CHARMED
"DEBT OF HONOR"
by J. B. Tilton with Tracie Joy
Rating: PG (for mild language)
PART 2 - PAST REVISITED
Despite Pipers' threat, Leo uses the Portal to go back to Quadalcanal in 1942. Only
Darryl is caught in the Portal and transported with him. Can Leo keep Darryl alive and
still complete his mission or are they both destined to die in the past?
* * *
ONE
Leo and Kiethran sat in the kitchen talking. After making her ultimatum, Piper had
stormed out of the kitchen. Paige had followed her and Leo assumed they would be
talking about what he was going to do. Leo and Kiethran were doing the same thing.
"Kind of strong willed, isn't she?" asked Kiethran.
"You have no idea," said Leo. "Now, you see why I didn't tell her all of it. If she had
known, I wouldn't have gotten this far. But I have to do this. Surely, you understand
why I have to do this?"
"To be honest," said Kiethran, "I'm not sure someone who had never been in combat
can truly understand this. I've never been in combat, so I can't really say that I
completely understand.
"But I do understand the need to do certain things. Even if it's extremely dangerous.
And I know something else. You would never have been made the White Lighter of the
Charmed Ones if you were frivolous or impulsive. I'm sure you've given this some very
serious thought. And if you feel you have to do this, I'll support you anyway I can."
"Thanks," said Leo. "It's not something I can exactly put into words. On that note, I
do have a favor to ask of you. I know it's asking a lot, but I would feel better if you'd do
something for me."
"I'll stick around until you get back," said Kiethran.
"You knew what I was going to ask?" asked Leo.
"It wasn't hard," said Kiethran. "With you in the past, none of the sisters can call on
you if they need help. If they do need help, there should be someone to fill in for you.
I'd be glad to watch over them until you get back."
"Thanks, Kiethran," said Leo. "You don't know how much I appreciate it. So, any
idea how long before the Guardian gets here?"
"I don't know," said Kiethran. "It depends on how long it takes her to gather enough
power to open the portal for you."
"I hope it doesn't take long," said Leo. "I want to get this over with as quickly as
possible so that I can get back and try to patch things up with Piper."
"I'll talk to her while you're gone," said Kiethran. "I'll try to make her understand how
important this is to you. I'm sure that once you get back safely, she'll be so glad to have
you back that you'll be able to smooth things over."
"If I come back," said Leo. "They're right about one thing. This is extremely
dangerous. And after more than sixty years, I'm not sure I'll remember everything about
what happened that day. It was pretty hectic most of the time."
"You'll do fine," said Kiethran. "Besides, like you said. It's very simple. Just go
back, deliver the message, then come back. Other than that, just keep your head
down."
"I hope you're right," said Leo. "I guess I'm just nervous. Say, about this condition
about not changing anything else while I'm back there. Exactly how strict is that going
to be? I mean, I'll be back there for an hour. Assuming I can deliver the message soon
enough, I can't just stand around waiting to return. And I was a medic. They'll want me
to do my job. If I don't I could alter my own future."
"I think the Guardian meant any major changes," said Kiethran. "Like warning
someone of a major offensive or telling the allies about the Germans plans. In the long
run, I don't think that doing your job will make much of a difference. You know that any
trip back in time alters the time line somewhat. Even if in minor ways. Just try not to
make any major changes."
The door bell rang just then and Leo went in to see who it was. Piper and Paige
were in the living room and Paige was answering the door just as Leo and Kiethran
came out of the kitchen. Piper shot Leo a glance that told him she hadn't changed her
mind. Paige opened the door and Darryl stood outside.
"Hi," said Darryl, stepping into the entryway. "Is Phoebe here? I need her help with
something."
"No, not right now," said Paige. "Anything we can do?"
"No," said Darryl, looking over at Kiethran suspiciously. "I need Phoebe. I thought
she might be able to help me with a case I'm working on. Something . . . about finding
a lost item."
"It's okay," said Leo, smiling, trying to distract Piper. "This is Kiethran Tannish,
Darryl. You remember him, don't you? The druid from Los Angeles."
"The Pentacle demon," said Darryl. "Yes, I remember. Good, that makes things a
bit easier. I need to see if Phoebe can get an impression or a vision from something."
"I thought you didn't like using magic on the job?" asked Piper.
"Normally, I don't," said Darryl. "But this is an unusual case. A young girl has
disappeared and we think it has to do with a child molester. If we don't find her soon,
she might end up like the rest of this scums' victims. I'm hoping Phoebes' precognitive
ability can help find her before that happens."
"Sorry, Darryl," said Piper. "She and Cole are out somewhere. We don't know
where."
"Leo," said Darryl, "can you try to locate her? It's very important that we find this girl
right away. No telling what has happened to her already. I want to find her right away."
"Maybe I can help," said Kiethran. "One of my abilities is divination. The ability to
see what's happened in the past. If you had an item that the girl or her abductor owned
or handled recently, I might be able to pick up on something."
Darryl hesitated for a moment, then took a small locket out of his pocket and showed
it to Kiethran.
"This locket belonged to the girl," said Darryl. "Her father bought it for her the day
she was born. They found it at the site where we think she was abducted. She's been
gone for nearly eighteen hours already."
"Let's go into the kitchen," said Kiethran. "I'm sure I can get some impression from
it. Something like that would have a very strong impression on it and being found so
recent will help."
Kiethran and Darryl went into the kitchen while Leo, Piper, and Paige remained in
the living room. Piper was obviously not talking to him yet and Paige was trying to get
them to at least speak to each other.
"She wasn't abducted," Kiethran told Darryl, after handling the locket for a moment.
"At least, not the way you think. I think the person who has her is her father. She didn't
put up a struggle and she seemed very familiar and affectionate with him. She called
him daddy."
"That makes sense," said Darryl. "Her parents are divorced and her father doesn't
live with them anymore. Any idea where he's taken her?"
"No," said Kiethran. "But I don't think she's in any danger. He seems to think she's
in danger from her mother. No, her mothers' new boyfriend. The father doesn't trust
the boyfriend. Sorry, that's all I get."
"That's enough," said Darryl. "At least now I know where to start looking. How
accurate is this divination thing of yours?"
"One hundred percent," said Kiethran. "Unlike precognition, I see what's already
occurred. Precognition deals with future events which can change depending on
peoples' actions."
"Great," said Darryl. "Now, all I have to do is find the girls' father and . . .."
He was interrupted by the sound of Piper screaming "no" at the top of her lungs.
Instinctively, Darryl drew his service pistol and rushed out of the kitchen into the living
room, expecting to find Leo, Paige, and Piper under attack. It was a scene he had
witnessed more than he wanted to.
As he rushed into the living room, he saw a woman standing near the fireplace. The
woman was totally white; as white as a sheet. She wore a flowing white dress and for a
moment, she reminded Darryl of an angel. Her eyes were just as white and they had
no pupils. Darryl wasn't sure who she was, but it was clear she wasn't human.
Although the woman was totally white, her features told Darryl that she was of
African American descent. Leo stood in front of the woman and some form of energy
seemed to be enveloping him. Paige and Piper stood off to one side apparently unable
to help Leo.
Darryl rushed into the living room intent on stopping the attack that Leo was under
and that the sisters couldn't defend against. Kiethran shouted for him to stop, but he
ignored the druid. He was a cop. His job was to help people and he instinctively went
to Leos' aid. Just as he reached Leo, the energy enveloping Leo flashed and Leo
vanished from the Manor.
And Darryl was caught in the energy field and vanished with him.
"Oh my God," said Kiethran.
"What happened?" asked Paige.
"That energy field," said Kiethran. "That was the Portal. It's how the Guardian sent
Leo back in time. Unfortunately, Darryl got caught in it, too. I'm afraid that Leo isn't the
only one who's going back to Guadalcanal in 1942."
Paige and Piper just looked at Kiethran and the Portal Guardian, horror on their
faces.
TWO
Darryl opened his eyes and stared straight ahead. Except he wasn't staring ahead.
He was staring up. Into the sky. He realized he was lying on his back, looking up into
the sky. Several puffy clouds floated lazily by.
Suddenly an explosion rocked the countryside and Darryl rolled over, bringing his
pistol up in a defensive manor. That's when he noticed there were explosions and gun
fire going on all around him. He started to stand up to look over a small rise directly in
front of him when Leo grabbed him and pulled him back to the ground.
"Stay down," said Leo. "You want to get your head blown off?"
"What the hell is going on?" demanded Darryl. "Where are we? The last thing I
remember was being in the manor. You were under some sort of attack from that . . .
that . . . whatever she was."
"It wasn't an attack," said Leo. "She was helping me. I guess you just got caught in
the energy vortex. Damn. I was supposed to come back here alone."
"Back where?" demanded Darryl. "Just where the hell are we?"
"Guadalcanal," said Leo, peering cautiously over the ridge. "And it's 1942."
Darryl stared at Leo, scarcely believing what he had just heard.
Quickly, Leo explained to Darryl what was going on. He only hit the highlights,
deciding there wasn't enough time to fill him in on everything. As Leo explained, the
battle for Guadalcanal continued to rage around them.
"So let me get this straight," said Darryl. "We've come back to Guadalcanal in 1942
so you can deliver a message? Is that what you're telling me?"
"It's a bit more complicated than that," said Leo. "But basically, yeah, that's about
the size of it. Listen, I don't have time to explain everything to you right now. We have
to find my headquarters and make sure they get the message. But first, we have to do
something about the way we're dressed."
"What do you mean?" asked Leo.
"Look," said Leo, "this is a war zone. Everyone here are soldiers. They're dressed
in military uniforms. That suit and the clothes I'm wearing will make us stand out like
sore thumbs. We have to look like soldiers."
"How do we do that?" asked Darryl.
Leo looked over the edge of the rise, then glanced around. Quickly, he scurried over
the rise, and within moments, came back dragging the body of a dead American soldier
with him.
"Here," he said. "Get this uniform off him. It should fit you. Now, I have to find one
for me."
"You expect me to rob the dead?" asked Darryl.
"He's not going to need it," said Leo. "And it will let us blend in. Just do it. Bury you
suit in the sand. You have to look like an American soldier."
"What?" asked Darryl. "Do you know how much I paid for this suit? It's my favorite
suit. I've only had it a month."
"What's more important?" asked Leo. "Your new suit or your life? Now, get into the
uniform as fast as you can. I'll try to find a uniform for me."
While Darryl changed into the uniform, Leo went out and found another dead
soldier. He dragged the body back behind the rise and began to strip the uniform off of
it.
"Okay," he said, as Darryl buried his suit in the sand, "we seem to be on the
southern edge of the battle. That's good. Everyone should be too busy fighting the
Germans to have seen us arrive. It shouldn't take us long to get to headquarters. Just
stick with me and go along with whatever I say."
"Then what?" asked Darryl. "Do you have any idea how we're going to get back?"
"We have an hour here," said Leo. "When that hour is up, we'll return to the future
automatically. Just keep your head down and try not to get yourself killed. Here, take
this. You can use it to protect yourself."
Leo handed him a rifle.
"Do you know how to use this type of rifle?" asked Leo.
"I'm a cop," said Darryl. "I'll figure it out. What about you? Aren't you going to get
one for yourself?"
"I'm a White Lighter," said Leo. "I'm forbidden from taking human life. Besides, I'm
supposed to be a corpsman here. If I pick up a weapon, I loose my non-combatant
status. Now, let's see if we can get to headquarters."
Cautiously, Leo and Darryl began to make their way along the shoreline looking for
the headquarters where they need to deliver the message.
* * *
It was nearly twenty five minutes before Leo and Darryl were able to locate the
headquarters. As much as it pained him, Leo had to bypass several wounded soldiers
who needed medical treatment. He didn't know which of the soldiers was destined to
live and who was destined to die. He couldn't take the chance that he might save
someone and inadvertently alter the future.
"It's right over there," said Leo. "By now, Private Murphy must already be there. My
guess is they're suspecting him of desertion already. All I have to do is go inside and
tell them about his CO giving him orders to . . .."
Suddenly Leo grabbed his head and fell to the ground. He sat on the ground for
several moments, holding his head. Suddenly, the episode passed as quickly as it had
started.
"Leo, are you okay?" asked Darryl, bending down to help. "You seemed to be in
pain but I don't see a mark on you."
"I think I just died," said Leo, looking up into the sky.
"What?" asked Darryl. "What do you mean you just died?"
"This is where I died," said Leo. "I was shot in the head by a stray bullet while I was
treating someone. I think it just happened."
"Sorry, man," said Darryl. "I guess I never considered that."
"Neither did I," said Leo. "I guess I figured it would already have happened when I
got back here. Come on. Let's get inside and get this over with. We'll be returning to
the future soon. I have to get this over with as quickly as possible."
Suddenly, Darryl was hit in the shoulder by a bullet. He staggered back from the
shot and fell to the ground. The rifle he was holding dropped to the ground and
clamored away. Leo rushed over and grabbed Darryl.
"Damn it," swore Leo. He applied pressure to the wound to staunch the bleeding.
"Take it easy. I'll get you some help. I don't have my White Lighter powers back here
so I can't heal you."
"Go on," said Darryl, gritting his teeth against the pain. "You don't have much time
left. Get in there and tell them what you have to tell them. I'll be okay for now. It hurts
like hell, but it's not life threatening. Go on. Do what you have to do."
Leo was torn. All his instincts told him to stay and help Darryl. He had been a
corpsman, a medic, in World War II. And in the sixty some odd years since then, he
had been a White Lighter. With the power to heal the injured.
But Darryl was right. Leo could tell the wound wasn't serious. If it was treated soon,
Darryl should recover fairly soon. And he had only minutes before his hour was up.
Then he'd return to the future and he was sure there was no chance of him coming
back again.
"I shouldn't be long," said Leo. "Just stay down. I'm sure someone will be along
soon to give you some help. If not, I'll heal you when we get back."
"Just go," said Darryl, pushing Leo away. "If this is as important to you as you've
said, you need to get in there. Go on. I'll be okay for now. Get in there and do what
you have to do."
Hesitantly, Leo turned and moved toward the headquarters. In a few minutes, he
would deliver his message and then they could return to the future.
THREE
Leo moved toward the headquarters. In the distance, artillery shells and small arms
fire could be heard almost everywhere. It brought back very vivid memories to Leo of
what he had gone through the first time. Men were dying all around him and there was
nothing he could do to change it or help.
He moved up to the tent which was serving as headquarters. It had been hastily set
up, but it would serve its' purpose until they had secured the beachhead. Leo could see
soldiers moving in and out of the tent as he moved toward it.
"Soldier," Leo heard as he moved toward the tent.
He turned to see a captain looking at him. He glanced around and saw he was the
only one nearby. He turned toward the captain.
"Yes, sir?" he asked.
He didn't salute the officer. Normally, this was a very serious breech of military
protocol. But in a combat zone, it could identify the leaders and any enemy snipers
nearby could then zero in on those leaders.
"What are you doing here?" demanded the captain.
"Corpsman Leo Wyatt, sir," said Leo. "I was sent by Captain Wilson of Company C,
forty first infantry to deliver a message to headquarters."
"What's the message?" demanded the captain. "I'm Captain Hendricks, Colonel
Peters' aide. Give me the message and I'll see that he gets it."
"There's a German unit moving in to flank our right side," said Leo. "I'll have to show
you exactly where on the map. Captain Wilson sent someone else, but he wasn't sure
if he'd get through so he sent me to make sure."
"Why did he send you?" asked Hendricks. "Surely you were needed there to treat
the wounded."
"I don't know, sir," said Leo. "All I know is that he told me to get back here and
make sure headquarters got the information."
"Come with me," ordered the captain.
Leo followed Hendricks into the tent. Several men stood around a table that had a
map spread out on it. One man, wearing the rank of full colonel, stood at the end of the
table looking at the map and giving orders. Hendricks walked over to the colonel and
told him what Leo had just told him.
"Corpsman," said Hendricks, "come over here and show us where the Germans are
supposed to be."
Leo walked over and looked at the map. Tiny markers showed the various units,
both American and German, and their locations. He could see from one of the markers
that some American units were already being moved toward that position.
"Here, sir," said Leo, indicating a position on the map. "I'm not sure how far they've
advanced by now. But that's where they were when I left Captain Wilson."
"We received that information a few minutes ago," said the colonel. "That deserter
over there," he indicated a man under armed guard sitting in the corner, "told us about it
hoping to distract us from the fact that he'd run from the battle. I wasn't sure if he was
telling the truth, but I didn't want to take a chance. I'm glad I moved some units there."
"Murphy?" questioned Leo, pretending to be surprised that Murphy was there.
Murphy looked up at him, sadness in his eyes. The guard next to him took a step
toward Leo to make sure that Leo didn't try to approach him. Murphy managed a weak
smile, obviously recognizing Leo.
"Desertion?" questioned Leo.
"Yes," said Captain Hendricks. "You must have known. Company C was wiped out
a few minutes ago. This private was found several hundred yards from there heading
for the beach. He ran into a German patrol who managed to delay him long enough for
us to get to him. He killed the Germans, but we apprehended him before he could get
away."
"Captain," said Leo, "Private Murphy didn't desert. Captain Wilson sent him back to
tell you about the Germans' flanking movement. Don't you remember I told you that
Captain Wilson had sent someone else back and he wanted to make sure you got the
message?"
"Yes, you did say that," said Hendricks.
"Wait a minute," said the colonel. "Are you telling me that the story he told us was
true? That he didn't desert his unit in the face of the enemy?"
"Yes, sir," that's what I'm saying," said Leo. "Private Murphy even protested, saying
he wanted to stay with his unit. But Captain Wilson ordered him back. He said that it
was vital that headquarters learn of the flanking movement by the Germans."
"Why didn't Wilson just radio the message to us?" asked the colonel.
"Their radio was destroyed," said Leo. "I was treating some men when I happened
across their position. I was treating the men when they learned of the flanking
movement. With their radio gone, he had no choice but to send someone back to let
you know what's going on."
The colonel looked at Leo and was obviously thinking. He looked at the captain,
then over at Murphy. Murphy, who couldn't help but overhear the entire exchange, was
looking at the colonel hopefully.
"Corporal," said the colonel to the guard on Murphy, "release Private Murphy."
Leo sighed a silent sigh of relief. He moved over to Murphy who was busily putting
on his combat gear.
"Glad I made it back here," said Leo. "Seems like you ran into a little trouble back
here."
"That I did," said Murphy. "Wyatt, isn't it?"
"Yes," said Leo, shaking Murphys' hand.
"I was heading back here when I got turned around," said Murphy. "I was heading in
the wrong direction and didn't know it. I came across four Germans who had managed
to get behind our lines. I was able to stop them, but then they found me. When they
found out what unit I was with, it made them suspicious because I was so far away."
"So I gathered," said Leo. "It's not hard to get turned around out there. I got turned
around a few times myself."
"Still," said Murphy, "I owe you. No telling what might have happened. They said
Company C was wiped out. I didn't think there was anyone left who could corroborate
my story."
"Just glad I could help," said Leo. "Well, I have a friend who was wounded a few
minutes ago. I think I need to check on him to make sure he's okay."
"Thanks again," said Murphy. "I owe you."
"Just keep your head down," said Leo smiling. "That will be enough thanks for me."
Leo walked over to the colonel who was once again consulting the map and issuing
orders.
"Sir," said Leo, "I think I should get back out there. A lot of men are going to need
medical attention."
"Fine, son, fine," said the colonel. "Thanks for letting us know. Murphy has been a
good soldier. I'd hate to think he was a coward and deserter."
"Yes, sir," said Leo.
Leo turned and left the tent. He headed back to where he had left Darryl. On the
way, he found a medics' bag lying next to the tent. He had no idea why it way lying
there, but he was glad it was. He scooped it up as he headed toward Darryl.
He reached the place where he had left Darryl, but his friend wasn't there. He
looked around, but didn't see him anywhere. There was a fresh stain of blood on the
ground and Leo could also see several foot prints in the dirt. But there was no sign of
Darryl.
"Hey," called a soldier setting up a machine gun position nearby, "you looking for
someone?"
"Yes," said Leo. "An African American . . . I mean, a colored man, about six feet or
so. He had a shoulder wound."
"Yeah, I remember," said the soldier. "He seemed to be in pretty bad shape. Some
medics came by and picked him up. I think they took him to one of the hospital tents in
the rear."
"Thanks," said Leo, "I appreciate it."
Leo turned and began to move back toward the rear. If Darryl had been taken to
one of the hospital tents, then he'd be getting the medical attention he desperately
needed. Leo looked at his watch. Twenty one minutes before the one hour was up.
He had to find Darryl within those twenty one minutes so they could go back to the
future.
FOUR
It had been nearly twelve minutes since Leo had went in search of Darryl. He had
already checked three hospital tents with no sign of Darryl. He was beginning to get
worried. He didn't know if he and Darryl had to be together to return to the future.
Theoretically, the energy field that would return them to the future would form around
Leo. Darryl would have to be close enough to be enveloped as well. Which meant that
if Leo couldn't find Darryl, he'd be trapped back here in the past.
He spotted another hospital tent and moved toward it. All of the hospital tents were
working furiously on the wounded that had been brought to them. Many of the men
couldn't be saved. Their injuries were too extensive. Leo watched as lifeless bodies
were removed from the tent. He stepped inside and looked around. A doctor stood
several feet inside looking over a chart.
"Excuse me, sir," said Leo, "I'm Corpsman Leo Wyatt. I'm looking for a friend of
mine. A Private Darryl Morris. He's colored, about six feet or so, and had a shoulder
wound. He would have been brought in about twenty minutes ago."
The doctor looked at Leo then looked over the chart in his hand.
"Yes," said the doctor. "Private Morris was brought in about twelve minutes ago or
so. I'm afraid it doesn't look good for your friend. His injuries were pretty extensive. I
did what I could, but I just didn't have the time to do everything that was needed. I'm
afraid he may not make it."
Leos' heart sank. He would have sworn that Darryls' injuries hadn't been that
serious. Any gunshot wound was serious, but Darryls' had appeared minor compared
to others Leo had treated that day.
"I don't understand," said Leo. "It was a simple wound. The bullet went completely
through and out his back. It didn't seem to be that serious."
"It did a lot of internal damage," said the doctor. "An artery was severed and he was
bleeding extensively. As I said, I did all I could, but if I devoted more time to him more
men would die that I could save. I'm sorry. Private Morris is in the back of the tent.
We've given him morphine to kill the pain, but it's only a matter of minutes."
"Thank you, sir," said Leo. "I appreciate everything you tried to do. Can I see him?"
"Sure," said the doctor. "A friendly face might help right now. Try to keep him
quiet."
"Thank you, sir," said Leo.
Leo wandered to the back of the tent. He passed several tables each of which had
doctors and nurses busily working on wounded soldiers. None paid him the slightest
attention as they worked as furiously as they could to save as many lives as possible.
The back of the tent held several cots. All of the cots were occupied with soldiers
who had already been treated. Many were sleeping probably from sedatives and pain
killers. The few that were still awake looked at Leo but he didn't recognize any of them.
In the very rear of the tent he found Darryl. Darryl was bandaged on his wounded
shoulder and he appeared to be groggy. Leo knew this was from the morphine they
had given him. He found a chair and took a seat next to Darryls' cot.
"Hey, Leo," said Darryl, still groggy from the medicine. "They gave me some
morphine. That wound hurt like hell, but with the morphine, I ain't feeling no pain."
"That's good, Darryl," said Leo. "I'm glad you got here. The doctors say you're
going to be fine."
"Did you deliver your message?" asked Darryl.
"Yes," said Leo. "Private Murphy was cleared of being a coward. I don't know if he'll
live to get off Guadalcanal, but at least he won't die a deserter."
"Good, good," said Darryl. "How long before we can get out of here?"
Leo looked at his watch. Seven minutes left.
"Just a few minutes," Leo said. "We shouldn't be here long."
"Great," said Darryl. "I'm looking forward to getting home and a long rest."
Suddenly Darryl lost consciousness. Leo checked him and found his pulse
dangerously low. He was extremely warm and his breath was heavy and labored.
Leo had seen this more times than he cared to remember. Within a few moments,
Darryl wold die. And there was nothing Leo could do to save him. If he had his White
Lighter abilities it would be a simple matter to heal Darryl of his injuries. Then, he'd be
as good as new.
But without a White Lighters' healing ability, Darryl was as good as dead. All Leo
could do was sit by and watch him die.
To be continued . . .
Don't miss the exciting conclusion in Part 3: Paid In Full. Can Leo figure a way to
keep Darryl alive long to get them back to the future and heal him? And when Leo
returns to the future, will Piper forgive him for what he's done or is their marriage over;
before they have the chance to start the family they both so desperately wanted?
If you've enjoyed this story, you can find more "Charmed" stories at my website,
www.geocities.com/killeenmale/. You can also post your own "Charmed" stories if you
like to write fan fiction.
"DEBT OF HONOR"
by J. B. Tilton with Tracie Joy
Rating: PG (for mild language)
PART 2 - PAST REVISITED
Despite Pipers' threat, Leo uses the Portal to go back to Quadalcanal in 1942. Only
Darryl is caught in the Portal and transported with him. Can Leo keep Darryl alive and
still complete his mission or are they both destined to die in the past?
* * *
ONE
Leo and Kiethran sat in the kitchen talking. After making her ultimatum, Piper had
stormed out of the kitchen. Paige had followed her and Leo assumed they would be
talking about what he was going to do. Leo and Kiethran were doing the same thing.
"Kind of strong willed, isn't she?" asked Kiethran.
"You have no idea," said Leo. "Now, you see why I didn't tell her all of it. If she had
known, I wouldn't have gotten this far. But I have to do this. Surely, you understand
why I have to do this?"
"To be honest," said Kiethran, "I'm not sure someone who had never been in combat
can truly understand this. I've never been in combat, so I can't really say that I
completely understand.
"But I do understand the need to do certain things. Even if it's extremely dangerous.
And I know something else. You would never have been made the White Lighter of the
Charmed Ones if you were frivolous or impulsive. I'm sure you've given this some very
serious thought. And if you feel you have to do this, I'll support you anyway I can."
"Thanks," said Leo. "It's not something I can exactly put into words. On that note, I
do have a favor to ask of you. I know it's asking a lot, but I would feel better if you'd do
something for me."
"I'll stick around until you get back," said Kiethran.
"You knew what I was going to ask?" asked Leo.
"It wasn't hard," said Kiethran. "With you in the past, none of the sisters can call on
you if they need help. If they do need help, there should be someone to fill in for you.
I'd be glad to watch over them until you get back."
"Thanks, Kiethran," said Leo. "You don't know how much I appreciate it. So, any
idea how long before the Guardian gets here?"
"I don't know," said Kiethran. "It depends on how long it takes her to gather enough
power to open the portal for you."
"I hope it doesn't take long," said Leo. "I want to get this over with as quickly as
possible so that I can get back and try to patch things up with Piper."
"I'll talk to her while you're gone," said Kiethran. "I'll try to make her understand how
important this is to you. I'm sure that once you get back safely, she'll be so glad to have
you back that you'll be able to smooth things over."
"If I come back," said Leo. "They're right about one thing. This is extremely
dangerous. And after more than sixty years, I'm not sure I'll remember everything about
what happened that day. It was pretty hectic most of the time."
"You'll do fine," said Kiethran. "Besides, like you said. It's very simple. Just go
back, deliver the message, then come back. Other than that, just keep your head
down."
"I hope you're right," said Leo. "I guess I'm just nervous. Say, about this condition
about not changing anything else while I'm back there. Exactly how strict is that going
to be? I mean, I'll be back there for an hour. Assuming I can deliver the message soon
enough, I can't just stand around waiting to return. And I was a medic. They'll want me
to do my job. If I don't I could alter my own future."
"I think the Guardian meant any major changes," said Kiethran. "Like warning
someone of a major offensive or telling the allies about the Germans plans. In the long
run, I don't think that doing your job will make much of a difference. You know that any
trip back in time alters the time line somewhat. Even if in minor ways. Just try not to
make any major changes."
The door bell rang just then and Leo went in to see who it was. Piper and Paige
were in the living room and Paige was answering the door just as Leo and Kiethran
came out of the kitchen. Piper shot Leo a glance that told him she hadn't changed her
mind. Paige opened the door and Darryl stood outside.
"Hi," said Darryl, stepping into the entryway. "Is Phoebe here? I need her help with
something."
"No, not right now," said Paige. "Anything we can do?"
"No," said Darryl, looking over at Kiethran suspiciously. "I need Phoebe. I thought
she might be able to help me with a case I'm working on. Something . . . about finding
a lost item."
"It's okay," said Leo, smiling, trying to distract Piper. "This is Kiethran Tannish,
Darryl. You remember him, don't you? The druid from Los Angeles."
"The Pentacle demon," said Darryl. "Yes, I remember. Good, that makes things a
bit easier. I need to see if Phoebe can get an impression or a vision from something."
"I thought you didn't like using magic on the job?" asked Piper.
"Normally, I don't," said Darryl. "But this is an unusual case. A young girl has
disappeared and we think it has to do with a child molester. If we don't find her soon,
she might end up like the rest of this scums' victims. I'm hoping Phoebes' precognitive
ability can help find her before that happens."
"Sorry, Darryl," said Piper. "She and Cole are out somewhere. We don't know
where."
"Leo," said Darryl, "can you try to locate her? It's very important that we find this girl
right away. No telling what has happened to her already. I want to find her right away."
"Maybe I can help," said Kiethran. "One of my abilities is divination. The ability to
see what's happened in the past. If you had an item that the girl or her abductor owned
or handled recently, I might be able to pick up on something."
Darryl hesitated for a moment, then took a small locket out of his pocket and showed
it to Kiethran.
"This locket belonged to the girl," said Darryl. "Her father bought it for her the day
she was born. They found it at the site where we think she was abducted. She's been
gone for nearly eighteen hours already."
"Let's go into the kitchen," said Kiethran. "I'm sure I can get some impression from
it. Something like that would have a very strong impression on it and being found so
recent will help."
Kiethran and Darryl went into the kitchen while Leo, Piper, and Paige remained in
the living room. Piper was obviously not talking to him yet and Paige was trying to get
them to at least speak to each other.
"She wasn't abducted," Kiethran told Darryl, after handling the locket for a moment.
"At least, not the way you think. I think the person who has her is her father. She didn't
put up a struggle and she seemed very familiar and affectionate with him. She called
him daddy."
"That makes sense," said Darryl. "Her parents are divorced and her father doesn't
live with them anymore. Any idea where he's taken her?"
"No," said Kiethran. "But I don't think she's in any danger. He seems to think she's
in danger from her mother. No, her mothers' new boyfriend. The father doesn't trust
the boyfriend. Sorry, that's all I get."
"That's enough," said Darryl. "At least now I know where to start looking. How
accurate is this divination thing of yours?"
"One hundred percent," said Kiethran. "Unlike precognition, I see what's already
occurred. Precognition deals with future events which can change depending on
peoples' actions."
"Great," said Darryl. "Now, all I have to do is find the girls' father and . . .."
He was interrupted by the sound of Piper screaming "no" at the top of her lungs.
Instinctively, Darryl drew his service pistol and rushed out of the kitchen into the living
room, expecting to find Leo, Paige, and Piper under attack. It was a scene he had
witnessed more than he wanted to.
As he rushed into the living room, he saw a woman standing near the fireplace. The
woman was totally white; as white as a sheet. She wore a flowing white dress and for a
moment, she reminded Darryl of an angel. Her eyes were just as white and they had
no pupils. Darryl wasn't sure who she was, but it was clear she wasn't human.
Although the woman was totally white, her features told Darryl that she was of
African American descent. Leo stood in front of the woman and some form of energy
seemed to be enveloping him. Paige and Piper stood off to one side apparently unable
to help Leo.
Darryl rushed into the living room intent on stopping the attack that Leo was under
and that the sisters couldn't defend against. Kiethran shouted for him to stop, but he
ignored the druid. He was a cop. His job was to help people and he instinctively went
to Leos' aid. Just as he reached Leo, the energy enveloping Leo flashed and Leo
vanished from the Manor.
And Darryl was caught in the energy field and vanished with him.
"Oh my God," said Kiethran.
"What happened?" asked Paige.
"That energy field," said Kiethran. "That was the Portal. It's how the Guardian sent
Leo back in time. Unfortunately, Darryl got caught in it, too. I'm afraid that Leo isn't the
only one who's going back to Guadalcanal in 1942."
Paige and Piper just looked at Kiethran and the Portal Guardian, horror on their
faces.
TWO
Darryl opened his eyes and stared straight ahead. Except he wasn't staring ahead.
He was staring up. Into the sky. He realized he was lying on his back, looking up into
the sky. Several puffy clouds floated lazily by.
Suddenly an explosion rocked the countryside and Darryl rolled over, bringing his
pistol up in a defensive manor. That's when he noticed there were explosions and gun
fire going on all around him. He started to stand up to look over a small rise directly in
front of him when Leo grabbed him and pulled him back to the ground.
"Stay down," said Leo. "You want to get your head blown off?"
"What the hell is going on?" demanded Darryl. "Where are we? The last thing I
remember was being in the manor. You were under some sort of attack from that . . .
that . . . whatever she was."
"It wasn't an attack," said Leo. "She was helping me. I guess you just got caught in
the energy vortex. Damn. I was supposed to come back here alone."
"Back where?" demanded Darryl. "Just where the hell are we?"
"Guadalcanal," said Leo, peering cautiously over the ridge. "And it's 1942."
Darryl stared at Leo, scarcely believing what he had just heard.
Quickly, Leo explained to Darryl what was going on. He only hit the highlights,
deciding there wasn't enough time to fill him in on everything. As Leo explained, the
battle for Guadalcanal continued to rage around them.
"So let me get this straight," said Darryl. "We've come back to Guadalcanal in 1942
so you can deliver a message? Is that what you're telling me?"
"It's a bit more complicated than that," said Leo. "But basically, yeah, that's about
the size of it. Listen, I don't have time to explain everything to you right now. We have
to find my headquarters and make sure they get the message. But first, we have to do
something about the way we're dressed."
"What do you mean?" asked Leo.
"Look," said Leo, "this is a war zone. Everyone here are soldiers. They're dressed
in military uniforms. That suit and the clothes I'm wearing will make us stand out like
sore thumbs. We have to look like soldiers."
"How do we do that?" asked Darryl.
Leo looked over the edge of the rise, then glanced around. Quickly, he scurried over
the rise, and within moments, came back dragging the body of a dead American soldier
with him.
"Here," he said. "Get this uniform off him. It should fit you. Now, I have to find one
for me."
"You expect me to rob the dead?" asked Darryl.
"He's not going to need it," said Leo. "And it will let us blend in. Just do it. Bury you
suit in the sand. You have to look like an American soldier."
"What?" asked Darryl. "Do you know how much I paid for this suit? It's my favorite
suit. I've only had it a month."
"What's more important?" asked Leo. "Your new suit or your life? Now, get into the
uniform as fast as you can. I'll try to find a uniform for me."
While Darryl changed into the uniform, Leo went out and found another dead
soldier. He dragged the body back behind the rise and began to strip the uniform off of
it.
"Okay," he said, as Darryl buried his suit in the sand, "we seem to be on the
southern edge of the battle. That's good. Everyone should be too busy fighting the
Germans to have seen us arrive. It shouldn't take us long to get to headquarters. Just
stick with me and go along with whatever I say."
"Then what?" asked Darryl. "Do you have any idea how we're going to get back?"
"We have an hour here," said Leo. "When that hour is up, we'll return to the future
automatically. Just keep your head down and try not to get yourself killed. Here, take
this. You can use it to protect yourself."
Leo handed him a rifle.
"Do you know how to use this type of rifle?" asked Leo.
"I'm a cop," said Darryl. "I'll figure it out. What about you? Aren't you going to get
one for yourself?"
"I'm a White Lighter," said Leo. "I'm forbidden from taking human life. Besides, I'm
supposed to be a corpsman here. If I pick up a weapon, I loose my non-combatant
status. Now, let's see if we can get to headquarters."
Cautiously, Leo and Darryl began to make their way along the shoreline looking for
the headquarters where they need to deliver the message.
* * *
It was nearly twenty five minutes before Leo and Darryl were able to locate the
headquarters. As much as it pained him, Leo had to bypass several wounded soldiers
who needed medical treatment. He didn't know which of the soldiers was destined to
live and who was destined to die. He couldn't take the chance that he might save
someone and inadvertently alter the future.
"It's right over there," said Leo. "By now, Private Murphy must already be there. My
guess is they're suspecting him of desertion already. All I have to do is go inside and
tell them about his CO giving him orders to . . .."
Suddenly Leo grabbed his head and fell to the ground. He sat on the ground for
several moments, holding his head. Suddenly, the episode passed as quickly as it had
started.
"Leo, are you okay?" asked Darryl, bending down to help. "You seemed to be in
pain but I don't see a mark on you."
"I think I just died," said Leo, looking up into the sky.
"What?" asked Darryl. "What do you mean you just died?"
"This is where I died," said Leo. "I was shot in the head by a stray bullet while I was
treating someone. I think it just happened."
"Sorry, man," said Darryl. "I guess I never considered that."
"Neither did I," said Leo. "I guess I figured it would already have happened when I
got back here. Come on. Let's get inside and get this over with. We'll be returning to
the future soon. I have to get this over with as quickly as possible."
Suddenly, Darryl was hit in the shoulder by a bullet. He staggered back from the
shot and fell to the ground. The rifle he was holding dropped to the ground and
clamored away. Leo rushed over and grabbed Darryl.
"Damn it," swore Leo. He applied pressure to the wound to staunch the bleeding.
"Take it easy. I'll get you some help. I don't have my White Lighter powers back here
so I can't heal you."
"Go on," said Darryl, gritting his teeth against the pain. "You don't have much time
left. Get in there and tell them what you have to tell them. I'll be okay for now. It hurts
like hell, but it's not life threatening. Go on. Do what you have to do."
Leo was torn. All his instincts told him to stay and help Darryl. He had been a
corpsman, a medic, in World War II. And in the sixty some odd years since then, he
had been a White Lighter. With the power to heal the injured.
But Darryl was right. Leo could tell the wound wasn't serious. If it was treated soon,
Darryl should recover fairly soon. And he had only minutes before his hour was up.
Then he'd return to the future and he was sure there was no chance of him coming
back again.
"I shouldn't be long," said Leo. "Just stay down. I'm sure someone will be along
soon to give you some help. If not, I'll heal you when we get back."
"Just go," said Darryl, pushing Leo away. "If this is as important to you as you've
said, you need to get in there. Go on. I'll be okay for now. Get in there and do what
you have to do."
Hesitantly, Leo turned and moved toward the headquarters. In a few minutes, he
would deliver his message and then they could return to the future.
THREE
Leo moved toward the headquarters. In the distance, artillery shells and small arms
fire could be heard almost everywhere. It brought back very vivid memories to Leo of
what he had gone through the first time. Men were dying all around him and there was
nothing he could do to change it or help.
He moved up to the tent which was serving as headquarters. It had been hastily set
up, but it would serve its' purpose until they had secured the beachhead. Leo could see
soldiers moving in and out of the tent as he moved toward it.
"Soldier," Leo heard as he moved toward the tent.
He turned to see a captain looking at him. He glanced around and saw he was the
only one nearby. He turned toward the captain.
"Yes, sir?" he asked.
He didn't salute the officer. Normally, this was a very serious breech of military
protocol. But in a combat zone, it could identify the leaders and any enemy snipers
nearby could then zero in on those leaders.
"What are you doing here?" demanded the captain.
"Corpsman Leo Wyatt, sir," said Leo. "I was sent by Captain Wilson of Company C,
forty first infantry to deliver a message to headquarters."
"What's the message?" demanded the captain. "I'm Captain Hendricks, Colonel
Peters' aide. Give me the message and I'll see that he gets it."
"There's a German unit moving in to flank our right side," said Leo. "I'll have to show
you exactly where on the map. Captain Wilson sent someone else, but he wasn't sure
if he'd get through so he sent me to make sure."
"Why did he send you?" asked Hendricks. "Surely you were needed there to treat
the wounded."
"I don't know, sir," said Leo. "All I know is that he told me to get back here and
make sure headquarters got the information."
"Come with me," ordered the captain.
Leo followed Hendricks into the tent. Several men stood around a table that had a
map spread out on it. One man, wearing the rank of full colonel, stood at the end of the
table looking at the map and giving orders. Hendricks walked over to the colonel and
told him what Leo had just told him.
"Corpsman," said Hendricks, "come over here and show us where the Germans are
supposed to be."
Leo walked over and looked at the map. Tiny markers showed the various units,
both American and German, and their locations. He could see from one of the markers
that some American units were already being moved toward that position.
"Here, sir," said Leo, indicating a position on the map. "I'm not sure how far they've
advanced by now. But that's where they were when I left Captain Wilson."
"We received that information a few minutes ago," said the colonel. "That deserter
over there," he indicated a man under armed guard sitting in the corner, "told us about it
hoping to distract us from the fact that he'd run from the battle. I wasn't sure if he was
telling the truth, but I didn't want to take a chance. I'm glad I moved some units there."
"Murphy?" questioned Leo, pretending to be surprised that Murphy was there.
Murphy looked up at him, sadness in his eyes. The guard next to him took a step
toward Leo to make sure that Leo didn't try to approach him. Murphy managed a weak
smile, obviously recognizing Leo.
"Desertion?" questioned Leo.
"Yes," said Captain Hendricks. "You must have known. Company C was wiped out
a few minutes ago. This private was found several hundred yards from there heading
for the beach. He ran into a German patrol who managed to delay him long enough for
us to get to him. He killed the Germans, but we apprehended him before he could get
away."
"Captain," said Leo, "Private Murphy didn't desert. Captain Wilson sent him back to
tell you about the Germans' flanking movement. Don't you remember I told you that
Captain Wilson had sent someone else back and he wanted to make sure you got the
message?"
"Yes, you did say that," said Hendricks.
"Wait a minute," said the colonel. "Are you telling me that the story he told us was
true? That he didn't desert his unit in the face of the enemy?"
"Yes, sir," that's what I'm saying," said Leo. "Private Murphy even protested, saying
he wanted to stay with his unit. But Captain Wilson ordered him back. He said that it
was vital that headquarters learn of the flanking movement by the Germans."
"Why didn't Wilson just radio the message to us?" asked the colonel.
"Their radio was destroyed," said Leo. "I was treating some men when I happened
across their position. I was treating the men when they learned of the flanking
movement. With their radio gone, he had no choice but to send someone back to let
you know what's going on."
The colonel looked at Leo and was obviously thinking. He looked at the captain,
then over at Murphy. Murphy, who couldn't help but overhear the entire exchange, was
looking at the colonel hopefully.
"Corporal," said the colonel to the guard on Murphy, "release Private Murphy."
Leo sighed a silent sigh of relief. He moved over to Murphy who was busily putting
on his combat gear.
"Glad I made it back here," said Leo. "Seems like you ran into a little trouble back
here."
"That I did," said Murphy. "Wyatt, isn't it?"
"Yes," said Leo, shaking Murphys' hand.
"I was heading back here when I got turned around," said Murphy. "I was heading in
the wrong direction and didn't know it. I came across four Germans who had managed
to get behind our lines. I was able to stop them, but then they found me. When they
found out what unit I was with, it made them suspicious because I was so far away."
"So I gathered," said Leo. "It's not hard to get turned around out there. I got turned
around a few times myself."
"Still," said Murphy, "I owe you. No telling what might have happened. They said
Company C was wiped out. I didn't think there was anyone left who could corroborate
my story."
"Just glad I could help," said Leo. "Well, I have a friend who was wounded a few
minutes ago. I think I need to check on him to make sure he's okay."
"Thanks again," said Murphy. "I owe you."
"Just keep your head down," said Leo smiling. "That will be enough thanks for me."
Leo walked over to the colonel who was once again consulting the map and issuing
orders.
"Sir," said Leo, "I think I should get back out there. A lot of men are going to need
medical attention."
"Fine, son, fine," said the colonel. "Thanks for letting us know. Murphy has been a
good soldier. I'd hate to think he was a coward and deserter."
"Yes, sir," said Leo.
Leo turned and left the tent. He headed back to where he had left Darryl. On the
way, he found a medics' bag lying next to the tent. He had no idea why it way lying
there, but he was glad it was. He scooped it up as he headed toward Darryl.
He reached the place where he had left Darryl, but his friend wasn't there. He
looked around, but didn't see him anywhere. There was a fresh stain of blood on the
ground and Leo could also see several foot prints in the dirt. But there was no sign of
Darryl.
"Hey," called a soldier setting up a machine gun position nearby, "you looking for
someone?"
"Yes," said Leo. "An African American . . . I mean, a colored man, about six feet or
so. He had a shoulder wound."
"Yeah, I remember," said the soldier. "He seemed to be in pretty bad shape. Some
medics came by and picked him up. I think they took him to one of the hospital tents in
the rear."
"Thanks," said Leo, "I appreciate it."
Leo turned and began to move back toward the rear. If Darryl had been taken to
one of the hospital tents, then he'd be getting the medical attention he desperately
needed. Leo looked at his watch. Twenty one minutes before the one hour was up.
He had to find Darryl within those twenty one minutes so they could go back to the
future.
FOUR
It had been nearly twelve minutes since Leo had went in search of Darryl. He had
already checked three hospital tents with no sign of Darryl. He was beginning to get
worried. He didn't know if he and Darryl had to be together to return to the future.
Theoretically, the energy field that would return them to the future would form around
Leo. Darryl would have to be close enough to be enveloped as well. Which meant that
if Leo couldn't find Darryl, he'd be trapped back here in the past.
He spotted another hospital tent and moved toward it. All of the hospital tents were
working furiously on the wounded that had been brought to them. Many of the men
couldn't be saved. Their injuries were too extensive. Leo watched as lifeless bodies
were removed from the tent. He stepped inside and looked around. A doctor stood
several feet inside looking over a chart.
"Excuse me, sir," said Leo, "I'm Corpsman Leo Wyatt. I'm looking for a friend of
mine. A Private Darryl Morris. He's colored, about six feet or so, and had a shoulder
wound. He would have been brought in about twenty minutes ago."
The doctor looked at Leo then looked over the chart in his hand.
"Yes," said the doctor. "Private Morris was brought in about twelve minutes ago or
so. I'm afraid it doesn't look good for your friend. His injuries were pretty extensive. I
did what I could, but I just didn't have the time to do everything that was needed. I'm
afraid he may not make it."
Leos' heart sank. He would have sworn that Darryls' injuries hadn't been that
serious. Any gunshot wound was serious, but Darryls' had appeared minor compared
to others Leo had treated that day.
"I don't understand," said Leo. "It was a simple wound. The bullet went completely
through and out his back. It didn't seem to be that serious."
"It did a lot of internal damage," said the doctor. "An artery was severed and he was
bleeding extensively. As I said, I did all I could, but if I devoted more time to him more
men would die that I could save. I'm sorry. Private Morris is in the back of the tent.
We've given him morphine to kill the pain, but it's only a matter of minutes."
"Thank you, sir," said Leo. "I appreciate everything you tried to do. Can I see him?"
"Sure," said the doctor. "A friendly face might help right now. Try to keep him
quiet."
"Thank you, sir," said Leo.
Leo wandered to the back of the tent. He passed several tables each of which had
doctors and nurses busily working on wounded soldiers. None paid him the slightest
attention as they worked as furiously as they could to save as many lives as possible.
The back of the tent held several cots. All of the cots were occupied with soldiers
who had already been treated. Many were sleeping probably from sedatives and pain
killers. The few that were still awake looked at Leo but he didn't recognize any of them.
In the very rear of the tent he found Darryl. Darryl was bandaged on his wounded
shoulder and he appeared to be groggy. Leo knew this was from the morphine they
had given him. He found a chair and took a seat next to Darryls' cot.
"Hey, Leo," said Darryl, still groggy from the medicine. "They gave me some
morphine. That wound hurt like hell, but with the morphine, I ain't feeling no pain."
"That's good, Darryl," said Leo. "I'm glad you got here. The doctors say you're
going to be fine."
"Did you deliver your message?" asked Darryl.
"Yes," said Leo. "Private Murphy was cleared of being a coward. I don't know if he'll
live to get off Guadalcanal, but at least he won't die a deserter."
"Good, good," said Darryl. "How long before we can get out of here?"
Leo looked at his watch. Seven minutes left.
"Just a few minutes," Leo said. "We shouldn't be here long."
"Great," said Darryl. "I'm looking forward to getting home and a long rest."
Suddenly Darryl lost consciousness. Leo checked him and found his pulse
dangerously low. He was extremely warm and his breath was heavy and labored.
Leo had seen this more times than he cared to remember. Within a few moments,
Darryl wold die. And there was nothing Leo could do to save him. If he had his White
Lighter abilities it would be a simple matter to heal Darryl of his injuries. Then, he'd be
as good as new.
But without a White Lighters' healing ability, Darryl was as good as dead. All Leo
could do was sit by and watch him die.
To be continued . . .
Don't miss the exciting conclusion in Part 3: Paid In Full. Can Leo figure a way to
keep Darryl alive long to get them back to the future and heal him? And when Leo
returns to the future, will Piper forgive him for what he's done or is their marriage over;
before they have the chance to start the family they both so desperately wanted?
If you've enjoyed this story, you can find more "Charmed" stories at my website,
www.geocities.com/killeenmale/. You can also post your own "Charmed" stories if you
like to write fan fiction.