Chapter 8
It appeared that Lance was intent on staying and everyone looked around nervously.
Cole: You obviously can't figure out when your presence is not wanted, can you?
Cole had said this with a cold, threatening tone in his voice and without turning around.
Lance: Ah, the silent one speaks. Of course, I can. I just find it highly unusual that my fiancé would not wish for me to stay to browse through an old photo album of her and her father. Especially the day before we are to be married. We do not keep secrets from each other and this seems like it might be a secret meeting of some sort.
Psyche: It is nothing of the kind, Lance. What has gotten into you?
Cole: Don't keep secrets from each other, huh? Are you sure about that, Lance?
Cole still had not turned around and by this time everyone else was beginning to get worried. Leo quietly stepped behind the girls sensing trouble.
Lance: Why don't you turn and show yourself, sir? Since you obviously seem to know me, I believe I deserve the opportunity to defend myself from you face to face.
Psyche: Now, Lance. This isn't necessary.
Cole: Oh, but I think it is.
Cole turned. As he glared at Lance, there was no mistaking the hatred on his face directed completely at the shocked man.
Lance: Balthazar!
Psyche took a step back from Lance while Phoebe went to stand by Cole's side.
Phoebe: Not anymore, he isn't. Are you all right, Cole? What is going on?
Lance: Are you usually in the habit of allowing demons into your home, Psyche?
Cole: Obviously, if she's marrying you.
Psyche: Cole, what are you talking about? What is going on here? You can't honestly be saying that Lance is a demon?
Cole: I can and I am. So you are the Soul Catcher.
As Psyche's hand rose to cover her mouth, she gasped. Leo quickly grabbed both Piper and Paige's hands in case the need to orb them out of there arose. Lance had not moved. The only sign of his emotions was the hardening visible in his eyes.
Lance: So, Balthazar, you think you know who I am. I have no idea who or what you are talking about. Before you begin making false accusations, I suggest you consider whose home you are in.
Cole: My name is NOT Balthazar. It is Cole Turner and I do not need to be reminded whose home I'm in. I will not allow this marriage to occur. You may have seen to it that her father is not around to ask for permission but her brother is and I refuse.
Lance: Brother??? My God, Psyche, what is he talking about? You can not seriously be related to this...this...creature?
Paige: If you have no idea what he is talking about, then how do you know who he is?
Lance: Because I have been hunting him for years. This demon killed my family and I have vowed revenge on him.
Cole: You're lying.
Psyche: ENOUGH!!
Everyone in the room jumped and stared at Psyche, including Lance.
Psyche: How is it, Cole, that you know this man?
Cole: Because I trained him. I did not know who he was but I taught him almost everything I knew. Only his name wasn't Lance, it was Lancelot.
No one dared move or even breathe. Psyche's face had paled and she looked as if she might faint. Lance turned to Psyche.
Psyche: Is that true?
Lance: Psyche, you know me. Do you honestly believe that I would try to marry you if I had killed your father? Nothing this thing is saying makes sense. Don't tell me you believe him?
Psyche: But it does make sense, Lance. If you are what he says you are, then you've come for the key.
Just then a sharp flash came from the window followed by a sharp crack of thunder that seemed to shake the entire house.
Piper: Oh no!! We're running out of time!! We have to stop Cronos!!
Just then there was a loud bang as the front door crashed open. Simon, who had been standing in the doorway ready to fight if need be, turned and left quickly to see who had entered the house.
Simon: Who the hell do you think you are? This is private property.
Where is he? I know he's here. I saw him come in.
Simon: I have no idea who you are talking about...hey you can't go in there!!
Just then a tall, blond haired man with an athletic build, stormed into the room. His eyes searched the room and then settled on Lance.
YOU!!
Before anyone could move to stop him, he tackled Lance to the floor. There was a dull thud as Lance's head hit the floor, knocking him unconscious. The man began strangling Lance as Simon and Leo ran over and then struggled to pull the man off him.
Psyche: NO!! LANCE!?!
Psyche ran over to them and knelt down to examine Lance as Simon and Leo finally wrestled the man away.
Psyche: Thank God! He's not dead!!
Let me go and I'll fix that problem.
Psyche looked up and slowly stood. As she did she raised and cupped her hand, forming an energy ball. The man suddenly grew very still and glared at her.
Psyche: Now, that's better. Who are you and what are you doing in my house attacking my fiancé?
The man spat at her feet as Simon and Leo released him in case Psyche did throw the energy ball.
Fiancé!?! Do you have any idea who that man is? Apparently so, since you are a demon, as well.
Psyche: How dare you! You come into my home, attack someone, and then stand there spitting at me and insulting me. I will ask only one more time, who are you?
The man seemed to be weighing his options. After realizing that there was no escape, he drew himself up and looked her directly in the eye.
You don't recognize me, Psyche?
Psyche: Of course I don't! I've never seen you before in my...
The energy ball disappeared. Psyche stood frozen with her mouth open.
Phoebe: Well, she may know who the hell you are but we don't. Do you mind enlightening us?
The man turned and for the first time looked at the other people in the room. Cole still stood by the window, Simon and Leo stood a short distance on either side from him, and Piper, Paige, and Phoebe all stood in the center of the room staring at the scene.
You're...you're the Charmed Ones, aren't you?
Paige: Our reputation precedes us, I see.
Piper: You apparently know us. Now, for the last time, please, who are you?
I am Christopher Eros Bradshaw. More commonly known as Eros. I am a witch that has been hunting the Soul Catcher ever since he killed my mentor, Patrick Halliwell.
Psyche: I don't understand. You're dead. I mean, you're supposed to be dead.
Eros: Only because you wanted to believe that I was dead.
Psyche: NO! That's not true!
Cole: Would someone, please, explain what is going on here?
Piper: No! We don't have time. Explain later, right now we have a circle to cast. In case, you didn't notice, that was not an ordinary crack of thunder. We could be in even more danger if we don't start now.
Phoebe: I think you're right.
Psyche: Right! Let's get started.
Eros: Wait! Get started on what? You can't seriously be willing to work with this demon?
There was no mistaking the fact that Eros was referring to Psyche since he was still glaring at her.
Psyche: Don't question what you don't know all the facts about. This is none of your business.
Psyche then turned and picked up the case that she had dropped in her rush to get to Lance. She opened it and pulled out a very old and well-worn book that looked exactly like the Book of Shadows at the Halliwell manor.
Psyche: We have to make room for a circle.
As Psyche opened the book and began searching for the ritual, Cole, Leo, and Simon began pushing the furniture back against the walls. The clouds outside became darker.
Psyche: I found it! O.K. First things first, I'll take North, Piper, you take East, Phoebe has South, and Paige you're West.
As she said this, she began positioning the girls into their places and then took her own.
Psyche: Now, quickly read the ritual and we'll get started. We have no time to lose.
The girls quickly read over the ritual and then nodded at Psyche who signaled to clasp hands.
Psyche: All right, here goes.
All Four:
Spirits of the Universe we call. Join us one and all.
Guard this circle as we work, keep us from both harm and hurt.
All negative energies and their like, from this circle are closed tight.
Psyche: Hail to the Watchtowers of the North, Powers of Earth and Mother...
All Four: Hear Us!
Piper: Hail to the Watchtowers of the East, Powers of Air and Inspiration...
All Four: Hear Us!
Phoebe: Hail to the Watchtowers of the South, Powers of Fire and Passion...
All Four: Hear Us!
Paige: Hail to the Watchtowers of the West, Powers of Water and Intuition...
All Four: Hear Us!
The circle is now cast and we are between worlds.
Where night and day, death and birth, joy and sorrow, meet as one.
Suddenly a burst of wind entered the room seemingly coming from nowhere and then just as quickly it was gone. In its place stood Cronos.
Cronos: NO! This is not possible.
Psyche: We call on the Ancient Mother to hear our cry...
Piper: And to cease the unnatural winds in the sky...
Phoebe: And to calm the quaking fires beneath our feet...
Paige: And to still the raging tides of our calm seas.
All Four: This elemental demon in our presence shall no longer be.
Cronos: You think you can defeat me witches? I am too powerful.
Cronos began laughing and as he did the wind picked up again and began blowing objects around the room. All of a sudden, a purple ball of light began to form in the center of the circle and steadily grew. As it hovered a voice was heard.
Gaia: Cronos, your time has come to an end. The world no longer wishes you to exist.
With that the ball of light flew from the circle and hit Cronos. With a scream he burst into flames and then vanished...vanquished for all eternity. The wind stopped and the sky cleared outside the window. As everyone turned from the sight back to the center of the circle, they gasped, for there stood a beautifully radiant woman dressed in a shimmering green gown with a wreath of vibrantly colored flowers in her hair and encompassed in the same purple light.
Gaia: Well, done, my daughters. The Earth is safe again thanks to you and never again will my husband rise to wreak such havoc as that he did today. Thank you.
Paige: You're welcome, Gaia.
Gaia: I must go now and heal the wounds that have been inflicted. Take care and Blessed Be.
All Four: Blessed Be.
The woman faded back into the ball of light that slowly dissipated leaving the room feeling warmer than before.
Psyche: This circle is closed but not broken
To be sent out into the ethers to do our bidding
As we will it, so mote it be.
Piper, Phoebe, and Paige: So mote it be.
It appeared that Lance was intent on staying and everyone looked around nervously.
Cole: You obviously can't figure out when your presence is not wanted, can you?
Cole had said this with a cold, threatening tone in his voice and without turning around.
Lance: Ah, the silent one speaks. Of course, I can. I just find it highly unusual that my fiancé would not wish for me to stay to browse through an old photo album of her and her father. Especially the day before we are to be married. We do not keep secrets from each other and this seems like it might be a secret meeting of some sort.
Psyche: It is nothing of the kind, Lance. What has gotten into you?
Cole: Don't keep secrets from each other, huh? Are you sure about that, Lance?
Cole still had not turned around and by this time everyone else was beginning to get worried. Leo quietly stepped behind the girls sensing trouble.
Lance: Why don't you turn and show yourself, sir? Since you obviously seem to know me, I believe I deserve the opportunity to defend myself from you face to face.
Psyche: Now, Lance. This isn't necessary.
Cole: Oh, but I think it is.
Cole turned. As he glared at Lance, there was no mistaking the hatred on his face directed completely at the shocked man.
Lance: Balthazar!
Psyche took a step back from Lance while Phoebe went to stand by Cole's side.
Phoebe: Not anymore, he isn't. Are you all right, Cole? What is going on?
Lance: Are you usually in the habit of allowing demons into your home, Psyche?
Cole: Obviously, if she's marrying you.
Psyche: Cole, what are you talking about? What is going on here? You can't honestly be saying that Lance is a demon?
Cole: I can and I am. So you are the Soul Catcher.
As Psyche's hand rose to cover her mouth, she gasped. Leo quickly grabbed both Piper and Paige's hands in case the need to orb them out of there arose. Lance had not moved. The only sign of his emotions was the hardening visible in his eyes.
Lance: So, Balthazar, you think you know who I am. I have no idea who or what you are talking about. Before you begin making false accusations, I suggest you consider whose home you are in.
Cole: My name is NOT Balthazar. It is Cole Turner and I do not need to be reminded whose home I'm in. I will not allow this marriage to occur. You may have seen to it that her father is not around to ask for permission but her brother is and I refuse.
Lance: Brother??? My God, Psyche, what is he talking about? You can not seriously be related to this...this...creature?
Paige: If you have no idea what he is talking about, then how do you know who he is?
Lance: Because I have been hunting him for years. This demon killed my family and I have vowed revenge on him.
Cole: You're lying.
Psyche: ENOUGH!!
Everyone in the room jumped and stared at Psyche, including Lance.
Psyche: How is it, Cole, that you know this man?
Cole: Because I trained him. I did not know who he was but I taught him almost everything I knew. Only his name wasn't Lance, it was Lancelot.
No one dared move or even breathe. Psyche's face had paled and she looked as if she might faint. Lance turned to Psyche.
Psyche: Is that true?
Lance: Psyche, you know me. Do you honestly believe that I would try to marry you if I had killed your father? Nothing this thing is saying makes sense. Don't tell me you believe him?
Psyche: But it does make sense, Lance. If you are what he says you are, then you've come for the key.
Just then a sharp flash came from the window followed by a sharp crack of thunder that seemed to shake the entire house.
Piper: Oh no!! We're running out of time!! We have to stop Cronos!!
Just then there was a loud bang as the front door crashed open. Simon, who had been standing in the doorway ready to fight if need be, turned and left quickly to see who had entered the house.
Simon: Who the hell do you think you are? This is private property.
Where is he? I know he's here. I saw him come in.
Simon: I have no idea who you are talking about...hey you can't go in there!!
Just then a tall, blond haired man with an athletic build, stormed into the room. His eyes searched the room and then settled on Lance.
YOU!!
Before anyone could move to stop him, he tackled Lance to the floor. There was a dull thud as Lance's head hit the floor, knocking him unconscious. The man began strangling Lance as Simon and Leo ran over and then struggled to pull the man off him.
Psyche: NO!! LANCE!?!
Psyche ran over to them and knelt down to examine Lance as Simon and Leo finally wrestled the man away.
Psyche: Thank God! He's not dead!!
Let me go and I'll fix that problem.
Psyche looked up and slowly stood. As she did she raised and cupped her hand, forming an energy ball. The man suddenly grew very still and glared at her.
Psyche: Now, that's better. Who are you and what are you doing in my house attacking my fiancé?
The man spat at her feet as Simon and Leo released him in case Psyche did throw the energy ball.
Fiancé!?! Do you have any idea who that man is? Apparently so, since you are a demon, as well.
Psyche: How dare you! You come into my home, attack someone, and then stand there spitting at me and insulting me. I will ask only one more time, who are you?
The man seemed to be weighing his options. After realizing that there was no escape, he drew himself up and looked her directly in the eye.
You don't recognize me, Psyche?
Psyche: Of course I don't! I've never seen you before in my...
The energy ball disappeared. Psyche stood frozen with her mouth open.
Phoebe: Well, she may know who the hell you are but we don't. Do you mind enlightening us?
The man turned and for the first time looked at the other people in the room. Cole still stood by the window, Simon and Leo stood a short distance on either side from him, and Piper, Paige, and Phoebe all stood in the center of the room staring at the scene.
You're...you're the Charmed Ones, aren't you?
Paige: Our reputation precedes us, I see.
Piper: You apparently know us. Now, for the last time, please, who are you?
I am Christopher Eros Bradshaw. More commonly known as Eros. I am a witch that has been hunting the Soul Catcher ever since he killed my mentor, Patrick Halliwell.
Psyche: I don't understand. You're dead. I mean, you're supposed to be dead.
Eros: Only because you wanted to believe that I was dead.
Psyche: NO! That's not true!
Cole: Would someone, please, explain what is going on here?
Piper: No! We don't have time. Explain later, right now we have a circle to cast. In case, you didn't notice, that was not an ordinary crack of thunder. We could be in even more danger if we don't start now.
Phoebe: I think you're right.
Psyche: Right! Let's get started.
Eros: Wait! Get started on what? You can't seriously be willing to work with this demon?
There was no mistaking the fact that Eros was referring to Psyche since he was still glaring at her.
Psyche: Don't question what you don't know all the facts about. This is none of your business.
Psyche then turned and picked up the case that she had dropped in her rush to get to Lance. She opened it and pulled out a very old and well-worn book that looked exactly like the Book of Shadows at the Halliwell manor.
Psyche: We have to make room for a circle.
As Psyche opened the book and began searching for the ritual, Cole, Leo, and Simon began pushing the furniture back against the walls. The clouds outside became darker.
Psyche: I found it! O.K. First things first, I'll take North, Piper, you take East, Phoebe has South, and Paige you're West.
As she said this, she began positioning the girls into their places and then took her own.
Psyche: Now, quickly read the ritual and we'll get started. We have no time to lose.
The girls quickly read over the ritual and then nodded at Psyche who signaled to clasp hands.
Psyche: All right, here goes.
All Four:
Spirits of the Universe we call. Join us one and all.
Guard this circle as we work, keep us from both harm and hurt.
All negative energies and their like, from this circle are closed tight.
Psyche: Hail to the Watchtowers of the North, Powers of Earth and Mother...
All Four: Hear Us!
Piper: Hail to the Watchtowers of the East, Powers of Air and Inspiration...
All Four: Hear Us!
Phoebe: Hail to the Watchtowers of the South, Powers of Fire and Passion...
All Four: Hear Us!
Paige: Hail to the Watchtowers of the West, Powers of Water and Intuition...
All Four: Hear Us!
The circle is now cast and we are between worlds.
Where night and day, death and birth, joy and sorrow, meet as one.
Suddenly a burst of wind entered the room seemingly coming from nowhere and then just as quickly it was gone. In its place stood Cronos.
Cronos: NO! This is not possible.
Psyche: We call on the Ancient Mother to hear our cry...
Piper: And to cease the unnatural winds in the sky...
Phoebe: And to calm the quaking fires beneath our feet...
Paige: And to still the raging tides of our calm seas.
All Four: This elemental demon in our presence shall no longer be.
Cronos: You think you can defeat me witches? I am too powerful.
Cronos began laughing and as he did the wind picked up again and began blowing objects around the room. All of a sudden, a purple ball of light began to form in the center of the circle and steadily grew. As it hovered a voice was heard.
Gaia: Cronos, your time has come to an end. The world no longer wishes you to exist.
With that the ball of light flew from the circle and hit Cronos. With a scream he burst into flames and then vanished...vanquished for all eternity. The wind stopped and the sky cleared outside the window. As everyone turned from the sight back to the center of the circle, they gasped, for there stood a beautifully radiant woman dressed in a shimmering green gown with a wreath of vibrantly colored flowers in her hair and encompassed in the same purple light.
Gaia: Well, done, my daughters. The Earth is safe again thanks to you and never again will my husband rise to wreak such havoc as that he did today. Thank you.
Paige: You're welcome, Gaia.
Gaia: I must go now and heal the wounds that have been inflicted. Take care and Blessed Be.
All Four: Blessed Be.
The woman faded back into the ball of light that slowly dissipated leaving the room feeling warmer than before.
Psyche: This circle is closed but not broken
To be sent out into the ethers to do our bidding
As we will it, so mote it be.
Piper, Phoebe, and Paige: So mote it be.