CHARMED
"REQUIEM FOR A WHITE LIGHTER"
by J. B. Tilton
email: aramath@isot.com
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 between the season 2
episodes "Chick Flick" and "Ex Libris".
Special thanks to Tracie Joy (a.k.a. Magiklmoon) for all the
invaluable help she provided on this story helping to improve far
beyond what I could have done on my own.)
* * *
When Leo suddenly turns evil and deserts the Charmed Ones, a new
White Lighter is appointed for the Charmed Ones. The news he brings
is distressing. Because of Leo's knowledge of the Charmed Ones, they
may have to vanquish him to protect themselves and others.
* * *
PART 1: A LIGHT EXTINGUISHED
When Leo orbs out after having a fight with Piper, she figures
it's just tension. But another White Lighter orbs in with distressing
news. Leo had become a Promethian: a White Lighter who's turned evil.
And his knowledge of the Charmed Ones makes him an unacceptable risk
to them and all the forces of good.
* * *
PROLOGUE
The Source stood in the middle of his chambers waiting. His
black robes hung at his side. The hood he kept perpetually drawn over
his face hid his features from all who would dare glimpse him. He
stood waiting. For who or what was unclear.
Suddenly a black woman entered the chambers. She was an
attractive woman and entered the chamber unannounced and unbidden.
She stopped in front of the Source and bowed slightly.
"What have you to tell me, Seer?" inquired the Source.
"There is danger on rise, my liege," said the Seer. "I have
foreseen the birth of a child. A child that it is foretold will be
the signal of your eventual downfall. Your destruction by the forces
of good."
"Impossible," sneered the Source. "There is no one powerful
enough to challenge me. No one who would dare do so."
"Forgive me, my liege," said the Seer, "but I can only tell you
what I see. The ones who can defeat you are three witches. The
Charmed Ones. The birth of this child will signify that they have
grown powerful enough to challenge even you."
"I cannot let this happen," said the Source. "I have planned to
long and too hard to let anything stand in my way. Is there anything
that can be done to prevent your vision?"
"The birth of this child is the beginning of a chain of events,"
said the Seer. "While the child is of no particular threat to you, if
it should not be born, the chain will be broken. Prevent the child's
birth and you will at least postpone your downfall. Perhaps enough
for me to see how to prevent it."
"I see," said the Source. "I need only kill a single child to
protect myself. That should be an easy matter."
"Perhaps not," said the Seer. "The child will be protected by a
powerful witch. Not as powerful as the Charmed Ones but powerful
enough to protect the child from any demons you may send after the
child. Even now she protects the child's mother."
"I see," said the Source. "So I will have to deal with the
witch first. Without its' protector, the woman and the child will be
easy pre for any demon. How soon before the child is to be born?"
"That is difficult to say," said the Seer. "Certainly within
the week. In such matters not even my visions are completely
accurate. But I would guess you have at least three days. But no
more than seven at best."
"Leave me," said the Source. "I must make plans. Tell me when
you have another vision."
"As you wish," said the Seer, bowing slightly.
She turned and left the chamber. The Source thought for a
moment. The Seer was a very valuable ally. Her visions were very
accurate. If she said that a human child would foretell his
destruction, then that child had to be destroyed.
"Barratus," said the Source.
A demon entered the chamber. Not as big or as imposing as the
Source, it was still a frightening creature. It's coal black skin
glistened in the light of the chamber. It's pointed, razor-sharp
teeth gave mute testimony that it could kill with those alone.
Although vaguely human in appearance, it glowed with a slight red
tinge that testified to its underworld ancestor.
"Bring him to me," commanded the Source. "I have plans to make
and I will need his council for that. Bring him immediately. Time
grows short."
The demon just bowed, then turned and left the chamber. The
Source's advisor would arrive soon. He had many advisors. But only
this one would give him the advice he truly needed. Without any
personal agenda of his own. He was an advisor that the Source had
come to rely on greatly
ONE
The demon entered the Source's chambers. As with the Seer, he
did not wait to be announced. He had no need to be announced. The
Source had sent for him and would, even now, be waiting for his
arrival.
The demon stood some seven feet tall and his skin was a dark
green - nearly black - with bright yellow markings. The markings
were reminiscent of tribal markings. As if the demon belonged to some
brotherhood. His pale yellow eyes glowed slightly as he entered the
chamber.
"You sent for me," spoke the demon.
"Malevant, yes," said the Source, turning to the demon. "The
Seer has given me some distressing news. The birth of a human child.
A child whose birth is foretold will signal the beginning of my
destruction."
"Surely no child can destroy the powerful Source?" questioned
Malevant. "There are few demons who would even consider such a thing.
And none of the forces of good possess the necessary power to stand
against you. How can a mere child destroy you?"
"It is not the child I need fear," said the Source. "The
child's birth is only a portent; a sign of events to come. The child
itself is no threat to me. It is the child's birth that is the crux
of the matter. The Seer has said it is the Charmed Ones that are my
greatest adversaries."
Malevants eyes narrowed. The Charmed Ones. Ever since they had
acquired their powers they had been a thorn in the side of all evil.
If they were allowed to remain unchecked they could well become a
problem for the Source.
"Then the matter is simple," said Malevant finally. "Prevent
the child's birth and the omen is destroyed. Like the first of a long
chain of events. Break one link, and the rest of the chain will fall
apart."
"Exactly as the Seer has foretold," said the Source. "That is
why I have summoned you. We have at most seven days before the child
is born. A minimum of three. We must prevent the child's birth at
all costs."
"A human child?" questioned Malevant. "That is simple. Send
one of your renders to the child's mother. Destroy her before she can
give birth and the child dies with her."
"That is not a simple matter," said the Source. "The child's
mother is protected by a powerful witch."
"And where there is a witch there is a White Lighter," said
Malevant. "And a White Lighter will protect not only the witch but
her charges as well. And he could ensure that the child is born."
"Now you see the problem," said the Source. "We could send a
demon to kill the prospective mother. But the witch would almost
certainly interfere. And even if the demon were to get lucky enough
to kill the woman or cause her serious harm, the White Lighter will
still ensure that the charge survives."
"Yes," said Malevant. "This will require careful consideration.
We must ensure that the mother dies before she can give birth and that
the White Lighter is not available to heal her. Which means the witch
will have to be dealt with as well."
"Methodical as always," said the Source. "That is why I sent
for you. Your plans are always excellent."
"I wish our operatives were always so efficient," responded
Malevant. "No matter how well planned things go wrong more than they
should."
"Not because of your fault," said the Source. "You have been a
good advisor. Now, I need you to come up with a way to solve this
little problem for me. And remember. It has to be taken care of in
less than three days."
"I'll come up with something," said Malevant. "Don't I always?"
"Of course," said the Source. "Why do you think I keep you
around?"
Malevant smiled, then turned and left the chamber. The Source
smiled to himself. Malevant was always able to contrive the most
effective plans. And he was right about something else. Far too
often their underlings always seemed to mess things up. This was one
time that he couldn't allow that to happen. Too much was riding on
this.
Malevant returned to his own domain. Unlike the domain of the
Source, who preferred a more conventional frame of reference, Malevant
had chosen something a bit less conventional. Instead of walls and
doors Malevants domain was nothing but a swirling mass of mist. Even
the other senior demons found it a bit unnerving when they paid him a
visit.
"Redjik," Malevant called into the mist.
Another demon walked out of the mist. Many demons lounged
around in the mist. Just out of sight but near enough to hear their
master's voice. Ready to cater to whatever whim Malevant might have.
"Yes, master," hissed the demon.
Redjik was one of Malevants oldest and most trusted
subordinates. As in keeping with Malevants dictates, none of his
subordinates appeared before him in their human form. To do so risked
his wrath and the very real possibility of instant destruction by
their master.
This demon stood about the same height as an average human. It
had a sickly green colored skin and only three fingers on each hand.
Its skin was strangely reminiscent of the scales of a reptile.
"Redjik," said Malevant, "I want you to check on a witch for me.
I want to know about her routine. Where she goes, who she sees, how
often her White Lighter is with her, that sort of thing. But only do
it for one day. We are on a time constraint. Return to me when you
have the information I need."
"Yes, master," said Redjik.
The demon turned and walked back into the mist. Malevant turned
and simply looked into the mist. He was often called upon by the
Source to come up with a plan to help advance the Source's plans. He
had never failed to come up with something. And he would not fail to
do so now.
One of the reasons he was so efficient was because he didn't
leave things to chance. Instead of leaving some details to his
underlings, as some of his contemporaries did, Malevant normally took
care of many details personally. He usually knew more about his
operations than most of the others did about their own operations.
This mission was too important to leave many of those details to
his underlings. He would handle those himself. After a quick look
around, Malevant shimmered out of his domain to attend to some of
those details.
TWO
Leo orbed into the kitchen of the manor and slammed his toolbox
down on the table. Piper, who was just finishing the dishes, hadn't
notice him orb in. The slamming of the toolbox startled her and she
spun around, ready to freeze whatever creature had dared to invade her
home. She saw Leo standing next to the table, his hand still on the
handle of the toolbox.
"Down, big fella," said Piper. "That table's an innocent."
"I'm sorry," apologized Leo. "I guess I'm just sort of stressed
at the moment. I didn't mean to spook you."
"That's okay, sweetie," said Piper. "Rough assignment?"
"Yeah," said Leo. "This guy is a potential White Lighter but I
swear he goes out of his way to annoy people. He won't listen to any
advice I give him. Just keeps saying how when I'm his age I'll
understand a few things a lot better."
"How old is he?" asked Piper.
"Fifty seven," said Leo.
"Well," said Piper, "you've been a White Lighter for sixty
years. Not counting the years you were human. Seems to me you have a
few years on him."
"I don't need to be patronized," Leo shot back. "You know I
can't tell anyone I'm a White Lighter. They have to believe I'm just
as human as they are."
"Easy, there," said Piper, "I was just trying to give you a
little perspective on the situation."
"I know," said Leo. "It's just that the Elders have given me so
much to do. I have you, Prue, and Phoebe. Plus my other charges. On
top of that, they add in these extra assignments to check on future
White Lighters. And there are other White Lighters just sitting
around up there waiting for an assignment. I don't know why they
can't assign one of them for a change."
"I'm sure they will," said Piper. "But you should be flattered
they have so much confidence in you."
"I'd settle for a little less flattery and a little more rest,"
said Leo.
Suddenly he cocked his head to one side.
"Great," he said. "They want to see me again. I wonder what
they want this time? I shouldn't be long "
"Take your time," said Piper. "I'm not going anywhere."
Leo orbed out and Piper finished putting away the dishes. As
she was walking out of the kitchen, Prue came through the front door.
Behind her was Phoebe, carrying her usual armload of schoolbooks.
"Hey, honey," said Prue. "You okay? You look perplexed."
"Have either of you noticed anything unusual about Leo lately?"
asked Piper.
"No," said Phoebe, smiling coyly. "But then, you have more
contact with him that we do."
"This is serious, Phoebe," said Piper. "I think he's stressed
out. He just got angry with me over nothing. That's not like him."
"Well," said Prue," he has been working a little extra hard
lately. I mean he's checked on three potential White Lighters this
week alone. Maybe he's just stressed out and needs a break. You
can't work all the time without blowing off steam at some time."
"Prue's right," said Phoebe. "I mean, he is the White Lighter
of the Charmed Ones. That's got to put a lot of pressure on him. Not
to mention everything else he has to do. Maybe he could use a
vacation or something."
"Do White Lighters take vacations?" asked Piper.
"I don't know," said Prue, putting here arm around Piper. "But
tell you what. For the next few days let's take it easy on him. We
always turn to him when we need some answers. Maybe if we try a
little harder we can find those answers for ourselves and maybe take a
little pressure of Leo. That might help."
"Sounds like a plan to me," said Phoebe. "Instead of asking Leo
right off the bat, we could check the Book of Shadows first. It
always has something in it we can use anyway."
"Thanks you two," said Piper. "I know the last few weeks
haven't been easy on the two of you. What with the whole Leo and Dan
thing. I know it's been a strain on you two as well."
"That's what sisters are for," said Prue, hugging Piper.
"Besides, I'm sure if the situation was reversed, you'd be there for
us."
"Definitely," agreed Phoebe.
"Okay," said Piper. "Leo had to go up there for a while. When
he gets back let's just let him sit down, prop his feet up, and take
it easy for a while. And barring any demon attacks, we'll just let
him veg out on the sofa for a while."
"Absolutely," said Prue. "No questions, no orbing anywhere, no
running off to ask the Elders questions. Just peace and quiet all
night long."
"Hear, hear," agreed Phoebe.
Piper smiled to herself. When Leo returned he would find the
three sisters ready to wait on him hand and foot until he was all
rested and relaxed. She turned to go back into the kitchen and
stopped. Someone was orbing into the entryway.
The man appeared to be younger even than Phoebe. He was dressed
casually and was smiling slightly as his orbing finished. Prue and
Phoebe stepped up next to Piper to see who was orbing in.
"Oh, look, we have a guest," said Prue.
"Greetings, Charmed Ones," said the man, bowing slightly. "It
is truly an honor to meet you. I must admit that I've jealous of Leo
since it was announced he would have this assignment. I can tell you
every White Lighter was hoping they'd get it."
"Look, girls," said Piper, "we have a groupie."
Phoebe just giggled. This White Lighter looked more like a boy
than an angel. But the fact that he had orbed in proved he was a
White Lighter. Only White Lighters' were able to orb.
"My name is Jason Collins," said the White Lighter. "And I've
been sent to have a talk with you. A talk about Leo."
"Leo?" questioned Piper. "Is there a problem with Leo?"
"That's what we need to discuss," said Jason. "Can we sit down,
please? This might take some time."
Piper, Prue, and Phoebe returned to the living room with Jason
close behind. Each of the sisters felt apprehensive at what Jason
might have to say to them.
THREE
"Again," said Jason after they had been seated, "let me say what
an honor it is to finally meet the famous Charmed Ones. I've looked
forward to this for so long."
"Aren't you a little young to be a White Lighter?" asked Phoebe.
"Well," said Jason, "I was only seventeen when I died. But I've
been a White Lighter for about one hundred twelve years now. We don't
age as mortals do."
"Yeah, yeah, we know all that," said Piper impatiently. "What's
this about Leo?"
"First," said Jason, "I need to ask some questions. Has Leo
been acting unusual at all lately? Edgy, irritable, maybe a bit short
tempered?"
"Yes, he has," said Piper. "We just thought it was stress."
"I hope that's all it is," said Jason. "He's been the same way
up there. He argues with the Elders, he's been arguing with other
White Lighters, he's even been questioning the motives of the council
itself. It's not like him. He's one of the most levelheaded White
Lighters there is. That's one of the reasons he was chosen for this
assignment."
"It is just stress, right?" asked Prue. "I mean, there's
nothing wrong with Leo, is there?"
"We don't really know," said Jason. "He's been acting this way
for a few days now. The Elders have been attributing it to stress and
sent me to see if there's been anything unusual happening down here
that we don't know about."
"No," said Phoebe, "not that we know of. Piper said that Leo
was complaining about being overworked or something. But that just
sounds normal to me."
"Not for a White Lighter," said Jason. "The Elders are very
careful not to overload a White Lighter. We can't afford for a White
Lighter to make a mistake. So they're very judicious about what
assignments they give to what White Lighters."
"Well he does have a lot on his plate," said Piper. "He has us
as well as his other charges. Then there are the prospective White
Lighters he's been assigned to check out. It just seems that he's got
a lot to do."
"Not any more than any other White Lighter, I can assure you,"
said Jason. "In fact, because he's your White Lighter, his work load
is even lighter than most. You're very important to the council. You
are Leo's most important charges."
"You make us sound like some sort of celebrities," said Phoebe.
"You are," said Jason. "You're the Charmed Ones. Have you any
idea how many generations it took to prepare you for your powers?
Every White Lighter up there was hoping they'd be picked for this
assignment."
"You said that before," said Piper.
"Because it's true," said Jason. "I can't tell you how many
White Lighters were jealous of Leo when he was chosen. Oh, it wasn't
a bad jealousy. Everyone was genuinely happy for him. But we never
expected it. There were many others much older and more experienced
that we thought would be chosen. In a way, Leo is as much a celebrity
among the White Lighters as you are."
"So, what can we do for him?" asked Piper.
"I don't know," said Jason. "Apparently there's no clue to his
behavior down here, either. Maybe it is just stress. I'll recommend
to the Elders that Leo be given a break. Relieve any stress he might
have right now. After a rest, Leo should return to normal."
"That's what we thought, too," said Phoebe. "In fact, we
planned to let him just sort of veg out for the rest of the night."
"That's not a bad idea," said Jason. "I'll go back to the
Elders and tell them what you told me. It's not much but maybe it
will mean something to the Elders. If we learn anything more, I'll
come back and tell you. If you should learn anything else, just call
for me. I'll orb in right away."
"Okay, Jason," said Piper.
Jason just smiled then orbed out. The sisters went about their
normal routines waiting for Leo to return. They didn't have long to
wait. Less than thirty minutes later, Leo orbed into the kitchen
where Piper was preparing dinner.
"Hey, Leo, what's up?" asked Piper, putting on her most
conciliatory manner.
"How do you think it's going?" snapped Leo. "They want me to go
back and try to help that potential White Lighter again. Like that's
going to do any good. He wouldn't listen the first time, what makes
them think he's going to listen if I go back?"
"Well, maybe he's had a chance to think about what you said,
honey," said Piper. "Maybe they figure that now he'll be more
receptive to you."
"You sound just like them," said Leo. His voice was strained
with anger. "What do you do? Confer with them on my assignments so
you can parrot what they say?"
"Leo, I'm just trying to help," said Piper.
She was getting worried. She had never seen him like this
before. He seemed dangerously close to loosing his temper. Something
that Leo just didn't do. Just then, Prue and Phoebe came into the
kitchen.
"Hey, Leo," said Prue. "We thought we heard your voice. How's
it going?"
"Why is everyone so suddenly worried about how I am?" Leo
snapped at her. "Do I look like there's something wrong with me?"
"Leo, are you okay?" asked Phoebe. "You don't seem to be
yourself today."
"Who do I seem to be?" snapped Leo. "I swear, if everyone would
just leave me alone, I'd be fine."
"Leo, honey, I'm worried about you," said Piper. "I've never
seen you like this before."
"Like what?" demanded Leo. "Fed up with being used? Fed up
with being given assignment after assignment without so much as a
thank you? Fed up with running errands for people who don't
appreciate it and who take me for granted? Is that what you mean?"
"Leo, we appreciate everything you do for us," said Prue. "I'll
admit maybe we're a bit short and don't thank you enough. And we're
sorry for that."
"Yeah, right," said Leo. "'Leo, go to the Elders and find out
about this for us. Leo what do you know about that? Leo find out
what you can about so-and-so.' You do it all the time. And you
almost never say 'thank you'."
"Leo, that's not true," said Piper. "We say 'thank you' a lot.
Maybe not at the moment, but we're usually busy fighting demons or
warlocks or something. But surely you know we appreciate everything
you do for us."
"Of course you do," said Leo sarcastically.
"Piper's right," said Phoebe.
"I'd expect you to take her side," Leo shot back at Phoebe.
"You're sisters. The famed Charmed Ones. The protector of the
innocent. The ones all the White Lighters and even the Elders bend
over backwards to accommodate. And who am I? Just Leo Wyatt, your
White Lighter. Your lap dog. Your glorified errand boy. I do all
the legwork and you three rake in all the glory. If it weren't for
me, you three would have been destroyed months ago. But do I get any
of the credit for it? Hell no, not one little bit."
"Leo," said Piper, "there's something wrong with you, sweetie.
We need to get you some help."
"Help," said Leo. "Yeah, I need help. I need someone who will
appreciate me. Who won't take me for granted. Who will treat me the
way I deserve to be treated. You know, I wish I'd never heard of the
Charmed Ones. I wish we'd never met. And you, Piper. Getting
involved with you is the biggest mistake I ever made. What was I thinking, getting involved with one of my charges? Like anything could ever come of it."
"Leo, you don't mean that," said Piper, tears in her eyes.
"The hell I don't," said Leo. "There's no way the Elders would
ever let a White Lighter become involved with one of his charges. And
certainly not a Charmed One. Oh, no, not the invaluable Charmed One.
Not the pride and joy of the forces of good. I was a fool. A total,
idiotic fool for thinking anything could happen between us."
"Leo, please," said Prue. "You don't know what you're saying."
"I know exactly what I'm saying," snapped Leo, his anger in full
force. "I need t get out of here. Go somewhere where they'll
appreciate me. Don't come looking for me. You won't find me. Good-
bye, ladies. Let's hope your new White Lighter is as gullible as I
was."
Without another word, Leo orbed out of the kitchen, leaving the
sisters staring after him in astonishment.
FOUR
"Jason," screamed Piper. "Jason, you get your butt down here
right this instant."
The girls watched as Jason orbed into the kitchen.
"I assume you found out something," said Jason.
"Oh, you could say that," said Piper.
"Leo's flipped out," said Phoebe. "You should have seen how he
was acting. And the things he was saying. It's like he was a totally
different person."
"He is," said Jason. "I was about to orb down here when you
called. Have a seat. I'm afraid what I have to tell you isn't very
pleasant."
They all took a seat around the table. The sisters were very
concerned. Not just with the way Leo had been acting. But with what
Jason had to tell them.
"Just before Leo orbed down here," began Jason, "he did pretty
much the same thing with the Elders. Kept ranting and raving about
not being appreciated and being used by everyone. I've never seen a
White Lighter explode at them the way he did."
"What's wrong with him?" asked Piper. "Is he sick?"
"White Lighters can't get sick," said Jason. "They're immortal,
remember? They don't get sick, they don't age, and they can't be
killed, except by a Dark Lighter's arrow. No, I'm afraid that what's
happened to Leo is far worse than just being sick. Leo's become a
Promethian."
"A what?" asked Prue. "What the hell is a Promethian?"
"Many centuries ago," said Jason, "when the Greek Empire was in
full swing, something happened that was unheard of. Something that
not even the Elders believed was possible. A White Lighter turned
evil. That White Lighter was called a Promethian because of the myth
of Prometheus."
"Turned evil?" asked Piper. "Wait a minute, White Lighters are
angels. How can they turn evil?"
"No one knows," said Jason. "It's very rare, but it does happen
once in a while. Usually to the White Lighters assigned to the most
powerful charges. But the actual cause has never been discovered.
And, I'm afraid, that's what's happened to Leo. Leo is no longer a
White Lighter. He's a Promethian."
"I don't believe it," said Prue. "Leo would never become evil."
"I wish it wasn't true," said Jason. "But it's been confirmed.
Leo has dropped off our radar screen, so to speak. No one knows where
he is. There's only one way that could possibly happen. He's gone to
the underworld."
Piper, Prue, and Phoebe sat staring at Jason, not knowing what
to say. They hadn't known Leo all that long but they felt they knew
him pretty well. There wasn't an evil bone in Leo's body. He was
probably the most moral person they knew.
"What can we do?" asked Piper. "Is there a spell or potion or
something that we can use to turn him back?"
"No," said Jason. "Once a White Lighters becomes a Promethian,
they never turn back. Whatever good is left inside them is completely
and totally submerged. There's no way for him to return to good.
"Being good or evil is a conscious choice. White Lighters have
free will just like humans. Or demons. Even demons can choose to be
good. So if a White Lighter becomes a Promethian, he chooses to
become one."
"No," said Piper on the verge of tears, "there has to be another
answer."
Jason reached into his pocket and pulled out a rolled up piece
of parchment. It looked very much like a scroll. He handed the
scroll to Prue.
"This is a page from the Book of Shadows," he said. "It was
removed before the book was given to you. It tells everything that is
known about Promethians. The Elders felt it best not to worry you
with this unless, and until, it happened. So they had it removed from
the book."
Prue unrolled the page and looked it over. She read the page
over carefully.
"He's right," she said finally. "Apparently, everything Jason told us is true. These Promethians also pose a great threat. Not only to the forces of good, but to their former charges."
"Yes, that's the other part," said Jason. "Every Promethian in the past has always been directly or indirectly responsible for the death of all their former charges."
"So you think he might be coming back after us?" asked Phoebe.
"Not alone he won't," said Jason. "A Promethian still retains
their White Lighter powers. But those aren't enough to challenge most
witches and certainly not enough to challenge your three. If Leo
follows the same pattern as previous Promethians, he'll seek out some
powerful demon that has a grudge against you. And with what he knows
about you, he's very dangerous. Not only to you, but all of his other
charges."
"This is insane," said Piper. It was very clear she was having
trouble keeping her emotions in check. "I don't believe Leo is evil,
I don't care what you say. There has to be another explanation."
"Piper, I know how this must be affecting you," said Jason.
"But trust me when I tell you . . ."
"No," screamed Piper, standing up from the table. "I don't
believe you. And I won't trust anything you say. You're wrong,
that's all there is to it. Leo is sick or something, regardless of
what you say. We just have to find some way to make him better. I'm
going to check the Book of Shadows."
She didn't wait for an answer. She turned and left the kitchen,
heading for the attic.
"I'll go talk to her," said Prue.
She got up from the table and followed Piper upstairs.
"What's this about Prometheus?" Phoebe asked Jason. "I'm afraid
I'm not really up on my Greek mythology."
"Well," said Jason, "according to Greek mythology, Prometheus
was a Titan. He betrayed the Gods by giving fire to man. For his
betrayal, Zeus punished Prometheus by chaining him to a rock and
having a vulture eat out his liver every day. At night, Zeus would
restore the liver and the next day the entire process started all over
again."
"Oh, nice," said Phoebe. "And I thought I was mistreated when I
got grounded."
"Well, the Greeks were a violent culture," said Jason. "Anyway,
the turned White Lighter was called a Promethian by the other White
Lighters because of the betrayal of the White Lighter to the Elders.
Just like Prometheus's betrayal to Zeus. Over the years, the term
just stuck."
"Okay," said Phoebe. "So, what do we do now that Leo has
turned?"
"First," said Jason, "you'll have to be assigned a new White
Lighter. As I said, you're something of celebrities among White
Lighters. So the Elders are going to be very careful about choosing
Leo's replacement. Until that happens, I'll be serving as your White
Lighter."
"Well, at least you're a familiar face," said Phoebe.
"You also have to be prepared for an attack," said Jason.
"Probably not right away. A White Lighter turning is so rare that
whatever demon Leo approaches will want to make sure he's really
turned and not pretending. He'll probably give him a test to prove
that he's really turned. After that, he'll use Leo's knowledge of you
and his other charges to go after them."
"Oh, that's a happy thought," said Phoebe. "Leo probably knows
more about us than anyone."
"Which is why he's such a danger to you," said Jason. "I'll
provide any help and assistance I can until your permanent replacement
is appointed."
"Thanks, Jason," said Phoebe. "And about what Piper said?"
"Don't give it a second thought," said Jason. "I've been a
White Lighter long enough to understand the strain she must be under.
Once she calms down and has a chance to think about it, I'm sure
she'll be more hospitable."
"Thanks for understanding," said Phoebe. "They should be down
in a bit. Want a cup of coffee while we wait."
"Sure," said Jason, smiling.
She and Jason sat drinking coffee and talking while they waited
for Piper and Prue to come down from the attic. A little while later,
the two older sisters returned to the kitchen.
FIVE
"Jason," said Piper, "I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that. I
know you didn't do anything except deliver the message. I shouldn't
have snapped at you like I did."
"That's okay," said Jason. "A White Lighter turning is
traumatic enough. For you, I can only imagine what it must have felt
like. Not only a professional betrayal but a personal one as well. I
accept your apology. But right now we have more important things to
do worry about."
"Yes," said Prue. "If Leo has turned evil, then we have a
serious problem." She unrolled the page from the Book of Shadows
again. "According to this, a Promethian will always go after their
former charges eventually. And there's a potion and a spell given
that can be used to vanquish a Promethian.
"Piper, you'll need to make up the potion right away. We have
to be prepared for when Leo comes back. And I'm betting he won't be
alone when he does. I'll make a copy of the spell for each of us.
Thankfully, it doesn't require the Power of Three to vanquish a
Promethian so it will only take one of us."
"I'm not sure I can do that," said Piper.
"Piper, honey," said Prue, "I know how hard this is for you. I
know what Leo means to you. But he's not the same Leo. If given the
chance he'd kill you without a second thought. We have to be prepared
for when he returns."
"Prue is right," said Jason. "I'm sorry. I hope it's alright
if I use your first names."
"Not a problem with me," said Phoebe.
"Yeah, that's okay with us," said Prue.
"Great," said Jason. "Prue is right. Leo is no longer the old
Leo. A Promethian is as evil and as uncaring as any demon. And he
will do whatever his new master asks of him. Which means killing any
or all of you if necessary. If you're not ready when he returns, one
or all of you could be killed, ending the Power of Three forever."
Piper looked at the other three. She knew they were right. If
Leo had truly turned, and if he was working for the demons now, he
would probably be coming for them sooner or later. And even
considering her feelings for Leo, what Prue always said was true.
The Charmed Ones always come first.
That was always the bottom line. Everything else aside, the
Charmed Ones were more important than single individual. If not for
them, evil might well overwhelm the entire world; spreading unchecked
until all innocents everywhere was consumed in its desire to destroy
anything human.
"Give me that," said Piper, reaching for the scroll Prue held.
"I'll need it to prepare the potion."
"Good," said Jason. "As I told Phoebe, I'll be your interim
White Lighter until the Elders choose a permanent replacement for Leo.
Until then, if you need anything, call on me. I'm at your disposal
twenty four hours a day."
"What about your other charges?" asked Prue.
"For the moment, I don't have any," said Jason. "Until this
situation with Leo is resolved one way or the other, I'm at your
exclusive disposal. The Elders feel you should have every advantage
for your protection."
"What about Leo's other charges?" asked Phoebe. "Shouldn't we
do something about them?"
"That's already been taken care of," said Jason. "All of Leo's
former chargers and their White Lighters have been warned about him.
And they've been given a copy of the vanquishing spell from that page
just in case he shows up there before he shows up here."
"What about other witches?" asked Prue. "You said he was a
danger to all good everywhere. Shouldn't other witches be warned?"
"The Elders don't want to unnecessarily alarm anyone they don't
have to," said Jason. "A White Lighter turning is not exactly common
knowledge among witches. If it should become common knowledge,
witches everywhere would be unnecessarily concerned that their White
Lighters' might turn."
"Okay," said Piper. "I'll get started on the potion right away.
We should leave the potion in the manor. We'll need the added
protection when and if Leo attacks here. We can carry the spell with
us."
"Good idea," said Prue. "Now, until something happens, I guess
there's not much else for us to do. I'll get started on making those
copies of the vanquishing spell for us."
"Good," said Jason. "I'll go back to the Elders and see if
there's been any other developments. I'll be back as soon as I can.
If you need me before that, just call."
Jason orbed out while Piper began to gather the ingredients for
the vanquishing potion. Prue went into the living room to get some
paper to copy the spell down. Phoebe took the page from the Book of
Shadows and began to familiarize herself with what it said. If Leo
had turned, and if he did attack, she planned to be ready for him.
To be continued . . .
Be sure not to miss Part 2: Promethian. When Leo orbs into the
underworld to seek out a demon to serve, he picks the one demon that
can give him what he wants. When the demon tests him to prove he's
really become a Promethian, the test proves even to Piper that Leo is
no longer the White Lighter she fell in love with.
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.
"REQUIEM FOR A WHITE LIGHTER"
by J. B. Tilton
email: aramath@isot.com
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 between the season 2
episodes "Chick Flick" and "Ex Libris".
Special thanks to Tracie Joy (a.k.a. Magiklmoon) for all the
invaluable help she provided on this story helping to improve far
beyond what I could have done on my own.)
* * *
When Leo suddenly turns evil and deserts the Charmed Ones, a new
White Lighter is appointed for the Charmed Ones. The news he brings
is distressing. Because of Leo's knowledge of the Charmed Ones, they
may have to vanquish him to protect themselves and others.
* * *
PART 1: A LIGHT EXTINGUISHED
When Leo orbs out after having a fight with Piper, she figures
it's just tension. But another White Lighter orbs in with distressing
news. Leo had become a Promethian: a White Lighter who's turned evil.
And his knowledge of the Charmed Ones makes him an unacceptable risk
to them and all the forces of good.
* * *
PROLOGUE
The Source stood in the middle of his chambers waiting. His
black robes hung at his side. The hood he kept perpetually drawn over
his face hid his features from all who would dare glimpse him. He
stood waiting. For who or what was unclear.
Suddenly a black woman entered the chambers. She was an
attractive woman and entered the chamber unannounced and unbidden.
She stopped in front of the Source and bowed slightly.
"What have you to tell me, Seer?" inquired the Source.
"There is danger on rise, my liege," said the Seer. "I have
foreseen the birth of a child. A child that it is foretold will be
the signal of your eventual downfall. Your destruction by the forces
of good."
"Impossible," sneered the Source. "There is no one powerful
enough to challenge me. No one who would dare do so."
"Forgive me, my liege," said the Seer, "but I can only tell you
what I see. The ones who can defeat you are three witches. The
Charmed Ones. The birth of this child will signify that they have
grown powerful enough to challenge even you."
"I cannot let this happen," said the Source. "I have planned to
long and too hard to let anything stand in my way. Is there anything
that can be done to prevent your vision?"
"The birth of this child is the beginning of a chain of events,"
said the Seer. "While the child is of no particular threat to you, if
it should not be born, the chain will be broken. Prevent the child's
birth and you will at least postpone your downfall. Perhaps enough
for me to see how to prevent it."
"I see," said the Source. "I need only kill a single child to
protect myself. That should be an easy matter."
"Perhaps not," said the Seer. "The child will be protected by a
powerful witch. Not as powerful as the Charmed Ones but powerful
enough to protect the child from any demons you may send after the
child. Even now she protects the child's mother."
"I see," said the Source. "So I will have to deal with the
witch first. Without its' protector, the woman and the child will be
easy pre for any demon. How soon before the child is to be born?"
"That is difficult to say," said the Seer. "Certainly within
the week. In such matters not even my visions are completely
accurate. But I would guess you have at least three days. But no
more than seven at best."
"Leave me," said the Source. "I must make plans. Tell me when
you have another vision."
"As you wish," said the Seer, bowing slightly.
She turned and left the chamber. The Source thought for a
moment. The Seer was a very valuable ally. Her visions were very
accurate. If she said that a human child would foretell his
destruction, then that child had to be destroyed.
"Barratus," said the Source.
A demon entered the chamber. Not as big or as imposing as the
Source, it was still a frightening creature. It's coal black skin
glistened in the light of the chamber. It's pointed, razor-sharp
teeth gave mute testimony that it could kill with those alone.
Although vaguely human in appearance, it glowed with a slight red
tinge that testified to its underworld ancestor.
"Bring him to me," commanded the Source. "I have plans to make
and I will need his council for that. Bring him immediately. Time
grows short."
The demon just bowed, then turned and left the chamber. The
Source's advisor would arrive soon. He had many advisors. But only
this one would give him the advice he truly needed. Without any
personal agenda of his own. He was an advisor that the Source had
come to rely on greatly
ONE
The demon entered the Source's chambers. As with the Seer, he
did not wait to be announced. He had no need to be announced. The
Source had sent for him and would, even now, be waiting for his
arrival.
The demon stood some seven feet tall and his skin was a dark
green - nearly black - with bright yellow markings. The markings
were reminiscent of tribal markings. As if the demon belonged to some
brotherhood. His pale yellow eyes glowed slightly as he entered the
chamber.
"You sent for me," spoke the demon.
"Malevant, yes," said the Source, turning to the demon. "The
Seer has given me some distressing news. The birth of a human child.
A child whose birth is foretold will signal the beginning of my
destruction."
"Surely no child can destroy the powerful Source?" questioned
Malevant. "There are few demons who would even consider such a thing.
And none of the forces of good possess the necessary power to stand
against you. How can a mere child destroy you?"
"It is not the child I need fear," said the Source. "The
child's birth is only a portent; a sign of events to come. The child
itself is no threat to me. It is the child's birth that is the crux
of the matter. The Seer has said it is the Charmed Ones that are my
greatest adversaries."
Malevants eyes narrowed. The Charmed Ones. Ever since they had
acquired their powers they had been a thorn in the side of all evil.
If they were allowed to remain unchecked they could well become a
problem for the Source.
"Then the matter is simple," said Malevant finally. "Prevent
the child's birth and the omen is destroyed. Like the first of a long
chain of events. Break one link, and the rest of the chain will fall
apart."
"Exactly as the Seer has foretold," said the Source. "That is
why I have summoned you. We have at most seven days before the child
is born. A minimum of three. We must prevent the child's birth at
all costs."
"A human child?" questioned Malevant. "That is simple. Send
one of your renders to the child's mother. Destroy her before she can
give birth and the child dies with her."
"That is not a simple matter," said the Source. "The child's
mother is protected by a powerful witch."
"And where there is a witch there is a White Lighter," said
Malevant. "And a White Lighter will protect not only the witch but
her charges as well. And he could ensure that the child is born."
"Now you see the problem," said the Source. "We could send a
demon to kill the prospective mother. But the witch would almost
certainly interfere. And even if the demon were to get lucky enough
to kill the woman or cause her serious harm, the White Lighter will
still ensure that the charge survives."
"Yes," said Malevant. "This will require careful consideration.
We must ensure that the mother dies before she can give birth and that
the White Lighter is not available to heal her. Which means the witch
will have to be dealt with as well."
"Methodical as always," said the Source. "That is why I sent
for you. Your plans are always excellent."
"I wish our operatives were always so efficient," responded
Malevant. "No matter how well planned things go wrong more than they
should."
"Not because of your fault," said the Source. "You have been a
good advisor. Now, I need you to come up with a way to solve this
little problem for me. And remember. It has to be taken care of in
less than three days."
"I'll come up with something," said Malevant. "Don't I always?"
"Of course," said the Source. "Why do you think I keep you
around?"
Malevant smiled, then turned and left the chamber. The Source
smiled to himself. Malevant was always able to contrive the most
effective plans. And he was right about something else. Far too
often their underlings always seemed to mess things up. This was one
time that he couldn't allow that to happen. Too much was riding on
this.
Malevant returned to his own domain. Unlike the domain of the
Source, who preferred a more conventional frame of reference, Malevant
had chosen something a bit less conventional. Instead of walls and
doors Malevants domain was nothing but a swirling mass of mist. Even
the other senior demons found it a bit unnerving when they paid him a
visit.
"Redjik," Malevant called into the mist.
Another demon walked out of the mist. Many demons lounged
around in the mist. Just out of sight but near enough to hear their
master's voice. Ready to cater to whatever whim Malevant might have.
"Yes, master," hissed the demon.
Redjik was one of Malevants oldest and most trusted
subordinates. As in keeping with Malevants dictates, none of his
subordinates appeared before him in their human form. To do so risked
his wrath and the very real possibility of instant destruction by
their master.
This demon stood about the same height as an average human. It
had a sickly green colored skin and only three fingers on each hand.
Its skin was strangely reminiscent of the scales of a reptile.
"Redjik," said Malevant, "I want you to check on a witch for me.
I want to know about her routine. Where she goes, who she sees, how
often her White Lighter is with her, that sort of thing. But only do
it for one day. We are on a time constraint. Return to me when you
have the information I need."
"Yes, master," said Redjik.
The demon turned and walked back into the mist. Malevant turned
and simply looked into the mist. He was often called upon by the
Source to come up with a plan to help advance the Source's plans. He
had never failed to come up with something. And he would not fail to
do so now.
One of the reasons he was so efficient was because he didn't
leave things to chance. Instead of leaving some details to his
underlings, as some of his contemporaries did, Malevant normally took
care of many details personally. He usually knew more about his
operations than most of the others did about their own operations.
This mission was too important to leave many of those details to
his underlings. He would handle those himself. After a quick look
around, Malevant shimmered out of his domain to attend to some of
those details.
TWO
Leo orbed into the kitchen of the manor and slammed his toolbox
down on the table. Piper, who was just finishing the dishes, hadn't
notice him orb in. The slamming of the toolbox startled her and she
spun around, ready to freeze whatever creature had dared to invade her
home. She saw Leo standing next to the table, his hand still on the
handle of the toolbox.
"Down, big fella," said Piper. "That table's an innocent."
"I'm sorry," apologized Leo. "I guess I'm just sort of stressed
at the moment. I didn't mean to spook you."
"That's okay, sweetie," said Piper. "Rough assignment?"
"Yeah," said Leo. "This guy is a potential White Lighter but I
swear he goes out of his way to annoy people. He won't listen to any
advice I give him. Just keeps saying how when I'm his age I'll
understand a few things a lot better."
"How old is he?" asked Piper.
"Fifty seven," said Leo.
"Well," said Piper, "you've been a White Lighter for sixty
years. Not counting the years you were human. Seems to me you have a
few years on him."
"I don't need to be patronized," Leo shot back. "You know I
can't tell anyone I'm a White Lighter. They have to believe I'm just
as human as they are."
"Easy, there," said Piper, "I was just trying to give you a
little perspective on the situation."
"I know," said Leo. "It's just that the Elders have given me so
much to do. I have you, Prue, and Phoebe. Plus my other charges. On
top of that, they add in these extra assignments to check on future
White Lighters. And there are other White Lighters just sitting
around up there waiting for an assignment. I don't know why they
can't assign one of them for a change."
"I'm sure they will," said Piper. "But you should be flattered
they have so much confidence in you."
"I'd settle for a little less flattery and a little more rest,"
said Leo.
Suddenly he cocked his head to one side.
"Great," he said. "They want to see me again. I wonder what
they want this time? I shouldn't be long "
"Take your time," said Piper. "I'm not going anywhere."
Leo orbed out and Piper finished putting away the dishes. As
she was walking out of the kitchen, Prue came through the front door.
Behind her was Phoebe, carrying her usual armload of schoolbooks.
"Hey, honey," said Prue. "You okay? You look perplexed."
"Have either of you noticed anything unusual about Leo lately?"
asked Piper.
"No," said Phoebe, smiling coyly. "But then, you have more
contact with him that we do."
"This is serious, Phoebe," said Piper. "I think he's stressed
out. He just got angry with me over nothing. That's not like him."
"Well," said Prue," he has been working a little extra hard
lately. I mean he's checked on three potential White Lighters this
week alone. Maybe he's just stressed out and needs a break. You
can't work all the time without blowing off steam at some time."
"Prue's right," said Phoebe. "I mean, he is the White Lighter
of the Charmed Ones. That's got to put a lot of pressure on him. Not
to mention everything else he has to do. Maybe he could use a
vacation or something."
"Do White Lighters take vacations?" asked Piper.
"I don't know," said Prue, putting here arm around Piper. "But
tell you what. For the next few days let's take it easy on him. We
always turn to him when we need some answers. Maybe if we try a
little harder we can find those answers for ourselves and maybe take a
little pressure of Leo. That might help."
"Sounds like a plan to me," said Phoebe. "Instead of asking Leo
right off the bat, we could check the Book of Shadows first. It
always has something in it we can use anyway."
"Thanks you two," said Piper. "I know the last few weeks
haven't been easy on the two of you. What with the whole Leo and Dan
thing. I know it's been a strain on you two as well."
"That's what sisters are for," said Prue, hugging Piper.
"Besides, I'm sure if the situation was reversed, you'd be there for
us."
"Definitely," agreed Phoebe.
"Okay," said Piper. "Leo had to go up there for a while. When
he gets back let's just let him sit down, prop his feet up, and take
it easy for a while. And barring any demon attacks, we'll just let
him veg out on the sofa for a while."
"Absolutely," said Prue. "No questions, no orbing anywhere, no
running off to ask the Elders questions. Just peace and quiet all
night long."
"Hear, hear," agreed Phoebe.
Piper smiled to herself. When Leo returned he would find the
three sisters ready to wait on him hand and foot until he was all
rested and relaxed. She turned to go back into the kitchen and
stopped. Someone was orbing into the entryway.
The man appeared to be younger even than Phoebe. He was dressed
casually and was smiling slightly as his orbing finished. Prue and
Phoebe stepped up next to Piper to see who was orbing in.
"Oh, look, we have a guest," said Prue.
"Greetings, Charmed Ones," said the man, bowing slightly. "It
is truly an honor to meet you. I must admit that I've jealous of Leo
since it was announced he would have this assignment. I can tell you
every White Lighter was hoping they'd get it."
"Look, girls," said Piper, "we have a groupie."
Phoebe just giggled. This White Lighter looked more like a boy
than an angel. But the fact that he had orbed in proved he was a
White Lighter. Only White Lighters' were able to orb.
"My name is Jason Collins," said the White Lighter. "And I've
been sent to have a talk with you. A talk about Leo."
"Leo?" questioned Piper. "Is there a problem with Leo?"
"That's what we need to discuss," said Jason. "Can we sit down,
please? This might take some time."
Piper, Prue, and Phoebe returned to the living room with Jason
close behind. Each of the sisters felt apprehensive at what Jason
might have to say to them.
THREE
"Again," said Jason after they had been seated, "let me say what
an honor it is to finally meet the famous Charmed Ones. I've looked
forward to this for so long."
"Aren't you a little young to be a White Lighter?" asked Phoebe.
"Well," said Jason, "I was only seventeen when I died. But I've
been a White Lighter for about one hundred twelve years now. We don't
age as mortals do."
"Yeah, yeah, we know all that," said Piper impatiently. "What's
this about Leo?"
"First," said Jason, "I need to ask some questions. Has Leo
been acting unusual at all lately? Edgy, irritable, maybe a bit short
tempered?"
"Yes, he has," said Piper. "We just thought it was stress."
"I hope that's all it is," said Jason. "He's been the same way
up there. He argues with the Elders, he's been arguing with other
White Lighters, he's even been questioning the motives of the council
itself. It's not like him. He's one of the most levelheaded White
Lighters there is. That's one of the reasons he was chosen for this
assignment."
"It is just stress, right?" asked Prue. "I mean, there's
nothing wrong with Leo, is there?"
"We don't really know," said Jason. "He's been acting this way
for a few days now. The Elders have been attributing it to stress and
sent me to see if there's been anything unusual happening down here
that we don't know about."
"No," said Phoebe, "not that we know of. Piper said that Leo
was complaining about being overworked or something. But that just
sounds normal to me."
"Not for a White Lighter," said Jason. "The Elders are very
careful not to overload a White Lighter. We can't afford for a White
Lighter to make a mistake. So they're very judicious about what
assignments they give to what White Lighters."
"Well he does have a lot on his plate," said Piper. "He has us
as well as his other charges. Then there are the prospective White
Lighters he's been assigned to check out. It just seems that he's got
a lot to do."
"Not any more than any other White Lighter, I can assure you,"
said Jason. "In fact, because he's your White Lighter, his work load
is even lighter than most. You're very important to the council. You
are Leo's most important charges."
"You make us sound like some sort of celebrities," said Phoebe.
"You are," said Jason. "You're the Charmed Ones. Have you any
idea how many generations it took to prepare you for your powers?
Every White Lighter up there was hoping they'd be picked for this
assignment."
"You said that before," said Piper.
"Because it's true," said Jason. "I can't tell you how many
White Lighters were jealous of Leo when he was chosen. Oh, it wasn't
a bad jealousy. Everyone was genuinely happy for him. But we never
expected it. There were many others much older and more experienced
that we thought would be chosen. In a way, Leo is as much a celebrity
among the White Lighters as you are."
"So, what can we do for him?" asked Piper.
"I don't know," said Jason. "Apparently there's no clue to his
behavior down here, either. Maybe it is just stress. I'll recommend
to the Elders that Leo be given a break. Relieve any stress he might
have right now. After a rest, Leo should return to normal."
"That's what we thought, too," said Phoebe. "In fact, we
planned to let him just sort of veg out for the rest of the night."
"That's not a bad idea," said Jason. "I'll go back to the
Elders and tell them what you told me. It's not much but maybe it
will mean something to the Elders. If we learn anything more, I'll
come back and tell you. If you should learn anything else, just call
for me. I'll orb in right away."
"Okay, Jason," said Piper.
Jason just smiled then orbed out. The sisters went about their
normal routines waiting for Leo to return. They didn't have long to
wait. Less than thirty minutes later, Leo orbed into the kitchen
where Piper was preparing dinner.
"Hey, Leo, what's up?" asked Piper, putting on her most
conciliatory manner.
"How do you think it's going?" snapped Leo. "They want me to go
back and try to help that potential White Lighter again. Like that's
going to do any good. He wouldn't listen the first time, what makes
them think he's going to listen if I go back?"
"Well, maybe he's had a chance to think about what you said,
honey," said Piper. "Maybe they figure that now he'll be more
receptive to you."
"You sound just like them," said Leo. His voice was strained
with anger. "What do you do? Confer with them on my assignments so
you can parrot what they say?"
"Leo, I'm just trying to help," said Piper.
She was getting worried. She had never seen him like this
before. He seemed dangerously close to loosing his temper. Something
that Leo just didn't do. Just then, Prue and Phoebe came into the
kitchen.
"Hey, Leo," said Prue. "We thought we heard your voice. How's
it going?"
"Why is everyone so suddenly worried about how I am?" Leo
snapped at her. "Do I look like there's something wrong with me?"
"Leo, are you okay?" asked Phoebe. "You don't seem to be
yourself today."
"Who do I seem to be?" snapped Leo. "I swear, if everyone would
just leave me alone, I'd be fine."
"Leo, honey, I'm worried about you," said Piper. "I've never
seen you like this before."
"Like what?" demanded Leo. "Fed up with being used? Fed up
with being given assignment after assignment without so much as a
thank you? Fed up with running errands for people who don't
appreciate it and who take me for granted? Is that what you mean?"
"Leo, we appreciate everything you do for us," said Prue. "I'll
admit maybe we're a bit short and don't thank you enough. And we're
sorry for that."
"Yeah, right," said Leo. "'Leo, go to the Elders and find out
about this for us. Leo what do you know about that? Leo find out
what you can about so-and-so.' You do it all the time. And you
almost never say 'thank you'."
"Leo, that's not true," said Piper. "We say 'thank you' a lot.
Maybe not at the moment, but we're usually busy fighting demons or
warlocks or something. But surely you know we appreciate everything
you do for us."
"Of course you do," said Leo sarcastically.
"Piper's right," said Phoebe.
"I'd expect you to take her side," Leo shot back at Phoebe.
"You're sisters. The famed Charmed Ones. The protector of the
innocent. The ones all the White Lighters and even the Elders bend
over backwards to accommodate. And who am I? Just Leo Wyatt, your
White Lighter. Your lap dog. Your glorified errand boy. I do all
the legwork and you three rake in all the glory. If it weren't for
me, you three would have been destroyed months ago. But do I get any
of the credit for it? Hell no, not one little bit."
"Leo," said Piper, "there's something wrong with you, sweetie.
We need to get you some help."
"Help," said Leo. "Yeah, I need help. I need someone who will
appreciate me. Who won't take me for granted. Who will treat me the
way I deserve to be treated. You know, I wish I'd never heard of the
Charmed Ones. I wish we'd never met. And you, Piper. Getting
involved with you is the biggest mistake I ever made. What was I thinking, getting involved with one of my charges? Like anything could ever come of it."
"Leo, you don't mean that," said Piper, tears in her eyes.
"The hell I don't," said Leo. "There's no way the Elders would
ever let a White Lighter become involved with one of his charges. And
certainly not a Charmed One. Oh, no, not the invaluable Charmed One.
Not the pride and joy of the forces of good. I was a fool. A total,
idiotic fool for thinking anything could happen between us."
"Leo, please," said Prue. "You don't know what you're saying."
"I know exactly what I'm saying," snapped Leo, his anger in full
force. "I need t get out of here. Go somewhere where they'll
appreciate me. Don't come looking for me. You won't find me. Good-
bye, ladies. Let's hope your new White Lighter is as gullible as I
was."
Without another word, Leo orbed out of the kitchen, leaving the
sisters staring after him in astonishment.
FOUR
"Jason," screamed Piper. "Jason, you get your butt down here
right this instant."
The girls watched as Jason orbed into the kitchen.
"I assume you found out something," said Jason.
"Oh, you could say that," said Piper.
"Leo's flipped out," said Phoebe. "You should have seen how he
was acting. And the things he was saying. It's like he was a totally
different person."
"He is," said Jason. "I was about to orb down here when you
called. Have a seat. I'm afraid what I have to tell you isn't very
pleasant."
They all took a seat around the table. The sisters were very
concerned. Not just with the way Leo had been acting. But with what
Jason had to tell them.
"Just before Leo orbed down here," began Jason, "he did pretty
much the same thing with the Elders. Kept ranting and raving about
not being appreciated and being used by everyone. I've never seen a
White Lighter explode at them the way he did."
"What's wrong with him?" asked Piper. "Is he sick?"
"White Lighters can't get sick," said Jason. "They're immortal,
remember? They don't get sick, they don't age, and they can't be
killed, except by a Dark Lighter's arrow. No, I'm afraid that what's
happened to Leo is far worse than just being sick. Leo's become a
Promethian."
"A what?" asked Prue. "What the hell is a Promethian?"
"Many centuries ago," said Jason, "when the Greek Empire was in
full swing, something happened that was unheard of. Something that
not even the Elders believed was possible. A White Lighter turned
evil. That White Lighter was called a Promethian because of the myth
of Prometheus."
"Turned evil?" asked Piper. "Wait a minute, White Lighters are
angels. How can they turn evil?"
"No one knows," said Jason. "It's very rare, but it does happen
once in a while. Usually to the White Lighters assigned to the most
powerful charges. But the actual cause has never been discovered.
And, I'm afraid, that's what's happened to Leo. Leo is no longer a
White Lighter. He's a Promethian."
"I don't believe it," said Prue. "Leo would never become evil."
"I wish it wasn't true," said Jason. "But it's been confirmed.
Leo has dropped off our radar screen, so to speak. No one knows where
he is. There's only one way that could possibly happen. He's gone to
the underworld."
Piper, Prue, and Phoebe sat staring at Jason, not knowing what
to say. They hadn't known Leo all that long but they felt they knew
him pretty well. There wasn't an evil bone in Leo's body. He was
probably the most moral person they knew.
"What can we do?" asked Piper. "Is there a spell or potion or
something that we can use to turn him back?"
"No," said Jason. "Once a White Lighters becomes a Promethian,
they never turn back. Whatever good is left inside them is completely
and totally submerged. There's no way for him to return to good.
"Being good or evil is a conscious choice. White Lighters have
free will just like humans. Or demons. Even demons can choose to be
good. So if a White Lighter becomes a Promethian, he chooses to
become one."
"No," said Piper on the verge of tears, "there has to be another
answer."
Jason reached into his pocket and pulled out a rolled up piece
of parchment. It looked very much like a scroll. He handed the
scroll to Prue.
"This is a page from the Book of Shadows," he said. "It was
removed before the book was given to you. It tells everything that is
known about Promethians. The Elders felt it best not to worry you
with this unless, and until, it happened. So they had it removed from
the book."
Prue unrolled the page and looked it over. She read the page
over carefully.
"He's right," she said finally. "Apparently, everything Jason told us is true. These Promethians also pose a great threat. Not only to the forces of good, but to their former charges."
"Yes, that's the other part," said Jason. "Every Promethian in the past has always been directly or indirectly responsible for the death of all their former charges."
"So you think he might be coming back after us?" asked Phoebe.
"Not alone he won't," said Jason. "A Promethian still retains
their White Lighter powers. But those aren't enough to challenge most
witches and certainly not enough to challenge your three. If Leo
follows the same pattern as previous Promethians, he'll seek out some
powerful demon that has a grudge against you. And with what he knows
about you, he's very dangerous. Not only to you, but all of his other
charges."
"This is insane," said Piper. It was very clear she was having
trouble keeping her emotions in check. "I don't believe Leo is evil,
I don't care what you say. There has to be another explanation."
"Piper, I know how this must be affecting you," said Jason.
"But trust me when I tell you . . ."
"No," screamed Piper, standing up from the table. "I don't
believe you. And I won't trust anything you say. You're wrong,
that's all there is to it. Leo is sick or something, regardless of
what you say. We just have to find some way to make him better. I'm
going to check the Book of Shadows."
She didn't wait for an answer. She turned and left the kitchen,
heading for the attic.
"I'll go talk to her," said Prue.
She got up from the table and followed Piper upstairs.
"What's this about Prometheus?" Phoebe asked Jason. "I'm afraid
I'm not really up on my Greek mythology."
"Well," said Jason, "according to Greek mythology, Prometheus
was a Titan. He betrayed the Gods by giving fire to man. For his
betrayal, Zeus punished Prometheus by chaining him to a rock and
having a vulture eat out his liver every day. At night, Zeus would
restore the liver and the next day the entire process started all over
again."
"Oh, nice," said Phoebe. "And I thought I was mistreated when I
got grounded."
"Well, the Greeks were a violent culture," said Jason. "Anyway,
the turned White Lighter was called a Promethian by the other White
Lighters because of the betrayal of the White Lighter to the Elders.
Just like Prometheus's betrayal to Zeus. Over the years, the term
just stuck."
"Okay," said Phoebe. "So, what do we do now that Leo has
turned?"
"First," said Jason, "you'll have to be assigned a new White
Lighter. As I said, you're something of celebrities among White
Lighters. So the Elders are going to be very careful about choosing
Leo's replacement. Until that happens, I'll be serving as your White
Lighter."
"Well, at least you're a familiar face," said Phoebe.
"You also have to be prepared for an attack," said Jason.
"Probably not right away. A White Lighter turning is so rare that
whatever demon Leo approaches will want to make sure he's really
turned and not pretending. He'll probably give him a test to prove
that he's really turned. After that, he'll use Leo's knowledge of you
and his other charges to go after them."
"Oh, that's a happy thought," said Phoebe. "Leo probably knows
more about us than anyone."
"Which is why he's such a danger to you," said Jason. "I'll
provide any help and assistance I can until your permanent replacement
is appointed."
"Thanks, Jason," said Phoebe. "And about what Piper said?"
"Don't give it a second thought," said Jason. "I've been a
White Lighter long enough to understand the strain she must be under.
Once she calms down and has a chance to think about it, I'm sure
she'll be more hospitable."
"Thanks for understanding," said Phoebe. "They should be down
in a bit. Want a cup of coffee while we wait."
"Sure," said Jason, smiling.
She and Jason sat drinking coffee and talking while they waited
for Piper and Prue to come down from the attic. A little while later,
the two older sisters returned to the kitchen.
FIVE
"Jason," said Piper, "I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that. I
know you didn't do anything except deliver the message. I shouldn't
have snapped at you like I did."
"That's okay," said Jason. "A White Lighter turning is
traumatic enough. For you, I can only imagine what it must have felt
like. Not only a professional betrayal but a personal one as well. I
accept your apology. But right now we have more important things to
do worry about."
"Yes," said Prue. "If Leo has turned evil, then we have a
serious problem." She unrolled the page from the Book of Shadows
again. "According to this, a Promethian will always go after their
former charges eventually. And there's a potion and a spell given
that can be used to vanquish a Promethian.
"Piper, you'll need to make up the potion right away. We have
to be prepared for when Leo comes back. And I'm betting he won't be
alone when he does. I'll make a copy of the spell for each of us.
Thankfully, it doesn't require the Power of Three to vanquish a
Promethian so it will only take one of us."
"I'm not sure I can do that," said Piper.
"Piper, honey," said Prue, "I know how hard this is for you. I
know what Leo means to you. But he's not the same Leo. If given the
chance he'd kill you without a second thought. We have to be prepared
for when he returns."
"Prue is right," said Jason. "I'm sorry. I hope it's alright
if I use your first names."
"Not a problem with me," said Phoebe.
"Yeah, that's okay with us," said Prue.
"Great," said Jason. "Prue is right. Leo is no longer the old
Leo. A Promethian is as evil and as uncaring as any demon. And he
will do whatever his new master asks of him. Which means killing any
or all of you if necessary. If you're not ready when he returns, one
or all of you could be killed, ending the Power of Three forever."
Piper looked at the other three. She knew they were right. If
Leo had truly turned, and if he was working for the demons now, he
would probably be coming for them sooner or later. And even
considering her feelings for Leo, what Prue always said was true.
The Charmed Ones always come first.
That was always the bottom line. Everything else aside, the
Charmed Ones were more important than single individual. If not for
them, evil might well overwhelm the entire world; spreading unchecked
until all innocents everywhere was consumed in its desire to destroy
anything human.
"Give me that," said Piper, reaching for the scroll Prue held.
"I'll need it to prepare the potion."
"Good," said Jason. "As I told Phoebe, I'll be your interim
White Lighter until the Elders choose a permanent replacement for Leo.
Until then, if you need anything, call on me. I'm at your disposal
twenty four hours a day."
"What about your other charges?" asked Prue.
"For the moment, I don't have any," said Jason. "Until this
situation with Leo is resolved one way or the other, I'm at your
exclusive disposal. The Elders feel you should have every advantage
for your protection."
"What about Leo's other charges?" asked Phoebe. "Shouldn't we
do something about them?"
"That's already been taken care of," said Jason. "All of Leo's
former chargers and their White Lighters have been warned about him.
And they've been given a copy of the vanquishing spell from that page
just in case he shows up there before he shows up here."
"What about other witches?" asked Prue. "You said he was a
danger to all good everywhere. Shouldn't other witches be warned?"
"The Elders don't want to unnecessarily alarm anyone they don't
have to," said Jason. "A White Lighter turning is not exactly common
knowledge among witches. If it should become common knowledge,
witches everywhere would be unnecessarily concerned that their White
Lighters' might turn."
"Okay," said Piper. "I'll get started on the potion right away.
We should leave the potion in the manor. We'll need the added
protection when and if Leo attacks here. We can carry the spell with
us."
"Good idea," said Prue. "Now, until something happens, I guess
there's not much else for us to do. I'll get started on making those
copies of the vanquishing spell for us."
"Good," said Jason. "I'll go back to the Elders and see if
there's been any other developments. I'll be back as soon as I can.
If you need me before that, just call."
Jason orbed out while Piper began to gather the ingredients for
the vanquishing potion. Prue went into the living room to get some
paper to copy the spell down. Phoebe took the page from the Book of
Shadows and began to familiarize herself with what it said. If Leo
had turned, and if he did attack, she planned to be ready for him.
To be continued . . .
Be sure not to miss Part 2: Promethian. When Leo orbs into the
underworld to seek out a demon to serve, he picks the one demon that
can give him what he wants. When the demon tests him to prove he's
really become a Promethian, the test proves even to Piper that Leo is
no longer the White Lighter she fell in love with.
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.