THE CHALLENGES: CLU and JACK
Clu was waiting patiently for Fiona to return from the hospital. Jack had accompanied her there when he found out about what had happened with the Charmed Ones. Fi wanted to check up on them, and Jack wanted to make sure that Prue was all right.
"Clu?" Molly walked over to him, placing a kind hand on his shoulder. She glanced at the hotel swimming pool, then at the young man. "Don't you want to go in for a swim?"
"Nah… don't exactly feel like swimming, Mrs. P."
"So…" She sat across from him. She had noticed that Clu was all alone without his band of merry teens, hanging out by the pool. He was gazing into the blue, deep in thought.
"So…" He said as well.
"Clu, are you okay? Are you and Fi okay?" Molly was worried at first when her daughter became involved with Clu. Oh, she loved Clu like a son and wanted nothing more than to see the two happy together… but there was a lot of things to consider if they were to one day break-up, especially if the terms were not too friendly.
Clu smiled simply at Molly, "I'm okay. And don't worry about us. I love your daughter, Mrs. P."
"I know you do, sweetheart." She placed a gentle hand on his, "I was just being a concerned mother."
He gave her a half smile, before retreating back into his silence. Molly knew that something was bothering him. In fact, she had a feeling something major was going on with her children, Irene's sons, and Annie… but none of them were letting up on the truth. The only thing Molly knew of was of the passing of Kiara Lance… was that the reason why the young people were acting so aloof and secretive these days?
"So how are you feeling these days, Clu? I mean, I know Kiara's death really affected you kids and—"
Clu suddenly became tense at the mention of Kiara's name. He averted Molly's gaze, staring more intently at the chlorine-filled pool.
"Uh, Mrs. P? I'm really tired right now… maybe we can talk about this later?" He faced her, trying his best to put on a good facade.
Molly took in his features, attempting to distinguish the truth from the disguise. She knew something was definitately up if Irene's son had to lie at her point-blank… Clu was as bad at lying as Jack was. Slowly, she nodded, deciding to give him some space and time. She got up, and smiled at Clu.
"Okay, Clu. But if you want to talk about anything—and I mean anything—I'm here for you."
He nodded, putting on his best smile. "It's a deal, Mrs. P."
As she walked away, Molly made it a personal point to have a serious talk with the kids while on their way to Los Angeles.
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He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Boy," Clu murmured out loud, "That was a close call…"
"I'll say."
Clu leapt to his feet, spun around, and gasped at the sight before him. He was about to say the *true name*, when she held up her finger.
"Uh-uh… don't make me repeat the same thing that was probably said to death a thousand times." Novania, still in Kiara's body, said.
"You know, why don't you get your own body and leave Kiara's alone?" He glared at her, his hand itching to use his powers.
She smiled coyly at him, her eyes slyly wondered from his face, to his hands, then back to his face. "Well, it's probably the same reason why you're just dying to send me into the very luke warm pool… we have magick."
"No… you don't have the power within you. It's Kiara's magick, you're just using it for your own gain."
Kiara smirked, "Well I'll be…" Taking on a southern California accent, "Dude's got himself a totally sweet vocabulary! No possible way!"
"Yes way." Clu replied, becoming more angered by the vixen's mocking. "Now, why are you here?"
"What? Can't stand to hang with your friend Kiara? I am so wounded, Clu." She snickered, but suddenly changed her expressions. Almost doing a total one-eighty, she sat down and looked at him like the real Kiara would look at anyone with total trust.
"No, seriously, Clu… I just want to talk with you. Y'know, have a real conversation like you humans do with your pals."
"But you're not my pal. Kiara is."
"If you give me a chance, Clu, I can be Kiara."
That statement caused the young man to turn red with anger. Gritting his teeth, he growled, "I'm going to give you five seconds to leave, spirit. Or else, I'll say your true name."
Kiara looked up at him, unfazed by his threat. "You wouldn't."
"Yes, I would." He stared down at her, hoping that she would cave in. Unfortunately, she wasn't backing down at all.
Clearing his throat, "Okay… don't believe me? Begone from this mortal for—"
"I can save Fiona!" Kiara shouted, interrupting him and catching his total attention.
"What?!"
"I can save her from the dark forces' vengeance."
"I don't believe you." Clu responded, crossing his arms.
"Oh believe me, buddy… with what I know and with what I can tell you, your Fiona is up against a lot more than the once brightest star himself."
Clu sat himself across from her, looking into her eyes. When he gazed into them, he was startled to find Novania's dark and torturous soul inside. From what he saw, and from what she just revealed, Clu had this feeling that he should take what she says into consideration.
"What do you want?" He eyed her suspiciously, for he knew that there had to be a catch.
"Here's the deal, Bell. Plain and simple." She stood up in her chair, business-like. "All they really want is her powers. Her powers are the true roots of their fear. Not the girl with the powerful magickal abilities… but the prowess themselves. They could care less about the girl. Heck, they'd even go after that blond human you call Britney Spears if she had what Fiona has." Dropping her voice low, "What it all comes down to is this, they are willing to spare Fiona's life in exchange for her powers."
"Are you kidding me?" Clu replied, still doubtful, yet intrigued non the less.
"No joke, Clu…" Her facial expressions changed again as she gulped the next words out of her mouth. "And… as much as I'd hate to give up this wonderful human form, they're willing to give back Kiara's body and soul."
"Why are you telling me this?" Clu felt uneasy about this whole conversation. Boy he wished Fiona was here with him right now. She would know what to do. "Why not talk to Fi?"
"Because you're probably the only one who can get her to agree to the transfer of powers."
"Excuse me?"
Kiara sighed, "See, they have a certain process on how to obtain Fiona's powers without actually having to *terminate* her. But the main thing that really makes the whole transition work is if she is willing to give up her magick."
He fell silent, taking what Novania had said into really deep consideration. Was this for real? If Novania was telling the truth, could his Fiona be spared? Not to mention the chance for Kiara to be free, both body and soul. So many questions, only two options.
"Think about it, Clu. Fiona wouldn't have to live her life always having to watch her back. She wouldn't have to suffer the agony of watching the people she loves the most go through hell because of her. No demons, no evil spirits, myself included. No having to chase the unknown and run the risk of getting hurt… or even killed along the way. Fiona would have the chance to live a long and normal life… keep in mind the word 'long,' Clu. She could die of old age due to natural causes, not young and due to mysterious circumstances beyond her control."
She got up, still facing him. "Clu, help me. Help us get Fiona the normal life she deserves." With a sly smile, she added, "And help your friend Kiara return from the dead. So many people would love to have her back. And I know that you and Fi are just two of so much more that would love for that to happen."
The woman held her hand out, as if to seal the arrangement. "So what do you say? You in?"
In the back of Clu's mind, he heard a small voice telling him that he shouldn't shake hands with the devil—or in this case, she-devil. This felt so wrong… yet it sounds so tempting and so right. He loved Fiona so much that he would do anything to see her happy. Did he love her enough to give her back the normalcy of everyday life? To be rid of the chance of her dying at the hands of vengeful spirits?
He looked at Kiara's expected face. She was waiting for his answer… and he simply gave it to her.
"No."
"What?" Her eyes turned crossed, almost in disbelief, anger and shock.
"You heard me, Nov. N. O. No." He stood firm with his choice, and dared her to convince him otherwise.
She was silent for a while, taking in his answer. Then she shot back with, "Don't you love her? Are you willing to see her die for something that means less than her own life?"
"I do love her. And no, I don't want to see her die… but I would rather her die fighting than her living life unhappily, and she would if she lost her powers to the forces of darkness. She wouldn't want them to have her gift. She was born with it, and she will die with it."
"You do not know just how true that statement is, Clu Bell." She growled. Before vanishing again, she faced him one last time.
"Oh, and Fiona won't be the only witch to die very soon… Kiara will keep Fi company in the spirit world."
Clu watched as she disappeared. His whole being was telling him that what he did was right… so why did he feel like he had lost everything?
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Jack was just tired, plain and simple. He leaned back on his hotel bed, thinking back on the day's events.
He and Fi had just returned moments ago from visiting Prue and her sisters at the hospital. Jack was way concern about, and was especially relieved to see her still alive and full of life. A grin appeared on his face as he remembered just how flustered Prue got around Michael, and when she tried to explain how she knew him to Jack.
When he and his sister came back from the visit, Fiona wanted to find Clu and spend some much deserved time with him. Jack couldn't agree more, for he needed to get some shut eye after last night's sleepless night of worrying about Annie's accident. Now, more than ever, he wanted to terminate that Novania and help bring Kiara back.
Just as he was about to get some sleep, someone decided to pay him a little visit.
"Knock, knock. Guess who?"
He glanced up, then bolted up right, glaring at the presence with hatred.
"I suggest you leave now, Novan—"
Kiara held up her hand, "Don't, Jackers, alright? I came to talk about saving Fiona, okay?"
Jack held his hand up, palm out. He could feel the sensation of electricity surging through him, ready to bolt out at his command. "Save it, Nov. You leave, or I swear that I'll knock you out of Kiara's body myself."
"You wouldn't." She sneered, then mumbled to herself, "Boy, deja vu."
"Try me." He threatened. "You've got ten seconds to leave."
"You know, I just cannot figure out why you humans have a hard time trusting me…"
"Are you that much of a twisted spirit as to actually see no fault in what you've done?"
"What is it with you humans and your way of speaking? It's like once you obtain great magickal powers, your speech becomes more refine… eloquent even. I feel like I've gone back in time to the days of yore…" Kiara smirked.
"You've just wasted your precious seconds, spirit. Don't tell me that I didn't warn you." His attention was probed on her, his energy pulsating and aiming to fire at her with a vengeance.
"I can bring him back. I can bring your father back… and help keep Fiona alive."
His hand twitched, feeling the urge to push back his energy for a moment. "What?"
Kiara snickered, "You heard me, Jack. I can bring your father back, save Fiona… and for an extra bonus, why not return Kiara back to the world of the living?"
"You're lying."
"Do I look like the type that would lie to you…" She stopped as Jack gave her this look. Laughing silently to herself, "Oh, yes… don't answer that."
Jack felt the electricity start to boil within him. His palm facing out, firm and ready to fire, "I'm tired of your games, spirit."
"What games, Phillips?" She blinked, then reappeared on the bed next to Jack. "Think about it… I have nothing left to lose—"
"But a lot to gain if I fall for your trap."
"Jack," Kiara faced him, Novania's eyes staring at him intently. "I know how much you miss your father. It's not easy being the man of the house, is it? You need a father figure… but he was unfairly taken away from you and your baby sister so many years ago." She lowered her voice, "I can change that. I can change the past. Prevent Rick's death… and alter your future for the best. Think about it, Jack."
His eyes softened at the memory of his dad. He felt his whole tense and guarded exterior collapse as he considered the possibilities over Novania's offer.
Novania knew that she was successfully reeling this fish in. With a cunning, seductive smile, she began to make her offer sound even more sweeter. "Think about it. Your parents could be recording their new album together, and doing music that will be able to reach others. Your sister wouldn't be exploring the supernatural like she used to do. Keeping herself out of harm's way. If I change the past, Fiona wouldn't have to deal with this life threatening ordeal."
She licked her lips, noticing just how tempted Jack was over this. "I bet you're wondering what needs to be done to obtain all this, aren't ya, Jack?"
He gulped, speaking slowly and cautiously. "I, uh, it has crossed my mind…"
"It's pretty simple, Jack." Grinning at him with a cat-like smile, "Just talk Fiona into giving up her powers forever."
He stared at her, disbelieving. "Give up her powers?"
"That's what they really want. What they really fear, Jack. Not Fiona herself… but her powers. And since part of the bargain is to keep Fi alive, my bosses have this easy procedure on how to obtain it without having to resort to killing the lass."
Kiara stood up, letting what she had told Jack sink in. Patting him on the shoulder, "Tell you what, I'll give you until midnight tonight to consider my offer. No pressure. Just think it through…" As she walked away from him, she then added, "Her life is in your hands, Jack. If you work with me, she will live. You won't have to lose another loved one…" With that, Kiara disappeared, leaving Jack with his thoughts.
==============================================================================================================
LATER THAT EVENING
Jack just laid on his bed, thinking deeply. He had gotten a call from Prue, informing him that an emergency meeting was being called for tonight. They had needed to go over the day's events and everyone's status. He had declined, saying that he was too tired to make it that night, but he'll talk to Fiona about it later. He just needed to think about… well, stuff. No… make that, stuff that has to do with Novania's offer.
Why didn't he just flat out tell Novania to get lost? Why didn't he just tell her that there was no way he'd ever make a deal with the devil's advocate?
"Because you wanted to believe in the positive side to Novania's sweet offer." He mumbled to himself.
"What offer?"
Jack looked towards the door, startled by Clu's voice. He smiled sheepishly, trying to regain composure. "Uh… nothing, Clu. Why'd you ask?"
"Because you were just mumbling to yourself a few seconds ago. Something about an offer?" Clu didn't like the look on Jack's face. He knew his best friend was hiding something from him… and in this critical time, it wouldn't be wise for any of them to keep secrets from each other.
"So what are you doing here? Thought you left with Fi to the Halliwells'?"
Clu shrugged, "Thought I'd check up on you for a bit. Dropped Fiona off, told her that I'd baby-sit you and then go back." He laughed a little, noticing that Jack smiled a bit himself. The young man looked thoughtfully at his friend, "So, what offer were you just mumbling about a few seconds ago?"
"I was just thinking…" He grinned that smooth grin again, "Just thinking about that *offer* Prue gave me… y'know, to, uh, hang out with her and this Michael dude tomorrow."
Clu looked his friend over, his intuition crying "Liar." He looked down, sighed, then faced Jack sternly in the eye. "Novania made you an offer, didn't she?"
Jack gulped… how'd he know? He stared back at his friend, blankly. "I… I don't know what you mean, Clu."
"You're not lying to me, are you, Jack?"
"What do I have to gain if I start lying to you now?" Jack had to be careful with his words. A part of him wanted to admit to his best friend the truth, but…
Clu had a weird feeling that Jack was keeping something from him. He walked over to his bed, sitting himself down. Sighing, he knew that the only way his best friend would open up to him is if he opened up himself. Especially with what he knew Jack might want to hear. "She made me an offer too, Jack."
"What offer?"
Clu chuckled to himself at Jack's blank reaction. *Boy, Jack's acting has improved.* "She promised Fi's life if I helped her coax Fiona into giving up her powers. Novania said that if Fi gave up her magick, the evil spirits will leave her alone and won't kill her."
He hoped that it might ring a bell for Jack… but one couldn't tell by the void look in his eyes and expression. "So what did you say?"
Carefully watching him, "I told her that I wouldn't help her. I couldn't do that to Fiona." With a small smile, "Besides, think of all the adventures we could have with Fi's powers?"
Jack grinned at his friend, "You did a good thing, Clu. Turning down Novania's offer like that."
It was eating Clu up knowing that Jack was straight-out keeping something from him. "So, did she make the same offer?"
Clu wanted to strangle Jack, or at least knock some sense into him when he replied very calmly, "No. I haven't seen her since the attic incident with Carey."
He nodded, not saying a word. Clu then got up and headed towards the door. He needed to get out, to calm down from this unexplainable anger he was beginning to feel towards Jack. He couldn't remember a time he was still upset with his friend, but with something this critical happening to every single one of them, it would be stupid for anyone to keep secrets from each other.
"Clu? Where are you going?"
Not looking directly at Jack, for fear that he would seriously let loose his temper, "Gonna join the gang. I'll see ya later Jack." With that, he left his best friend to his thoughts.
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As he watched Clu leave, Jack had gotten the feeling that he was upset with him. Of course, who could blame him? With the way he was acting, not to mention not being able to trust him with the truth… Jack would be upset with himself even more than he was already!
"So have you decided yet, Jackers?"
Jack spun around, meeting eye-to-eye with Novania's soul. Eyeing her suspiciously, "What are you doing here? I thought you'd give me until midnight to decide?"
With a straight face, "I lied."
"So what else is new?"
She walked over to Clu's bed, sitting herself down. "So… what's your decision, Mr. Phillips? Are you going to help me with Fiona's powers?" Grinning cunningly at him, "Help me save your sister from destruction, bring back your father from the grave, as well as Kiara?"
Jack gulped, wanting to stall time for a bit. "You didn't tell me that you made a similar offer with Clu."
"Well," She gazed down at her nails, "If he didn't turn me down, we wouldn't be having this conversation." Novania then smirked, "Speaking of our Clu Bell… a new thought just crossed my mind. Do you like your sister dating your best friend?"
"What does that have to do with the offer?" He knew that he had brought up Clu only for his advantage of stalling, but he had no idea that Novania could use that against him.
"Think about it, Phillips. It was Fiona's sense of paranormal adventure and extreme conviction and dedication for the truth that made Clu fall in love with her. He was first attracted to her spirit and then to her looks—which I might say is very rare these days among the courting of young people."
Jack needed to sit down, her words causing him to become really dizzy. "So what you're saying is that if Fi was just a normal teeny-bopper teenager, Clu and Fi wouldn't be dating right now?"
"Oh, they would have dated, but broken up after a few months. Unless you change things, Jack, Clu will be your new brother-in-law. Don't you know that those two are soul mates? But as I said, if you help me, I can change all that."
"Are you insinuating that I wouldn't love the idea of Clu being my brother-in-law?"
"If I know you as much as I do, I believe that you love Fiona a lot. That the thought of sharing her with a beach bum like Bell is totally disgusting. Bearable for her sake, but you have to admit that he couldn't really take care of her."
Novania knew she struck a nerve by bringing Clu into the equation, but she had to strike with anything in order to accomplish her task.
Jack fell into silence for what seemed like eternity. He really thought better against it, but something inside of him practically begged him to take the deal. Looking straight at Novania, "I help you, you promise—and I mean it when I say that you promise—to help Fiona. To save her life…"
"I'll do more than that, Jack. Just like I said, I'll give Fiona her freedom, bring your father back, and help free Kiara."
His heart was beating heavily, his mind racing with sudden thoughts and images, his entire body shaking with fear as he slowly reached out his hand and uttering the one word that could very well make or break him.
"Deal."
Clu was waiting patiently for Fiona to return from the hospital. Jack had accompanied her there when he found out about what had happened with the Charmed Ones. Fi wanted to check up on them, and Jack wanted to make sure that Prue was all right.
"Clu?" Molly walked over to him, placing a kind hand on his shoulder. She glanced at the hotel swimming pool, then at the young man. "Don't you want to go in for a swim?"
"Nah… don't exactly feel like swimming, Mrs. P."
"So…" She sat across from him. She had noticed that Clu was all alone without his band of merry teens, hanging out by the pool. He was gazing into the blue, deep in thought.
"So…" He said as well.
"Clu, are you okay? Are you and Fi okay?" Molly was worried at first when her daughter became involved with Clu. Oh, she loved Clu like a son and wanted nothing more than to see the two happy together… but there was a lot of things to consider if they were to one day break-up, especially if the terms were not too friendly.
Clu smiled simply at Molly, "I'm okay. And don't worry about us. I love your daughter, Mrs. P."
"I know you do, sweetheart." She placed a gentle hand on his, "I was just being a concerned mother."
He gave her a half smile, before retreating back into his silence. Molly knew that something was bothering him. In fact, she had a feeling something major was going on with her children, Irene's sons, and Annie… but none of them were letting up on the truth. The only thing Molly knew of was of the passing of Kiara Lance… was that the reason why the young people were acting so aloof and secretive these days?
"So how are you feeling these days, Clu? I mean, I know Kiara's death really affected you kids and—"
Clu suddenly became tense at the mention of Kiara's name. He averted Molly's gaze, staring more intently at the chlorine-filled pool.
"Uh, Mrs. P? I'm really tired right now… maybe we can talk about this later?" He faced her, trying his best to put on a good facade.
Molly took in his features, attempting to distinguish the truth from the disguise. She knew something was definitately up if Irene's son had to lie at her point-blank… Clu was as bad at lying as Jack was. Slowly, she nodded, deciding to give him some space and time. She got up, and smiled at Clu.
"Okay, Clu. But if you want to talk about anything—and I mean anything—I'm here for you."
He nodded, putting on his best smile. "It's a deal, Mrs. P."
As she walked away, Molly made it a personal point to have a serious talk with the kids while on their way to Los Angeles.
=====================================================================
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Boy," Clu murmured out loud, "That was a close call…"
"I'll say."
Clu leapt to his feet, spun around, and gasped at the sight before him. He was about to say the *true name*, when she held up her finger.
"Uh-uh… don't make me repeat the same thing that was probably said to death a thousand times." Novania, still in Kiara's body, said.
"You know, why don't you get your own body and leave Kiara's alone?" He glared at her, his hand itching to use his powers.
She smiled coyly at him, her eyes slyly wondered from his face, to his hands, then back to his face. "Well, it's probably the same reason why you're just dying to send me into the very luke warm pool… we have magick."
"No… you don't have the power within you. It's Kiara's magick, you're just using it for your own gain."
Kiara smirked, "Well I'll be…" Taking on a southern California accent, "Dude's got himself a totally sweet vocabulary! No possible way!"
"Yes way." Clu replied, becoming more angered by the vixen's mocking. "Now, why are you here?"
"What? Can't stand to hang with your friend Kiara? I am so wounded, Clu." She snickered, but suddenly changed her expressions. Almost doing a total one-eighty, she sat down and looked at him like the real Kiara would look at anyone with total trust.
"No, seriously, Clu… I just want to talk with you. Y'know, have a real conversation like you humans do with your pals."
"But you're not my pal. Kiara is."
"If you give me a chance, Clu, I can be Kiara."
That statement caused the young man to turn red with anger. Gritting his teeth, he growled, "I'm going to give you five seconds to leave, spirit. Or else, I'll say your true name."
Kiara looked up at him, unfazed by his threat. "You wouldn't."
"Yes, I would." He stared down at her, hoping that she would cave in. Unfortunately, she wasn't backing down at all.
Clearing his throat, "Okay… don't believe me? Begone from this mortal for—"
"I can save Fiona!" Kiara shouted, interrupting him and catching his total attention.
"What?!"
"I can save her from the dark forces' vengeance."
"I don't believe you." Clu responded, crossing his arms.
"Oh believe me, buddy… with what I know and with what I can tell you, your Fiona is up against a lot more than the once brightest star himself."
Clu sat himself across from her, looking into her eyes. When he gazed into them, he was startled to find Novania's dark and torturous soul inside. From what he saw, and from what she just revealed, Clu had this feeling that he should take what she says into consideration.
"What do you want?" He eyed her suspiciously, for he knew that there had to be a catch.
"Here's the deal, Bell. Plain and simple." She stood up in her chair, business-like. "All they really want is her powers. Her powers are the true roots of their fear. Not the girl with the powerful magickal abilities… but the prowess themselves. They could care less about the girl. Heck, they'd even go after that blond human you call Britney Spears if she had what Fiona has." Dropping her voice low, "What it all comes down to is this, they are willing to spare Fiona's life in exchange for her powers."
"Are you kidding me?" Clu replied, still doubtful, yet intrigued non the less.
"No joke, Clu…" Her facial expressions changed again as she gulped the next words out of her mouth. "And… as much as I'd hate to give up this wonderful human form, they're willing to give back Kiara's body and soul."
"Why are you telling me this?" Clu felt uneasy about this whole conversation. Boy he wished Fiona was here with him right now. She would know what to do. "Why not talk to Fi?"
"Because you're probably the only one who can get her to agree to the transfer of powers."
"Excuse me?"
Kiara sighed, "See, they have a certain process on how to obtain Fiona's powers without actually having to *terminate* her. But the main thing that really makes the whole transition work is if she is willing to give up her magick."
He fell silent, taking what Novania had said into really deep consideration. Was this for real? If Novania was telling the truth, could his Fiona be spared? Not to mention the chance for Kiara to be free, both body and soul. So many questions, only two options.
"Think about it, Clu. Fiona wouldn't have to live her life always having to watch her back. She wouldn't have to suffer the agony of watching the people she loves the most go through hell because of her. No demons, no evil spirits, myself included. No having to chase the unknown and run the risk of getting hurt… or even killed along the way. Fiona would have the chance to live a long and normal life… keep in mind the word 'long,' Clu. She could die of old age due to natural causes, not young and due to mysterious circumstances beyond her control."
She got up, still facing him. "Clu, help me. Help us get Fiona the normal life she deserves." With a sly smile, she added, "And help your friend Kiara return from the dead. So many people would love to have her back. And I know that you and Fi are just two of so much more that would love for that to happen."
The woman held her hand out, as if to seal the arrangement. "So what do you say? You in?"
In the back of Clu's mind, he heard a small voice telling him that he shouldn't shake hands with the devil—or in this case, she-devil. This felt so wrong… yet it sounds so tempting and so right. He loved Fiona so much that he would do anything to see her happy. Did he love her enough to give her back the normalcy of everyday life? To be rid of the chance of her dying at the hands of vengeful spirits?
He looked at Kiara's expected face. She was waiting for his answer… and he simply gave it to her.
"No."
"What?" Her eyes turned crossed, almost in disbelief, anger and shock.
"You heard me, Nov. N. O. No." He stood firm with his choice, and dared her to convince him otherwise.
She was silent for a while, taking in his answer. Then she shot back with, "Don't you love her? Are you willing to see her die for something that means less than her own life?"
"I do love her. And no, I don't want to see her die… but I would rather her die fighting than her living life unhappily, and she would if she lost her powers to the forces of darkness. She wouldn't want them to have her gift. She was born with it, and she will die with it."
"You do not know just how true that statement is, Clu Bell." She growled. Before vanishing again, she faced him one last time.
"Oh, and Fiona won't be the only witch to die very soon… Kiara will keep Fi company in the spirit world."
Clu watched as she disappeared. His whole being was telling him that what he did was right… so why did he feel like he had lost everything?
====================================================================
Jack was just tired, plain and simple. He leaned back on his hotel bed, thinking back on the day's events.
He and Fi had just returned moments ago from visiting Prue and her sisters at the hospital. Jack was way concern about, and was especially relieved to see her still alive and full of life. A grin appeared on his face as he remembered just how flustered Prue got around Michael, and when she tried to explain how she knew him to Jack.
When he and his sister came back from the visit, Fiona wanted to find Clu and spend some much deserved time with him. Jack couldn't agree more, for he needed to get some shut eye after last night's sleepless night of worrying about Annie's accident. Now, more than ever, he wanted to terminate that Novania and help bring Kiara back.
Just as he was about to get some sleep, someone decided to pay him a little visit.
"Knock, knock. Guess who?"
He glanced up, then bolted up right, glaring at the presence with hatred.
"I suggest you leave now, Novan—"
Kiara held up her hand, "Don't, Jackers, alright? I came to talk about saving Fiona, okay?"
Jack held his hand up, palm out. He could feel the sensation of electricity surging through him, ready to bolt out at his command. "Save it, Nov. You leave, or I swear that I'll knock you out of Kiara's body myself."
"You wouldn't." She sneered, then mumbled to herself, "Boy, deja vu."
"Try me." He threatened. "You've got ten seconds to leave."
"You know, I just cannot figure out why you humans have a hard time trusting me…"
"Are you that much of a twisted spirit as to actually see no fault in what you've done?"
"What is it with you humans and your way of speaking? It's like once you obtain great magickal powers, your speech becomes more refine… eloquent even. I feel like I've gone back in time to the days of yore…" Kiara smirked.
"You've just wasted your precious seconds, spirit. Don't tell me that I didn't warn you." His attention was probed on her, his energy pulsating and aiming to fire at her with a vengeance.
"I can bring him back. I can bring your father back… and help keep Fiona alive."
His hand twitched, feeling the urge to push back his energy for a moment. "What?"
Kiara snickered, "You heard me, Jack. I can bring your father back, save Fiona… and for an extra bonus, why not return Kiara back to the world of the living?"
"You're lying."
"Do I look like the type that would lie to you…" She stopped as Jack gave her this look. Laughing silently to herself, "Oh, yes… don't answer that."
Jack felt the electricity start to boil within him. His palm facing out, firm and ready to fire, "I'm tired of your games, spirit."
"What games, Phillips?" She blinked, then reappeared on the bed next to Jack. "Think about it… I have nothing left to lose—"
"But a lot to gain if I fall for your trap."
"Jack," Kiara faced him, Novania's eyes staring at him intently. "I know how much you miss your father. It's not easy being the man of the house, is it? You need a father figure… but he was unfairly taken away from you and your baby sister so many years ago." She lowered her voice, "I can change that. I can change the past. Prevent Rick's death… and alter your future for the best. Think about it, Jack."
His eyes softened at the memory of his dad. He felt his whole tense and guarded exterior collapse as he considered the possibilities over Novania's offer.
Novania knew that she was successfully reeling this fish in. With a cunning, seductive smile, she began to make her offer sound even more sweeter. "Think about it. Your parents could be recording their new album together, and doing music that will be able to reach others. Your sister wouldn't be exploring the supernatural like she used to do. Keeping herself out of harm's way. If I change the past, Fiona wouldn't have to deal with this life threatening ordeal."
She licked her lips, noticing just how tempted Jack was over this. "I bet you're wondering what needs to be done to obtain all this, aren't ya, Jack?"
He gulped, speaking slowly and cautiously. "I, uh, it has crossed my mind…"
"It's pretty simple, Jack." Grinning at him with a cat-like smile, "Just talk Fiona into giving up her powers forever."
He stared at her, disbelieving. "Give up her powers?"
"That's what they really want. What they really fear, Jack. Not Fiona herself… but her powers. And since part of the bargain is to keep Fi alive, my bosses have this easy procedure on how to obtain it without having to resort to killing the lass."
Kiara stood up, letting what she had told Jack sink in. Patting him on the shoulder, "Tell you what, I'll give you until midnight tonight to consider my offer. No pressure. Just think it through…" As she walked away from him, she then added, "Her life is in your hands, Jack. If you work with me, she will live. You won't have to lose another loved one…" With that, Kiara disappeared, leaving Jack with his thoughts.
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LATER THAT EVENING
Jack just laid on his bed, thinking deeply. He had gotten a call from Prue, informing him that an emergency meeting was being called for tonight. They had needed to go over the day's events and everyone's status. He had declined, saying that he was too tired to make it that night, but he'll talk to Fiona about it later. He just needed to think about… well, stuff. No… make that, stuff that has to do with Novania's offer.
Why didn't he just flat out tell Novania to get lost? Why didn't he just tell her that there was no way he'd ever make a deal with the devil's advocate?
"Because you wanted to believe in the positive side to Novania's sweet offer." He mumbled to himself.
"What offer?"
Jack looked towards the door, startled by Clu's voice. He smiled sheepishly, trying to regain composure. "Uh… nothing, Clu. Why'd you ask?"
"Because you were just mumbling to yourself a few seconds ago. Something about an offer?" Clu didn't like the look on Jack's face. He knew his best friend was hiding something from him… and in this critical time, it wouldn't be wise for any of them to keep secrets from each other.
"So what are you doing here? Thought you left with Fi to the Halliwells'?"
Clu shrugged, "Thought I'd check up on you for a bit. Dropped Fiona off, told her that I'd baby-sit you and then go back." He laughed a little, noticing that Jack smiled a bit himself. The young man looked thoughtfully at his friend, "So, what offer were you just mumbling about a few seconds ago?"
"I was just thinking…" He grinned that smooth grin again, "Just thinking about that *offer* Prue gave me… y'know, to, uh, hang out with her and this Michael dude tomorrow."
Clu looked his friend over, his intuition crying "Liar." He looked down, sighed, then faced Jack sternly in the eye. "Novania made you an offer, didn't she?"
Jack gulped… how'd he know? He stared back at his friend, blankly. "I… I don't know what you mean, Clu."
"You're not lying to me, are you, Jack?"
"What do I have to gain if I start lying to you now?" Jack had to be careful with his words. A part of him wanted to admit to his best friend the truth, but…
Clu had a weird feeling that Jack was keeping something from him. He walked over to his bed, sitting himself down. Sighing, he knew that the only way his best friend would open up to him is if he opened up himself. Especially with what he knew Jack might want to hear. "She made me an offer too, Jack."
"What offer?"
Clu chuckled to himself at Jack's blank reaction. *Boy, Jack's acting has improved.* "She promised Fi's life if I helped her coax Fiona into giving up her powers. Novania said that if Fi gave up her magick, the evil spirits will leave her alone and won't kill her."
He hoped that it might ring a bell for Jack… but one couldn't tell by the void look in his eyes and expression. "So what did you say?"
Carefully watching him, "I told her that I wouldn't help her. I couldn't do that to Fiona." With a small smile, "Besides, think of all the adventures we could have with Fi's powers?"
Jack grinned at his friend, "You did a good thing, Clu. Turning down Novania's offer like that."
It was eating Clu up knowing that Jack was straight-out keeping something from him. "So, did she make the same offer?"
Clu wanted to strangle Jack, or at least knock some sense into him when he replied very calmly, "No. I haven't seen her since the attic incident with Carey."
He nodded, not saying a word. Clu then got up and headed towards the door. He needed to get out, to calm down from this unexplainable anger he was beginning to feel towards Jack. He couldn't remember a time he was still upset with his friend, but with something this critical happening to every single one of them, it would be stupid for anyone to keep secrets from each other.
"Clu? Where are you going?"
Not looking directly at Jack, for fear that he would seriously let loose his temper, "Gonna join the gang. I'll see ya later Jack." With that, he left his best friend to his thoughts.
====================================================================
As he watched Clu leave, Jack had gotten the feeling that he was upset with him. Of course, who could blame him? With the way he was acting, not to mention not being able to trust him with the truth… Jack would be upset with himself even more than he was already!
"So have you decided yet, Jackers?"
Jack spun around, meeting eye-to-eye with Novania's soul. Eyeing her suspiciously, "What are you doing here? I thought you'd give me until midnight to decide?"
With a straight face, "I lied."
"So what else is new?"
She walked over to Clu's bed, sitting herself down. "So… what's your decision, Mr. Phillips? Are you going to help me with Fiona's powers?" Grinning cunningly at him, "Help me save your sister from destruction, bring back your father from the grave, as well as Kiara?"
Jack gulped, wanting to stall time for a bit. "You didn't tell me that you made a similar offer with Clu."
"Well," She gazed down at her nails, "If he didn't turn me down, we wouldn't be having this conversation." Novania then smirked, "Speaking of our Clu Bell… a new thought just crossed my mind. Do you like your sister dating your best friend?"
"What does that have to do with the offer?" He knew that he had brought up Clu only for his advantage of stalling, but he had no idea that Novania could use that against him.
"Think about it, Phillips. It was Fiona's sense of paranormal adventure and extreme conviction and dedication for the truth that made Clu fall in love with her. He was first attracted to her spirit and then to her looks—which I might say is very rare these days among the courting of young people."
Jack needed to sit down, her words causing him to become really dizzy. "So what you're saying is that if Fi was just a normal teeny-bopper teenager, Clu and Fi wouldn't be dating right now?"
"Oh, they would have dated, but broken up after a few months. Unless you change things, Jack, Clu will be your new brother-in-law. Don't you know that those two are soul mates? But as I said, if you help me, I can change all that."
"Are you insinuating that I wouldn't love the idea of Clu being my brother-in-law?"
"If I know you as much as I do, I believe that you love Fiona a lot. That the thought of sharing her with a beach bum like Bell is totally disgusting. Bearable for her sake, but you have to admit that he couldn't really take care of her."
Novania knew she struck a nerve by bringing Clu into the equation, but she had to strike with anything in order to accomplish her task.
Jack fell into silence for what seemed like eternity. He really thought better against it, but something inside of him practically begged him to take the deal. Looking straight at Novania, "I help you, you promise—and I mean it when I say that you promise—to help Fiona. To save her life…"
"I'll do more than that, Jack. Just like I said, I'll give Fiona her freedom, bring your father back, and help free Kiara."
His heart was beating heavily, his mind racing with sudden thoughts and images, his entire body shaking with fear as he slowly reached out his hand and uttering the one word that could very well make or break him.
"Deal."