Guardians of Good
Written by: Jumper Prime

For Disclaimers see Chapter 1.

Last time on Guardians of Good: Miguel saved Charity from being impaled by throwing hiumself between her and the spikes and was himself saved by a magical artifact once owned by his father, now disguised as a watch. The battle in the Youth Center concluded with the neutralization of the summoning talisman, previously planted by Diana. Immediately following, Reese was revealed as the final member of the Guardians of Good, setting off a holy shockwave that produced varying results in people, depending on if they were good or evil, Harmony's darker citizens afflicted with momentary but intense headaches, while the good received a moment of bliss. Following the pulse, Pilar entered Ivy's room to see her floating above her bed. Upon realizing that her maid had seen her in midair, Ivy cast a spell on Pilar which immobilized her and prevented her from calling for help.

Chapter 11: Tangents

Pilar stared at Ivy with fearful eyes as she stood motionless within a cocoon of orange light. Ivy slowly got to her feet and stood facing the other woman.

I'm sorry about this Pilar, Ivy said apologetically But I can't take any chances.

Ivy walked over to a drawer and removed a vial of white powder. She unscrewed the cap and poured some of the powder into her palm before putting down the vial and walking back towards Pilar before speaking in Latin.

Dictum haud mei magus arcanum. Ivy said and then blew the powder in Pilar's face

The housekeeper found herself unwillingly sucking the powder in through her mouth. She felt lightheaded for a moment but wasn't sure if anything else had changed.

Ivy said calmly as she walked back to where she had put the vial and screwed the cap back on.

As soon as Ivy said the word, the orange energy around Pilar dissipated and she fell to her knees, gasping in air.

Pilar gasped Was that?
I'm sorry Pilar, Ivy apologized again as she turned back to face Pilar I really am, but I hope you'll understand.
I might, IF you tell me WHAT YOU DID! Pilar's voice conveyed anger as she rose to her feet
It's nothing really. A small geas, for my own safety, and likely yours as well.

Oh, I know you wouldn't hurt me, Pilar. But a single word about what you saw, within earshot of Julian or Alistair, and I would be as good as dead.
And what exactly did I see? What is this... geas?
Pilar, I thought you'd have figured out the answer to that first question already: Magic! As for the second, a geas is a magical compulsion to do or not do something. It merely prevents you from telling anyone about my magical abilities.
I cannot believe that you sold your soul to the Devil for power!
Oh, Pilar. Ivy sighed The Devil never enters into the equation. My soul is still very much mine. All my power has been built up slowly over two decades of study and hard work. No demonic deals, no blood contracts, just lots of studying and practice.
Who could have taught you to use magic?
Well, I'm basically self-taught. I guess I can tell you all this because the geas will stop you from spilling the beans, either accidentally or under torture.
Under torture-!?
Julian and Alistair can be very ruthless. You know that. Anyway, it all started a few months after I got back from my honeymoon with Julian. My pregnancy was showing, Sam was in Boston, I didn't know when or even if he'd come back to Harmony. So, I took to exploring the mansion that had become my home. One day, I was exploring an unused wing when I heard a lock turn. I peeked around the corner and saw Alistair and Julian coming out of a room. Alistair closed and locked the door, then they walked off, fortunately not in my direction.

I was curious. What were Julian and Alistair doing in that locked room so far from the occupied sections of the mansion? When I was sure they were both long gone, I walked over to the door and tried to open it. It was locked of course. Fortunately, back when Sam and me were dating, I once expressed an interest in how thieves pick locks. I couldn't believe a thin piece of metal could open a lock designed for one specific key. Sam showed me how it worked, and I was a quick study. Oh, how I wish I'd thought to use those skills to crack open the mailbox at home back when my father was conspiring with Alistair to make me think Sam had forgotten me. Anyway, I went back to my room, got my lockpicks out of the drawer I kept them in, then headed back to the mysterious room.

Pilar, when I got the lock open and went inside, I couldn't believe what I saw. It was like walking onto the set of a horror movie. There were items beautiful and macabre on shelves and tables. Also powders and potions of all varieties. There were old bound books too. I didn't see the Necronomicron, but it wouldn't have been out of place amongst all the others. Every one of them was about magic or alchemy. I opened up one and read one of the spells aloud. It was a levitation spell and it worked, the book started to float up into the air on its own. It fell right back down after a few seconds, but I knew it had been floating.

Intrigued by my first success, I tried reading another spell. That one was a light spell, and for a moment I thought a flashbulb had gone off in my face. Realizing the danger of reading spell after spell out loud, I read silently from there on. I was intrigued by what I read, but I knew I couldn't stay there indefinitely without being caught. So, I left, relocked the door from the outside, and went back to my room.

The next day, I went into town, ostensibly to go shopping, and I did buy a few things, but the real reason for the trip was to find a trustworthy locksmith. I found one, and purchased a key blank, suitable for getting impressions from a lock. After getting instructions from the locksmith, I continued my shopping trip, bought a few more things, then headed for home. After putting everything away, except the key blank, I headed for the secret room, which I later learned was called a Sanctum, and got an impression of the lock. The next day, I went on another shopping trip, supposedly to pick up a few things I'd forgotten the day before. In between stores, I went to my locksmith and had the impressioned blank turned into a key.

Late that night, after I was sure Alistair and Julian were asleep, I returned to the Sanctum and used my new key to get inside. I had also brought a pen and notebook with me, and I copied most of the contents of one of the books into the notebook. I spent the next day or two going over what I'd copied. I was, for lack of a better word, spellbound by what I read. I also knew that what I'd copied was merely the tip of the iceberg. I spent two weeks worth of nights copying Alistair's arcane library. Twice, I barely avoided getting caught by Alistair, though I DID get to listen to him casting a few spells, and they weren't of the wholesome variety.
So, all these years, you've been studying the spellbooks you copied from the Cranes'... Sanctum? Pilar summarized
And occasionally swiping the odd ingredient, but I usually put back a replacement before Julian or Alistair notice something's missing. Y'know, it's strange. Alistair's this powerful sorcerer, but Julian's a total bumbler. Needs a crib sheet for the simplest spells, forget about the more advanced stuff.
Julian and Alistair use magic... What about Ethan?
No, they never initiated' him, so no magic. Maybe Alistair figured Ethan's heart was too pure to use the sort of spells him and Julian like to use. Personally, I'm glad. It's better that Ethan go through life untainted by Julian and Alistair's evil. And I couldn't teach Ethan any of the magic I knew because Julian and Alistair would have been sure to find out, and then I'd be dead.
You talk like your magic is any different from Alistair's, but you learned it from the same books he uses.
I've made some additions to my own arcane library since I copied Alistair's books. It's not a carbon copy of his collection. Hasn't been for a long time.
So, what do you use your magic for, exactly?
Oh, this and that. Ivy gestured with a hand, and a hairbrush flew from her vanity table and into her grasp Mostly little things. One time, a guy tried to mug me but suddenly found his knife turned into a live cobra. Ivy chuckled at that thought Occasionally I do some scrying.
What is scrying?
Scrying is the act of viewing a distant place by magic.
Amazing... Do... do you think you could possibly... use your powers to find my Martin?
Hmmm. Least I can do to make up for casting those spells on you. Grab a bottle of water and meet me in the west wing, upstairs hall in five minutes.
A bottle of water?
What, you think I can pull magic out of thin air? Most decent magic needs ingredients, and pure water happens to be one of the ones for scrying.
Oh. I see.

Pilar nodded in understanding and exited the room. More than five minutes later, Ivy was standing at the given location in the house, and was still waiting for Pilar. Finally, Pilar walked up to her, an bottle of water in hand.

What kept you? Ivy asked in an annoyed tone
Mrs. Hotchkiss asked me to get her a glass of milk when she saw I was headed for the kitchen. I didn't think it would be a good idea to tell her I was busy running an errand for you.
You thought right, Pilar. Wouldn't do for her to mention it to Julian and for him to get suspicious. Now, follow me to my own little Sanctum.

Ivy led Pilar down the hallways of the little-used wing until they came to a corridor that dead ended at an electric candelabra attached to the wall.

Did we take a wrong turn? Pilar asked, with a hint of worry in her voice
Nope. We're here. Ivy answered and pulled on the candelabra

The candelabra pivoted downward before Ivy released it and it went back up to its previous position on its own. The whole wall swung towards her and Pilar like a door. Beyond was a hidden passageway that continued forward.

A secret passage... Pilar whispered
Another secret room I found while exploring the mansion, except this one looked like no one had been in it for decades before I found it. The perfect place for my own little spellcraft central. Now, c'mon, before someone sees it open.

Both women went though the secret door and then Ivy pushed it closed again. They walked down a short corridor until it opened up into a large room. Pilar looked around as they both went in. There were several shelves containing various odd items, notebooks, and old leather-bound books. There was also a table with a few arcane items on it and a cauldron next to it. In one corner of the room, a pentagram was etched into the floor.

Pilar breathed as she took in the strangeness of the room.
Yes, I suppose it is. Ivy said in an amused tone as she moved a crystal bowl on the table so it was sitting alone in the middle. Now, the water please, Pilar. Pilar handed the bottled water to Ivy, who opened it and poured the contents into the crystal bowl, the water filled the bowl right up to the rim without overflowing. Keep your eyes on the surface of the water, that's where the image will appear. Ivy raised her arms so her hands were directly above the bowl and started to move them in arcane patterns Powers of the Nether Realm hear my call, Ivy intoned Open the window of the universe so I can see all, let me find what I wish to know. Show me all, above and below. The water started to ripple as Ivy continued to chant and move her hands I call upon the cosmic herald, show me the place of Martin Lopez-Fitzgerald!

The water suddenly glowed as bright as the sun. Pilar shielded her eyes but Ivy continued to stare deep into the glowing water. The bright light persisted for several seconds before it lessened greatly in brightness. The surface of the water still glowed with white light, though it was now bearable for Pilar to look at.
Ivy swore
What's wrong? Pilar asked Why isn't it showing where Martin is?
Looks like the scrying equivalent of snow on a TV screen. Ivy sighed It can only mean that he's dead. I'm sorry, Pilar.
Oh, my poor Martin. Pilar sobbed as Ivy guided her to a chair Is... is there any chance you're wrong, that there's really something blocking you from seeing him?
I don't think so. My sensitivity to magic has really grown, over the years. My sense of the supernatural is quite acute now. Today it was painfully so. I think I can tell the difference between shielding and the target of the spell not existing.
Painfully so? Your headache?
Yeah. It was like somebody set off the supernatural equivalent of a nuclear bomb somewhere in Harmony, and the EMP-analogue hit me hard. It felt like my head was exploding. Left some lingering effects, too. Knocked my mystical abilities completely out of whack. I had to center myself again to get them back in order. That's what I was doing when you walked in on me.
When you were floating?
Yes. It's like recalibrating my powers. I'd just finished when you came in. A few more seconds and I would've been sitting on my bed, instead of floating above it.
You can sense spells... Did you sense any spells the night Martin disappeared?
You think Alistair might've used magic to do something to him, that night, don't you? Reasonable assumption. Wish I could say for sure if you're right or not. I wasn't as experienced back then as I am now. I know there were two spikes of magical energy somewhere in this house the night your husband vanished, but I've got no idea what kind. Alistair might've immobilized him and thrown him into a Void, or it might've just been some magical experiments in Alistair's Sanctum. I simply don't know.
I... understand. Pilar cried tears of sorrow I... I guess it was a pipedream, anyway, thinking Martin was still alive after being missing so long. If he were still alive, he would have found his way back to me by now.

Ivy touched her friend's shoulder comfortingly.

It's alright to grieve, Pilar. Ivy said softly At least you finally know for sure. Take the rest of the day off.
Pilar responded in an equally soft voice I need to work to take my mind off it. To think that I've been hoping all this time that he would come back one day, that Luis has sometimes cursed his father's name, thinking that he abandoned us. That all my children have been left without their father for so long.
Alright then. I'll show you how to open the wall from this side. I've got something I need to do here, still.

Pilar nodded and both women walked to the movable wall. Ivy pressed a panel on the wall and it swung open. Pilar walked out into the hallway and pushed the wall closed behind her. Once the wall was securely shut, Ivy turned around and walked back into her Sanctum. She picked a small red jewel out of a metal box on a shelf and gingerly carried it over to the table where the crystal bowl full of water still lay.

Rosier! I call upon thee! Ivy shouted out Give me thy counsel now!

Ivy dropped the jewel into the water and there was a bang and a puff of acrid smoke from the bowl. The entire room was suddenly bathed in red light, emanating from the water in the bowl, which bubbled like it was boiling. An image began to form on the surface of the water. First it was only a blotch of blue, then snapped into fine focus. It was the face of a woman, but not a human woman. Her skin was blue, her eyes glowed bright red, her face was surrounded by six gilded horns, and her mouth was full of razor sharp teeth.

Ask your question quickly, mortal. the inhuman woman ordered in a haughty tone I have little time for insects, such as you.
I ask the question at the core of my heart: Ivy began How close am I to reawakening my beloved Sam's love for me?
Sam Bennett will never willingly forsake his wife and children. You must either abandon your quest, or take drastic measures.

As soon as Rosier finished her answer, a flash of light blinded Ivy and she found herself coughing as the room was suddenly filled with smoke. Ivy coughed for a full minute before the smoke filling the room finally cleared. She wasn't surprised that the crystal bowl, previously filled with water, was now dry as a bone.

I have got to put up a No Smoking sign in here. Ivy coughed a bit more Every time I call one of those guys, they do the whole fire and brimstone bit when they break contact. Anyway, I'm not giving up, so drastic measures it shall be.

Ivy walked over to the shelf containing a number of books and pulled out a notebook. She flipped through it, skimming the pages with a practiced eye until finally stopping when she found the page she wanted. At the top of the page was the title Tyrant of Love. She put the notebook down on the table, then retrieved an ordinary-looking mixing bowl and a wooden spoon from a cabinet and put them on the table as well. Next, Ivy began picking out ingredients from the shelves, but stopped short when she reached the racks of powders.

she swore I'm out of diamond dust. I guess I'll just have to pinch some from Alistair and put it back when I get more for myself.

So saying, Ivy left her sanctum, locking the inner door behind her, and made her way to the locked room that Alistair and Julian used for their own magical activities, just managing to avoid running into Julian in the hallway leading to it. She listened at the door for a full minute, to insure the room was empty, before using her well-worn key to open the door. Making her way through the room with practiced ease, Ivy found a rack of powder-filled vials and poured a small portion of glittering dust into a vial she had brought with her. She then put the first vial back where she found it and exited the Sanctum, making sure to lock the door behind her.

Ivy had been so focused on getting the ingredient she needed for her spell, that she hadn't noticed when her elbow had bumped the lid of an ornate jar while she was getting the diamond dust. The lid of the jar had been knocked just slightly out of position. There was only a small gap between lid and rim, not even large enough for a cockroach to pass through, but it was enough space for a puff of glowing red smoke to slowly billow out of the jar. The red light pulsed again and again, almost like a heartbeat. An unearthly sound, akin to a heartbeat, could be heard within the confines of the room.

Later, Ivy was mixing some ingredients in her Sanctum when Pilar walked in.

Ivy, Crane Security called for you. Pilar said
Ivy answered in a semi-interested tone as she continued to mix ingredients What was it about?
They said they'd retrieved the E-mail that exposed the fact that Ethan was not a Crane. They're sending a copy here for you to see while they trace the sender's E-mail address back to its owner.
Ivy stood up straight, her potion mixing forgotten When did they say it would get here?
He said it would arrive shortly.
Oh, I want Ethan to be here when it arrives. I'm going to go call him to tell him to get right over here. Ivy turned away from the worktable and started walking to the door.
What about your.... whatever you're doing?
Oh, that can wait. It's not like it's going to get up and walk away while I'm finding out who destroyed my son's life.
With anything else, I would agree with you, but this...
Oh, don't worry Pilar. Ivy chuckled I'm the expert on this, and I say it will not sprout legs on its own. It's not that kind of potion.

Ivy and Pilar left the secret room and walked back into the mansion proper. While Pilar returned to her duties, Ivy went to the nearest phone and called Ethan, telling him to come down to the mansion immediately. She then went down to the front hall to wait for her son. A short time later, Ethan and Theresa were let into the mansion.

Ethan, this is so great! Theresa was saying as they came through the front door We're finally going to find out who ruined your life!
I admit, Ethan began It will be comforting to put a name and a face to the person who E-mailed my mother's letter to the tabloid. I'd certainly like to be able to make their life miserable after they turned mine upside down. Ah, mother.
Hello Ethan. Ivy smiled at her son and his fiancee
Theresa smiled at her future mother-in-law
I'm afraid the messenger hasn't arrived yet.
That's alright. Ethan shrugged It'll give me a chance to show Theresa something.
I'll send a servant for you two when it finally gets here.
C'mon Theresa, follow me.

Ethan and Theresa walked off and headed down the halls. They were soon in an underused section of the mansion.
I don't think I've ever been in this part of the mansion before. Theresa commented
This part of the house doesn't get used much. Ethan explained Mostly empty rooms. When I was a kid, I used to play hide & seek around here.
With your brother and sisters- Excuse me, half-brother and half-sisters?
And sometimes servants who were sent to fetch me, though they didn't know it was a game.

Ethan and Theresa shared a laugh as they walked, Theresa walked a few steps behind Ethan. Suddenly, she felt something pop in her head and she saw an image of a man walking down the hallway. He walked into a side corridor and she unconsciously followed him. Ethan didn't notice that he was suddenly alone as he was telling a funny story about his younger days.

Theresa wandered through the hallways, eventually losing track of the man, or perhaps he simply vanished from her sight. She walked past a certain door as she tried to figure out where she was and how to get back to Ethan. She didn't notice as some glowing red smoke billowed out from under the door and floated towards her. The glowing smoke suddenly shot towards Theresa's back like a striking cobra. There was a flash of light behind Theresa and she fell forward onto the ground.

Theresa cried out Ow. I must've tripped on something. she muttered as she slowly got back to her feet

Once she was back on her feet, Theresa started walking again while, unbeknownst to her, the glowing red smoke flowed back under the door it had come out of.

Damn! the smoke thought That girl is pure of heart! I can find no purchase in such a soul. And after being imprisoned so long, I have too little energy to travel very far to find another body to inhabit. I will have to wait for a corruptible human to come close enough. I will have to wait here and be patient. Surely someone else will come soon. Certainly, the owners of this dark place will be vulnerable to possession.

As the sentient cloud fumed, Theresa had realized that she had absolutely no idea where she was or how to get back to a part of the mansion she knew. After wandering around for a little while, calling Ethan's name, she heard him calling her name from somewhere close by. A few minutes later the two lovers were back in each others' arms.

Oh, Ethan! Theresa exclaimed I got so lost!
That's what happens when you wander off. Ethan smiled This part of the mansion is like a maze. Funny though, we're near my oddball place.'
Your oddball place?
Yeah. Sometimes, just sometimes, when I'm there, I can hear weird sounds coming from the other side of the wall. Sometimes it sounds like someone talking in a foreign language, other times, like nothing I've ever heard.
Can we see it? Maybe we'll hear something.
Alright. This way. Ethan led Theresa down a hall until they entered an empty room. Here we are. My oddball place. The sounds usually come from that wall. Ethan pointed to the wall on the right and Theresa pressed her ear to it.
Hey! I hear something! Theresa exclaimed and Ethan pressed his own ear to the wall
You're right. It almost sounds like a heartbeat.
A really strange heartbeat.
C'mon, I'll bet the printout of the E-mail has arrived by now.
Alright. I just wish I knew what that sound really was.

Ethan and Theresa headed back down the halls to the front hall of the mansion. They walked to the study, just off the front hall, where Julian, Ivy, Rebecca, and Gwen were already waiting. As the couple walked in, Rebecca was griping about being forced to wait.

Sorry to keep you all waiting. Ethan apologized as he closed the doors Theresa got a little lost while I was showing her part of the mansion.
Um, which part? Julian asked in a suspicious tone
The empty part where I used to play hide & seek as a kid. Ethan didn't notice the frown on Julian's face because he immediately turned to face his mother So, mother, I take it the E-mail arrived?
Yes, Ethan. Ivy smirked as she brandished the envelope We're one step closer to finding out who exposed the secret that ruined your life.
Enough with the melodrama, Ivy. Rebecca said impatiently The envelope please!
Hush, Rebecca! I will not have you ruin this jubilant moment. Ivy opened the envelope and removed the printout of the E-mail. Her eyes widened as she read it What the hell!? Rebecca barely hid her glee as Ivy looked from the printout to Theresa and back again Theresa, this is YOUR E-mail address on here. Care to explain?
Theresa gasped in shock, she genuinely had no idea how her E-mail address could be on the E-mail that was sent to the tabloid
Mother, let me see that. Ethan gently took the printout from his mother's hand and examined it for a minute Well, my congratulations to Crane Security, he said at length They retrieved a FAKE E-mail!
Rebecca squawked What do you mean fake?
What makes you so sure it's fake, Ethan? Gwen asked in a calmer tone than her mother
The time/date stamp. Ethan explained calmly This E-mail was sent the very same day Theresa and I sent out our engagement announcements. In fact, at the exact same time we sent them. There is no way it could have happened that way, because I was looking over Theresa's shoulder when she sent the announcements, and then we all left the room.
Wait a minute. Theresa said as she reached into her bag and pulled out her laptop computer. Setting it on the desk, she opened it up and went into her E-mail program My computer keeps a record of every E-mail sent from it. There's no record of any E-mail to the tabloid, but it could have been erased. Here's our engagement announcement.
That's a couple of minutes before this one was sent. Ethan said as he compared the time stamp on the printout to the one on the screen That just proves this one is a fake. No one else was in the room after we left.

Theresa's eyes suddenly widened and her pupils dilated as an image flashed before her eyes. The image was of Rebecca and Gwen sitting at her computer, though she couldn't quite tell what they were doing.

Theresa blinked as the vision ended There were two people in the room after we left: Rebecca and Gwen. Maybe they somehow got a copy of the letter and sent it to the tabloid from my computer.
Why would Rebecca and Gwen do that? Ethan wondered I still say this E-mail is a fake.
Hell hath no fury as a woman scorned. Maybe Gwen figured that if she couldn't be Mrs. Ethan Crane, no one would. And by sending it from my computer, I would get the blame for destroying your life.
I love you Ethan, I could never do that to you. Gwen countered
This is ridiculous! Rebecca said, trying to salvage the ruins of her plan Theresa probably sent the E-mail, then erased it from her computer's records herself to divert suspicion.
And why would she destroy the man she was about to marry? Ivy argued Things are becoming rather transparent. I wonder if you have a copy of my letter in your purse right now. A trophy of your victory, perhaps.
This is completely and utterly crazy! Rebecca growled I will not stand here and have my good name soiled any longer!

Rebecca turned and walked quickly and threw open the door just before she went though. As she did, a voice was heard from the other side.

Julian? Are you in- OOF! A male voice cried out right before those on the study heard the sound of two bodies hitting the floor and the contents of a purse scattered about.

Those still in the study went to the door and saw Rebecca recovering from a collision with Matthew Sorenson, who was again in his blue suit.

I'm terribly sorry, ma'am. Matthew apologized as he got up on his knees and started to help Rebecca gather the contents of her purse I should've been paying more attention.
You're right about that! Rebecca grumbled Look at my things, scattered all over the place, and they're all so expensive!
You know, you should really label your disks so you know what's on them. Matthew commented as he held up a red floppy disk with a blank label
Give me that! Rebecca screeched but Ivy plucked the disk out of Matthew's hand before Rebecca could
Something important on this disk, Rebecca, dear? Ivy asked
Ummm- ahh. No! Nothing at all!
Then you won't mind if we take a look at what's on it, will you?
It's private! You don't want to look at it!
Oh, I think we do. Theresa, would you do the honors?

Theresa nodded as Ivy handed her the disk and she went back into the study and inserted the disk into her laptop's floppy drive. As everyone looked on, including a gibbering Rebecca, Theresa opened the disk and all saw that there was only a single file on the disk, labeled Ethan's Secrets. Opening the file showed a scan of the letter written by Ivy to Sam detailing Ethan's true paternity, the very same letter which had appeared in the tabloid which exposed Ethan as not really being Julian Crane's son.

Gwen... how could you do this to me? a shocked Ethan asked his former fiancee
Ethan... I...Gwen stammered as she tried to think of an excuse for not stopping her mother when she had the chance
Don't bother, Gwen. Ivy growled It's obvious you never really loved Ethan. You just wanted to be Mrs. Crane. My son is very lucky Theresa came into his life when she did. SHE loves him for who he is, not whose son he is. Julian, I hope this revelation will result in Rebecca getting thrown out on her ear.
Now, why would that happen, Ivy, dear? Julian asked in his usual cultured tone
She cost you your son! You loved Ethan, and then when you found out he wasn't a Crane, boom, he was nothing to you!
Ethan was never my son. You passed him off as the fruit of my loins for twenty years when the whole time he was never a Crane, but a Bennett. I'm actually thankful to Rebecca for opening my eyes to the whole sordid affair.
You're welcome, pookie. Rebecca smirked at Ivy, who just fumed
Umm, Julian? Matthew cleared his throat If this is a bad time, I can come back.
Ah. Matthew. Julian smiled Here to talk about the business deal, I take it. Come, let us retire to the library while this soap opera plays itself out, here.

While an argument began in the study, Julian led Matthew to the library and poured himself a drink.

So, you've considered the business deal we discussed? Julian asked
Matthew replied After going over some geology reports on the mines and cost projections for personnel and resources necessary to ramp up production, I'm afraid I have to decline.
You're sure? It would be quite profitable for both companies if you were to accept.
I'm sorry, Julian, but I'm afraid I have little choice in it. While Sorenson Metallurgy could absorb the costs to hire and train additional personnel to work the mines, the geologists are in agreement that we'd be looking at a serious danger of structural collapse inside of six months. The risk is just too great. Barring a miracle, there would certainly be loss of life.
Surely a few workers are worth greatly increased profits. Father's projections indicate you could double your revenue in those six months.
No, I'm sorry, Julian. My mind is made up. Please convey my regrets to Alistair.
He won't be happy when he hears the news.
I can handle his displeasure.
Don't be so sure. Father has destroyed other companies for turning down mutually profitable deals.
Sorenson Metallurgy is somewhat small, but also robust. And before you start making plans for a hostile takeover, I should warn you that I personally own 51% of all Sorenson Metallurgy stock. Father and Grandfather didn't like the idea of someone else being able to buy control of the company without their consent, and neither do I. I had my suspicions about you and Alistair when I first came to Harmony, and now they've been confirmed. Grandfather ended his relationship with Alistair because of misgivings about his business practices. Now I see why. I think you'll find that my company won't be as easy to destroy as some. Goodbye Julian, I'll see myself out.

As Matthew walked out of the library, his mind was on anything but his company or the Cranes' retribution

*The stench of evil in this house is stronger than before.* he thought *Someone's definitely using evil magic in this house, possibly Alistair himself. I must remember to ask Sheridan if she knows anything about it. I can't shake the feeling hat the evil now in this house will cause a lot of trouble soon.*

Leaving the Crane mansion, Matthew drove back to his townhouse and was greeted by Jacob as he came in from the garage.

How did Mr. Crane take the news, sir? the butler asked
Not very well. Matthew answered I can't blame Grandfather for breaking his ties with Alistair Crane, if his son is any indication. Also, that house was filled with evil. The stench was almost overpowering. Definitely at least one active black magic-user living there.
Then I suspect it's a good thing you didn't tell the real reason you had to decline Mr. Crane's offer.
Matthew nodded The sort of ramped up production Alistair proposed would most certainly destabilize the mines, but the real risk would be a team of miners accidentally breaking through into one of the vault caverns attached to said mines. For generations, those underground vaults have been where the family has hidden powerful and dangerous magical artifacts. If even a few were damaged or stolen... I don't want to think about what could happen then.
Neither do I, sir. Though I must say that the vault mines were a clever idea indeed.
That they were. More secure than the toughest bank vault, nobody would even think of looking for hidden passageways in a seemingly ordinary mine. If you'll excuse me, I need to go look up Sheridan's number. I need to ask her how much she knows about her family's arcane practices.
Very good, sir.

Meanwhile, back in the Crane Mansion, the phone in the library rang and Julian answered it.

Julian, you idiot! Alistair's angry voice came from the receiver
What did I do wrong now, father? Julian asked I already told you everything that was on the ruby. A massive surge of energy that burned out all the detector crystals in Harmony, the one in the Youth Center burning out first.
I'm talking about the deal with Sorenson Metallurgy, you fool! Why didn't you call me when Matthew arrived?!
I thought I could handle closing the deal myself.
Well, you obviously thought wrong and now I have to see about instituting punitive measures against Sorenson Metallurgy. Perhaps some rather costly accidents will change his mind.
Perhaps. He seemed rather adamant.
He'll fold. Maxwell Sorenson never had the stomach for REAL business. He found the thought of sacrificing the health and lives of workers in the name of profit to be sickening. Eventually, he simply walked away from our partnership. I seriously thought about buying Sorenson Metallurgy out from under him until I found out that he retained a majority share of the company's stock in his personal portfolio as insurance against a hostile takeover. His grandson is exactly the same. This time, I'll either take over Sorenson Metallurgy, or leave it a shattered hull on the rocks of financial ruin. If you'll excuse me, I have a doctor's appointment to get to.
You're going to see a doctor?
A witch doctor, actually.

Alistair chuckled and hung up. Elsewhere in the mansion, Gwen was wandering through the halls of the mansion, feeling dejected after Ethan's outright repudiation of their friendship, his words repeating over and over in her mind.

Gwen, how could you have done this to me? Ethan had asked
Ethan, I didn't! Gwen had declared Mother did it, not me!
But you were there! Ethan shouted in anger You could have stopped her!
Ethan, it... it's not as simple as that.
Isn't it? You let your mother send the E-mail that destroyed my life, let her send it in such a way that the woman I love would be blamed!
Ethan, you used to love me...
Is that why you let her do it? Maybe even helped her come up with the plan?
No! There was nothing I could do!
You were right there! At least you could have told me it was your mother who did it, instead of making Mother and I waste our time searching for the culprit.
I- I couldn't, I-
You mean you wouldn't! Why Gwen? Tell me why!
I still love you, Ethan! Theresa broke us up and that was wrong!
So you thought you'd destroy my life and blame her so that I'd go back to you!?
I... I...
I should've seen what you were really like when you went after Theresa with a bat after I broke up with you! I can't believe I just dismissed it as an isolated incident! I want nothing further to do with you! C'mon, Theresa, let's get out of here.

Ethan strode out of the study, with Theresa following a moment later, after she picked up her computer. Wandering the halls of the Crane mansion, Gwen's eyes filled with tears as she relived the memory. Finally taking note of her location as teardrops fell to the floor, Gwen noticed that she was near Ethan's oddball place' and decided to head for it, so as to relieve happier times with Ethan. On her way, she passed the same door that Theresa had passed earlier. The door which, unbeknownst to either woman, led to Alistair and Julian's Sanctum. As she walked past, glowing red smoke billowed out from under the door. It hovered in the air behind Gwen for a moment, and then shot towards her as it had Theresa, but this time, the result was different. The smoke curled around Gwen's body like a python, immobilizing her as she gasped in horror.

What's going on!? she cried out, unable to comprehend what was happening to her

Gwen's scream was muffled as the luminescent smoke flowed into her mouth and nose. The young woman choked and gagged as the magical vapor filled her body. Gwen had her eyes squeezed shut, desperately trying to get some clean air into her lungs, but all she did was draw the vile red smoke in quicker. After about a minute, all of the smoke was inside Gwen, who continued to choke in a futile struggle to get clean air into her lungs. Thirty seconds later, her muscles relaxed and she stood up straight. Then she started to laugh. It was not the laugh of someone who has just heard a joke, but the maniacal laugh of a villain who has just accomplished something. Gwen opened her eyes, which glowed red as her laughter increased in volume.

Meanwhile, Ivy was reentering her Sanctum through the secret passage.

I need to plan the perfect revenge on Rebecca for what she did to me and Ethan. Ivy said But first thing's first. Getting Sam back is a higher priority than revenge.

As Ivy resumed mixing ingredients, Pilar entered through the secret passage with a cleaning cart.

What's with the cart, Pilar? Ivy asked over her shoulder as her friend entered
When I was here earlier, I noticed it was rather dirty and dusty. Pilar answered So I thought I'd clean it up a little, for you.
Thanks. Cleaning isn't really my thing. This place goes a long time between cleanups. Usually only when it gets so bad I can't stand it.
Well, that changes now. Unless dust and dirt are conducive to powerful magic, this place will be cleaned regularly, from now on.
Ivy chuckled Just the opposite, actually. Sneezing in mid-incantation has caused me to flub more than one spell.
Then I'll just clean while you do whatever you're doing.
Thanks, Pilar. Just be careful. Treat everything in here like you would the most fragile antiques.
Of course.

While Pilar started to clean up the Sanctum, Ivy finished mixing the ingredients into a foamy red broth. She used a funnel to help pour some of the contents into a glass flask. Putting aside the bowl, Ivy looked over the page with the spell on it then held the flask in front of her, moving her other hand in a mystical manner.

I call on the forces of love to empower this potion, she chanted To my beloved Sam, let it bring a renewal of his love for me, and to those related to him by blood and marriage, let it bring death!

End of chapter 11

Hmm. Two months since I last updated this story. I guess individual projects take longer when you have a lot of irons in the fire at once. Of course, my friend Selenity Jade would be the expert. You wouldn't believe how many Dragonball Z fics she has in progress.

Anyway, here we have what amounts to a double cliffhanger, Gwen Hotchkiss, having been denounced by Ethan for her part in exposing his true paternity, has now been possessed by a spirit that Alistair and Julian had captive in their Sanctum. Meanwhile, Ivy is casting a rather interesting love spell. Imagine the consequences if Sam's family were to be tricked into drinking that potion.

My thanks to Gaiagalit for beta reading this chapter. Double thanks for pointing out a missing piece of punctuation.

Latin translations:
dictum haud mei magus arcanum- tell not at all my magical sacred secret
solvo- release