CHARMED
"DEBT OF HONOR"
by J. B. Tilton with Tracie Joy
Rating: PG (for mild language)
Disclaimer: "Charmed" and all related characters and events are the property of the WB
television network, except for those characters specifically created for this story. This is
a work of fan fiction and no infringement of copyright is intended.
* * *
(Authors' note: This story takes place immediately after the episode "Saving Private
Leo". You might call it "Saving Private Leo Part 2". For some background on this story,
you can read my stories "Limitations" and "Jonas". They explain in greater detail the
characters Kiethran and Jonas mentioned in this story.)
* * *
After the reunion of the survivors from Guadalcanal, Leo decides he must embark on
a mission to clear a dead soldiers' name. A mission that could cost him his life and the
life of Darryl. And end the Charmed Ones forever.
* * *
PART 1 - UNPAID DEBT
Leo and Piper return home after the reunion of the Guadalcanal survivors. Jonas,
the inept White Lighter, orbs in with his charge. His charge turns out to be the
descendent of a soldier who was disgraced and branded a coward at Guadalcanal.
Learning that the soldier was unjustly accused, and as the only one who can clear the
mans' name, Leo feels honor bound to help him. Even if it means the cost is his own
life.
* * *
ONE
Leo and Piper came into the manor arm in arm. Both were smiling and Leo
appeared to be in a better mood than he had been for the past couple of days. Paige
was in the living room reading a book when they came through the front door.
"Well," said Paige, looking at her watch, "it's past ten thirty. I expected you guys a
lot sooner."
"Well," said Leo, "I have to admit that Piper was right. That reunion was just what I
needed. To see so many old friends I haven't seen in over sixty years was great. And
you should have heard the things they had to say about me. Every one of them
couldn't praise me enough. Makes me realize that I did make a difference before I was
killed."
"I told you so," said Piper, giving him a hug. "Of course, they all thought that he was
THAT Leos' grandson, but they still praised him. He saved a lot of lives that day. He's
my hero."
""Good," said Paige. "You see, Leo. Whatever mistakes you might have made back
then are insignificant compared to the good you did."
"You're right," said Leo. "I still feel guilty about leaving my friends die like I did. But
I'm beginning to understand it wasn't my fault. There were soldiers in need of a medic
and I was the only one available."
"Recognizing the problem is half the solution," said Paige. "Now, all you have to do
is come to accept what happened was something you had no control over."
"I know," said Leo. "In fact, there were several soldiers I was able to help before I
got to the ones I had gone to help. Some of them were there, too. Some who would
probably have died if I hadn't been there."
"Where's Phoebe and Cole?" asked Piper.
"Phoebe called and said something about her and Cole spending the night away
from the manor," said Paige. "I think they just want to get away for a while."
"Well," said Piper, "they never did have a real honeymoon. I guess we can't blame
them for wanting to get away for a while."
"You guys must be bushed," said Paige.
"Actually," said Piper, "I'm not even tired."
"Neither am I," said Leo. "Amazing how spending a few hours with people praising
you can seem to rejuvenate you."
"Well," said Paige, "what say we make some hot chocolate? I need to take a break
from this book anyway."
"Great," said Piper. "I'll go heat up some milk."
"I think we still have some of those graham crackers left," said Leo. "I've always
been partial to graham crackers and hot chocolate."
The three of them went into the kitchen to make their snack. Both Leo and Piper
were feeling very proud about the praise Leo had received from his combat buddies. It
had amazed Leo how much his friends had remembered after more than sixty years.
Just as Leo was relating to Paige yet another of the stories he and Piper had heard at
the reunion, a bluish colored orb began to appear in the hallway between the entryway
and the kitchen. When it completed, Jonas and a woman stood in the hallway.
"The hallway," said Jonas to the woman. "I missed the living room by more than
twenty feet."
"Yes," said the woman, "but at least we didn't appear on a table or inside a closet
this time. You're getting better."
"Jonas," squealed Paige, rushing in to give the White Lighter a hug. "It's good to
see you again. I've thought about you a great deal since you were here."
"Paige," said Jonas, hugging her back. "I've thought a lot about you, too. This is my
charge, Adriene Murphy. Adriene, this is Paige Matthews, one of the Charmed Ones."
The woman was about fifty years old. She had long black hair with some light
streaks of gray that was braided down her back. She was wearing a flowing gown with
a flower pattern around the hem and the sleeves. From her neck hung a necklace with
a star hanging below a crescent moon; an obvious coven symbol.
"A pleasure," said the woman, shaking Paiges' hand. "Of course, I've heard of the
Charmed Ones. It's an honor to finally meet you."
"This is Piper, my sister," said Paige, introducing Adriene, "and her husband, Leo
Wyatt."
"You're their White Lighter," said the woman, matter-of-factly. "Jonas has told me
about you."
"Nice to meet you," said Leo.
"So, Jonas," said Piper, "orb onto any tables lately?"
The smile on her face showed that she was joking. Jonas just chuckled as Piper
hugged him close.
"Not for some time," said Jonas, smiling. "Adriene is a great teacher. I still don't orb
completely right, yet. But with her help, I'm getting better."
"Good," said Piper. "I know you can be a good White Lighter. And I really am sorry
about the way I treated you when you were here before."
"He understands that," said Adriene. "He told me all about his visit here. And how
you helped him."
"Well, he did save Leos' life," said Piper. "And for that, we will be eternally grateful."
"So," said Paige, "what brings you here this time of night?"
Jonas and Adriene just looked at each other. Jonas reached into his inside suit coat
pocket and removed a newspaper. He opened it up and laid it on the table. The
heading read "Los Angeles Chronicle". It was dated about a week earlier.
"This," said Jonas.
He opened the paper to a large insert that read "Survivors Of Guadalcanal To Meet
In San Francisco". There was a rather lengthy article on the gathering and a list of
names next to the article.
TWO
"I don't understand," said Piper. "Leo and I just came back from that gathering. Leo
was there, you know. At Guadalcanal. He was a hero."
"That's what I was hoping," said Adriene. "When I read the article, I didn't give it
much thought. Except for this name."
She pointed to the name "Leo Wyatt" on the list of names. Next to the name was
the notation "recipient of the Medal of Honor".
"My grandfather was at Guadalcanal," said Adriene. "So was an uncle on my
fathers' side of the family. My grandfather and my uncle both made it back to the
United States. My grandfather said that this Leo Wyatt saved his life. He was wounded
and bleeding to death when this Wyatt suddenly appeared out of nowhere and treated
him. Then he moved on to help some more soldiers. My uncle protected them while
Wyatt treated some wounded soldiers."
"I remember that," said Leo. "That was me at Guadalcanal. It's where I was killed."
"I was hoping you were the same Leo Wyatt," said Adriene. "I had given up on ever
finding out what happened that day, since most of the men involved were killed, either
there or later in the war. When Jonas mentioned you were the Charmed Ones White
Lighter, I began to wonder if you might be the same man who was there."
"I was," said Leo. "Things were pretty hectic that day, as I'm sure you can imagine.
I was on my way to help some soldiers who were pinned down when I came across a
small group of men pinned down. Just like a lot of the men were.
"Some of the men were wounded and I stopped to help. A private Murphy laid down
suppression fire against some advancing Germans while I treated the men. He saved
my life that day. And nearly got himself killed in the process. When I was finished, I
moved on to help other wounded soldiers."
"That's what I understand," said Adriene. "My grandfather and uncle used to tell me
stories about Guadalcanal. They always mentioned you when they did. They were
very grateful for what you did for them."
"I was just doing my job," said Leo. "Besides, they did quite a bit themselves.
Especially your uncle. There were some Germans trying to flank our position and his
company commander ordered him to go back and get some reinforcements. Their
radio had been destroyed and they had no way to get a message about the flanking
movement back to their command."
"That's not what the official record says," said Jonas. "It's why we've come here
tonight. Leo, according to the official report, Adrienes' uncle was found a considerable
distance behind his own lines. Several hundred yards from the postion where his unit
was supposed to be. The conclusion by a board of inquiry was that he had panicked
during the battle and had run. He was court martialed and convicted of cowardice in
the face of the enemy. And sentenced to fifty years in Leavenworth."
"That's crazy," said Leo. "Before I was killed I did learn that he had never made it
back to headquarters. He had encountered several Germans who had made it beyond
our lines and was able to kill them before they could do any serious damage. If not for
him, there's no telling what those Germans might have done. Not to mention he saved
my life and the lives of his unit. He was a hero."
"As Jonas said," said Adriene, "that's not the official story. I used to visit my uncle in
prison. He told the court the same story you just told us. But they didn't believe him.
They thought he was lying to cover up for the fact that he ran under fire.
"I never believed that, of course. Maybe because he was my uncle, or maybe
because he was always so persuasive, I don't know. But I never believed he was a
coward. His entire unit was wiped out and there was no one to corroborate his story
about being sent back to get reinforcements."
"That's exactly what happened," said Leo. "While I was treating one of the other
men I overheard his C.O. tell him to go back and tell headquarters about the Germans
flanking their position. Private Murphy left immediately to complete those orders.
Unfortunately, I was killed shortly after that. There was nothing I could do to help, even
if I had known about it."
"I know there's nothing you can do about it now," said Adriene. "No one's going to
believe you're the same Leo Wyatt who was at Guadalcanal. And, of course, it's out of
the question of trying to convince them that you're a White Lighter. As I said, I've
always believed my uncle. But it's nice to know his story can be corroborated. It's the
reason I asked Jonas to bring me here."
"Maybe I could go visit him," said Leo. "Tell him that there are others who believe
him. I'm sure it would be comforting to him to know that there are people who believe
him. I could tell him that I'm my grandson and one of my grandfathers' buddies told me
about it."
"I'm afraid that's not possible," said Adriene. "My uncle died in prison in 1971. It
was a very peaceful death and he didn't suffer. I'm afraid there's nothing we can do to
clear his name, but at least I can know for sure that he wasn't imagining things. Thank
you for that."
"I wish there was more I could do," said Leo. "He doesn't deserve to be
remembered that way. He was a hero. He risked his life to help a lot of soldiers that
day. He deserves to be honored as the hero he was."
"I know," said Adriene. "I appreciate the offer. But as I said, there's nothing we can
do about it. It's just nice to know he was a hero and not a coward like they said he
was."
"We really should be going," said Jonas. "We've taken up enough of their time."
"Nonsense," said Paige. "You're always welcome here, you know that. And next
time, don't stay away so long."
"I promise," said Jonas. "But we really have to be going. Adriene has a long day
tomorrow and she's not as young as she used to be."
"Speak for yourself," said Adriene. "I'm only fifty one. Hardly ready for a rocking
chair and a shawl."
"Well," said Piper, "what Paige said goes for me and Phoebe, too. You're welcome
here, any time."
"Where is Phoebe?" asked Jonas. "I expected her to be here."
"She and Cole got married," said Piper. "They're kind of on their honeymoon right
now."
"Give her my congratulations," said Jonas. "And tell her I'm sorry I missed her."
"You can always come back and visit again, you know?" said Paige, kissing Jonas
on the cheek.
"I know," said Jonas. "But for now, I think we'd better be getting back home."
Adriene took Jonas' arm and he orbed them away. When they were gone, Piper
began to clear the dishes off the table.
"I think these can wait until the morning," she said, putting the last of the dishes in
the sink. "I'm suddenly kind of tired. Think it's time I turned in. Honey, you coming?"
"Sure," said Leo. "Paige, good night. See you in the morning."
"Good night," said Paige.
Leo and Piper went upstairs to their room. Piper could tell that Leo had something
on his mind. It was probably the news that Private Murphy was considered a coward
and not a hero. Probably not the first time something like that had happened, she
decided. Still, it was over sixty years ago. There wasn't much they could do about it
now. She felt it best if she let Leo sort it out on his own for a while. When he was
ready to talk about it, he'd let her know.
They dressed for bed and Piper was soon sound asleep, snuggled in Leos' arms as
usual. He always made her feel safe and secure. Even after she fell asleep, Leo lay
awake late in the night thinking about his meeting with Jonas and Adriene.
THREE
Piper woke up and noticed it was still dark out. She looked over at the clock on the
nightstand and it read nearly four a.m.. She reached for Leo, but his side of the bed
was empty. She sat up and looked around the room and found him standing at the
window looking out onto the yard.
"Are you okay?" she asked, walking over and putting her arms around him. "You
don't usually suffer from insomnia."
"I don't usually get the type of news I got tonight," said Leo, hugging her close. "It's
really bothering me, Piper. Private Murphy was more of a hero than I was. He saved a
lot of lives that day at Guadalcanal. It's not right that he should have died in prison,
branded as a coward."
"I know, honey," said Piper, putting her head on his back. "Life is rarely fair, you
know that. If it was, you wouldn't have died there. But you said it yourself. There's
nothing you can do about it. It was over sixty years ago."
"I know," said Leo. "That's what I've been thinking about. I think there's a way I can
set things right."
"What?" asked Piper, moving around to look him in the eyes. "How are you going to
do that? Write a letter to the Department of the Army? You died at Guadalcanal,
remember? How can you set things right now? Without risking exposing yourself."
"By corroborating Murphys' story," said Leo. "Adriene said he was convicted
because he couldn't prove he had been ordered back to headquarters. If I can back up
his story, it's possible I can prevent the court martial."
"You're not making any sense," said Piper.
"I can go back to Quadalcanal in 1942," said Leo. "It would only take a few minutes.
Just long enough to tell headquarters the truth. Then, I can return here and, hopefully,
everything will be different."
"Wait a minute," said Piper. "You're talking about going back in time? To a war
zone? Just to deliver a message? Leo, that's insane. Besides, we don't have a spell
for time travel, you know that. We used it when we traveled to the future."
"I know," said Leo. "There's a way I can do it. Do you remember Kiethran
Tannish?"
"The druid who helped us against the Pentacle Demon?" asked Piper. "Yes, I
remember him. What does he have to do with this?"
"The druids," said Leo, "are tasked with protecting something called the Portal. It's a
gate between dimensions and other realities. I can use the Portal to travel back to
Guadalcanal in 1942. And I think Kiethran will help me with this."
"You ARE insane?" said Piper. "Leo, this isn't some stroll through the park on a
Sunday afternoon. You know better than anyone what it was like there. It's a war zone.
You could get killed again. Even if you're only there for a few minutes.
"How many men died there that day? How many hundreds or thousands of wives,
mothers, fathers, and children never had a chance to see their loved ones again? You
can't be seriously considering this."
"Yes, I am," said Leo deliberately. "I've been thinking about it all night. Piper, I owe
Murphy for what he did for me that day. And for what he did for I don't know how many
other soldiers as well. How many of them came home who might not have because of
what Murphy did?"
"It won't work," protested Piper. "Remember when you and Paige went back to
when her parents died? You told her that she couldn't change history. And when she
tried, they died anyway. No matter what you do, it won't change anything."
"Paige was trying to change a major, history altering event," said Leo. "And she did
change some things. She left a class when she didn't before. She convinced her
parents not to go out to dinner that night. Sure, they still died, but that's because they
were destined to die that day.
"I don't think Murphy was destined for what happened to him. I'm just going to
deliver a message. Everything considered, it's not what I would consider a major
change. Maybe what I do won't change anything. But I have to try."
"No, you don't," said Piper, hugging him close. "It's too dangerous. What's done is
done. I won't let you risk your life on some foolish debt you feel you owe."
Leo pushed Piper back and held her at arms length. He looked her in the eyes.
Tears were beginning to well up in her eyes and she was fighting to keep them back.
"Piper, I have to," he said deliberately. "I know there's an element of danger
involved. But it's my danger. If I don't try, I'm not sure I could live with myself. I have a
way to set things right. I have to try."
"I forbid it," said Piper, not completely successful at keeping the tears back. "This is
insane. You can't go off on some wild goose chase that could get you killed. We're
married, Leo. You can't go off making major decisions like this on your own."
"Normally, I'd agree with you," said Leo. "But these are special circumstances. This
is something I have to do. If this had to do with Prue, you'd be the first one to jump in,
no matter what the risks. You know that."
"That's not fair," said Piper, the tears beginning to flow freely now. "Prue was my
sister, not some anonymous soldier who died sixty some odd years ago. It's not fair
comparing Prue to this Private Murphy."
"Maybe not," said Leo, "but you know I'm right. Maybe it's not exactly the same
thing, but you know you'd be the first one to jump on the band wagon for Prue. Please,
try to understand. I owe a debt and I have to do whatever I can to pay that debt. You
might not understand it, but at least try to. I really need your support on this."
Piper hugged Leo close. He was right. If Prue had needed help, even though she
was gone, neither hell nor high water would stop Piper from helping. Even if it meant
taking what everyone else thought was ludicrous or insane measures.
"I'll try," said Piper. "But at least try to find some other way to help Murphy. I don't
want you going back to Guadalcanal unless there's no other option."
"I'll try," said Leo. "I think I'd better orb to Kiethrans' right away. The sooner I get
there, the sooner I can get this over."
Piper kissed him before he orbed out. After he orbed out of the bedroom, she stood
out the window at the yard beyond. She didn't know how long this would take or what
the outcome would be but she knew one thing. She wouldn't be able to sleep until this
nonsense was finished and Leo was once again safe back at the manor.
FOUR
Leo orbed into the backyard of a manor similar to the Halliwell manor. But this
manor wasn't in San Francisco, like the Halliwell manor. This manor was in Los
Angeles. Leo had never been here before, but he knew this was the place he had to
be.
He had no idea how he was going to get into the manor. It was four a.m. and the
occupant of the manor was Kiethran Tannish; a modern day druid. There were others
in the manor as well. But Kiethran was the one that Leo needed to see. Only Kiethran
could arrange for Leo to use the portal.
Leo walked around the house thinking about what to do next. He could wait for a
few hours until the sun was up and the inhabitants were about. But then he could orb
back to the manor to wait. Except that meant dealing with Piper again. He hated
having to put her through this, but he had no other choice.
Suddenly he looked at the corner of the manor. A large black and brown German
Shepherd was standing at the corner. The dog was watching Leo as if protecting the
house. Leo looked at the German Shepherd for a moment, then smiled and walked
over to the dog.
"Hello, Panthax," he said, squatting down to pet the dog. "It's good to see you
again. I know I should have visited sooner, but you know how it is with demons and
such. I've been kind of busy. I need to speak to Kiethran. Can you tell him I'm here,
please? I'll wait for him on the front porch."
The dog didn't make a sound, but turned and trotted to the back door of the house.
Leo walked around and stood on the front porch. While the animal looked like any
ordinary German Shepherd, Leo knew this was an illusion. She was, in fact, a sort of
familiar for Kiethran. Her intelligence was as great as any humans and she had the
ability to sense demons. A very handy talent for a druid who spent their lives, like
witches, fighting demons. Suddenly the front door opened and Kiethran stepped out.
"Leo," he said, shaking hands with Leo, "it's good to see you. But I'm guessing this
isn't a social call. Considering it's four a.m.."
"No, it's not," said Leo. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience of the hour. But this is very
important. I need your help."
"Well, let's not stand out here talking," said Kiethran. "Let's go into the living room
where we'll be more comfortable."
They went into the living room and sat down. Leo told Kiethran about the meeting of
the survivors of Guadalcanal. He also explained that this was where he died and had
earned the privilege of being a White Lighter. Then he told Kiethran of the visit by
Jonas and Adriene. And of what he considered a miscarriage of justice for Adrienes'
uncle.
"That's an interesting story," said Kiethran. "But I don't understand what this has to
do with me. I wasn't even born then. I understand how you would feel honor bound to
help, but what can I do?"
"I have a way to correct the miscarriage," said Leo. "But in order to do that, I need
to go back to Guadalcanal in 1942. And the only way I can do that, is with your help."
"The Portal," said Kiethran. "You want to use the Portal to go back in time."
"Yes," said Leo. "I know it's never been done before, but I also know it is possible.
It's my only chance to set things right."
"Normally," said Kiethran, "no one passes through the Portal. It's the reason for the
Portal Guardian. She keeps it closed so that the demons don't inundate the Earth and
overwhelm it."
"She?" questioned Leo. "I thought the Portal Guardian was male."
"Six years ago," said Kiethran, "when the new Guardian was chosen, it was a
woman. It's the first time a woman was ever chosen as the Guardian. That's when I
became a druid. I helped protect her until she could take her place as the Guardian."
"I see," said Leo. "Well, only a druid can contact the Guardian. I don't even know
where the Portal is, so I can't orb there. I need you to contact the Guardian and see if
you can get permission for me to use the Portal."
"That's going to be tricky," said Kiethran. "I haven't had contact with the Guardian
until she took her charge. I know how to contact her, but I don't know what type of
response I'll get. More than likely she'll refuse. Assuming she even answers my call."
"Even if she does," said Leo, "at least I'll have tried. I don't know what else to do."
"I understand," said Kiethran. "Well, it might take a little while. I suggest you return
to San Francisco and wait for me to come to you. I'll let you know what the Guardian
says as soon as I have an answer."
"Okay," said Leo. "I'll let the others know you're coming so you can teleport in
without fear of being attacked. You know how nervous they can be when people just
pop in unannounced."
"I can't say I blame them," said Kiethran. "Considering that most of the people who
pop in are actually demons bent on destroying them. I'll teleport onto the front porch
and use the front door. That should allay any fears they might have when I get there."
"Okay," said Leo. "Any idea how long it will be?"
"I can't say," said Kiethran. "As you've said, it's never been done before. I'm not
even sure anyone has ever tried before. I have no precedents by which to judge how
the Guardian will react. But I'm her daughters' foster parent. When she was human, I
promised her I'd look after her daughter until she was old enough to take care of
herself. I'm hoping that will help sway her decision."
"I hope so," said Leo. "I want to get this over with as quickly as possible. Piper is
beside herself, as I'm sure you can imagine. She actually forbade me from doing it."
"Can't say I blame her," said Kiethran. "I don't envy you your task. Are you sure
there's no other way to set things straight?"
"I don't know how," said Leo. "Murphy died in 1971 in prison. And you know as well
as I do how dangerous it would be to try to do anything about it now. After so many
years. The only way I can figure to correct this is to make sure it never happened."
"Okay," said Kiethran. "I'll contact the Guardian immediately. With any luck, I'll have
an answer for you in a few hours."
"Thanks, Kiethran," said Leo. "I wasn't sure you'd help me. I'm not sure anyone
really understands how I feel about this."
"I understand," said Kiethran. "When Mykaa first told me I was a druid, I thought he
was crazy. But in the short time I knew him, he became a very close friend. If I were in
your position and had to do something like this for him, I wouldn't hesitate. Of course,
I've never been in a war before. Not that kind, anyway. I'm sure the bond that men
form under those circumstances is even stronger than the one I had with Mykaa."
"Yes, it is," said Leo. "I'll orb back to the manor and wait for your answer."
"Okay," said Kiethran. "But don't get your hopes up. Like I said, I have no way to
gauge how the Guardian is going to react. All I can do is ask and try to persuade her to
let you."
"I know," said Leo. "I appreciate your help."
Leo orbed out of the manor and Kiethran went to his room to change. In the
thousands of years since the druids had existed, none had ever visited the Portal
Guardian. He was curious about how his fellow druids would react when they learned
what he was doing. That would have to wait for another time, however. Right now, he
had to see about helping Leo.
FIVE
"Have you completely lost your mind?" Paige practically screamed at the breakfast
table the next morning. "You're going back to World War II to deliver a message? Leo,
you died there. Or did that little fact simply escape your attention?"
"Paige," said Leo calmly, "I know you don't understand. But this is something that I .
. .."
"You're damn right I don't understand," said Paige. "What about not being able to
change the past? How many times did you tell me that when we went back to the day
my parents died? Leo, you can't do this. What happens if you get killed back there?
This is war we're talking about."
"I won't be there that long," said Leo. "I'll only be a few minutes. Long enough to
corroborate Murphys' story then I'll be back. It's not like I'll be on the front lines. I'll be
back at the headquarters encampment. All I have to do is make a report, then get out
of there."
"Yeah, as If it was that easy," said Paige. "What about the Elders? What do they
have to say about this brainless endeavor?"
"I haven't told them," said Leo, "and I don't plan to."
"Piper, you're his wife," said Paige. "Talk some sense into him."
"Believe me, I've tried," said Piper dejectedly. "He won't listen. Nothing I say will
dissuade him. At least he won't be completely helpless. He is a White Lighter. That
should afford him some protection."
"White Lighters can't heal themselves," said Paige. "Remember that little tidbit."
"No," said Piper, "but he can still orb. Which means he can get around a lot easier
than he did the first time."
"Paige," said Leo, "remember when I took you back to when your parents died?
Remember how adamant you were that you had to see for yourself? Nothing anyone
said would change your mind. And I know I can't change anything major. But I might
be able to at least keep Murphy from being branded a coward. Even if I can't, this is
something I have to do. Surely you can understand that."
"No, I don't," said Paige. "And neither does Piper, I'm sure. And even Phoebe
wouldn't understand if she was here. You're our White Lighter, Leo. You're supposed
to be helping us, not gallivanting around time trying to correct some misguided wrongs
you think might have taken place. What happens if we need your help while you're in
the past? What do we do then?"
"I won't be gone that long," said Leo. "Besides, it's not decided that I'm going yet.
My only chance to go back in time is through the Portal. And if the Guardian refuses to
let me, there isn't anything anyone can do about it. So we'll just have to wait until
Kiethran gets here until we know if I'm going back or not."
"This Kiethran is a druid, right?" asked Paige.
"Yes," said Piper. "Only, not the kind you're thinking of. The traditional idea of a
druid is nothing like the real thing. They're kind of like us. They're born with their
powers and they use them to fight evil and protect the innocent. Just like we do."
"Only druids don't age like normal humans," said Leo. "Mykaa, the druid that
Kiethran replaced, was over fourteen hundred years old when he died. And they don't
use spells or potions."
"Bummer," said Paige. "That must put them at a disadvantage."
"Well," said Piper, "they do have more powers than witches. Quite a few, from the
way he talked."
"Well," said Paige, "I hope this Portal Guardian or whatever she is has more sense
than you do, Leo. If she's smart, she'll tell you no."
"And if that happens," said Leo, "I won't mention it again. I'll have done everything I
could to rectify the situation. But I'm hoping she'll agree."
"How do you know this Murphy wasn't a coward?" asked Paige. "You said yourself
that you only met him the one time. It's possible that he did run from the Germans.
Maybe he was guilty of what they accused him of. Have you ever thought of that?"
"He was accused of deserting his unit," said Leo. "That's what he went to prison for.
But he didn't do that. All I'm trying to do is set the record straight about that. He saved
my life and I owe him that much."
"And you still died later that day," said Paige. "Are you looking to get killed again?"
"Please," said Leo, "remember when you had to go back and see your parents? To
find out why they had to die? Remember how you felt? No one could talk you out of it.
I only took you back because it was something you needed to do. I knew you would
never be completely at peace unless you learned the truth."
"I remember," said Paige.
"It's the same with me," said Leo. "I can never truly be at peace unless I at least try.
This is something I have to do. Like you had to go back and learn about your parents."
"I guess I can understand that," said Paige. "When you put it that way. I guess
there are just some things you have to do no matter how dangerous it might be. And
you seem to be bent on doing this so I guess we don't have any choice but to try to
understand it."
"He can be pretty obstinent when he sets his mind to something," said Piper. "I just
have to trust that he's doing the right thing."
"I'll try to understand," said Paige. "I'm not sure I will ever completely understand.
But at least I'll try."
"Thanks," said Leo. "That's all I ask."
As if this was a cue, the doorbell rang. Everyone looked at each other thinking the
same thing. Kiethran must have finally arrived with word from the Portal Guardian.
After a moment, Leo went to the front door and opened it.
It was Kiethran. But he was alone. Leo was disappointed, thinking that if the
Guardian had agreed, she'd be with him. He invited Kiethran in and they went to the
kitchen together. Leo introduced Kiethran to Paige.
"So, another Charmed One," said Kiethran. "I'm glad to see that the Power of Three
has been restored. It would have been a great loss." He turned to Piper. "I didn't get a
chance to express my condolences at Prues' passing. She was a remarkable woman.
I'm going to miss her."
"Thanks, Kiethran," said Piper. "It's been a while and I'm getting used to it, though I
don't think I'll ever be completely at peace with it."
"I understand," said Kiethran. "I still think about my wife and daughter and it's been
nearly ten years since they died. Still, life goes on. At least you'll have your memories
of her. No one can take those away from you."
"Thanks," said Piper.
The talk of Prues' death still disturbed her. But not as much as it once had. Like
most things, she had come to accept it. She didn't completely understand it, but she
knew that there must have been a reason for it.
"Well," said Kiethran, "I suppose your anxious to hear what the Guardian has
decided."
"Please tell me she said no," said Paige. "Then we can put this stupidity behind us
and get on with our lives."
"As you can see," said Leo, "Paige doesn't understand any more than Piper does."
"Yes, I see," said Kiethran. "Well, I'm afraid I'm going to have to disappoint Paige.
The Portal Guardian has agreed to allow you to use the Portal. She's going to come
here to open a passage to the past for you. But there are some conditions."
"I expected as much," said Leo. "What are they?"
"You can't even attempt to change anything other than delivering the message that
you want to deliver," said Kiethran. "And you will have only one hour to do so. Even
though she can get you to Guadalcanal in 1942, she can't guarantee you'll appear
where you want to. You could be quite a ways from the headquarters."
"No problem," said Paige. "He can just orb there. That shouldn't be too difficult. He
is a White Lighter, after all."
Kiethran got a perplexed look on his face. He looked at Paige, then at Piper, then at
Leo.
"You didn't tell them?" he finally asked Leo.
"Tell us what?" insisted Piper.
She was getting a very bad feeling about this.
"No," said Leo. "I didn't want to worry them any more than they already are. I
thought it was best if they didn't know."
"I see," said Kiethran. "I'm sorry, Leo. I just assumed they knew."
"Knew?" questioned Paige. "Knew what?"
"I won't be able to orb while I'm back there," said Leo.
"Why not?" asked Piper. "You're a White Lighter. Why wouldn't you be able to orb
simply because you've gone back in time?"
"Yeah," said Paige. "You were able to orb when we went back in time to view my
parents death. Why is this any different?"
"Piper," said Kiethran, "when Prue visited me in Los Angeles, she told me about
some of your encounters. Especially about one when you went back in time about
three hundred years. Do you remember that?"
"Yes," said Piper, suspiciously. "We had to stop Belthazor from putting an end to
our line. Or we wouldn't even have existed."
"Do you remember what happened when you got there?" asked Kiethran.
"We didn't have our powers," said Piper. "But that was because we hadn't been
born yet. It was before our powers had manifested themselves."
"It will be the same with Leo," said Kiethran. "He won't have his White Lighter
powers while he's back there."
"Why not?" demanded Paige. "Leo was born in 1924. He's going back to 1942.
Why wouldn't he have his White Lighter powers?"
"Because he wasn't a White Lighter then," said Piper. "Which means, he won't be a
White Lighter when he goes back. He'll be just another human."
"That's right," said Kiethran.
"That does it," said Piper. "Leo, you lied to me. I can't believe it. Why didn't you tell
me?"
"I didn't lie," said Leo, "exactly. I just didn't tell you everything. Like I said, I didn't
want you worrying any more than you already are."
"You're not going," said Piper. "Going back as a White Lighter is one thing. But this
. . . this is totally different. You can't go back without any powers. You'll be
defenseless."
"Not totally," said Leo. "Remember, I've been through this before. I already know
what's going to happen. That will give me an edge."
"I don't care," said Piper. "You can't remember everything that happened. Prue,
Phoebe, and I nearly died when we went back in time. And we had a coven of witches
to help us. Not to mention the fact that we weren't in a war zone. No, you can't go
back."
"I agree with Piper," said Paige. "I thought this was nuts before, but now it's worse
than nuts. It's worse than insane. I'm not sure what to call it. It's like you want to get
yourself killed."
"It's not like that," pleaded Leo. "I'm still going. I have to. I don't have a choice."
"Yes, you do," said Piper. "You can choose not to go. And I won't let you go."
"You can't stop me," said Leo. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. But I knew how you'd
react. This is something I have to do. Please, just trust me on this."
"No," said Piper, "I won't. If you're not going to be a White Lighter when you get
back there, then going is out of the question."
"Piper is right," said Paige. "I know I said I would try to understand about this. But
you didn't give us all the information. When we went back to learn about my parents,
we weren't really in any danger. You could get killed on this. You can't go back. Not
under these conditions."
"I don't have a choice," said Leo. "This is a debt of honor that I HAVE to pay. No
matter what the cost to me personally."
"And to them?" asked Kiethran.
"What do you mean?" asked Piper.
"If Leo is killed back in 1942," said Kiethran, "he won't be able to return here. In fact,
it could have an effect on his becoming a White Lighter. Which means that everything
he's done since then will be undone."
"Do you have any idea how many times you've saved us?" Piper demanded of Leo.
"How many times one of us would have died if you hadn't been there to save us with
your healing power? If that's undone, we'll all die. There won't be any Charmed Ones.
You can't risk that, even if you are willing to risk your life."
"Nothing's going to go wrong," said Leo. "I go back, I deliver the message, then I
come back. That's all there is to it."
"No," said Piper. "There's too much at stake. You keep telling us that we have to
protect the Charmed Ones no matter what. You can't go off on this foolhardy mission
and risk everything we've done. You're not going and that's that."
"I am going," said Leo. "I know there's a risk. But I have to take that risk. The
arrangements have already been made. I can't back out now."
"He's right," said Kiethran. "The Portal Guardian told me that, since she's agreed to
let him go through the Portal, she has to gather her power to open it. She can't stop or
the power will destroy her. Leo will have to go back in time. There's no way to stop it
now."
"I won't accept that," said Piper, on the verge of tears. "I don't care about the Portal
or the Guardian or any of that. Leo can't go and that's that."
"He has no choice," said Kiethran. "The Portal and the Guardian are more important
than any single person; even more important than the Charmed Ones. Without the
Guardian, demons could use the Portal to physically enter the Earth. There would be
nothing to stop them."
"I don't care," said Piper. "This is just way too dangerous. Leo, if you do this, I won't
be here if you get back."
"You don't mean that," said Leo.
"Yes, I do," said Piper. "It might be different if this had something substantial to be
gained from it. But to do it just because you feel guilty of what happened? That's
stepping over the line. If you do this, we're finished. I mean it."
To be continued . . .
Don't miss Part 2: Past Revisited. Despite Pipers' threat, Leo uses the Portal to go
back to Quadalcanal in 1942. Only Darryl is caught in the Portal and transported with
him. Can Leo keep Darryl alive and still complete his mission or are they both destined
to die in the past?
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.
"DEBT OF HONOR"
by J. B. Tilton with Tracie Joy
Rating: PG (for mild language)
Disclaimer: "Charmed" and all related characters and events are the property of the WB
television network, except for those characters specifically created for this story. This is
a work of fan fiction and no infringement of copyright is intended.
* * *
(Authors' note: This story takes place immediately after the episode "Saving Private
Leo". You might call it "Saving Private Leo Part 2". For some background on this story,
you can read my stories "Limitations" and "Jonas". They explain in greater detail the
characters Kiethran and Jonas mentioned in this story.)
* * *
After the reunion of the survivors from Guadalcanal, Leo decides he must embark on
a mission to clear a dead soldiers' name. A mission that could cost him his life and the
life of Darryl. And end the Charmed Ones forever.
* * *
PART 1 - UNPAID DEBT
Leo and Piper return home after the reunion of the Guadalcanal survivors. Jonas,
the inept White Lighter, orbs in with his charge. His charge turns out to be the
descendent of a soldier who was disgraced and branded a coward at Guadalcanal.
Learning that the soldier was unjustly accused, and as the only one who can clear the
mans' name, Leo feels honor bound to help him. Even if it means the cost is his own
life.
* * *
ONE
Leo and Piper came into the manor arm in arm. Both were smiling and Leo
appeared to be in a better mood than he had been for the past couple of days. Paige
was in the living room reading a book when they came through the front door.
"Well," said Paige, looking at her watch, "it's past ten thirty. I expected you guys a
lot sooner."
"Well," said Leo, "I have to admit that Piper was right. That reunion was just what I
needed. To see so many old friends I haven't seen in over sixty years was great. And
you should have heard the things they had to say about me. Every one of them
couldn't praise me enough. Makes me realize that I did make a difference before I was
killed."
"I told you so," said Piper, giving him a hug. "Of course, they all thought that he was
THAT Leos' grandson, but they still praised him. He saved a lot of lives that day. He's
my hero."
""Good," said Paige. "You see, Leo. Whatever mistakes you might have made back
then are insignificant compared to the good you did."
"You're right," said Leo. "I still feel guilty about leaving my friends die like I did. But
I'm beginning to understand it wasn't my fault. There were soldiers in need of a medic
and I was the only one available."
"Recognizing the problem is half the solution," said Paige. "Now, all you have to do
is come to accept what happened was something you had no control over."
"I know," said Leo. "In fact, there were several soldiers I was able to help before I
got to the ones I had gone to help. Some of them were there, too. Some who would
probably have died if I hadn't been there."
"Where's Phoebe and Cole?" asked Piper.
"Phoebe called and said something about her and Cole spending the night away
from the manor," said Paige. "I think they just want to get away for a while."
"Well," said Piper, "they never did have a real honeymoon. I guess we can't blame
them for wanting to get away for a while."
"You guys must be bushed," said Paige.
"Actually," said Piper, "I'm not even tired."
"Neither am I," said Leo. "Amazing how spending a few hours with people praising
you can seem to rejuvenate you."
"Well," said Paige, "what say we make some hot chocolate? I need to take a break
from this book anyway."
"Great," said Piper. "I'll go heat up some milk."
"I think we still have some of those graham crackers left," said Leo. "I've always
been partial to graham crackers and hot chocolate."
The three of them went into the kitchen to make their snack. Both Leo and Piper
were feeling very proud about the praise Leo had received from his combat buddies. It
had amazed Leo how much his friends had remembered after more than sixty years.
Just as Leo was relating to Paige yet another of the stories he and Piper had heard at
the reunion, a bluish colored orb began to appear in the hallway between the entryway
and the kitchen. When it completed, Jonas and a woman stood in the hallway.
"The hallway," said Jonas to the woman. "I missed the living room by more than
twenty feet."
"Yes," said the woman, "but at least we didn't appear on a table or inside a closet
this time. You're getting better."
"Jonas," squealed Paige, rushing in to give the White Lighter a hug. "It's good to
see you again. I've thought about you a great deal since you were here."
"Paige," said Jonas, hugging her back. "I've thought a lot about you, too. This is my
charge, Adriene Murphy. Adriene, this is Paige Matthews, one of the Charmed Ones."
The woman was about fifty years old. She had long black hair with some light
streaks of gray that was braided down her back. She was wearing a flowing gown with
a flower pattern around the hem and the sleeves. From her neck hung a necklace with
a star hanging below a crescent moon; an obvious coven symbol.
"A pleasure," said the woman, shaking Paiges' hand. "Of course, I've heard of the
Charmed Ones. It's an honor to finally meet you."
"This is Piper, my sister," said Paige, introducing Adriene, "and her husband, Leo
Wyatt."
"You're their White Lighter," said the woman, matter-of-factly. "Jonas has told me
about you."
"Nice to meet you," said Leo.
"So, Jonas," said Piper, "orb onto any tables lately?"
The smile on her face showed that she was joking. Jonas just chuckled as Piper
hugged him close.
"Not for some time," said Jonas, smiling. "Adriene is a great teacher. I still don't orb
completely right, yet. But with her help, I'm getting better."
"Good," said Piper. "I know you can be a good White Lighter. And I really am sorry
about the way I treated you when you were here before."
"He understands that," said Adriene. "He told me all about his visit here. And how
you helped him."
"Well, he did save Leos' life," said Piper. "And for that, we will be eternally grateful."
"So," said Paige, "what brings you here this time of night?"
Jonas and Adriene just looked at each other. Jonas reached into his inside suit coat
pocket and removed a newspaper. He opened it up and laid it on the table. The
heading read "Los Angeles Chronicle". It was dated about a week earlier.
"This," said Jonas.
He opened the paper to a large insert that read "Survivors Of Guadalcanal To Meet
In San Francisco". There was a rather lengthy article on the gathering and a list of
names next to the article.
TWO
"I don't understand," said Piper. "Leo and I just came back from that gathering. Leo
was there, you know. At Guadalcanal. He was a hero."
"That's what I was hoping," said Adriene. "When I read the article, I didn't give it
much thought. Except for this name."
She pointed to the name "Leo Wyatt" on the list of names. Next to the name was
the notation "recipient of the Medal of Honor".
"My grandfather was at Guadalcanal," said Adriene. "So was an uncle on my
fathers' side of the family. My grandfather and my uncle both made it back to the
United States. My grandfather said that this Leo Wyatt saved his life. He was wounded
and bleeding to death when this Wyatt suddenly appeared out of nowhere and treated
him. Then he moved on to help some more soldiers. My uncle protected them while
Wyatt treated some wounded soldiers."
"I remember that," said Leo. "That was me at Guadalcanal. It's where I was killed."
"I was hoping you were the same Leo Wyatt," said Adriene. "I had given up on ever
finding out what happened that day, since most of the men involved were killed, either
there or later in the war. When Jonas mentioned you were the Charmed Ones White
Lighter, I began to wonder if you might be the same man who was there."
"I was," said Leo. "Things were pretty hectic that day, as I'm sure you can imagine.
I was on my way to help some soldiers who were pinned down when I came across a
small group of men pinned down. Just like a lot of the men were.
"Some of the men were wounded and I stopped to help. A private Murphy laid down
suppression fire against some advancing Germans while I treated the men. He saved
my life that day. And nearly got himself killed in the process. When I was finished, I
moved on to help other wounded soldiers."
"That's what I understand," said Adriene. "My grandfather and uncle used to tell me
stories about Guadalcanal. They always mentioned you when they did. They were
very grateful for what you did for them."
"I was just doing my job," said Leo. "Besides, they did quite a bit themselves.
Especially your uncle. There were some Germans trying to flank our position and his
company commander ordered him to go back and get some reinforcements. Their
radio had been destroyed and they had no way to get a message about the flanking
movement back to their command."
"That's not what the official record says," said Jonas. "It's why we've come here
tonight. Leo, according to the official report, Adrienes' uncle was found a considerable
distance behind his own lines. Several hundred yards from the postion where his unit
was supposed to be. The conclusion by a board of inquiry was that he had panicked
during the battle and had run. He was court martialed and convicted of cowardice in
the face of the enemy. And sentenced to fifty years in Leavenworth."
"That's crazy," said Leo. "Before I was killed I did learn that he had never made it
back to headquarters. He had encountered several Germans who had made it beyond
our lines and was able to kill them before they could do any serious damage. If not for
him, there's no telling what those Germans might have done. Not to mention he saved
my life and the lives of his unit. He was a hero."
"As Jonas said," said Adriene, "that's not the official story. I used to visit my uncle in
prison. He told the court the same story you just told us. But they didn't believe him.
They thought he was lying to cover up for the fact that he ran under fire.
"I never believed that, of course. Maybe because he was my uncle, or maybe
because he was always so persuasive, I don't know. But I never believed he was a
coward. His entire unit was wiped out and there was no one to corroborate his story
about being sent back to get reinforcements."
"That's exactly what happened," said Leo. "While I was treating one of the other
men I overheard his C.O. tell him to go back and tell headquarters about the Germans
flanking their position. Private Murphy left immediately to complete those orders.
Unfortunately, I was killed shortly after that. There was nothing I could do to help, even
if I had known about it."
"I know there's nothing you can do about it now," said Adriene. "No one's going to
believe you're the same Leo Wyatt who was at Guadalcanal. And, of course, it's out of
the question of trying to convince them that you're a White Lighter. As I said, I've
always believed my uncle. But it's nice to know his story can be corroborated. It's the
reason I asked Jonas to bring me here."
"Maybe I could go visit him," said Leo. "Tell him that there are others who believe
him. I'm sure it would be comforting to him to know that there are people who believe
him. I could tell him that I'm my grandson and one of my grandfathers' buddies told me
about it."
"I'm afraid that's not possible," said Adriene. "My uncle died in prison in 1971. It
was a very peaceful death and he didn't suffer. I'm afraid there's nothing we can do to
clear his name, but at least I can know for sure that he wasn't imagining things. Thank
you for that."
"I wish there was more I could do," said Leo. "He doesn't deserve to be
remembered that way. He was a hero. He risked his life to help a lot of soldiers that
day. He deserves to be honored as the hero he was."
"I know," said Adriene. "I appreciate the offer. But as I said, there's nothing we can
do about it. It's just nice to know he was a hero and not a coward like they said he
was."
"We really should be going," said Jonas. "We've taken up enough of their time."
"Nonsense," said Paige. "You're always welcome here, you know that. And next
time, don't stay away so long."
"I promise," said Jonas. "But we really have to be going. Adriene has a long day
tomorrow and she's not as young as she used to be."
"Speak for yourself," said Adriene. "I'm only fifty one. Hardly ready for a rocking
chair and a shawl."
"Well," said Piper, "what Paige said goes for me and Phoebe, too. You're welcome
here, any time."
"Where is Phoebe?" asked Jonas. "I expected her to be here."
"She and Cole got married," said Piper. "They're kind of on their honeymoon right
now."
"Give her my congratulations," said Jonas. "And tell her I'm sorry I missed her."
"You can always come back and visit again, you know?" said Paige, kissing Jonas
on the cheek.
"I know," said Jonas. "But for now, I think we'd better be getting back home."
Adriene took Jonas' arm and he orbed them away. When they were gone, Piper
began to clear the dishes off the table.
"I think these can wait until the morning," she said, putting the last of the dishes in
the sink. "I'm suddenly kind of tired. Think it's time I turned in. Honey, you coming?"
"Sure," said Leo. "Paige, good night. See you in the morning."
"Good night," said Paige.
Leo and Piper went upstairs to their room. Piper could tell that Leo had something
on his mind. It was probably the news that Private Murphy was considered a coward
and not a hero. Probably not the first time something like that had happened, she
decided. Still, it was over sixty years ago. There wasn't much they could do about it
now. She felt it best if she let Leo sort it out on his own for a while. When he was
ready to talk about it, he'd let her know.
They dressed for bed and Piper was soon sound asleep, snuggled in Leos' arms as
usual. He always made her feel safe and secure. Even after she fell asleep, Leo lay
awake late in the night thinking about his meeting with Jonas and Adriene.
THREE
Piper woke up and noticed it was still dark out. She looked over at the clock on the
nightstand and it read nearly four a.m.. She reached for Leo, but his side of the bed
was empty. She sat up and looked around the room and found him standing at the
window looking out onto the yard.
"Are you okay?" she asked, walking over and putting her arms around him. "You
don't usually suffer from insomnia."
"I don't usually get the type of news I got tonight," said Leo, hugging her close. "It's
really bothering me, Piper. Private Murphy was more of a hero than I was. He saved a
lot of lives that day at Guadalcanal. It's not right that he should have died in prison,
branded as a coward."
"I know, honey," said Piper, putting her head on his back. "Life is rarely fair, you
know that. If it was, you wouldn't have died there. But you said it yourself. There's
nothing you can do about it. It was over sixty years ago."
"I know," said Leo. "That's what I've been thinking about. I think there's a way I can
set things right."
"What?" asked Piper, moving around to look him in the eyes. "How are you going to
do that? Write a letter to the Department of the Army? You died at Guadalcanal,
remember? How can you set things right now? Without risking exposing yourself."
"By corroborating Murphys' story," said Leo. "Adriene said he was convicted
because he couldn't prove he had been ordered back to headquarters. If I can back up
his story, it's possible I can prevent the court martial."
"You're not making any sense," said Piper.
"I can go back to Quadalcanal in 1942," said Leo. "It would only take a few minutes.
Just long enough to tell headquarters the truth. Then, I can return here and, hopefully,
everything will be different."
"Wait a minute," said Piper. "You're talking about going back in time? To a war
zone? Just to deliver a message? Leo, that's insane. Besides, we don't have a spell
for time travel, you know that. We used it when we traveled to the future."
"I know," said Leo. "There's a way I can do it. Do you remember Kiethran
Tannish?"
"The druid who helped us against the Pentacle Demon?" asked Piper. "Yes, I
remember him. What does he have to do with this?"
"The druids," said Leo, "are tasked with protecting something called the Portal. It's a
gate between dimensions and other realities. I can use the Portal to travel back to
Guadalcanal in 1942. And I think Kiethran will help me with this."
"You ARE insane?" said Piper. "Leo, this isn't some stroll through the park on a
Sunday afternoon. You know better than anyone what it was like there. It's a war zone.
You could get killed again. Even if you're only there for a few minutes.
"How many men died there that day? How many hundreds or thousands of wives,
mothers, fathers, and children never had a chance to see their loved ones again? You
can't be seriously considering this."
"Yes, I am," said Leo deliberately. "I've been thinking about it all night. Piper, I owe
Murphy for what he did for me that day. And for what he did for I don't know how many
other soldiers as well. How many of them came home who might not have because of
what Murphy did?"
"It won't work," protested Piper. "Remember when you and Paige went back to
when her parents died? You told her that she couldn't change history. And when she
tried, they died anyway. No matter what you do, it won't change anything."
"Paige was trying to change a major, history altering event," said Leo. "And she did
change some things. She left a class when she didn't before. She convinced her
parents not to go out to dinner that night. Sure, they still died, but that's because they
were destined to die that day.
"I don't think Murphy was destined for what happened to him. I'm just going to
deliver a message. Everything considered, it's not what I would consider a major
change. Maybe what I do won't change anything. But I have to try."
"No, you don't," said Piper, hugging him close. "It's too dangerous. What's done is
done. I won't let you risk your life on some foolish debt you feel you owe."
Leo pushed Piper back and held her at arms length. He looked her in the eyes.
Tears were beginning to well up in her eyes and she was fighting to keep them back.
"Piper, I have to," he said deliberately. "I know there's an element of danger
involved. But it's my danger. If I don't try, I'm not sure I could live with myself. I have a
way to set things right. I have to try."
"I forbid it," said Piper, not completely successful at keeping the tears back. "This is
insane. You can't go off on some wild goose chase that could get you killed. We're
married, Leo. You can't go off making major decisions like this on your own."
"Normally, I'd agree with you," said Leo. "But these are special circumstances. This
is something I have to do. If this had to do with Prue, you'd be the first one to jump in,
no matter what the risks. You know that."
"That's not fair," said Piper, the tears beginning to flow freely now. "Prue was my
sister, not some anonymous soldier who died sixty some odd years ago. It's not fair
comparing Prue to this Private Murphy."
"Maybe not," said Leo, "but you know I'm right. Maybe it's not exactly the same
thing, but you know you'd be the first one to jump on the band wagon for Prue. Please,
try to understand. I owe a debt and I have to do whatever I can to pay that debt. You
might not understand it, but at least try to. I really need your support on this."
Piper hugged Leo close. He was right. If Prue had needed help, even though she
was gone, neither hell nor high water would stop Piper from helping. Even if it meant
taking what everyone else thought was ludicrous or insane measures.
"I'll try," said Piper. "But at least try to find some other way to help Murphy. I don't
want you going back to Guadalcanal unless there's no other option."
"I'll try," said Leo. "I think I'd better orb to Kiethrans' right away. The sooner I get
there, the sooner I can get this over."
Piper kissed him before he orbed out. After he orbed out of the bedroom, she stood
out the window at the yard beyond. She didn't know how long this would take or what
the outcome would be but she knew one thing. She wouldn't be able to sleep until this
nonsense was finished and Leo was once again safe back at the manor.
FOUR
Leo orbed into the backyard of a manor similar to the Halliwell manor. But this
manor wasn't in San Francisco, like the Halliwell manor. This manor was in Los
Angeles. Leo had never been here before, but he knew this was the place he had to
be.
He had no idea how he was going to get into the manor. It was four a.m. and the
occupant of the manor was Kiethran Tannish; a modern day druid. There were others
in the manor as well. But Kiethran was the one that Leo needed to see. Only Kiethran
could arrange for Leo to use the portal.
Leo walked around the house thinking about what to do next. He could wait for a
few hours until the sun was up and the inhabitants were about. But then he could orb
back to the manor to wait. Except that meant dealing with Piper again. He hated
having to put her through this, but he had no other choice.
Suddenly he looked at the corner of the manor. A large black and brown German
Shepherd was standing at the corner. The dog was watching Leo as if protecting the
house. Leo looked at the German Shepherd for a moment, then smiled and walked
over to the dog.
"Hello, Panthax," he said, squatting down to pet the dog. "It's good to see you
again. I know I should have visited sooner, but you know how it is with demons and
such. I've been kind of busy. I need to speak to Kiethran. Can you tell him I'm here,
please? I'll wait for him on the front porch."
The dog didn't make a sound, but turned and trotted to the back door of the house.
Leo walked around and stood on the front porch. While the animal looked like any
ordinary German Shepherd, Leo knew this was an illusion. She was, in fact, a sort of
familiar for Kiethran. Her intelligence was as great as any humans and she had the
ability to sense demons. A very handy talent for a druid who spent their lives, like
witches, fighting demons. Suddenly the front door opened and Kiethran stepped out.
"Leo," he said, shaking hands with Leo, "it's good to see you. But I'm guessing this
isn't a social call. Considering it's four a.m.."
"No, it's not," said Leo. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience of the hour. But this is very
important. I need your help."
"Well, let's not stand out here talking," said Kiethran. "Let's go into the living room
where we'll be more comfortable."
They went into the living room and sat down. Leo told Kiethran about the meeting of
the survivors of Guadalcanal. He also explained that this was where he died and had
earned the privilege of being a White Lighter. Then he told Kiethran of the visit by
Jonas and Adriene. And of what he considered a miscarriage of justice for Adrienes'
uncle.
"That's an interesting story," said Kiethran. "But I don't understand what this has to
do with me. I wasn't even born then. I understand how you would feel honor bound to
help, but what can I do?"
"I have a way to correct the miscarriage," said Leo. "But in order to do that, I need
to go back to Guadalcanal in 1942. And the only way I can do that, is with your help."
"The Portal," said Kiethran. "You want to use the Portal to go back in time."
"Yes," said Leo. "I know it's never been done before, but I also know it is possible.
It's my only chance to set things right."
"Normally," said Kiethran, "no one passes through the Portal. It's the reason for the
Portal Guardian. She keeps it closed so that the demons don't inundate the Earth and
overwhelm it."
"She?" questioned Leo. "I thought the Portal Guardian was male."
"Six years ago," said Kiethran, "when the new Guardian was chosen, it was a
woman. It's the first time a woman was ever chosen as the Guardian. That's when I
became a druid. I helped protect her until she could take her place as the Guardian."
"I see," said Leo. "Well, only a druid can contact the Guardian. I don't even know
where the Portal is, so I can't orb there. I need you to contact the Guardian and see if
you can get permission for me to use the Portal."
"That's going to be tricky," said Kiethran. "I haven't had contact with the Guardian
until she took her charge. I know how to contact her, but I don't know what type of
response I'll get. More than likely she'll refuse. Assuming she even answers my call."
"Even if she does," said Leo, "at least I'll have tried. I don't know what else to do."
"I understand," said Kiethran. "Well, it might take a little while. I suggest you return
to San Francisco and wait for me to come to you. I'll let you know what the Guardian
says as soon as I have an answer."
"Okay," said Leo. "I'll let the others know you're coming so you can teleport in
without fear of being attacked. You know how nervous they can be when people just
pop in unannounced."
"I can't say I blame them," said Kiethran. "Considering that most of the people who
pop in are actually demons bent on destroying them. I'll teleport onto the front porch
and use the front door. That should allay any fears they might have when I get there."
"Okay," said Leo. "Any idea how long it will be?"
"I can't say," said Kiethran. "As you've said, it's never been done before. I'm not
even sure anyone has ever tried before. I have no precedents by which to judge how
the Guardian will react. But I'm her daughters' foster parent. When she was human, I
promised her I'd look after her daughter until she was old enough to take care of
herself. I'm hoping that will help sway her decision."
"I hope so," said Leo. "I want to get this over with as quickly as possible. Piper is
beside herself, as I'm sure you can imagine. She actually forbade me from doing it."
"Can't say I blame her," said Kiethran. "I don't envy you your task. Are you sure
there's no other way to set things straight?"
"I don't know how," said Leo. "Murphy died in 1971 in prison. And you know as well
as I do how dangerous it would be to try to do anything about it now. After so many
years. The only way I can figure to correct this is to make sure it never happened."
"Okay," said Kiethran. "I'll contact the Guardian immediately. With any luck, I'll have
an answer for you in a few hours."
"Thanks, Kiethran," said Leo. "I wasn't sure you'd help me. I'm not sure anyone
really understands how I feel about this."
"I understand," said Kiethran. "When Mykaa first told me I was a druid, I thought he
was crazy. But in the short time I knew him, he became a very close friend. If I were in
your position and had to do something like this for him, I wouldn't hesitate. Of course,
I've never been in a war before. Not that kind, anyway. I'm sure the bond that men
form under those circumstances is even stronger than the one I had with Mykaa."
"Yes, it is," said Leo. "I'll orb back to the manor and wait for your answer."
"Okay," said Kiethran. "But don't get your hopes up. Like I said, I have no way to
gauge how the Guardian is going to react. All I can do is ask and try to persuade her to
let you."
"I know," said Leo. "I appreciate your help."
Leo orbed out of the manor and Kiethran went to his room to change. In the
thousands of years since the druids had existed, none had ever visited the Portal
Guardian. He was curious about how his fellow druids would react when they learned
what he was doing. That would have to wait for another time, however. Right now, he
had to see about helping Leo.
FIVE
"Have you completely lost your mind?" Paige practically screamed at the breakfast
table the next morning. "You're going back to World War II to deliver a message? Leo,
you died there. Or did that little fact simply escape your attention?"
"Paige," said Leo calmly, "I know you don't understand. But this is something that I .
. .."
"You're damn right I don't understand," said Paige. "What about not being able to
change the past? How many times did you tell me that when we went back to the day
my parents died? Leo, you can't do this. What happens if you get killed back there?
This is war we're talking about."
"I won't be there that long," said Leo. "I'll only be a few minutes. Long enough to
corroborate Murphys' story then I'll be back. It's not like I'll be on the front lines. I'll be
back at the headquarters encampment. All I have to do is make a report, then get out
of there."
"Yeah, as If it was that easy," said Paige. "What about the Elders? What do they
have to say about this brainless endeavor?"
"I haven't told them," said Leo, "and I don't plan to."
"Piper, you're his wife," said Paige. "Talk some sense into him."
"Believe me, I've tried," said Piper dejectedly. "He won't listen. Nothing I say will
dissuade him. At least he won't be completely helpless. He is a White Lighter. That
should afford him some protection."
"White Lighters can't heal themselves," said Paige. "Remember that little tidbit."
"No," said Piper, "but he can still orb. Which means he can get around a lot easier
than he did the first time."
"Paige," said Leo, "remember when I took you back to when your parents died?
Remember how adamant you were that you had to see for yourself? Nothing anyone
said would change your mind. And I know I can't change anything major. But I might
be able to at least keep Murphy from being branded a coward. Even if I can't, this is
something I have to do. Surely you can understand that."
"No, I don't," said Paige. "And neither does Piper, I'm sure. And even Phoebe
wouldn't understand if she was here. You're our White Lighter, Leo. You're supposed
to be helping us, not gallivanting around time trying to correct some misguided wrongs
you think might have taken place. What happens if we need your help while you're in
the past? What do we do then?"
"I won't be gone that long," said Leo. "Besides, it's not decided that I'm going yet.
My only chance to go back in time is through the Portal. And if the Guardian refuses to
let me, there isn't anything anyone can do about it. So we'll just have to wait until
Kiethran gets here until we know if I'm going back or not."
"This Kiethran is a druid, right?" asked Paige.
"Yes," said Piper. "Only, not the kind you're thinking of. The traditional idea of a
druid is nothing like the real thing. They're kind of like us. They're born with their
powers and they use them to fight evil and protect the innocent. Just like we do."
"Only druids don't age like normal humans," said Leo. "Mykaa, the druid that
Kiethran replaced, was over fourteen hundred years old when he died. And they don't
use spells or potions."
"Bummer," said Paige. "That must put them at a disadvantage."
"Well," said Piper, "they do have more powers than witches. Quite a few, from the
way he talked."
"Well," said Paige, "I hope this Portal Guardian or whatever she is has more sense
than you do, Leo. If she's smart, she'll tell you no."
"And if that happens," said Leo, "I won't mention it again. I'll have done everything I
could to rectify the situation. But I'm hoping she'll agree."
"How do you know this Murphy wasn't a coward?" asked Paige. "You said yourself
that you only met him the one time. It's possible that he did run from the Germans.
Maybe he was guilty of what they accused him of. Have you ever thought of that?"
"He was accused of deserting his unit," said Leo. "That's what he went to prison for.
But he didn't do that. All I'm trying to do is set the record straight about that. He saved
my life and I owe him that much."
"And you still died later that day," said Paige. "Are you looking to get killed again?"
"Please," said Leo, "remember when you had to go back and see your parents? To
find out why they had to die? Remember how you felt? No one could talk you out of it.
I only took you back because it was something you needed to do. I knew you would
never be completely at peace unless you learned the truth."
"I remember," said Paige.
"It's the same with me," said Leo. "I can never truly be at peace unless I at least try.
This is something I have to do. Like you had to go back and learn about your parents."
"I guess I can understand that," said Paige. "When you put it that way. I guess
there are just some things you have to do no matter how dangerous it might be. And
you seem to be bent on doing this so I guess we don't have any choice but to try to
understand it."
"He can be pretty obstinent when he sets his mind to something," said Piper. "I just
have to trust that he's doing the right thing."
"I'll try to understand," said Paige. "I'm not sure I will ever completely understand.
But at least I'll try."
"Thanks," said Leo. "That's all I ask."
As if this was a cue, the doorbell rang. Everyone looked at each other thinking the
same thing. Kiethran must have finally arrived with word from the Portal Guardian.
After a moment, Leo went to the front door and opened it.
It was Kiethran. But he was alone. Leo was disappointed, thinking that if the
Guardian had agreed, she'd be with him. He invited Kiethran in and they went to the
kitchen together. Leo introduced Kiethran to Paige.
"So, another Charmed One," said Kiethran. "I'm glad to see that the Power of Three
has been restored. It would have been a great loss." He turned to Piper. "I didn't get a
chance to express my condolences at Prues' passing. She was a remarkable woman.
I'm going to miss her."
"Thanks, Kiethran," said Piper. "It's been a while and I'm getting used to it, though I
don't think I'll ever be completely at peace with it."
"I understand," said Kiethran. "I still think about my wife and daughter and it's been
nearly ten years since they died. Still, life goes on. At least you'll have your memories
of her. No one can take those away from you."
"Thanks," said Piper.
The talk of Prues' death still disturbed her. But not as much as it once had. Like
most things, she had come to accept it. She didn't completely understand it, but she
knew that there must have been a reason for it.
"Well," said Kiethran, "I suppose your anxious to hear what the Guardian has
decided."
"Please tell me she said no," said Paige. "Then we can put this stupidity behind us
and get on with our lives."
"As you can see," said Leo, "Paige doesn't understand any more than Piper does."
"Yes, I see," said Kiethran. "Well, I'm afraid I'm going to have to disappoint Paige.
The Portal Guardian has agreed to allow you to use the Portal. She's going to come
here to open a passage to the past for you. But there are some conditions."
"I expected as much," said Leo. "What are they?"
"You can't even attempt to change anything other than delivering the message that
you want to deliver," said Kiethran. "And you will have only one hour to do so. Even
though she can get you to Guadalcanal in 1942, she can't guarantee you'll appear
where you want to. You could be quite a ways from the headquarters."
"No problem," said Paige. "He can just orb there. That shouldn't be too difficult. He
is a White Lighter, after all."
Kiethran got a perplexed look on his face. He looked at Paige, then at Piper, then at
Leo.
"You didn't tell them?" he finally asked Leo.
"Tell us what?" insisted Piper.
She was getting a very bad feeling about this.
"No," said Leo. "I didn't want to worry them any more than they already are. I
thought it was best if they didn't know."
"I see," said Kiethran. "I'm sorry, Leo. I just assumed they knew."
"Knew?" questioned Paige. "Knew what?"
"I won't be able to orb while I'm back there," said Leo.
"Why not?" asked Piper. "You're a White Lighter. Why wouldn't you be able to orb
simply because you've gone back in time?"
"Yeah," said Paige. "You were able to orb when we went back in time to view my
parents death. Why is this any different?"
"Piper," said Kiethran, "when Prue visited me in Los Angeles, she told me about
some of your encounters. Especially about one when you went back in time about
three hundred years. Do you remember that?"
"Yes," said Piper, suspiciously. "We had to stop Belthazor from putting an end to
our line. Or we wouldn't even have existed."
"Do you remember what happened when you got there?" asked Kiethran.
"We didn't have our powers," said Piper. "But that was because we hadn't been
born yet. It was before our powers had manifested themselves."
"It will be the same with Leo," said Kiethran. "He won't have his White Lighter
powers while he's back there."
"Why not?" demanded Paige. "Leo was born in 1924. He's going back to 1942.
Why wouldn't he have his White Lighter powers?"
"Because he wasn't a White Lighter then," said Piper. "Which means, he won't be a
White Lighter when he goes back. He'll be just another human."
"That's right," said Kiethran.
"That does it," said Piper. "Leo, you lied to me. I can't believe it. Why didn't you tell
me?"
"I didn't lie," said Leo, "exactly. I just didn't tell you everything. Like I said, I didn't
want you worrying any more than you already are."
"You're not going," said Piper. "Going back as a White Lighter is one thing. But this
. . . this is totally different. You can't go back without any powers. You'll be
defenseless."
"Not totally," said Leo. "Remember, I've been through this before. I already know
what's going to happen. That will give me an edge."
"I don't care," said Piper. "You can't remember everything that happened. Prue,
Phoebe, and I nearly died when we went back in time. And we had a coven of witches
to help us. Not to mention the fact that we weren't in a war zone. No, you can't go
back."
"I agree with Piper," said Paige. "I thought this was nuts before, but now it's worse
than nuts. It's worse than insane. I'm not sure what to call it. It's like you want to get
yourself killed."
"It's not like that," pleaded Leo. "I'm still going. I have to. I don't have a choice."
"Yes, you do," said Piper. "You can choose not to go. And I won't let you go."
"You can't stop me," said Leo. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. But I knew how you'd
react. This is something I have to do. Please, just trust me on this."
"No," said Piper, "I won't. If you're not going to be a White Lighter when you get
back there, then going is out of the question."
"Piper is right," said Paige. "I know I said I would try to understand about this. But
you didn't give us all the information. When we went back to learn about my parents,
we weren't really in any danger. You could get killed on this. You can't go back. Not
under these conditions."
"I don't have a choice," said Leo. "This is a debt of honor that I HAVE to pay. No
matter what the cost to me personally."
"And to them?" asked Kiethran.
"What do you mean?" asked Piper.
"If Leo is killed back in 1942," said Kiethran, "he won't be able to return here. In fact,
it could have an effect on his becoming a White Lighter. Which means that everything
he's done since then will be undone."
"Do you have any idea how many times you've saved us?" Piper demanded of Leo.
"How many times one of us would have died if you hadn't been there to save us with
your healing power? If that's undone, we'll all die. There won't be any Charmed Ones.
You can't risk that, even if you are willing to risk your life."
"Nothing's going to go wrong," said Leo. "I go back, I deliver the message, then I
come back. That's all there is to it."
"No," said Piper. "There's too much at stake. You keep telling us that we have to
protect the Charmed Ones no matter what. You can't go off on this foolhardy mission
and risk everything we've done. You're not going and that's that."
"I am going," said Leo. "I know there's a risk. But I have to take that risk. The
arrangements have already been made. I can't back out now."
"He's right," said Kiethran. "The Portal Guardian told me that, since she's agreed to
let him go through the Portal, she has to gather her power to open it. She can't stop or
the power will destroy her. Leo will have to go back in time. There's no way to stop it
now."
"I won't accept that," said Piper, on the verge of tears. "I don't care about the Portal
or the Guardian or any of that. Leo can't go and that's that."
"He has no choice," said Kiethran. "The Portal and the Guardian are more important
than any single person; even more important than the Charmed Ones. Without the
Guardian, demons could use the Portal to physically enter the Earth. There would be
nothing to stop them."
"I don't care," said Piper. "This is just way too dangerous. Leo, if you do this, I won't
be here if you get back."
"You don't mean that," said Leo.
"Yes, I do," said Piper. "It might be different if this had something substantial to be
gained from it. But to do it just because you feel guilty of what happened? That's
stepping over the line. If you do this, we're finished. I mean it."
To be continued . . .
Don't miss Part 2: Past Revisited. Despite Pipers' threat, Leo uses the Portal to go
back to Quadalcanal in 1942. Only Darryl is caught in the Portal and transported with
him. Can Leo keep Darryl alive and still complete his mission or are they both destined
to die in the past?
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.