Written By: Jumper Prime
For Disclaimers see Chapter 1.
Last time on Guardians of Good: Kay was saved from the jaws of the Dire Wolf by magic cast by Sheridan. Later that night, in a shared dream, Luis and Sheridan learned the secret of Martin Fitzgerald's disappearance, as well as where Sheridan's magical powers came from. The next morning, Diana arrived to commence the charade of being Tabitha's niece. Shortly after her arrival, Diana teamed up with Hecuba to penetrate the Bennett house, intent on killing Grace's unborn son as well as Charity.
Chapter 6: Consolidation
Tabitha and Timmy watched the mirror which simultaneously showed Diana's attack on Charity and Hecuba's actions towards Grace's baby
Hecuba's gonna kill Grace's baby right in front of her? Timmy said in surprise Won't she stop her before she can do anything?
Grace can't do anything, Tim-Tim. Tabitha answered With her powers dead asleep, she's probably not even really aware of Hecuba's presence, despite her dream self's question. Hecuba could knock Grace away from the crystal to insure there's no interference, but that could trigger a rather bothersome response from her subconscious while leaving her alone risks a small possibility of interference, but it's really a judgement call. I also rather like Diana's battleform. Quite menacing.
In the dream garden where Diana was attacking Charity, the four-armed creature stomped her foot at Charity, but the girl was able to roll out of the way.
You're only delaying the inevitable, girl. Diana rasped You haven't the power to defeat me. Diana swung at Charity again, but she was able to dive out of the way of the fist.
Why are you attacking me!? the girl asked
Because you are Good's keystone in the battle against evil. I kill you, and the light's entire battle strategy falls apart. Evil will be sure to triumph!
Diana connected with another punch, sending Charity sprawling on the grass. As Diana approached to deal the final blow, a sound made her look up. The sound was a falling tree that landed square on top of Diana, knocking her down and giving Charity time to get to her feet. Diana threw the tree off of her immediately, anger evident in her face.
*Dammit.* the witch thought *Her subconscious is fighting me through the environment. I'd better finish her quickly.*
Diana got to her feet and charged Charity again, but this time she was tripped up by a section of sidewalk that flipped up on its edge and sent her to the floor again, eliciting a snarl from the witch, her determination to kill this sickeningly pure girl only growing.
Meanwhile, in the crystal cavern, Hecuba's fingers were just starting to penetrate the crystal around Grace's baby when a hand grabbed Hecuba's wrist and yanked the witch's hand out of the crystal.
Don't you DARE hurt my baby! Grace warned
Hecuba pulled her arm from Grace's grip and frowned at her
You're more awake than I thought, toots. Hecuba declared But you're not gonna stop me from giving you a psychic abortion.
Hecuba rolled up her sleeve and threw a bolt of power at Grace, who staggered back but remained on her feet. As Hecuba threw more blasts at Grace, she raised her hand towards one of the myriad crystals in the cave and an image of Sam appeared on one of the crystals before a doppleganger for her husband walked out of it. This was the Sam Bennett of 20 years before, he looked exactly as he had the night he met Grace and, at the same time, saved her life. It wasn't the real Sam, of course, but a construct forged from Grace's memories of him.
Leave her alone! Sam shouted, causing Hecuba to pause her attack as he charged towards her
Man, a whole lot more awake than I thought! Hecuba said in disbelief before blasting the Sam doppleganger, shattering it, but it had bought Grace the time she needed
Lord, our God in heaven, Grace prayed, her hands raised to the ceiling Grant me the power to protect my baby and my family, that we may do your will.
A column of bright white light shot down through the hole in the ceiling, striking the crystal with the baby in it which reflected throughout the cavern.
What the hell!? Hecuba exclaimed in shock as the light blinded her. She could just make out Grace's form not far away from her
Get out of my mind. Grace said coldly Get out of my house. And don't come back!
A pulse of even brighter light hit Hecuba and she found herself spinning through empty space. In Charity's garden, Diana had finally gotten past the obstacles thrown up by Charity's subconscious and had just knocked the girl down. But before she could deliver the final blow, she too was hit by blinding white light like that which had stopped Hecuba and was also falling through space.
In the real world, Jessica and Kay were talking as they came down the stairs of the Bennett house.
Kay, it was just a dream. Jessica contended
The wolf was there, Kay countered Just as you described it. That place has to be where Miguel is taking Charity today. There's nowhere in the woods that's more beautiful.
I still can't believe you went after a wolf alone.
Seemed like a good idea at the time. As they reached the bottom of the stairs they discovered Grace and Charity just standing in the room, both seemingly in a trance. Mom? Charity? Hello? Kay waved her hand in front of her mother's eyes and then Charity's, getting no reaction.
Something's wrong. Jessica said quietly, her eyes flashed with light for a moment before returning to normal They're being attacked.
By what? How can we help them?
Inside their minds. I... I don't know how we can help them.
Suddenly, Grace's body started glowing with bright white light. That is, Jessica saw the light, Kay still saw only Grace and Charity in a trance. The light quickly spread to Charity and Jessica saw a streak of black shoot out of each of them, both streaks continued on out of the house before everything went back to normal and Grace and Charity came out of their trances, completely unaware of anything that had just gone on in the deepest recesses of their minds.
Meanwhile, in Tabitha's living room, Tabitha and Timmy had been forced to shield their eyes from the bright white light that had started blazing out of the mirror and, a moment later, streamed in the windows facing the Bennett house.
Timmy cried out What's happening!?
Something extremely holy, Tim-Tim! Tabitha answered with a quaver of fear in her voice I don't like Diana and Hecuba's chances in there!
Two streaks of black shot in the window and each coalesced into one of the witches, Diana back in her human form. Both appeared in mid-air and fell to the floor as though they had been thrown through the window by an unknown force.
Diana groaned as Timmy helped her to her feet What happened?
I'll tell ya what happened, Hecuba said as she struggled upright on her own. Tabitha made no move to help her. Ole Gracie's an expert at hiding her powers and used said powers to give us the boot.
Impossible. With the kind of power that I felt, if she was awake, she would have seen right through my masking spell when I arrived earlier.
Yeah? Well take a look out the window, kid. Hecuba pointed out a window facing the Bennett house. The entire structure was blanketed in bright white light. That's a heavy duty shield Grace put up around that house. No way we're getting back in without a Devil's Night juicing us up.
If her powers are awake, it's because you fouled up and caused her to manifest!
Ladies, ladies. Tabitha finally stepped in to end the argument I think you both may be partially right. This caused both of the other witches to blink in surprise I've lived next-door to Grace for the past two decades and in all that time, she hasn't shown the least outward sign of power. On the other hand, what happened on her Dreamscape when she foiled you both at once was not an on-the-spot manifestation. I'd say the oh-so-good Grace Bennett is a split-level.
Grace is a house? Timmy said in surprise Timmy thought she was a person.
Of course she's a person, stuffing for brains. Split-level is magician's shorthand for someone whose conscious mind is completely unaware of their innate powers while their unconscious mind is fully aware of said powers. Typically, a split-level's powers only pop active when they're under direct attack, like just happened, and afterwards they forget they did anything supernatural.
Nothing worse than a split-level. Hecuba grumbled First time you go after em, you likely won't be prepared for someone who can fight back and they wallop you before you know what's happening. Kid, tell me you managed to finish off Charity before we got kicked out.
I was about to deal the final blow when the light hit me. Diana said evenly If you hadn't-
Hey! This was NOT my fault! It was our friends' in the basement who ordered we get rid of Grace's baby. I originally wanted to be in on the hit on Charity.
End of round! Tabitha played peacemaker again Diana, if it had been you going after Grace's baby and Hecuba attacking Charity, there's a good chance you would've been taken by surprise as much as Hecuba was and then she would've been accusing you of messing things up instead of vice-versa.
I suppose it is possible. Diana conceded
Tabby, why're you speaking up for Hecuba? Timmy asked What about all the times she was about to kill Timmy and Tabby?
If I'm going to be an effective leader, I need to be objective. Tabitha answered I can't let Hecuba's previous actions prevent me from making peace between the coven's members. If Hecuba and Diana are constantly at each other's throats, we'll never be able to kill Charity.
It's gonna be a whole lot more difficult now, regardless. Hecuba groused The Bennett house is protected by an impregnable shield, so we can't attack Charity when she's home, and most of the time when she's not at home, she's with Miguel and their love puts up a shield just as impossible to break through as the one around that house.
Looks like it's time for some brainstorming. We've got to figure out how we're going to kill Charity, especially with the Guardians of Good coming together.
As the forces of evil tried to figure out how to kill Charity, a different scene was occurring in the cottage on the Crane estate. Sheridan's nephew Ethan(she still considered him her nephew even though it was now known that he was not really her brother's son) who was Sheridan's guest after being thrown out of the Crane mansion upon the revelation of his true paternity, had already left to see his fiancee, Theresa, allowing Sheridan to use the front room for something that he would find decidedly odd. A number of candles and some incense were burning on the table and Sheridan herself was sitting cross-legged on the nearby couch chanting in Gaelic. Luis came out of the bedroom, fully dressed, just before Sheridan finished chanting and she started to get up.
What was that about? Luis asked
I was giving thanks to Brigid. Sheridan responded
Who's Brigid?
Celtic Goddess of fire, among other things. I was thanking her for lending me some of her power last night.
I'm a little new to this magic stuff, but I thought you did that fireball thing yourself?
Your father didn't just teach me the spells, he also taught me the beliefs behind the magic. The Druidic lore that he learned from his teacher. I like to think of the Celtic gods as aspects of THE God, or maybe some of his angels. It's really just good manners to give thanks.
Well, don't forget the kids're expecting us at the Youth Center. Wouldn't want to disappoint those tykes.
Nope, we sure wouldn't. Gimmie a minute to clean this up and I'll be ready to go.
Sheridan put out the candles and incense, gathered them up, and put them away in a cabinet. Then she and Luis headed out the door on their way to the Youth Center.
Meanwhile, Charity was leaving the Bennett house in the company of her boyfriend, Miguel. Leaving shortly thereafter were Kay and Jessica, who were on their way to the Youth Center. As they walked, they also talked about recent events.
That was so weird. Jessica said Mom & Charity just standing there in a trance, and it was like I knew something was happening, that something was attacking them. And then that light, and those streaks of black that came out of them...
I didn't see any light, Jess, Kay responded Which means it wasn't ordinary light. Had to be from magic that only you could see. Face it, baby sis, the alarm clock hooked to your powers has gone off bigtime, so no more thinking that you haven't got any or that you're not one of the Guardians of Good.
I gotta admit, it was definitely weird. When we came out of the house, I was surprised the whole neighborhood hadn't already turned out to see the white light covering the house. The light coming from you is so bright, I can't believe I didn't see it last night.
I've only got a teeny bit more experience with this stuff than you, but it seems like these powers are like a light switch. Turned off and completely normal one day, then the switch is flipped and you're seeing and doing things nobody else can.
It's actually pretty disorienting. Bright lights and shadows all over the place where they shouldn't be. Some people are glowing, though nowhere near as much as you, while others seem to be walking in the shadows even though the sun's shining right on them. Sorta rough on my eyes. Indeed, Jessica was squinting quite a bit as they walked.
I wish I could help you with that but my powers don't let me see the same things you're seeing. What you've got is probably a lot more complex than kicking and punching, which is about all my powers are good for.
An instruction manual sure would come in handy, I'll tell you that.
Reese should be there when we get to the Youth Center. He's been pretty good at finding supernatural info so far. Maybe, somewhere on the Internet, there's a how-to manual for Seers?
I sure hope so.
While others made their way to the Youth Center, Matthew Sorenson was driving up to the door of the Crane mansion, having been waved through the gate by the guard after identifying himself. He was wearing a blue suit much like the one he had worn aboard the plane the previous night. Moments after he knocked on the door, it was opened from within by Pilar.
Matthew Sorenson to see Mr. Crane. Matthew identified himself
Mr. Crane is expecting you. Pilar answered Please follow me. Pilar led Matthew across the foyer to the study where Julian was sipping a drink. Mr. Crane, Matthew Sorenson to see you.
Julian looked up from his drink Thank you Pilar. You may go.
Pilar nodded and left, closing the study doors behind Matthew on her way out.
You look rather young to be Alistair, Matthew observed Unless Crane Enterprises' Bio-Medical division has come up with a fountain of youth drug it's keeping top secret.
Julian chuckled I'm his son, Julian. Might I offer you a sherry while we wait for father to call? Probably only be a minute or two but minutes always seem to drag on when you're waiting for something.
No thank you, Julian. Matthew responded I never drink alcohol when I know I'm going to be discussing business.
How dreary your life must be.
Both my father and grandfather had the same policy. A little shot can cost a lot' is the saying they liked, and I must agree. Much better to negotiate with a clear head.
Well, to each his own, I suppose. As Julian spoke, Matthew wrinkled his nose
What is that smell? he asked
Smell? What smell? Julian sniffed the air I don't smell anything out of the ordinary. As I recall, Sorenson Metallurgy's corporate headquarters is located in Arizona. Perhaps it's just the smell of the sea or the higher humidity acting on the furniture?
Could be. This is the first time I've been to New England, after all. Just then, the phone rang and Julian answered it.
Julian Crane here. Yes father, he just got here. Julian pressed the Speaker button and put down the handset
Hello, young Mister Sorenson. Alistair's voice came over the speakerphone
Hello Mr. Crane, it's a pleasure to talk with you, though I assumed that we'd be meeting in person.
That's the trouble with running one of the biggest business empires in the world, can't always be home when I want to be. And please, call me Alistair. Your grandfather, Maxwell Sorenson, was a good friend of mine before we parted ways.
Then please call me Matthew. So, what's this about a new alliance between Crane Enterprises and Sorenson Metallurgy?
Sorenson Metallurgy has a good deal of mining interests and foundries, but only a little manufacturing capability, resulting in many of your mines being underutilized because there isn't sufficient demand for the raw metals to justify running the mines at capacity. Crane Enterprises, on the other hand, has extensive manufacturing capability but relatively few industrial mines, resulting in the necessity of purchasing raw material on the open market. If Crane Enterprises and Sorenson Metallurgy were to join forces, Crane Enterprises would gain a steady supply of high-quality metals while Sorenson Metallurgy can greatly increase its cashflow by fully utilizing its mines. We could also supply state of the art mining equipment at a nominal discount, further increasing the mine yields, and with them, the profits for both our companies.
An interesting proposal, Alistair. It could indeed be quite profitable for us both. But I'm going to need a little time before I give you a decision. Ramping up mine production isn't the sort of action to be taken lightly. There are certain geological factors that must be checked and addressed lest disaster occur, not to mention logistics.
Take all the time you need. I have the number of your townhouse here in Harmony and I left the mansion's main number with your butler when I called last night.
Thank you Alistair. Be assured that I will seriously consider your proposal. If you'll excuse me, I still have a few things in need of unpacking at my townhouse. Good day.
Good day, Matthew.
With a nod to Julian, Matthew strode out of the study and then out the front door to his car before beginning the drive back to his townhouse. As Matthew drove back to his townhouse, things of a more jovial nature were set to occur at the Youth Center.
Those kids're gonna love what we've got set for today. Luis declared as they approached the Youth Center
Definitely one of your more inspired ideas. Sheridan agreed
Hey look! It's Luis & Sheridan! cried a young boy as the two adults came through the doors and were immediately swarmed by children
Hey, easy guys! Luis admonished them We can't get things started if we can't get to the gear.
As Luis and Sheridan made their way through the crowd of children, Reese came up to them, a severe expression on his face.
Luis, Sheridan, we've got a problem. the bespectacled teen said
What's wrong? Luis asked
Mike and James were supposed to setup the equipment last night but it's all still boxed up in the storeroom.
Aw man. Those guys said we could count on them to do it. I shoulda asked someone like you or Chad to make sure they did what they were supposed to. Luis sighed C'mon Reese, let's go get the equipment and get it setup. Sheridan, could you keep the kids busy while we do it? I am gonna have to have a serious talk with Mike and James, later.
Don't worry Luis, Sheridan smiled They won't even notice they're being kept waiting. As Reese and Luis headed off to the storeroom, Sheridan turned to the crowd of children. OK, who wants to see some magic? Of course, all of the kids responded in the affirmative.
While Sheridan kept the little kids entertained with some minor but rather showy spells, including levitating small objects like cards and creating illusions of animals and mythical beasts, Luis and Reese, aided by Kay who had decided to pitch in, carried boxes from the storeroom to the main room. Luis took note of the fact that despite the weight of her box, Kay didn't seem to be having any difficulty carrying it. He also noticed that although Reese also knew the weight of the box, the teen made no comment about the girl's unusual strength. At the same time, Jessica had been leaning against the wall of the ladies room, eyes closed to block out the weird patches of light and darkness her powers were showing her.
I've been in here way too long. Jessica said to herself If I'm gonna be seeing things full time, I gotta get a handle on it. Just gonna have to get used to seeing light and darkness in places where they shouldn't be.
So saying, Jessica walked out of the restroom and was nearly blinded by the light coming from Sheridan, as well as the somewhat dimmer light from the throng of children watching her. She blinked as she saw a miniature unicorn standing on Sheridan's palm, not sure if it was real or not. Sheridan looked up to see Jessica squinting at her and immediately dispelled the illusion of the unicorn, returning to more conventional-looking tricks. Luis, Kay, and Reese arrived shortly with the boxes from the storeroom and started setting up the equipment while the children remained fixated on Sheridan's magic tricks. As Jessica walked over to help Luis, Kay, and Reese with setting up the equipment, Sheridan noted she seemed a little unsteady on her feet and was squinting a lot. As Jessica worked with the others, Sheridan noticed that she avoided looking directly at Kay, as she would avoid looking directly at a bright light. Soon, the equipment was set up and Luis called for the kids' attention as Sheridan ended her magic show. As the kids rushed over to him and he, Kay, and Reese started the game, Jessica drifted over to one side of the room and turned away from where Kay was, her eyes half-closed.
*Could it be?* Sheridan thought *If Kay has supernatural strength, it's not out of the question for Jessica to have powers as well, and Kay did say that Jessica had seen the future.*
Sheridan concentrated, narrowing her eyes slightly as she gazed at Jessica. Sheridan's view suddenly changed, and she was looking at Jessica across a maze of colored lines that crisscrossed the room. Sheridan noted the unusual number of ley lines in the Youth Center, but her focus was on Jessica, who was surrounded by a bright white light emanating from her body. Sheridan looked over at where the others were entertaining the kids and saw that Kay was glowing just as brightly as Jessica. Sheridan had her confirmation.
*I know those symptoms Jessica's having.* Sheridan thought to herself *I experienced them myself once when I was a kid. Her Magesight is stuck on and she's having trouble dealing with what it's showing her.*
Sheridan allowed her eyesight to return to normal, then walked over to Jessica, placing her hand lightly on the girl's shoulder. Jessica immediately turned to face Sheridan, and just as quickly squinted her eyes and moved to instinctively shield them against the bright light she saw coming from Sheridan.
It's OK. Sheridan said quietly Every instinct you have is telling you to shut your eyes or you'll go blind, but that's not really true. The light can't damage your eyes because it's not ordinary light.
Uhh, what light? Jessica tried to play dumb, not knowing of Sheridan's own connection to the supernatural
The light coming from me, from your sister, and, to a lesser extent, from everyone else. The light shining out from our souls. You're seeing it now, aren't you?
I... I don't know what you're talking about.
It's OK. I can see it too, and I can help you get a handle on it.
Yes. For now, the first thing to do is to turn it off so it's only active when you want it to be. You already know you have two eyes, now, envision that you have a third eye, right here. Sheridan lightly tapped Jessica's forehead Right now, it's wide open, catching every bit of light that comes near. Now, visualize that third eye closing, so that no more light can get in. Then keep it shut, don't let it open until you want to see the unseeable again.
Jessica closed her eyes in concentration, following Sheridan's directions. When the girl opened her eyes again, all seemed normal again, there was no unusual light anywhere, just the normal light from the windows and lightbulbs.
It worked! Jessica said with glee Everything looks normal again! Waitasec, how'd you know how to turn it off? And how'd you even know I was seeing what I was seeing?
When I first learned the use of Magesight, that's what it's called by the way, I had the same problem as you. Sheridan answered The day after my teacher taught me how to use it, I tried on my own and discovered I couldn't turn it off. I imagine I looked a lot like you've been looking today, seeing light and shadow where logic says there shouldn't be any. Fortunately, it was only an hour or two before my teacher arrived for my lesson and helped me bring it under control. I shudder to think what might've happened if my father had seen me before I got it under control and recognized the symptoms. But he didn't so my powers remained a secret.
Whoa. But if you had powers, and your father knew magic was real, wouldn't your father want you to learn to use them?
Nope. He doesn't think a woman could possibly deserve to be his heir, I doubt he'd agree with me learning to use magic. Sheridan paused as a thought hit her Jessica, have you ever heard of something called the Guardians of Good? Jessica turned to stare directly into Sheridan's eyes at this question
Where did you hear that name?
From my teacher, who I am never apart from. Jessica's eyes widened as Sheridan quoted the prophecy
The daughter of darkness. Jessica said softly, then a bit louder Then Luis is-
My destined love.
Omigosh! That angel wasn't kidding. We've been banging our heads against a wall trying to figure out how to find the others in the prophecy and here you just walk right up and boom!
About then, Reese came walking over to them, looking a bit tired from dealing with so many kids.
he sighed The laws of thermodynamics can't explain how little kids can have such big energy reserves.
Reese! Six down and two to go! Jessica said gleefully
Six down and two to go? Six what?
Six Guardians of Good. Reese glanced over at Sheridan standing right next to them and decided to try playing dumb.
Guardians of Good? Ohhh, you're talking about that game you play on the Internet.
It's OK Reese, Sheridan's the daughter of darkness and Luis is her destined love.
You sure about that?
She quoted the prophecy and she glows just as bright as Kay does.
Are you feeling alright? Reese felt Jessica's forehead to check for a fever Neither Kay nor Sheridan are glowing and I don't remember them ever doing so. Jessica yanked Reese's hand away from her forehead
Well of course you didn't see them glowing. My powers have gone totally active and they let me see stuff regular people can't see. Sheridan calls that part of it Magesight' and she can do it too.
When did your powers come online?
Either last night or this morning. I had a dream that turned out to be real, then this morning I could sense Mom & Charity being attacked in their minds and I saw light surround them both before black streaks shot out of them and I saw the bright light around the house and-
OK, OK! Breathe Jessica, I believe you.
So Reese, Sheridan finally spoke up, having been smiling silently during Reese & Jessica's discussion Are you one of the Guardians of Good too?
I wish. With you and Luis, we've got six. Kay, Jessica, Charity and Miguel are the others we know. The remaining two are One who combines alchemy with the magic of machines' and One who is a soldier of the Almighty.' Unfortunately, it looks like we're probably gonna have to wait for them to find us the way you did.
As they talked, the kids began to scatter across the Youth Center for the scavenger hunt portion of the activity. Leaving some other volunteers to watch the searching kids, Luis and Kay walked over to where Jessica, Reese, and Sheridan were talking.
Those kids are like perpetual motion machines. Luis sighed I feel like I'm ready to collapse, and it's only half over.
Well, maybe this will perk you up. Sheridan smiled The Guardians of Good, we're standing right next to some of them.
What? Seriously?
No joke, Luis. Jessica answered Funny how things work out.
Jessica, Reese! Kay was slightly annoyed at the apparent breach of secrecy How could you just blab about-?!
It's alright, Kay! Sheridan and Luis are the daughter of darkness and her destined love! Dad's always saying that Alistair Crane's the most evil man in Harmony so who besides Sheridan could be a daughter of darkness, yet good-hearted enough to be a child of light at the same time? And she's got powers like mine! You know how I was having trouble dealing with what my powers were making me see? Sheridan helped me turn it off so I can function normally.
I stand corrected. Welcome to the team guys. Kay smiled
Good to be on the team. Luis replied I'm glad we won't have to do all the fighting alone.
At that moment, across town, in Tabitha's living room, Tabitha, Diana, and Hecuba were still brainstorming ways to kill Charity when Tabitha stopped in mid sentence.
Princess, what's wrong? Timmy asked
There's been a tremor in the loomweave. Diana was the one who answered quietly, a hint of worry in her voice
What's that?
The proper name for the magical continuum. Tabitha explained Think of it as a disturbance in the Force.
Two more of the Guardians of Good have hooked up with those brats. Hecuba growled
Timmy asked
We shall find that out shortly. Diana said as she stood up and walked to a mirror, passing her hand over it in a mystical gesture Powers of darkness, show us the Guardians of Good who have now joined with those we already know.
The mirror clouded over then showed a view of the conversation between Kay, Jessica, Reese, Sheridan, and Luis. The angle was such that Reese was not in frame. The image's main focus was on Luis and Sheridan. Tabitha frowned as she saw who the two new members of the Guardians of Good were.
Why did Luis and Sheridan have to be two of those blasted Guardians of Good? the elder witch sighed
You have crossed swords with them before, Aunt Tabitha? Diana asked curiously
Not exactly crossed swords. More like I owe them one. Or more precisely, I owe their past selves, Luke Fitzgerald and Sarah Crane. They were instrumental in getting the British out of Harmony back in July of 1776, including two British soldiers I was forced to house in my spare bedrooms and were eating me out of house and home, not to mention putting a real crimp in my practice of sorcery. With those redcoats constantly underfoot, I had to restrict myself to minimal scrying and nothing else for fear of being found out as a witch!
Hecuba grumbled Our coven leader is reluctant to fight two of our enemies.
Incorrect, Hecuba. They're going to be fighting against us, and I owe nothing to Luis and Sheridan. Luke and Sarah died two centuries ago, all debts to them were canceled then.
As it should be. Diana nodded
Quiet a sec, Hecuba shushed the other two witches I wanna hear what they're saying. After listening for a minute to the conversation for a few minutes, Tabitha frowned and stood up.
Did you hear that? she asked Jessica has manifested and Sheridan also has Magesight. We've got work to do and we've got to do it fast.
You're not gonna try to kill Jessica and Sheridan, are you Princess? Timmy asked
No, there's no time for that. We've got to set up the magical equivalent of a jamming device and fast.
What for?
Because, dollface, if Jessica were to look at this house with her Magesight right now, she'd be able to see all the evil radiating from it and that could easily blow our cover! Hecuba, I need you to stick a screening spell over the basement to cut down the amount of negative energy spilling out of there all the time. It was never an issue before but now that there are people out there who can see evil energy with pinpoint accuracy, we can't afford that high an emissions level.
Yavol, mine Fuhrer! Hecuba responded sarcastically and mock saluted
Just do it, Hecuba. And Diana, I want you to go outside and put up a masking shield around the house. Psychically speaking, I want this house to look no different from any other house in the neighborhood. Don't forget to be stealthy with your spellcasting. Make it look like you're just admiring the outside of the house you're now living in.
Of course, Aunt Tabitha. the younger witch responded sincerely I know how to cast a spell without it being obvious. I'll start on the fake resonance effect immediately, but I can't start masking the leakage from the portal in the basement until Hecuba finishes her screen so I know exactly how to set my spell.
You hear that, Hecuba? The sooner you start, the sooner we'll be in full stealth mode, and we need to be fully stealthed before Jessica gets back, preferably before Charity returns from her date with Miguel. We don't know if that brat is awake enough to be able to see a spell in mid-cast and I don't want to take a chance on Diana being found out.
Fine, fine. Hecuba muttered as she walked towards the basement and Diana headed outside I still don't get how I ended up in a coven with a leader who couldn't cast a spell to save her life.
Timmy, I'm gonna need your help too.
Timmy'll do whatever he can to help his Princess! the living doll responded immediately
Alright, while they're doing the house, we need to do something about me. Since I still don't have my powers, I can't do a personal masking spell like Diana can. Fortunately, I've got a little trinket somewhere around here that'll modify my aura so I'll seem just like any ordinary mortal. Problem is, I can't for the life of me remember where I put it so I'll need you to help me look. It's a small gold ring with a blood-red stone shaped like a triangle. You start over here and I'll start over there.
While the witches worked to insure neither Tabitha nor her house would show up on Jessica or Sheridan's radar,' Matthew Sorenson had returned to his Harmony townhouse and was reading a book in his study. He seemed quite absorbed in the book when he suddenly looked up and saw a glowing ball of white light floating down from the ceiling. It stopped in mid-air before reaching the floor and, in a flash, it turned into a young girl in a white dress.
Hello Matthew. the angel girl said
Matthew spoke calmly as he stuck a bookmark into his book and put it down on a nearby table I was wondering when you were going to show up.
End of Chapter 6
Well now, why isn't Matthew Sorenson surprised to be visited by an angel? In fact he was EXPECTING the visit. He is not what he at first appears, but what exactly is he? Good? Evil? Neutral? And what is his real reason for visiting Harmony, alluded to when he arrived in chapter 4? You'll get those answers, plus the identity of another member of the Guardians of Good, in the next chapter.
Please don't forget to review. I have no way of knowing what you like and what you don't if I don't get reviews from you. On a semi-related note: Jen, if your problem is what I think it is, go up to the drop down box that says Sort by New Stories and change it to Sort by New Chapters and you'll see the latest stories to have chapters added(you'll have to do this every time you visit a section, but it'll stay in effect when you click Next or Prev) Note that the New Chapters listing contains ONLY chaptered stories so you have to use the New Stories listing if you want to see new, non-chaptered stories.