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Post by Charmed Force on Mar 27, 2005 23:00:06 GMT -5
This is my first attempt at a fanfic so please bear with me. I have had this story floating in my head since I first heard the rumors that Charmed may be cancelled. I always thought of it as a single episode, but as I got more and more ideas I decided I would actually have it as a closing trilogy. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed creating it. Please post any reviews you may have, positive or negative, so I can learn. Also, grant me a bit of leway with the characters and the descriptions. Background: This takes place at about the same time frame we are at with the true episodes airing on the WB. I figure the girls have gotten through the 150th episode and moved on, and we are at about that time now. Piper and Leo are getting along fine, the boys are about the same age, and everyone is about the same. Setting: early evening. A tall blonde gets off the city bus, rushes toward some run-down apartments. As she walks down a dirty corridor she pulls out her keys, then pauses as she notices a box with a flower on top, in front of an apartment door. She approaches and cautiously picks up the package and heads inside her apartment. She sets the package on the table, smells the flower, and then opens the box. She picks up the card on top of the tissue paper. In strong male handwriting she reads: My dearest Lizbeth,
I saw this and thought of you, hoping you would honor me by wearing it tonight at the Charity Ball.
My love, Cain Lizbeth took a deep breath, and then smiled. She set the note down, and separated the tissue. With a gasp she lifted up the dress. The soft chiffon flowed smartly. A deep green the same color of her eyes, it seems to flow in her hands. She couldn’t wait to put it on for Cain. Ah, Cain. How in the world had she lucked into meeting him? She was working as an executive secretary for one of the partners at the most prestigious law firm in the Bay area. One day a man had come in for a meeting with her boss, but had been unable to do anything but stare at her. When he finally came to his senses, he had apologized, telling Lizbeth he had never seen someone so beautiful, and asking for dinner with her to make up for it. She had hesitated, feeling uncomfortable by the utterly breathtaking man asking her on a date, but finally had agreed. Lizbeth was from a poor farming town in the valley, and anxious to break out of her large family. With 2 older sisters, and 4 younger siblings, money had been tight in Lizbeth’s childhood home. Even now she sent as much money home as possible, which was why she lived in such a dump when she could have afforded so much better. But her parents had struggled to help her get where she was, and she wasn’t going to let them suffer. It turned out that Cain was one of those most influential persons in San Francisco. He told her how he originally made his money in the dotcom boom, selling at the perfect time, and buying mounds of real estate which had helped make him one of the richest men in the area. Lizbeth had to hurry to get ready in time for Cain, but it was well worth it. As she slipped on the dress, she immediately felt more confidant, more self-assured. Hearing a knock at the door, she walked over to open it. “Oh my goodness, Lizbeth, you are divine. I knew that dress would be perfect for you.” Cain said while staring hungrily. ”I don’t know if I can refrain from hurting any man who looks at you tonight.”<br>Lizbeth gave a throaty laugh and smiled at Cain. “You are such an animal sometimes, Cain. Give one second to grab my purse and wrap and we can go.”<br> After settling into the limo, Cain popped a bottle of champagne and toasted to the night ahead, and many more just like it. By the time the couple arrived at the event, Lizbeth was feeling the single glass she had had. Cain was a gracious date, introducing her to people he knew, being very attentive. He always made sure she had a fresh drink in her hand. They danced and laughed and were having such a marvelous time that Lizbeth lost complete sense of the time. In fact, she lost complete sense of much, as she realized she was quite drunk. She finally excused herself to the ladies’ room for a few minutes. He watched her from his vantage point in the background and shadows. He saw her laugh and flirt and carry on for the entire world to see. He was sure his boss would be terribly upset if anything went wrong. In fact, if anything went wrong he knew without a doubt he would be a dead man within minutes. He quietly crossed the room to speak with his boss. “Boss, the party seems to be dying. Should I finish now?” he asked. “The time is near, Cabal. Wait for her to return, send the car around, and then leave. Be ready for us.”<br> “Yes boss,” Cabal responded. “Sir, if I may ask, how long do you think you can keep her without interference?”<br> “Cabal, we have been over this a thousand times,” he said as his eyes flamed. “She will be secured until everything is finalized. I have already placed a call to her employers notifying them of her vacation. No one will know she is gone until too late. Her protectors are being taken care of as we speak. Now be gone. She returns.”<br> “Yes sir, Mr. Cain, right away,” Cabal whispered as he backed away into the shadows. “Lizbeth, are you all right, my dear? You look a little peaked,” Cain asked her as she walked back to him. “I am feeling a little tired. I’m afraid I drank a good bit of champagne tonight.”<br> “Ah, darling, I know how you feel. Come, let us leave now before it gets any worse,” Cain said as he led her to the limo. They climbed in, and as the car started to move Lizbeth became quite dizzy. She began to feel funny, like she was floating, and her mouth felt thick and heavy. She couldn’t quit make her body respond to what she wanted to do. “Ah, my dearest, don’t fight it. Enjoy it. Feel free to float a bit. It’ll be much more painless to simply accept the inevitable,” Cain whispered in Lizbeth’s ears as he kissed her jaw line and neck. “What… What is happening? Did you… oh… did you drug me Cain?” Lizbeth stumbled the words out as the fear began to edge in. “Of course my love. Can’t have that quick mind of yours realize what is happening before it happens. Now come along. It’s time to go.”<br> “Go where? We are already going, in… the… car…” Lizbeth barely whispers as she passes out cold. Cain pulls her into his lap and they shimmer out.
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Post by hollypop on Mar 27, 2005 23:33:39 GMT -5
It's pretty d*@m good for a first attempt! I'm 'hooked', so ya better keep the posts coming
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Post by CanadianHalliwell on Mar 28, 2005 10:01:00 GMT -5
Wow not are you good at hangman, but this is absolutely fantastic. It is so incredibly. Like Hollypop said, I'm hooked!
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Post by Master of Demon Slayer on Mar 28, 2005 13:31:10 GMT -5
Keep it coming! Keep it coming! More, says I! Loving it!
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Post by Charmed Force on Mar 28, 2005 15:48:08 GMT -5
*** Thank you all so much for the reviews! I greatly appreciate it! ***
Scene: Kitchen in the manor. Piper has the boys in high chairs eating cereal.
“Good morning, my darlings,” Phoebe says as she walks in and kisses each boy on the forehead before hugging Piper. “And good morning to you my beautiful mommy dearest!”<br> “Okay, who are you and what have you done with my sister? Please tell me you are the spirit of Mary Poppins because I could really use your help,” Piper teases as Wyatt orbs Chris’ cereal into his lap. “Oh god, not again. Wyatt! Just you wait until Chris does that to you.”<br> “I don’t know why, but I woke up feeling just so refreshed, so energized. Something is happening, and I can’t wait for it!” Phoebe beams.
“Well, at least someone is looking forward to it,” Paige grumbles, reaching for the coffee. “I definitely am not.”<br> “Now see, that’s what I expect from my sisters in the morning! Nothing like a pessimism to get the blood flowing, huh Paige?” Piper quips, letting a little grin slip.
Paige simply grunts.
Leo orbs in, looking a bit flustered.
“Well there you are. Where did you go?” Piper asks, beginning to feel quite annoyed. “You just disappeared.”<br> “Uh, well. You aren’t going to like this. They called me up. They need your help, specifically Paige.” Leo says as he shifts from foot to foot nervously.
Paige sinks to the chair. “Alright! Is it a charge or an innocent? I would love to help!”<br> Piper starts to get angry. “No, no, no. They said they would leave us alone. We’ve done enough already. Leo, you agreed to keep a few charges, including us, but that is it. No more. Tell them no. They can’t take Paige in exchange for letting you go.”<br> “But Piper, we have to…” Leo starts, but is cut off by Piper.
“We have to do nothing. We have our own lives to worry about. We are constantly under attack and fighting for our selves and our children. How can the Elders expect us to take on strangers too?”<br> “Piper, they aren’t strangers. They are innocents. How many innocents are worth our lives? Prue was willing to die to save one innocent,” Leo counters.
With that, Piper snaps. “Don’t you dare talk to me about Prue! Prue died, and I have lost enough of my family for those elders, and I won’t lose anymore. The answer is no. The elders can go find some other fools, because we are through.” Piper grabs the boys and storms out of the room.
Phoebe looks at a distraught Leo. “Don’t worry, when she realizes how important this is she’ll come through. Now tell us about the innocent.”<br>Leo sighs, and then begins. “Her name is Lizbeth Sinclair, and she has disappeared sometime in the last two days. She is a future whitelighter, and more than that, she was a chosen one.”<br> “A chosen one?” Paige asks.
“Yes, a chosen one is a mortal who has the potential to make such a profound difference to others that they are given powers in their mortal life, although they are not aware. The power is either the ability to sense, specifically to sense the good within another person, or the power to read thoughts and manipulate those thoughts. Lizbeth received her telepathy power just a few months ago, but has yet to really use it. She will be receiving the ability to sense anytime. She was just becoming involved in organizations that were going to lead her into her life of helping others.”<br> “I thought you said that a chosen one receives either of the two powers?” Phoebe remarks.
“Normally yes, but Lizbeth is even more special. She has the opportunity to benefit from both powers. The Elders couldn’t decide which power she could most use, so they agreed to both. They also gave her two whitelighters, instead of just one.”<br> “Well then why do they need us? It sounds like they have it covered.” Paige says.
“Because she disappeared. She has been dating this wealthy man, and he took her to this charity event. She met many important people there, many who will help here in the years to come. Unfortunately, a darklighter attacked her two whitelighters outside the event, one died, but one survived and managed to warn the elders after spending more than a day trying to lose the darklighter. When she left the event just after 1am, she disappeared. I am pretty sure the boyfriend has something to do with it. The problem is I can’t sense her anywhere, and the Elders have asked for the Charmed Ones help. They feel this is leading up to a bigger event, so the sooner we get Lizbeth, the better. And if we are able to find out who wants Lizbeth and why, the better.”<br> “Okay, but Leo, why did the Elders specifically want Paige?” Phoebe questions.
Leo pauses, trying to choose his words carefully. “Because Lizbeth’s two whitelighters are close to Paige. I am so sorry Paige, but the darklighter was able to kill Sam. He was mentoring a new whitelighter and managed to save him, but he got hit.”<br> “Oh my God! But… I … oh god. Sam…” Paige stumbles over her words, obviously grief stricken. “They are all gone. They are all really gone. I’ve lost my parents, and now both of my biological parents. I thought that I would always have at least one. I mean, Sam’s a whitelighter, he can’t really die three times can he?”<br> Phoebe tries to console Paige. “Paige, you haven’t lost them. We can contact our mother when we need, and one day even Sam. You were able to talk to your parents as well. You know they are really not gone.” Phoebe pauses before turning to Leo. “You said both were close to Paige. Who was Sam mentoring? Who did he save?”<br> Leo shifts again, then bends down to look Paige in the eyes. He takes her hands, and tells her, “Sam died protecting Kyle, Paige. Kyle Brody was the new whitelighter he was mentoring. Kyle was able to alert the Elders to the attack, and to Lizbeth.”<br> Paige looks at Leo, hope in her eyes. “He is alive? Can I see him? Please Leo I have to talk to him.”<br> “Absolutely. That is why I came. That is why the Elders asked your help. They want you to work with Kyle in locating Lizbeth, and then the Charmed Ones can vanquish whoever caused this. Phoebe, will you please go talk to Piper? I don’t want her excluded, and I want her to know how much the Elders want to honor the agreement we made. But they thought you would want to be involved. Also, check the Book of Shadows for anything you can think of. Lizbeth’s boyfriend’s name was Cain.”
“And Phoebe? I am a big girl; I can make my own choices. I know Piper doesn’t like the Elders, neither do I, but I won’t let an innocent die because Piper is upset about this. I have to help.” And with that Leo and Paige orbed away.
And all Phoebe could do was take a deep breath, then head for the stairs.
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Post by Master of Demon Slayer on Mar 28, 2005 18:38:25 GMT -5
The Chosen One kinda reminds me of my "The Chosen One (No, it ain't Wyatt)"
Anyways, don't keep me suspense. More. More!
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Post by Charmed Force on Mar 28, 2005 18:43:04 GMT -5
lol... i have this story set in 3 parts, basically a trilogy. I have part one all done, but I won't let myself post the next section unless i get an equal section written on part 2. Make sense? I promise, I write fast!
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Post by leigh19 on Mar 28, 2005 18:59:59 GMT -5
Wow Charmed Force, this is great so far...I'm really enjoying it, and it's not even Chris-Wyatt centric...lol, trust me, that makes this story special. Well, keep it up, I'd love to see where this is going, so glad to see some Paige/Kyleness! -Leigh
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Post by CanadianHalliwell on Mar 28, 2005 19:45:09 GMT -5
Wow, I really love this story CF! You really have the girls down pat! Their reactions to how the Elders broke their promise are so real it's uncanny.
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Post by hollypop on Mar 28, 2005 22:35:02 GMT -5
I have to agree with CH... you are writing the girls like I'm watching an episode. Even Leo is true to form. I even teared up a bit when Leo had to give Paige the news of Sam dying... I could just feel her heart 'drop'. Great Job!! Can't wait to read more of it.
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Post by Charmed Force on Mar 29, 2005 22:41:15 GMT -5
Unbelievable, thought Phoebe, as she walked up the stairs. I wonder how is Piper going to take this. She’s probably going to think the Elders intentionally set this all up to draw her back under them. Well, I won’t let that happen. She was finally truly happy without the Elders’ interference, and I won’t let her lose that.
Phoebe reaches the door and tentatively knocks. “Piper? Can we talk please?”<br> Piper opens the door and looks at Phoebe. “What’s wrong?”<br> “Um, Piper, before I tell you what is happening I just want you to know that I won’t let the Elders manipulate this. That being said, we have some serious problems. Paige is angry that you walked out before Leo could tell us what happened. As it is, Leo and Paige went up there to…”
Piper quickly interrupts. “They went where? Why? I told them we aren’t helping the Elders anymore! Why doesn’t anyone listen to me?”<br> “Because Sam died, Piper. Quit whining and get the whole story!” Phoebe gasps at her own outburst as she watches her words sink into Piper. “Oh no, sweetie, I am so sorry! I didn’t mean to tell you like that! Paige had to go. Sam had been mentoring Kyle, and they were protecting an innocent when they were attacked by a darklighter. Sam saved Kyle, but died in the process. Paige went to talk to Kyle.”<br> “Sam is dead? Doesn’t that make like three times? Maybe he isn’t really gone.” Piper pauses. “Poor Paige. She must be devastated. And I went screaming out of the room without waiting to find out what happened.” Piper sits on the bed, feeling thoroughly guilty for her selfish actions.
“No, sweetie, don’t worry about that. Leo and I were there, and Leo took her to Kyle right away. He’ll be able to comfort her. But right now you and I need to go to the Book and find out what we can. I’ll explain everything on the way,” Phoebe says, slowly taking charge of her splintering family.
Scene: Up there.
Several people are robed and rushing through the building. There are clicking noises, which Paige recognizes as the private whitelighter language, although she doesn’t speak it. She turns, and sees Kyle talking to a couple of people. He looks up and sees her, and starts walking to her. Paige breaks down into tears as he wraps his arms around her.
“Paige, I am so sorry. I didn’t… I wasn’t looking, and Sam just jumped in front of me. I would give anything for him to be here for you. I’m so sorry.” Kyle continues to hold Paige as she sobs uncontrollably. “Let’s go somewhere we can be a little more private.”<br> They reach a room and sit down. Paige turns and looks up at Kyle and whispers, “I didn’t think I would ever see you again. But you are here, and I will always thank Sam for that.”<br> Kyle leans down and kisses Paige deeply. “I didn’t know how much I loved you until I couldn’t see you, couldn’t talk to you. When I found out that Sam was your father, I thought it was going to be uncomfortable working with him. But he just looked at me and smiled, and gave me this wink. He made jokes about keeping his daughter away from other whitelighters so she wouldn’t forget the one she really wanted. He knew about us Paige, and he approved. After it happened, he told me to keep you safe. And I swore to him I would, so whether you like it or not, I’m here. The Elders agree, and I will be helping Leo with you and your sisters.”<br> “Well, I guess it is a good thing I like. And I love you too,” Paige replied, before kissing Kyle. “Now, tell me what you need the Charmed Ones for.”<br> Kyle stands up swiftly. “I knew that guy was up to something. He just seemed too perfect, too smooth. Paige, I saw her get into the limo, but she never got out. She disappeared from that car, and I think Cain shimmered her out. I can’t sense her, so I think he has her in the underworld. I just don’t know who this guy is. But I don’t know if it is just her he wants. I think she is simply a part of something bigger.”<br> Paige walks over to Kyle and says, ”Well it is a good thing I have two sisters at home all ready to work on this. Come on, I’m sure they found something by now.”
The two orbed back to the manor attic where they found Piper and Phoebe. Piper walks up to Paige and gives her a hug and an apology. Paige smiles, and thanks her.
“So, what do we have in the Book?” Paige asks.
“Oh I don’t think you will believe this,” Phoebe says as she turns the Book around to face Paige and Kyle. “The only Cain in this Book is the Cain. As in Cain and Abel, the first murder. There is no picture of him, but there is a story. It says that Cain worked the soil, while Abel tended the animals. When God was more pleased by Abel’s work, Cain became jealous and killed Abel in a fit of rage. The ground opened up and took Abel’s body. God banished Cain as a restless wanderer for eternity, but Cain laughed and told him he would simply entice the first man he met to kill him. That was when God put a curse on Cain, swearing that whoever killed him would suffer a vengeance seven times over. If the boyfriend Cain is the same Cain as in the Book, then we are in serious trouble. He cannot be killed.”<br> “Does it say what his power is?” asks Paige.
“Not specifically, but look here,” Piper says. “Cain’s strength comes from the ground, and comes from the very core of evil itself. Well, that just screams underworld to me. He has to have some sort of lair. So who is up for some reconnaissance?”<br> “I am. I can orb there and back,” Paige says. “Phoebe, why don’t you come with me? You can help me sense the innocent. That way Piper can do some more research and still watch the boys.”<br> Paige grabs Phoebe’s hand and orbs out quickly.
“Well,” Piper says. “She certainly wanted to leave quickly. I guess she is still upset with me. I can’t really blame her; I would be upset if I was in her place. But this is the Elders’ doing. They deliberately draw us back in every time we take a step away. This has got to stop.”<br> Kyle stared at Piper. Piper turned and caught the look on his face. “What is wrong with you?”<br> Kyle was shocked. “What is wrong with me? What is wrong with you? I know the hell you have been through with your family, but at least you still have your family. Paige just lost her father, again, and all you seem to be concerned about is yourself. She has lost almost everyone, and yet you still think there is some conspiracy against you! Face it Piper, it isn’t about you!”<br> Kyle orbed away leaving Piper standing there in shock, completely confused.
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Post by Charmed Force on Mar 30, 2005 18:23:13 GMT -5
Scene: Underworld
Phoebe and Paige are sneaking through the tunnels of the underworld. Phoebe grabs Paige’s hand, motioning her to stop. Another tunnel intersects theirs just ahead, and they see a figure swiftly pass. They look at each other, and nod their heads, silently agreeing to follow him. After a few minutes of twisting tunnel, they reach an opening, and watch as the figure approaches an empty wall and with a motion of the arm, a door appears. He quickly disappears inside.
“Well, shall we try?” Paige asks Phoebe.
“No, we need to wait here for a minute. I feel something…”
Sure enough just a minute later several demons approach the wall from another tunnel. They are carrying two large bundles, one of which is moving and making noises. As the first demon approaches the wall, the door opens and out walks the first figure, following behind a very large man. The demons are surprised and the silent bundle shifts, exposing a hand.
“Paige, did you see that? It looked like a hand! Could that be Lizbeth?” Phoebe asks.
The man turns to the figure and practically growls in his face. “You bring me that other whitelighter or so help me Cabal I will kill you myself. He has already raised the alarm by now so increase security. We cannot have anyone interfere with our plans. We have called the traitor back from the spirit realm and we have our human sacrifice; now we just need the proper alignments. We are too close to succeeding!”<br>“Yes boss, I will. Do not concern yourself with this matter. I shall handle it personally, and I shall increase security as well. I would not want your lady or your gentleman being found.” Cabal shimmered away as soon as he finished speaking. The man turned and directed the demons through the door, following behind.
Phoebe and Paige looked at each other. “A human sacrifice? That must be Lizbeth. But who is the gentleman traitor?” Paige asks.
Suddenly Phoebe gasps and doubles over.
“Phoebe! What’s wrong? Did you have a premonition?”<br> “I don’t know, but I am definitely feeling pulled. It’s like someone is squeezing my heart, willing me to move toward the door.”<br> “Come on, let’s get out of here. We can check with Darryl about this guy. Now we can give a description. If we are lucky it will be Lizbeth’s new boyfriend Cain.” Paige grabs Phoebe’s hand and orbs away.
Darryl is sitting at his desk filling out paperwork when Phoebe and Paige walk in.
“Good you are here. I pulled everything I could on this guy and you won’t believe what I found.” Darryl says as Phoebe and Paige sit down.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa, how do you know what we were looking for?” Phoebe asks.
“Piper called. She said you would be by as soon as you could and asked me to pull this. Like I said, you won’t believe it. Since you had no description or last name, I searched for Lizbeth instead. Turns out she has been going to these charity events with a guy named Cain Malterra. Only thing is there is no guy named Cain Malterra. There is no paper on this guy at all. The only reference has been in the papers,” Darryl responds.
“Do you have the picture?” Paige asks. “We saw someone who may be him.”<br> “Paige, that’s him,” Phoebe says after Darryl hands her the picture. “Okay, um, Darryl thanks for your help! We’ll be in touch. Paige, let’s go back to the manor and talk to Piper.”<br> As the girls orb into the manor they are surprised to find Leo holding a tearful Piper.
“Piper! What’s wrong?” Phoebe asks.
“Oh, it’s nothing, I was just, uh, worried about Leo,” Piper says while passing a glance to Leo. “He wasn’t answering my calls and I got nervous. So, what did you find out?”<br> Paige begins explaining what they found, and the girls discuss a plan to get Lizbeth.
“I don’t know about this guy Cain is holding. I mean, a traitor from the spirit realm? What if it is someone we really don’t want to set free?” Piper questions. “Either way I think we have to find out who he is. He may be able to tell us what Cain is up to. After the reaction I felt I don’t think I can just stand back and leave this guy there. We can be prepared here,” Phoebe says.
“I agree with Phoebe on this one. If you guys take the necessary precautions, you should be able to get in and get out with both Lizbeth and the man. Paige can orb the guy straight to a crystal cage and set the final crystal in place.” Leo suggests.
“I can definitely do that. We should get some potions together, like a smoke screen, so we can protect ourselves if we are spotted,” Paige replies.
“Okay, if this is what you guys want to do. Let’s get it over with,” Piper grumbles.
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Post by Charmed Force on Mar 30, 2005 18:26:25 GMT -5
“Is this it?” Piper whispers.
Paige and Phoebe look at each other quickly. Phoebe turns back to Piper and says, “Yes, now we just need to wait for someone to open the door.”<br> Even as Phoebe said the words the door opened and a group of demons rushed out and down another tunnel. The girls all ran for the door, barely making it through before it closed. They quickly hid behind a pillar while taking a look around them. They were in an incredibly large cavern. There were some boxes stacked off to the side, and building materials scattered around.
Phoebe again felt a pull so strong she couldn’t resist. She tapped her sisters on the shoulder, and pointed to a darkened hallway to the right. The sisters noticed two demons in the middle of the room working on some sort of altar. Paige saw some debris to the left, and quickly made use of her telekinetic orb to cause the pile to shift and fall. The noise and mess distracted the demons enough to allow the girls to slip down the hallway.
As the girls walked down the hall they saw a door. The door opened to reveal a lush bedroom, floored in the softest carpet, with crushed velvet drapes on the walls, and a bed with a large canopy and curtains surrounding, all in the darkest of reds. Piper quickly froze the room. Paige approached the bed, separated the curtains and saw Lizbeth. Piper unfroze Lizbeth, and Paige called her name.
“Lizbeth? No! Don’t be afraid! We are here to help you. Come on, we have to get you out here quickly. We will explain everything once you are safe,” Paige says.
“It’s okay, I know who you are. He told me I could trust the three witches called the Charmed Ones,” Lizbeth whispers. “He told me you would come and help me. But please, we have to help him. They are going to kill him!”<br> “Whom are you talking about? The man they called a traitor?” Piper asks.
“Yes! They have been torturing him just down the hall. They had him in here for a while; that’s when he told me about you, and told me what was going on. He wouldn’t tell me his name, and he told me to leave him here when you got here to rescue me. But I can’t do that. They will kill him when they find me gone!”<br> “Okay, Phoebe and I will head down the hall to see what’s going on. You two follow us, but stay back a bit. We have to make this quick, and if we are spotted, we have to leave him,” Piper says.
Phoebe and Piper slip out the door and down the hall. They see two demons guarding a cell up ahead, but Piper blows them up before they even notice the girls. Phoebe gasps again, and grabs a hold of Piper’s arm. She pales as she realizes what the pains were.
“Oh my god. It can’t be,” Phoebe says as she walks to the cell. “How the hell did you get here? Were you the one doing this to me?”<br> “Phoebe, I couldn’t do anything; I have no powers anymore. But you have to get Lizbeth out of here. Forget me, just get her out!”
“Forget you? Forget you? How can I forget you if you never leave? How many times do I have to vanquish you Cole?” Phoebe screams.
“Phoebe, you have to listen to me. Get Lizbeth out of here now. Hide her until the dyad moon is passed. She will be safe then,” Cole says.
“Come on Phoebe we have to go. The guards have heard us now. Come on…” Piper says, trying to pull Phoebe.
Phoebe breaks free of Piper and turns back to Cole. With all the anger and pain visible in eyes she tells him, “Don’t think for one minute that you are safe from me. I will not let you destroy my life again. You won’t fool me this time Cole!”<br> Phoebe turns and starts running down the hall. Piper begins to follow, but pauses to cast one look back at Cole. He nods at her, and Piper turns to follow Phoebe.
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Post by CanadianHalliwell on Mar 30, 2005 19:18:51 GMT -5
CF, this is really, really good. I am glad that someone finally told Piper that this isn't always about her! That she has sister's that have needs as well. Way to go!
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Post by hollypop on Mar 31, 2005 9:45:57 GMT -5
curious to see where this is going... it sounds really good, CF.
A little too harsh on the 'Piper' character - I, personally, don't believe that she is that selfish or uncaring when it comes to her sisters but it's your 'vision'... I like how it's all unfolding. Very good!
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Post by Charmed Force on Mar 31, 2005 17:02:57 GMT -5
Scene: the Manor Attic
“Wait, Cole is back? Jeez! Did he ever leave? How did he get here?” Paige says.
“I don’t know, but I am not going to just wait around for him to attack us. He is up to something; I can feel it,” Phoebe angrily says.
“I know how he…” Lizbeth starts to say.
“Can we ever just vanquish a demon and have them actually stay vanquished? How in the world are we going to deal with both Cain and Cole?” Paige says.
“But I know what Cain is …” Lizbeth tries to say.
“Now what are we going to do? Do we listen to Cole and hide Lizbeth until after the moon has passed?” Piper says.
“Excuse me but I know…” Lizbeth again gets cut off. “I would really rather not listen to Cole, but we do need to keep her safe until we know what Cain needs her for,” Phoebe replies.
“Would you all stop talking and listen to your innocent now?” Leo shouts.
All three girls stop chattering and turn to look at Lizbeth.
“As I was trying to say, I know what Cain wants with me. He needs me as a sacrifice for part of his spell, although I don’t know why. But he also needs that man, you call him Cole?” Lizbeth says.
“Um, yeah, Cole is my ex-husband. My demonic ex-husband. He has tried to kill me almost as many times as I have actually killed him. But he is like a cat; he just keeps coming back,” Phoebe explains.
“Well, still, Cain needs Cole for another part of his plans. Cole told me something about the dyad moon being the most powerful, and on the night, Cain would sacrifice me to draw down something, which Cole would host until Cain was sure it was safe. He would then transfer this thing from Cole to himself. But Cole didn’t say what Cain was trying to get. Some type of source for a power I think,” Lizbeth explains.
All three sisters jumped up and shouted at the same time, “Did you say source?”<br> Lizbeth flinches, and tentatively says, “Yes I believe that is what he said. But I don’t know what thing the source is for.”<br> “Leo, get up to the Elders now. Tell them what is going on, but hurry back. Phoebe, get the book and warn Darryl. I have to get the boys out of here. Paige, take your charge and explain everything,” Piper frantically barks out orders and rushes down the stairs.
Phoebe rushes over to the Book and begins searching for anything that will help.
Leo orbs up to speak with Kyle and the Elders.
And Piper runs to check on Wyatt and Chris. As she reaches the boys’ room, she sees that they are sleeping, and takes a moment to simply watch them. She must do whatever it takes to ensure that her family is safe. With the threat of the Source’s return, she couldn’t allow her boys to be hurt. She must send them somewhere safe. She turned and walked to the nearest phone, and dialed. After a few rings, Victor answered.
“Dad? It’s Piper. Could you take the boys for a little while? I need them to be safe, and I don’t think the manor is very safe right now.”<br> “Absolutely Piper, but are you okay? Is there anything else you need me to do?”<br> “Dad, could you please keep my boys safe? No matter what happens? I will protect them with what I can, but I need you to always be with them. Wyatt can protect himself, but if you can keep Chris next to him he will protect Chris too.”<br> “I will do everything I can Piper. I love the boys, and I love you. Do you want to bring them or should I come get them?”<br>“I’ll bring them. Thanks Dad. I love you too. See you soon.”<br> Piper takes a deep breath to steady her self. She turns around just as Leo returns. They look at each other for a moment before embracing. They break apart to orb the boys to their grandfather’s house.
“Lizbeth, why don’t you come with me to the kitchen? We can have some tea and I will explain everything,” Paige says as she leads Lizbeth away.
“Okay, well, let me give you a little background. I know Cole told you about us, but let me give you a little more information,” and Paige begins to tell Lizbeth about the Source, and Prue, and even Cole.
“Oh my goodness. I had no idea. I mean, the Source of All Evil? I thought it was like the source of a magical mountain spring or something. But Paige, you have to believe me. Cole isn’t evil. He is as innocent as I am.”<br> “Lizbeth, I know it may seem that way now, but Cole is half-human and half-demon. He will always have evil as a part of himself. It is who he is,” Paige replies.
“No, you are wrong. I could tell. When I spoke with him, I could tell. I could just feel all the good in him,” Lizbeth asserts.
“You mean you could sense the good in Cole?” Paige asks.
“Well, yes, I guess sense is the best way to describe it. It was just a feeling I had. I looked at him, and spoke with him, and I could just tell he really was good,” Lizbeth responds.
“Have you ever had these feelings before?”<br> “Once or twice. There was one woman at the charity ball that night that I could tell was good too, even though she had an attitude. You know, now that I think about it, I never felt that way about Cain.”<br> Paige and Lizbeth continued to talk, moving away from the subject of magic, toward work, family, and goals. Paige realized that if she had met Lizbeth outside of this experience, they would have become great friends. Paige felt a bond with Lizbeth, connected with her desire to help others.
Suddenly there was an explosion that rocked the house. Paige and Lizbeth went flying through the air, colliding against the wall. Phoebe came running down the stairs, calling for Leo. She turned toward the kitchen in time to see Cain walk in. She called for Leo and Piper again, just as they orbed in. Piper quickly tried to freeze Cain, but he wouldn’t freeze. Instead he simply walked over to Lizbeth and picked her up.
“Stupid witches. You dare challenge me? I cannot be defeated!” He yells as he shimmers out.
“Leo, quick! Heal Paige!” Phoebe shouts.
Leo rushes over to Paige and heals her. As she moans and struggles to get up, she asks what happened. After Piper tells her, Paige becomes quite agitated.
“No, we have to go get her! We can’t let him kill her!”
“Paige, he is waiting for us. He knows we will come for her. This isn’t a game of capture the flag. We need to stop and think, and come up with a plan,” Piper says.
“You think I don’t know this isn’t a game Piper? This is life and death. Sam gave up his life to stop Lizbeth’s death. I won’t let his death be in vain!” Paige exclaims.
“Oh I’m sorry Paige. I didn’t mean to suggest otherwise. Honestly, I am so sorry.” Piper says.
Paige takes a deep breath. “It’s okay, I understand what you meant. Besides, we have something else we need to deal with.” She turns and looks at Phoebe. “Lizbeth has already received her power to sense good. That is how she knew she could trust us when we rescued her. It is also why she trusts Cole. She says she could sense the good in him as soon as she saw him. Phoebe, we have to trust Cole. It’s the only way to save Lizbeth and stop Cain.”<br> “No, Lizbeth’s power is too new. She doesn’t know what she is doing yet. She must be mistaken about Cole,” Phoebe vehemently says.
“Phoebe, it is very likely that when Cain brought Cole from the spirit realm, he only brought the human side. After all, you vanquished him as Belthazor. It is entirely possible that his human side existed in the spirit realm. If so, he is as much an innocent as Lizbeth,” Leo responds.
“I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but Phoebe, we have to try to save Cole. He is the only one who survived being the Source. He knows what the Source will do, and he knows Cain,” Piper suggests.
Phoebe pauses to think. “If we are going to work with him, it is just work. No matchmaking. And I want to be kept away from him as much as possible.”<br> The others looked at each other and then they all agreed. They started cleaning up the damage and heading up to the attic to form a plan.
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Post by leigh19 on Apr 1, 2005 14:38:35 GMT -5
Best story I've read in a while. It's almost like watching an episode:) Good job, keep it up, and update soon!
I'm so glad that Cole is back...and although I agree that you were a *bit* harsh on Piper, I still think you are writting all of the characters wonderfully. I'm so glad to see Paige and Kyle together- I loved the scene where they kissed...it was too cute! Awww:)
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Post by Charmed Force on Apr 1, 2005 16:25:38 GMT -5
Thank you all so much for the reviews! I really appreciate it, even criticism. And yes I was harsh on Piper, but for a reason that you will find out in the next "episode" since this is only episode 1 of 3 I am writing.
I'll have a new section posted either later tonight or first thing in the morning.
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Post by Charmed Force on Apr 2, 2005 0:53:54 GMT -5
The girls spent the next few days making potions and gathering spells. Kyle and Leo were indispensable helping them get items from far off locations. Finally the night of the dyad moon came, and the girls gathered together their supplies.
“Well, I think we have everything. Are you ready to go?” Piper asks.
“As ready as I’ll ever be. I can’t believe you guys want to do this. Are you sure there is no other way?” Phoebe complains.
“Phoebe, you know this is the best chance you have to save Lizbeth. You need to set aside your personal feelings toward Cole and focus on your plan,” Leo reinforces.
“I know you guys are right, and I promise I won’t let him interfere with our plans. Let’s go now, we don’t want him to start without us,” Phoebe says.
The girls orbed out of the attic and into the tunnel just outside Cain’s lair. A group of robed figures was just entering through the door and the girls rushed in behind them. They again jumped behind the pillars so they would be seen.
The girls were amazed at the transformation of the cavern. What had before been a reasonably empty room with only building supplies around was now in fact a completely full room. There was a single large altar on a raised platform in the center of the room, and there were two long, low tables on either side. There were quite a few demons gathering in front of the altar, all in robes.
“Paige, do you think you could glamour us into robes? Then we could join those demons without looking out of place,” Phoebe suggests.
Paige stops and thinks, then nods. The girls all instantly become robed.
“Time to go. Come on,” Piper says.
All three walk into the hallway and toward Lizbeth’s room. Two of the girls stop at the door while another continues down the hall to Cole’s cell. The two at Lizbeth’s room pause for a minute, then slowly open the door. As they enter the room, they remove their hoods. We see that it is Paige and Piper, and they are shocked. Looking around them, they see that the room is empty. They pull their hoods back up and turn back to the hall. They see another robed figure approaching them and with a little wave they know it is Phoebe.
Phoebe quietly whispers, “He isn’t there. The cell was completely empty.”<br> Paige and Piper nod and tell her that Lizbeth’s room was empty as well. The girls notice some odd noises coming from the cavern, and quickly return. There at the top of the altar stands Cain, and on either side are Cole and Lizbeth, being tied down to the tables and obviously unconscious.
“We have to get as close as we can to them. Paige, you get Lizbeth, I will get Cole,” Phoebe states, and begins to work her way through the crowd.
Paige manages to get within a few feet of Lizbeth. With a look back at Piper in the center of the demonic crowd Paige waits for the signal. When Piper turns and blows up some boxes behind her, the whole crowd turns to look at the distraction. Paige quietly calls for Lizbeth’s bindings and orbs them back around Lizbeth, so it appears she is still tied. At the same time Phoebe has reached Cole and quickly cuts the ropes binding his arms and legs. Both Cole and Lizbeth appear to still be tied down, but in fact are quite capable of moving. The girls step back into the crowd, hoping they were unnoticed. However, they did not take into account the silent Cabal, who had been carefully hiding in the shadows and watching the girls’ every move. He looked at Cain, who nodded back. Cabal gave a signal to some guards standing to the side, who proceeded to walk to the front of the crowd and push everyone back. The girls, who were distracted by the crumbling of their plans, which required them to be close to Cole and Lizbeth, failed to notice Cabal retie Lizbeth’s bindings and enchant them. His purposefully let Cole remain free. Cole was not necessary to Cain’s plans, only an added bonus. They could succeed without him.
Once the crowd was moved back from the altar, the guards returned to their posts, and Cain began the ceremony. He started chanting in an obscure language as he mixed together different ingredients in a bowl. He then emptied the bowl into a cauldron over a fire, and continued chanting while the potion brewed. After a few minutes he poured some of the potion into a chalice and walked over to Cole, who was starting to wake up. A guard approached, pinched Cole’s nose shut and forced his mouth open. Cain then poured some of the potion into Cole’s mouth, forcing him to drink. He then went to a waking Lizbeth and repeated the process.
While Cain waited for the potion to begin working, he began brewing another one. The language he chanted while making this one was quite different from the first. This time the language seemed almost angrier, and darker. The girls were beginning to feel afraid of what they were witnessing. Piper tried to get Paige and Phoebe to look at her so they cold do something to break this up. Paige was intently watching Lizbeth, who was starting to panic and scream for help.
“Oh God, someone help me, please! Paige! Paige! Help me! Help me Paige!” Lizbeth screams.
Hearing Lizbeth scream causes Phoebe to turn to Piper, who nods her head to signal Phoebe to start the next part of their plan. Phoebe pulls out two potion bottles and throws one into the crowd and another at the demon guarding Cole. Piper throws her own potion bottles into the crowd and at Cain’s own guards before turning to start blowing up random demons. When Paige realizes her sisters have started the offensive part of the plan, she snaps back to reality and throws the potions she has. She jumps up to the table to pull Lizbeth off, but is surprised to find the bindings retied. She calls for them again, but nothing happens. She pulls out a knife and tries to cut them, but they won’t break. Paige grabs Lizbeth’s hand and tries to orb out, but gets bounced back. Realizing there is no way to get Lizbeth off the table, Paige begins to panic.
“Piper! Piper help! The bindings are enchanted! I can’t get her loose,” Paige frantically yells.
Suddenly Paige hears an ominous laugh in front of her, and looks up to see Cain standing there.
“You’re too late witch. There is nothing you can do to help. You have failed yet again. She believed you, she thought you were her friend, and you failed to save her. You were unable to help your innocent, and now you will watch her pay the ultimate price,” Cain says. He pulls out an athame and stabs Lizbeth. Paige starts screaming and Piper reaches her just in time to see Cain start to cut open Lizbeth.
“Paige, come on! We have to get Phoebe,” Piper says as she tries to drag Paige away.
“No, I have to save Lizbeth! I can’t let her die!” Paige cries.
Piper and Paige reach Phoebe then, who is backed into a corner with Cole, fighting off as many demons as they can.
“Why aren’t you throwing fireballs? Vanquish them Cole!” Phoebe says.
“I told you before, I have no powers!” Cole yells as he gets hit on the shoulder.
Piper quickly blows up the demons Cole and Phoebe are fighting, and they group together before looking up at the altar. Cain is standing there with his arms upraised, a bloody heart in his hands. Paige looks to Lizbeth, who has been cut open. She turns back to Cain and watches as he chants his dark language and he sets the heart on the altar. He then grabs the chalice and scoops up some of the new potion, and begins to pour it out onto Lizbeth’s heart. As the potion hits the heart and the altar, a thick black smoke begins rising and swirling. As the black cloud spins over his head, Cain begins shouting the same phrase over and over until suddenly the black cloud implodes, and a dark beam goes straight into Cain. Cain is yelling as his arched body begins rising above the altar.
Just as quickly as it had begun, it ended. Cain’s body was collapsed over the altar. There was no more smoke, no more cloud, and no more noise. Cabal stepped forward and ordered two guards to pick up Cain and carry him away to his room. Cabal turned and looked at the sisters. He shot them a smug look that only promised more pain to come. The other demons in the room began to stir again as they realized the interlopers were still there. Cole reached for Phoebe’s hand, and Phoebe grabbed Piper’s. Piper then grasped Paige’s hand, and quietly told Paige to orb out of there.
Paige, so near her breaking point, couldn’t think straight. When Piper grabbed her hand and told her to orb, Paige just automatically went. When they got back to the manor, Leo and Kyle rushed forward. They began healing the minor injuries before they realized that Lizbeth wasn’t there. Paige, who had sunk to the floor in shock, could barely restrain her emotions anymore.
“I let him kill her. I failed her. She trusted me and I let her die,” Paige sobbed.
“Oh no you didn’t sweetie. He tricked us all. There was no way to save her. He had her trapped. Cain was just trying to taunt you, make you doubt yourself. It wasn’t your fault!” Phoebe exclaimed as she wrapped her arms around Paige.
“Yes, yes it is my fault,” Paige says as she stands up and backs away from everyone. “I just stood there; I panicked and I did nothing. I could have done something to stop him, but instead I froze. This is my fault, and you all know it. Just stop placating me already.”<br> “Paige, there was nothing you could do. He had enchanted her bindings. Even if we had all the time in the world it would have been next to impossible to free her,” Piper says as she reaches for Paige.
“Don’t touch me! I could have still helped her, but you dragged me away. I told you I had to save her, but you wouldn’t let me. You should have let me help her!” Paige screams as she backs away from Piper. “I cannot deal with you right now. I can’t deal with any of you. Just leave me alone!”<br> As Paige orbs away, the rest just stand there in shock, unsure of what to do next.
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Post by Charmed Force on Apr 2, 2005 0:55:59 GMT -5
That concludes Episode One of the three. The next part I will begin to post probably on Sunday since I will not be here Saturday and I still need to finish writing the end of epi 2. Epi 2 has a totally different vibe so be prepared...
I hope you guys enjoy this! Tell me what you think.
And thanks again for the nomination Leigh!
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