Guardians of Good
Written By: Jumper Prime
For Disclaimers see Chapter 1.
Last time on Guardians of Good: After falling from a cliff in the wake of an attack by a savage Dire Wolf, Sheridan and Luis mysteriously landed at the bottom unharmed. Meanwhile, Tabitha and Timmy's imminent demise at Hecuba's hands was canceled and the dynamics of their relationship altered by the arrival of a new witch named Diana, who is soon to take up residence in Tabitha's home as Tabitha's fictitious niece. Jessica, who according to the prophecy is The Seer, had a dream foretelling Charity and Miguel's deaths at the hands of the Dire Wolf that attacked Luis and Sheridan. Seeing the dream for what it was, Kay set out alone to kill the Dire Wolf before it could kill Miguel and Charity, but she soon found herself in over her head and fighting for her life after her knife broke against the beast's tough skin.
Chapter 5: Revelations
Kay struggled to keep the Dire Wolf's jaws away from her body, but even with the strength afforded her by her newly awakened powers, it was all she could do to keep it from tearing her face off. A normal person would have stood no chance at all. As Kay felt her arms tiring, several shots rang out, the bullets bouncing ineffectively off the Dire Wolf's hide. Kay's head turned towards where the sound of the shots had come from and saw Luis aiming his backup gun at the Dire Wolf, Sheridan standing beside him.
I don't believe this! Luis declared I know I'm hitting it but nothing's happening!
Luis fired more bullets but these too were ineffectual against the massive beast, which snarled but remained focused on Kay. Sheridan raised her arms straight out, palms facing each other and started to speak softly.
Fires of Earth, gather to me.... she intoned and thin streams of flame started to flow through the air, coming from all directions, all meeting in the space between Sheridan's palms and coalescing into a ball of flame. Sheridan drew back her hand, the fireball grasped in it. ...And be unleashed! She threw the fireball and it hit the Dire Wolf, causing it to yelp in pain as it was burned. Another fireball quickly formed in Sheridan's hand and she drew back to throw this one as well. Be unleashed! she repeated as she threw the second fireball, bringing another yelp of pain from the beast. This time, Kay was able to use the distraction to throw the Dire Wolf off of her and rolled to her feet. The Dire Wolf landed on its own feet and turned to face the source of its pain. It growled angrily and immediately charged at Sheridan, who placed her palms together, fingers pointing at the Dire Wolf. Flames of Retribution. she said simply and opened her fingers while keeping her palms together.
A stream of flame shot from her hands and engulfed the charging Dire Wolf, which howled in pain. The flame continued to pour from Sheridan's hands until the Dire Wolf's howls of pain went silent. When the flame petered out, the Dire Wolf was on lying the ground, severely burned and charred.
What? How? Luis stammered, finding it hard to believe that his girlfriend had just thrown fire from her bare hands Sheridan, how'd you do that?
I... I'm not sure. Sheridan responded, suddenly rather tired, as though she'd just run a marathon I just knew what to do when I saw the Dire Wolf attacking her. I didn't think, I just did it.
I'm pretty glad you did. Kay said Thanks. For a moment there, I thought I'd had it.
Kay, what're you doing out here so late? Luis asked Do your parents know?
No, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell them about this.
And why shouldn't I? That wolf could've killed you if-
If Sheridan hadn't roasted it. Yeah, I know. I woulda been fine on my own if my knife hadn't broken. Kay nodded towards the broken knife not far away.
You tried to kill a Dire Wolf with an ordinary knife? Sheridan asked I'm not surprised it broke. Dire Wolves have very tough skin.
Dire Wolf? Is that what it's called? All I knew was if I didn't kill it tonight, it would've killed Miguel and Charity tomorrow.
What makes you so sure? Luis asked, rather surprised at Kay's matter-of-fact declaration I suppose you can see the future, now?
Jessica saw it actually, in a dream, but it was very specific and included some stuff Jessica had no way of knowing.
Just then, the scorched form of the Dire Wolf started to weakly stir, a low growl coming from its muzzle as it tried to move its badly burned limbs, drawing shocked looks from the three humans.
It's still alive! Sheridan cried in surprise
Not for long. Kay said calmly and hefted a good sized rock
She carried it to where the Dire Wolf lay, still trying to get up, and raised it over her head before bringing it down on the beast's skull, crushing it, and the massive creature finally breathed its last.
I'm taking you home Kay. Luis told her
Luis, please. Kay responded If Mom & Dad find out about this, they'll ground me for life.
Well, maybe they should. Going after a wolf alone with nothing but a knife sounds a little crazy to me.
Sheridan spoke softly Maybe we should keep it a secret.
What? Why?
I... I just think she had a good reason. After seeing what I did a minute ago, you have to admit that her sister seeing the future is a little less implausible. Luis had no easy counter to that argument
Alright. You better go straight home, Kay, before I change my mind about telling your parents.
Thanks, both of you. Don't worry, there's no place I'd rather go now than home. Kay smiled, picked up the broken pieces of her knife, and started to jog back towards her house. As she jogged out of sight, Luis and Sheridan started walking back towards the cottage.
Sheridan, why didn't you want me to tell Sam and Grace about her being out here so late, hunting that thing?
You saw her struggling with the Dire Wolf, right? Sheridan responded
Yeah. She's lucky we got there when we did.
Dire Wolves are extremely strong. If that had been you struggling with it in that position, you wouldn't have lasted 5 seconds before it ripped your face off.
Sheridan, what're you saying?
Kay isn't normal. She's stronger than she seems. Stronger than an ordinary person should be.
Y'know, now that I think about it, that rock did seem a little big for her to lift it as easily as she seemed to find it. But how could she be so strong?
The same way I threw flame from my bare hands just now: Magic. Luis, I'm remembering more and more as time goes on. When we fell off the cliff, I saved us by casting a spell.
Where did these powers of yours come from, all of a sudden?
I've still got some pretty big gaps in my memory, but I can't shake the feeling that your father has something to do with it, like how he taught me about Dire Wolves and other things I can and can't remember.
My father disappeared a long time ago, back when we were both kids. How come you never used these powers back when the Cartel was after you? Sure would've made things a lot easier a few times, like that hotel in Paris when a cable was all that stood between us and a long drop. We coulda skipped the Tarzan swing and floated straight to the street.
I didn't have any idea I had them. The first inkling I had that I could do this stuff was when we fell off the cliff earlier tonight. As we fell, some words and images flashed through my head, I repeated the words, and we started floating. I didn't have any idea I could throw fireballs either until I saw Kay pinned under the Dire Wolf and I just did it.
Man, this is really weird. A few nights ago, when Father Lonnigan said Charity was literally in Hell, I didn't believe it, and I didn't believe in magic either. But now, I've witnessed magic in action firsthand, twice.
We're in the same boat. I never believed in magic either, and I have no idea how I know how to do it, or what I'm capable of. I'm a little scared. What if it goes off without my wanting it to and hurts someone, like you?
You're not alone, Sheridan. I'm right here with you. Together, we'll get you through this. Luis turned and embraced Sheridan, who returned the embrace.
As Luis and Sheridan embraced in the woods, Julian was in the study in the Crane Mansion, sipping a sherry and conversing with his father over the speakerphone.
Julian said How exactly are we going to recapture the Dire Wolf once Luis and Sheridan are dead? Certainly won't be easy to put one of those things back in a cage.
Alistair's voice answered We don't.
But father, it's a savage beast. All it knows is killing. Who knows how many more people it'll kill.
Exactly. If it only kills Luis and Sheridan, then vanishes, people will wonder why only two people were killed, indeed, they could begin to suspect that Luis and Sheridan were the targets from the start. The diligent Chief Bennett might even figure out that we set the Dire Wolf loose then recaptured it after its job was done. However, if it kills a number of other people as well, it will just be another wild animal.
A wild animal that happens to be bulletproof, that is. I'm not sure I like the idea of living with a beast like that in the surrounding woods.
We need only wait until Harmony's faithful civil servants fail to kill it and a number of other people are killed. We announce that, since no one else can seem to handle the creature, we are bringing in a team of professional hunters to hunt down and kill the beast. No one need know that we have armed them with rifles loaded with armor-piercing bullets. Once our men have eliminated the bloodthirsty beast, it should cause many Harmony residents to feel a sort of gratitude towards the Cranes, for making the surrounding countryside safe when no one else could do anything about the problem.
You had this all planned before you ordered me to release the Dire Wolf, didn't you?
Of course. You don't think I'd start a plan running before I knew how to finish it, do you? Of course, considering that's usually how you work, perhaps you assume I would do the same.
Father, I really don't think-
Of course you don't think! You had days to work out how to kill Luis and Sheridan and I still had to hand you a readymade plan. Your plan to break up Luis and Sheridan with the Luis imposter was a failure as well.
Now just a minute there, Father. My plan with the Luis imposter worked perfectly! Sheridan was so fooled she put the entire Atlantic Ocean between herself and Luis.
It worked, but not perfectly. If it had been perfect, Sheridan wouldn't have gotten back together with Luis again, which she did. I have everything well in hand, this time. Nothing is left to chance. If Luis and Sheridan aren't dead yet, they soon will be, and everyone will think it was a wild animal that was solely responsible.
Father, you can be so cold at times.
Why thank you, Julian.
A short time later, Kay stealthily returned home and sneaked back up to her room. As she changed back into her pajamas, Kay winced a few times, feeling some soreness from her struggle with the Dire Wolf. Kay settled into bed but before she could fall asleep, a ball of white light entered the room and turned into a girl in a white dress.
You did a very foolish thing tonight, Kay. the angel girl chided
I had to do it. Kay responded That wolf would've killed Miguel and Charity tomorrow, Jessica's dream said so.
I am not saying that killing the Dire Wolf was wrong. That was necessary. It was a savage beast that knew only killing.
Then what-?
The foolish thing you did was going after the Dire Wolf alone. If Sheridan had not been guided to your aid, you would most certainly have been killed and the prophecy of the Guardians of Good would have been invalidated. If any of those destined to be the Guardians of Good are killed before all eight are together, evil will be guaranteed to win, and all the righteous will be condemned to suffering.
I thought I could handle a wolf with my new powers. How was I supposed to know it'd be super tough and really strong? Jessica's dream didn't say anything about that.
The Guardians of Good are supposed to be a team. Had you relayed to Reese the description of the wolf from Jessica's dream, he could have fed it into his computer and quickly determined that it was a Dire Wolf, a creature of Native American myth possessing hide which can be pierced by neither arrow nor knife, a creature that only the greatest of warriors dare face, and then only backed by those they trust to aid them in battle. Miguel could have aided you in hunting the Dire Wolf, and you could also have warned him and Charity of Jessica's vision so that they would not venture so close to its lair until it was killed.
OK, I guess I was a little full of myself because I trashed Hecuba's demons so easily. I thought I was unbeatable.
But you are not. Hecuba had demons with her who were on the low end of the power scale because she did not expect to meet with an real resistance, and so you had an easy time fighting them. But there are many demons who are stronger than the ones you fought, indeed, a number of types that are even stronger than you are now. There are also creatures of evil and types of attack against which the abilities your powers grant you are useless. Recall how Hecuba immobilized you at the church.
Then how do I fight them?
Charity and two of the other Guardians of Good have powers which are highly effective against these types of demons and methods of attack. No one being can hope to prevail against every evil alone, but a small group with diverse powers can triumph against a wide variety of evils.
I guess I gotta get used to the whole team thing. Kay yawned Man, am I tired.
Get some sleep Kay. With your powers awake, the forces of evil will be less inclined to leave you in peace. Indeed, as the Guardians of Good continue to come together, the forces of evil will likely gather even more strongly around Harmony. The angel girl changed back into a ball of light and flew out the window as Kay closed her eyes and, for the first time in a long time, slept the sleep of the righteous.
Elsewhere, Luis found himself standing in a featureless white void. Featureless, but for a large black wall not far away. The wall was covered with cracks and fissures and was missing large pieces as well, through which the white of the void was visible.
Luis called out Is anybody there?
I'm right here, Luis. A voice came from behind him. Luis turned around to see Sheridan standing right behind him where he was sure she hadn't been before.
Sheridan, where are we?
I'm not sure, but I know I've been here before.
I know where we are. A voice came from the side. Both lovers turned to see Martin Fitzgerald watching them with a smile on his face
Luis couldn't believe his eyes
Hello Luis. Amazing, your bond with Sheridan is even stronger than I thought if you two are sharing a dream, which you obviously are.
This is a dream?
A very special dream, because it is also real.
I don't understand. Sheridan said
As soon as the wall is completely down, your conscious mind will understand as well as your unconscious one. As he spoke, a chunk of the black wall loudly broke off and disappeared.
If this is a dream, why don't I already understand? Shouldn't my unconscious mind be active?
Not in this sort of dream. It's complicated, but you'll remember everything that happens here just as well as you would remember what happens when you're awake.
The wall you mentioned, you mean that one over there? Luis asked, indicating the black wall, which continued to crumble.
Yes. The wall Alistair put in Sheridan's mind so she would not remember. It's been eroding for years, and now it is falling apart. In a matter of minutes, it will be completely gone. In fact, I think it's down enough to show you both the events that caused Alistair to put it there.
Martin Fitzgerald waved his hand, and suddenly Luis and Sheridan were standing in a study in the Crane Mansion, everything around them was in black and white, including Martin Fitzgerald and a little girl Sheridan recognized as herself. They watched as young Sheridan approached Martin Fitzgerald. As he turned to face her, she stabbed him in the stomach with a letter opener and he collapsed to the floor. Suddenly, Luis and Sheridan were back in the void.
What was that? Luis asked
I... I killed Martin Fitzgerald. Sheridan sobbed as the remainder of the wall broke apart and disintegrated
This has gotta be a nightmare. Sheridan, I know you'd never kill anyone, much less my father.
It did happen. Martin Fitzgerald declared But that was only part of the story. It'll make much more sense once you've seen the prologue and the epilogue.
Once again, Luis and Sheridan were in the black and white world. This time, they were in a darkened room looking at a bed containing the sleeping form of young Sheridan. The door opened and Alistair crane walked into the room to stand beside Sheridan's bed. Young Sheridan's eyes started to flutter open, awakened by her father's entry into the room.
came her childish voice but Alistair didn't answer her, instead holding up a sheet of paper and chanting in Latin.
As the paper started to glow, Luis and Sheridan got a good look of what was on it: An artist's sketch of Sheridan. The glow jumped from the paper to young Sheridan, whose eyes momentarily glowed and then her body went stiff.
Stand up Sheridan. Alistair ordered calmly and the young girl obeyed, getting out of bed with stiff motions, completely unlike her usual energetic demeanor. Martin Fitzgerald is downstairs in the study. I want you to go downstairs, pick up the letter opener off the desk, and stab him with it. Understand? young Sheridan nodded stiffly Good, now go do it.
Young Sheridan stiffly walked out of the room like a robot. Suddenly, Luis and Sheridan found themselves in the study once again as young Sheridan walked in, Martin Fitzgerald was examining something with his back to the door as Sheridan entered and picked up the letter opener off the desk. She walked towards Martin Fitzgerald and, as he turned around, stabbed him just as before, her eyes glowing as the letter opener entered his abdomen. As Martin Fitzgerald collapsed, Sheridan's hands dropped to her side, Martin Fitzgerald's blood dripping from them. Immediately afterward, Alistair and Julian came into the room. Alistair paid no attention to his daughter, who stood as still as a statue, but instead hurried over to Martin Fitzgerald's dead body. The millionaire knelt over the body, chanting in Latin and moving his hands over it in intricate patterns then, after about half a minute, he stopped and spat out a curse.
It's not here! Where's his soul!? It shouldn't have detached from his body already! He hasn't even been dead a minute! As Alistair ranted, Julian laid a sheet over Martin Fitzgerald's body, the blood from the wound quickly soaking through the cloth.
Look on the bright side, father. Julian said At least he's dead and won't be telling anyone our secrets.
But having his soul captive would have made the victory complete! Not just for the power and other benefits I could draw from it, but also as a trophy, one that would be much less incriminating than a body part if it was ever found. Just then, young Sheridan blinked her eyes as though just waking up and brought up her wet hands to stare at the blood coating them.
she gasped Why're my hands covered in... blood? she looked up to see the bloody sheet covering the corpse Martin? What...? What've I done? Why'd I...?
Alistair quickly went over to his daughter and made a quick motion with his hand that caused her to go silent, her body quivering, then he pressed his right palm against young Sheridan's forehead and started chanting.
Remember not what happened this fair night, nor any things of magical might. I hide them deep within your mind, your inner demons to prevent the find. To nevermore know these things, until the bell of your death dings.
As Alistair chanted, Sheridan's eyes glowed, then the glow went out when he stopped, immediately followed by her falling unconscious in her father's arms.
Julian, take your sister upstairs and clean her up, Alistair ordered Then put her back to bed. You don't need to worry about her remembering any of this. As long as she's cleaned up and back in bed before she wakes up, she won't even know she was awake tonight.
As Julian carried young Sheridan out of the room, the black and white world disappeared and they were back in the white void with Martin Fitzgerald. Tears were streaming down Sheridan's face.
I remember everything now. she said softly Martin, can you ever forgive me?
There's nothing to forgive, Sheridan. Martin Fitzgerald answered You were merely the weapon your father used to kill me. The spell he used made you his puppet, unable to do anything but what he ordered you to do. Then he put the wall in your mind so you would remember neither what he forced you to do, nor the lessons I had given you.
Spells? Lessons? Papa, what exactly is going on? Luis asked, very confused First I find out Sheridan has magical powers, then I find out her father used magic to force her to kill you and erase her memory of it, then something about you giving her some sort of lessons, and what was that about your soul?
Be patient son, and I'll answer all your questions. Yes, Sheridan has magical ability, I could tell she had potential from the moment I first saw her. When I was alive, I had a bit of power myself, but nowhere near what Sheridan is capable of. I was unaware of Alistair's magical prowess as he was unaware of mine. I decided that I would teach Sheridan to use her gift, secretly. I don't think Julian or Alistair knew I was giving her lessons for quite some time. They probably didn't know until not long before I discovered Alistair's sanctum in a hidden section of the east wing of the mansion.
Most magicians keep a secure place where they store all their magical supplies and perform some of the more involved rituals. Sheridan explained It's called a sanctum.
And Alistair's was filled with books and talismans of dark magic. Martin continued That's probably why he killed me, to keep his dark practices secret. As for my soul not being where Alistair expected, well, he chuckled I wasn't as clueless as Alistair thought I was. I thought he might take a run at me once he realized I'd found his sanctum, I just didn't think he was depraved enough to use his own daughter as an instrument of murder.
When the letter opener went into my stomach, I knew at once the damage was lethal. I also knew Alistair would likely try to capture my soul for whatever uses he had for human souls, I found a few bottled in his sanctum when I found it. Fortunately, I had an escape route mapped out. I used the student-teacher bond between Sheridan and myself to transfer my soul from my dying body into hers, hiding right behind her soul and going dormant. I knew Alistair would never think to look for me inside his daughter, so it was the perfect hiding place.
Waitasec. You've been hiding inside of Sheridan all this time? Luis asked Just hiding out? Not controlling her or anything?
I could never do to Sheridan what her father did. I have interacted with her, but only in this place, continuing her lessons.
How could you if she didn't remember any of it? Didn't that forget spell Alistair cast on Sheridan wipe out all her memories of magic?
It did, Sheridan spoke up But only while I was awake. I can remember all my lessons now, both before and after Martin died. I couldn't remember while I was awake, but while I was asleep and dreaming, I could still remember. So, every so often, while I was dreaming, I'd find myself here, and Martin would pick up where he left off with my lessons, continuing to teach me to use my power. When I was a child, they took the form of games, just like when he was alive. Then, as I got older, the lessons became more formal. After a while it seemed a little frustrating at times.
Frustrating? How? Luis was puzzled
In my dreams, I could do incredible things, things I had the power to do in real life, but while I was awake, I had no clue it was possible. Sometimes, when Martin came to me in my dreams, I'd just sulk.
Fortunately, a few battle constructs to work out her frustrations on usually worked wonders for her state of mind. Martin smiled But seriously, it's a lucky thing I was able to continue Sheridan's lessons. Her powers saved her life, and not just when you fell off the cliff together, but after she was buried alive, as well. She had suffered brain damage from oxygen deprivation, as you know, by the time you got her to the hospital, she needed to be put on life support, the doctors determined she'd never be able to breathe on her own.
Luis nodded But after Ethan unplugged her, she started breathing fine by herself. After she woke up that very night they did another brain scan, and there wasn't any sign of the brain damage. It was like a miracle had happened, though Eve thought there had just been a malfunction in the machine that made it look like there was damage when there really wasn't.
There was no malfunction. The brain damage was real. As Sheridan lay dying, the mental block started to dissolve, allowing her to cast a healing spell on herself from this place. It was a close call though, Ethan almost pulled the plug before the spell took effect. As the spell kicked in and the damage was repaired, Sheridan's life was restored to her and the memory block reasserted itself, closing off her memories once again.
OK, I think I understand things now. It was worth the headache just to find out what happened to you Papa. Now that I know, I can put Alistair and Julian away for your murder. All we gotta do is put them under a microscope, squeeze em for where they buried your body so we can give you a proper funeral and put them away for life.
Son, you can't make that happen.
Why the hell not? You've gotta be angry at them for what they did to you and what they did to Sheridan! Killing you, leaving me, mama, Theresa, Antonio and Paloma not knowing what happened to you, trying to make us think you abandoned us. I'll bet they killed Antonio too!
I am extremely angry at them, Luis. But the law can do nothing against Alistair and Julian. You have no evidence with which to apply pressure to find my body, and possibly Antonio's as well.
Now that Sheridan can remember everything, she can testify to what happened that night.
And it would be a tale about Harmony's most influential businessman practicing black magic. Any judge would laugh you right out the doors of the courtroom. As you know, and a short time ago believed, nowadays magic is considered fantasy, a thing for stage performers and ancient legends. Even if Sheridan demonstrated her powers in a well-lit courtroom, it would still be thought to be trickery of some sort. What people do not understand, they forget or rationalize until it is inconsequential.
Then there's nothing we can do. Luis's face fell at this realization We can't make them pay for what they've done to our family or to Sheridan.
You can't send them to jail, but you can fight them. Do you think Alistair locked up his books & talismans in his sanctum and threw away the key after he killed me? No, he has continued his evil practices up to this very day, of that I am certain. The Crane Mansion reeks of evil, even while dormant I could sense it. Sheridan has heard strange things at night, over the years, things that were not natural. Alistair uses creatures of evil as well as humans to do his bidding. I'd wager the Dire Wolf that almost killed you both came from him. Once, when I was still alive, I caught sight of a Dire Wolf pup in the kennel on the estate. It was gone when I went back later to be sure of what I saw, but I'm certain that was what it was.
Man, I thought just finding out what happened to you would be tough, what with Sheridan's father and brother doing everything they could to hide the truth, and it just landed in my lap. But foiling Alistair & Julian's machinations with no clue as to what we're trying to foil. We are seriously gonna be in the dark.
And as soon as they know we know, they'll do everything they can to stop us. Sheridan said glumly
I think I have some good news to lighten your mood. Martin Fitzgerald chimed in There's an old prophecy my teacher was always trying to drill into my head. I wish I could remember all of it but I do remember a very important part. It's about a group called the Guardians of Good, who are prophesied to combat evil wherever they find it.
What's that have to do with us? Luis asked
Because the prophecy describes the group's members. One of them is A daughter of darkness and child of light, never apart from her teacher.' Doesn't that sound like Sheridan?
Yeah, you're right. Her father's the most evil man in Harmony-
And my mother was a good woman. Sheridan continued And I guess having your soul hiding inside my body would make it hard for us to ever be parted.
Martin agreed Another member is supposed to be The destined love of the daughter of darkness.'
If our love wasn't destined to be, we're the two luckiest people in the world. Sheridan smiled as she hugged Luis
I wouldn't let you go off to fight evil without me, anyway, prophecy or no. If magic is real, who knows how many legends about demons and such are real.
Quite a number of them, actually. Martin answered
So, how many more of these Guardians of Good' are there and where can we find them?
Sorry, I haven't a clue. I'm lucky I remember as much of the prophecy as I told you. But there is one piece of information I know. Not long before he died, my teacher called me and told me he had figured out that a great battle between good and evil would happen early in the 21st century. The year of that battle is mentioned in the start of the prophecy as being when the Guardians of Good would come together. It could be soon or even be happening already.
As Martin Fitzgerald finished talking the void seemed to fade out. The next things Luis and Sheridan saw were each other's faces across the pillow of Sheridan's bed as daylight streamed in the window.
Was it a dream? Luis softly asked his beloved
Did you dream we were talking to your father? Sheridan asked back Talking about how I do... this? A flickering flame appeared in Sheridan's palm, staying only a moment before she closed her hand and reopened it with no sign of the flame ever having been there.
It was more than a dream. Luis and Sheridan shared a light kiss
Meanwhile, in his bedroom in the Crane Mansion, Julian Crane was waking up next to Rebecca Hotchkiss after a night of their increasingly frequent sexcapades. More specifically, Julian was being woken up by the ringing of his cellular phone.
he groaned as he shook himself awake and answered his phone Julian Crane here.
Another late night with Rebecca, I see. came the voice of Alistair Crane
Father! I, er...
Nevermind. I've come to expect this sort of thing from you. What's more important is for you to get dressed and on your way at once.
On my way where? What's happened?
The Dire Wolf is dead.
Already? Talk about a lucky shot.
It wasn't a shot. The beast was burned and then had its skull crushed by a rock.
Burned? Skull crushed? That doesn't sound like Animal Control's usual M.O.
Exactly. I want you to get an assay crystal from the sanctum and get over there before they move what's left of the Dire Wolf.
Father, you really don't think that-
Not thinking is your department, Julian. The grass around the body wasn't burned in the least and there's not a drag mark to be found. My current theory is that there's a new player in town and we need to know as much as possible.
Alistair gave Julian the location and he got out of bed to get dressed. When Rebecca woke up while he was dressing, Julian explained that Alistair had reminded him of an important appointment he had to get to. After making a stop at a certain hidden room, Julian left the mansion and made his way to the clearing that had nearly been the last place Kay ever saw the night before. The wolf corpse in the clearing was what drew Julian's attention and was the reason for several police and Animal Control officers to be standing around. Several forensic techs were just leaving.
What's going on here? Julian asked imperiously
Eh? Oh! Mr. Crane. the policeman in charge was momentarily flustered but collected himself immediately What're you doing here?
Nevermind that. What's going on here?
Some hikers found the killer wolf early this morning. That is, they found what's left of it over there. The guys from forensics have no idea what burned it or how the grass around it escaped unharmed, but it definitely died from having its skull crushed by a big rock. Uh, where're you going sir? the policeman asked as Julian started walking towards the corpse, hand in his jacket pocket
I want to see this wolf that annihilated two groups of civil servants who were supposedly trained to handle this sort of thing.
The policeman shrugged and maintained his position, keeping a casual eye on Mr. Crane. He didn't think the rich man had any reason to disturb the corpse, as if anything could be affected that hadn't already been documented by the forensics guys, but if Chief Bennett found out that anyone let a Crane waltz around potential evidence of any kind unsupervised, the guy who turned a blind eye could find himself on permanent desk duty or even demoted. When Julian reached what was left of the Dire Wolf, he knelt down, as though examining the beast, and surreptitiously pulled a clear crystal out of his jacket pocket. Being careful to keep it hidden from the policeman several paces away, Julian slowly passed the crystal over the Dire Wolf's body until the crystal changed color and then put it back in his jacket. Julian briskly walked away, heading back to the Crane Mansion with all due speed. Upon his return, he went directly into the study and pressed the phone's speed-dial button.
Alistair Crane. came the answer almost before the phone had started ringing
Father, it's Julian. the younger Crane identified himself
That was quicker than I thought. Did you remember to actually use the assay crystal?
Of course I did! Julian answered indignantly
Well, what color is it now?
It's uh... Julian pulled out the crystal and examined it It's pinkish-white. You know I can't tell much else with these things.
You should be able to see the significance even without a more detailed set of data.
What do you mean, father?
Idiot. Who do we know that has a pinkish-white aura?
You don't mean Sheridan? But that's impossible! She couldn't have cast any spells on that Dire Wolf. You said yourself you locked down her powers for good the night she killed Martin Fitzgerald.
As long as the Id Wall stayed up, you'd be right. But if it collapsed, she'd remember everything that Druid, Martin Fitzgerald, taught her before he died, as well as how he died.
But what could break the spell? You said it was the most reliable memory block you knew.
I've been worried about this since Sheridan first started having nightmares about that night. The nightmares were symptoms of a leak in the wall, but I hoped that it wouldn't progress any further than that. It looks like we waited too long to kill her.
Father, if she tells Luis what she remembers of that night-
He'll laugh at her, or think she's confusing reality with a dream. And even if he believed her and she told a judge or jury they'd laugh like children watching The Muppet Show' and send her packing, maybe off to an asylum if we were lucky.
You know, I'm surprised Martin Fitzgerald would teach a little girl a spell as dangerous as a fireball. Perhaps she picked it up on her own?
Impossible. You don't just pick up' magic on your own, even if you have the latent power, you have to be taught. Look at you: Years of my trying to teach you some decent magic and you still need a crib sheet for a simple opening spell, nevermind the more complex spells.
So I'm not gifted in the arcane arts like you, father. But if Sheridan does remember what happened that night, she'll also remember what you did, before and after.
We'll have to be on tip-toes for now. Don't let on that we know she knows. Who knows, there's a slight possibility that she's still unaware and there's actually someone else in Harmony with an aura very similar to Sheridan's. I'll know more once I get a look at that crystal. Pack it up and I'll send a courier to bring it back to me.
Of course, father. Julian hung up the phone and proceeded to retrieve from a drawer the materials needed to ship a small, very fragile object.
Later, a taxi cab pulled up in front of the Bennett house and let out one passenger: a teenage girl with long dark hair, carrying a duffel bag. She walked to the front door of the Bennett house and rang the bell. Shortly thereafter, Grace opened the door.
Hello there. she said
Umm, I'm looking for Tabitha Lennox? Diana said
Oh! You must be Diana, her niece. You've got the wrong house, dear. Tabitha lives next door over there. Grace pointed towards Tabitha's house
Oh. I'm very sorry. I must've gotten the house numbers mixed up.
It's alright. I'm Grace Bennett, your aunt's a good friend of mine, we've been neighbors for a long time.
Well, I'm sorry to have bothered you.
It's quite alright. Tabitha told me about what happened to your father and mother. I've got some girls of my own. If you need anything, a shoulder to cry on, someone to show you around Harmony, don't be afraid to ask.
Thank you, Mrs. Bennett. I'm glad Aunt Tabitha has such a good friend.
Diana and Grace exchanged a smile and then Diana headed over to Tabitha's house. Tabitha opened the door as soon as Diana rang the doorbell, making a big show of hugging her niece' and saying some soothing words as they went inside. However, as soon as the door closed, the melancholy facade dropped away as they allowed themselves to grin wickedly.
What fools these mortals be. Diana coldly intoned
Tabitha agreed Looks like you totally fooled Grace with that innocent orphan bit.
Actually, at first I was a little worried. I kept thinking she might be able to see through the masking spell. She does have quite a bit of power inside her.
Deep inside her. Buried like a coffin. Her twin sister Faith, Charity's mother, was pretty darn powerful, after I killed her it was days before I was myself again, and Grace's potential isn't much lower than her sister's was. Fortunately, Grace is far too grounded in so-called reality' to open herself up to her power, so it stays fast asleep. Closest she ever gets to manifesting is the occasional premonition or a visitation by that dratted angel.
Princess! Princess! Timmy's yell preceded his entry via the kitchen. The living doll was wearing camouflage fatigues and a pith helmet with a shrub on top. Oh, hi Diana.
What're you all excited about, dollface? Scouting report, Mister! Timmy nodded, saluted, then replied
Timmy heard Charity talking to Grace. It's awful! Miguel's taking Charity for a romantic walk in the woods at 9:00!
That's a bit over half an hour away. Is Miguel there already?
Nope. He's gonna pick Charity up at 9:00.
That means we've got a short attack window while Miguel isn't there.
I'm not certain I could drill through the natural shield around a home like the Bennets' in that amount of time.
Timmy was puzzled What shield? Looks like a regular house to Timmy.
All homes occupied by mortals have a natural shield around them against evil. Tabitha explained It's generated by the energies of the residents' souls resonating within the structure.
But Hecuba could go in and out whenever she wanted to. Why does Diana have to drill her way inside?
Because when Hecuba had free passage in and out of the Bennett house, it was because she had possession of the soul of one of the residents. Kay's soul acted like a passkey for Hecuba. Without it, she would've had to expend a good deal of time and energy punching a hole every time she wanted to go inside, and that's how it'll have to be for her now if she wanted to get back in. Ah! That gives me an idea! Where one witch can't get through in time, perhaps two can!
I assume you mean Hecuba, Aunt Tabitha? Diana frowned
Unless you've got a way to get my powers going again in a matter of minutes, she's our only option. Be a dear and mindspeak a message to her for me, telling her to get over here ASAP.
Diana nodded and placed her index fingers to her temples, concentrating.
Her response is strangely muddled. the younger witch said after a minute I'll try being a bit more forceful. she furrowed her brow in concentration
Hecuba suddenly appeared in the room, holding an icepack against her head.
Alright, alright! I'm here already. she complained loudly
It's about time. Tabitha responded crossly
Hey, not so loud. Hecuba held her head
I know those symptoms. Diana sighed You've got a hangover. Now what're we going to do?
Perhaps we can still go ahead with the plan. Tabitha said The fact that she was able to teleport here on her own is a good sign.
What plan? Hecuba asked
Feel up to teaming up with Diana to drill your way inside the Bennett house to attack Charity before Miguel shows up to take her on a date?
To take out that brat I'd get up after being dosed with witch hazel. How long we got?
About half an hour. Should be enough time for the two of you to punch a hole and take out that brat. The sound of roaring from below filled the room as Tabitha finished speaking.
Timmy thought our friends' in the basement wanted Charity dead? the living doll was a bit panicky
Fear not, little one. Diana soothed They are not angry with us, merely giving additional instructions. They do not believe in wasting power. Since one of us should be enough, at the present time, to kill Charity with an ethereal attack, they want the other one to terminate Grace Bennett's pregnancy.
Because the little brat's supposed to grow up to be a great warrior for good. Tabitha answered The sort that might be able to lead a rebellion after we've won and taken over. Our friends' in the basement want to nip it in the bud by making sure he never gets out of his mother's womb.
Timmy doesn't like that idea. Bad enough you're about to kill Timmy's sweet Charity, but you're gonna kill Grace's baby too?
I say, Aunt Tabitha. Diana blinked Timmy seems... somewhat at odds with our goals.
Don't worry about it. Tabitha reassured the younger witch He's a bit soft hearted, but he'll do as he's told and he won't betray us.
What's this Aunt Tabitha' business? Hecuba asked impatiently Last night it was Mistress Lennox. Did you suddenly discover you two are related?
It's just for benefit of the goody-goods. As far as they're concerned, Diana is my niece, just arrived following the deaths of her parents. I insisted that she call me Aunt Tabitha at all times to be sure she didn't slip up in front of the goody-goods and blow our covers. Now, both of you get started before Miguel shows up and ruins things. Diana, you take Charity and Hecuba, you take Grace's baby.
Consider this a favor, Hecuba. Think about it. Easiest way to terminate an unborn baby in this sort of operation is to rip out its soul. If he's destined to be a warrior, his soul's gotta have a good bit of power in it, and you know unborn souls are easier to contain.
Y'know, Tabitha, I think you've actually got a point there. Hecuba smiled
Diana waved her hand at a nearby mirror then moved to stand beside Hecuba, both witches facing towards the Bennett house and concentrating their energies. Both glowed with red light, then seemed to turn into energy, merging together into a ball of light which shot out the window. The mirror clouded over and then a new image appeared. It looked like a camera-view traveling down a narrow hole.
Tabby, what's that? Timmy asked, pointing to the mirror
Tabitha smiled as she looked at it Diana was courteous enough to give us a witch's eye view of the whole thing. What we're seeing right now, is Diana and Hecuba tunneling their way through the shield around the Bennett house.
Why bother? Timmy pouted Timmy sees cooler stuff on Andromeda while they're in Slipstream.
It may be uninteresting at the moment, Tim-Tim, but when they're all the way though, it should be nice indeed. They'll be attacking Charity and Grace on their respective Dreamscapes, where their innermost psyches reside, and, in Grace's case, the soul of her unborn son. It'll be like watching America's Most Hellish Home Videos.
The tunneling image stayed on the mirror for about 15 minutes and then the camera' seemed to fly out of the tunnel into a large cavern with two exits. The image went to a split-screen, each half of the image going into a different exit. The tunneling image returned for a few seconds and then two full-color images appeared. One of a beautiful park, the other a cavern filled with crystals of all kinds.
Diana appeared in Charity's Dreamscape and paused a moment to survey the park she was in. The scene was bright and sunny, without a cloud in the sky. The grass was a beautiful shade of green, there were white sidewalks, well-pruned trees and shrubs, a white gazebo, and standing in the middle of it all, seemingly enjoying the beauty, was Charity.
Diana muttered to herself I'm going to enjoy watching this Dreamscape wither and decay when I kill that oh so pure child of light. But first, a change of attire is called for.
Diana had decided in advance to use her favorite psychic battleform to kill Charity, both for the sheer strength of the form, and the fear its appearance would likely cause her. She closed her eyes and concentrated a moment, her human form morphing into a creature with brown, scaly skin, four muscular arms, and glowing red eyes. Her facial features were also altered slightly, as was her clothing, which became a red harness affair which barely covered her body. The look was not unlike Sheeva from the Mortal Kombat games. The form change complete, Diana stepped out into the open.
she rasped I am your doom.
Charity turned to gasp at the creature which had come into her safe place. The creature then charged her and struck her with a fist, sending the girl flying to crash into a tree and collapse to the ground, weakly lifting her head to stare at her attacker who wasted no time stalking towards her to finish the job.
At that same time, Hecuba was in a cave that was literally made of beautiful crystals. In the center of the cave, directly under an opening that sunlight streamed through, was a large crystal with a glowing baby inside, the sound of a heartbeat filled the entire cavern. Grace Bennett was standing next to the crystal, admiring the baby within. Hecuba confidently strode towards the main crystal.
This should be easy enough. the witch smiled to herself Grace isn't gonna be able to do much here. Killing mortals on their Dreamscapes is almost too easy. I shoulda done this with Charity in the first place, but the idea of the good, pure, child of light writhing in the flames of damnation was just too good to pass up. Once I've got the baby's soul, I think I'll kill Gracie-wacie too, make sure she and Sammy don't have any more warrior brats or even a replacement for Charity. Should net me some extra brownie points with the guys in the basement.
Who are you? Grace asked as Hecuba stopped in front of the crystal
Oh, no one dear, just the witch about to kill your baby, nobody for you to be worried about. Not that you could do anything on this plane to stop me, anyway.
Hecuba cackled as she reached for the crystal, which rippled like water as her hand approached.
End of Chapter 5
Another one finished, another double cliffhanger. This time Charity is being attacked in her mind and Grace's baby is in danger too, with Grace possibly next on the list. Just for those who wonder how being attacked in this way could actually kill them, remember the old saying If you die in your dream, you die in real life. Also, today I signed up for Support Services so I'll soon be getting hit counts on my works. If you read it and like it, I expect you to review. If you don't like it, I want you to review as well, with constructive criticism so I can do better next time. Starting tomorrow, I'll know the ratio of hits to reviews, so watch out. Jumper Prime is monitoring you :)
Written By: Jumper Prime
For Disclaimers see Chapter 1.
Last time on Guardians of Good: After falling from a cliff in the wake of an attack by a savage Dire Wolf, Sheridan and Luis mysteriously landed at the bottom unharmed. Meanwhile, Tabitha and Timmy's imminent demise at Hecuba's hands was canceled and the dynamics of their relationship altered by the arrival of a new witch named Diana, who is soon to take up residence in Tabitha's home as Tabitha's fictitious niece. Jessica, who according to the prophecy is The Seer, had a dream foretelling Charity and Miguel's deaths at the hands of the Dire Wolf that attacked Luis and Sheridan. Seeing the dream for what it was, Kay set out alone to kill the Dire Wolf before it could kill Miguel and Charity, but she soon found herself in over her head and fighting for her life after her knife broke against the beast's tough skin.
Chapter 5: Revelations
Kay struggled to keep the Dire Wolf's jaws away from her body, but even with the strength afforded her by her newly awakened powers, it was all she could do to keep it from tearing her face off. A normal person would have stood no chance at all. As Kay felt her arms tiring, several shots rang out, the bullets bouncing ineffectively off the Dire Wolf's hide. Kay's head turned towards where the sound of the shots had come from and saw Luis aiming his backup gun at the Dire Wolf, Sheridan standing beside him.
I don't believe this! Luis declared I know I'm hitting it but nothing's happening!
Luis fired more bullets but these too were ineffectual against the massive beast, which snarled but remained focused on Kay. Sheridan raised her arms straight out, palms facing each other and started to speak softly.
Fires of Earth, gather to me.... she intoned and thin streams of flame started to flow through the air, coming from all directions, all meeting in the space between Sheridan's palms and coalescing into a ball of flame. Sheridan drew back her hand, the fireball grasped in it. ...And be unleashed! She threw the fireball and it hit the Dire Wolf, causing it to yelp in pain as it was burned. Another fireball quickly formed in Sheridan's hand and she drew back to throw this one as well. Be unleashed! she repeated as she threw the second fireball, bringing another yelp of pain from the beast. This time, Kay was able to use the distraction to throw the Dire Wolf off of her and rolled to her feet. The Dire Wolf landed on its own feet and turned to face the source of its pain. It growled angrily and immediately charged at Sheridan, who placed her palms together, fingers pointing at the Dire Wolf. Flames of Retribution. she said simply and opened her fingers while keeping her palms together.
A stream of flame shot from her hands and engulfed the charging Dire Wolf, which howled in pain. The flame continued to pour from Sheridan's hands until the Dire Wolf's howls of pain went silent. When the flame petered out, the Dire Wolf was on lying the ground, severely burned and charred.
What? How? Luis stammered, finding it hard to believe that his girlfriend had just thrown fire from her bare hands Sheridan, how'd you do that?
I... I'm not sure. Sheridan responded, suddenly rather tired, as though she'd just run a marathon I just knew what to do when I saw the Dire Wolf attacking her. I didn't think, I just did it.
I'm pretty glad you did. Kay said Thanks. For a moment there, I thought I'd had it.
Kay, what're you doing out here so late? Luis asked Do your parents know?
No, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell them about this.
And why shouldn't I? That wolf could've killed you if-
If Sheridan hadn't roasted it. Yeah, I know. I woulda been fine on my own if my knife hadn't broken. Kay nodded towards the broken knife not far away.
You tried to kill a Dire Wolf with an ordinary knife? Sheridan asked I'm not surprised it broke. Dire Wolves have very tough skin.
Dire Wolf? Is that what it's called? All I knew was if I didn't kill it tonight, it would've killed Miguel and Charity tomorrow.
What makes you so sure? Luis asked, rather surprised at Kay's matter-of-fact declaration I suppose you can see the future, now?
Jessica saw it actually, in a dream, but it was very specific and included some stuff Jessica had no way of knowing.
Just then, the scorched form of the Dire Wolf started to weakly stir, a low growl coming from its muzzle as it tried to move its badly burned limbs, drawing shocked looks from the three humans.
It's still alive! Sheridan cried in surprise
Not for long. Kay said calmly and hefted a good sized rock
She carried it to where the Dire Wolf lay, still trying to get up, and raised it over her head before bringing it down on the beast's skull, crushing it, and the massive creature finally breathed its last.
I'm taking you home Kay. Luis told her
Luis, please. Kay responded If Mom & Dad find out about this, they'll ground me for life.
Well, maybe they should. Going after a wolf alone with nothing but a knife sounds a little crazy to me.
Sheridan spoke softly Maybe we should keep it a secret.
What? Why?
I... I just think she had a good reason. After seeing what I did a minute ago, you have to admit that her sister seeing the future is a little less implausible. Luis had no easy counter to that argument
Alright. You better go straight home, Kay, before I change my mind about telling your parents.
Thanks, both of you. Don't worry, there's no place I'd rather go now than home. Kay smiled, picked up the broken pieces of her knife, and started to jog back towards her house. As she jogged out of sight, Luis and Sheridan started walking back towards the cottage.
Sheridan, why didn't you want me to tell Sam and Grace about her being out here so late, hunting that thing?
You saw her struggling with the Dire Wolf, right? Sheridan responded
Yeah. She's lucky we got there when we did.
Dire Wolves are extremely strong. If that had been you struggling with it in that position, you wouldn't have lasted 5 seconds before it ripped your face off.
Sheridan, what're you saying?
Kay isn't normal. She's stronger than she seems. Stronger than an ordinary person should be.
Y'know, now that I think about it, that rock did seem a little big for her to lift it as easily as she seemed to find it. But how could she be so strong?
The same way I threw flame from my bare hands just now: Magic. Luis, I'm remembering more and more as time goes on. When we fell off the cliff, I saved us by casting a spell.
Where did these powers of yours come from, all of a sudden?
I've still got some pretty big gaps in my memory, but I can't shake the feeling that your father has something to do with it, like how he taught me about Dire Wolves and other things I can and can't remember.
My father disappeared a long time ago, back when we were both kids. How come you never used these powers back when the Cartel was after you? Sure would've made things a lot easier a few times, like that hotel in Paris when a cable was all that stood between us and a long drop. We coulda skipped the Tarzan swing and floated straight to the street.
I didn't have any idea I had them. The first inkling I had that I could do this stuff was when we fell off the cliff earlier tonight. As we fell, some words and images flashed through my head, I repeated the words, and we started floating. I didn't have any idea I could throw fireballs either until I saw Kay pinned under the Dire Wolf and I just did it.
Man, this is really weird. A few nights ago, when Father Lonnigan said Charity was literally in Hell, I didn't believe it, and I didn't believe in magic either. But now, I've witnessed magic in action firsthand, twice.
We're in the same boat. I never believed in magic either, and I have no idea how I know how to do it, or what I'm capable of. I'm a little scared. What if it goes off without my wanting it to and hurts someone, like you?
You're not alone, Sheridan. I'm right here with you. Together, we'll get you through this. Luis turned and embraced Sheridan, who returned the embrace.
As Luis and Sheridan embraced in the woods, Julian was in the study in the Crane Mansion, sipping a sherry and conversing with his father over the speakerphone.
Julian said How exactly are we going to recapture the Dire Wolf once Luis and Sheridan are dead? Certainly won't be easy to put one of those things back in a cage.
Alistair's voice answered We don't.
But father, it's a savage beast. All it knows is killing. Who knows how many more people it'll kill.
Exactly. If it only kills Luis and Sheridan, then vanishes, people will wonder why only two people were killed, indeed, they could begin to suspect that Luis and Sheridan were the targets from the start. The diligent Chief Bennett might even figure out that we set the Dire Wolf loose then recaptured it after its job was done. However, if it kills a number of other people as well, it will just be another wild animal.
A wild animal that happens to be bulletproof, that is. I'm not sure I like the idea of living with a beast like that in the surrounding woods.
We need only wait until Harmony's faithful civil servants fail to kill it and a number of other people are killed. We announce that, since no one else can seem to handle the creature, we are bringing in a team of professional hunters to hunt down and kill the beast. No one need know that we have armed them with rifles loaded with armor-piercing bullets. Once our men have eliminated the bloodthirsty beast, it should cause many Harmony residents to feel a sort of gratitude towards the Cranes, for making the surrounding countryside safe when no one else could do anything about the problem.
You had this all planned before you ordered me to release the Dire Wolf, didn't you?
Of course. You don't think I'd start a plan running before I knew how to finish it, do you? Of course, considering that's usually how you work, perhaps you assume I would do the same.
Father, I really don't think-
Of course you don't think! You had days to work out how to kill Luis and Sheridan and I still had to hand you a readymade plan. Your plan to break up Luis and Sheridan with the Luis imposter was a failure as well.
Now just a minute there, Father. My plan with the Luis imposter worked perfectly! Sheridan was so fooled she put the entire Atlantic Ocean between herself and Luis.
It worked, but not perfectly. If it had been perfect, Sheridan wouldn't have gotten back together with Luis again, which she did. I have everything well in hand, this time. Nothing is left to chance. If Luis and Sheridan aren't dead yet, they soon will be, and everyone will think it was a wild animal that was solely responsible.
Father, you can be so cold at times.
Why thank you, Julian.
A short time later, Kay stealthily returned home and sneaked back up to her room. As she changed back into her pajamas, Kay winced a few times, feeling some soreness from her struggle with the Dire Wolf. Kay settled into bed but before she could fall asleep, a ball of white light entered the room and turned into a girl in a white dress.
You did a very foolish thing tonight, Kay. the angel girl chided
I had to do it. Kay responded That wolf would've killed Miguel and Charity tomorrow, Jessica's dream said so.
I am not saying that killing the Dire Wolf was wrong. That was necessary. It was a savage beast that knew only killing.
Then what-?
The foolish thing you did was going after the Dire Wolf alone. If Sheridan had not been guided to your aid, you would most certainly have been killed and the prophecy of the Guardians of Good would have been invalidated. If any of those destined to be the Guardians of Good are killed before all eight are together, evil will be guaranteed to win, and all the righteous will be condemned to suffering.
I thought I could handle a wolf with my new powers. How was I supposed to know it'd be super tough and really strong? Jessica's dream didn't say anything about that.
The Guardians of Good are supposed to be a team. Had you relayed to Reese the description of the wolf from Jessica's dream, he could have fed it into his computer and quickly determined that it was a Dire Wolf, a creature of Native American myth possessing hide which can be pierced by neither arrow nor knife, a creature that only the greatest of warriors dare face, and then only backed by those they trust to aid them in battle. Miguel could have aided you in hunting the Dire Wolf, and you could also have warned him and Charity of Jessica's vision so that they would not venture so close to its lair until it was killed.
OK, I guess I was a little full of myself because I trashed Hecuba's demons so easily. I thought I was unbeatable.
But you are not. Hecuba had demons with her who were on the low end of the power scale because she did not expect to meet with an real resistance, and so you had an easy time fighting them. But there are many demons who are stronger than the ones you fought, indeed, a number of types that are even stronger than you are now. There are also creatures of evil and types of attack against which the abilities your powers grant you are useless. Recall how Hecuba immobilized you at the church.
Then how do I fight them?
Charity and two of the other Guardians of Good have powers which are highly effective against these types of demons and methods of attack. No one being can hope to prevail against every evil alone, but a small group with diverse powers can triumph against a wide variety of evils.
I guess I gotta get used to the whole team thing. Kay yawned Man, am I tired.
Get some sleep Kay. With your powers awake, the forces of evil will be less inclined to leave you in peace. Indeed, as the Guardians of Good continue to come together, the forces of evil will likely gather even more strongly around Harmony. The angel girl changed back into a ball of light and flew out the window as Kay closed her eyes and, for the first time in a long time, slept the sleep of the righteous.
Elsewhere, Luis found himself standing in a featureless white void. Featureless, but for a large black wall not far away. The wall was covered with cracks and fissures and was missing large pieces as well, through which the white of the void was visible.
Luis called out Is anybody there?
I'm right here, Luis. A voice came from behind him. Luis turned around to see Sheridan standing right behind him where he was sure she hadn't been before.
Sheridan, where are we?
I'm not sure, but I know I've been here before.
I know where we are. A voice came from the side. Both lovers turned to see Martin Fitzgerald watching them with a smile on his face
Luis couldn't believe his eyes
Hello Luis. Amazing, your bond with Sheridan is even stronger than I thought if you two are sharing a dream, which you obviously are.
This is a dream?
A very special dream, because it is also real.
I don't understand. Sheridan said
As soon as the wall is completely down, your conscious mind will understand as well as your unconscious one. As he spoke, a chunk of the black wall loudly broke off and disappeared.
If this is a dream, why don't I already understand? Shouldn't my unconscious mind be active?
Not in this sort of dream. It's complicated, but you'll remember everything that happens here just as well as you would remember what happens when you're awake.
The wall you mentioned, you mean that one over there? Luis asked, indicating the black wall, which continued to crumble.
Yes. The wall Alistair put in Sheridan's mind so she would not remember. It's been eroding for years, and now it is falling apart. In a matter of minutes, it will be completely gone. In fact, I think it's down enough to show you both the events that caused Alistair to put it there.
Martin Fitzgerald waved his hand, and suddenly Luis and Sheridan were standing in a study in the Crane Mansion, everything around them was in black and white, including Martin Fitzgerald and a little girl Sheridan recognized as herself. They watched as young Sheridan approached Martin Fitzgerald. As he turned to face her, she stabbed him in the stomach with a letter opener and he collapsed to the floor. Suddenly, Luis and Sheridan were back in the void.
What was that? Luis asked
I... I killed Martin Fitzgerald. Sheridan sobbed as the remainder of the wall broke apart and disintegrated
This has gotta be a nightmare. Sheridan, I know you'd never kill anyone, much less my father.
It did happen. Martin Fitzgerald declared But that was only part of the story. It'll make much more sense once you've seen the prologue and the epilogue.
Once again, Luis and Sheridan were in the black and white world. This time, they were in a darkened room looking at a bed containing the sleeping form of young Sheridan. The door opened and Alistair crane walked into the room to stand beside Sheridan's bed. Young Sheridan's eyes started to flutter open, awakened by her father's entry into the room.
came her childish voice but Alistair didn't answer her, instead holding up a sheet of paper and chanting in Latin.
As the paper started to glow, Luis and Sheridan got a good look of what was on it: An artist's sketch of Sheridan. The glow jumped from the paper to young Sheridan, whose eyes momentarily glowed and then her body went stiff.
Stand up Sheridan. Alistair ordered calmly and the young girl obeyed, getting out of bed with stiff motions, completely unlike her usual energetic demeanor. Martin Fitzgerald is downstairs in the study. I want you to go downstairs, pick up the letter opener off the desk, and stab him with it. Understand? young Sheridan nodded stiffly Good, now go do it.
Young Sheridan stiffly walked out of the room like a robot. Suddenly, Luis and Sheridan found themselves in the study once again as young Sheridan walked in, Martin Fitzgerald was examining something with his back to the door as Sheridan entered and picked up the letter opener off the desk. She walked towards Martin Fitzgerald and, as he turned around, stabbed him just as before, her eyes glowing as the letter opener entered his abdomen. As Martin Fitzgerald collapsed, Sheridan's hands dropped to her side, Martin Fitzgerald's blood dripping from them. Immediately afterward, Alistair and Julian came into the room. Alistair paid no attention to his daughter, who stood as still as a statue, but instead hurried over to Martin Fitzgerald's dead body. The millionaire knelt over the body, chanting in Latin and moving his hands over it in intricate patterns then, after about half a minute, he stopped and spat out a curse.
It's not here! Where's his soul!? It shouldn't have detached from his body already! He hasn't even been dead a minute! As Alistair ranted, Julian laid a sheet over Martin Fitzgerald's body, the blood from the wound quickly soaking through the cloth.
Look on the bright side, father. Julian said At least he's dead and won't be telling anyone our secrets.
But having his soul captive would have made the victory complete! Not just for the power and other benefits I could draw from it, but also as a trophy, one that would be much less incriminating than a body part if it was ever found. Just then, young Sheridan blinked her eyes as though just waking up and brought up her wet hands to stare at the blood coating them.
she gasped Why're my hands covered in... blood? she looked up to see the bloody sheet covering the corpse Martin? What...? What've I done? Why'd I...?
Alistair quickly went over to his daughter and made a quick motion with his hand that caused her to go silent, her body quivering, then he pressed his right palm against young Sheridan's forehead and started chanting.
Remember not what happened this fair night, nor any things of magical might. I hide them deep within your mind, your inner demons to prevent the find. To nevermore know these things, until the bell of your death dings.
As Alistair chanted, Sheridan's eyes glowed, then the glow went out when he stopped, immediately followed by her falling unconscious in her father's arms.
Julian, take your sister upstairs and clean her up, Alistair ordered Then put her back to bed. You don't need to worry about her remembering any of this. As long as she's cleaned up and back in bed before she wakes up, she won't even know she was awake tonight.
As Julian carried young Sheridan out of the room, the black and white world disappeared and they were back in the white void with Martin Fitzgerald. Tears were streaming down Sheridan's face.
I remember everything now. she said softly Martin, can you ever forgive me?
There's nothing to forgive, Sheridan. Martin Fitzgerald answered You were merely the weapon your father used to kill me. The spell he used made you his puppet, unable to do anything but what he ordered you to do. Then he put the wall in your mind so you would remember neither what he forced you to do, nor the lessons I had given you.
Spells? Lessons? Papa, what exactly is going on? Luis asked, very confused First I find out Sheridan has magical powers, then I find out her father used magic to force her to kill you and erase her memory of it, then something about you giving her some sort of lessons, and what was that about your soul?
Be patient son, and I'll answer all your questions. Yes, Sheridan has magical ability, I could tell she had potential from the moment I first saw her. When I was alive, I had a bit of power myself, but nowhere near what Sheridan is capable of. I was unaware of Alistair's magical prowess as he was unaware of mine. I decided that I would teach Sheridan to use her gift, secretly. I don't think Julian or Alistair knew I was giving her lessons for quite some time. They probably didn't know until not long before I discovered Alistair's sanctum in a hidden section of the east wing of the mansion.
Most magicians keep a secure place where they store all their magical supplies and perform some of the more involved rituals. Sheridan explained It's called a sanctum.
And Alistair's was filled with books and talismans of dark magic. Martin continued That's probably why he killed me, to keep his dark practices secret. As for my soul not being where Alistair expected, well, he chuckled I wasn't as clueless as Alistair thought I was. I thought he might take a run at me once he realized I'd found his sanctum, I just didn't think he was depraved enough to use his own daughter as an instrument of murder.
When the letter opener went into my stomach, I knew at once the damage was lethal. I also knew Alistair would likely try to capture my soul for whatever uses he had for human souls, I found a few bottled in his sanctum when I found it. Fortunately, I had an escape route mapped out. I used the student-teacher bond between Sheridan and myself to transfer my soul from my dying body into hers, hiding right behind her soul and going dormant. I knew Alistair would never think to look for me inside his daughter, so it was the perfect hiding place.
Waitasec. You've been hiding inside of Sheridan all this time? Luis asked Just hiding out? Not controlling her or anything?
I could never do to Sheridan what her father did. I have interacted with her, but only in this place, continuing her lessons.
How could you if she didn't remember any of it? Didn't that forget spell Alistair cast on Sheridan wipe out all her memories of magic?
It did, Sheridan spoke up But only while I was awake. I can remember all my lessons now, both before and after Martin died. I couldn't remember while I was awake, but while I was asleep and dreaming, I could still remember. So, every so often, while I was dreaming, I'd find myself here, and Martin would pick up where he left off with my lessons, continuing to teach me to use my power. When I was a child, they took the form of games, just like when he was alive. Then, as I got older, the lessons became more formal. After a while it seemed a little frustrating at times.
Frustrating? How? Luis was puzzled
In my dreams, I could do incredible things, things I had the power to do in real life, but while I was awake, I had no clue it was possible. Sometimes, when Martin came to me in my dreams, I'd just sulk.
Fortunately, a few battle constructs to work out her frustrations on usually worked wonders for her state of mind. Martin smiled But seriously, it's a lucky thing I was able to continue Sheridan's lessons. Her powers saved her life, and not just when you fell off the cliff together, but after she was buried alive, as well. She had suffered brain damage from oxygen deprivation, as you know, by the time you got her to the hospital, she needed to be put on life support, the doctors determined she'd never be able to breathe on her own.
Luis nodded But after Ethan unplugged her, she started breathing fine by herself. After she woke up that very night they did another brain scan, and there wasn't any sign of the brain damage. It was like a miracle had happened, though Eve thought there had just been a malfunction in the machine that made it look like there was damage when there really wasn't.
There was no malfunction. The brain damage was real. As Sheridan lay dying, the mental block started to dissolve, allowing her to cast a healing spell on herself from this place. It was a close call though, Ethan almost pulled the plug before the spell took effect. As the spell kicked in and the damage was repaired, Sheridan's life was restored to her and the memory block reasserted itself, closing off her memories once again.
OK, I think I understand things now. It was worth the headache just to find out what happened to you Papa. Now that I know, I can put Alistair and Julian away for your murder. All we gotta do is put them under a microscope, squeeze em for where they buried your body so we can give you a proper funeral and put them away for life.
Son, you can't make that happen.
Why the hell not? You've gotta be angry at them for what they did to you and what they did to Sheridan! Killing you, leaving me, mama, Theresa, Antonio and Paloma not knowing what happened to you, trying to make us think you abandoned us. I'll bet they killed Antonio too!
I am extremely angry at them, Luis. But the law can do nothing against Alistair and Julian. You have no evidence with which to apply pressure to find my body, and possibly Antonio's as well.
Now that Sheridan can remember everything, she can testify to what happened that night.
And it would be a tale about Harmony's most influential businessman practicing black magic. Any judge would laugh you right out the doors of the courtroom. As you know, and a short time ago believed, nowadays magic is considered fantasy, a thing for stage performers and ancient legends. Even if Sheridan demonstrated her powers in a well-lit courtroom, it would still be thought to be trickery of some sort. What people do not understand, they forget or rationalize until it is inconsequential.
Then there's nothing we can do. Luis's face fell at this realization We can't make them pay for what they've done to our family or to Sheridan.
You can't send them to jail, but you can fight them. Do you think Alistair locked up his books & talismans in his sanctum and threw away the key after he killed me? No, he has continued his evil practices up to this very day, of that I am certain. The Crane Mansion reeks of evil, even while dormant I could sense it. Sheridan has heard strange things at night, over the years, things that were not natural. Alistair uses creatures of evil as well as humans to do his bidding. I'd wager the Dire Wolf that almost killed you both came from him. Once, when I was still alive, I caught sight of a Dire Wolf pup in the kennel on the estate. It was gone when I went back later to be sure of what I saw, but I'm certain that was what it was.
Man, I thought just finding out what happened to you would be tough, what with Sheridan's father and brother doing everything they could to hide the truth, and it just landed in my lap. But foiling Alistair & Julian's machinations with no clue as to what we're trying to foil. We are seriously gonna be in the dark.
And as soon as they know we know, they'll do everything they can to stop us. Sheridan said glumly
I think I have some good news to lighten your mood. Martin Fitzgerald chimed in There's an old prophecy my teacher was always trying to drill into my head. I wish I could remember all of it but I do remember a very important part. It's about a group called the Guardians of Good, who are prophesied to combat evil wherever they find it.
What's that have to do with us? Luis asked
Because the prophecy describes the group's members. One of them is A daughter of darkness and child of light, never apart from her teacher.' Doesn't that sound like Sheridan?
Yeah, you're right. Her father's the most evil man in Harmony-
And my mother was a good woman. Sheridan continued And I guess having your soul hiding inside my body would make it hard for us to ever be parted.
Martin agreed Another member is supposed to be The destined love of the daughter of darkness.'
If our love wasn't destined to be, we're the two luckiest people in the world. Sheridan smiled as she hugged Luis
I wouldn't let you go off to fight evil without me, anyway, prophecy or no. If magic is real, who knows how many legends about demons and such are real.
Quite a number of them, actually. Martin answered
So, how many more of these Guardians of Good' are there and where can we find them?
Sorry, I haven't a clue. I'm lucky I remember as much of the prophecy as I told you. But there is one piece of information I know. Not long before he died, my teacher called me and told me he had figured out that a great battle between good and evil would happen early in the 21st century. The year of that battle is mentioned in the start of the prophecy as being when the Guardians of Good would come together. It could be soon or even be happening already.
As Martin Fitzgerald finished talking the void seemed to fade out. The next things Luis and Sheridan saw were each other's faces across the pillow of Sheridan's bed as daylight streamed in the window.
Was it a dream? Luis softly asked his beloved
Did you dream we were talking to your father? Sheridan asked back Talking about how I do... this? A flickering flame appeared in Sheridan's palm, staying only a moment before she closed her hand and reopened it with no sign of the flame ever having been there.
It was more than a dream. Luis and Sheridan shared a light kiss
Meanwhile, in his bedroom in the Crane Mansion, Julian Crane was waking up next to Rebecca Hotchkiss after a night of their increasingly frequent sexcapades. More specifically, Julian was being woken up by the ringing of his cellular phone.
he groaned as he shook himself awake and answered his phone Julian Crane here.
Another late night with Rebecca, I see. came the voice of Alistair Crane
Father! I, er...
Nevermind. I've come to expect this sort of thing from you. What's more important is for you to get dressed and on your way at once.
On my way where? What's happened?
The Dire Wolf is dead.
Already? Talk about a lucky shot.
It wasn't a shot. The beast was burned and then had its skull crushed by a rock.
Burned? Skull crushed? That doesn't sound like Animal Control's usual M.O.
Exactly. I want you to get an assay crystal from the sanctum and get over there before they move what's left of the Dire Wolf.
Father, you really don't think that-
Not thinking is your department, Julian. The grass around the body wasn't burned in the least and there's not a drag mark to be found. My current theory is that there's a new player in town and we need to know as much as possible.
Alistair gave Julian the location and he got out of bed to get dressed. When Rebecca woke up while he was dressing, Julian explained that Alistair had reminded him of an important appointment he had to get to. After making a stop at a certain hidden room, Julian left the mansion and made his way to the clearing that had nearly been the last place Kay ever saw the night before. The wolf corpse in the clearing was what drew Julian's attention and was the reason for several police and Animal Control officers to be standing around. Several forensic techs were just leaving.
What's going on here? Julian asked imperiously
Eh? Oh! Mr. Crane. the policeman in charge was momentarily flustered but collected himself immediately What're you doing here?
Nevermind that. What's going on here?
Some hikers found the killer wolf early this morning. That is, they found what's left of it over there. The guys from forensics have no idea what burned it or how the grass around it escaped unharmed, but it definitely died from having its skull crushed by a big rock. Uh, where're you going sir? the policeman asked as Julian started walking towards the corpse, hand in his jacket pocket
I want to see this wolf that annihilated two groups of civil servants who were supposedly trained to handle this sort of thing.
The policeman shrugged and maintained his position, keeping a casual eye on Mr. Crane. He didn't think the rich man had any reason to disturb the corpse, as if anything could be affected that hadn't already been documented by the forensics guys, but if Chief Bennett found out that anyone let a Crane waltz around potential evidence of any kind unsupervised, the guy who turned a blind eye could find himself on permanent desk duty or even demoted. When Julian reached what was left of the Dire Wolf, he knelt down, as though examining the beast, and surreptitiously pulled a clear crystal out of his jacket pocket. Being careful to keep it hidden from the policeman several paces away, Julian slowly passed the crystal over the Dire Wolf's body until the crystal changed color and then put it back in his jacket. Julian briskly walked away, heading back to the Crane Mansion with all due speed. Upon his return, he went directly into the study and pressed the phone's speed-dial button.
Alistair Crane. came the answer almost before the phone had started ringing
Father, it's Julian. the younger Crane identified himself
That was quicker than I thought. Did you remember to actually use the assay crystal?
Of course I did! Julian answered indignantly
Well, what color is it now?
It's uh... Julian pulled out the crystal and examined it It's pinkish-white. You know I can't tell much else with these things.
You should be able to see the significance even without a more detailed set of data.
What do you mean, father?
Idiot. Who do we know that has a pinkish-white aura?
You don't mean Sheridan? But that's impossible! She couldn't have cast any spells on that Dire Wolf. You said yourself you locked down her powers for good the night she killed Martin Fitzgerald.
As long as the Id Wall stayed up, you'd be right. But if it collapsed, she'd remember everything that Druid, Martin Fitzgerald, taught her before he died, as well as how he died.
But what could break the spell? You said it was the most reliable memory block you knew.
I've been worried about this since Sheridan first started having nightmares about that night. The nightmares were symptoms of a leak in the wall, but I hoped that it wouldn't progress any further than that. It looks like we waited too long to kill her.
Father, if she tells Luis what she remembers of that night-
He'll laugh at her, or think she's confusing reality with a dream. And even if he believed her and she told a judge or jury they'd laugh like children watching The Muppet Show' and send her packing, maybe off to an asylum if we were lucky.
You know, I'm surprised Martin Fitzgerald would teach a little girl a spell as dangerous as a fireball. Perhaps she picked it up on her own?
Impossible. You don't just pick up' magic on your own, even if you have the latent power, you have to be taught. Look at you: Years of my trying to teach you some decent magic and you still need a crib sheet for a simple opening spell, nevermind the more complex spells.
So I'm not gifted in the arcane arts like you, father. But if Sheridan does remember what happened that night, she'll also remember what you did, before and after.
We'll have to be on tip-toes for now. Don't let on that we know she knows. Who knows, there's a slight possibility that she's still unaware and there's actually someone else in Harmony with an aura very similar to Sheridan's. I'll know more once I get a look at that crystal. Pack it up and I'll send a courier to bring it back to me.
Of course, father. Julian hung up the phone and proceeded to retrieve from a drawer the materials needed to ship a small, very fragile object.
Later, a taxi cab pulled up in front of the Bennett house and let out one passenger: a teenage girl with long dark hair, carrying a duffel bag. She walked to the front door of the Bennett house and rang the bell. Shortly thereafter, Grace opened the door.
Hello there. she said
Umm, I'm looking for Tabitha Lennox? Diana said
Oh! You must be Diana, her niece. You've got the wrong house, dear. Tabitha lives next door over there. Grace pointed towards Tabitha's house
Oh. I'm very sorry. I must've gotten the house numbers mixed up.
It's alright. I'm Grace Bennett, your aunt's a good friend of mine, we've been neighbors for a long time.
Well, I'm sorry to have bothered you.
It's quite alright. Tabitha told me about what happened to your father and mother. I've got some girls of my own. If you need anything, a shoulder to cry on, someone to show you around Harmony, don't be afraid to ask.
Thank you, Mrs. Bennett. I'm glad Aunt Tabitha has such a good friend.
Diana and Grace exchanged a smile and then Diana headed over to Tabitha's house. Tabitha opened the door as soon as Diana rang the doorbell, making a big show of hugging her niece' and saying some soothing words as they went inside. However, as soon as the door closed, the melancholy facade dropped away as they allowed themselves to grin wickedly.
What fools these mortals be. Diana coldly intoned
Tabitha agreed Looks like you totally fooled Grace with that innocent orphan bit.
Actually, at first I was a little worried. I kept thinking she might be able to see through the masking spell. She does have quite a bit of power inside her.
Deep inside her. Buried like a coffin. Her twin sister Faith, Charity's mother, was pretty darn powerful, after I killed her it was days before I was myself again, and Grace's potential isn't much lower than her sister's was. Fortunately, Grace is far too grounded in so-called reality' to open herself up to her power, so it stays fast asleep. Closest she ever gets to manifesting is the occasional premonition or a visitation by that dratted angel.
Princess! Princess! Timmy's yell preceded his entry via the kitchen. The living doll was wearing camouflage fatigues and a pith helmet with a shrub on top. Oh, hi Diana.
What're you all excited about, dollface? Scouting report, Mister! Timmy nodded, saluted, then replied
Timmy heard Charity talking to Grace. It's awful! Miguel's taking Charity for a romantic walk in the woods at 9:00!
That's a bit over half an hour away. Is Miguel there already?
Nope. He's gonna pick Charity up at 9:00.
That means we've got a short attack window while Miguel isn't there.
I'm not certain I could drill through the natural shield around a home like the Bennets' in that amount of time.
Timmy was puzzled What shield? Looks like a regular house to Timmy.
All homes occupied by mortals have a natural shield around them against evil. Tabitha explained It's generated by the energies of the residents' souls resonating within the structure.
But Hecuba could go in and out whenever she wanted to. Why does Diana have to drill her way inside?
Because when Hecuba had free passage in and out of the Bennett house, it was because she had possession of the soul of one of the residents. Kay's soul acted like a passkey for Hecuba. Without it, she would've had to expend a good deal of time and energy punching a hole every time she wanted to go inside, and that's how it'll have to be for her now if she wanted to get back in. Ah! That gives me an idea! Where one witch can't get through in time, perhaps two can!
I assume you mean Hecuba, Aunt Tabitha? Diana frowned
Unless you've got a way to get my powers going again in a matter of minutes, she's our only option. Be a dear and mindspeak a message to her for me, telling her to get over here ASAP.
Diana nodded and placed her index fingers to her temples, concentrating.
Her response is strangely muddled. the younger witch said after a minute I'll try being a bit more forceful. she furrowed her brow in concentration
Hecuba suddenly appeared in the room, holding an icepack against her head.
Alright, alright! I'm here already. she complained loudly
It's about time. Tabitha responded crossly
Hey, not so loud. Hecuba held her head
I know those symptoms. Diana sighed You've got a hangover. Now what're we going to do?
Perhaps we can still go ahead with the plan. Tabitha said The fact that she was able to teleport here on her own is a good sign.
What plan? Hecuba asked
Feel up to teaming up with Diana to drill your way inside the Bennett house to attack Charity before Miguel shows up to take her on a date?
To take out that brat I'd get up after being dosed with witch hazel. How long we got?
About half an hour. Should be enough time for the two of you to punch a hole and take out that brat. The sound of roaring from below filled the room as Tabitha finished speaking.
Timmy thought our friends' in the basement wanted Charity dead? the living doll was a bit panicky
Fear not, little one. Diana soothed They are not angry with us, merely giving additional instructions. They do not believe in wasting power. Since one of us should be enough, at the present time, to kill Charity with an ethereal attack, they want the other one to terminate Grace Bennett's pregnancy.
Because the little brat's supposed to grow up to be a great warrior for good. Tabitha answered The sort that might be able to lead a rebellion after we've won and taken over. Our friends' in the basement want to nip it in the bud by making sure he never gets out of his mother's womb.
Timmy doesn't like that idea. Bad enough you're about to kill Timmy's sweet Charity, but you're gonna kill Grace's baby too?
I say, Aunt Tabitha. Diana blinked Timmy seems... somewhat at odds with our goals.
Don't worry about it. Tabitha reassured the younger witch He's a bit soft hearted, but he'll do as he's told and he won't betray us.
What's this Aunt Tabitha' business? Hecuba asked impatiently Last night it was Mistress Lennox. Did you suddenly discover you two are related?
It's just for benefit of the goody-goods. As far as they're concerned, Diana is my niece, just arrived following the deaths of her parents. I insisted that she call me Aunt Tabitha at all times to be sure she didn't slip up in front of the goody-goods and blow our covers. Now, both of you get started before Miguel shows up and ruins things. Diana, you take Charity and Hecuba, you take Grace's baby.
Consider this a favor, Hecuba. Think about it. Easiest way to terminate an unborn baby in this sort of operation is to rip out its soul. If he's destined to be a warrior, his soul's gotta have a good bit of power in it, and you know unborn souls are easier to contain.
Y'know, Tabitha, I think you've actually got a point there. Hecuba smiled
Diana waved her hand at a nearby mirror then moved to stand beside Hecuba, both witches facing towards the Bennett house and concentrating their energies. Both glowed with red light, then seemed to turn into energy, merging together into a ball of light which shot out the window. The mirror clouded over and then a new image appeared. It looked like a camera-view traveling down a narrow hole.
Tabby, what's that? Timmy asked, pointing to the mirror
Tabitha smiled as she looked at it Diana was courteous enough to give us a witch's eye view of the whole thing. What we're seeing right now, is Diana and Hecuba tunneling their way through the shield around the Bennett house.
Why bother? Timmy pouted Timmy sees cooler stuff on Andromeda while they're in Slipstream.
It may be uninteresting at the moment, Tim-Tim, but when they're all the way though, it should be nice indeed. They'll be attacking Charity and Grace on their respective Dreamscapes, where their innermost psyches reside, and, in Grace's case, the soul of her unborn son. It'll be like watching America's Most Hellish Home Videos.
The tunneling image stayed on the mirror for about 15 minutes and then the camera' seemed to fly out of the tunnel into a large cavern with two exits. The image went to a split-screen, each half of the image going into a different exit. The tunneling image returned for a few seconds and then two full-color images appeared. One of a beautiful park, the other a cavern filled with crystals of all kinds.
Diana appeared in Charity's Dreamscape and paused a moment to survey the park she was in. The scene was bright and sunny, without a cloud in the sky. The grass was a beautiful shade of green, there were white sidewalks, well-pruned trees and shrubs, a white gazebo, and standing in the middle of it all, seemingly enjoying the beauty, was Charity.
Diana muttered to herself I'm going to enjoy watching this Dreamscape wither and decay when I kill that oh so pure child of light. But first, a change of attire is called for.
Diana had decided in advance to use her favorite psychic battleform to kill Charity, both for the sheer strength of the form, and the fear its appearance would likely cause her. She closed her eyes and concentrated a moment, her human form morphing into a creature with brown, scaly skin, four muscular arms, and glowing red eyes. Her facial features were also altered slightly, as was her clothing, which became a red harness affair which barely covered her body. The look was not unlike Sheeva from the Mortal Kombat games. The form change complete, Diana stepped out into the open.
she rasped I am your doom.
Charity turned to gasp at the creature which had come into her safe place. The creature then charged her and struck her with a fist, sending the girl flying to crash into a tree and collapse to the ground, weakly lifting her head to stare at her attacker who wasted no time stalking towards her to finish the job.
At that same time, Hecuba was in a cave that was literally made of beautiful crystals. In the center of the cave, directly under an opening that sunlight streamed through, was a large crystal with a glowing baby inside, the sound of a heartbeat filled the entire cavern. Grace Bennett was standing next to the crystal, admiring the baby within. Hecuba confidently strode towards the main crystal.
This should be easy enough. the witch smiled to herself Grace isn't gonna be able to do much here. Killing mortals on their Dreamscapes is almost too easy. I shoulda done this with Charity in the first place, but the idea of the good, pure, child of light writhing in the flames of damnation was just too good to pass up. Once I've got the baby's soul, I think I'll kill Gracie-wacie too, make sure she and Sammy don't have any more warrior brats or even a replacement for Charity. Should net me some extra brownie points with the guys in the basement.
Who are you? Grace asked as Hecuba stopped in front of the crystal
Oh, no one dear, just the witch about to kill your baby, nobody for you to be worried about. Not that you could do anything on this plane to stop me, anyway.
Hecuba cackled as she reached for the crystal, which rippled like water as her hand approached.
End of Chapter 5
Another one finished, another double cliffhanger. This time Charity is being attacked in her mind and Grace's baby is in danger too, with Grace possibly next on the list. Just for those who wonder how being attacked in this way could actually kill them, remember the old saying If you die in your dream, you die in real life. Also, today I signed up for Support Services so I'll soon be getting hit counts on my works. If you read it and like it, I expect you to review. If you don't like it, I want you to review as well, with constructive criticism so I can do better next time. Starting tomorrow, I'll know the ratio of hits to reviews, so watch out. Jumper Prime is monitoring you :)