A Charmed Story - Fourteen:
Ashon: Re-Evolution (Freaky Friday 2)
Chapter 9
Silas was almost happy when he materialized on top of the Golden Gate Bridge. Something about the familiar surroundings was comforting. Especially in light of Elenia's hatred. But it wasn't just hatred he sensed in her. There was pain there as well. Lots of pain. Steve was all she had, and it hurt her to think of him in pain. And it terrified her to think she might lose him. But as he had heard quoted by students many times, "fear is the path to the Dark Side", or something like that. And even if that was from the Star Wars movies, it still, strangely, applied in their crazy magical world. And he was afraid they'd lose Elenia to those dark feelings.
She was ready this time when he appeared, fire in her eyes. He could tell there would be no reasoning with her this time.
"Unless you're here to help, I suggest you leave before I do something you'll regret," she threatened. Elenia was done being nice. She'd been arguing for a week with the most powerful witches on the planet, trying to get them to see things her way, to no avail. And she was tired of everyone turning against her. Even Tom and Veronica, who'd been on her side the entire time, had turned on her. And to think, it was a mortal who had made them change their minds... But now she had her son to save, and she wasn't going to let anything, or anyone, get in her way.
"Elenia, I want to help you, just not in the way you want me to. Please come back with me!" he pleaded, knowing before the words came out that she wouldn't. And he was right.
"You should have let me be," she said, than raised her hand and let loose a string of lightning, before orbing away. Silas had to jump quickly out of the way so he wouldn't get hit. He had a feeling she hadn't been trying to hit him anyway, but her distraction worked. Now sitting on the bridge, he reached out again, trying to sense where she had gone. Five minutes had gone by and nothing. He opened his eyes, realization hitting him. The only reason he couldn't sense her anymore was that she'd gone to the Underworld. He knew then that they had to get to Steve before she did something she'd regret. Getting up to his feet, he took a deep breath, than orbed back to the library, hoping the others were back.
& & & & &
Christopher entered the library on fast pace, but stopped right on the spot when he found it empty. Turning around he faced those, who had been following him, and asked: "Where the hell is everyone?"
Odin stepped forward: "Well Phoebe is in the meditating chamber, Nicki, Veronica and Tom wanted to get something to eat, Paige is at the manor and Silas went after Elenia."
Christopher sighed at this. Elenia... She would be a problem, he knew that. He always wondered why the relationship between her and her son was so rocky in his time. Now he knew. But right now he had to focus on Steve himself, and something in his guts told him that the clock was ticking. He already had a plan formed in his mind...
But before he could explain anything, the air shifted a little, shortly followed by orb lights, and Julian and John appeared.
"Hey there..." the whitelighter greeted those around them.
"Oh," Odin said raising an eyebrow, "I see you found a new friend."
"Actually we are here because we have some new information for you," Julian said.
And John added: "The Ashon treat him well, actually helping him, and..."
Christopher turned to Julian, not listening to John's words: "It's good that you are here, because I need your help. I mean, you already can turn others invisible as well, can you?"
"If I touch them, yes..."
The witch-Elder smiled at this: "Good..."
"Hello? Anybody listening to me?" John asked a little unnerved. Their information was important...
"Ok, ok..." Piper called out, stepping forward, looking at her son, "would you be so kind to enlighten us what's going on in that brain of yours?"
"No time, mom... I have a feeling that something is going on and that we should hurry I..." He couldn't finish his sentence because he was suddenly thrown into a premonition.
He saw himself, sword in hand - a fight - Steve and Elenia fighting each other - lots of dead bodies.
"Christopher...? Can you hear me?" the voice of his mother brought him back to reality. She was standing by his side now, an arm placed around his waist. "Are you ok?"
He nodded, shaking off the after effects of the premonition. He hated this, he really did. He hadn't one in ages, since he turned 18 to be exact. Chris had told him it was because of the stress. Now he wondered why it came back to him right now. But then he remembered what he saw and knew he should think about this later. Now he had more pressuring things to take care of.
"We really have to hurry, or things will get out of hand," he then said, looking at everyone in turn.
"But..." Leo wanted to object, wanted first to make sure that his son was alright. And he had to admit that it was a little disturbing to see his son having a vision like that. He knew about it, of course, Christopher had told them the last time he was in the past, but still... seeing it was different.
"He's right!" another voice came from the entrance of the library, effectively interrupting the Elder.
"Phoebe?" Cole said surprised and went over to hug his wife who looked pale like a ghost.
"I saw it... Elenia, she'll freak out and kill every Ashon she can find, including Steve..." the Empath sobbed against her husband's chest. All this was too much for her right now. She had wanted to relax when she went to the meditation chamber. But then this premonition, and now she was back in a room full of worry and fear... it was too much for her. And so she finally closed her eyes and let the darkness engulf her.
"Phoebe!" Cole exclaimed when he felt her breaking down in his arms. He carried her over to the sofa and laid her down. Leo was immediately by her side, checking on her. "She's ok... only exhausted," he announced moments later.
Christopher by then had recovered enough again to finally DO something. And he knew there was no time to waste. "John," he said to the whitelighter, "go and get Nicki." The man nodded and orbed away. Christopher then turned to Julian again: "I need to talk to B."
The demonic witch nodded. "I'm sure he likes to talk to you as well..."
Christopher then turned to the others. Who should he take with him? His first thought went to Michael but then thought about his brothers and how they would get mad at him for putting the man's life in danger. So he was out of it. But he needed someone he could trust, someone Steve would trust, too.
"Ok," he finally said, "Uncle Cole, Odin, you're coming with us. And we need some crystals to trap an Elder."
"We don't have such crystals," Leo said frowning.
""Maybe we could charm some," Piper thought out loud.
"Oh... no that will take too long," Chris said. In his time, they had such crystals. He sighed. "I'm sure we can do this without them."
"I'm also coming with you," Michael said.
"No... you won't. It's too dangerous. Go back to the manor, you all should go back there and wait for our return," the witch-Elder said. And Piper couldn't help to feel proud of him, as his voice now was not the one of a boy, but strong and powerful, the voice of a leader.
Right then John orbed in with Nicki. "What's going on?" she asked.
Christopher grabbed her by the shoulders and looked her in the eyes: "Do you love him, Nicki? No matter what?" And when she nodded he asked: "Also if he is standing right in front if you in his demonic shape?"
Nicki looked at him for a moment, then she nodded and replied firmly: "I do..."
Christopher smiled at this and said: "Then you'll be of great help."
Right then Silas orbed in. "I lost her," he exclaimed, "she went to the underworld..."
Everybody knew who he meant, and everyone was frozen for a moment, by this turn of events. Actually most of them had thought they still had some time left... But as things were, they hadn't.
"Ok, then let's go..." Christopher said and grabbed Nicki's hand, while Cole and Odin stepped to Julian's side. "Bianca? Come with us as well. If Elenia shows up too early you could help us holding her back." The Phoenix just nodded at this and went over to him.
"What about us?" John then asked. "I'm not going to stay behind."
"Yeah we won't let you do this alone..." Piper complained as well.
"You have to," Christopher replied, "the less people that are with me, the better are the chances to get this solved without anybody getting hurt... Trust me, this is for the best." The last words were directed at his mom. Then he turned to John again: "Tell them what you know..." Then he orbed with Nicki away, the others following him.
"What's going on?" Tom asked out of breath. He and Veronica had just entered the library as the last orb lights faded away.
& & & & &
Belthazor looked up startled when the five people appeared in front of him. "What's going on, what the hell are you thinking?!" he exclaimed angry.
"Calm down, B.," Julian said as he walked over to his friend and placed a hand on his shoulder.
But the source had none of that: "This is not a common meeting room or something. This..."
"We know," Christopher interrupted him, his voice calm but still screaming of urgency. "We need your help. We need you to take us to the Ashon."
"NO!" Belthazor replied a little too loud, so that Nicki jumped a little. She still feared the Source even if she knew that the others trusted him, she just couldn't help it. And also Odin looked a little uncomfortable. But Balthazar went on: "I can't interfere and you DO know that!"
Christopher shook his head at this: "I'm not asking you to do anything like that. I only ask you to bring us there."
"No... I told you I have no right to..."
But the witch-Elder interrupted him again, this time with a more firm voice: "I, Christopher Perry Halliwell, heir of Excalibur, ask you to bring us as diplomatic delegates to the head of the Ashon Clan that Steve belongs to right now. "
For a moment no one said a word, and the tension in the room was so thick that you could almost touch it with your fingers. Then the Source nodded and took a slight bow. "As you wish, my king." Christopher smiled at this, the situation was just too weird.
Then after a moment of silence the source added: "And his name is Tevaal now, by the way..."
Christopher nodded at this, being the only one who already knew that from his time, and then said: "Ok, here's the plan..."
& & & & &
In the future...
Orbs appeared in the foyer, marking Leo and Hope's arrival home. But it wasn't the best homecoming they'd ever had, since they both heard, clearly, Michael threatening to kill Wyatt. Everyone in the kitchen came running at the outburst, wondering what was going on.
"What the Hell is going on here?" Leo asked no one in particular.
Phoebe answered him first. "Wyatt and Julia are talking with Michael and Angela. We don't know what about."
"We can't just stand here! Michael threatened to kill Wyatt!" Piper said nervously, knowing Wyatt wouldn't defend himself against Michael unless he absolutely had no other choice.
"Actually, it's better that you all go back to the kitchen." That was Bianca, coming back downstairs with Liam. Piper looked at her incredulously.
"Are you saying I should just let Michael attack my son?"
"No. You and Leo should go in there. You need to hear what Wyatt and Julia have to say. The rest of us should go into the kitchen, and wait." She looked at everyone assembled in the foyer in turn, landing on Chris last.
"Why? What do you know?" Piper pressed.
"Just that whatever is going on in there, Wyatt needs his parents," she said calmly. Piper was still suspicious.
"How do you know that?" Leo asked this time, looking at Bianca as suspiciously as Piper.
"Because I know my husband. Whatever is going on, the two of you should hear it before the rest of us."
"But Michael and Angela have to hear it before us?" Piper said skeptically.
"Yes. Wyatt knows how to handle your reactions. Michael's on the other hand..." she trailed off, looking at the bedroom door. They could still hear the yelling coming from inside.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Them to yell whatever it is? And get me in trouble with future consequences?" Chris said, and started to back toward the kitchen. Bianca smiled at him, knowing it was already too late for that. Piper and Leo exchanged looks, then looked at everyone else. Piper's gaze landed on Phoebe, and she could see her little sister was nervous.
"You better get in there. I don't think Chris will be able to hold Michael back for much longer without using magic," the middle sister said, feeling Michael's turmoil. Kyle and Cole took their wives hands and started to lead them back to the kitchen then, while Hope nudged Jim in that direction. Bianca followed behind, waiting just long enough for Piper and Leo to take a deep breath and open the door.
& & & & &
Back in our time...
Everyone turned to Tom and Veronica as they joined the group, out of breath and out of the loop. "Well? What happened?" Veronica seconded Tom's sentiments.
That was when Phoebe groaned and slowly opened her eyes. She still was flooded by lots of emotions but she pulled herself up anyway, noticing that some of the people she'd seen earlier were now missing, including her husband.
"Easy," Leo told her, worried.
But she just waved him off. "I'm fine..."
"Well, John, let's have it," Piper said turning to the Whitelighter then, and everyone turned with her.
"I don't know if my information will help us any, at this point..." John said, a little unnerved by the sudden attention.
"If it just lets us understand more clearly what's going on, then it will help," Leo said, ever the optimist.
John took a deep breath, and started to explain what he and Julian had found out earlier. When he was done, everyone was quiet for a moment, letting it all sink in.
"So what does that mean?" Tom asked, not completely sure what a genetic-memory-transfer-potion was.
"It means the Ashon are giving Steve what he needs to take full control of his demonic powers, maybe he even will gain some general knowledge. But I don't know the specifics. Odin could explain it better," Silas explained.
Another moment of silence passed as everyone thought about it.
"So I guess he will be comfortable with his demonic side after all, then?" Tom asked, though he already knew the answer. The relief that flooded through him, shocking him.
"Yes, most likely he will," Silas confirmed.
Tom and Veronica exchanged a look, both feeling foolish for having thought Steve would never accept it.
Piper meanwhile shook her head: "I can't believe you knew where to find him all the time..."
"Sorry..." John answered with a sigh, "I just did what I thought was the best for my charge."
After yet another moment of silence, Silas spoke again. "Maybe we should go," he said, nodding toward the two whitelighters.
Rafael said nothing, still feeling uncomfortable and out of place here.
John shook his head. "I want to stay. I want to know what happens with my charge," he protested.
Silas shook his head this time. "There's no point in waiting down here. Leo will call us when there are news," and turning to Leo and the others, said, "you should probably go back to the manor. It will be more comfortable then staying in this old place."
They all nodded, but John still wasn't sure about leaving.
"It's okay, John, you'll know anything the second we do," Leo said, reassuring him.
"Okay. The second you hear anything!" he said, then looked at Silas and Rafael, and the three orbed away.
Everyone else looked at each other, not quite sure if they should wait a little or go right now. "Well, ah, I guess we should go..." Tom started, nervously, looking at Veronica. He didn't want to impose on the Halliwells. Veronica nodded, and they turned to leave.
But Piper stopped them. "Come back with us. You two shouldn't be alone. And it will be easier to notify everyone if everyone is in the same place," she said, trying to make light of the situation. It didn't really work. Her own nervousness about Christopher, was seeping into her voice.
"We have lots of room, and you're both welcome," Leo added, putting his arm around Piper's shoulders, comforting her. Tom and Veronica exchanged looks, both not really wanting to be alone.
"Thank you. We really appreciate it," Veronica accepted for them.
Piper and Leo smiled at the young couple, then turned to Michael. "You ready?" Leo asked. He didn't have to ask twice.
"Whenever you are," Michael answered.
"Then let's go! Take me back to the manor," Phoebe said, sitting up and holding her arms out to Piper. Piper walked over to her and took her sisters hands, pulling her to her feet. Then with Michael in the lead, Tom and Veronica right behind, and Piper, Phoebe and Leo taking up the rear, they all headed for the door back to the manor.
& & & & &
In the future...
Inside Phoebe's and Cole's bedroom, Chris was holding on to Michael, trying to keep him away from Wyatt. Angela and Julia had placed themselves between the two, an added barrier of protection. All of a sudden, Michael went completely still. He was frozen in place, frozen in time. Everyone looked first at Chris, who couldn't possibly have done it with his hands busy holding his friend, then, at the sound of a throat clearing, they all looked toward the door. Piper's hands were still in the air, when they turned to her and Leo. Chris let go of Michael and turned to his mother. She wasn't happy.
"This had better be good," she scowled at everyone in the room, but especially at Chris.
"Could you unfreeze him now? Please?" Chris asked, nodding toward Michael.
"What? And let him kill my son? Your brother? No way," she said, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I have to agree with Mom. I'm rather fond of my life," Wyatt said, trying to make light of the situation. Julia looked at him, stunned, for a second. He gave her a sheepish grin.
"Alright, you, what the Hell is going on here? What did you tell Michael that's made him want to kill you?" Piper demanded coming closer to the others. Leo quickly closed the door, then joined his wife. Wyatt turned to his dad then.
"Ah, Dad, could you hold Mom's arms at her sides, please?" he said, nervously. Piper eyed him, not pleased with what he said.
"I think, maybe, Mom should, at least, unfreeze Michael's head..." Chris said before Leo could take hold of Piper's arms. This time everyone agreed. Piper lifted her hand and unfroze Michael's head.
"...Dead! You... What? What's going on? Why can't I move?" Michael said, trying to struggle, to no avail.
"Hi. Yeah." Piper said, getting his attention.
Then realization dawned on him. He looked rather pissed that he'd been frozen. "Piper let me go!" he yelled angrily at her.
"And let you kill my son. I don't think so," she shot back. They traded angry stares for a second.
"Do you even know what your son did?" Michael challenged. Piper raised an eyebrow in distrust.
"Dad!" Wyatt yelled, a little too loudly, startling Leo into grabbing Piper's arms too quickly and too strongly. Piper jumped, and tried to bat her husband's hands away, to no use.
"Okay, enough, skirting around the subject. What the hell is going on?" Piper said, finally having had enough, and still struggling against Leo's grip. He loosened it a little, not wanting to hurt her.
Wyatt took a deep breath, wrapped his arm around Julia's shoulders protectively, then spoke. "Julia and I are having a baby."
The whole room went silent as the words were said for the first time. Angela sat down hard on the bed, part of her had still been hoping that wasn't the case. They hadn't actually said that Julia was pregnant, just insinuated it by reminding them that they'd asked that when they'd heard she and Wyatt were engaged. Now that the words were said, it felt like her whole world was upside down. 'My baby is having a baby,' she thought, shock on her face. Michael looked like he was about to attack Wyatt again, but Chris silenced him with a look. Leo was so shocked, he let go of Piper's arms, and stared gape-mouthed at the couple. It took longer for it to sink in for Piper, but once it did, her hands came up, and a lamp exploded, startling everyone. Leo had her arms by her sides again in seconds.
"Mom!" Wyatt exclaimed, wide eyed and horrified, looking at his mother.
"Piper, breathe," Leo said calmly, trying to calm her down. She looked between her son and his fiancée, not sure what to think. She moved her hand at her side then, and the time freeze around Michael wore off. He released a sigh, but continued to glare at Wyatt.
"How? How could this happen? I taught you to be safe!" she said, looking at her son, perplexed. Wyatt bowed his head in shame, feeling like he'd let his mother down.
"It was an accident. We didn't mean for this to happen," Julia spoke up, feeling badly for Wyatt. She'd hoped his parents would take this better than hers.
"It's okay. These things happen. Chris and Prisca are perfect examples," Leo said, trying to be the voice of reason, as always. Chris looked at his dad, making a face.
"Thanks, Dad. It's so nice to be wanted," he said, half joking. That seemed to lighten the mood in the room a little.
"That's not what I meant! And as I recall, Liam was an accident, too. A very unexpected, but welcome, accident. Just like you and Prisca," he said in his own defense. A smile tugged at Chris's lips.
"I thought Chris was expected? Since he was in the past at the time..." Wyatt said, glad for the little distracting trip down memory lane.
"He was. And that's why it was so unexpected. Piper wasn't even pregnant when we found out he was our son," Leo explained, a smile pulling at his lips.
Piper's expression changed then, the memory triggering other emotions. "Wyatt, honey..." she started, waiting for him to look her in the eyes.
"Yes, Mom?" he said almost shyly, finally meeting her gaze.
"Congratulations." The sincerity in her voice made Wyatt let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Leo let go of her then, knowing the danger was passed. And as soon as she was free, she walked to her son and gave him a hug. But Michael wasn't having any of it. He knew this sealed the deal between Wyatt and Julia, and he'd never get them apart again. He just couldn't lose his only daughter to demons.
"Congratulations?" he began, incredulously. "Are you out of your mind? Do you have any idea how many demons will be after them now? He's the Twice-Blessed!"
"Michael, Wyatt isn't the first second generation Charmed One to have kids. I have six, remember? And I'm the heir to Excalibur," Chris said pointedly. Michael turned on him then.
"How much did you know? Did you know about this from the start?" he accused, knowing the younger Chris was in the other room.
"I just found out today, like everyone else," he lied.
Michael wasn't bitting. "Oh, yeah? When you say you, do you mean the you in the other room, too?"
"No. I mean me, in this room. The other can't know. Future consequences, remember," he continued, not letting on what he'd known all along. Wyatt and Julia kept quiet, going along with his lie.
"You better be telling me the truth!" Michael challenged.
"I'm your oldest friend. Why would I lie to you?" Chris challenged in return. The two faced each other down, Michael trying to figure out if Chris was telling the truth.
Angela got up then, having had enough. "That's enough! You two, stop it!" she cried. She looked at her husband pleadingly. "Our daughter is pregnant. She's having a baby. We can't keep doing this." Angela took Michael face in her hands. "Wyatt loves her. We've both seen it. And she's a grown woman now, who makes her own decisions. And there are worst decisions she could make, then being with Wyatt. We've both known him most of his life. We've watched him grow up into the kind, caring man he is today. And we both know that he and his family," she looked at Piper, Leo, and Chris then, "won't let anything happen to her. No matter what. So pleased, let this go, and just be happy for our little girl."
Michael, looking into his wife's eyes, saw the pain there. She didn't want her family torn apart because he couldn't accept who his daughter had fallen in love with. He sighed, knowing it was going to take time to get used to this. His baby girl, pregnant, and marrying a man seven years her senior. A man who attracted danger to him like a magnet. He took another deep breath, then let it out slowly. "I'll try. That's all I can promise," he finally said.
Angela threw her arms around his neck in a hug. "That's all I ask," she said, very relieved. Wyatt and Julia both sighed, relief flooding them. Piper turned to Michael, a smile growing on her face.
"So, Granddad, what do you say to staying for dinner?" she said, teasingly.
A smile forced itself onto his face, despite his every effort to stop it. "If you're cooking, then sure, Grandma."
Smiles sprung up all over the room then, and Piper and Leo headed for the door.
"Wait!" Chris said just as Leo was about to open it. Everyone turned to him, confused.
"What?" Leo asked, wondering what was next.
"Just no one says anything about this until after Chris is gone. Then we can all celebrate," he said, covering his bases.
"And when will Chris leave?" Michael asked, eyeing his friend.
"Tonight. Shortly after dinner. And dinner would be the best time to tell him anything you want your younger selves to know," he explained.
Piper looked almost sad. "He's leaving so soon?" she asked, downcast.
Chris had to laugh. "Yes, Mom. My younger self will be leaving. But I'll still be here, and Christopher will be back," he told her. The name of her youngest son brought a worried look to her face. She knew she shouldn't be worried, but the memory of what had happened that day so long ago still brought those old feelings back.
Leo squeezed her shoulders, letting her know he knew how she felt, and that everything was going to be okay. "Come on. Let's go eat," he said in that ever calm voice of his.
Chris nodded, and then everyone headed out the door, and toward the kitchen and dinner.
& & & & &
Back in the present...
Kyle was back in Cole's office, finishing his paperwork, while Paige, with Victor and Angela, was playing with the kids in the living room, when they heard something on the stairs. Paige got up quickly to take a look, Victor and Angela staying close with the kids. When she rounded the corner, she saw Michael, followed by Tom and Veronica, coming down the stairs from the door to Magic School.
"They left without me?" Paige complained, thinking they had sent the three to the manor to wait.
"They left without all of us," Piper grumbled, coming into sight, Phoebe on her arm, and Leo just behind. Paige blinked in shock. She would have thought they would have needed the Power of Three.
Once they reached the bottom of the stairs, Phoebe let go of Piper and threw her arms around Paige, startling her little half-sister. "Did you just shower? You smell good," Phoebe said, holding her tightly for support.
"Yeah, I did. Are you alright?" Paige asked her, giving her a funny look.
"She just needs some rest," Leo said, smiling and trying to stifle a laugh.
"Ah huh..." Paige said, trying to shake her sister off, to no avail.
As soon as they heard friendly voices, Victor and Angela, with the kids, had come into view. Seeing Angela, Michael went to her and wrapped her in his arms, little Hope between them. And once free of Phoebe, Piper had picked up Wyatt and took Christopher from Victor, holding them tight.
Watching Piper, Victor's mind started to race. The way she held Christopher, made him wonder if anything had happened. "Is something wrong?" he asked, looking at her.
"No, nothing's wrong. Piper is just worried about her son, as always," Leo said coming up behind Piper and taking her and the boys in his arms. Victor let out a sigh of relief, then looked at all the faces in the room. Tom and Veronica looked the most out of place. Victor walked over to them, wrapping an arm around each, and started to lead them toward the kitchen.
"Come on you two. You can help me get some coffee, tea and snacks for everyone," he said, a mischievous smile on his face. Tom immediately responded with a like smile, and Veronica pulled in a breath, knowing what was coming. A large smile spread across her face then, as they headed into the kitchen, and she knew she and Tom were where they should be.
& & & & &
Meehan had just finished preparing Tevaal for the final potion. She had taken special care of the paintings on his body this time, because after he drank that one last bit of liquid he'd be a fully grown up Ashon. And no matter how hard it'll be for him, he had told her he wanted to celebrate as soon as he felt ready for it again. It was tradition and he didn't want to break with that.
Batim through was still worried. He didn't like to see his brother being hurt, even if this had to be done. So he was currently nervously pacing in front of Tevaal's alcove.
"Would you please stop!" the younger of the brothers suddenly exclaimed. "You are making me nervous!"
Batim shook his head and smiled: "I'm just worried..."
"I know," Tevaal replied, "but there is no need to. I drink the potion, have a little headache and then all will be fine and we'll have a big party!"
"I'm glad you take this so easy," the older one replied sarcastically.
"Well what should he do, Batim?" Meehan asked. "Cry like a baby? He's Ashon after all, and he is as strong as you. You should be proud of him!"
"I am," Batim reassured them both, "more than you can imagine."
Meanwhile the oldest clan members were preparing everything for the ceremony in the middle of the cave. They all had been a little surprised, when Tevaal had told them that he wanted to take the last potion as soon as possible, because this was actually planed for the day after. But they all knew how much he wanted this to be over so all agreed.
But suddenly tension filled the cave. You could feel it in the air long before that huge red demon entered the cave with huge steps, his appearance screaming power.
Koran-Dil frowned when he saw the Source enter, knowing that none of the things going on in this cave were any of his business. Still he was the ruler of the underworld and he had to pay him respect. So he stepped forward until he stood face to face with Belthazor and took a quick bow. Then when he looked up to him again, he asked: "My Lord, what leads your way to our home. Because we actually are preparing for a ceremony."
"I'm sorry to disturbed you..." Belthazor said before he could help it. And as he saw the leader of the Ashon frown he grumbled with himself because of this stupidity. Then he added: "I was asked to escort a visitor... a diplomatic one." And again he grumbled more than anything else.
Luckily for the source, Koran-Dil interpreted the grumbling as dislike of the source's own situation, and he guessed that he most likely wasn't there on his own free will. Little did he know how wrong he was with that.
Anyway, there was still the question who that diplomat would be, so he asked: "So who is that visitor?"
"ME!"
All of the Ashon turned their eyes to the entrance of the cave. There stood three people. The one that stood most to the right was no doubt an Elder, judge by his dress. On the left side stood someone they all knew, the former other half of the Source. But the most impressing person stood in the middle of the two. And he also was the one who had spoken. He was a young man, a witch as it seemed, casually dressed in jeans and t-shirt, but everything about him screamed authority. And as the Ashons watched him, he walked closer to their leader, his two follower right behind him.
No one saw that right behind that little group, followed three more people, hidden by the power of invisibility.
When the leader of the little group reached the head of the Ashon he took a little bow and greeted: "Koran-Dil? I'm thankful for your hospitality."
'Good manners, he has. And he knows my name,' the leader of the Ashon Clan thought. But still that man unnerved him a little so he asked: "Who are you?"
The man smiled at this, through inside he was far less sure of himself then he let the other see. "My name is Christopher Perry Halliwell. And I'm here for two things. First there might be danger on its way, and if possible we'd like to help you handle it in a peaceful way. And then we'd like to talk about and even with Tevaal, if possible."
"You wanna take him with you, right?" Koran-Dil said, noticing from the corner of his eyes how said Ashon stepped closer a little, but was held back by his brother.
The young witch-Elder had noticed this, too. And he was glad his friend was seemingly well. But right now he had to concentrate on his task. He had only one chance and he planed to make the best out of it. So he replied with a calm voice. "No... Actually I just came here to talk to him. It's not my place to decide for him where he wants to live. I just want to talk to him, send him greetings from his loved ones. And I give you my word that no one of us will hurt anyone of your people. Nor won't you hurt mine..."
The Ashon laughed at this: "You are good with words. But through you somehow got the Source to help you, I still don't trust you, witch. You are all the same, for you we're just demons you can hunt. Your word means nothing to us."
Christopher knew this would happen, and through he didn't like it he knew now was the time, his time, to accept who he was and to use the power that was given to him. "Excalibur!" he exclaimed, holding out his hand. And only a blink of an eye later a white light appeared around it and formed to the legendary sword. As it had completely solidified, Christopher moved it through the air in a circle to ram it into the stony floor of the cave. A murmur filled the cave. Then he again looked at the Ashon in front of him. "Koran-Dil, I give you my word as heir of Camelot, that we are just here to talk."
The leader of the Ashon let his eyes wander between the young man and the sword a couple of times. He had heard rumors that the legendary sign of power was back on the surface, and that the new owner of it was meant to bring balance to all of them, demons AND humans. So far he had not believed those stories, but now he saw things in a different light. And now he understood why the Source couldn't resist this boy as well, and brought him to them. He himself could feel the power that the sword was radiating. So finally he took a deep bow and said: "I believe you."
(Chapter 9 written by Chrissy.W.x and Kirianna Ledräen)
