< Susan, > she suddenly remembered her Master Hung telling her after a practice session, < in a Doer like you, Healing plays the role of a Trickster. It can forsake you unexpectedly in a fight, leaving you facing two bad choices: surrender or death. If you let your natural pride get out of hand, then you will certainly fall into that trap. >

Horus slowly walked up to her.

“It is time to die. What a pity. Once you weaken, then so will I, and once you are dead I can no longer tap your power; but the mission is more important.”

****************

Samuel searched every room and turned up empty-handed, until he heard a muffled noise. Samuel entered the last bedroom to see the mother Joan protecting the boy.

“Who sent you? Did Edwin plan all of this?”

“Never mind that; out of my way, mortal.” Samuel levitated her and then flung her aside like a rag doll.

“No! Leave my mommy alone,” Daniel screamed at him.

“I would be more concerned about myself if I were you.” Samuel grabbed the boy by the throat and lifted him high. “Who knew getting paid was so easy?” he laughed as Daniel looked over to his unconscious mother.

Suddenly the boy’s body went limp. Samuel’s eyes went wide, for he had yet to apply any pressure. Daniel raised his head and his eyes were black as outer space; Samuel could see a constellation of stars inside the boy’s eyes. The boy spoke, but his voice was changed: it was deeper, eerie, and hard-edged.

“*Release me, Elemental!*”

“You *dare* make demands of me…”

Samuel dropped to his knees as a sudden wave of weakness ran through his body. It felt as if all his metaphysical energy was being drained. He struggled to hold the boy, but quickly he grew so weak that his hands flopped to their sides. Daniel dropped to his feet unharmed and stood facing his foe.

“*Alpha Mode, Aviad!*” Daniel commanded, and suddenly a Guardian appeared.

“I obey.”

“Remove these creatures.”

The black-armored Guardian hoisted Samuel, took him outside, and with enough acceleration to cause a sonic boom, threw him into space. Aviad then wrestled Ant and tossed him off-planet also. Horus and Aggie, seeing that their Elemental protection was almost gone, retreated. Celeste charged up an energy field and flew away with them.

Inside the house, Daniel returned to his normal state and rushed over to his mother. The Guardian vanished and there was no trace of him.

“You’re safe now, mom.” And indeed she was, although she was bruised badly.

Outside, Francis ran over to Susan. “Susan, are you O.K.?”

“Yes – badly bruised, but alive. Don’t worry, I’m healing now.”

“Did you see what happened?”

“Yes. Heard it, too. I’m not sure I believe it, but I did.”

In a few minutes Daniel and his mother came outside. “This is my son, Daniel. I’m Joan – and I’m so sorry for all of this. Daniel’s inner strength and that of his Guardian awoke none too soon.”

“He’s a Lightchild?” Susan asked in surprise. No Lightchild on record had ever been Bonded to a Guardian so young, let alone had exercised such power through him.

“No,” said Joan, “he’s something unique. It’s a long story. And I’m betting *they* are now part of it,” she added with a glance heavenward.

“Do you think they’ll be back?” Francis’ voice was filled with fear.

“I think so,” said Susan. “We’d better call out some bigger guns.”

“I’m not sure they get any bigger than *you*.”

“Oh, yes, they do.” Susan shook her head at her own folly. “Francis, you’re a Starbard. Tell Hezekiah to put out a distress call to Rafael.”

“You mean Rafael Goldwing, Chris Alan’s Guardian?” Francis was amazed. “You think they’ll really come?”

“Given what we’ve just gone through?” Susan nodded. “Count on it. And they won’t be coming alone. As an Elemental, Slate Rockmire’s behind only Nicholas and Zoe in metaphysical power – and *he’s* Captain Starbright’s Acting Chief Engineer now.”