are me, Donald, Hanna, and... Riddle!", John aid.

"Riddle?", Will questioned.

"Agent Riddle. Crap!", John said as he took out his iPad and began to scroll through it until he came up to the file he was looking for. "I had a camera installed in the room were we have the chips stored. Donald, Hanna, and I each have a number combination that you'll need to open the room they are in.", he said as he brought up the video feed of the room only to see that more than half of the boxes were gone. "How did he get inside!?"

"He may have read your minds to get the combinations.", Angelo figured.

"This is bad.", John said. "Real bad."

"How bad we talking?", Taranee asked. "What can they do with those chips?"

"Think KITT from Kinght Rider.", John said earning a gasp from everyone.

"Whoa!", Micheal said. "For real?"

"For real.", John said. "With those microchips, those robots will be able to learn from their mistakes and they'll pass that knowledge to the others."

"And over time they will be thinking like real soldiers.", Will figured. "We have to warn Elyon and the others!"

"Leave that to me.", John said as he went to one of the book shelves and grabbed a small wooden box and took out a fold crystal. "You all need to find you fellow Guardians and help them."

"Finding them is the hard part.", Taranee said. "Where ever they are, it's hard to pin point."

"Take this.", John said as he handed Angelo a round device with a blue screen. "It's a tracking device for the microchips.", he ssaid as Angelo turned it on to show some blinking lights in one area. "That's where the ones are in Simmutech. The others will show up once you get closer to them."

"Thanks, Uncle John.", Angelo said.

"Okay. We now have a plan.", Will said. "We go find Cornelia, Irma, and Caleb."

"Once we find them, we try to free Caleb and Irma from whatever kind of mind-control they're under.", Cassidy said.

"And if they're in the factory where the robots are being built, we shut it down for good.", Angelo said.

"And while you all are doing that, I'll be on Metamoor finishing up on these EMP blaster.", John said.

"Actually, Uncle John, I need you to go somewhere before you head to Metamoor.", Angelo said.

"Where?", John asked.

As for Cornelia, she was sitting in a chair at a metal table in a white room. The only way out was the door Caleb and Irma brought her into and had her sit in the chair. Well the mind-controled Caleb and Irma. There's a part of her that finds it ironic that it was those two that were being used to kidnap her. But that's something she can worry about later. Right now, she wanted to know who was running the show.

"So who are you and why are you attacking Meridian?", she asked to which Caleb and Irma said nothing as they stood on opposite sides of the door. "I asked you a questioned!", she shouted when the door opened to which two elderly men entered the room. "Who are you two?"

"I am Hollens.", Hollens said. "And I am in control of young Caleb."

"I am Riddle.", Riddle said. "And I am in control of young Irma."

"And you, Cornelia Hale, are part of our plan to capture your fellow Guardians.", Hollens said with a smirk.

"Aw great.", Cornelia said knowing that things just got worse.

A/N: How's that for a surprise, folks!? Cornelia gets kidnapped and now our heroes have split up to pull off a rescue and defend Meridian. Only question is will the Guardians be able to rescue Cornelia and free Caleb and Irma from Hollens and Riddle's mind-control and get to Meridian in time to fight off the robot horde? And where did Angelo have his uncle go to before heading to Meridian? And can Elyon and her forces hold off the robot horde and maybe defeat them? Find out in future chapters!

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