JACK'S LIE
THAT SAME NIGHT
"Okay, I have an idea." Phoebe placed the tea tray down on the living room table. She looked at everyone, minus Clu and Jack. The Wiccan reached deep into her pockets, then pulled out a crystal talisman. Smiling, "This little baby will help us find Kiara."
Fiona grinned at Phoebe, knowing what the bubbly witch was getting at. "That's brilliant, Phoebe! Why didn't we think of that before?"
"What's brilliant, Fi?" Carey looked at the young woman, confused. He glanced at Annie, who was gently sitting next to him. Ever since that little "window incident", Carey hasn't let Annie out of his sight or arm's length. This major sense of protectiveness has overpowered him, causing him to want to play Mel Gibson to this Whitney Houston. Annie didn't mind too much, for she was extra glad that he cared this much to want to "take care" of her… heck, she can reap in the major advantages to having Carey Bell as her bodyguard!
Piper looked over at Carey, also knowing Phoebe's idea. "We can be able to locate Kiara through her powers using a talisman like what Phoebe's holding."
Carey nodded his head, "Oh… it's a magick thing… I think that I'll let you guys do all the hocus-pocus work. Call me up though when and if you need someone for the actual manual labor non mystical type of work. That I could do." He smiled jokingly, causing Annie to giggle.
The Charmed Ones and Fiona smiled at him, though just as amused by his little joke as Declan, Leo, and Jimmy were as they rolled their eyes at him.
"What?" He stared at them blankly.
"Guys!" Someone was knocking at the door. "Hello?"
"Coming, Clu." Prue said, recognizing the voice. She walked over to answer, letting the young man in. Grinning at him, "Hey." Prue looked outside, then at him. "You didn't convince Jack to join us?"
His face was tight as he recalled his friend, "Don't even go there with me, Prue."
"What's the matter with Jack, Clu?" She grasped his arm, worried, "Something's up with him. Something wrong?"
Clu looked at her, then glanced around. He noted that Fiona was in the living room, setting up a map on the coffee table with Piper and Phoebe. He focused on Prue again, who was really concerned about Jack. Pulling her aside, he began to explain what had happened with Jack, and his own encounter with Novania. When he was done, Prue was deep in concentration.
Finally, she looked up at Clu, extremely troubled. "You don't think that she made the same offer, did she? You don't especially think that our Jack would even consider such a thing?"
Sighing, "I don't know, Prue. When I left, I had this bad feeling that Jack was more than considering the deal. I think that maybe he's going to accept it."
Prue shook her head, "No. Jack wouldn't. Not our Jack. He's too responsible and careful not to make a deal that extreme. That life threatening."
"And normally, he wouldn't Prue. But his sister's life is on the line, and maybe everyone else that he loves. When Jack vows to protect his family and kill to keep them safe, he would do anything." Clu spoke, mixed emotions within his voice. He was not only saddened by that thought, but impressed by the fact itself.
"Even sell his own soul to the devil."
=====================================================================
OUTSIDE OF THE HALLIWELL MANOR
Jack stared up at the house nervously. He glanced at Kiara's body holding Novania's soul. The woman seemed extremely confidant about the plan.
"What if I can't convince her to give up her powers willingly?" He asked, placing his hands in his jean pockets, fidgeting with fear of failing.
She looked him over, taking note of his jumpy exterior. "First off, chill." Novania then glanced up at the manor, "Second, here." She reached into her own pockets, handing him something carefully. "Watch it, wouldn't want to get your blood by mistake."
He gazed down, confused. "What's this?"
"For our little Wiccan." She looked into his eyes, sending a chill down his back as she said, "You have to prick her with that needle and get her blood for me."
Jack's eyes widened, "What?! You want her blood?! Why?!"
She reached out her hand, cupping his mouth to silence him. Hissing, "Shut-up, Phillips! Do you want the whole universe to hear you?"
With his free hand, he removed her hand from his mouth. His voice low, yet still not amused by the whole situation. "Well would you mind telling me why exactly do I have to get my sister's blood? Since when does this have to do with our deal?"
Novania yanked her hand from his grasp. She then softly chuckled, smiling slyly at him, "Oops. Didn't I explain to you about how my bosses rejected my original plan and how they gave me an even better one?"
He stared daggers at her, not at all happy about what he was now hearing. "Nov… start explaining."
"Well, they decided that the original 'Ask politely' plan was too… well, wimpy for their standards."
"So they want to get her powers by force?!"
Again, her hand shot out and clamped it over his mouth. "Ssshh!" Slowly removing it, "Not by force." She noticed this look on Jack's face. One of possible deep doubt and regret at promising to help her steal his own sister's powers. Sighing, feeling a bit sorry towards him, "Listen, Jack. This spell won't hurt her. The only vital ingredient they need is her blood. They don't even need that much, just a small droplet is enough." She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, which was so totally out of her character, "I made a promise, didn't I?"
"Yeah, but you always lie." His eyes meeting hers.
Correcting him, "True, I may lie… but I make it my personal responsibility to always keep my promises."
For once since this whole thing started, when Jack took a good look at Novania, he actually saw that Leo was right when he said that Novania had a heart. Smiling, putting his hand on top of hers, "You do have a heart, Nov."
Her face softened, as did the windows to her soul. She looked down at his hand, feeling a part of herself become warm by the compassionate human contact. However, the part of her bad self seemed to wake up. Novania took back her hand, partly pretending to be disgusted by Jack's gestures.
"Yeah… whatever you say, Phillips." She cleared her throat, feigning a cough. She didn't dare glance back at him, fear of falling back to her soft side. Instead, she looked up at the house.
Jack smiled to himself, finding her behavior amusing. He then glanced back at the needle in his hand, staring at it doubtfully. "So I just have to prick her with this needle and…"
"That's it." Her eyes still on the lit manor. "They'll do the rest."
"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" He gulped, slowly beginning to make his way up.
Slowly following him, "What did you expect when you decided to team up with an evil spirit? Flowers and fairy sprinkles?"
=====================================================================
MEANWHILE INSIDE
The Charmed Ones and Fiona were hunched over the coffee table, staring down at the map. Fiona had the honor of using the talisman to find Novania. Using what they know about witchcraft, they decided that since Kiara's powers were active, and since Novania had Kiara's powers, they could find Novania and maybe find Kiara's spirit as well.
Leo and Clu emerged from the kitchen, carrying the drinks for the ladies.
"How's it going?" Clu asked, gazing over Fiona's shoulders. Fi didn't respond, she was silently concentrating at the task at hand.
"I hope it works." Carey whispered to Annie. He looked back over at them when he felt an assuring hand squeeze. Glancing down, he smiled at Annie.
"It will, Carey. Fiona will succeed."
"Oh my God! Look!" Fiona cried, pointing at the talisman and the place where it located itself on. The crystal stone was placing its energy on that sole area, so they knew that it must be the exact location where Kiara, or at least Novania, is at.
Piper gazed at the map, looking at the pin-point of the crystal's location. Her eyes widened in shock, "Uh, guys… you better take a look at the street address."
Her sisters took a good look as well, also having a similar response. "That's our street!" They both exclaimed at once.
"Guys…" Annie had gotten up, with Carey right next to her. She had a bad vibe running through her the moment Fiona had exclaimed having found the pin-point area. She made her way towards the hall, and her eyes rested on a lone figure right outside the door.
"Guys…" She said again, "Someone's outside."
Carey released his hand grip on Annie. He took a deep breathe, then decided to go and see who it was. Annie saw what he was going to do, and quickly took hold of his hand.
"Be careful, Carey." She said, concern in her blue eyes.
"Don't worry, Annie." Carey smiled reassuringly, even though he could feel tight knots in his stomach. He turned back to face the door, slowly making his way towards it.
Fiona kept her gaze steady, unaware that the crystal talisman that was steady balancing in its place began to teeter.
Carey placed his hand on the door knob, ready to swing it open. Taking one deep breath, he silently counted down…
"1… 2… 3!" He swung open the door, revealing…
"Oh!" Jack spun around, a bit caught off guard. Smiling sheepishly at Carey, and then at the others, "Oh, hey guys. Can I crash this party?"
Fiona breathed a sigh of relief at the sight and sound of her brother. She glanced down at the talisman and saw that it had fallen flat on the surface. She looked at it, confused. "Huh? Weird."
=====================================================================
Jack couldn't do it. He knew that he had to, but fear and guilt were eating up at him. Novania's words echoed through his soul, which brought even more emotional distress.
He glanced at his sister, who was still concentrating at finding Novania. Prue had remained with Fi, while her sisters took a mental break.
*You have to do it, Phillips.* Jack stood up from his chair, a bit startled by the voice. He looked around him until the familiar voice spoke again.
*Don't even bother, Jackers. It's me, your favorite neighborhood spirit.*
"Novania." He breathed silently as possible. His eyes darted towards his hands, avoiding eye contact with anyone else in the room. "What is it, Nov?" He mumbled, but sending out the mental message loud and clear.
*Just gonna make sure you do your job, boy. Whether you like it or not, you made a deal with me and you must keep it. Or else, your sister is doomed.*
"I heard you once. Now leave me alone and let me do it." He mumbled again, but this time causing Clu and Leo to look his way. Jack glanced up, noticing their stares. He grinned innocently, shrugging, "Just recalling the trillion errands my mom wants me to do once we're back on the road."
Leo kept his focus on Jack for a while, then decided to check up on his suspicions later. Clu also followed suite, except that he removed his watch a minute after Leo's.
Jack gazed down at the tiny syringe. His stomach began to do a couple more flips. To say that he was extremely nervous was such an understatement. Finally, he sighed and made his way towards his sister. He might as well get it over with. The sooner the better, right?
"Hey, bro." Fi glanced up, smiling at him. She then focused back on the map, unsuspecting her brother's true intent.
Prue also looked up at Jack as he stood on his sister's left side. "Hey, Jack. Care to help us search for Novania?"
He gave them a small smile, shaking his head. "Nah… I'll leave that up to the pros." Jack ran a hand through his hair, trying to act as if nothing was wrong. While Fiona and Prue worked on finding Novania, Jack placed a brotherly arm around Fi.
Fi beamed up at her brother, glad that ever since this whole incident, they managed to grow closer and become extremely dependent with each other.
Jack glanced down, his right arm around his sister while his left hand handled the tiny needle oh so carefully and secretively. His eyes strayed up at Prue, watching her. Prue was keeping her eyes on the map, not looking up at all. She was just as unaware of Jack's movements as Fi was.
Quickly as possible, with lightning speed, he pierced the needle into Fi's left arm, then removed it from her flesh and stuck it into his jacket pocket. His blood was pumping extremely fast. His heart especially quickened when Fiona jumped at the needle's contact.
"Ouch!" She flinched, then gazed down at her arm. Fi glanced at her brother, "Did you just pinch me, Jack?"
He looked down at her, somewhat dazed. "Huh? What?"
Fi rubbed her arm, "You pinched me!"
Acting defensive as always, "I did not!" He removed his arm around her, then crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Why would I pinch you?"
Jack had to force all his inner strength to put up this facade. It was killing him to have to lie to his sister. Of all people he couldn't stand to keep secrets from her.
Fiona looked confused, still rubbing her sore. "So that wasn't you?"
"No."
She gave him a once over, then shrugged to herself. "Must have been a mosquito or something."
Prue kept her eyes on the interaction between siblings. She was smiling at first at the two, but she suddenly sensed that something was wrong. Especially with Jack.
"Jack? Are you okay?"
He was about to respond to Prue when… *Careful what you say, Jacky-boy.*
Jack gulped as he heard the silent message. He smiled shyly at the girls, trying to act as cool as possible. "Listen… Fi, I forgot to run one more errand for mom." Slowly, he made his way towards the door, "I'll see you guys back at the hotel, okay?"
"What? Jack… wait…" Fiona attempted to stop her brother, wanting him to stay.
Unfortunately, the young man had already left the Halliwell house. Fi glanced at Prue, sighing. "Is it just me, or is my brother acting weirder than usual?"
"Your definition of 'weird' or mine?" Phoebe responded for Prue, placing a sisterly arm around the young woman.
====================================================================
"Novania! Nov!" Jack stepped outside, scanning the yard for Kiara.
"Any louder, boyfriend. Don't think the witches heard you." She leaped out of the shadows, her eyes glistening in the moon light. Kiara glanced at the door, still smirking, "Nope. Haven't stormed out yet."
He removed the micro syringe from his pocket, holding it within the palm of his hand.
A wicked smile emerged on her face, "Excellent!" She attempted to grab it from him, but he enclosed it within his palm.
"Nothing happens to her. That's the deal, right?"
"Dude," Kiara placed an arm around him, "Nothin' is the word!"
"Fi is left alone, I get my dad back, and Kiara is returned in exchange for Fiona's powers. That was the deal. You promised." He kept his eyes on her, daring her to take it back.
Her eyes held his, "A promise is a promise." Holding out her hand, "Now, why don't you keep your end of the bargain, and I'll keep mines."
If it wasn't for that mischievous grin on her face, Jack would have felt completely at ease with the deal. Reluctantly, he handed over the needle.
As he did so, both Kiara and Jack gasped for breath, startled by the flash of images engulfing them. Once the premonitions were over, Jack's eyes met Kiara's angrily.
"You lied to me."
=====================================================================
THAT SAME NIGHT
"Okay, I have an idea." Phoebe placed the tea tray down on the living room table. She looked at everyone, minus Clu and Jack. The Wiccan reached deep into her pockets, then pulled out a crystal talisman. Smiling, "This little baby will help us find Kiara."
Fiona grinned at Phoebe, knowing what the bubbly witch was getting at. "That's brilliant, Phoebe! Why didn't we think of that before?"
"What's brilliant, Fi?" Carey looked at the young woman, confused. He glanced at Annie, who was gently sitting next to him. Ever since that little "window incident", Carey hasn't let Annie out of his sight or arm's length. This major sense of protectiveness has overpowered him, causing him to want to play Mel Gibson to this Whitney Houston. Annie didn't mind too much, for she was extra glad that he cared this much to want to "take care" of her… heck, she can reap in the major advantages to having Carey Bell as her bodyguard!
Piper looked over at Carey, also knowing Phoebe's idea. "We can be able to locate Kiara through her powers using a talisman like what Phoebe's holding."
Carey nodded his head, "Oh… it's a magick thing… I think that I'll let you guys do all the hocus-pocus work. Call me up though when and if you need someone for the actual manual labor non mystical type of work. That I could do." He smiled jokingly, causing Annie to giggle.
The Charmed Ones and Fiona smiled at him, though just as amused by his little joke as Declan, Leo, and Jimmy were as they rolled their eyes at him.
"What?" He stared at them blankly.
"Guys!" Someone was knocking at the door. "Hello?"
"Coming, Clu." Prue said, recognizing the voice. She walked over to answer, letting the young man in. Grinning at him, "Hey." Prue looked outside, then at him. "You didn't convince Jack to join us?"
His face was tight as he recalled his friend, "Don't even go there with me, Prue."
"What's the matter with Jack, Clu?" She grasped his arm, worried, "Something's up with him. Something wrong?"
Clu looked at her, then glanced around. He noted that Fiona was in the living room, setting up a map on the coffee table with Piper and Phoebe. He focused on Prue again, who was really concerned about Jack. Pulling her aside, he began to explain what had happened with Jack, and his own encounter with Novania. When he was done, Prue was deep in concentration.
Finally, she looked up at Clu, extremely troubled. "You don't think that she made the same offer, did she? You don't especially think that our Jack would even consider such a thing?"
Sighing, "I don't know, Prue. When I left, I had this bad feeling that Jack was more than considering the deal. I think that maybe he's going to accept it."
Prue shook her head, "No. Jack wouldn't. Not our Jack. He's too responsible and careful not to make a deal that extreme. That life threatening."
"And normally, he wouldn't Prue. But his sister's life is on the line, and maybe everyone else that he loves. When Jack vows to protect his family and kill to keep them safe, he would do anything." Clu spoke, mixed emotions within his voice. He was not only saddened by that thought, but impressed by the fact itself.
"Even sell his own soul to the devil."
=====================================================================
OUTSIDE OF THE HALLIWELL MANOR
Jack stared up at the house nervously. He glanced at Kiara's body holding Novania's soul. The woman seemed extremely confidant about the plan.
"What if I can't convince her to give up her powers willingly?" He asked, placing his hands in his jean pockets, fidgeting with fear of failing.
She looked him over, taking note of his jumpy exterior. "First off, chill." Novania then glanced up at the manor, "Second, here." She reached into her own pockets, handing him something carefully. "Watch it, wouldn't want to get your blood by mistake."
He gazed down, confused. "What's this?"
"For our little Wiccan." She looked into his eyes, sending a chill down his back as she said, "You have to prick her with that needle and get her blood for me."
Jack's eyes widened, "What?! You want her blood?! Why?!"
She reached out her hand, cupping his mouth to silence him. Hissing, "Shut-up, Phillips! Do you want the whole universe to hear you?"
With his free hand, he removed her hand from his mouth. His voice low, yet still not amused by the whole situation. "Well would you mind telling me why exactly do I have to get my sister's blood? Since when does this have to do with our deal?"
Novania yanked her hand from his grasp. She then softly chuckled, smiling slyly at him, "Oops. Didn't I explain to you about how my bosses rejected my original plan and how they gave me an even better one?"
He stared daggers at her, not at all happy about what he was now hearing. "Nov… start explaining."
"Well, they decided that the original 'Ask politely' plan was too… well, wimpy for their standards."
"So they want to get her powers by force?!"
Again, her hand shot out and clamped it over his mouth. "Ssshh!" Slowly removing it, "Not by force." She noticed this look on Jack's face. One of possible deep doubt and regret at promising to help her steal his own sister's powers. Sighing, feeling a bit sorry towards him, "Listen, Jack. This spell won't hurt her. The only vital ingredient they need is her blood. They don't even need that much, just a small droplet is enough." She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, which was so totally out of her character, "I made a promise, didn't I?"
"Yeah, but you always lie." His eyes meeting hers.
Correcting him, "True, I may lie… but I make it my personal responsibility to always keep my promises."
For once since this whole thing started, when Jack took a good look at Novania, he actually saw that Leo was right when he said that Novania had a heart. Smiling, putting his hand on top of hers, "You do have a heart, Nov."
Her face softened, as did the windows to her soul. She looked down at his hand, feeling a part of herself become warm by the compassionate human contact. However, the part of her bad self seemed to wake up. Novania took back her hand, partly pretending to be disgusted by Jack's gestures.
"Yeah… whatever you say, Phillips." She cleared her throat, feigning a cough. She didn't dare glance back at him, fear of falling back to her soft side. Instead, she looked up at the house.
Jack smiled to himself, finding her behavior amusing. He then glanced back at the needle in his hand, staring at it doubtfully. "So I just have to prick her with this needle and…"
"That's it." Her eyes still on the lit manor. "They'll do the rest."
"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" He gulped, slowly beginning to make his way up.
Slowly following him, "What did you expect when you decided to team up with an evil spirit? Flowers and fairy sprinkles?"
=====================================================================
MEANWHILE INSIDE
The Charmed Ones and Fiona were hunched over the coffee table, staring down at the map. Fiona had the honor of using the talisman to find Novania. Using what they know about witchcraft, they decided that since Kiara's powers were active, and since Novania had Kiara's powers, they could find Novania and maybe find Kiara's spirit as well.
Leo and Clu emerged from the kitchen, carrying the drinks for the ladies.
"How's it going?" Clu asked, gazing over Fiona's shoulders. Fi didn't respond, she was silently concentrating at the task at hand.
"I hope it works." Carey whispered to Annie. He looked back over at them when he felt an assuring hand squeeze. Glancing down, he smiled at Annie.
"It will, Carey. Fiona will succeed."
"Oh my God! Look!" Fiona cried, pointing at the talisman and the place where it located itself on. The crystal stone was placing its energy on that sole area, so they knew that it must be the exact location where Kiara, or at least Novania, is at.
Piper gazed at the map, looking at the pin-point of the crystal's location. Her eyes widened in shock, "Uh, guys… you better take a look at the street address."
Her sisters took a good look as well, also having a similar response. "That's our street!" They both exclaimed at once.
"Guys…" Annie had gotten up, with Carey right next to her. She had a bad vibe running through her the moment Fiona had exclaimed having found the pin-point area. She made her way towards the hall, and her eyes rested on a lone figure right outside the door.
"Guys…" She said again, "Someone's outside."
Carey released his hand grip on Annie. He took a deep breathe, then decided to go and see who it was. Annie saw what he was going to do, and quickly took hold of his hand.
"Be careful, Carey." She said, concern in her blue eyes.
"Don't worry, Annie." Carey smiled reassuringly, even though he could feel tight knots in his stomach. He turned back to face the door, slowly making his way towards it.
Fiona kept her gaze steady, unaware that the crystal talisman that was steady balancing in its place began to teeter.
Carey placed his hand on the door knob, ready to swing it open. Taking one deep breath, he silently counted down…
"1… 2… 3!" He swung open the door, revealing…
"Oh!" Jack spun around, a bit caught off guard. Smiling sheepishly at Carey, and then at the others, "Oh, hey guys. Can I crash this party?"
Fiona breathed a sigh of relief at the sight and sound of her brother. She glanced down at the talisman and saw that it had fallen flat on the surface. She looked at it, confused. "Huh? Weird."
=====================================================================
Jack couldn't do it. He knew that he had to, but fear and guilt were eating up at him. Novania's words echoed through his soul, which brought even more emotional distress.
He glanced at his sister, who was still concentrating at finding Novania. Prue had remained with Fi, while her sisters took a mental break.
*You have to do it, Phillips.* Jack stood up from his chair, a bit startled by the voice. He looked around him until the familiar voice spoke again.
*Don't even bother, Jackers. It's me, your favorite neighborhood spirit.*
"Novania." He breathed silently as possible. His eyes darted towards his hands, avoiding eye contact with anyone else in the room. "What is it, Nov?" He mumbled, but sending out the mental message loud and clear.
*Just gonna make sure you do your job, boy. Whether you like it or not, you made a deal with me and you must keep it. Or else, your sister is doomed.*
"I heard you once. Now leave me alone and let me do it." He mumbled again, but this time causing Clu and Leo to look his way. Jack glanced up, noticing their stares. He grinned innocently, shrugging, "Just recalling the trillion errands my mom wants me to do once we're back on the road."
Leo kept his focus on Jack for a while, then decided to check up on his suspicions later. Clu also followed suite, except that he removed his watch a minute after Leo's.
Jack gazed down at the tiny syringe. His stomach began to do a couple more flips. To say that he was extremely nervous was such an understatement. Finally, he sighed and made his way towards his sister. He might as well get it over with. The sooner the better, right?
"Hey, bro." Fi glanced up, smiling at him. She then focused back on the map, unsuspecting her brother's true intent.
Prue also looked up at Jack as he stood on his sister's left side. "Hey, Jack. Care to help us search for Novania?"
He gave them a small smile, shaking his head. "Nah… I'll leave that up to the pros." Jack ran a hand through his hair, trying to act as if nothing was wrong. While Fiona and Prue worked on finding Novania, Jack placed a brotherly arm around Fi.
Fi beamed up at her brother, glad that ever since this whole incident, they managed to grow closer and become extremely dependent with each other.
Jack glanced down, his right arm around his sister while his left hand handled the tiny needle oh so carefully and secretively. His eyes strayed up at Prue, watching her. Prue was keeping her eyes on the map, not looking up at all. She was just as unaware of Jack's movements as Fi was.
Quickly as possible, with lightning speed, he pierced the needle into Fi's left arm, then removed it from her flesh and stuck it into his jacket pocket. His blood was pumping extremely fast. His heart especially quickened when Fiona jumped at the needle's contact.
"Ouch!" She flinched, then gazed down at her arm. Fi glanced at her brother, "Did you just pinch me, Jack?"
He looked down at her, somewhat dazed. "Huh? What?"
Fi rubbed her arm, "You pinched me!"
Acting defensive as always, "I did not!" He removed his arm around her, then crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Why would I pinch you?"
Jack had to force all his inner strength to put up this facade. It was killing him to have to lie to his sister. Of all people he couldn't stand to keep secrets from her.
Fiona looked confused, still rubbing her sore. "So that wasn't you?"
"No."
She gave him a once over, then shrugged to herself. "Must have been a mosquito or something."
Prue kept her eyes on the interaction between siblings. She was smiling at first at the two, but she suddenly sensed that something was wrong. Especially with Jack.
"Jack? Are you okay?"
He was about to respond to Prue when… *Careful what you say, Jacky-boy.*
Jack gulped as he heard the silent message. He smiled shyly at the girls, trying to act as cool as possible. "Listen… Fi, I forgot to run one more errand for mom." Slowly, he made his way towards the door, "I'll see you guys back at the hotel, okay?"
"What? Jack… wait…" Fiona attempted to stop her brother, wanting him to stay.
Unfortunately, the young man had already left the Halliwell house. Fi glanced at Prue, sighing. "Is it just me, or is my brother acting weirder than usual?"
"Your definition of 'weird' or mine?" Phoebe responded for Prue, placing a sisterly arm around the young woman.
====================================================================
"Novania! Nov!" Jack stepped outside, scanning the yard for Kiara.
"Any louder, boyfriend. Don't think the witches heard you." She leaped out of the shadows, her eyes glistening in the moon light. Kiara glanced at the door, still smirking, "Nope. Haven't stormed out yet."
He removed the micro syringe from his pocket, holding it within the palm of his hand.
A wicked smile emerged on her face, "Excellent!" She attempted to grab it from him, but he enclosed it within his palm.
"Nothing happens to her. That's the deal, right?"
"Dude," Kiara placed an arm around him, "Nothin' is the word!"
"Fi is left alone, I get my dad back, and Kiara is returned in exchange for Fiona's powers. That was the deal. You promised." He kept his eyes on her, daring her to take it back.
Her eyes held his, "A promise is a promise." Holding out her hand, "Now, why don't you keep your end of the bargain, and I'll keep mines."
If it wasn't for that mischievous grin on her face, Jack would have felt completely at ease with the deal. Reluctantly, he handed over the needle.
As he did so, both Kiara and Jack gasped for breath, startled by the flash of images engulfing them. Once the premonitions were over, Jack's eyes met Kiara's angrily.
"You lied to me."
=====================================================================