Hey, so the more eagle eyes amongst you may have spotted the title change from Goblins to The Other Halliwell- I hadn't originally completely sorted out the plot, but now I have this name is much better- you'll see ;)And I can also tell you that it will be about five chapters long :)
Any way, do enjoy the next chapter!
"What the hell is this?!" Exclaimed Adriana, when she was presented with the sleeping Henry Junior. "I ordered you to kidnap three Halliwell children, and instead you bring me the one kid out of nine that has no Halliwell blood what so ever!" The demon shuffled his feet nervously, keeping the kid between himself and her for protection.
"With respect, my soldiers were never prepared to go up against the Charmed ones." He defended, "You two of the families were able to teleport to safety, and the third had weapons your protection did not shield against." The demon woman shook her head, not caring about the excuses he was spouting.
"I watched the proceedings and in both cases there was time to steel the children had your soldiers not been so incompetent!" She cried, clenching her fist and forcing Everard to his knees. "Tell me," She hissed walking round the table where Henry lay to speak bend down besides him, "Why should I let you live after you failed me?"
"Please, My Lady!" He begged, "Give me one last chance, and I swear I will get you what you require."
"What I require." Spat Adriana, "Is enough power to be able to defeat the Charmed one when they come for their children. How am I supposed to have that if you don't bring me their children so I can steel their powers?" She asked, clenching her fist tighter, forcing Everard to clutched his chest.
"I'll get them." He promised, "Just give me another chance.
"Very well." Conceded Adriana, loosening her grip, before leaning in close to the other demons face. "You have twelve hours. After that, I'll take my business else where and you will have no more protection from the Charmed ones, who, by the way, will be coming for you soon." Everard's eyes widened at that thought, knowing full well that he would be far easier to be summoned then Adriana.
"But you're protecting me from them now aren't you?" He clarified. The other demon flashed him a cruel smile.
"For the next twelve hours," She told him, before turning back to the young boy still asleep on the table. "Call it an intensive." She added, not looking back at the demon, "And if you've not succeeded by then, then the Charmed one's will be the least of your worries." With that, she snapped her fingers and the cowering demon shimmered away.
"Why- isn't- this- working?" Growled Paige through gritted teeth as she continued to desperately skry for her son. Pipers was trying to identify what had attacked their family in the book of shadows as Phoebe attempted every summoning spell she could think of which didn't require a blood connection.
"I don't know sweety." Comforted Phoebe, enfolding her younger sister in a one armed hug, "But don't worry, we'll find him."
"Found them!" Declared Piper, beckoning her sisters over. "Goblins."
"Goblins?" Questioned Phoebe, "What you mean like from noddy?" She asked, having watched too much TV with her daughters recently.
"Perhaps a bit more sinister than that." Replied Piper, scanning the Page, "It says they're a minion species, limited powers, created by and under the power of the 'Goblin Master'. Umm... limited powers, usually offered as worriers for upper level demons in exchange for powers or position." She read.
"Okay... so they don't like they should be too dangerous." Commented Phoebe hesitantly, "Then how come our powers didn't work against them?" She questioned.
Piper shrugged, glancing sympathetically at were her sister was still skrying for Henry Jnr. "I guess what ever demon is controlling them, is some how protecting them from us as well."
"That's going to be one powerful demon!" Noted Phoebe unenthusiastically, "Do you have any idea what it could be." Piper continued flicking through the book, shaking her head in frustration.
Before she could respond, Paige suddenly though the crystal down on to the map. "So basically one of the most powerful demons we've ever faced has stolen my son." She cried, burring her tear ridden face in her hands. "I'm never going to see him again am I."
"Oh, sweety, don't talk like that." Said Phoebe, walking over and pulling her into a tight hug, "We'll get him back, I promise, but first we need to work out what it could be." Paige gave her sister a small smile but she didn't feel any hope. None of their spells were working and what ever this demon was she clearly had a plan, and Paige knew that there was no way she would see her son again, until what ever the thing they were dealing with wanted her to.
"Okay, there is nothing like what we're looking for in here." Admitted Piper, slamming the book shut and looking over at her panicking sister.
"Great." Uttered Paige, her voice slightly higher than normal, "So we don't even have a way to vanquish this bastard if we do find them. She banged her fist on the table before starting to walk out the room.
"Where are you going?" Called Phoebe, "We may not be able to find the chief demon, but we still have a potion and summoning spell for the Goblin Master." She pointed out.
"You guys can sort that out." She replied dully, "I've got to go and see my husband, so we can explain to our four year old daughters, why the 'mean men' stole their big brother."
Piper and Phoebe watched her go, neither one able to imagine the pain she must be going through. Sure demons came for Wyatt every other week at one point, and even Chris a few times, but they both had powers and could defend themselves, and they were always demons they knew about. But now, they were facing a power like none they had ever faced before, and to make matters worse they had taken the one of the child that they couldn't summon back through blood.
The sisters decided to busy themselves with work instead of focusing too much on their lost Nephew. While Piper worked on a vanquishing potion for the Goblin master, Phoebe set about searching the school's library, hoping to find someone with enough power to protect that many goblins from the power of the Charmed ones, but as far as she could see, there had never been a creature with that much shielding power.
"According to every book I can find, the only being that could protect that many things from a whole family's power, would have to also be part of that family." Stated Phoebe, paraphrasing from the large, ancient book she had resting in her lap. Piper frowned at this information.
"Okay, well as far as I know every Halliwell witch that isn't a Charmed one is either dead or under ten." She pointed out. Phoebe bit her lip, knowing that her sister was not going to like the only theory she had to offer.
"You, you don't think it could be Wyatt do you?" She asked tentatively. Piper stared at her in horror that she would ever even think that. "I mean," She continued quickly, "He did do stuff like that when he was younger, you know conjure demons or dragons accidentally when he was unhappy or... well bored."
Piper sighed, unfortunately completely understanding Phoebe's suspicions. "Look, I know what h did when he was younger, but accidentally summoning one or two dragons to terrorize San Francisco, is a bit different to making deals with demons and sending Goblins to attack and kidnap your family isn't it." She argued
"Okay." Admitted Phoebe, "but I just don't see who else it could be. I mean either we're facing something more powerful then anything seen before or..."
"Or we're being attacked by anther long lost relative." Completed Piper, thinking about how given everything they went though when they found Paige- who was their own sister, another hidden relative really shouldn't surprise them. "Well, if that is the case then we should be able to summon them." She suggested, moving back to the circle of candles they had set up when they had attempted to summon Henry Junior.
"You do realise if they can protect a hoard of goblins from our powers, you can bet that they will have protected themselves." Phoebe pointed out, not moving from her positions on one of the desks. Piper let out an infuriated yell, blowing up one of the chairs to vent some of her frustration. "I know honey." Sighed Phoebe, "And that means we're still no closer to finding out who's behind all this."
"Maybe..." Considered Piper, before noticing the completed vanquishing potion. She smiled and picked up one of the vials, "or maybe we should go and pay a little visit to some one we do know is involved in this." She suggested, a cunning smile spreading across her face.
"Good plan, let's summon him back at the manor just to be safe." Agreed Phoebe. "Oh, but we should get Paige first, she'll want to be involved."
Piper considered her suggestion for a second, uncertain whether it would be safe. "Don't you think she might be a bit conflicted?" She pointed out, "I mean I know if I were faced with the man who stole one of my kids and were holding a vanquishing potion..."
"I know, but it also might be just what she need." She suggested, "Paige isn't the sort of person who can spend to much time with out doing something, this might be good for her." Piper nodded in agreement as she began collecting up the rest of the vials from the table, some of which were slightly diluted to make him in enough pain to hopefully talk.
Back in one of the unused class rooms, where the rest of their family were sheltering, Henry, Phoebe and the twins were huddled together in one corner, the twins asleep in their parents laps. Coop was using his powers to conjure pink bubbles to entertain Melinda, Parker and Payson. Chris and Prue were playing with their powers, Chris sending objects across the room while Prue tried to freeze them in mid air. Wyatt was sat at one of the desks, staring sadly at Paige's family in the corner. Seeing Wyatt's melancholy expression, Leo wondered over to him, pulling round a seat on the other side of the table so as to block his view of Paige.
"What's the matter bud?" Asked Leo kindly, pulling his son's attention to him. Wyatt sighed, looking down at the desk instead.
"It's my fault Henry was taken." He said sadly, playing with his fingers and avoiding looking at his father.
"Don't be ridiculous Wyatt!" He exclaimed, horrified that he could ever think that, "Henry's disappearances was no one's fault, but don't worry, we will get him back." Wyatt shrugged, still not looking up.
"But if I could have rescued Chris then you wouldn't have needed to send Paige to help and she could have stayed to rescue him instead!" He pointed out looking over Leo's shoulder at his uncle Henry's depressed face.
"Wy," Sighed Leo, hating to see his son blame himself so much, "Your mum sent you to make sure your sister was safe, and if you hadn't have done that, then we might have lost her as well." He reminded him. "Paige was with me in magic school when the creatures attacked and what ever it was blocked a witches call to a white-lighter so she wouldn't have been there any way. The demons planned it out to make sure they could take your cousins and if you hadn't have sensed your brother was in trouble then they would have taken him to, alright?"
Wyatt thought about it for a moment, before shaking his head, "I want to help save him." He said, knowing full well his parents would be planning to keep them hidden away here until what ever new threat they were facing.
"I know you do." Said Leo sympathetically, stroking his sons hand, "But it's too dangerous. Your mum and aunts can take care of it, and you need to stay here to protect the rest of the family, don't you." Wyatt sighed, but before he could protest, suddenly Piper and Phoebe came through the door. "Wait here." Instructed Leo as he hurried over to where they were already talking to Paige in a hushed whisper, the rest of the family trying to listen in.
"Let's go then." Agreed Paige gently shifting Penelope onto her father's lap as she stood up.
"Where are you going?" Asked Leo as he joined the group. Piper quickly explained everything they had found out, "Okay," Agreed Leo, "but you need to talk to Wyatt first." He told her quickly, "He's determined that he's to blame for Henry being taken and he says he wants to help save him." Piper groaned, pulling her husband away by his wrist to talk to her oldest son, beckoning Chris over as they went.
"Now you listen here Wyatt." She stated quietly, knowing there was no time to be gently, "What happened to your cousin is in no way your fault, and if you even think about following us then you will be in a lot of trouble." She promised. Wyatt opened his mouth to protest but Piper held up her hand, turning to face Chris as well. "Now look, when your aunts and I go, you two will be the only ones in this room, other than the cupid, who has sort of power, and I need you both to promise that you will stay here and protect your cousins." Chris nodded quickly, but Wyatt still wasn't happy. "Wyatt, these demons are after your cousins and siblings." She pointed out, "Your aunts and I will be safe, and you will be far more useful here, protecting them, then helping us with this very safe job. Understood?" Wyatt, bit his lip, but nodded. Piper sighed in relief, rejoining her sisters, at which point all three of them orbed out of the room. Leo walked over to talk to Henry, leaving Chris and Wyatt alone.
They sat their in silence for a while, Chris staring suspiciously at his brother, until Wyatt stood up and left, muttering something about going to the bathroom. Chris snuck after him, having recognised his big brothers lying face.
"You can't go Wyatt!" Called Chris up he corridor, the moment the door had snapped shut behind him, "Mum told us we have to wait here."
Wyatt sighed, turning back around to face his younger brother. "Go back inside Chris." He instructed. Chris just ignored him, walking steadily towards his frustrated brother, "I said go back Chris!" He demanded more forcefully, "I'm just getting some fresh air."
"We're in magic school Wy." He argued, "The only way to get fresh air is to leave and I bet I can guess where your going to get it." Wyatt rolled his eyes, frustrated at how well Chris knew him. "It's not safe for you to go!"
"Look, don't worry you're perfectly safe in magic school." He reassured him. Turning away and continuing down the corridor.
"I'm not going to let you go Wyatt! I'm going to get Dad!"
"Fine." He declared, pushing his brother back in the direction of the classroom. He didn't care if Chris told on him because there was nothing his father could do before it was too late, all he cared about was that Chris would be safe. "But I have to do this Chris, if those things attack mum again, my shield might be the only thing that can protect her." He pointed out, and with that he orbed into the manor, hiding behind the sofa to watch. Chris watched him go, wondering his his brother was right. Then he remembered how powerful those creatures were, and ran off to find Leo and Coop.
"Magic Forces black and white
reaching out through space and light,
be he far or be he near
bring us the Goblin Master here." Chanted the sisters, each holding a crystal to trap the demon when he arrived.
The demon didn't arrive though. Instead 20 or so goblins suddenly appeared, all leering menacingly at them. They were about to orb quickly away again, when the largest and most menacing looking demon stepped forward, giving the sisters a mock bow.
"My master sends his regards." He announced in a high, cruel voice, "but regrets he's unavailable to meet with you right now." He leered.
"Where's my son?" Demanded Paige, throwing one of the weaker potions at him. Before the potion even hit him, however, it suddenly exploded in mid air- clearly what ever was protecting them before was continuing to do so. The demon turned its hideous smile to her.
"Unfortunately he to is... indisposed, although I am assured that if any of his cousins or sisters desire to see him they will be most warmly welcomed."
"You stay away from them!" Cried Phoebe, throwing her own potion at them to a similar consequence. None of the sisters noticed the faint blue light which suddenly appeared behind the sofa. The goblin however could sense the new presence, and his smile widened further.
"Seems like we don't need to to any where near them." He said, "looks like they've come to us." All three sisters eyes widened and then the lead goblin gave a small nod and the sisters found them selves be suddenly restrained by the goblins who had snuck up behind them. "Come out little kiddies, come out, come out where ever you are!" Neither Chris nor Wyatt made a move and the Goblin sighed, pointing one long, clawed finger at Piper.
The demon who was restraining her nodded and Piper suddenly felt five long claws digging into her back. She tried not to cry out or show weakness, but the pain was to much and she was forced to let out a scream. "Show yourselves!" He yelled, pointing this time to Phoebe who let out a similar scream.
"Let them go!" Cried Wyatt, shaking off Chris' restraining arm and leaping out from their hiding place. He shot his arm out, expecting the nearest demon to be sent flying, but nothing happened.
"Wyatt! No!" Cried Piper, desperately trying to free her self from the Goblins tight grip, "Run!" She cried, before a second goblin covered her mouth.
"Good boy." Smiled the head Goblin, walking calmly towards Wyatt, "Now don't worry we're not going to harm you, we're just going to take you to see your cousin." Wyatt looked nervous, but didn't move, scared the goblins would hurt his mum again. Piper was now shaking in fear, desperately trying to get across to Wyatt the need to orb away, or at least up up his shield, but Wyatt was determined to keep his Mum and Aunts safe.
Just as the goblins were about to leave their came a sudden blinding light and the sisters felt the hands which had been restraining them suddenly release. When the light faded Piper and Paige quickly scanned the room, checking that all the demons had disappeared. No, more than that, where each goblin had been standing, there was now little more than a pile of ash- what ever the light had been it had vaporised every last Goblin. Phoebe, however was staring straight ahead, at the shaded figure that was now holding the rescued Wyatt.
"Cole!?"
Thanks for reading, please read and review! And as ever, much love goes to the wonderful founder of this story Naruto Loves FemKyuubi!
Oh and thanks to Mclaughlin, Dominus Trinus and Septimaluna for your kind reviews!