CHARMED
"TEST OF POWER"
by J. B. Tilton
email: aramath@isot.com
Rating: G
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 between the season 3
episodes "The Good, The Bad, And The Cursed" and "Just Harried".)
* * *
An ancient demon is hired by some low level demons to do away
with the Charmed Ones. And by all accounts, including the Book of
Shadows, this ancient demon is undefeatable.
* * *
PREFACE
The small demon made its' way through the ancient caverns. The
demon carried a chest with it that was even now growing heavier with
each step. As it loped its' way through the caverns it looked around.
These were some of the most ancient caverns in the underworld.
So ancient that most demons didn't even know they existed. And they
were home to only a handful of very powerful demons.
The small demon stood only five feet tall. Its' purple skin and
yellow eyes were a stark contrast to the dark gray of the caverns.
Its' three taloned fingers gripped the chest is if it feared some
larger thing might try to rip it from its' grasp.
The demon came to a large cavern and stopped. It peered in
hesitantly. Concerned with who, or what, it might find inside.
"Come in," boomed a voice from inside the cavern. "No one ever
comes here unless they search me out. Come in and tell me what
business you think we have."
Cautiously, the small demon entered the cavern. The fear in it
threatened to consume it, to send it scurrying for its' life. Before
it could decide if it would remain or flee, a massive figure stepped
out of the shadows.
The figure stood nearly seven feet tall, its' black skin
glistening in the torchlight. A pair of horns sprouted from its' head
and razor sharp teeth filled its' mouth. Its' cat-like eyes glowed
with an eerie red light. The pointed ears had to strain little to
pick out any sound in the mammoth cavern.
"You risk much to seek me out," said the larger demon. "What is
so important that you would risk my anger?"
"Isladec," said the smaller demon. "I am called Telneck. I
wish to hire you." Telneck pushed the chest toward Isladec. "I can
pay your fee. It's all there. Count it if you wish."
"I have no need to count it," said Isladec, not bothering to
touch the chest. "I know you are aware of the penalty for trying to
cheat me. But my fee is great. How is it that one of your lowly
status can afford what I charge for an assignment?"
"Does it matter?" asked Telneck. "I'm told you care nothing for
the battles between good and evil. That you will take an assignment
for anyone who can afford your fee."
"This is true," said Isladec. "But I also take only those
assignments which interest me. And it has been many decades since
there was any assignment that interested me. There are few opponents
that present me with a challenge. But why seek me out? Surely there
are other mercenaries you could hire for this assignment you have.
"The assignment is a particularly important one," said Telneck.
"I do not wish it to fail."
"I will tell you why you've come to me," said Isladec. "You and
some of your colleagues have gotten together. That is how you can
afford my fee. It is the only way someone of your status could ever
afford my fee.
"Now, you wish to hire me because someone or something is a
problem for your master. You wish me to deal with this problem for
you because you know of my reputation. A reputation of never having
failed at an assignment I have accepted. Once I complete the
assignment, you will inform your master what you did. And you will
expect to be greatly rewarded for your initiative and ingenuity. Tell
me I'm wrong?"
"You are not wrong," said Telneck. "If you are successful, my
master may even promote me to the upper levels. Perhaps even give me
a human form."
"Ambitious," said Isladec. "That could be dangerous, especially
for one of your status."
"The Source knows he has no reason to fear my ambition," said
Telneck. "I serve him faithfully. I have no desire to take his
place."
"The Source?" questioned Isladec. "This adversary must be a
powerful one if the Source cannot handle it. And by removing this
obstacle you think your master will look favorably upon you."
"Yes," said Telneck. ""The obstacle, as you call it, are
actually three obstacles. Three witches of great power."
"Witches?" questioned Isladec. "You must be joking? Witches
are no more a challenge to me than you are. I have no interest in
witches. Take your fee and leave me while I am feeling generous."
"These are no ordinary witches," said Telneck. "They are three
sisters. Of the line of Melinda Warren. They are called the Charmed
Ones."
Isladec just looked at Telneck.
"The Charmed Ones," repeated Isladec. "The Power of Three.
I've heard of these witches and their power. Supposedly, the Power of
Three is the greatest power for good in history. It is claimed that
nothing can withstand this power."
"Now you know why I have come to you," said Telneck. "You, of
all demons, stand the greatest chance of defeating the Power of
Three."
"Your proposal interests me," said Isladec. "I will accept the
assignment. But not for the reasons you have. Your reasons do not
interest me. I couldn't care less about your petty squabbles. I'll
accept this assignment for the chance to test myself against this
Power of Three."
"I don't care why you accept it," said Telneck. "Your reasons
are your own. I only care that you defeat the Power of Three."
"Then we have a deal," said Isladec. "I will defeat the Power
of Three. I'll contact you when I've completed the assignment."
Telnick bowed slightly, and then turned and left the chamber.
Very soon, it expected the Charmed Ones would be dead. And it would
take all of the credit for that defeat.
* * *
ONE
Phoebe unlocked the door and walked into the manor. She called
out for her sisters but was met with silence. Obviously neither was
at home. She looked at her watch. They should be home soon.
She turned for the steps to the second floor. She suddenly
stopped and sniffed the air. There was the unmistakable scent of a
burning cigar in the air. That was crazy. No one in the manor smoked.
She turned and descended the two steps back down the stairs. As
she did, she glanced into the living room. Sitting on the sofa was a
man wearing a suit puffing on a cigar. He looked at Phoebe with a
smile on his face.
"Hello?" asked Phoebe. "Who are you?"
"You may call me Isladec," said the man. "I'm afraid my actual
given name is quite unpronounceable."
"That's it?" asked Phoebe. "Just Isladec?"
"I've never had need of a second name," said Isladec. "Why? Do
you think I should add a second name? Like most people have?"
"How did you get in here?" asked Phoebe, remembering she had to
unlock the front door to get inside. "And just what do you want?"
"Actually," said Isladec, "I was hoping your sisters would be
here as well. As I understand it, this Power of Three necessarily
requires all three of you."
Phoebe tensed. Whoever this Isladec was he knew about the
Charmed Ones. And he had entered the manor apparently without
unlocking the door. Not an unusual feat for most supernatural
creatures.
"They should be home any minute", lied Phoebe.
"You are a poor liar," said Isladec. "My guess is you have no
idea where they are at the moment. Pity, really. I was so looking
forward to seeing if that power was as great as I have heard."
Phoebe watched in horror as Isladecs' eyes flashed once. Demon.
And a demon that apparently had no fear of her or her sisters. Alone,
without her sister's powers for help, she would be little match for
this demon.
Phoebe launched herself at the demon. She might not have her
sisters' powers, but she had her martial arts skill. With any luck,
she might be able to delay this Isladec long enough for either Piper
or Prue or both to show up.
Isladec was less than annoyed by Phoebes' attack. Just before
Phoebes' foot connected with his chin, he simply reached up and
slapped it away. Phoebe was sent flying into the coffee table, and
then onto the floor. She rolled and came up in a defensive posture
facing Isladec.
"Foolish witch," said Isladec. "Your pathetic skills are
useless against me. If not for the fact that I need you alive and in
one piece, I'd be inclined to teach you a very painful lesson."
"What do you want with me?" asked Phoebe.
"As I said," said Isladec, "the Power of Three requires all
three of you. I can't afford to have even one of you injured."
"If you're not here to fight," said Phoebe, "then what do you
want?"
"Just to get a sense of who you are," said Isladec. "I've heard
a great deal about the Charmed Ones. Before I destroy you, I wanted
to know who you were. Call it a failing. I always take a personal
interest in my assignments?"
"Who sent you here?" asked Phoebe. "The Source?"
"That," said Isladec, "is, as they say, confidential. It
doesn't matter who sent me. But I'll be back. Once you've had proper
time to prepare, of course. Then we'll see if your Power of Three
deserves its' reputation."
Before Phoebe could say anything else, Isladec simply raised his
hand. Phoebe lost consciousness instantly.
* * *
"Phoebe? Phoebe, wake up."
Phoebe opened her eyes. She was lying on the sofa. Here
sisters, Leo, and Cole were gathered around her. She sat up and
looked around.
"Are you okay?" asked Prue. "We came home and found you
unconscious on the floor."
"Yeah, I think I'm okay," said Phoebe. "We had a visitor when I
got home. A demon was sitting on the sofa. Just like he was a
welcomed guest."
"Did he attack you?" asked Piper. "Is that why you were
unconscious?"
"Not exactly," said Phoebe. "He kept saying he didn't want me
injured. He kept saying something about seeing if the Power of Three
was as powerful as he had heard. Then he just raised his hand and I
passed out."
"That's not a very common power," said Cole. "Most demons can't
just put someone to sleep like that."
"Well, he did me," said Phoebe. "I'm not in the habit of taking
a nap on the living room floor."
"He doesn't seem to have hurt her," said Leo. "That doesn't
make any sense. Why put Phoebe to sleep then not hurt her?"
"I know it might sound crazy," said Phoebe, "but I think he
wants to face the Power of Three. He kept saying he needed all three
of us alive and uninjured so we could use the Power of Three."
"What is this?" asked Prue. "A demon with a death wish?
Phoebe, what did this demon look like? Can you describe him?"
"At first," said Phoebe, "he was in human form. About thirty,
brown hair, and he was wearing a suit and tie. There was nothing
unusual about him. Then he suddenly changed. He was about seven feet
tall, black skin, with a pair of horns in his head. His eyes were
this weird red color. And he had pointed ears. He said his name was
Isladec."
At the mention of the name, Leo and Cole looked at each other.
A gesture that did not escape Pipers' attention.
"What?" asked Piper. "You two know this Isladec?"
"Its' my understanding," said Leo, "that he isn't real. He's
just a myth or legend."
"He's real, all right," said Cole. "Which explains why he
didn't hurt Phoebe."
"Okay guys," said Prue. "Spill it. Who is this Isladec?"
"A very old demon," said Leo. "It's said he's so old no one
knows for sure just how old he really is. And he's supposedly one of
the most powerful demons in the underworld."
"Leo's right," said Cole. "Isladec is something of a loner. He
lives in the lowest areas of the underworld and rarely associates even
with other demons. And he's powerful, just a Leo said. Power like
nothing you've ever faced before.
"You see, the longer a demon exists, the more powerful it
becomes. Just like the three of you, a demon will gain additional
powers as it ages. Isladec is so powerful even the Source fears him."
"So he's come to destroy us," said Prue. "But if that's the
case, why didn't he just kill Phoebe when he had the chance? He could
have ended our power forever that way. Why leave her alive?"
"He doesn't want to just kill you," said Cole. "My guess is he
was hired to stop you. But he would have taken the assignment for his
own reasons. He'll want to prove he's more powerful than the Power of
Three before he destroys you."
"TEST OF POWER"
by J. B. Tilton
email: aramath@isot.com
Rating: G
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 between the season 3
episodes "The Good, The Bad, And The Cursed" and "Just Harried".)
* * *
An ancient demon is hired by some low level demons to do away
with the Charmed Ones. And by all accounts, including the Book of
Shadows, this ancient demon is undefeatable.
* * *
PREFACE
The small demon made its' way through the ancient caverns. The
demon carried a chest with it that was even now growing heavier with
each step. As it loped its' way through the caverns it looked around.
These were some of the most ancient caverns in the underworld.
So ancient that most demons didn't even know they existed. And they
were home to only a handful of very powerful demons.
The small demon stood only five feet tall. Its' purple skin and
yellow eyes were a stark contrast to the dark gray of the caverns.
Its' three taloned fingers gripped the chest is if it feared some
larger thing might try to rip it from its' grasp.
The demon came to a large cavern and stopped. It peered in
hesitantly. Concerned with who, or what, it might find inside.
"Come in," boomed a voice from inside the cavern. "No one ever
comes here unless they search me out. Come in and tell me what
business you think we have."
Cautiously, the small demon entered the cavern. The fear in it
threatened to consume it, to send it scurrying for its' life. Before
it could decide if it would remain or flee, a massive figure stepped
out of the shadows.
The figure stood nearly seven feet tall, its' black skin
glistening in the torchlight. A pair of horns sprouted from its' head
and razor sharp teeth filled its' mouth. Its' cat-like eyes glowed
with an eerie red light. The pointed ears had to strain little to
pick out any sound in the mammoth cavern.
"You risk much to seek me out," said the larger demon. "What is
so important that you would risk my anger?"
"Isladec," said the smaller demon. "I am called Telneck. I
wish to hire you." Telneck pushed the chest toward Isladec. "I can
pay your fee. It's all there. Count it if you wish."
"I have no need to count it," said Isladec, not bothering to
touch the chest. "I know you are aware of the penalty for trying to
cheat me. But my fee is great. How is it that one of your lowly
status can afford what I charge for an assignment?"
"Does it matter?" asked Telneck. "I'm told you care nothing for
the battles between good and evil. That you will take an assignment
for anyone who can afford your fee."
"This is true," said Isladec. "But I also take only those
assignments which interest me. And it has been many decades since
there was any assignment that interested me. There are few opponents
that present me with a challenge. But why seek me out? Surely there
are other mercenaries you could hire for this assignment you have.
"The assignment is a particularly important one," said Telneck.
"I do not wish it to fail."
"I will tell you why you've come to me," said Isladec. "You and
some of your colleagues have gotten together. That is how you can
afford my fee. It is the only way someone of your status could ever
afford my fee.
"Now, you wish to hire me because someone or something is a
problem for your master. You wish me to deal with this problem for
you because you know of my reputation. A reputation of never having
failed at an assignment I have accepted. Once I complete the
assignment, you will inform your master what you did. And you will
expect to be greatly rewarded for your initiative and ingenuity. Tell
me I'm wrong?"
"You are not wrong," said Telneck. "If you are successful, my
master may even promote me to the upper levels. Perhaps even give me
a human form."
"Ambitious," said Isladec. "That could be dangerous, especially
for one of your status."
"The Source knows he has no reason to fear my ambition," said
Telneck. "I serve him faithfully. I have no desire to take his
place."
"The Source?" questioned Isladec. "This adversary must be a
powerful one if the Source cannot handle it. And by removing this
obstacle you think your master will look favorably upon you."
"Yes," said Telneck. ""The obstacle, as you call it, are
actually three obstacles. Three witches of great power."
"Witches?" questioned Isladec. "You must be joking? Witches
are no more a challenge to me than you are. I have no interest in
witches. Take your fee and leave me while I am feeling generous."
"These are no ordinary witches," said Telneck. "They are three
sisters. Of the line of Melinda Warren. They are called the Charmed
Ones."
Isladec just looked at Telneck.
"The Charmed Ones," repeated Isladec. "The Power of Three.
I've heard of these witches and their power. Supposedly, the Power of
Three is the greatest power for good in history. It is claimed that
nothing can withstand this power."
"Now you know why I have come to you," said Telneck. "You, of
all demons, stand the greatest chance of defeating the Power of
Three."
"Your proposal interests me," said Isladec. "I will accept the
assignment. But not for the reasons you have. Your reasons do not
interest me. I couldn't care less about your petty squabbles. I'll
accept this assignment for the chance to test myself against this
Power of Three."
"I don't care why you accept it," said Telneck. "Your reasons
are your own. I only care that you defeat the Power of Three."
"Then we have a deal," said Isladec. "I will defeat the Power
of Three. I'll contact you when I've completed the assignment."
Telnick bowed slightly, and then turned and left the chamber.
Very soon, it expected the Charmed Ones would be dead. And it would
take all of the credit for that defeat.
* * *
ONE
Phoebe unlocked the door and walked into the manor. She called
out for her sisters but was met with silence. Obviously neither was
at home. She looked at her watch. They should be home soon.
She turned for the steps to the second floor. She suddenly
stopped and sniffed the air. There was the unmistakable scent of a
burning cigar in the air. That was crazy. No one in the manor smoked.
She turned and descended the two steps back down the stairs. As
she did, she glanced into the living room. Sitting on the sofa was a
man wearing a suit puffing on a cigar. He looked at Phoebe with a
smile on his face.
"Hello?" asked Phoebe. "Who are you?"
"You may call me Isladec," said the man. "I'm afraid my actual
given name is quite unpronounceable."
"That's it?" asked Phoebe. "Just Isladec?"
"I've never had need of a second name," said Isladec. "Why? Do
you think I should add a second name? Like most people have?"
"How did you get in here?" asked Phoebe, remembering she had to
unlock the front door to get inside. "And just what do you want?"
"Actually," said Isladec, "I was hoping your sisters would be
here as well. As I understand it, this Power of Three necessarily
requires all three of you."
Phoebe tensed. Whoever this Isladec was he knew about the
Charmed Ones. And he had entered the manor apparently without
unlocking the door. Not an unusual feat for most supernatural
creatures.
"They should be home any minute", lied Phoebe.
"You are a poor liar," said Isladec. "My guess is you have no
idea where they are at the moment. Pity, really. I was so looking
forward to seeing if that power was as great as I have heard."
Phoebe watched in horror as Isladecs' eyes flashed once. Demon.
And a demon that apparently had no fear of her or her sisters. Alone,
without her sister's powers for help, she would be little match for
this demon.
Phoebe launched herself at the demon. She might not have her
sisters' powers, but she had her martial arts skill. With any luck,
she might be able to delay this Isladec long enough for either Piper
or Prue or both to show up.
Isladec was less than annoyed by Phoebes' attack. Just before
Phoebes' foot connected with his chin, he simply reached up and
slapped it away. Phoebe was sent flying into the coffee table, and
then onto the floor. She rolled and came up in a defensive posture
facing Isladec.
"Foolish witch," said Isladec. "Your pathetic skills are
useless against me. If not for the fact that I need you alive and in
one piece, I'd be inclined to teach you a very painful lesson."
"What do you want with me?" asked Phoebe.
"As I said," said Isladec, "the Power of Three requires all
three of you. I can't afford to have even one of you injured."
"If you're not here to fight," said Phoebe, "then what do you
want?"
"Just to get a sense of who you are," said Isladec. "I've heard
a great deal about the Charmed Ones. Before I destroy you, I wanted
to know who you were. Call it a failing. I always take a personal
interest in my assignments?"
"Who sent you here?" asked Phoebe. "The Source?"
"That," said Isladec, "is, as they say, confidential. It
doesn't matter who sent me. But I'll be back. Once you've had proper
time to prepare, of course. Then we'll see if your Power of Three
deserves its' reputation."
Before Phoebe could say anything else, Isladec simply raised his
hand. Phoebe lost consciousness instantly.
* * *
"Phoebe? Phoebe, wake up."
Phoebe opened her eyes. She was lying on the sofa. Here
sisters, Leo, and Cole were gathered around her. She sat up and
looked around.
"Are you okay?" asked Prue. "We came home and found you
unconscious on the floor."
"Yeah, I think I'm okay," said Phoebe. "We had a visitor when I
got home. A demon was sitting on the sofa. Just like he was a
welcomed guest."
"Did he attack you?" asked Piper. "Is that why you were
unconscious?"
"Not exactly," said Phoebe. "He kept saying he didn't want me
injured. He kept saying something about seeing if the Power of Three
was as powerful as he had heard. Then he just raised his hand and I
passed out."
"That's not a very common power," said Cole. "Most demons can't
just put someone to sleep like that."
"Well, he did me," said Phoebe. "I'm not in the habit of taking
a nap on the living room floor."
"He doesn't seem to have hurt her," said Leo. "That doesn't
make any sense. Why put Phoebe to sleep then not hurt her?"
"I know it might sound crazy," said Phoebe, "but I think he
wants to face the Power of Three. He kept saying he needed all three
of us alive and uninjured so we could use the Power of Three."
"What is this?" asked Prue. "A demon with a death wish?
Phoebe, what did this demon look like? Can you describe him?"
"At first," said Phoebe, "he was in human form. About thirty,
brown hair, and he was wearing a suit and tie. There was nothing
unusual about him. Then he suddenly changed. He was about seven feet
tall, black skin, with a pair of horns in his head. His eyes were
this weird red color. And he had pointed ears. He said his name was
Isladec."
At the mention of the name, Leo and Cole looked at each other.
A gesture that did not escape Pipers' attention.
"What?" asked Piper. "You two know this Isladec?"
"Its' my understanding," said Leo, "that he isn't real. He's
just a myth or legend."
"He's real, all right," said Cole. "Which explains why he
didn't hurt Phoebe."
"Okay guys," said Prue. "Spill it. Who is this Isladec?"
"A very old demon," said Leo. "It's said he's so old no one
knows for sure just how old he really is. And he's supposedly one of
the most powerful demons in the underworld."
"Leo's right," said Cole. "Isladec is something of a loner. He
lives in the lowest areas of the underworld and rarely associates even
with other demons. And he's powerful, just a Leo said. Power like
nothing you've ever faced before.
"You see, the longer a demon exists, the more powerful it
becomes. Just like the three of you, a demon will gain additional
powers as it ages. Isladec is so powerful even the Source fears him."
"So he's come to destroy us," said Prue. "But if that's the
case, why didn't he just kill Phoebe when he had the chance? He could
have ended our power forever that way. Why leave her alive?"
"He doesn't want to just kill you," said Cole. "My guess is he
was hired to stop you. But he would have taken the assignment for his
own reasons. He'll want to prove he's more powerful than the Power of
Three before he destroys you."