By: Jumper Prime
For Disclaimer see chapter 1
Last time on Guardians of Good: Hecuba's attack on the church was foiled by none other than Kay, who used newly awakened powers to defeat the demons, then Father Lonnigan banished the witch from the church. Then the angel girl told Kay of a prophecy stating that she, her sister Jessica, and Charity were among the membership of a group called the Guardians of Good who were destined to battle evil. Now, Kay and the others must use the prophecy to find the other Guardians of Good. Meanwhile, angered from her defeat at the church, Hecuba prepared to incinerate Tabitha and Timmy with a fireball. Finally, Julian set loose a savage Dire Wolf to hunt down and kill Sheridan and Luis, who fall off a cliff as it attacks them.
Chapter 4: The Coven Convenes
Sheridan and Luis tumbled off the cliff hand-in-hand with jagged rocks 50 feet below. As they fell, images flashed through Sheridan's mind: Martin Fitzgerald, as he appeared before his disappearance, a small rock floating in mid-air, lines of colored light crisscrossing the air with no visible source, and a book full of arcane symbols. Strange words also ran though her mind over and over again. Sheridan found herself whispering those words even though they were in a language she didn't recognize. As Sheridan spoke the strange words, the air around her and Luis started to glow and their headlong fall started to slow.
What's going on? Why haven't we hit bottom yet? Luis said in puzzlement as he realized they should have already landed on the rocks, but Sheridan seemed in a trance as she continued saying the magic words.
About a minute later, Sheridan and Luis floated down to land lightly on their feet on the beach underneath the cliff. Once their feet touched the sandy ground, Sheridan stopped speaking and the strange light faded.
Luis said Are you alright?
Umm, I think so. Sheridan answered after a moment
I don't understand. I know we fell off that cliff. It's gotta be 50 feet high, yet we landed light as a feather. At the very least we shoulda broken every bone in our bodies but neither of us even has a scratch.
Uh, Luis... Sheridan said tiredly I feel... As she spoke, Sheridan started to fall forward
Luis exclaimed as he caught his girlfriend
So tired...
Don't worry Sheridan, I'll get you back to the cottage so you can rest. So saying, Luis hefted Sheridan in his arms and started carrying her back to the cottage, at the same time keeping an eye out for the monstrous wolf that had almost gotten them.
While Luis and Sheridan had had a narrow and unexplained escape, in Tabitha's living room things looked bleak for Tabitha and Timmy as Hecuba was about to roast them with a fireball.
Say goodbye, Tabby! Hecuba cackled and drew back her arm to throw the fireball she held in her hand when a teenage girl in a black witch dress and pointy hat appeared out of nowhere near the doorway to the kitchen.
Hold, bungler! she said in a stern voice Throw that fireball and you will be the next to burn!
Hecuba paused in surprise Who're you calling a bungler? The bungler's the one I'm about to toast, her and her little helper.
You are the bungler, Hecuba. The masters are not pleased with your failure tonight and have sent me to take action.
Timmy whispered to Tabitha as Hecuba and the new witch argued Who's this lady?
I don't know, Tim-Tim, Tabitha whispered back But since she's keeping Hecuba from killing us, I'd say for now we should consider ourselves on her side.
You and what demon army, sister? Hecuba growled at the new witch And who are you, anyway?
My name is Diana, the witch answered And I don't need an army considering the amount of power you used up in your failed attack. An attack you claimed would be as easy as strangling a newborn babe! Because of your incompetence, Operation Faithless has been put on indefinite hold! Diana snarled as she thrust her arm out towards Hecuba, palm open, and a shockwave passed through the air and hit Hecuba, sending the witch flying across the room as her fireball winked out.
Umm, excuse me. Tabitha said What's this Operation Faithless you're talking about?
You didn't even tell her!? Diana snarled at Hecuba
Why? She couldn't do anything to help and this was my deal! Hecuba answered as she got to her feet
You used MY Tac-Nuke spell, didn't you? Tabitha interrupted And you know you still haven't returned my spellbook despite borrowing it 2 days ago.
Look brat, Hecuba growled Partially depleted or not, I've still got enough juice to take you down.
And have you enough energy to defeat the Infernal Overlords residing in the basement of this house? Diana countered I suggest you check with them before taking further action against myself and Mistress Lennox.
MISTRESS Lennox!? Hecuba's voice held a tone of angry confusion You have got to be kidding me! That washed up old hag!?
Timmy whispered to Tabitha Why is Hecuba so bent outta shape about Diana calling you mistress?
Because Timmy, Tabitha answered Among witches, it's a term of respect reserved for the leader of a coven.
Timmy didn't know you were in charge of a coven. What's a coven, anyway?
A coven is a name for a group of witches, but I haven't been part of a coven for centuries and I was never the leader of one.
I am quite serious, Hecuba. Diana said Go down to the basement and check with the masters yourself if you like.
I'm gonna do just that and once I straighten things out down there, I'm gonna come back up here and straighten you out! Hecuba responded and stormed off to the basement
So, what's this Operation Faithless' Hecuba botched? Tabitha asked as Hecuba headed for the basement
Operation Faithless, Diana began Was a plan to unleash the forces of evil on the whole of this world. Simultaneous attacks on every major place of worship on Earth: Westminster Abbey, The Vatican, The Dome of the Rock, Stonehenge, and hundreds more. All to occur on the Devil's Night when our forces would be unimpeded by the holy protections normally associated with the targets. With every major locus of holy energy destroyed, the way would have been open for Lord Lucifer to send his most powerful servants, the 13 Archdukes of Hell, all their lieutenants, and armies of lesser demons sufficient to bring the sickeningly good people of Earth to their knees in supplication to us!
Sounds to me like one church out of hundreds wouldn't put that much of a crimp in the plan. Maybe a regiment or 2 of lesser demons would have to stay in the barracks but that wouldn't justify scrubbing the whole operation.
Except that Hecuba's attack on the Harmony church was the linchpin of the entire operation. Harmony is the current focal point for the conflict between good and evil and the destruction of the church closest to the focal point would have released a flare of dark energy big enough to blanket the globe. High noon one minute, darkest night the next, and all good-aligned wards completely neutralized, including the angel-generated barriers around the churches and other places of worship to be attacked.
But that incompetent Hecuba blew it! And what stopped her? One blind priest plus a stripling of a girl not even aware of the power she wielded and had only just manifested at the moment the attack began! As Diana spoke, energy crackled off her body as it had off Hecuba's not long ago The first Devil's Night in half a century WASTED because of one overconfident witch who didn't know what she was doing! the young witch sighed Every assault team will be waiting all night for a signal that will not be coming.
That's Hecuba for you. Decides what to do before she figures out the consequences if it goes wrong and makes excuses after it does. It's how I defeated her 300 years ago, before I locked her up in that dreary cave. She tried a Montezuma's Revenge spell on me and I reflected it back at her, put her down for the count and I walled her up in that cave to, well, reflect on her mistakes.
Tabitha, Timmy, and Diana shared a laugh at Tabitha's small joke as Hecuba trudged back into the room after consulting with her bosses in the basement, not the least bit happy with what they had told her.
And what are you three laughing about? the disgruntled witch asked crossly
Mistress Lennox was just telling a funny anecdote. I assume you have been told your new role in things? Diana answered
If I hadn't heard it straight from their mouths, I wouldn't believe it. Hecuba groused But THIRD in command!?! I gotta answer to a teenager... Waitasec, exactly how old are you, anyway?
I'm 227 years old. Granted, much younger than you, but when you can rejuvenate your body to any age you like, as we can, chronological age tends to become somewhat meaningless.
You're over 200 years old and you're still not an adult? Timmy said in awe Gee, it sure takes witches a long time to grow up.
And who are you, little one? Diana knelt down to look into Timmy's face as she spoke
The name's Timmy, Tabby's bestest pal. She tells Timmy everything. Would you like a Martimmy?
A... Martimmy? Umm, alright. I'll try one.
OK, just a sec. Timmy ran to the kitchen to get a clean glass for Diana as the witch in question stood back up and turned to Tabitha
Mistress Lennox, what did I just agree to try? And will I regret it?
Oh, you won't regret it. Tabitha answered A Martimmy is a rather delightful drink that Timmy invented, hence the name. Rather an elitist one, when you think about it, as you can count the number of people who have ever drunk it on the fingers of one hand, and that includes those in this house.
Timmy returned from the kitchen with a glass suitable for Martimmy drinking, poured some of the concoction from the pitcher into the glass, and handed the glass to Diana. The young witch sipped the drink cautiously, then her eyes widened and she drank a bit more.
This is quite good! she exclaimed And he created it all on his own? When Tabitha nodded, Diana continued Mistress Lennox, your homunculus is amazingly intelligent. Best I've ever been able to manage is one that can do simple tasks after I give exact instructions. For anything more complex than stirring a cauldron, I have to watch it closely.
Tabby, what's a homan.. Homon...? Timmy asked, stumbling over the complex word
Tabitha corrected, emphasizing each syllable
Yeah, what is it?
A homunculus is an artificially constructed being, brought to life by magic, like a golem or a living doll. You, my boy, are a homunculus.
Look, enough of this cocktail hour. Hecuba said angrily We're supposed to be a coven, that means we're supposed to be plotting Charity's demise or whatever our friends' in the basement want us to do. Right?
I suppose it might be a good idea to get down to business. Diana responded as she continued to sip her Martimmy If it's alright with you, Mistress Lennox?
By all means. Tabitha agreed
Very well. I was dispatched here because the light is brightening. The forces of good are becoming more powerful and in a big way.
You're not talking about what I think you're talking about, are you?
I'm afraid so. The Guardians of Good are starting to assemble.
Hecuba shrieked You mean that moldy oldy prophecy is coming true?
Yes, it is.
Well, if we know they're assembling, we gotta know who they are so we can take em out before they all get together, right?
Only partially so. Currently, we only know the identities of four of the eight members: The Three and the true love of one of the Three: Kay Bennett, Jessica Bennett, Charity Standish, and Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald.
You're kidding me! Those brats are supposed to trash all that is evil? Hecuba was almost laughing at this thought If they're the Guardians of Good, then the last line of the prophecy'll definitely end in our favor.
There you go getting overconfident for the umpteenth time. Tabitha chastised her
Yeah, isn't that how Tabby beat you 300 years ago and how Kay kicked your butt tonight? Timmy pointed out
Quiet ragface, or I'll turn you into charcoal. Hecuba snarled
You most assuredly will not. Tabitha said sternly Timmy is not to be torched, zapped, shredded, or otherwise destroyed by you. Understood, Hecuba?
Yeah, yeah. Hecuba sighed I still don't get how you ended up leader of this coven and I ended up low witch on the burning pole.
Obviously, our friends' in the basement realize that a General who knows the lay of the land and the forces arrayed against her, is more useful than one who has no idea what's she's doing and constantly underestimates the enemy. This drew a low growl from Hecuba but the redheaded witch didn't say anything
Diana cleared her throat If I may continue?
Oh, sorry. Go ahead.
There is more. I assume you are familiar with Charity's energy progression structure?
Her what? Timmy asked
How her powers will develop, what she can do and approximately when in her development she would be able to do it. Tabitha calmly explained
Yeah, yeah, Hecuba answered When she and Miguel make love, she'll come into her full powers and incinerate everything evil for 50 miles around, including us.
There is slightly more to it than that. Diana clarified She can also manifest in the conventional way and gain the ability to use her powers as others do.
Tabitha spit up the mouthful she had just sipped of her Martimmy You mean she could just manifest and burn us all to ash without making love to Miguel? That means we could be incinerated at any moment with no warning whatsoever!
No, that would require her full power and for that she would still need to make love to Miguel. Sorry if I scared you unduly, Mistress Lennox. Conventional manifestation will not bring out her full power, but the power she will command will still be considerable.
Tabitha wiped her brow We should be able to cope with something somewhat short of her full power. We do, after all, have the forces of darkness backing us.
Hecuba snorted All we gotta do is rub that brat out before she manifests or sleeps with Miguel. Charity dies, prophecy is busted, we bring Hell to Harmony and then the world.
That is our goal. Diana pointed out The execution, both literal and figurative, is another matter altogether. Personally, right now I would not trust any plan which you formulated on your own.
The young today just have no respect for their elders. Hecuba sighed
You'd be surprised how much two dismal failures in a row can erode the respect others have for someone. Tabitha deadpanned, somehow hiding the glee she must obviously feel at Hecuba's discomfort
I've had enough of this! Hecuba grumbled You got any more info to tell us kid, or can I go back to my cave and drown my sorrows with a real drink?
Diana answered I have told you all the information I was given.
Good. I'm outta here! Hecuba disappeared almost before she had finished her sentence.
Not the least bit interested in brainstorming a plan. Diana frowned If this is the zealousness with which she pursues her assignments, it's no wonder she's such a failure.
Oh, she just needs to get used to the new state of affairs. Tabitha said Her ego's taken a pretty big hit tonight. First Kay singlehandedly foils her attack on the church and now she has to take orders from someone she'd been looking forward to killing, namely me.
Couldn't happen to a nicer witch. Timmy smiled Timmy's real glad he doesn't have to worry about mean old Hecuba burning him up. Umm, she won't disobey your orders and kill Timmy anyway, will she?
Fret not, little one. Diana patted Timmy on the head She's in the doghouse with our masters right now. Disobeying the leader of her coven and destroying said leader's prize homunculus could be the straw that broke the camel's back. She won't risk the severe punishment that would bring down upon her head.
Tabitha leaned back on the couch and sipped her Martimmy. As she enjoyed the drink, the elder witch reflected on her sudden change in status. From a powerless witch with Hecuba eager for her head, to the leader of a coven containing Hecuba and a younger witch who seemed quite loyal, judging by her demeanor.
So Diana, where in Harmony are you staying? Tabitha asked
Actually, nowhere. the young witch answered I teleported straight here from my sanctum in Las Vegas. I'll have to procure some local housing.
Oh, no worries there, dear, you can stay here with me and Timmy.
I- Mistress Lennox, I couldn't impose-
Nonsense dearie. It'll be no imposition at all. It'll be much simpler if we're both under the same roof and our respective covers will reinforce each other, to boot.
I don't understand.
It's actually very simple. You'll be my niece, Diana Lennox. The daughter of my recently departed brother, Alfred. I'm his only living relative, of course, and since he and his wife passed away in a tragic car accident recently, you've come to live with me. You should be able to do some spying on those brats too. Teenagers always seem to clam up when an adult enters the room, you know.
An intriguing idea, Mistress Lennox.
There's another thing. You can't be calling me Mistress Lennox' in front of those goody-goods. Get into the habit of calling me Tabitha, or, if you feel the need to be formal, Aunt Tabitha. You should also see about arriving in town by mundane means. People would get suspicious if you were suddenly living in my house with no one having seen you arrive.
Some more appropriate clothes would seem to be in order as well. Diana snapped her fingers and suddenly her witch clothes had changed to a pink shirt, jeans, and sneakers, with a duffel bag slung over one shoulder and her long raven hair flowing halfway down her back.
Excellent. But you'll need a coat too. It's rather chilly this time of year and mortal teenagers can't magically warm the air around them.
Diana snapped her fingers again and she was wearing a winter coat in addition to her other clothes. The young witch then placed her index fingers against her temples and closed her eyes in concentration.
There's a bus currently on its way to Harmony. she said in a low voice, eyes still closed It should reach the Harmony bus terminal sometime tomorrow morning. There are many empty seats so I should be able to teleport aboard without anyone noticing.
Tabitha smiled Make sure you keep your aura masked at all times, even before the bus reaches Harmony. Can't have any of the goody-goods next door sensing your true nature.
Of course Mistress-
Ah, ah, ah. Tabitha clucked her tongue at Diana Aunt Tabitha. I want you to either call me Tabitha or Aunt Tabitha at all times. Better you call me Tabitha in private than calling me Mistress Lennox in front of those goody-goods.
As you wish.... Aunt Tabitha.
That's better. Don't worry my dear, I was never one to insist on formalities. When you get here, you might want to think about knocking on the Bennetts' front door, as if you got the numbers mixed up. Sort of introduce yourself without it looking like you want to introduce yourself.
A very good idea, Aunt Tabitha. They will suspect me no more than they would suspect you, their next door neighbor.
Their eccentric next door neighbor. Tabitha agreed And remember, as far as everyone outside our coven is concerned, Timmy is just a doll I like to carry around with me.
Tabitha and Diana spent a few more minutes working out the details of the younger witch's cover before she disappeared from Tabitha's living room to appear on the bus she had sensed earlier. After Diana vanished, Tabitha walked to the kitchen, took out an onion, and started chopping it up.
Princess, why are you cutting up that onion? Timmy asked
Because Timmy, the witch started to reply as her eyes were tearing up When I tell the Bennetts of my tragic loss, I should be crying or they'll get suspicious.
What loss? If Tabby had a brother, he'd have been dead for a really, really long time already.
Yes, but those goody-goods next door don't know that. Don't worry, I'll do all the talking and crying. You just sit in the crook of my arm and look adorable.
Once the onion was completely chopped up and her tears were flowing well, Tabitha picked up Timmy and went over to the Bennett's backyard. She knocked frantically on the back door of the Bennett house as she reached it.
Hello? Is anyone there? Tabitha called
Tabitha, what's wrong? Grace asked as she opened the door and saw Tabitha crying Why are you crying?
Oh, it's horrible Grace! Tabitha said with a very good imitation of anguish in her voice I got the worst phone call a few hours ago and I haven't been able to stop crying since!
Come inside Tabitha, I'll get you some tea to calm you down and you can tell me what's happened. Grace was completely taken in by Tabitha's act and helped the older woman sit down at the kitchen table once Timmy had been placed in another chair. Grace then put a teakettle full of water on the stove and got out the tea bags and teacups Now, while the water's heating up, tell me what's wrong.
Oh it's so awful. It's my brother Alfred...
You've mentioned him once or twice in passing, has something happened to him?
The worst thing! He and his wife.. They- Tabitha sniffled convincingly They've been killed in a car accident!
Oh! I'm so sorry Tabitha. Grace took Tabitha's hands in a comforting grip as they rested on the table I know what it's like to lose a sibling, even if I only knew her through Charity.
Yes, I remember you telling me about poor Faith. wiped a few tears from her eyes And my current situation very much parallels the one you experienced a little over a year ago. You see, my brother and his wife had a daughter, my niece, Diana.
The poor dear. Is she alright?
*Tabby sure is a great actress.* Timmy thought to himself as he sat in the chair, appearing for all the world to be a simple, inanimate doll *If Timmy didn't know better, he'd think she really had lost a brother.*
Yes, she was at home when Alfred's car went off the road with him and Nancy in it. But I'm now her only living relative!
What's going to happen to her? Grace asked as the teakettle whistled. She got up from the table, got the teakettle off the stove, and poured some water into each cup.
She's on a bus, heading for Harmony right now. Tabitha answered as she dipped her tea bag in the cup, her tears starting to dry up. I couldn't let her be put in an orphanage, the poor dear, so she's going to be staying with me from now on. Tabitha cried a few more tears as she sipped her tea
Tabitha, if there's anything we can do to help...
Tabitha sipped her tea a moment, apparently thinking Perhaps if your girls could spend some time with her? She'll need friends here in Harmony, everyone she knows is back in Boston.
When will her bus arrive? Sam could pick her up at the station and-
Thank you Grace, but Diana's a very independent young lady. She can take a cab or something from the bus station to here. No need to trouble you or your good husband.
Are you sure? It'd be no trouble.
Oh, I don't even know what time her bus is supposed to arrive, just that it'll be in tomorrow morning, and I can't keep you and Sam on standby all morning waiting for her to call, which she probably won't even bother doing since she knows where I live. You'd be surprised how adept she is at getting around on her own. By now Tabitha's tears had stopped Ah, this tea and talking to you was just what an old girl like me needed. Thank you dearie.
You're welcome. If you need anything, anything at all, just ask.
Don't worry, I will. Now, if you'll excuse me, I really need to make up the spare room and teenager-proof the rest of my house. Tabitha smiled at her slight joke
She finished off her tea and stood up, then retrieved Timmy from his chair and walked out the kitchen door into the backyard, from there returning to her own house. As Tabitha returned to her house, congratulating herself on her performance, a private jet was arriving at the Harmony Airport. The plane was emblazoned with the words Sorenson Metallurgy and had two passengers, in addition to the flight crew. The first passenger was the majority stockholder of Sorenson Metallurgy, 22 year old Matthew Sorenson, who had brown hair, blue eyes, was just under 6 feet tall and had an athletic build that was barely concealed by his tidy blue business suit. The other occupant was his faithful butler, Jacob, a distinguished man who looked to be in his 60's with greying hair and brown eyes, wearing a pristine black tuxedo.
Harmony at last, Jacob. Matthew sighed I was beginning to think this flight would never end.
Crossing several time zones can contribute to such thoughts, sir. Jacob responded in a dignified voice By the way, while you were using the lavatory, I took a call for you from Alistair Crane.
Grandfather had some dealings with him a long time ago, didn't he?
Yes, a few profitable ventures, but they parted on unfriendly terms after Master Maxwell found fault with Mr. Crane's business ethics, or lack thereof.
What was he calling about?
He had heard about your trip to Harmony and wished to convey an invitation for you to stay in the Crane Mansion for the duration of your visit.
Did you explain to him that the family still owns the townhouse Grandfather used during his time in Harmony?
Yes sir, I did. He seemed quite cordial about it and suggested you might find it pleasing to visit the Crane Mansion to discuss a new alliance between Sorenson Metallurgy and Crane Enterprises.
I suppose I should at least listen to his proposal. But not until everything is squared away in the townhouse. How long after we arrive are the trucks supposed to arrive with the furniture and such?
According to the schedule, allowing for traffic, we should arrive at the townhouse approximately eight and a half minutes before the trucks arrive.
Very good, Jacob. I've heard some interesting things about Harmony. Things shouldn't be too dull if even half of them are true.
Of course, sir. It is why you made this journey, after all.
Meanwhile, in the cottage on the Crane Estate, Sheridan Crane slowly opened her eyes to find herself lying on her bed with no knowledge of how she got there.
Wh-What happened? she whispered as she started to sit up
You fainted. Luis answered from his position on the chair next to the bed Can't really blame you, after we fell off that cliff.
I had the strangest dream. I was talking to Martin Fitzgerald, your father. He was saying that he was proud of me, but I can't remember what he was supposed to be proud about.
That doesn't sound so strange. You're quite a woman. Luis grinned, prompting Sheridan to grin back, then Luis' expression became more serious When that monster wolf made us fall over that cliff, things got... strange. It was like gravity took a vacation or something.
I... I can't remember what happened when we fell off the cliff. Everything right after we started falling until we reached the ground is really fuzzy. As Sheridan finished her sentence, Luis' cellphone range and he answered it.
Lopez-Fitzgerald? What? Torn to shreds? Tranq guns broken in half... No, I'm not surprised. I told you when I called earlier, that thing crushed a tree branch in its mouth and was even able to bite my gun in half. No, I'm not kidding... Well, thanks for keeping me in the loop. You be careful, that thing's dangerous and if what you say is true, it's a killer. Luis closed his cellphone and put it away.
Who was that?
Animal Control. As soon as we got back here, I called them to tell them about the wolf that attacked us. They sent some guys out to bring it in, and they just found those guys torn to pieces and their tranq guns broken. Now they're sending out more guys with rifles to hunt it down. They can't let that thing kill anyone else.
Luis! You saw it, that was a Dire Wolf! It's not just bigger with stronger jaws, its hide is tough as armor. Ordinary bullets might slow it down, but they can't stop it unless they get lucky and shoot it through an eye or its open mouth. Armor-piercing bullets would probably stop it but normal ones won't penetrate its skin!
Sheridan, what are you talking about? There's no animal with hide like that, certainly not a wolf. It was just bigger than normal, it's not some mythical unstoppable creature.
Luis, when I saw it, I suddenly knew everything about it. I knew it was a Dire Wolf, I knew its habits, its strengths, its weaknesses, its habitat-
Sheridan, how exactly would you know all this?
I... I'm not sure. But I've got the distinct impression that your father taught me about it. And I'm not talking about telling a folktale, I mean teaching me, like it was absolute fact.
Sheridan, I think you're getting reality and your dream mixed up.
Maybe. I was just so sure it was real.
Why don't you get some sleep. Things should be clearer in the morning.
Yeah, that's probably a good idea.
As Sheridan got changed to retire early, the brainstorming session the teens were holding at the Bennett house was winding down with few conclusions having been reached.
The prophecy just isn't specific enough. Reese voiced the basic fact they had been ramming their heads against
We'll probably know for sure when we find them, but we've got no idea HOW to find them right now. Jessica agreed
Kay, the angel said the ones we didn't know would be guided to us, right? Charity asked
Yeah, that's what she said. Kay answered
Then we just have to trust that God will guide them to us when we need them.
Personally, I think I'd prefer if they were guided to us BEFORE we need them. Miguel said
That would be preferable, wouldn't it? Reese agreed Then we could compare notes and strategize together to make subsequent battles easier.
Well, I guess we're just gonna have to have faith. Kay sighed Looks like we've exhausted all our ideas and then some.
I've still got a few variations to try on my Internet search. Reese said as he rose from his seat and started for the front door Maybe I'll find something related to the prophecy.
Well, since there's nothing left to discuss, Kay mused I declare the first meeting of the Guardians of Good to be adjourned.
Kay tapped her glass lightly against the coffee table like a mock gavel. Jessica then began gathering up everyone's empty milk glasses and put them on the tray with the cookies her mother had brought in earlier, then carried it to the kitchen.
You free tomorrow morning? Miguel asked Charity as she walked him to the door
I think I can free up some time. Charity smiled What've you got planned?
There's this beautiful spot in the woods I want to show you.
How can I refuse after a buildup like that?
Pick you up at 9:00?
It's a date. Charity smiled
As Miguel walked out the door, Kay had watched and heard the entire exchange and it brought a sadness to her heart, knowing that the man she loved only had eyes for her cousin, but she was able to keep her sorrow from showing on her face.
*Even if he'll never love me the way he loves Charity, Kay thought *I'll express my love for him by making sure he never experiences the sadness of being separated from Charity by evil. It's the only way I can make up for doing all those bad things to her.*
Grace said as she came into the living room from the kitchen with Jessica There's some bad news I need to tell you.
About what, Mom? Kay asked, wondering what it could be
It's about Tabitha. Her brother and his wife were killed in a car accident and now her niece, Diana, is on her way to Harmony to live with Tabitha.
That's so sad. Charity's said softly, remembering how she had lost her own mother Is there anything we can do?
Tabitha thought it would be a big help if you girls would spend some time with Diana since she doesn't know anyone in Harmony.
Sure thing, Mom. Jessica replied I remember how down Charity was after her mom died.
Glad to hear it. Grace turned to go back into the kitchen but turned around again to stare intently at Kay
Something wrong, Mom? Kay asked, nervous about the look her mother was giving her
No... It's just, the part of the room where you are seems a little brighter somehow. Must be a trick of the light. Grace walked back to the kitchen as Jessica let out a sigh
You see, Kay? she said after her mother was out of earshot Charity can see that light coming from you and so can Mom but I can't! She's gotta be the third one, not me. She gets all those premonitions and I've never had one.
The angel was pretty specific, Jess. Kay countered She said the Three are you, me, and Charity.
Just because you're not aware of your powers doesn't mean they're not there, sleeping inside you. Charity said
If you say so. Jessica sighed and headed upstairs
The Dire Wolf ran through the woods, its sensitive nose filled with the scent of humans near its den. It ran into the clearing where two humans were standing hand-in-hand. It barked loudly, causing them to turn to see the creature as it charged.
Run Charity! the taller human shouted to its companion as they both took off running, the Dire Wolf giving chase.
The wolf surged forward and its mouth closed around Miguel's leg in mid stride, biting down with enough force to crush the bone and Miguel fell sprawling to the ground, crying out in pain. Charity looked back at his cry.
Don't stop Charity! Miguel ordered Save yourself!
Charity hesitated a moment but began running again when the monstrous wolf took a bite out of Miguel's back and he went still. The Dire Wolf's tongue licked some of the blood from its gleaming teeth and then it took off running after Charity's fleeing form. The wolf was fast and caught up to Charity in less than a minute, leaping into the air and slamming into her back to knock the girl down into the stream and land on top of her. Charity barely had time to cry out before the Dire Wolf's jaws closed around her slim neck and crushed the bones in it, resulting in instant death, her blood turning the water dark red.
Jessica woke up screaming, startling Kay awake, the older girl tumbling out of bed and instinctively dropping into a fighting stance. She glanced around the room quickly, trying to find the source of her sister's fright but saw nothing. The room was dark, morning still far away.
Jess, what's wrong? Kay asked as her sister was breathing heavily
Ch-Charity & M-Miguel... Jessica gasped So horrible.
The door opened as Grace and Sam came in to see what had frightened their daughter so much.
Jessica, are you alright? Sam asked We heard you scream.
It was so horrible. Jessica sobbed Miguel and Charity... That wolf killed them.
Just then, Charity, dressed in a robe, came into the room.
What's that about me and Miguel? she asked
Jessica blinked You... You're OK? Jessica jumped out of bed and ran over to hug Charity You're OK! How'd you get away from that wolf?
What wolf?
Honey, you were just having a nightmare. Grace informed her daughter
It seemed so real. Jessica said I'm glad it was all in my head.
Let's go downstairs and I'll get you a glass of warm milk to help you get back to bed.
Grace and Jessica went downstairs to the kitchen. After they were gone, Sam quietly spoke.
You know, it's a pretty big coincidence, Jessica having a nightmare about a killer wolf. he said
Why's that Dad? Kay asked
Because that's why I was so late getting home from work. There've been reports of a giant wolf loose in the woods. Luis and Sheridan were lucky to get away from it and, later, it tore apart some Animal Control guys who were sent out to capture it, and then another team took casualties trying to bring it down. I spent a while coordinating with Animal Control's head honcho as to manpower and search grids. Come tomorrow, that wolf is gonna be compost.
Sam headed downstairs to comfort his daughter as Charity returned to her room to get back to sleep. When Jessica returned to their bedroom, she and Kay got back into their beds, but both had difficulty getting back to sleep, though for different reasons.
*Jessica had a dream about Miguel and Charity being killed by a wolf, and right now there's a killer wolf loose in the woods, plus Miguel and Charity are planning to go into the woods tomorrow. Couple that with the fact that Jessica is The Seer, which usually means someone who can see the future, and it adds up to disaster. I gotta find out more.* Kay thought Jess, you still awake? she asked aloud
her sister answered after a moment Am I keeping you up? That nightmare seemed so real. Even after that warm milk, I still can't seem to get to sleep.
No, it's alright. Maybe if you talk about your nightmare, it'll help you get to sleep?
Why don't you start with where and when it happened?
The woods, in the morning.
Did you overhear Charity & Miguel's plans for tomorrow?
They made plans? I musta been in the kitchen with the glasses and left over cookies when they did. What's that got to do with my dream?
Uh, nothing. Where in the woods?
There was a clearing with a stream running through it, making a sort of curve, and there was a feeling of peace... until the wolf killed Miguel and Charity, that is.
The most beautiful place in the woods. Kay whispered *It makes sense.* she thought to herself *Ever since Miguel and I found it as kids, that part of the woods has been our secret, a place each of us would take the person we loved. And Jessica described it perfectly. Of course Miguel would take Charity there.*
What was that?
Nothing. Was there anything special about the wolf? Any way to tell it apart from all the others that might be in the woods?
Oh yeah. No way you'd mistake that thing for a regular wolf. It was huge! And it's teeth looked like steel knives.
Can you think of anything else about your dream?
No. Just that it was like I was really there, staying close behind the wolf like I was a balloon tied to it. Oh, and I got the feeling that the wolf's home was really close to that clearing. Jessica yawned and felt her eyelids becoming heavy. Man, you were right. I feel much sleepier now. G'night Kay.
G'night Jess. Kay responded as her sister fell asleep, but she herself remained wide awake. *There's only one way to be sure that wolf doesn't kill Miguel and Charity tomorrow, Kay thought And that's for me to kill it tonight.*
Kay quickly formulated a plan. She quietly got out of bed and dressed, then crept up to the attic and retrieved her older brother Noah's old hunting knife. Next, Kay sneaked out of the house and headed for the woods, intent on finding and killing the wolf before it could kill Miguel and Charity. Meanwhile, Sheridan had found herself in a featureless white void, empty but for herself.
she called out Can anyone hear me?
The wall is coming down, Sheridan. A voice came from behind her. Sheridan turned and saw Martin Fitzgerald standing there with a smile on his face.
What wall? There's nothing here.
The wall is coming down, at long last.
I don't understand.
You will, as soon as the wall is down. But right now, there is something you need to do.
Martin Fitzgerald explained to Sheridan what she needed to do. She had a little trouble believing it was possible for her to do it, but she was starting to remember things that told her that it was indeed possible. Sheridan's eyes snapped open. She was lying in bed, with Luis lying next to her. The conversation in the void had been a dream... Yet it seemed like more. She got out of bed, inadvertently jostling Luis awake.
Sheridan, what's wrong? Luis asked as he awoke
There's something I have to do. Sheridan answered as she started to get dressed
I... I can't explain it now, but I have to go do it immediately.
Not without me. Luis responded, getting out of bed and starting to get dressed himself That wolf is still out there.
You can come, just make sure to stay out of my way
Sheridan, this isn't like you.
I'm sorry Luis, it's just very important that I do this.
Then I'm definitely coming with you. Sheridan merely nodded at this statement. The two lovers finished dressing and left the cottage.
Later, Kay was in the woods, approaching the clearing Jessica had seen in her dream, the hunting knife in its sheath on her belt, her eyes and ears wide open for signs of the wolf. Then she heard it, a growling sound nearby. She turned to face it and saw the massive form of the Dire Wolf staring at her, it's eyes sparkling with the hunger for blood. Kay pulled the knife from its sheath and held it blade downward. She slowly crept toward the Dire Wolf, one step at a time.
OK Cujo, Kay quipped Time to put you to sleep.
The Dire Wolf charged at Kay but she managed to sidestep the furry missile and drive the blade of the knife into its back. At least, that's how it should have been, but for the fact that the hide of a Dire Wolf was too tough to be pierced by an ordinary steel hunting knife. Kay had driven the knife into the Dire Wolf's back with all her now considerable strength, the beast's skin was too tough to be pierced, and something had to give. That something was the knife itself, the blade breaking in half as Kay was left holding a knife handle with a short length of steel attached where there used to be a sharp knife blade.
Kay was too stunned by this turn of events to see when the Dire Wolf spun after its dodged charge and pounced on her, the girl turning to face it just in time for it to slam into her chest and knock her to the ground. Dropping the now useless knife, Kay immediately grabbed hold of the jaws of the beast atop her with both hands to keep it from tearing her face off. As she felt the Dire Wolf's hot breath on her face, its snout mere inches from her nose, Kay realized that it was taking everything she had to keep the massive beast from taking a bite out of her. She had made a severe tactical error in going after the wolf alone, only now realizing that, despite her easy win over Hecuba's demons in the church, she was not invincible, and she had apparently met her match in this savage creature. Any moment her straining arms might falter, allowing the Dire Wolf to sink its teeth into her young body and probably end her life. As these thoughts flashed through her mind, Kay silently prayed for God to keep Charity, Jessica, and Miguel safe and alive, since she would most likely be unable to do so herself.
End of Chapter 4
Ah! Another chapter finished. Sorry this one took a whole month to write, but I've been real busy lately. Hopefully, I'll finish chapter 5 in less time than this one and you won't have to wait as long to find out whether Kay escapes or becomes wolf chow. And what is Sheridan's dream-sent errand? You'll find that out too, and it may surprise you... or not.