Legacy 201: Divine Witchervention

Part 2

Xxx

After leaving the Antarctic, agent Reed reported back to the MIND headquarters in Washington, DC. The building was hidden in plain sight, appearing as a generic government building, though nobody knew what was happening inside. MIND had been responsible for protecting the world against magical threats for decades while preventing exposure. Reed entered the building through the underground parking lot, after which he took the elevator up. As he stepped out on the top floor, he was greeting by the personal assistant of the director, Evelyn. She was a witch in her late twenties with short brown hair, who had the ability to create temporary clones of herself.

"Good to see you made it back in one piece." Evelyn said. "How was your flight?"

"Long." Reed replied impatiently as they started walking. "Have you been able to track the Titan?"

"We did." Evelyn said. "Her presence influences the weather, so we've been able to track her movements though satellite."

The two agents entered the briefing room, where a several screens filled the entire wall. Two clones of Evelyn were using satellite images to track weather patterns over the world. Reed noticed a storm front working its way to the east coast, leaving forest fires and thunder storms in its wake.

"We believe the Titan is heading to San Francisco." Evelyn said. "The city had been experiencing a heat wave for days already."

"Looks like it was an omen of her arrival, just like last time." Reed noted. "Why San Francisco though? What is she looking for?"

"She is likely drawn to the huge concentration of magic in the city." Evelyn replied.

"The Halliwell line and the nexus." Reed concluded. "Has the director been informed?"

"Of course." Evelyn replied. "She wanted to be here, but she is stuck at the European office for the time being."

"So what's the plan?" Reed asked. "How do we stop this thing?"

"We can't." Evelyn said. "The director has ordered us to stand down. This Titan is beyond anything we can handle."

"What?" Reed asked with a frown. "We can't just do nothing."

"The director reached out to an old friend to inform the higher powers." Evelyn replied as she looked up at the ceiling. "They found a way to stop the Titans before."

"No, they didn't." Reed said. "I studied my history, they empowered others to their dirty work. That backfired on them twice already."

"We have our orders." Evelyn replied.

"Forget it, I'm not going to stand by when we unleashed that thing." Reed said. "I'm going out there."

Reed stormed out of the briefing room and to the elevator, though a clone of Evelyn appeared before him in a flash of purple light and grabbed his arm.

"Lincoln, wait." Evelyn pleased. "This is literal god-like being we're talking about. You were lucky to survive your first encounter."

"I know what I'm doing." Reed replied.

"I know I can't stop you." Evelyn said. "But even you manage to survive the Titan, the director is going to kill you for disobeying orders. She warned you."

"She always warns me." Reed remarked. "And she always forgives me."

Reed knew there was nothing he could do against Titan, but someone needed to be there. MIND was responsible for releasing Rhea and he could have stopped it, so he needed to fix his mistake. A single agent could make all the difference in the world when it came to saving lives, which was something he had learned from personal experience.

Xxx

Above the Golden Gate Bridge, storm clouds gathered and a twister descended from the skies, forming in Rhea. The ancient Titan looked over the mortal city with distain. So much had changed over the ages. Mortals had infested the world like a plague of locusts, destroying and polluting everything in their path without hesitance. They needed a Queen to rule them, a goddess to restore the earth to its rightful glory and beauty.

Sensing incoming power, Rhea turned and saw three columns of orbs appear. She remembered the feeling of this magic all too well. The Elders opposed the Titans in ancient times, though Rhea had been imprisoned by her husband before their war had ended. It surprised her that the council had not been wiped out by Cronus long ago. The three Elders that appeared were a young boy, an elderly man and a dark-skilled woman.

"Greetings, mighty Titan." The woman spoke. "My name is Qetesh and these are my fellow Elders Odin and Kevin. We were hoping to speak with you."

"I don't recall the Elders ever showing us that politeness before." Rhea replied. "Did you not consider us monsters that needed to be vanquished?"

"Not all Titans were monsters, and not all Elders want to restart a war." Qetesh said. "We are hoping for a peaceful solution."

"Peace?" Rhea asked. "How can you talk of peace when this world is torn apart by war? I can lead us all into a better future if you accept my rule."

"That is not peace, but enslavement." Odin said. "The Titans were tyrants that considered the world their personal playpen. We seek to protect it, as we always do."

"This world belongs to us." Rhea stated with determination. "It is our right and duty. Look how these mortals have ruined this world on their own. They need a ruler."

"Mortals are not perfect, but they deserve to be free." Kevin said. "They choose their leaders and follow their own laws and rules."

"And where has that led them?" Rhea asked. "Hatred, disease and famine. The eternal struggle between good and evil. I can bring about a just and kind world."

"As long as we surrender our freedom." Qetesh noted.

"A small price to pay." Rhea replied. "But first tell me, what has become of my husband?"

"We entombed him in ice, just like he did to you." Odin said. "He remained imprisoned for centuries, though he was vanquished decades ago."

"Such a shame." Rhea replied. "I wanted to kill him for his betrayal. We were supposed to rule together, but he wasn't willing to share the world."

"What will you do?" Qetesh asked. "The world has forgotten about gods and Titans. They don't know about magic and they will not accept you as Queen."

"Then I shall remind them." Rhea said determined. "There will be no negotiations."

"Then we must destroy you." Odin said.

Odin nodded at the other Elders and they raised their hands to fire powerful bolts of lightning at Rhea. The Titan surrounded herself with a wall of wind to deflect the attack. Their magic was no match for her, she was among the most powerful Titans. Even Cronus feared her, he imprisoned her because he knew he could never control her. Growing tired of the assault, Rhea waved her hand and the wall of wind expanded, knocking the Elders back against the bridge.

"I am only your enemy if you choose to oppose me." Rhea declared. "Bow and I shall allow you to keep guiding the forces of good under my rule."

"We will not bow to a tyrant." Odin replied.

"We know what must be done." Kevin said. "There's no other way."

"Go find him." Qetesh replied. "He needs to guide them."

Kevin nodded and disappeared in a column of orbs while the others rose to their feet. Rhea did not care what they were planning, as nothing was powerful enough to defeat her. She was a force of nature, the true mother of the earth. As the Elders orbed back to their Heavens, Rhea turned to the city and planned her next move. After all, every Queen needed a court.

Xxx

In San Francisco, Payton Halliwell had just returned to the condo she shared with her sisters. Actually, it was just one sister now. She had been staying with her parents in New York for the last few months to come to terms with losing Prue. Although she felt safe and comforted there, it was time to come home. She couldn't keep hiding away from the world any longer. She needed to finish school and pick up her life.

Upon arriving at the condo, Payton was shocked to see the state it was in. There were dirty dishes and pizza boxes on the table, worn clothes scattered and dust collecting on every surface. Had Penny not taken care of herself at all? She had refused to come to New York because of the club, but that seemed like just an excuse now. She was a mess, just like the condo, which was worrying her. Despite knowing it was against the rules, Payton waved her hand as she cast a little spell.

"Let the object of objection, become but a dream,

As I cause the seen, to be unseen."

White magical orbs swirled around the room, cleaning and restoring everything in an instant. However, she knew it wouldn't be as easy to fix Penny. Should she call her parents before Penny got back? Or would that only push her further away? Before she had a chance to decide, the door opened and Penny came in. She barely seemed to notice the condo had been cleaned and threw her bag on the couch. Payton noticed some bruises on her arms as she took off her jacket.

"Hi." Payton said. "It's good to see you."

"Yeah, you too." Penny replied hesitantly. "I thought you were staying in New York all summer?"

"I wanted to come home." Payton said. "I realized I couldn't keep leaning on mom and dad and school is starting again soon, so…"

"Life goes on." Penny remarked. "At least for everyone else, it seems."

"Penny, I'm worried." Payton admitted. "Seeing the condo the way it was, seeing those bruises. What are you doing? Are you even taking care of yourself?"

"The place looks fine to me." Penny noted.

"Yeah, because I cleaned it with a spell." Payton replied with a frown. "This isn't a game, Penny. Talk to me."

"There is nothing to talk about." Penny said. "You're not her, so don't start playing that part."

"I'm not." Payton replied. "I'm just being myself. You're the one that is scaring me. How did you get those bruises?"

"Fine, I've been seeing a life coach." Penny said as she rolled her eyes. "He helps people work through their issues through physical combat."

"Is it helping?" Payton asked.

"I'm pretty sure he just fired me as client." Penny noted. "So not really."

"Well, it's good that you were seeing someone." Payton replied hesitantly. "But why are you shutting out your own family. You told us that you were fine."

"Because everyone is either leaving or moving on with their lives." Penny said.

"I didn't leave, Penny." Payton replied. "I just needed time. You could have reached out to me or one of the cousins."

"No, because you don't get it." Penny snapped at her. "Prue is gone and everyone is just moving on as if nothing happened."

"Nobody is doing that, we're not forgetting her." Payton said as tears welled up in her eyes. "I miss her every day, but we can't change what happened. We all make to make peace with that together."

"Together?" Penny scoffed. "You ran to the other side of the country. You disappeared just like Julian, just like…"

"I didn't disappear." Payton said. "I needed mom and dad. You can't blame me for that."

"I don't." Penny replied. "But you don't need to be worried about me. I'm dealing with this on my own."

"I don't think you are." Payton said. "You need help, I'm calling mom and dad."

"No!" Penny snapped at her. "I just want to be left alone."

Penny stormed to her bedroom and slammed the door. Payton sat down and cried silently. Hearing Penny say those things hurt deeply, she never wanted her sister to feel alone. Maybe going to New York was a mistake. Penny was struggling with her grief, but calling their parents would only drive her further away. So instead, Payton decided to reach out to her cousins. She headed out the door while texting the others about a family meeting.

Xxx

In the English countryside, Noah was sitting on a rock overlooking a beautiful green valley. It reminded him of his childhood, when he played in the meadows with his friends. The countryside always had made him feel peaceful, though it wasn't working anymore. His heart was hurting and his mind couldn't find rest. He had failed the woman he loved, he was unable to heal her in time. What was supposed to be a perfect day resulted in a nightmare. Maybe he didn't deserve to find love in the first place, as a punishment for his mistakes. History had a habit of repeating itself.

"It's beautiful here." Someone behind him said.

"It is." Noah replied as Kevin sat down next to him. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see my friend." Kevin said. "But I'm not going to pretend that's the only reason, we need you, Noah."

"You should find someone else." Noah replied. "I'm in no condition to guide anyone."

"I can't even imagine what you're going through." Kevin admitted. "I've never known love like that, but you cannot give up on your charges. You're stronger than that."

"You're right about one thing." Noah remarked. "You have no idea how I feel."

"Please just hear me out." Kevin said. "We're in danger, the entire world is in danger. We need the Halliwells to fight this threat."

"You want to send them into battle again." Noah noted. "To risk their lives after losing Prue."

"I wish there was another way." Kevin replied. "But this is a fight only they can win. They are the only ones capable of wielding the essence without being corrupted."

"Wait, the essence?" Noah asked. "The divine essence of the Gods?"

"We're facing a Titan." Kevin explained. "Rhea has been freed from her prison and she's not willing to listen to reason."

"No!" Noah said determined. "You can't do this."

"This is the only way, Noah." Kevin replied. "Deep down, you know we're right."

"Look, infusing someone with the essence is a huge risk at the best circumstances." Noah explained. "The cousins just lost a loved one. They're not emotionally stable enough to handle that kind of power right now. It would devour them."

"That's why we need you to guide them." Kevin said. "To keep them from being corrupted by it."

"Find someone else." Noah replied. "Go to the other magical families or the current incarnation of the Chosen. Anyone."

"I'm afraid that's not possible." Kevin said.

"Why does everything have to fall on the Halliwells?" Noah asked angrily. "Haven't they been through enough?"

"They have been through more than anyone should." Kevin admitted. "But their destiny isn't over, they still have a role to play in the Grand Design."

"What do you mean?" Noah asked. "Have you foreseen something else?"

"My visions of the future are clouded, but I see a darkness coming." Kevin replied. "I fear that Rhea is only the first challenge they must face."

"It never ends, does it?" Noah noted sadly.

"We cannot give up hope." Kevin said. "After the Charmed Ones vanquished the Triad and the Chosen stopped Ambrose, we had decades of peace."

"But evil always comes back." Noah concluded.

"Perhaps it will." Kevin reasoned. "But ask yourself this question. Are you going to stand by and let it happen? Or are you going to fight for a better future, despite knowing the pain of loss?"

Noah fell silent as he considered his friend's words. Standing by and doing nothing was not in his nature. He had always fought for what he believed was right, just like Prue did. She wouldn't want him to give up either, she would want him to be there for her family. And considering what they were about to face, they needed all the support they could get.

xxx

At Berkeley University, Laura Mitchell was unpacking boxes in her new dorm room. After everything, she had decided that Paris was no longer the right place for her. She wanted to be closer to her family. Luckily for her, Berkeley had an excellent history program and had accepted her transfer for sophomore year. Despite the heat wave and the fact that the school year hadn't started, Laura wanted to get her room ready. She needed a fresh start to put the last few months behind her. She opened another box and found the art supplies she had gotten from her mom.

"Now where to put you?" Laura asked herself.

Looking around her room, she found a place near the window for her easel. Painting was a passion she had rediscovered over the summer. She had enjoyed painting with her mom when she was younger, though she had stopped in high school when Grace convinced her it wasn't cool or worthwhile. Rediscovering it had allowed her to pour her emotions into her paintings. It made her realize she never should have stopped because her sister said so.

"Never again." Laura noted. "I'm my own person now."

Laura continued putting away her art supplies until her phone buzzed. She picked it up and read a text from Payton about a family meeting. That usually meant magical trouble, which sent a chill down her spine. She wasn't sure she was ready to deal with another demon so soon. However, she knew she couldn't ignore the text either. She had moved back here to be with her family.

Half an hour later, Laura arrived at the manor with a cab. The heat outside was almost unbearable and seemed to be getting worse. It almost seemed unnatural. She headed up the stairs and knocked on the door before letting herself in.

"Anyone home?" Laura called out.

"In here." Chris called from another room.

Laura followed his voice and entered the conservatory, where Chris was talking to Payton.

"Laura." Chris said surprised. "When did you get here?"

"A few days ago." Laura replied. "I'd hug you both, but this heat is horrible."

"Good call." Chris remarked. "It's good to see you."

"Payton, when did you get back?" Laura asked. "How was New York? How are you?"

"I only got home a few hours ago." Payton replied. "I'm doing okay, all things considered, but I'm more worried about Penny. That's why I called this meeting."

"Is something wrong?" Chris asked.

"Shouldn't we wait for the others?" Laura asked in turn.

"Melinda in on her honeymoon and Henry is at the beach, so I'm not sure he saw the text." Chris replied. "And Wyatt, well, he's probably…."

"I'm here." Wyatt said as he yawningly entered the room and sat down. "I can't sleep with this stupid heat anyway."

"Nice of you to join us." Chris remarked with a frown.

"Can we not do this right now?" Wyatt admitted. "I already have a headache."

Laura picked up on some tension and wondered what was going on. Wyatt looked like a mess, which was strange to see, considering he was always the role model of the family. It was clear that everyone was still dealing with a lot, so they needed to support each other.

xxx