They would meet in a cafe close to Mrs. Rudolph's house. It was the first thing Will decided after calling Irma to deliver the message. Normally, she would call all of the girls, but now it felt like she had to be careful or everything around her would fall apart. Taranee was still upset for reasons Will didn't understand, and it made her angry and hurt. Will wondered if there was anything she could do to repair their friendship. Yet the thought has been making her nervous because she had no idea how it had happened in the first place. Sipping her cappuccino, she waited, trying to think of a way to bring up the subject of refugees coming to Heatherfield without starting an argument. Mrs. R. was covering her with an extra math lesson because she was grounded for another week. The remedial classes provided an excuse to get out of the house without her mom making a fuss.
The doorbell rang, and Will noticed Hay Lin, huddled in the pink jacket and blue hat with furry gloves, coming in. The weather was getting colder - winter was almost upon them. The city will soon be blanketed in white snow with temperatures below freezing. People had already begun to decorate their homes for the upcoming holiday season. Here and there, lights and ornaments were already hanging in stores. Even the cafe had a small fir tree outside next to the entrance, blinking with lights. Will thought it was too early for Christmas because Halloween had just passed. However, the commercial world did not care about people's opinions and used every means possible to entice their customers to go on a shopping spree. Hay Lin ordered hot chocolate and sat beside her.
'Hello, Will. So what news do you have? Irma told me it was very important.' She smiled in greeting.
'A little, but it's best to wait for all of us. I don't want to repeat myself, and this is a long story.' Will shrugged and sipped her coffee, waiting for the rest of the group to arrive. Hay Lin nodded in agreement, and they both settled into a comfortable silence, enjoying the warmth of the cozy cafe. Irma arrived shortly after, slamming the door with a gust of wind and startling the people inside. She stood there, embarrassed, and silently apologized. The customers looked at her with amusement and annoyance before returning to their conversations. Irma took a deep breath and walked over to the counter to order a drink, then sat beside them in a huff.
'Hey, how is it going? Long time no see!' She said taking off her jacket. Before the new order was on the table, Cornelia and Taranee, behind her, came over.
'Why is this meeting so important?' Cornelia sat down and flipped her long blonde hair out of the way. Taranee nodded and waved in greeting, and after a few moments of awkward silence, she finally spoke up. 'Why are we meeting? It shouldn't happen again until Saturday.
Will hesitated before explaining the situation on Meridian and what she had learned from Mrs. Rudolph and Phobos—not that she ever said it.
'So let me get this straight,' Cornelia summarized. 'The rebels sent a messenger to our world about the urgent refugee situation, and we what? Have to let them pass? I know what's happening on Metamoor is unfortunate, but do we allow aliens to come to Earth? We need to consider the consequences of our actions and weigh the risks. Are we going to be responsible for them?' Cornelia tapped her chin, contemplating the situation.
'Some people in our city are preparing to take them for acclimatization on Earth. Apparently, they have been here all along; it's just that we never saw them. If you agree, we must meet with the messenger, who will explain further.' Will clarified. They had to meet with Mrs. Rudolph in person for more details because she did not want to cause another argument by saying something wrong.
'Is this not against Kadrakar's rules?' Cornelia asked, 'We usually close the portals, but now we have to let in the refugees?'
'Does it matter?' Irma demanded, 'We're talking about people, so it's the same as allowing foreign emigrants in. If there are already organizations doing humanitarian work, we are not responsible for what happens to them after that. I know they would be considered aliens, but we saw what Meridian is like. Is it not better to let them in?'
'Why are we even discussing this? We should help. They don't ask much, just safe passage.' Hay Lin was annoyed with the lack of understanding. The responsibility of Metamoor was on their shoulders as Guardians, and she was determined to help.
'We should meet the messenger. She will explain everything…' Will trailed off. She was ready to take the girls to Mrs. Rudolph's house if the discussion did not produce a result. Tarranee avoided looking at her as much as she could, squinting through the window as if her head hurt. She was silent the whole time, and Will sighed in disappointment, hoping her friend would share her thoughts, but her behavior indicated that she did not want to talk. Will gave her space and chatted with other girls, without any luck in deciding what they were going to do. Soon they finished their drinks, paid, and braced themselves for the cold weather outside before heading to the teacher's house. The trip was short as the house was only a few blocks away. As they walked, the girls chatted about their plans to cover each other up with their parents if a need arose and the upcoming holiday season. Upon arriving at Mrs. Rudoph's home, Will knocked on the door and awaited her response. After getting no answer, she let the girls in with previously obtained permission. They walked inside, looking around the unfamiliar home, and slowly removed their outerwear and hung it on the hanger on the wall.
'Hey, Will, are you sure we are in the right house?' Irma whispered, jabbing an elbow to her side. Will winced at the sharp poke, and Taranee chuckled. Hay Lin unexpectedly stumbled on her boots and collided with the cupboard. With a loud clatter, all the trinkets on it fell to the ground.
'Oh no! I am so sorry!' she cried out, bending down to gather the items.
'Jeez, Lin, why are you always this clumsy?' Irma grumbled, assisting her in picking up the items and placing them back on the cabinet.
'Sorry, I'm a bit distracted today.' Hay Lin blushed as she picked up a round case from the ground. It opened to reveal a figurine of a dancer—it was a music box, intricately designed with delicate flowers. Hay Lin stiffened as a beautiful melody began to play, her eyes glazing over.
'Hay Lin!' Irma shook her friend but got no response.
'Get back…' Cornelia pushed the girl away and checked her friend's pulse and breathing, finding nothing unusual. Just as she was about to call on her power, Hay Lin responded.
'I saw Elyon... Only a baby in her mother's arms fleeing through an active portal...' She returned the music box to its proper place. 'How did this happen?' Her eyes were wide with surprise.
'I can answer this question.' an unexpected voice said, coming out of the doorway. 'Good afternoon, girls.' Their teacher greeted them.
'Mrs. Rudolph?' Taranee frowned with confusion at the unnoticed arrival.
'Will? Why don't you explain?' Cornelia turned around, leveling a glare at the redhead girl.
'Yeah, I'm very interested as well…' Irma squirmed, looking a bit uncomfortable seeing her teacher out of school grounds.
'I asked Wilhelmina to bring you here - no one is to blame. Let's get to the kitchen for some tea, and I'll explain everything,' Mrs. R. said with a smile.
The girls exchanged glances and accepted her invitation, knowing they had no choice but to follow the teacher to the kitchen. When they sat around the table, Mrs. Rudolph poured them a warm cup of tea and offered snacks, creating a comfortable atmosphere. Soon, they began relaxing, enjoying the tea and waiting for an explanation of the purpose of their meeting. Will huddled into the chair, trying to avoid the conversation and feeling grateful when Mrs. R began speaking.
'As I've already told you, I requested that Will bring you to me because of important information I relayed to her. I am from Meridian and have been working as Caleb's messenger for some time, despite the fact that she did not mention it. I arrived before the Veil fell and brought Elyon and her parents with me.' She explained without getting into the details. 'I know you have questions, but we do not have time for lengthy insights into my life as there are more pressing matters to attend to. Yes, Cornelia?' She smiled, seeing her student's hand up in the air as if she were in the classroom waiting to be called.
'Why was Elyon never aware of that? She should have known her origins! Now, she is deceived, confused and used by our enemies!' She grumbled, feeling angry at the situation.
'I don't think Elyon is confused. She tortured me, Cornelia! Did you suddenly forget that?' Taranee scowled, taking off her glasses and rubbing her eyes. She was frustrated and exhausted, and the lingering headache did nothing to improve her mood. Her skin felt as though it were burning and was too tight for her body. Because the painkillers were ineffective, Taranee tried to ignore the pain all day, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. Taking the break was out of the question, and all she wanted was to snap at everyone, but she gritted her teeth and carried on.
'Forget about Elyon for a second. We gathered here to discuss the refugee situation, didn't we?' Will shook her head at her friend's antics. Was it such an unbelievable idea that Elyon had her own mind and was dead set on blaming them for her problems? Will could have blamed Phobos for this, but it was Cedric who spent most of the time with the princess, and his motives remained unknown. Phobos shielded her from ever meeting the general again or anyone else, keeping their meetings a secret, and she fully understood this position. If anyone discovered their secret, it would lead to disaster, jeopardize the lines drawn in the sand and put their lives at risk. Therefore, Will was cautious and vigilant to ensure that no one discovered their clandestine arrangement, if it could be called that.
'What's to discuss? We help, and that's all.' Hay Lin stated, deciding it did not matter what other girls thought.
'Mrs. Rudolph, why have you never approached us if you are from Metamoor?' Irma inquired out of curiosity.
'You have to understand, girls, I am in a very vulnerable position. If anyone found out that I brought the princess to Earth, I would be executed. I couldn't put Elyon's life in danger. Now then she'd crossed over, being a spy and messenger to the rebels was my only way to gain information. Getting involved with Kandrakar had not been on my priority list until the very last moment. They dislike people like us who can travel between worlds. Now, when my people are in trouble, I ask for your understanding and assistance in crossing over. After that, you have no reason to remain; some people are willing to get refugees all the aid they would need.'
'I'll help Miss Rudolph.' Will said this while staring at Cornelia, who was frowning at her. 'And I know Hay Lin will also help.' Her determination was evident in her eyes as she looked at the rest of them.
'If Hay Lin says she will do it, I'm in.' Irma nodded, and Cornelia and Taranee agreed after some deliberation, trusting their judgment.
Mrs. Rudolph clapped her hands in joy and announced they would start working on a plan immediately, assigning tasks to each of them based on their strengths and skills. She grinned, expressing her confidence in them and their abilities as Guardians. The rest of the evening was spent polishing the details of the upcoming mission and discussing potential challenges that may arise. Yet the girls remained optimistic about success and determined to protect people at all costs.
The next evening, Will stood in her room, looking at the mirror. She had already dressed in dark, warm clothes in preparation for the cold weather outside. Today was the day they would help Merdian people, but all she felt was trepidation about something going wrong. She glanced at the Heart of Kandrakar hanging on her chest and decided to summon her power. Will felt her magic drain as the pink mist grew stronger and gathered into the shape of another girl in her room. Examining her copy, Will was conflicted. She did not want to use her power in such a way, but having an alibi in case of an accident was better than not. She huffed and sat on a bed, waiting for the copy to open her eyes.
'Hello!' Her mirror image smiled and looked at her with an earnest expression. 'Can I help you with something?'
Will grimaced and shook her head before touching the other girl's arm, implanting the basic memories in the person. She skipped most of the details but included enough for the copy to act independently without jeopardizing herself. It felt like such a cheat. However, Will knew it was necessary to protect her own safety and maintain a level of independence in order to carry out her Guardian's responsibilities. The mirror person smiled and went to get ready for bed, and she took advantage of the opportunity to slip away from home without anyone noticing.
The girls meet in a backstreet alley near Heatherfield's National Museum. It was the location of the newly opened portal, as shown on the map Mrs. Rudolph had provided. It was dark, smelled like trash, and the cold wind howled through the structures, but there was a back entrance to the building with no cameras present. Will rubbed her hands together, blowing warm breath on her fingers to get some feeling in them. Irma was pacing around and jumping at random intervals, while Hay Lin snuggled into her jacket. Cornelia grumbled, complaining about the cold, but others just shrugged off her voice; it was not the first time. Soon, another figure emerged from the darkness, huffing and puffing hot mist from her nose.
'Sorry, I am late!' Taranee gasped for breath. 'I had to sneak out, but my mom goes to bed late, and I don't feel so good today. I hope I will not get sick!'
'Finally!' Cornelia shuddered. 'Let's get moving before I freeze to death!' She wrapped the coat tightly around her and walked to the locked door. 'Will, if you're ready…'
Will raised the Heart of Kandrakar out of the clothes and said.
'Cornelia-Earth! Taranee-Fire! Hay Lin-Air! Irma-Water…' The glowing orbs exploded in color all around them, and anyone investigating the alley would have seen a light show as the girls transformed into magical warriors.
'Oh, this is better!' Irma grinned, shaking her wings. 'I do not feel as cold as before!'
'I love magic!' Cornelia quipped and gripped the handle, unlocking the door with a small vine.
'Wait!' Will yelled, grabbing her hand and stopping her. 'What if there is an alarm?' she inquired, explaining.
'Good call.' Taranee agreed, not wanting to think about the consequences if they were caught breaking into the museum.
Will focused on touching the wall to see if the electronics in the building worked. It took some time, but she eventually felt a faint vibration on her fingertips, indicating that power was flowing through the wires. Letting out a sigh of relief, Will closed her eyes, concentrating on the building's electrical system and releasing a small charge to bring down the grid. She had never done it before in such a large building so when the lights on the street went out, Will grimaced, feeling a bit tired. She was not at her best tonight, but the work had to be done.
They went into the museum, exploring the dark corridors. The dim moonlight from the windows made it difficult to see clearly, but the girls could not risk more light or it would have been noticed. As they walked deeper, Will felt the unease in the air, and soon they could hear people talking. She motioned to the girls silently to follow her and looked around the corner, there was a portal swirling away and armed soldiers ushering the people out.
'Come on, hurry up, before the portal closes!' One of the men growled, pushing the woman to the wall. 'We don't have all day!'
The woman stumbled with fear etched on her face. Another soldier stepped forward to guide her away as more people came. Will frowned as he noticed the hooded figure emerging from the shadows on the sidelines. The person signaled to the soldiers to keep the stragglers further away and mingled with the refugees.
'Where is everyone else?' Hay Lin whispered, looking around for the people Mrs. Rudoph mentioned would come to help.
'Maybe they are late?' Irma wondered.
'I don't feel too good…' Taranee groaned, her head spinning. She leaned against the wall and loosened a painting that was hanging there. It swayed and fell to the ground, drawing the attention of all the soldiers to it.
'It's the Guardians! Stall them!' They brandished their weapons in their direction.
'Please, there is no need for violence.' Will said, stepping out into the light with hands raised in the air in a peaceful gesture. 'We are here for help!' She calmly added, hoping to de-escalate the situation. The group of people in front of them seemed to relax a bit at her words, but Will could still sense their tension. She silently prayed that they would be able to resolve the misunderstanding.
'Caleb sent us.' Cornelia said, coming to stand behind her, 'We mean you no harm!'
The group of strangers looked at each other, unsure of what to make of the statement. After a moment of silence, one of them stepped forward and asked, 'What do you want from us?'
'To help!' Hay Lin declared, coming closer with Irma just a step behind her.
'We heard you needed assistance,' Irma added, her eyes scanning the area for any signs of trouble 'What can we do?'
'We don't need help from the Guardians!' The man replied angrily, his arms crossed over his chest. 'We can handle it on our own.'
'Guardians have a duty to oversee the portals, mister grumpy.' Irma joked, her attempt to lighten the mood had failed as the soldier continued to scowl, not amused by her comment. Will could not take her eyes off the hidden figure - she already had an idea who it was, he made her shudder in disgust. As he glided through the crowd, people began to whisper and hiss like an angry snake pit. The girls did not account for hostility from refugees. How could they help when the people refused to be aided?
'Get out of here! We don't need you!' A person shouted.
'Kandrakar is the source of our troubles!' A woman said, holding her kid close. Some began to murmur in agreement and nod their heads in unison. It was clear people did not believe them - the situation was getting out of control. She only had one choice: to divert their attention, even if it could lead to more trouble.
'Wait! There is a servant of Phobos in your midst!' Will shouted, alarming the crowd. She gathered energy in her palm and hurled it at the suspicious man. He diverted it with a motion of his hand, and it sent it into the wall, causing no damage.
'You have to do better than that, Guardian, if you want to defeat me!' The man chuckled, removing his hood. His aristocratic features and long pale hair tied into a low ponytail revealed his identity.
'Cedric!' She gritted her teeth and prepared for the next attack. As pandemonium broke out in the crowd, the soldiers yelled in confusion.
'Catch him!' The men shouted, surrounding the figure. However, it had no effect because Cedric grinned and dodged all the attacks. His opponents were no match for him, and he took them down effortlessly. Will could hear his laugh, and it grated on her nerves. Looking around, she saw Hay Lin and Irma ushering civilians further into the building while Cornelia was trying to protect the valuable artwork in the museum by covering it with vines. However, Taranee, leaning against the wall and trying not to sway, caught her attention.
'Are you alright?' Will inquired, touching her arm and assisting her in standing. 'Taranee?' She was alarmed because the girl's skin was boiling hot.
'You!' Taranee growled, looking at Cedric. Will took a step back, shocked at the sudden hostility emanating from her friend. For a split second, she thought her eyes had turned black, but soon they became bright red. Taranne screamed, releasing fire flares from her hands, and soon Cedric was no longer laughing. His expression changed from amusement to fear, and he stepped back, straight to the hands of soldiers. They pushed the general to his knees, grabbing his head and pointing their weapons at him.
'Let go of me, in the name of the Prince!' He roared, struggling to break free from the spear hold. However, the guards did not falter in holding him captive.
'In the name of the Meridian people, you will get what you deserve!' One of them declared, taking a glowing lightning-shaped rod and aiming at him. It glowed and cracked in his grasp, indicating that it was a rare magical weapon. How did they end up with one on their hand? Will had no idea, but she noticed Taranee standing there, her body shaking with rage.
'He's mine!' she yelled, snatching the weapon from the stunned man's hands.
'Taranee, no!' Will cried, suddenly realizing her intentions. It was a decision made in a second. Even if Cedric represented everything she hated and was more than cruel to her and the girls, they were no killers. It seemed like the invisible line would be crossed if somebody died by their hand. Seeing Taranee wield a weapon of destruction, ready to strike, awakened an alarm in her. No life should be lost, not even an enemy—the Guardians do not kill. Maybe she was stupid, but jumping in front of a lightning bolt was a better idea than seeing her friend's hands stained with blood. If Taranee made such a mistake, it would ruin her. Will knew that Fire's anger would eventually subside, but the consequences would remain. She did not want to witness the aftermath of Taranee's rage. The fear of losing her friend to guilt was stronger than the fright of pain. Will saw Cedric's eyes widen in disbelief as she threw herself in front of him, and then there was nothing but pain…