Legacy 201: Divine Witchervention
Part 5
Xxx
At the Halliwell Manor, Noah sat on the couch with his head buried in his hands. The cousins had only just received their powers and he had already lost control over them. They had been swept up by their newfound desires, which were amplified by the divine magic inside them. He needed a plan to get them back and focus on the mission at hand, stopping Rhea. At least Penny was still trapped in the crystal cage, while Payton had remained put at the manor. Noah looked up and saw the youngest Halliwell frolicking around the room, causing plants and flowers to grow wherever she stepped. She was humming an enchanting melody that seemed to attract several forest animals such as rabbits, squirrels and many different birds that whistled along with her song.
"Payton, what are you doing?" Noah asked.
"This place needed some more life." Payton replied. "I want it to be a peaceful sanctuary for all."
Payton raised her hands and vines and flowers began covering the walls. Noah sensed it was not just decoration, but that her nature magic acted as a protective cloak as well. That was part of the reason he had given her these powers, to prevent Rhea from locating the cousins at home. It meant at least one part of his plan was working.
"I'm growing impatient." Penny said as she slammed her fist against the crystal cage. "Release me now or I will destroy this cage and everything around it."
"I want to release you." Noah replied. "But I need to make sure you're not a danger to yourself or others. Are you in control?"
"I'm fine." Penny said. "Unlike Snow White over there, I actually have a handle on this."
"You can't go after Rhea on your own." Noah warned her. "Even the Goddess of Strife should realize that it's not a good battle plan."
"Of course." Penny replied. "I still have the urge for violence, but I understand bigger things are at stake here."
"Will you help me find the others?" Noah asked.
"Look, I'm done negotiating." Penny replied. "I already said I'll be a team player and I'll prove it."
Penny glared at the cage and fired a stream of fire at it. The magic in the cage quickly became overwhelmed and the five crystals exploded, destroying the cage and freeing her. Penny stepped out the smoldering circle and held out her hand, swiftly calling her spear toward her. The forest animals quickly scurried away from her, hiding behind Payton.
"You're scaring them." Payton said with a frown. "I can sense the fear in their little hearts."
"You could have escaped the entire time?" Noah asked.
"I am a Goddess, Noah." Penny remarked. "I just needed a moment to figure out my powers. Now let's track down my idiot cousins before they get themselves in trouble."
"Alright." Noah said. "Payton, are you coming?"
"Oh, no, no." Payton replied hesitantly. "I can't leave my sanctuary and my little friends here unguarded. Besides, I'm a pacifist, I don't seek out conflict."
"Are you kidding me? You were created to fight a Titan." Penny remarked harshly.
"Violence is not the solution." Payton replied.
"Then what do you suggest we do?" Noah asked.
"We should talk to her, find out what she truly wants and how we can resolve this peacefully." Payton said. "Maybe we can give her a continent or two. There is enough to share."
"That's the essence talking, Payton." Noah replied. "You might be divine, but you don't own the world. You can't give away a continent."
"Forget it, she's basically a hippie now." Penny noted. "We need fighters like Wyatt. His lightning was impressive, I'm sure it can cause a lot of destruction."
"I'm sure Payton will be safe here." Noah said.
"Where do you think we'll find them?" Penny asked.
"Well, Wyatt said something about changing the weather." Noah reasoned. "Chris wanted to heal people at the hospital, Laura went to study and Henry just wanted to party. Out of everyone, Wyatt can do the most harm if he actually unleashes a storm over the city."
"So where would he go?" Penny asked with a frown. "Somewhere high?"
"Exactly." Noah replied. "I think I know where he'll be. Follow me."
Noah disappeared in a column of orbs while Penny followed him through intense flames that engulfed her. Noah knew they needed to track down the others fast, before they lost themselves to their divine urges. Aside from losing their humanity, they also risked exposing themselves and magic to the rest of the world, though luckily Noah had a plan for that.
Xxx
On top of the Golden Gate Bridge, Wyatt stood towering over the city below. He had his eyes closed as he sensed the weather patterns around him. This heat wave was unnatural, caused by the arrival of Rhea. With his newfound powers, Wyatt could change it with ease. He was the God of the Sky, which meant the skies belonged to him and the weather should reflect that. He needed to unleash the power he felt inside, as he could feel the lighting crackling under his skin.
"Time to make it rain." Wyatt noted.
Wyatt opened his eyes and fired a powerful bolt of lightning at the sky. As it hit the clouds, thunder sounded and the skies turned dark. The wind increased and it started to rain. Wyatt smiled as several bolts of lightning filled the skies. This power was amazing. The people of the city would surely be grateful for the soothing rain. As Wyatt admired his work, a column of orbs appeared and formed into Noah, followed by intense flames that revealed Penny.
"Wyatt, what have you done?" Noah asked.
"I was growing tired of the heat." Wyatt replied. "This way the city can cool down."
"Impressive." Penny said as she looked at the lighting.
"A storm like this could cause a lot of harm." Noah noted. "What about the mortals down there?"
"The storm won't harm anyone." Wyatt replied. "I have it under control."
"I don't think you do." Noah said. "I know how temping the essence can be. As the God of the Sky, you're eager to show off your power. You're a born leader, which comes with the risk of becoming prideful and arrogant."
"Are you calling me arrogant?" Wyatt asked with a frown.
"You've always been arrogant." Penny remarked. "You just hide it with optimism."
"Careful, I could easily smite you." Wyatt warned her.
"I'd like to see you try." Penny replied as she readied her flaming spear. "Come at me, cousin."
"No, both of you, stop it." Noah called out as he stepped between them. "This isn't really you, your powers are twisting your personalities."
"What you do you mean?" Wyatt asked.
"Wyatt, you've always been confident and optimistic." Noah explained. "The essence turns that into arrogance. Penny, you're stubborn and head-strong, which is twisted into aggression. You need to remember who you really are."
"What you're saying makes sense." Wyatt admitted. "I feel the urge to use these powers, because I want the people to worship me. I want their attention and devotion."
"But you're not a real God." Noah said. "You need to remember that."
"Alright, I think I can manage that." Wyatt replied.
"Can you do something about the storm?" Penny asked.
Wyatt nodded and turned to the storm. He clenched his fist and the storm lessened, the lighting disappeared and the rain turned into a slight drizzle. His powers were still enticing him to unleash their full potential, but he needed to control them. He needed to remember who he truly was.
"Where are the others?" Wyatt asked.
"Probably causing other problems." Penny replied. "But who needs them? The two of us have all the firepower we need to go after Rhea."
"No, we need to be united." Wyatt said.
"Look, this isn't just me wanting to fight." Penny argued. "Even if Rhea didn't sense our creation, which she likely did, your storm will have tipped her off. She knows we're coming."
"We can't risk it." Noah replied. "The two of you are the strongest, but power alone won't win this. We need Laura for a plan and Chris for healing."
"Then you two find Laura and Henry, I'll find Chris." Wyatt said. "We'll meet back at the manor."
"Will you be alright on your own?" Noah asked.
Wyatt didn't wait to answer and became surrounded by lighting, through which he disappeared. Noah wasn't sure that splitting up was the smart choice, but he had no choice but to go along with it. He closed his eyes and focused on finding Laura. Although his charge connection was still weak due to being so new, he picked up her trace quickly due to her increased magic.
Xxx
At the library of Magic School, Laura Mitchell appeared through silver sparkles. As the Goddess of Wisdom, her mind was racing and she was craving knowledge. The library contained everything she wanted and was peaceful, perfect for a being of her stature. There was so much information to obtain, though she also desired culture, literature and art. Perhaps she should visit a museum next. She wanted to know everything, to experience all forms of knowledge and creativity. It was as if her mind was starving for something new every moment.
"Can I help you with something?" Someone asked in a British accent.
Laura turned around and saw a young man walking toward her. He was dressed in a buttoned shirt and jeans, along with a black robe. His eyes were blue and his hair and trimmed beard were light brown. His physique revealed he was likely a swimmer, while his taste in clothing and told Laura that he was cultured, coming from a rich family.
"You're a professor here." Laura noted. "I'm looking for information on Greek mythology."
"That would explain the outfit." The young man replied as he looked at her clothes. "Do I need to be concerned about my students?"
"I am the Goddess of Wisdom, I only seeking knowledge." Laura said. "You and your students have nothing to fear from me. What is your name?"
"Callum Marks." The young man said. "I am the Art Professor here."
"You're from the Marks line, interesting." Laura noted. "Doesn't your family attend a magical institution in the United Kingdom? Why did you seek a teaching position at Magic School?"
"A position became available and I applied." Callum said. "Simple as that."
"You seem anything but simple to me." Laura replied with a smile. "I appreciate a man of culture."
"Uh, thank you." Callum replied. "I'll show you to the books on Greek mythology."
Callum led the way and Laura followed him down the rows of bookcases. As they walked, the young Professor kept looking at her over his shoulder. Laura noticed an increased heartrate and drops of nervous sweat. He was either attracted or intimated by her, likely both at the same time. In turn, she had to admit that his appearance was charming as well. When they reached the section on Greek mythology, they found themselves alone surrounded by books.
"You're a swimmer, aren't you?" Laura asked as she circled him and rubbed his shoulders.
"Just in my spare time these days." Callum replied. "I used to play water polo in school."
"You have a great physique under these robes." Laura noted. "Tell me, Professor, have you ever modelled for a painting before?"
"I typically teach art, not pose for it." Callum replied a little flustered. "I thought you were here for knowledge."
"I am, but I'm always looking for inspiration." Laura said.
"You said you were Goddess." Callum noted. "I studied Greek mythology and I know how they gained their powers. I also know how easy it is to be tempted by them."
"Are you tempted?" Laura asked.
"You are beautiful and powerful." Callum replied. "And I appreciate the attention, but you don't seem like yourself."
"Smart boy." Laura said. "You will make a perfect muse."
Laura leaned in closer and kissed the young Professor. He was taken aback at first, but did not resist and eventually returned her kiss eagerly. Although she felt drawn to his mind and body, Laura realized she had a mission to fulfill. As their lips lingered, she waved her finger and telekinetically moved a chair behind him. She pushed him down and turned her attention to the books.
"What are you doing?" Callum asked.
"Enlightening myself." Laura replied.
Laura waved both of her hands and several books flew out of the bookcases and landed on the table in front of her. Her psychic powers had selected everything she needed without having to think about it. She moved closer to the table and held out her hands, which started to glow in a silver light. The pages of the books flipped rapidly as the information was absorbed directly into her mind. Once she was done, all the pages had turned blank.
"Wait, those books are for the students." Callum said.
"Don't worry, all the knowledge is safe in here." Laura replied as she pointed at her head. "Once my family has destroyed the Titan, we will bring about a new golden age of knowledge and culture."
"You're letting your divine powers take over." Callum warned her. "You need to resist them."
"Don't tell me what to do!" Laura snapped at him. "I'm giving you a chance to be a part of something great. You should show some respect!"
Laura felt herself growing angry and the bookcases around her began to tremble, causing several books to fall down. Callum disappeared from the chair in a swirl of orbs, though Laura sensed where he was going. His first priority was protecting his students. She teleported after him and appeared in the grand hall at the same time as Callum, slamming the doors shut with a wave of her hand.
"You said you wouldn't harm anyone." Callum said.
"I won't." Laura replied. "This is place of learning, it's a shrine to me. All I'm asking for is the love and respect that I deserve."
"How?" Callum asked.
"Worship me." Laura demanded. "Kneel."
Callum nervously took a few steps toward her, though before he could kneel down, a column of orbs appeared, followed by a stream of intense flames. Noah and Penny manifested and seeing them snapped Laura out of her crazed state. She felt embarrassed for how she had allowed the essence to take over so easily and how she had treated poor Callum. They needed to stop the Titan and get rid of these divine powers before something went horribly wrong.
"What happened here?" Penny asked. "Who is the cute nerd?"
"I lost control for a moment." Laura said. "Callum, I'm so sorry."
"It's alright." Callum replied. "I know that wasn't the real you. Maybe I can meet her over coffee once this craziness is over."
"I'd like that." Laura said with a smile.
"We don't have time for this." Noah said with a frown. "Rhea is threatening the entire city and we still need to find Henry."
"There is only one place he could go." Penny remarked. "He wanted a party and I do run one of the hottest clubs in town after all."
Xxx
Chris Halliwell appeared in front of the hospital in a flash of golden light. The people around him were shocked by his sudden appearance and gathered around him, like moths drawn to a flame. As the God of Light, Chris enjoyed the attention. His goal was not just to heal the people of the city, but to bathe them in light and make them feel safe and loved. He would be their light to guide them through the darkness of this world.
"Fear not, mortals." Chris called out. "I have come to heal you and bring the light."
"What kind of tricks are this?" A grumpy man in a wheelchair asked. "Are you some kind of religious nut?"
"No, I am the real thing." Chris replied. "What is your ailment?"
"Car accident, drunk driver." The man said. "Broke both my damn legs."
"Let me heal them." Chris replied.
Chris held out his hand and bathed the man in a beam of light, healing his injuries instantly. When the light faded, the man frowned as he touched his legs in disbelief. He got out of the wheelchair and the crowd around him gasped in shock and amazement.
"My legs… they're fixed." The man said surprised. "Thank God."
"You're welcome." Chris said. "Now who else needs healing?"
Several people in the crowd started calling out and pleading him to be healed. Chris smiled as he accepted their praises and cries for attention. He would heal them all and gather a following. Suddenly the skies above him erupted in thunder and it started to rain. Chris frowned as he realized it was his brother, trying to steal his time in the sun. A bolt of lightning erupted from the skies directly at the crowd, so Chris quickly drew his bow and fired an arrow of pure light to destroy it before it could hit.
"He saved us!" A woman called out.
At that moment, the earth trembled and a twister appeared in the crowd, blowing away several people. The crowd panicked and dispersed to safety. Chris turned to the twister and saw it form into a woman with caramel skin and wavy brown hair, wearing a silver dress. She was followed by four Furies that appeared through puffs of smoke.
"Not the one I was looking for." The woman noted.
"Let me guess, you're Rhea." Chris said. "You chased off my followers."
"An arrogant God, that's a first." Rhea remarked. "You're playing with forces you don't understand."
"And you're trying to claim a world that no longer belongs to you." Chris replied. "You're time is up."
Chris raised his bow and fired several golden arrows of light at the Titan, though she waved her hand and blew them away with a strong gust of wind. The Furies around her screamed and attacked. Chris leaped back and fired more arrows, hitting one Fury in the leg while vanquishing another by piercing her chest. The remaining two retreated. A bolt of lightning pierced the ground and Wyatt appeared surrounded by electricity.
"Five against one is hardly fair." Wyatt said. "Let's level the playing field."
xxx