noazmale
Witch
[glow=red,3,300]Sept. FanFic Winner [/glow]
Posts: 1,067
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Post by noazmale on Sept 24, 2006 19:47:31 GMT -5
ELEVEN
“Well,” said Karen, pouring more coffee, “ so far that’s everything the police have released on the three murders. Terry was the first one. They didn’t realize it was a serial killer until the second girl, Traci Arborgast, was found murdered the same way. And now this Glenda Johnson is his third victim.”
“There’s nothing to connect them,” said Grams. “And so far nothing that indicates the supernatural.”
“I said that’s all the police have released,” said Karen. “I’ve learned a couple of things the police haven’t released. Such as they all appear to all have been ceremonial sacrifices. The murder weapon appears to have been a long thin knife.”
“An athame,” said Piper. “That would definitely make it supernatural in nature. Which means all we have to do is figure out what ceremony was involved. That should give us an idea who’s doing it.”
“Well as usual,” said Karen, “ the police think it’s some sort of devil worship cult.”
“Typical,” said Grams. “The police can be so short sighted. If it’s a ceremonial sacrifice, it must be devil worshippers. They don’t seem to realize there are other groups just as evil who use some of the same methods and sacrificial ceremonies.”
“There is one other thing,” said Karen. “Each of the victims had a symbol carved into her chest before she died. I’ve been trying to track it down but so far I’ve had no luck.”
She took out a pad and pencil and drew the symbol. It consisted of an inverted cross with a five pointed star at the top. There was a circle drawn around the inverted cross and star and a straight line underneath the circle.
“I’ve checked every source for the demonic information I can find but I haven’t been able to identify it yet,” said Karen. “Neither have the police.”
“Hey, I’ve seen that before,” said Paige.
“You have?” asked Karen excitedly.
“Yes,” said Paige. “In one of my college classes I wrote a paper on ancient signs and symbols. It belonged to a special order of knights.
“You’ve been to college?” asked Karen in surprise.
“Oh,” said Paige, “I’m older than I look. Anyway, that one is pretty obscure. It was used mostly during the Spanish Inquisition. The Pope commissioned a special order of knights to dig out witches, heretics, that sort of thing. Then the inquisitors would come in and get their confessions before they were executed. As I recall, they were disbanded after the Inquisition.”
“Well, that’s more than we had before,” said Karen. “But what does a defunct order of knights have to do with demonic murders hundreds of years later?”
“They don’t,” said Grams. “I recognize that symbol, too. I encountered it years ago, before I was even married. Paige is right. That order of knights was disbanded when the Pope decided their services were no longer needed.
“But the core group of knights refused to disband. They continued on in secret eventually becoming something of a secret society. Over the years their order has changed but their mandate has never changed.
“You see, the Pope who commissioned the original knights simply disbanded them. He neglected to revoke the commission. He felt since the knights didn’t exist any longer, their commission really held no meaning. So it was just forgotten about.”
“But that core group still operated under that commission,” said Piper.
“Yes,” Grams said. “They call themselves the Holy Order of Purity. To them, that commission gives them the justification to do whatever they have to do to carry out their mandate.”
“What is their mandate?” asked Phoebe.
“To seek out evil doers and heretics,” said Grams. “At least that was their original commission. Like the organization, it’s changed over the centuries. Now, they have only a single purpose. They’re witch hunters. They’re the most fanatical and dangerous witch hunters who have ever existed. And they won’t rest until every witch is dead.”
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noazmale
Witch
[glow=red,3,300]Sept. FanFic Winner [/glow]
Posts: 1,067
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Post by noazmale on Sept 25, 2006 9:12:11 GMT -5
TWELVE
Knowing they were looking for witch hunters instead of a demon changed the direction of their investigation. And knowing whom the next two victims would be made it easier to search for the killers.
“It’s probably only one or two of the order,” said Grams. “Witch hunters typically work alone. And the Holy Order of Purity is relatively small. More than likely they spread out to cover as much territory as they can.”
“But why go after witches?” asked Paige. “Witches are good. Why not go after warlocks?”
“They do,” said Karen. “To a witch hunter, there is no distinction between a witch and a warlock. Both are considered abominations.”
“Well that’s short sighted,” said Paige.
“Prejudice usually is, honey,” said Grams. “Centuries ago any religious belief that didn’t conform to the state sanctioned religion was considered heresy. And most were subject to state sanctioned murder for their crimes of heresy.
“During the inquisitions witches were primary targets for the state sanctioned religion of Catholicism. During the Roman Empire, Christians were considered heretics and fed to lions or put in the gladiatorial arenas for not worshiping the Roman deities. Down through history almost every ‘official’ state religion has persecuted and murdered those who believed a different way. Even today there are those who die in other countries for their religious convections.”
“Boy, I guess you don’t realize how well off you are sometimes,” said Phoebe.
“We rarely do,” said Karen. “Down through the years some of the prejudices have persisted among small groups. This Holy Order of Purity appears to be one example. They believe all witches are evil and abominations. It really doesn’t matter what the individual witch hunter believes. All witches are evil because they believe differently.”
“So this is political?” asked Paige. “A difference in ideology, not because of something anyone has actually done.”
“Usually but not always,” said Grams. “There are witch hunters who have been wronged by a witch or a warlock. But their grief and hatred have blinded them. All they see is the wrong. They don’t see the individual people. A witch wronged them so all witches must be evil.”
“Unfortunately their solution usually involves killing innocent witches,” said Piper. “At least with those kind it is sometimes possible to show them how wrong they are and they can change.”
“I don’t think that’s going to happen here,” said Phoebe. “This Holy Order of Purity simply believes that all witches are evil.”
“Which means we have to find out who it is before they kill again,” said Grams. “I’ll contact Gwen Holmes and Clarice Parker. We’ll bring their daughters to the manor where it will be easier to protect them.
“Karen you contact Amanda Arborgast and Meg Johnson. You’ve all lost daughters to this lunatic. Find out if they are witches and let them know what we’ve found out. Bring them to the manor. The more of us we have working on this, the better chance we’ll have of finding out who’s doing it.”
“What about your coven?” Phoebe asked. “Couldn’t they help us?”
‘I think it’s best if we keep this between us,” Grams said. “If it is the Holy Order of Purity, they may not know about those in my coven. It’s best if we don’t give them the opportunity to find out. There could be more deaths than just the ones who have already died.”
“What about us?” asked Piper.
“You three go back to school, “ said Grams
“You expect us to sit through some boring classes while you do all the work?” asked Phoebe.
“Not at all dear,” said Grams. “Whomever is doing this is targeting the witches at your school. Something there must have identified them as witches to the killer. You three are in the best position to find out what that is. And maybe who the witch hunter is.”
“Oh, okay,” said Phoebe. “That’s better.”
“She’s a little young to be in high school,” said Karen, looking at Paige.
“No problem, “ said Paige.
Suddenly Paige changed. It wasn’t a big change. She just appeared to be about Phoebe’s age instead of the twelve year old she was.
“If anyone asks,” said Paige, “I’ll just say I’m their cousin.”
“How did you do that?” asked Karen
“I’ll explain it later,” said Grams. “Now we’d better get started if we’re going to catch this guy.”
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noazmale
Witch
[glow=red,3,300]Sept. FanFic Winner [/glow]
Posts: 1,067
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Post by noazmale on Sept 25, 2006 19:38:52 GMT -5
THIRTEEN
“This is strange,” said Phoebe as the three sisters walked through the school hallways. “These are nothing but kids.
“Well, we are right now, too,” said Piper. “Just remember we aren’t here to rekindle old friendships. We have a witch hunter to find.”
“No problem here, “ said Paige. “I don’t have any old friendships here to rekindle. Just what are we looking for?”
“I don’t know,” said Piper. “Anything out of the ordinary. Anything that might tell us who this witch hunter is, or at least what put him onto those three girls. I’m going to talk with some of my old friends. They might know something.
“I’ll do the same,” said Phoebe. “We ran in different circles. Maybe my old friends know something yours don’t.”
“What about me?” Paige asked.
“I know,” said Piper. “You’re a new transfer student. That way whatever questions you ask won’t sound suspicious. And both of you be careful. Without our powers we’re vulnerable.”
“Speak for yourself,” smirked Paige.
The three sisters spent most of the day asking questions and gathering information. They didn’t learn much. Mostly just rumors and speculations. The normal type of wild guesses that run rampant among a large group of people, especially high school students.
Paige had made a number of new friends. Well not friends exactly, but most of the kids she talked to were friendly. It was nearly the end of the day when suddenly she stopped. She stood staring at a man wearing a maintenance uniform, fixing a broken window.
“What a hunk,” said one of Paige’s new friends walking up to her. “He just started here this year. One of those maintenance men that keep the school repaired. I wouldn’t mind him coming over and repairing a few things for me.”
“He’s way too old for you,” commented Paige. “Believe me.”
“I know he’s older,” said the girl. “But you know what they say about older guys.”
The girl smiled at Paige then continued down the hallway.
“I wonder what you’d think if you knew he was dead?” said Paige to herself. Paige continued to watch the maintenance man until he finished fixing the window. Then he gathered up his tools and walked toward Paige.
“Hi,” he said as he passed her.
“Hi, Leo,” said Paige.
“Do I know you?” asked Leo
“Leo it’s me Paige,” said Paige.
“I’m sorry,” said Leo. “Maybe you have me confused with someone else. I don’t know any Paige.”
“Of course you don’t,” said Paige suddenly realizing they wouldn’t meet for about another thirteen years or so. She grabbed Leo and pulled him into an empty office nearby. “Leo, I know who you are. And I know what you are.”
“I’m a maintenance man,” said Leo.
“Yeah, yeah, I know,” said Paige. “It keeps you close to your charges. I know you’re a White Lighter. And I know you’re watching over Prue, Piper, and Phoebe. And later on, me too.”
“Miss,” said Leo nervously, “ I don’t know what you’re going on about, but we shouldn’t be in here. Someone might get the wrong idea.”
“For crying out loud,” said Paige.
Suddenly Paige orbed out of the office and almost immediately orbed back in.
“See,” said Paige. “Can anyone but a White Lighter orb?”
“No,” said Leo confused. “So that means you're a White Lighter too?”
“Not exactly,” said Paige. “I’m half White Lighter.”
“That’s not possible,” said Leo
“It’s kind of a long story,” said Paige. “Right now, we could use your help.”
“We?” questioned Leo. “We who?”
“Come on,” said Paige, grabbing Leo’s wrist. “There’s a lot to explain and not a lot of time to do it.”
Before Leo could protest, Paige orbed both of them out of the office.
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noazmale
Witch
[glow=red,3,300]Sept. FanFic Winner [/glow]
Posts: 1,067
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Post by noazmale on Sept 26, 2006 8:20:48 GMT -5
FOURTEEN
“I’ve never met a White Lighter before,” said Karen.
“You don’t have your own?” asked Paige.
“Not all witches do, dear,” said Grams. “ So, you’re the White Lighter who’s going to watch over my girls.”
“I have been for a long time,” said Leo. “What I don’t understand is how you know about me. I’m sure I didn’t give myself away.”
“Not yet,” giggle Phoebe.
“Leo sit down,” said Piper. “We need to explain a few things to you.”
“Just be careful what you say honey,” said Grams “You can’t tell him too much or you might change things.”
“But we can’t change the past,” said Phoebe.
“No,” said Grams, “but it’s his future. And he can change that. I know it’s kind of confusing but trust me on this. Just give him the bare facts.”
“Okay” said Piper. “Leo, this all starts in about thirteen years or so.”
* * *
“And you have no idea who enchanted the book?” asked Leo when Piper had finished.
“None,” said Piper. “Or even when they did it. I won’t even get it for several months. Any way, the important thing is for us to find this witch hunter. Maybe you could check with the Elders and see if they know anything.”
"I’ll try,” said Leo. “But I’m going to have to explain this all to them first. Frankly, I’m not sure how much they’re going to believe.”
“Just try,” said Phoebe. “We really don’t have anything to lose.”
“Okay,” said Leo. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Uh, Leo,” said Paige. “Nothing about me okay? We aren’t sure exactly when they learn about me. Wouldn’t want to give away anything too soon.”
“I’ll do my best,” promised Leo.
“He’s cute,” said Gwen Holmes. “I can see why he was chosen as a White Lighter.”
“Well that’s not why a White Lighter is chosen,” said Grams.
“Oh I know that,” said Gwen. “It’s just kind of an added bonus, that’s all.”
“What are you working on?” Phoebe asked Gwen’s daughter Michelle.
“College applications,” said Michelle. “You can’t get them in too early.”
“Hey, Piper,” said Phoebe, “You and Michelle were born the same month.”
“ Really?” questioned Piper. “What a coincidence.”
“Yeah,” said Phoebe. “You’re only four days older than she is.”
“Are you sure?” asked Meg Johnson, the mother of the latest victim. “Glenda, my daughter was born the same month.”
“Two victims with almost the same birthday?” questioned Grams. “And both witches? That seems just a little too coincidental to me. Carrie, how old are you?”
“Fourteen,” said the expected fifth victim of the killer.
“Phoebe’s fourteen,” said Grams. “Karen how old was Terry?”
“Eighteen,” said Karen. “In fact she had just turned eighteen.”
Grams picked up a pad and pen and handed it to Karen.
“I want each of you to write down your daughters birth date, “ said Grams. “And I hope I’m wrong.”
One by one the women wrote down their daughters birth dates. Grams sat nervously as they did. When they were finished she took the pad and looked at it.
“Oh my God,” said Grams
“What is it Grams?” asked Piper
“Terry Lynch and Traci Arborgast, the first two victims,” said Grams. “Both eighteen, both birth dates within a few days of Prue’s birthday. Glenda Johnson, the third victim, and Michelle Holmes. Both of their birth dates are within a few days of Piper’s. And Carrie Parkers’ is only six days after Phoebes’.”
“Boy, that’s weird,” said Paige.
“It’s more than weird,” said Grams. “And it’s too coincidental to be a coincidence. This witch Hunter isn’t after just any witches. He’s after my granddaughters. He’s after the Charmed Ones.”
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Post by Fourever Charmed on Sept 26, 2006 14:38:50 GMT -5
Haha. I loved that. At first I thought the handyman might be the suspect, but then I thought, "What if it were Leo?" And then, low and behold, Paige makes the crack about him being "way too old" for that girl. *snicker* Oh Paige. Unfortunately, I'm guessing either The Elders will have to wipe Leo's memory, or Grams will, as he can't know about Paige otherwise it'll effect the future. But I'm wondering why they'd go after a bunch of different girls. Melinda's prophecy was of three sisters, and thus far, they haven't attacked any of victims' siblings (or they've been only children). Hmm.
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noazmale
Witch
[glow=red,3,300]Sept. FanFic Winner [/glow]
Posts: 1,067
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Post by noazmale on Sept 26, 2006 20:08:31 GMT -5
FIFTEEN
“How long does it take to orb where your sister is?” asked Clarice Parker. “We need to find out what the Elders told Leo.”
“Relax, Clarice,” said Karen. “He’s only been gone twenty minutes. He’s probably just making sure she’s not in any immediate danger. I’m sure he’ll get back as quickly as possible. At the moment its important to make sure Prue is safe. Michelle and Carrie have us to protect them.
“It’ll be okay, Clarice,” said Piper. “Leo’s very protective of all of his charges. If there was anything vital we needed to know, he would have said something,”
“I just don’t like sitting around waiting, that’s all,” said Clarice.
“Oh, you get used to it,” said Phoebe.
“I don’t understand something,” said Carrie. “The Charmed Ones are all supposed to be sisters. I’m an only child. And Michelle said she has two brothers but no sisters. Why come after us?”
“Maybe he’s just playing the odds,” said Meg. “Maybe he doesn’t know that part of the prophecy. Or maybe he’s just making sure there won’t be three sisters in the future. By killing one, he prevents the prophecy from coming true.”
“Who knows what a witch hunter thinks,” said Grams. “If they thought rationally they wouldn’t be going after just any witch to begin with.”
“Well, it appears he has some information on you,” said Amanda. “He knows enough to go after witches born the same month as the girls. Although I’ve never heard of any prophecies that predicted when they would be born.”
“There are a lot of prophecies about them,” said Gwen. “To my knowledge I don’t think anyone has ever gathered them all together. There might even be some we know nothing about.”
“Well prophecies can be notoriously inaccurate,” said Karen. “I remember hearing of one a few years ago that even claimed one of them was to marry an upper level demon. Have you ever heard of anything so ridiculous?”
Everyone just laughed, including the sisters. But their laughs were nervous. If only these women knew just how accurate that particular prophecy had been. Even now with Cole permanently vanquished and no longer a threat, Phoebe was still somewhat ill at ease. Suddenly, Leo orbed into the manor.
“Prue’s fine,” he said before anyone could ask. “There’s no indication that anyone is after her. But I’m keeping an ear out for her. At the first sound, I’m only an orb away.”
“Thanks, Leo,” said Piper. “What did you find out from the Elders?”
“Not much,” said Leo. “They can’t seem to identify who the witch hunter is. But they’re going to keep checking. They’ll let me know if they find out anything.”
“Thanks Leo,” said Grams.
“Paige,” said Leo, “apparently they already know about you. They have for a couple of year now.”
What?” asked Paige.
“Don’t get excited,” said Leo. “They discovered who you were but they figure its really too late to do anything about it now. They’re taking a wait and see posture. Until you start using magic, they’re going to pretty much leave you alone.”
“Well that’s a relief anyway,” said Paige.
“They also suggested that Michelle and Carrie not be left alone for a second,” said Leo. “They agree with us that they’re in a great deal of danger until this witch hunter is caught.”
“With three witches dead already, I can’t blame them,” said Gwen.
“It’s not that exactly,” said Leo. “They already knew Piper, Phoebe, and Paige had come back. They sensed the time disruption when the vortex opened.”
“I’ll bet that made explaining things easier,” said Phoebe.
“There’s more,” said Leo. “They sensed another one a few weeks earlier. They couldn’t identify who caused it. But less than a week later, Terry was killed. They think this witch hunter came back in time to stop the Charmed Ones before they can get their powers.”
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Post by Fourever Charmed on Sept 26, 2006 20:37:57 GMT -5
That's interesting. So if this "time disruption" came from the future, you'd think that they'd know exactly who to go and look for. But if it was someone who came from the past (before Penny's present), then it still makes you wonder why they chose these victims. Because if they knew the "relative" dates of Prue, Piper, and Phoebe, then obviously all three sisters have been born. So why go after a girl who was born in the same month, who doesn't have any sisters also born in that month?
Unless it was pre-planned. What if the Witch Hunter came back from the future, knowing exactly who The Charmed Ones were (and hexed the yearbook) and began to kill "random" witches to lure the sisters into a trap, in which he planned to kill them before they could ever grow up and get their powers? (Not to mention, killing the other witches is just a bonus in the sense that more of the world's "evil" is eliminated at the same time - kill two birds with one stone.)
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noazmale
Witch
[glow=red,3,300]Sept. FanFic Winner [/glow]
Posts: 1,067
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Post by noazmale on Sept 27, 2006 9:17:30 GMT -5
SIXTEEN
“That doesn’t make any sense,” said Grams as the group sat around the living room. “If this witch hunter came back from the future, why isn’t he going after the girls? Why kill other witches? If he’s from the future, he must know who the Charmed Ones are.”
“Maybe he’s not after the Charmed Ones,” said Karen. “Maybe the birth dates are just coincidence.”
“I don’t buy it,” said Piper. “One or two, maybe. But I think Grams is right. All the birth dates are just too close together. But someone who knows our birth dates but not who we are? That just doesn’t make any sense.”
“None of this make sense,” said Paige. “Even if this witch hunter knew the right months and years, how would he know Terry, Traci, and Glenda had the right birth dates?”
“The school would know,” said Gwen. “When we registered Michelle at the beginning of the year, we had to fill out paperwork with her birthday on it.”
“Which means it could be any faculty member,” said Grams. “Then all they would need to do is identify which girls with the right birth dates were witches. I wouldn’t think it would be that easy to do.”
“A witch hunter could do it,” said Piper. “We encountered one once. If he’s looking for a witch, he’d know what to look for.”
“Wait a minute,” said Amanda. “If he came back from the future, doesn’t that invalidate him to be a witch hunter? One of the reasons they become witch hunters is because we use magic. In order for him to move through time, he’d have to use magic. Doesn’t that make him just like us?”
“Not in his mind,” said Grams. “The ends justify the means to many witch hunters. That’s the way a lot of them rationalize it in their minds.”
“Isn’t that a double standard?” asked Carrie.
“Get used to it,” said Paige. “As you get older, you’ll learn a lot of things have a double standard.”
“It’s starting to get late,” said Gwen, looking at her watch. “I think the girls should start getting ready for bed.”
“I hope you don’t mean us?” asked Paige.
“Well, I realize you may look fourteen years old,” said Gwen, “but if I understand correctly, you’re closer to twice that age.”
“Or more,” muttered Piper.
“Yes,” said Gwen. “Actually, I meant Michelle and Carrie. They really are still teenagers.”
“Good idea,” said Carrie. “I’m kind of tired. It’s been a long day.”
“There are fresh towels in the bathrooms,” said Grams. “Just help yourselves.”
Michelle and Carrie left the living room and went upstairs to get ready for bed.
“We appreciate your putting us up, Penny,” said Clarice. “It’s nice to know we have so many friends.”
“Well we couldn’t very well turn you out on the street,” said Grams. “A witch hunter involves all of us. And I must admit it’s nice to have people over. Too often guests are uninvited and trying to kill us.”
“I don’t remember that,” said Piper.
“You are usually gone when it happens,” said Grams. “With your powers bound, no one had any reason to come after you.”
“You have a point,” said Phoebe.
“I’m going to check on Prue again,” said Leo. “We can’t be too careful.”
“That’s a good idea,” said Piper. “We all have each other here to look after us. Prue is all alone. If we need you we’ll call.”
Leo orbed out of the manor.
“I still don’t understand how a witch hunter could know so much about us and still know so little,” said Paige. “It’s like he’s getting sporadic information.”
“This is confusing,” said Grams. “If a witch hunter went through all the trouble of coming back in time to get you, you’d think he’d….”
Grams was cut short by a blood-curdling scream from up stairs.
“Michelle,” gasped Gwen.
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noazmale
Witch
[glow=red,3,300]Sept. FanFic Winner [/glow]
Posts: 1,067
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Post by noazmale on Sept 27, 2006 19:27:59 GMT -5
SEVENTEEN
Everyone immediately ran for the stairs. Everyone but Paige. Her orbing would get her upstairs faster than the others. She immediately orbed out. When the women got upstairs, Michelle was standing outside the bathroom.
“A…. a man just appeared,” gasped Michelle. “He grabbed Carrie.”
Paige came walking out of the bathroom.
“She’s gone,” Paige said solemnly. “There’s no sign of either Carrie or the man. It’s like they just vanished from the face of the Earth.”
“I couldn’t do anything,” sobbed Michelle. “Carrie and I were in the bathroom talking. He just appeared. When he grabbed Carrie, I just screamed.”
“It’s okay,” said Gwen. “There was nothing you could do. Don’t blame yourself.”
“I don’t understand how he got away,” said Paige. “When I got there, Michelle was just coming out of the bathroom. There was no place for them to go. And the window was still locked from the inside.”
“This is clearly no regular witch hunter,” said Grams. “From what Michelle says, it almost sounds like a warlock. His blinking ability would allow him to get in and out even in a locked room.”
“Enough debating,” said Clarice. “That witch hunter has my daughter. We have to find her. Now!”
“Leo,” called Piper into the air. “Leo, we need you.”
Leo suddenly orbed in.
“What is it?” he asked.
“The witch hunter took my daughter,” said Clarice.
“Right out of the manor?” questioned Leo.
“Yes,” said Piper. “Apparently time travel isn’t his only power. Can you locate Carrie?”
“Maybe,” Leo said. “Technically she isn’t one of my charges but I should be able to find her. It will take a few minutes, though.”
“Get started,” Piper said.
“I don’t understand,” Phoebe said. “As I remember, Carrie was the last victim. He should have taken Michelle next.”
“No,” said Piper. “Carrie was the last victim found. Michelle’s body was found first. But I do remember the coroner found that Carrie was actually killed earlier than Michelle.”
“Oh no,” cried Clarice.
“Clarice, don’t panic,” said Karen. “From what I know of the ritual the witch hunter is using, it takes a while. At least a couple of hours. If Leo can find Carrie right away, there’s still a very good chance to get to her in time.”
“If we can get there fast enough,” Clarice said.
“Oh, that’s not a problem,” Paige said. “Orbing only takes a few seconds. As soon as Leo locates Carrie, we’ll orb everyone there together. I doubt any witch hunter can stand up to so many witches at one time.”
“Interesting though,” Grams said. “That a witch hunter should use so much magic to hunt down witches. As Amanda said, it’s one of the reasons they hunt us. I just find it odd that a witch hunter would use so much magic.”
“Maybe it’s a warlock,” suggested Paige. “In a way, a warlock is also a witch hunter.”
“That’s unlikely,” said Grams. “Witch hunters don’t distinguish between witches and warlocks. And the Holy Order of Purity certainly wouldn’t let a warlock in their midst. That’s why this is so confusing. They consider any use of magic to be evil.”
“Could they be using a warlock to help them track witches?” asked Meg.
“It would violate their code,” said Grams. “The order only goes after witches and warlocks. Despite being terribly misguided, they do have a sort of honor. It’s kind of like a policeman breaking the law to catch criminals. Most wouldn’t think of it. It invalidates everything they stand for.”
“Could it be someone pretending to be one of these witch hunters?” Amanda asked. “Maybe a warlock using their rituals and symbols to throw suspicion off him and onto them?”
“I guess it’s possible,” Karen said.
“Yeah, but their order is so obscure,” said Paige. “Even the police haven’t identified that symbol yet.”
“As I remember,” said Phoebe, “they never did.”
“I’ve never heard of a warlock going to such extremes,” said Grams. “By that reasoning, this is a warlock hunting witches to steal their powers. Most warlocks don’t concern themselves with getting caught. They usually just destroy the bodies so there’s nothing to link them to the killings.”
“I’ve got her,” Leo announced. “She’s in an old factory just outside of town. She appears to be okay, at least for the moment.”
“Then let’s get going,” Grams said. “I know one witch hunter who has a lot to answer for.”
All of the women linked arms and then Leo and Paige orbed them all to the factory.
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noazmale
Witch
[glow=red,3,300]Sept. FanFic Winner [/glow]
Posts: 1,067
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Post by noazmale on Sept 28, 2006 8:51:00 GMT -5
EIGHTEEN
The factory looked as if no one had been in it in many years. Most of the machinery had been removed and everything was covered by dust. Everything except for a large bay-like area in the center of the first floor.
In the center of the bay area were two large tables. On one table lay a number of what appeared to be surgical-type instruments. A long athame lay to one side. On the other table lay Carrie, bound and gagged. Several freestanding lights circled the two tables illuminating the entire area. Standing at the table of implements with its’ back to the group was a robed, hooded figure.
“Don’t worry, my dear,” said a female voice, “this won’t take too long.”
“I know that voice,” Phoebe said.
The figure spun around and threw back the hood on the cloak. It was Mrs. Logan, the vice principal at Piper and Phoebe’s school. Around her neck hung a necklace with the symbol for the Holy Order of Purity. The woman snatched up the athame and moved over to Carrie, holding the knife to the girls’ throat.
“Don’t come any closer or I’ll cut her throat,” said Logan.
“Well, this certainly answers a lot of questions,” Grams said. “Like how you knew the girls’ birth dates. You’d have access to all the information you needed on all the girls.”
“So many witches, so little time,” Logan said. “I hadn’t realized there were so many of you at the school. Looks like I have a lot more work to do.”
“You don’t think we’re going to let you continue, do you?” Clarice asked. “Let my daughter go. She’s only a child.”
“She’s a witch,” Logan spat out. “An abomination. She deserves to die, just as all witches do. The Holy Father commissioned my ancestors with this holy quest.”
“There’s just one of you,” Grams said. “There are six of us. You honestly think you can stand up to the power of six witches?”
“As long as I have this, yes,” Logan said, pulling an amulet out from around her neck.
“Piper, look,” Phoebe said. “That’s one of the same amulets the witch hunter we fought had. It protects the wearer from a witches powers.”
“That’s right,” Logan said. “With this, you’re powerless against me. And if you try to rush me, the girl will be the first to die.”
“She’s only a child,” Grams said. “It must make you feel awfully big to murder innocent children.”
“She’s far from innocent,” Logan responded. “She’s one of the Charmed Ones. When I’m finished, I will be hailed as the greatest Knight of Purity in history. The knight who destroyed the infamous Charmed Ones.”
“Not going to happen,” Piper said.
“Miss Halliwell, why are you hanging around with witches?” Logan asked. “Have they corrupted you, too?”
“I wouldn’t say I was corrupted,” Piper said. “Carrie isn’t one of the Charmed Ones. I am.”
“Me, too,” Phoebe added.
“Me, three,” chimed in Paige. “You have the wrong girl, Logan. She’s not a Charmed One. We are.”
“That’s impossible,” Logan said. “You’ve never shown any magical powers. No indication of being a witch.”
“Catch us in about fifteen years,” Phoebe said.
“It really makes no difference,” Logan said. “This one is still a witch. She must die. And now that I know who you are, I’ll deal with you in good time. Leave here now and you get to live a little longer.”
“Not without my daughter,” Clarice said anxiously.
“There’s nothing you can do about it,” Logan spat out. “You can either leave now and I’ll make it quick for her. Or you can stay and watch her die. It’s your choice.”
Grams glanced over at Leo. He nodded slightly. It would be tricky. Leo would have to orb over, grab Carrie, and orb away before Logan realized what was happening. But as long as Logan wore that amulet, none of their powers would work against her. This was their only chance.
Suddenly a shot rang out. At almost the same instant, a hole appeared in Logan’s forehead. She dropped the athame and fell to the floor dead. Surprised, everyone watched as Principal Michaels walked out of the shadows holding a still smoking pistol. He walked over to Logan’s body and yanked the amulet off her body. As he did, Grams noticed a ring bearing the Purity symbol on one of his fingers.
“She won’t be needing this any longer,” Michaels said, sticking the amulet into his pocket.
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noazmale
Witch
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Posts: 1,067
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Post by noazmale on Sept 28, 2006 20:23:48 GMT -5
NINETEEN
Michaels picked up the athame and handed it to Clarice.
“Take your daughter and leave,” he commanded.
“Wait a minute,” Grams said as Clarice cut Carrie free, “you’re a member of the Holy Order of Purity.”
“I have been my whole life,” responded Michaels.
“But you just killed one of your own people,” Piper said.
“I executed a traitor,” said Michaels. “Logan had gone rogue. She was murdering anyone she thought might be a witch. Without any proof. When I discovered how Glenda Johnson had died, and of our mark carved into her chest, I knew what was going on. And I knew Logan had to be stopped.”
“I don’t understand,” Karen said. “You belong to the Holy Order of Purity and yet you just saved a witch.”
“I rescued a child,” corrected Michaels. “We aren’t murderers. We hunt witches. Right now you young people have little choice but to follow the teachings of your parents. When you’re grown, hopefully you’ll see the folly in this and forsake this heresy.”
“It’s not heresy,” Grams said. “It’s who we are.”
‘That can change,” said Michaels. “We don’t like killing you, but the commission given us by His Eminence, the Holy Father, compels us to purify this evil. If you won’t voluntarily turn from your wickedness, we have no choice but to rid it ourselves.”
“A commission how many centuries old?” Karen asked. “Given by a man who later disbanded your group.”
“He did not revoke the commission,” responded Michaels. “As long as it is in force, we are compelled by honor to fulfill its’ dictates. That is who we are.”
“So, are we going to have to worry about you at school now?” Piper asked.
“A witch with her powers bound is no witch,” said Michaels. “Oh, yes, we know about that. But I must admit we didn’t know exactly who you were. Only that your powers had been bound as children. As long as they remain that way, you aren’t really a witch. You’re just another one of my students.”
“How touching,” said a voice above them. “A witch hunter with a sense of morality. I think I’m going to be ill.”
They all looked up to see a man standing on one of the catwalks suspended from the ceiling.
“Another witch,” Michaels spat out.
“Actually,” said the man, “I’m a warlock. There is a difference.”
“Only in your twisted mind, witch,” returned Michaels.
“I’m really not interested in your opinion,” said the warlock. “I had a nice little set up going here. Then you went and messed it all up.”
“Set up?” questioned Phoebe. “What are you talking about?”
“Logan, of course,” said the warlock. “Give her just the barest bit of information, a little nudge in the right direction, and she was more than eager to do all the work. All I had to do was sit back and draw in the power when the witches died.”
“Impossible,” said Michaels. “Not even Logan would have worked with a witch.”
“Warlock,” corrected the warlock annoyed. “And she didn’t. At least, she didn’t think she was. She just thought I was another witch hunter. Someone new to the game that wanted to learn from one of the best. You should have seen how easy it was. ‘I think she’s one’. A little statement like that and that’s all I needed to do. You witch hunters are so easily provoked by flattery.”
“So this was all just to steal witches powers?” Meg asked.
“Of course,” said the warlock. “All part of my grand scheme. A plan that will net me my primary objective. And the greatest prize for one of my kind.”
“Just what would that be?” Piper asked, already knowing the answer to that question.
“Why, you, of course,” said the Warlock, looking at Piper, Phoebe, and Paige. “The Charmed Ones. You’re the brass ring. The ultimate trophy. When I’m finished, not even you will be able to resist me.”
The warlock just smiled at the group as they looked at him in astonishment.
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Post by Fourever Charmed on Sept 28, 2006 20:47:50 GMT -5
Awesome twists! I hadn't expected Logan, and certainly not Michaels. Although I have to admit, I was a little surprised when he didn't try to go after Penny or the other adult witches. And then you threw in the warlock, and things started to make more sense. Now I'm crossing my fingers for another update. I love this story!
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noazmale
Witch
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Posts: 1,067
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Post by noazmale on Sept 28, 2006 22:56:13 GMT -5
Just wanted to jump in here and thank everyone who's been reading and reviewing trhe story. And just to let you know, Fourever Charmed, about discretion being the better part of valor. Michaels didn't go after the witches for the simple fact that the odds weren't in his favor. In addition, he was there to stop Logan, not hunt down some witches. Anyway I hope you like the rest of the story and I'll be posting the next chapter in the morning (as usual).
Jerry
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noazmale
Witch
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Posts: 1,067
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Post by noazmale on Sept 29, 2006 9:42:57 GMT -5
TWENTY
“This is all about us?” questioned Phoebe. “You came back in time and murdered these innocent witches to get at us?”
“Well, of course,” the warlock said, annoyance in his voice. “You don’t think I’d go to all this trouble for just any ordinary witches, do you? I must admit, though, I was surprised when I discovered you had followed me back. I hadn’t figured on you doing that.”
“That doesn’t make any sense,” Piper said. “How does murdering people we don’t even know get you to us? Why not just come after us? With our powers bound, we wouldn’t have stood a chance against you.”
“That’s just it, you see,” the warlock said. “Your powers are bound.”
“Of course,” Grams said. “If he steals your powers while they are bound, he gets the binding as well. They would be useless to him.”
“Exactly,” the warlock said. “And it’s obvious that if I went up against you in the future, I’d end up like so many of my contemporaries. Vanquished city. I’d rather avoid that if you don’t mind.”
“So you come back in time,” Gwen said. “You steal the powers of inexperienced witches. Then, when you have the power you need, you can face the Charmed Ones.”
“It seems I’ve been found out,” said the warlock smiling. “But all is not lost. I have all of history to choose from. I can go to any time period I want to get the power I need. And even if you should follow me again, you won’t be able to stop me.”
“Then I guess we’ll have to stop you here,” Grams said.
She raised her hand, using her telekinetic power in an attempt to push the warlock from the catwalk. The warlock raised his hand. The palm glowed slightly and then returned to normal.
“It won’t be that easy,” the warlock said.
“Deflection,” gasped Amanda. “That was Traci’s power.”
“And a handy little power it is, too,” the warlock said. “It will make it a lot easier to get closer to the other witches. That’s it, witch. Pray to your precious goddess. She can’t help you now.”
Everyone looked over at Karen. She had her head bowed and her eyes were closed. Suddenly, Karen appeared behind the warlock on the catwalk. The warlock spun to face her.
“You should have done your homework,” Karen said. Karen swung out with a good, old-fashioned right cross, hitting the warlock as hard as she could. “Murder my daughter, you son-of-a-bitch.”
The blow sent the warlock reeling backward. He fell over the waist high railing of the catwalk and plummeted more than thirty feet to the concrete floor below. He struck the floor with a very audible “crunching” sound. He didn’t move. Leo moved over and checked the body as Karen returned to her own body.
“He’s dead,” Leo announced. “His neck is broken. Not to mention a few dozen other bones.”
“One less witch to worry about,” Michaels said.
He turned back to the group.
“Take your daughters home,” he said.
“We’ll be ready for you if you come after us,” Meg said.
“As I said,” Michaels responded, “we aren’t murderers. We don’t go after children. The Charmed Ones have nothing to worry about from us as long as their powers remain bound. As for the others, we’ll just hope that when it comes time, you’ll see the foolishness in this and turn from it. Until then, you’re just students in my school. Don’t give me cause to change this opinion.”
Without another word, Michaels turned and walked back into the darkness of the factory.
“Astral projection was one of Prue’s powers,” Piper said to Karen.
“Like I told the warlock,” Karen said, “he should have done his homework. He was so intent on what powers he was going to get from the girls, he didn’t check to see what our powers were. Which meant he wasn’t prepared for us.”
“I suggest we get out of here while we still can,” Leo suggested.
“What about them?” Paige asked, looking at the two bodies on the floor.
“They aren’t our concern,” Grams said. “Leo’s right. We need to get as far from this place as we can.”
The small group linked arms once again. Then, Leo and Paige orbed the small group out of the factory.
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noazmale
Witch
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Posts: 1,067
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Post by noazmale on Sept 29, 2006 13:51:20 GMT -5
TWENTY-ONE
Piper, Phoebe, and Paige sat looking at each other. They were sitting in the attic of the manor and Piper had an open yearbook on her lap. They all noticed they were once again their adult selves.
“What happened?” Paige asked. “The last thing I remember was orbing us out of the factory.”
“The enchantment must have run its’ course,” Piper said. “When it did, we were returned to the future. Or more correctly, our present.”
“That’s what Grams thought, too,” Leo said, standing at the door to the attic. “Welcome back.”
“You knew this was going to happen?” Phoebe asked.
“I was there, too, remember?” asked Leo.
“That’s why you left this morning,” Piper said. “You knew this was the day we went back.”
“Yes,” Leo said. “I decided to get out of the way so I wouldn’t change anything. As you saw, it was very important that you opened that book today. By the way, you have some visitors.”
Leo stepped to one side and two women stepped into the attic. Although now older, the sisters had to no trouble recognizing them.
“Michelle, Carrie,” Piper said. “What are you doing here?”
“Leo told us what was going on,” Michelle said. “We thought the two of us should be the first ones to meet with you. The others are waiting downstairs.”
“Others?” questioned Paige. “What others?”
“Our moms,” Michelle said. “And Karen, Amanda, and Meg, too. We never got the chance to thank you for what you did for us. You came back here as soon as we orbed out of the factory.”
“We really didn’t do that much,” Phoebe said. “We didn’t have any powers, remember?”
“Well, if it wasn’t for you,” Carrie said, “we wouldn’t have known what was going on. I know Michelle and I in particular are very happy you did.”
“You know,” Piper said, “I don’t remember that ever happening. I do remember that Mrs. Logan suddenly retired and moved away. But I remember that period totally different.”
“So do I,” Phoebe said. “And we never did discover who cast that enchantment in the first place.”
“I might be able to help there,” Leo said. “Let’s go downstairs. There are a few things I’ve been waiting for this day to tell all of you.”
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noazmale
Witch
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Posts: 1,067
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Post by noazmale on Sept 29, 2006 21:23:56 GMT -5
EPILOGUE Penny Halliwell stood in the attic of the manor looking through a book. Piper had only brought it home the day before. In the months since defeating the warlock hunter, Penny had waited for the day Piper would bring this particular book home from school. “Leo,” she called into the air. After a moment, Leo orbed in. “Hello, Penny,” said Leo. “You’re looking good.” “It’s been quiet lately,” responded Penny. “How are Piper and Phoebe?” Leo asked. “I imagine they must have a lot of questions about the few days missing from their memories.” “No, no questions,” Penny said. “A small spell gave them some general memories of those days. Nothing elaborate. Pretty soon those memories will integrate themselves with their real memories. They won’t have any questions because they won’t have any lost days.” “That’s probably best,” Leo said. “I assume you called me for something besides to tell me that.” “Yes,” said Penny, handing the book to Leo. “This is the yearbook Piper said was enchanted. I’ve been thinking about it a lot. Obviously someone friendly put the enchantment on it.” “So you plan to do it?” Leo asked. “No, I can’t,” Penny said. “Once I pass, any spells or enchantments I’ve cast will be negated. So it would be a waste of time for me to do it.” She handed a piece of paper to Leo. “Here’s all the information Piper, Phoebe, and Paige told me about,” Penny said. “All the circumstances present that caused the vortex to open.” “You know I can’t do it,” Leo said. “I’m just a White Lighter. I don’t know of anyone powerful enough to do it.” “The Elders can,” Penny said. “I’m not sure they will,” Leo said. “Of course they will,” Penny responded. “It happened. That means they did it. Please, just ask them.” “Well, it can’t hurt to ask,” Leo said. “I’ll bring it back as soon as they’re done with it.” Leo orbed out and Grams just smiled. Then she turned and headed downstairs. She may not be able to say anything to the girls. But she could look in on Paige covertly from time to time. After all, it was her responsibility to watch over and protect her granddaughters. All of them. The End If you’ve enjoyed this story, you can find more “Charmed” stories at my website, www.geocities.com/killeenmale/ . You can also post your own “Charmed” stories if you like to write fan fiction.
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