CHARMED
"BALANCE OF POWER"
by J. B. Tilton
Rating: PG-13
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.
A special thanks to Tracie Joy (a.k.a. Majiklmoon) for her help in this story.
* * *
Authors' note: This story takes place after the episode where the Charmed Ones
have killed the Source but before the episode where Cole discovers he is inhabited by
the Source. It is based on the premise that It took the Source several days to manifest
himself inside Cole and Cole still believes himself to be only a human.
* * *
With the death of the Source, a struggle in the underworld ensues to see who will be
his replacement. In order to make the selection, a contest is started. The new Source
will be the demon who can kill the Charmed Ones.
PART 1 - POWER STRUGGLE
Learning of the death of the Source, five powerful demons converge to discuss who
will be the Sources' replacement.
* * *
The demon stood looking into the swirling mists around it. This was no ordinary
demon. He stood some seven feet tall and his skin was a dark green - nearly black -
with bright yellow markings. His eyes glowed bright red like two piercing spot lights in
the dark.
No, this was no ordinary demon. Few demons enjoyed his level of power or control.
While there were others of equal status, only the Source ruled above him. He had
often been the Sources' right hand advisor. But that could all change in the next few
minutes.
"Malevant," hissed a lower lever demon, stepping from the swirling mists.
The larger demon did not turn to look at this underling. He had no need to. Those
who served him served him well. They obeyed without question or hesitation. And all
knew the penalty for disloyalty. Or failure.
"Speak," said Malevant.
"It is finished," hissed the underling. "Source dead. Witches kill him."
"What of the Hollow?" asked Malevant anxiously.
"Back in resting place," hissed the underling. "Seer and one witch read box. Magic
safe again."
Malevant smiled to himself and relaxed. The Source had been a fool thinking he
could control the Hollow. For thirty five hundred years it had been sealed away, and
with good cause. If left unchecked, it could have destroyed them all. Only a fool would
have been desperate enough to try controlling it.
"Call the others," said Malevant, still not turning.
"At once," said the underling, who bowed and backed into the swirling mists until it
was completely obscured.
Malevant just continued to star into the mists. There would be a struggle now. As
there was always a struggle when a position of power was left unfilled. A struggle to
see who would replace the Source. It was a struggle he planned to make sure would
come out the way he wanted it to.
The others would arrive soon. When they did, he would make his proposal. They
would listen to it. And they would agree. He was sure of that. Then they would see
who among them was best qualified to replace the Source.
* * *
Four demons stood in the swirling mists waiting for Malevant. They all appeared
similar, yet each was distinctively different. There was no doubt these four were very
high level demons. There was also no doubt that each of these demons held no love
for the others.
Malevant walked out of the mists. He stood looking at each of them. If they had
already known, they might have attacked without hesitation. It was only the power of
the Source that kept their rivalry and hatred of each other in check. A power which was
no longer.
"Why have we been summoned?" demanded a purple demon with bright yellow
markings angrily.
"I have news, LaTarrin," said Malevant. "As you are all aware, the Source has
unleashed the Hollow in his attempt to destroy the Charmed Ones."
"That was foolish," said an orange demon with red markings. "The Hollow cannot be
controlled, we all know that. It will destroy us all."
"No longer, Mephistan," said Malevant. "The Source is dead, and the Hollow is once
again locked away. It can no longer harm any one."
"Dead?" questioned a green demon with blue markings. "Killed by the Charmed
Ones?"
"Yes, Talistar," said Malevant. "Killed by the Charmed Ones. Who also helped to
lock the Hollow away again so that it can no longer threaten us."
"Then the Charmed Ones are truly unbeatable," said Mephistan. "If they can defeat
the Source AND the Hollow, what can stand against them?"
"We have other matters to attend to right now," said LaTarrin. "The selection of who
will replace the Source."
"Exactly," said Malevant. "Now, before we all start throwing fireballs, and doing a
great deal of damage to each other, I have a proposal."
"So have we," said LaTarrin. "We've all been talking. The conflict which brought the
Source to power did great damage to our ranks. None of us wants that to happen
again."
"We've decided," interrupted Mephistan, "to select one among us to serve as the
Sources' replacement. The rest will swear loyalty to him."
Malevants' eyes narrowed. He looked at the fifth demon; bright yellow with black
markings. His name was Beelzbor. This would be his doing. A way to replace the
source without having to bloody his hands, no doubt.
"Leadership by committee?" questioned Malevant. "What's next? Maybe open
elections by the general demonic populace? A committee to decide what constitutes a
demonic leader and what doesn't? I don't think so.
"The Source remained in power because everyone was too afraid to challenge him.
That's how our kind have always ruled. The stronger ruling the weaker. THAT is the
natural order for our kind. It has always been so."
"What would you propose?" demanded Beelzbor. "None of us can ill afford to loose
great numbers of our underlings in a fight. What good is taking power if you aren't
strong enough to keep it once you have it?"
"My point exactly," said Malevant. "I would propose a contest of sorts. We select a
task. It must be a task sufficiently powerful enough to prove that whomever completes
it is the one powerful enough to be the next Source."
"A contest?" questioned Talistar. "My, Malevant, how very human of you."
Anger flashed in Malevants' eyes.
"You, of all demons," said Malevant, "should know there is nothing of humanity in
me. But this is no ordinary task. It must be something which will prove undeniably that
the winner is the most powerful."
"Interesting idea," said LaTarrin. "But other than killing the rest of us, what could
possibly be enough to prove that one of us is worthy to be the new Source?"
"I already have something in mind," said Malevant. "It will show without any doubt
that whomever completes it is truly the most powerful of us."
"Big words," said Beelzbor. "What could possibly be so great that it would convince
the rest of us of that?"
Malevant just smiled. He walked over to a free standing stone podium about four
feet in height. The podium was filled with water. He passed his hand over the water
and an image appeared in the water.
The other four demons walked over and looked at the image in the water. There
was no sound, only the image. Piper, Phoebe, and Paige sat around a table talking.
Leo stood with his back against a sink smiling.
"Them," said Malevant confidently.
"Are you insane?" asked Beelzbor. "They destroyed the Source and sealed the
Hollow away again. You honestly think that any one of us is any match for them?"
"So you would agree that if one of us can destroy the Charmed Ones," said
Malevant, "they would be worthy of replacing the Source?"
The four demons looked at each other. It was clear they each felt the same way.
The Charmed Ones had proven to be even more powerful than any of them had first
believed.
"I think that would be fair," said Beelzbor. "After all, if someone can destroy the
Charmed Ones after they destroyed the Source, it would have to prove that they were
more powerful than even the Source."
"I can destroy the Charmed Ones," said Malevant. "Once I've destroyed the
Charmed Ones, and that accursed White Lighter of theirs, you'll have to acknowledge
me as the Sources' replacement."
"Assuming you do destroy them," said Talistar. "What if you don't destroy them?"
"Then I would not be the right choice to replace the Source," said Malevant
arrogantly. "But I wouldn't worry about that to much. I WILL destroy the Charmed
Ones."
"Who says you get to go first?" asked Beelzbor. "Why shouldn't one of us get that
honor?"
"Fair enough," said Malevant. "Does anyone want to be the first to try to destroy the
Charmed Ones? Just after they've destroyed the Source and resealed the Hollow back
in its' resting place?"
No one spoke. It was clear that none of his "colleagues" felt THAT confidant.
"Very well," said Malevant. "I shall go first. And once I've destroyed the Charmed
Ones, I become the new Source."
"I'll agree with those terms," said Beelzbor.
The other three also agreed. Malevant wasn't fooled. He knew what each of them
was planning. They would wait until he had weakened the Charmed Ones, then move
in for the kill themselves. Then they would proclaim themselves the new Source
according to the rules of their agreement. That, he vowed silently, would never happen.
"I'll summon you again when I've completed the task," said Malevant.
"How will we know you've actually done it?" asked LaTarrin. "Surely, you don't
expect us to just take your word for it. Would you take our word for it?"
"Of course not," said Malevant. "I'll present their lifeless bodies to you. That should
be proof enough that I've destroyed them."
"Agreed," said Talistar. "Present the dead bodies of the Charmed One and you will
be accepted as the new Source."
"As will we all," said Beelzbor.
The four demons shimmered out. Each, Malevant knew, would be gathering his
forces in order to steal the prize. He would have to act swiftly if he was to prevent that.
"Grimlor," he said into the mists.
One of his underlings appeared almost instantly.
"Yes, Master?" said the underling.
"Send Zimlock to me," said Malevant. "I need the girl. He's just the demon to get
her for me. And put out the word. I want the girl found. But she is not to be harmed.
She's of no use to me dead."
"As Master wishes," said Grimlor. He then faded back into the mists.
Malevant smiled to himself. Once he had the girl, no one could stop him. His plans
would be complete. And with a little luck, he'd be able to take out some of the
underlings of the others in the process. Maybe one or two of them as well.
Zimlock arrived a few moments later. He didn't look like a demon. In fact, he didn't
look like anything. He was obviously humanoid, but his head had no features. He had
two eye holes but no eyes. And his mouth was just a small slit. Other than that, there
was no resemblance between him and any other creature, mortal or immortal.
"You wished to see me," said Zimlock.
"Yes," said Malevant. "I need you to bring someone to me. It's a small human girl. I
have others looking for her now. When they find her, you must bring her to me
immediately."
"Why do you need me?" asked Zimlock. "Cannot those who search for her
accomplish this?"
"No," said Malevant. "This is a very special girl. I do not believe the others will find
her before she finds help. A very special kind of help."
"You speak of the Charmed Ones," said Zimlock.
"Yes," said Malevant. "I believe they will find the child first and will use their
considerable power to protect her. That's why I need your special talents. You'll be
able to bring her to me easily."
"It will not be easy," said Zimlock. "If they discover who this child is, they will be on
their guard."
"I know," said Malevant. "But I have confidence in you. Only you are capable of
bringing her to me once the Charmed Ones have her."
"I shall do my best," said Zimlock.
"One other thing," said Malevant. "The girl must not be harmed."
"I understand," said Zimlock. "I shall treat her as if she were my own daughter. If I
were capable of having a daughter."
"Good," said Malevant. "Now, go. You know where the Charmed Ones live. Wait
there for the girl. If the others find her before she arrives there, I will send you word."
Zimlock bowed and walked into the mists. Malevant was pleased with himself. No
one knew what he had planned. He wasn't sure if Zimlock could deliver or not, but he
was prepared if he couldn't. If Zimlock could deliver, so much the better.
Malevant shimmered out of the underworld. He had more plans to make and
preparations to make. He was going to be very busy.
To be continued . . .
Be sure not to miss Part 2: Small Packages. A young girl with an awesome power
seeks aid from the Charmed Ones when demons from rival groups attempt to capture
her to control her power.
If you've enjoyed this story, you can find more of my stories for a variety of shows and
subjects at http://pub57.ezboard.com/bjerrysfanfictionsite. You can also post your
stories if you like to write fan fiction.
"BALANCE OF POWER"
by J. B. Tilton
Rating: PG-13
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.
A special thanks to Tracie Joy (a.k.a. Majiklmoon) for her help in this story.
* * *
Authors' note: This story takes place after the episode where the Charmed Ones
have killed the Source but before the episode where Cole discovers he is inhabited by
the Source. It is based on the premise that It took the Source several days to manifest
himself inside Cole and Cole still believes himself to be only a human.
* * *
With the death of the Source, a struggle in the underworld ensues to see who will be
his replacement. In order to make the selection, a contest is started. The new Source
will be the demon who can kill the Charmed Ones.
PART 1 - POWER STRUGGLE
Learning of the death of the Source, five powerful demons converge to discuss who
will be the Sources' replacement.
* * *
The demon stood looking into the swirling mists around it. This was no ordinary
demon. He stood some seven feet tall and his skin was a dark green - nearly black -
with bright yellow markings. His eyes glowed bright red like two piercing spot lights in
the dark.
No, this was no ordinary demon. Few demons enjoyed his level of power or control.
While there were others of equal status, only the Source ruled above him. He had
often been the Sources' right hand advisor. But that could all change in the next few
minutes.
"Malevant," hissed a lower lever demon, stepping from the swirling mists.
The larger demon did not turn to look at this underling. He had no need to. Those
who served him served him well. They obeyed without question or hesitation. And all
knew the penalty for disloyalty. Or failure.
"Speak," said Malevant.
"It is finished," hissed the underling. "Source dead. Witches kill him."
"What of the Hollow?" asked Malevant anxiously.
"Back in resting place," hissed the underling. "Seer and one witch read box. Magic
safe again."
Malevant smiled to himself and relaxed. The Source had been a fool thinking he
could control the Hollow. For thirty five hundred years it had been sealed away, and
with good cause. If left unchecked, it could have destroyed them all. Only a fool would
have been desperate enough to try controlling it.
"Call the others," said Malevant, still not turning.
"At once," said the underling, who bowed and backed into the swirling mists until it
was completely obscured.
Malevant just continued to star into the mists. There would be a struggle now. As
there was always a struggle when a position of power was left unfilled. A struggle to
see who would replace the Source. It was a struggle he planned to make sure would
come out the way he wanted it to.
The others would arrive soon. When they did, he would make his proposal. They
would listen to it. And they would agree. He was sure of that. Then they would see
who among them was best qualified to replace the Source.
* * *
Four demons stood in the swirling mists waiting for Malevant. They all appeared
similar, yet each was distinctively different. There was no doubt these four were very
high level demons. There was also no doubt that each of these demons held no love
for the others.
Malevant walked out of the mists. He stood looking at each of them. If they had
already known, they might have attacked without hesitation. It was only the power of
the Source that kept their rivalry and hatred of each other in check. A power which was
no longer.
"Why have we been summoned?" demanded a purple demon with bright yellow
markings angrily.
"I have news, LaTarrin," said Malevant. "As you are all aware, the Source has
unleashed the Hollow in his attempt to destroy the Charmed Ones."
"That was foolish," said an orange demon with red markings. "The Hollow cannot be
controlled, we all know that. It will destroy us all."
"No longer, Mephistan," said Malevant. "The Source is dead, and the Hollow is once
again locked away. It can no longer harm any one."
"Dead?" questioned a green demon with blue markings. "Killed by the Charmed
Ones?"
"Yes, Talistar," said Malevant. "Killed by the Charmed Ones. Who also helped to
lock the Hollow away again so that it can no longer threaten us."
"Then the Charmed Ones are truly unbeatable," said Mephistan. "If they can defeat
the Source AND the Hollow, what can stand against them?"
"We have other matters to attend to right now," said LaTarrin. "The selection of who
will replace the Source."
"Exactly," said Malevant. "Now, before we all start throwing fireballs, and doing a
great deal of damage to each other, I have a proposal."
"So have we," said LaTarrin. "We've all been talking. The conflict which brought the
Source to power did great damage to our ranks. None of us wants that to happen
again."
"We've decided," interrupted Mephistan, "to select one among us to serve as the
Sources' replacement. The rest will swear loyalty to him."
Malevants' eyes narrowed. He looked at the fifth demon; bright yellow with black
markings. His name was Beelzbor. This would be his doing. A way to replace the
source without having to bloody his hands, no doubt.
"Leadership by committee?" questioned Malevant. "What's next? Maybe open
elections by the general demonic populace? A committee to decide what constitutes a
demonic leader and what doesn't? I don't think so.
"The Source remained in power because everyone was too afraid to challenge him.
That's how our kind have always ruled. The stronger ruling the weaker. THAT is the
natural order for our kind. It has always been so."
"What would you propose?" demanded Beelzbor. "None of us can ill afford to loose
great numbers of our underlings in a fight. What good is taking power if you aren't
strong enough to keep it once you have it?"
"My point exactly," said Malevant. "I would propose a contest of sorts. We select a
task. It must be a task sufficiently powerful enough to prove that whomever completes
it is the one powerful enough to be the next Source."
"A contest?" questioned Talistar. "My, Malevant, how very human of you."
Anger flashed in Malevants' eyes.
"You, of all demons," said Malevant, "should know there is nothing of humanity in
me. But this is no ordinary task. It must be something which will prove undeniably that
the winner is the most powerful."
"Interesting idea," said LaTarrin. "But other than killing the rest of us, what could
possibly be enough to prove that one of us is worthy to be the new Source?"
"I already have something in mind," said Malevant. "It will show without any doubt
that whomever completes it is truly the most powerful of us."
"Big words," said Beelzbor. "What could possibly be so great that it would convince
the rest of us of that?"
Malevant just smiled. He walked over to a free standing stone podium about four
feet in height. The podium was filled with water. He passed his hand over the water
and an image appeared in the water.
The other four demons walked over and looked at the image in the water. There
was no sound, only the image. Piper, Phoebe, and Paige sat around a table talking.
Leo stood with his back against a sink smiling.
"Them," said Malevant confidently.
"Are you insane?" asked Beelzbor. "They destroyed the Source and sealed the
Hollow away again. You honestly think that any one of us is any match for them?"
"So you would agree that if one of us can destroy the Charmed Ones," said
Malevant, "they would be worthy of replacing the Source?"
The four demons looked at each other. It was clear they each felt the same way.
The Charmed Ones had proven to be even more powerful than any of them had first
believed.
"I think that would be fair," said Beelzbor. "After all, if someone can destroy the
Charmed Ones after they destroyed the Source, it would have to prove that they were
more powerful than even the Source."
"I can destroy the Charmed Ones," said Malevant. "Once I've destroyed the
Charmed Ones, and that accursed White Lighter of theirs, you'll have to acknowledge
me as the Sources' replacement."
"Assuming you do destroy them," said Talistar. "What if you don't destroy them?"
"Then I would not be the right choice to replace the Source," said Malevant
arrogantly. "But I wouldn't worry about that to much. I WILL destroy the Charmed
Ones."
"Who says you get to go first?" asked Beelzbor. "Why shouldn't one of us get that
honor?"
"Fair enough," said Malevant. "Does anyone want to be the first to try to destroy the
Charmed Ones? Just after they've destroyed the Source and resealed the Hollow back
in its' resting place?"
No one spoke. It was clear that none of his "colleagues" felt THAT confidant.
"Very well," said Malevant. "I shall go first. And once I've destroyed the Charmed
Ones, I become the new Source."
"I'll agree with those terms," said Beelzbor.
The other three also agreed. Malevant wasn't fooled. He knew what each of them
was planning. They would wait until he had weakened the Charmed Ones, then move
in for the kill themselves. Then they would proclaim themselves the new Source
according to the rules of their agreement. That, he vowed silently, would never happen.
"I'll summon you again when I've completed the task," said Malevant.
"How will we know you've actually done it?" asked LaTarrin. "Surely, you don't
expect us to just take your word for it. Would you take our word for it?"
"Of course not," said Malevant. "I'll present their lifeless bodies to you. That should
be proof enough that I've destroyed them."
"Agreed," said Talistar. "Present the dead bodies of the Charmed One and you will
be accepted as the new Source."
"As will we all," said Beelzbor.
The four demons shimmered out. Each, Malevant knew, would be gathering his
forces in order to steal the prize. He would have to act swiftly if he was to prevent that.
"Grimlor," he said into the mists.
One of his underlings appeared almost instantly.
"Yes, Master?" said the underling.
"Send Zimlock to me," said Malevant. "I need the girl. He's just the demon to get
her for me. And put out the word. I want the girl found. But she is not to be harmed.
She's of no use to me dead."
"As Master wishes," said Grimlor. He then faded back into the mists.
Malevant smiled to himself. Once he had the girl, no one could stop him. His plans
would be complete. And with a little luck, he'd be able to take out some of the
underlings of the others in the process. Maybe one or two of them as well.
Zimlock arrived a few moments later. He didn't look like a demon. In fact, he didn't
look like anything. He was obviously humanoid, but his head had no features. He had
two eye holes but no eyes. And his mouth was just a small slit. Other than that, there
was no resemblance between him and any other creature, mortal or immortal.
"You wished to see me," said Zimlock.
"Yes," said Malevant. "I need you to bring someone to me. It's a small human girl. I
have others looking for her now. When they find her, you must bring her to me
immediately."
"Why do you need me?" asked Zimlock. "Cannot those who search for her
accomplish this?"
"No," said Malevant. "This is a very special girl. I do not believe the others will find
her before she finds help. A very special kind of help."
"You speak of the Charmed Ones," said Zimlock.
"Yes," said Malevant. "I believe they will find the child first and will use their
considerable power to protect her. That's why I need your special talents. You'll be
able to bring her to me easily."
"It will not be easy," said Zimlock. "If they discover who this child is, they will be on
their guard."
"I know," said Malevant. "But I have confidence in you. Only you are capable of
bringing her to me once the Charmed Ones have her."
"I shall do my best," said Zimlock.
"One other thing," said Malevant. "The girl must not be harmed."
"I understand," said Zimlock. "I shall treat her as if she were my own daughter. If I
were capable of having a daughter."
"Good," said Malevant. "Now, go. You know where the Charmed Ones live. Wait
there for the girl. If the others find her before she arrives there, I will send you word."
Zimlock bowed and walked into the mists. Malevant was pleased with himself. No
one knew what he had planned. He wasn't sure if Zimlock could deliver or not, but he
was prepared if he couldn't. If Zimlock could deliver, so much the better.
Malevant shimmered out of the underworld. He had more plans to make and
preparations to make. He was going to be very busy.
To be continued . . .
Be sure not to miss Part 2: Small Packages. A young girl with an awesome power
seeks aid from the Charmed Ones when demons from rival groups attempt to capture
her to control her power.
If you've enjoyed this story, you can find more of my stories for a variety of shows and
subjects at http://pub57.ezboard.com/bjerrysfanfictionsite. You can also post your
stories if you like to write fan fiction.