Guardian from Above
Part Seven
By: Silverstar
Okay, here it is, the final battle! I hope everyone enjoys this chapter, the climax, as much as I enjoyed writing it. This chapter is what I've been visualizing since the beginning. A few weeks ago I had about 10 pages written, but wanted to finish it and put it out all together. I know it's pretty long, but I hope thats okay. Sorry it took so long to put out, but once I started writing I couldn't stop. The story become longer and developed more than I expected. I'll be putting one last chapter out later to wrap it up as well. Thanx again to all who have encouraged me and reviewed. Without you guys Guardian from Above would probably still be on chapter two...^^ Well, here we go...
Disclaimer: I don't own Charmed or any of the characters...although I wouldn't mind owning Cole...^^
Warning: There are some gruesome parts to this chapter
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*(PIPER)*
I paced around the room, trying not to worry. It had been an hour since Paige had called, and she still wasn't home.
"Did you try her cell?" Phoebe asked, walking into the front hallway. I was pacing back and forth in front of the door.
"Yes, I tried a few times, but she's not answering," I replied worriedly. What if something had happened?
"Piper, you have to calm down," Phoebe told me, taking my hands and leading me over to the couch. I sat down with a sigh, but I couldn't sit still. Phoebe sat down across from me and I looked over at the door nervously. "Piper!" I glanced over at Phoebe and was caught in her gaze. *Sigh*
"I know Phoebe, I know," I said softly. "I'm just overreacting. Paige probably stopped somewhere on her way home."
"That's right," Phoebe told me, although she didn't sound so sure herself. "Paige can take care of herself, and she probably had to do something before she came home." Phoebe nodded her head, but I still wasn't convinced.
"But what if-"
"She can take care of herself," Phoebe said sternly. I continued to look at my sister and saw that she was fighting to believe what she was saying. We'd both been in the demon-killing business long enough to know that anything was possible, and in the situation that we were in, this wasn't good.
"Phoebe...Prue could take care of herself too," I whispered, looking down and feeling the tears form under my eyelids. A moment later Phoebe stood up fiercely and I with her.
"That's it!" she shouted, looking at me with determined eyes. "Let's find out what's going on."
"Wha-"
"LEO!!!" Phoebe shouted, and I winced from the volume of her voice.
"Leo..." I whispered to myself. He would help, he wouldn't leave, he would know what to do.
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*(PHOEBE)*
"LEO!!!!" I shouted, troubled by the way Piper was acting, and needing to take charge of the situation. A moment later I saw blue and white lights appear next to Piper and Leo materialized. Piper immediately jumped into his embrace and he put his arms around her, trying to sooth her. Piper was really missing Prue right now, and she wanted to keep the same thing that happened to our big sister from happening to Paige. I didn't blame her. I'd be just as nervous if I hadn't promised Cole to stay positive.
"Phoebe." I looked over at Leo to see him questioning me with his eyes while still hugging Piper.
"It's Paige," I said quietly. "We're worried because she was supposed to be home by now and she's not picking up her cell. Could you please sense her for us?"
"Yeah," he said swiftly before Piper moved around to his side and put only one arm around him, giving him some room. I watched in apprehension as Leo closed his eyes and concentrated. A minute passed, but it seemed like an hour to me. Leo's face held a frown, and Piper and I exchanged glances. Finally, our whitelighter opened his eyes and looked at both of us. Please don't say those words Leo, please don't say them... "I can't sense her," he whispered, looking at the ground. He has said the forbidden words...For a second things got a little hazy, and I felt myself dropping to the ground. When I opened my eyes I saw Cole looking down at me. He had shimmered in and caught me.
"Cole..."
"Are you all right?" he asked, lifting me to my feet and letting me steady myself by holding onto his shoulder.
"Yeah..." I said, looking up to see Piper and Leo crowded around us. "I think my heart stopped beating there for a moment." I smiled weakly, and Piper returned it. She looked like she could faint as well.
"What's wrong?" Cole asked again, and I saw him looking at all of us. I sighed, and wrapped my arms around my love.
"Paige is missing," I whispered, burring my head in his shoulder.
"Is...Is she dead?" Cole asked, looking at Leo. I jumped at this thought, and looked at Leo as well.
"I don't think so," Leo said, taking Piper in his arms. "If she were I'm sure They'd be calling me." I sighed in relief, but then realized that if Paige wasn't dead, she was captured. We had to find her.
"We have to find her," I said with determination, standing up and pulling a piece of paper out of my pocket. "I'm almost done the power of three spell, though if it will work I don't know. Cole, you go underground with Leo, see what you can find, but first take Piper to Paige's car, see what she can find there. Let's get Paige back." I took a breath, surprised at my position as leader, but everyone nodded. Leo orbed out with Piper, and Cole shimmered out after giving me a kiss on the cheek. I smiled, putting my hand up to the side of my face, before grabbing a pen and sitting down to work on the spell.
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*(PAIGE)*
I starred at Slimy for a second and watched as he laughed in triumph. I was in so much trouble. I didn't know what he did to me in the car, but whatever it was, it had drained my strength. I was only standing from being held up with chains, and at realizing this I winced. The cold hard metal was tearing into my wrists and I felt the blood stream down my arms.
"Uhhghhh..." I groaned, closing my eyes for a moment. I hated blood...I hated demons...I hated not being able to move...and I was getting dizzy. If I was going to act, it had to be now. Gathering what strength I had left, I tried to orb. I felt the warm glow surround me, but when I opened my eyes I was still chained to the wall. The demon just laughed at me, and walked closer. Soon, he was so close that I could smell his wretched breath, and all I could see were his two pale unblinking eyes.
"Don't think you can orb out of here Charmed one," he spat so evilly that I closed my eyes and wished I were deaf. "I drained you of all your magical and physical strength. What you have left is what has built up in your system over the past hour. I'll drain you every hour, taking your strength, and allowing mine to grow. Your power tastes very good...I think I'll have some now." I opened my eyes to see his hand on my throat and felt my body convulse as he slowly extracted all the strength I had. My magical energy diminished and my head dropped. He must had done it very fast....before in the car...for me to pass out. Now, it was slow torture as I felt him taking what was mine...my power...
"Y...You...can't use it," I said weakly, struggling to lift my head.
"Use what?" he asked, obviously amused.
"My...p-power," I responded. I heard him laugh as my chin hit my chest and he removed his hand from my throat.
"Yes...You are above me in power Charmed one, and I'm not able to directly use your powers...But they do make mine stronger." Then, I saw him out of the corner of my eye lift his hand. White energy was gathering into it. "I now have an active power from draining yours. I praise Mistress Dalei for sending me. This will be revenge for my brother." What...I then looked closely at Slimy and saw that he had yellowish skin and two horns. He looked like the Bluhonius...Searching my mind, I remembered seeing him in the book right before the Bluhonius. Slimy here was a Yellonius...*shiver*
"If...you want revenge...why don't you kill me?" I asked, lifting my head slightly to look at him. "Why not Yellonius?" I saw him grin as he shaped the white energy into a blade.
"So, you know who I am. Good." He stared at me for a moment before continuing. "Actually, I intended to. Any other creature would have died if I had extracted their energy as fast as I did yours...For some reason though, you did not die. I took everything you had, but you still live. So, since I wasn't able to kill you I decided that I would play with you. We're going to have fun witch." I grimaced as he came towards me. When he was two feet away I started to panic, looking around the room, but there was no way I could escape. I knew I wasn't thinking clearly, but I couldn't stop my breathing from growing faster and the perspiration from running down my forehead. Finally, making a resolution to never give in, I clamped my mouth shut and closed my eyes. I suppressed a scream when I felt the burning energy blade slide into my side and remain there. Eyes watering, I opened them to see Slimy making another blade. Hardening my eyes, I gave him a death stare before he laughed again and plunged his second blade into my right thigh.
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*(PIPER)*
I felt the warm energy of glowing lights as Leo pulled me from the manner and a moment later we reappeared behind a tree in the parking lot at Paige's work. I looked around the tree and easily spotted Paige's lime green Bug.
"Will you be okay?" Leo asked, stepping in front of me. I saw Cole shimmer in out of the corner of my eyes and remembered what my husband had to do.
"I'll be fine," I said, giving Leo a hug. "You be careful, do you hear me?" He nodded and I stepped back. "I'll take Paige's car home. You just try to find out what's going on, okay?" He smiled before walking over towards Cole behind another tree.
"Don't worry Piper, I'll be careful," he said. With that, Cole shimmered out and Leo followed. I was alone. Two seconds later I looked over at the car and gasped. I hadn't realized it before, but Paige's Bug looked like it was running. I ran over and found that indeed it was. When I looked in the mirror I saw Paige's purse on the seat with its contents spilled out. Her phone was on the passenger seat, still on. Tears came to my eyes as I realized that she had been captured when she was talking to me...I hadn't even realized it...Wiping my tears away, I opened the door and put Paige's things back into her purse. I slowly picked up her phone and saw that there were three missed calls. They were mine. I gulped as I put it inside the purse and slid in. There was no sign of a struggle in the car except that the seat belt was broken. Nothing in the back seat and nothing in the front. No tares, no slime, no flame marks...What kind of demon left nothing behind? I shook my head in frustration before closing the side door and putting the car in drive. Phoebe might need me at home...and besides, we'd figure out this mystery together. I'm sure we could do it without Paige or Prue to help...I restrained a sob as I turned out into the road and headed home.
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*(COLE)*
I felt a blast of chilly air as I shimmered into an abandoned cave of the underworld. Leo orbed in behind me and we both checked to make sure no one was around.
"Okay, can you sense her?" I asked, checking behind me again out of habit. I waited for a few moments as Leo closed his eyes. When he finally opened them and frowned.
"I can't sense her...But I know she's somewhere down here..." I sighed and started towards the opening of the cave.
"Where're you going?" Leo asked, following me quickly.
"Towards the Source's chambers. We'll probably find Dalei in a chamber around there."
"But we're not even sure Dalei took her," Leo said, jumping in front of me. I halted and looked over at my companion.
"Yes, we're not sure, but if Paige was captured then Dalei will know about it. She's our closest guess at finding Paige." I saw acceptance of the plan register in Leo's eyes and I continued to walk while he followed closely behind. The Source was close...I could feel it. I led Leo through numerous caves of the underworld, keeping to the shadows so we wouldn't be seen. After about 15 minutes of traveling I stopped behind a boulder and crouched down. Leo followed suit, and we caught our breaths.
"Where are we?" he asked after a few moments had passed.
"Do you see those guards behind that bend in the path?" I asked. He nodded, so I continued. "Well, they guard that path because it leads to the Source's chambers, where he and his closest allies stay. Dalei would be there if she's as powerful as I've heard, and if she plans to become Mistress to him." He nodded again and then we were silent, thinking of how we'd get past them.
"Why don't I make a distraction, and then you can shimmer in behind them and knock them out with an energy ball?" Leo suggested. I nodded to myself, that would make sense. The guards were pretty powerful, and I don't know if I could kill them, but I'm sure I could knock them out long enough to get info on Paige.
"Okay," I said, slapping Leo lightly on the back. "Good luck." He grinned back at me.
"Thanks, I'll need it," he replied, and then stood up and started to orb. I watched as he orbed-in right in front of the guards, and orbed back out, then in again, and so forth. By this time he had all of the guards' attention, and all four followed him as he led them towards the boulder. I could have predicted it. All four wanted favoritism with the Source, so all went after the whitelighter. None thought about the entryway that they left unprotected. I watched as Leo stopped orbing half way down the path and started to run. Energy balls were thrown, but he dodged them as he brought the unsuspecting victims towards me. When they got him backed into a corner I acted. Walking quietly up behind them, I made two huge energy balls, one in each hand, and threw them at two of the guards. The energy hit them in the back of their heads, and they dropped. I shimmered out before the other two could turn around and then hid behind the boulder again. Meanwhile, the two demons that were left were looking around furiously. They must have decided that Leo had done it, for in a few seconds they were staring back at him. This was where I wanted them, their attention on Leo. I quietly walked up behind them once more and created two energy balls. Just as they were about to thrust their swords into Leo, I let the energy fly, and the last two guards were down.
"Wow, close call," Leo stuttered, wiping his forehead with his sleeve. "You could've come earlier." I smiled and sent a few more energy balls at each guard.
"I didn't want them to see me," I responded. "When they wake up they'll tell their story to the Source, and I don't want to be in it. My appearance could spark new bounty hunters to come after me." Leo nodded, and after a few more energy balls were thrown, we started down the path, keeping to the side. What we came to was a dead end with five doors, each one leading to a different room. The one directly ahead of us was the Source's chamber. The ones to the right and left were his most trustworthy demons' rooms. The other two were reserved for important guests and those that the Source wanted to watch. Dalei would be in one of these rooms.
"Which door?" Leo whispered, looking back at the unconscious guards.
"One of these," I responded, pointing to the nearest doors on our right and left. "Wait here and let me check them out." With that, I shimmered out and reappeared behind a curtain in the room to our right. No one was in sight. I again shimmered and appeared behind a column in the door to our left. I listened carefully and heard voices.
"So, you sent Yellonius after the witch my Mistress?" I heard a female demon ask. I peaked around the column to find a young and beautiful women lounging on a bed. I saw that she had waist length black hair and purple eyes. She was the woman I had seen in The Book...She was Dalei. The female demon that I had heard ask the question was standing next to her. She resembled Dalei remarkably, but parts of her hair had white wisps and she had pinkish orange eyes.
"Yes," Dalei said slowly. "He went after her...and he has succeeded where his brother could not."
"What will you do with the witch Mistress?" a young male demon asked. This comment brought my attention to him. He was pretty tall with red glowing eyes and dark black hair. These two youngsters must be Dalei's offspring, her protectors.
"Oh, well, I've decided to let Yellonius play with her for a while. Things will play out eventually, and I'll be sitting on the thrown with the Source at my side." Dalei smiled evilly and then started to laugh. I quickly shimmered out to the awaiting Leo.
"They're in the door to the left," I whispered. "It's Dalei and two of her offspring, her protectors, a male and a female." Leo nodded and I continued. "A Yellonius captured Paige, and Dalei said that she's letting him 'play' with her. Doesn't sound good." Leo grimaced and I continued. "We'll go back in to see if they mention where Paige is. Orb in behind a big column. It should conceal you, but cut down on the angelic music, okay?"
"Sure," Leo replied before I shimmered out and he followed. I shimmered in behind the column and a moment later Leo was beside me, no chimes at all. Then, I brought my attention to Dalei and her children.
"Mother..." the female said while sitting down next to Dalei. "Tell me, why doesn't Yellonius just kill the witch. Wasn't that what you ordered?" Dalei looked at her child before sitting up and beckoning the male to sit on her other side.
"The Charmed ones are tricky my dears. That is why the Source has asked me to get rid of them. Yellonius drained the witch of all her power, but she still lives. Any other being would have died, just as we expected her to. So what if she lives? Let Yellonius get his revenge for the Charmed ones killing his brother. It's the least I can do for him. Plus, if he doesn't kill her, then she will be a good gift for the Source when I become His Queen. The other two will die in time, and then we shan't have to worry about the Charmed ones any longer." The children grinned and then the male jumped up suddenly. "What is it my child, do you sense something?" The male was walking over towards us...he knew we were there!
"Leo, go home. Take this information with you," I said hurriedly.
"But-"
"No," I whispered fiercely. "They know someone's here, and they'll follow if we both leave. Just go, and they'll never know we both were here. Tell Phoebe I'll be home soon." With that I gave Leo a shove and I shimmered to the middle of the room as he orbed out, bringing the attention to myself. All three quickly looked over at me, and both the male and the female advanced. I gathered an energy ball in my hands, waiting for a battle, when Dalei spoke.
"Dannilei, Maricu, stop." Both the female and then the male stopped, each with a sword ready in their hands. "I know this demon...the Source has informed me of him. I wish to speak with Belthezor, for I have just thought up a proposition for him." I knew I couldn't out run these two, their mother's blood flowed strongly through them, and I sensed their power. They slowly circled until they were behind me and pointed their swords as I slowly walked towards Dalei. "You are strong Belthizor to hold out so long without Maricu sensing you, but he has. You are outnumbered and overpowered. Tell me why you have infiltrated my chambers." I looked at her coldly, but then decided that I might end up alive if I played into her Mistress thing. Slowly, I smiled and then averted my eyes downward out of 'respect.'
"I am sorry for disturbing you Mistress," I said in a low and humble voice. "I am here only to seek one who was captured. I thought you might know where she was."
"Oh, I see," Dalei said, taking her role as Mistress, possible Queen to the underworld.
"Also, Mistress, I wanted to lay eyes on your face," I added, thinking flattery might help. "I have never seen you, but have heard so many wonderful things about the evil empires you have created. I wanted to see you for myself."
"I see," she said again, flipping her hair in joy. "You may arise," she said, referring to my downcast eyes, and I allowed them to lift up and lay on her face. "You seek a Charmed one, do you not?" she asked. I nodded. "The Source tells me that you bedded one, is this the one you seek?"
"No," I replied. "This is her sister, the youngest."
"Good, good," she said back. "I had hoped that you would have bedded a smart and strong one at least. Now that I know this, I am willing to make my deal as well."
"What deal is that my Mistress," I said, inwardly sneering. This was so degrading for me, but I had to do it. I had to do it for Paige and for Phoebe.
"We hold the Charmed one in which you speak captive. Our Master, the Source, wants all three dead, or captured, but I am willing to make an exception. We will return this witch to you if you will hand over the other two." When I heard her offer I clamed my mouth shut. What was I to say? "I see you dislike this," she said coolly, grinning at me. "It is because you must give up your witch...But I, after all, will be Queen. We may find a way later on to produce an understanding." She continued to grin evilly and I shivered inwardly. How could I give Phoebe up?
"It is not my choice to give you the Charmed ones," I replied. "I've come here to take their sister back to them. It is they who would decide."
"I see," she said yet again. "Well, take the proposition back to them. I will be seeing them soon either way. If they disagree let me know in the next half-hour. If not, I'll see you when I see you Belthezor." I turned around to find Dalei's children lowering their swords to let me go. "Oh, and remember Belthezor," Dalei said to me when my back was turned. "If they comply, there is a possibility that you will save your witch. If not, she will die." I nodded abruptly and then shimmered out. Oh boy.
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*(PHOEBE)*
*Sigh* It had been a half-hour, and the spell still wasn't complete...I needed one more line....Ah! Smiling to myself, I quickly wrote a line of words down and stood up in triumph. The spell was done! Just as I stood up, looking at my work one more time, I heard the front door open. In walked Piper, and she didn't look together at all.
"Piper, what is it?" I asked, walking over to her as she sat on the couch.
"Its..." she trailed off, looking at the object she had in her hand...Paige's purse. "Paige's car was still running, the contents of her purse were all over the front seat, the seat-belt was broken, and the car was still in the parking lot at her work." I looked at Piper with concern and put my hand on her shoulder. "There wasn't any other sign of struggle...What kind of demon could do that? Phoebe, Paige was captured when I was talking to her on the phone. I thought the phone had gone dead and hung up...but...I didn't even realize what had happened. I could have prevented it..." I saw tears well up in Piper's eyes and reached over to give her a hug. She wrapped her arms around me as well and we stayed like this for a few moments.
"Cheer up," I whispered to her. "I finished the spell." I pulled away and she smiled while she wiped away her tears. When I pulled back I accidentally knocked Paige's purse off Piper's lap. "Oh, sorry," I apologized, and reached down to pick up the red handbag.
*****
I felt my power expand as I was drawn into a premonition. I found myself in a small stone room with no doors in sight. Before me came the image of my sister, Paige. She was hanging from chains on the wall...Oh God...So much blood...So much blood...Her head moved a millimeter as she struggled to look up, but then a demon shimmered in. Tears flowed down my sister's face as he approached her. She couldn't resist him and cried out when he reached up and put his hand on her throat...He pulled away, smiling triumphantly, and shimmered back out. My sister hung there, helpless, the blood dripping, her clothing torn, totally defeated.....
*****
I gasped as I came out of the premonition. I was sobbing hysterically. I felt someone wrap their arms around me, and I clung to them. A few minutes later I quieted and opened my eyes. I was on the floor and Piper was next to me, her arms around my shoulders. I looked at her and saw an expression of fear...She was afraid of what I had seen.
"Phoebe," she whispered, pushing the hair back off of my face and handing me a tissue. I dried my eyes and attempted to smile at her.
"Thanks," I replied. Now that I had talked I think Piper was less afraid. She got up and disappeared into the kitchen for a moment. I took this time to get situated on the couch, and watched as Piper returned with a glass of water. "Thanks," I said again as she handed it to me and I took a sip. As I drank the water that Piper had gotten for me I heard chimes and saw a blue and white glow out of the corner of my eyes. When I looked up, Leo was standing there. He looked out of breath.
"Leo, what happened?" Piper asked, walking up to her husband.
"I have information," he replied. "A Yellonius captured Paige, the brother to the Bluhonius you three killed. Dalei said that for some reason Paige didn't die when she was drained of all her power, so..." He trailed off, not wanting to say what he had over-heard.
"Tell us Leo," Piper said, sitting down next to me and putting her arm around my shoulder. "She said the Yellonius was 'playing' with Paige...Getting revenge for his brother's death..." My face went white as I remembered my premonition and I felt Piper's arm tighten around my shoulders.
"Where's Cole?" I asked as I tried to keep my composure. Leo stayed silent for a moment, but when I looked up at him he continued.
"Dalei had two of her children, her protectors, with her. The male sensed us, and Cole stayed so I could get away. He told me to tell you that he'd be home soon." Cole...Paige...I couldn't take this anymore. Taking a few deep breaths, I tried to calm myself. It wasn't working.
"Leo, Phoebe had a premonition," I heard Piper say as I closed my eyes and tried not to go into hysterics. "She's kind of shaken up..." Suddenly I felt someone's hands on my shoulders. I opened my eyes to see Leo in front of me.
"Phoebe, it's okay to feel the way you do. We're not in the best situation...but everything will turn out, you'll see." I looked at my whitelighter and saw truth in his eyes. I then reached out and gave him a hug. He was giving me the comfort that Cole couldn't at that moment...although I wanted Cole to be there so badly. I pulled away and wiped the tears off my cheeks that had fallen.
"Thanks Leo," I whispered as I picked up my water and took another gulp. Okay...I could do this. I could tell them the premonition.
"Phoebe...Do you think you could tell us what you saw?" Leo asked, and I looked up into his eyes. They gave me courage and I nodded.
"*Deep breath* I picked up Paige's purse, and the premonition came," I whispered as the image came back to me. "I was in a small stone room with no doors...It must've been in the Underworld. And...Paige...was there." I stopped for a moment, taking a deep breath and tried to suppress my tears. A few fell down my cheeks, but I continued. "Paige...She was chained to the wall...only held up my the shackles around her wrists...the blood...so much blood..." I trailed off as the image came to my mind and I cringed. I felt a hand on my shoulder and I looked over to see Piper sitting beside me. She gave me an encouraging smile, but I could tell how upset she was. "Sh-...She wasn't moving," I choked out, trying to continue. "Just as she attempted to lift her head, a yellowish demon with horns shimmered in. Oh, how she cried out as he slowly walked towards her...She was weeping and begging...but he still approached. Then...He put his hand...on her throat....She went limp and he started to laugh before he shimmered out...Paige...she was so helpless...so much blood...I didn't know there could be that much blood..." I trailed off and stared off into space as the image stayed with me. My sister... All of a sudden I felt arms encircle me...Piper. We wept together for a few moments before she broke away and stood up.
"Phoebe, Leo," she said, and we both looked at her. "I don't know if Phoebe's premonition was of the past or the future, but I don't want Paige to go through any more than she already has. Let's get the Book of Shadows and see what we can do. Phoebe already has a spell to vanquish Dalei, let's see if we can get one for Mr. Yelloni-whatever and get Paige back." I smiled up at my sister and sighed as she went up to the attic to get the Book.
"Don't worry Phoebe," Leo said to me. "I'm sure we'll get Paige back. Let's at least stay positive and do our best to save her, okay?" I nodded my head and stood up. Leo was right, we had to stay positive.
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*(PIPER)*
We'd tried all the summoning spells in the Book, but Paige must've been protected in a magical room, for none of them worked. There was a vanquish for Yellonius in the Book as well and I, along with Phoebe, had memorized it by heart. We were going to vanquish his sorry ass for touching our sister. Phoebe had calmed down a little, and I was glad. We had to figure out a way to save Paige and find Cole, and being pessimistic would only delay us. At the moment, Phoebe was pouring over the book and I was drilling Leo on his knowledge of the Yellonius. We had to be as prepared as we could.
"Cole!" I looked over at Phoebe, the one who had shouted, and saw that Cole had shimmered in a few feet away from her. She quickly ran over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. I was glad he was back. Phoebe needed him, and he'd be a help in finding Paige.
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*(COLE)*
When I shimmered into the manor Phoebe immediately looked up and over at me. I saw joy and relief flash into her eyes as she stared at me for a moment.
"Cole!" she finally called out, and I welcomed her as she ran into my arms. When I wrapped my arms around my love I felt her shaking beneath me. Phoebe had gone through a hard time...I wonder what had happened?
"Hey," I whispered, ruffling Phoebe's hair and kissing her on the head. When I looked up I saw that Piper and Leo had walked towards us partially.
"Cole...How did you get away?" Leo asked, taking Piper in his arms.
"In a minute," I replied, holding Phoebe by the shoulders and looking down at her. "Phoebe, are you alright?" I asked, staring into her eyes. I saw them well up and she grabbed me into a hug again.
"I had a premonition," she whispered into my shoulder. "The Yellonius was torturing Paige..." I cringed when she said that, but continued to hug her, trying to provide all the comfort that I could. I knew what demons could do to others in torture, and it wasn't pretty. When a few moments had passed Phoebe pulled away and looked up at me. "Tell us Cole," she said, leading me over towards Piper and Leo. "How did you get away?" I smiled a little, but I think they all knew it was forced.
"Well, firstly, I have to say that I don't think they knew Leo was there, which was good," I said, wrapping my arms around Phoebe's shoulders as she stood in front of me. "I was ready to fight for my life, for Dalei's children were very powerful. Just when they had swords to my throat, Dalei ordered them to stop, saying that she had a proposition for me. I don't want to really get into the details of what was said..." I cringed, remembering how I had sucked up to Dalei, trying to preserve my life. "Anyway," I continued. "Dalei says that she's willing to give Paige up in return for the both of you." I felt Phoebe grow tense beneath my arms, and I unconsciously pulled her closer to me. Piper gave a 'look' to Leo, communicating with him through her eyes. It almost looked like they were having a conversation between them... "Dalei said that if she doesn't hear back from me then she'll assume the deal is on. We have a half-hour until she comes."
"Let's do it," Piper announced, looking to her husband as if challenging him.
"Piper..." Leo said, wary of his wife, but wanting to declare his disapproval.
"Piper's right," Phoebe said, pulling out of my grasp and walking up to her sister.
"Phoebe-" I started.
"No." she interrupted. "Dalei is going to come for us anyway. This will be our chance to get Paige back and kill Dalei with the spell."
"Phoebe, you said yourself that the spell may not be powerful enough. What if you need a potion as well?" Leo asked. Phoebe shook her head and looked at Piper.
"Are you with me?" she asked her sister.
"One Hundred Percent," Piper replied, and they headed up the stairs towards the attic, The Book under Piper's arm and the spell in Phoebe's hand. Leo and I exchanged glances as we followed the sisters upstairs to hear their plan.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
The darkness slowly diminished and I could feel the ache of my body as I gained consciousness. When my head fully cleared my body screamed with pain and I opened my eyes. The room was empty, and it had been since Slimy had drained me of my power and tortured me. I didn't know how long I had been here, but the torturing process had happened a few times. I stared down at the floor and saw puddles and puddles of blood...How could I lose so much and still be alive? I shuddered, but the movement caused so much throbbing in my muscles and limbs that I cried out and started to weep. My clothes were torn, my body was torn, and my spirits were torn. I'd never get out of here alive. Phoebe, Piper, Leo, Cole...Someone help me! Prue....Prue! That was it! It was her soul that was keeping me alive. I might still have a chance...only if the others would hurry up and rescue me...Even if these shackles weren't around my wrists, I wouldn't have the strength to move. I took a deep breath as I attempted to lift my head. I had to find a way out, pain or no pain. Just as I started to look around the room one more time, Slimy shimmered in. Tears welled up in my eyes as he appeared before me.
"Oh God...please," I whispered, staring at him with terror-stricken and frightened eyes. When he saw this he grinned maliciously and started towards me. I attempted to move my arms, but as they moved a millimeter the pain from my cut wrists was un-numbed and I cried out. My tears mixed with the blood at the bottom of my feet as he walked slowly and torturously towards me. When he was only a foot away from me I looked into his evil yellow eyes and started to weep. "Oh God," I said again, only able to whisper. "Please...don't do it again, please...Oh God..." He just grinned at me...more tears fell with the result of pain as they mixed with my wounds. Then, he reached out and put his hand to my throat. My body went limp as he drained every ounce of energy I had built up. My muscles screamed as the energy went through them and up to his hand. My vision fogged, but I could see the yellow glow on his hand and arm as my energy and power left me, and flowed into him. A few moments later he stepped away, smiled sinisterly, and shimmered out. I hung there, defeated and worn, as my wounds continued to bleed and my mind slipped in and out of consciousness. Oh God, please help me...Please, someone make it go away...Make the pain stop.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PIPER)*
"It's fairly simple," I explained to Leo and Cole, Phoebe by my side. "Dalei will come expecting to get us without a fight. Then, she'll want to kill Paige." They all nodded and I continued. "We will demand that she show us Paige before we go with her and threaten her with our spell. She's been asleep a long time, and probably doesn't know of us very well. She will be wary." Leo nodded like it made sense, and Cole just stood and listened, a thoughtful expression on his face. "When she brings Paige Cole will grab her and shimmer her to us. Then, we'll say the spell together." Phoebe nodded and I looked at Leo. He didn't seem all convinced.
"But Piper," he said, concern in his voice. "There are two variables. One: What if the spell doesn't work? Two: What if Paige isn't conscious?" I looked at my husband and sighed. He had a point.
"You're right Leo," I admitted. "But the fact is, we don't have a choice in the matter. Dalei could come at any moment, and there's nothing else we can do in such short notice." Cole nodded his head and I walked up to my husband. "Do you have any other ideas?" He shook his head and took me in his arms. The warmth was comforting.
"Alright," he said. "But if something goes wrong I'm orbing everyone out. Understood?" I nodded my head and smiled.
"Hopefully, the spell will be strong enough to at least hurt her if Paige can't say it with us. If that's the case we need Cole to try and get a piece of her flesh, for a potion. Do you think you can do that Cole?" I asked, looking over at him. He was standing next to Phoebe, his hand in hers, and he looked deep in thought.
"Yeah," he said as he nodded his head and a knife appeared in his hand. "I can do that." I watched as he tucked the knife into his belt and I smiled. Cole was very dangerous with a knife, this plan would work. It had to work, and I refuse to think otherwise. Just as I grabbed The Book and we were all going to head downstairs I heard a noise behind me. We all swiftly turned to see three flames appear in the attic. Oh God, there were three of them. I gulped, saw Phoebe do the same, but we both left the sides of our loves and stepped up in front of them to face this evil together. Reaching into my pocket, I felt for a potion that I had found in Paige's purse. There had been a few in there, and both Phoebe and I had taken one. I saw Phoebe grip hers as well, and then turned my attention back to the attackers. There stood Dalei, a tall slender woman with long black hair and purple eyes. She was dressed in a dark violet velvet robe, but looked both cool and comfortable. To her right was a younger looking version of the Mistress, only a head shorter. She had shoulder length black hair containing white wisps and pinkish orange eyes. She was dressed in a dark maroon robe, shorter and airier than her mothers'. From what Cole had told us, this was Dannilei. To Dalei's left was a tall and muscled man with short black hair and glowing red eyes. He was dressed in black pants and an open maroon shirt, showing off his powerful chest. This must be Maricu. All three looked extremely powerful and I sent a silent prayer to Prue before taking a deep breath and looking Dalei straight in the eyes.
"What is it you want?" I said with disgust, looking at the being who was responsible for my sister's pain.
"Oh, has Belthezor not told you my little deal?" she asked, a triumphant smile on her face.
"Yes, Cole has told us, and we accept under one condition," Phoebe said, challenging Dalei with her voice.
"Oh, and what is that?" she asked lightly.
"We want you to bring our sister here first. When we know she is here and safe, then we will go with you freely, no opposition or resistance." Dalei seemed to think about this for a moment, and then nodded her head.
"You have a deal," she said, and nodded her head towards Maricu. In an instant he had flamed out, and we all stood in silence.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PHOEBE)*
As Maricu flamed out I looked at our opposition around the room. Dalei stood in front of us, an air of superiority surrounding her. Dannilei stood next to her, eying Cole with suspicion and fingering a sword that she had drawn from her waist. Even with facing these frightening and evil demonic creatures, I was more afraid of how I would find Paige. What if she had been tortured? I hoped with all my heart that my premonition hadn't occurred yet, but I knew deep down that it probably had. We had to get Paige back safe. I glanced over at Piper and caught her eye. She looked worried and afraid, but determined. I drew strength from that and looked back over at our enemies. They were going down. A moment later I saw Maricu appear in flames. In his arms laid my little sister...Paige. Oh...my God...She was bleeding heavily and her eyes were closed. Was she breathing....Yes, I saw her chest move slightly. Oh God, she looked terrible.
"Here is your sister Charmed ones," Dalei said as Maricu threw Paige to the floor. I struggled to keep my tears in, and I saw that Piper was having the same problem. Taking a deep breath, I looked back at Cole out of the corner of my eyes. He saw my gaze and we went into action. In the blink of an eye he appeared next to Paige, grabbed her wrist, and then appeared behind us. As this occurred Maricu went into action as well. When Cole was shimmering in behind us he lunged. Piper and I threw our potions at him at exactly the same time. They both duplicated Piper's explosion power, which meant they would be pretty powerful together. A large explosion went up when the bottles hit Maricu and smoke filled the air. Then, Dannilei decided it was her turn. She lunged with her sword and as Piper froze the sword in mid air I levitated. I flew with all my strength towards Dannilei as she struggled to keep her balance. My feet hit her chest and she went flying backwards. As I levitated down she flung back, using her arms on the ground to throw her body, and knocked me to the ground. I hit hard and rolled, just missing the sword that was meant for my throat. We were locked in a live-or-die battle.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PIPER)*
I gasped as Dannilei came towards us and froze her sword in mid air. As Phoebe levitated towards her I brought my attention back to Maricu. He was on the floor, stunned, but still alive. I threw my arms out, trying to blow him up, but nothing happened. He looked up at me and grinned. A second later he was in front of me and in my face.
"That wasn't very nice," he sneered, referring to the potions, and I jumped back in battle stance, ready for an attack. I tried to freeze his sword as it came towards me, but his powerful arms broke through my power and headed towards my heart.....*BANG* I looked up and saw Cole in front of me, knife countering his sword. I gulped, realizing how close that was, and hurriedly glanced around. Dalei still stood where she had entered. She was looking around with confidence, not making a move to help her offspring. I slowly backed up and saw Phoebe dodging Dannilei's sword as it rushed towards her every second. She was levitating through the air and jumping around, trying to confuse Dannilei. It wasn't working. To my side I saw Leo and...Paige. He had her in his arms and she didn't look so good.
"Leo..." I whispered, bending down next to him and using all my strength to freeze Dannilei's sword before it hit Phoebe. She smiled and reached up for the sword as Dannilei had to flame out and then back in to keep from falling. Phoebe now had the sword and the upper hand. "Leo...If anything goes wrong, get Paige out of here." I gave my husband a pleading and determined look as he reluctantly nodded his head. "Now try to wake her," I said as I stood up. "I don't think Dalei will attack until we have her children out of the way." With that, I rushed to help my sister. Dannilei had formed a sword of energy and was countering Phoebe's blows. Boy was I glad that Cole had trained her. As Dannilei turned her back on me to counter one of Phoebe's swings I acted. Gathering all of my strength, I rushed forward and threw myself at the demon. She fell in surprise and I rolled to the side as Phoebe shoved the sword through her heart. She cried out as her body was covered in flames and she disintegrated. That sword must've had some powerful spells on it. When the vanquish was done, Phoebe and I brought our attention back to Cole. He was still fighting Maricu, and although he looked a little beaten up, he seemed like he was holding his own. We rushed to Leo's side and were about to throw ourselves into battle when Dalei spoke.
"ENOUGH!" she cried out and Maricu stopped moving. We all starred at her, transfixed by her spell as our eyes fell on her. I blinked my eyes as Cole lunged forward and hit Maricu with energy ball after energy ball. He fell to the floor and Phoebe threw Cole her sword to finish him off. He called out as he was engulfed in flames as well. Dalei stared at him in shock and the room shook with her anger. "How DARE you defy me lower being!" she roared, as a bright purplish red glow appeared around her. She looked angry.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
When I opened my eyes I felt dizzy and sick. The room looked like it was spinning, so I closed them again. How long had I been here?...I couldn't think...I couldn't even breathe without pain coming to my chest. Why me...why?...I didn't think I had any tears left, but they came. As I silently wept more pain emerged, but I just cried out more when the tears hit my wounds. I'd never get out...I'd never escape...My eyes popped open as I heard someone flame into the room. A tall demon with dark hair and glowing red eyes appeared before me. I gasped as he threw a knife at me. It went right through the shackles holding my arm up...I screamed as all of my weight shifted to be held by my right wrist and I felt it starting to break. He withdrew the knife and the shackles on my left wrist fell to the floor. He repeated the process with my right hand and I cried out as I fell in a heap to the ground. The blood beneath me splashed all over my body, but I had no strength to shield myself. What was he going to do with me? I felt his muscled arms beneath me and he flamed out, with me in his arms. With the heat of the flames, my eyes closed and the darkness came yet again.
I heard noises...were they voices? I was so out of it that I couldn't tell. Nothing was coherent to me, not even my own thoughts. I remember hitting the ground...no longer engulfed in the flames of that demon. Somehow, I felt safe. The floor felt familiar to me. My stomach turned as I felt someone grab my torn wrist and everything went fuzzy. I winced as the dizziness started to recede, and felt something under me. It felt...warm...What was...happening? The noises happened again...What were those noises? They had to be voices, but I couldn't understand...too loud...too much pain...As I started to fall back into the soundless void I felt something tighten around me and the noises came back...they were right next to my ear. I had to open my eyes...If only I could find the strength...Taking as deep a breath as I could manage without cringing in pain, I slowly lifted my eyelids...
I gasped in shock as I found myself looking up into Leo's eyes...Leo...was I safe???...Was I home???...More tears welled up as I saw him smile. The warmth I felt...It was Leo slowly healing all of my wounds fully. He was making his way up from my feet, and was currently on my stomach. I smiled back at him, but still couldn't understand what he was saying...That was when I heard a voice scream loudly and clearly...
"How DARE you defy me lower being!" I saw a tall woman out of the corner of my eyes...She was the one who had spoken with so much power and I became even more frightened when I saw her glow a purplish red color. That had to be...Dalei. Before her stood Cole, and slightly to his right and behind him were Phoebe and Piper. They all looked pretty beaten up. The tears overflowed when I saw them standing there. I was home...I was...here...I'd see my sisters one last time. I starred at my family with love and faith as the battle began.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PIPER)*
Purple energy flew and I jumped to the side just in time to miss being scorched. I quickly rolled, knowing that Dalei might pursue, and leapt to my feet. Phoebe was levitating around trying to get out of the way of energy bolts, and Cole was standing in front of Leo and Paige. Leo was healing her, and was concentrating so hard that he couldn't protect himself. That's when I noticed Paige...her eyes were open and she was starring at me.
"Paige," I whispered as tears welled up in my eyes. When her eyes widened in fear I quickly dove off to the right...just in time as an energy bolt hit the ground where I had been standing and a hole formed in the rug. All of a sudden, bolts were every which way. I jumped and dodged, froze them, and blew them up, but there were too many. I heard Phoebe scream as she got hit and the distraction made me an easy target. My arm was hit, and I was on the floor holding it and crying out in pain. As another bolt hit my shoulder I forced myself to get up and freeze those that were moving towards Phoebe's heart. Then, I focused my eyes on Dalei. I had to stop her. I glanced back and saw Cole covered in cuts as the purple bolts hit him...but Paige wasn't hurt, and Leo was healed whenever one hit him. I cried out when I was hit in the stomach and fell to my knees. There were too many...they were too fast. Before I knew it Phoebe had levitated to my side. She was just as worse off as I was. I looked into her eyes and she nodded. The next moment, we stood up and ran towards Dalei. She was going down. Before we got halfway there a gust of wind was formed before her and we went flying back towards Cole, Leo, and Paige.
"Uhhhgggg..." I moaned as I hit the ground hard. I sat up and noticed that the purple bolts had stopped raining down on us. Dalei was standing there, huffing and angry.
"I'm too good to waste any more energy on you weaklings!" she exclaimed, putting her hands on her hips. "Yellonius!" she cried. I got to my feet and held hands with Phoebe. We could take any demon thrown at us. Paige and Leo were also on their feet, but I only had time to smile at Paige's confused face before the Yellonius appeared and attacked.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
The purple bolts were falling everywhere. Oh God...they'd destroy us all. I watched in terror as Phoebe and Piper barely dodged each one, and I grimaced when they got hit. When Cole had to leap in front of the bolts so they wouldn't hit me, I cried. Leo was healing me, but always seemed to get in front of those that Cole couldn't stop. They were in pain because of me...When Leo finished healing my wounds he stood up to help Cole defend me. I was still so confused...How did I get here? What was going on? I wasn't sure about anything and I was still dazed...but I somehow knew that this was the final battle...we had to win. A moment later Phoebe and Piper were on the floor in front of me and the energy bolts had stopped. I quickly stood up as they struggled to their feet hurried next to Leo and Cole. My magical and physical energies were still drained, even though my wounds were healed, but I managed to get to my feet anyway. It was my turn to defend them.
"I'm too good to waste any more energy on you weaklings!" Dalei yelled, and I glanced over at Piper. She gave me an encouraging smile before I heard the most frightening thing I could imagine. "Yellonius!" When the ugly demon appeared in the room and looked over at us, I starred at him in horror. He laughed evilly before advancing on us swiftly and deadly. As Phoebe, Piper, Cole, and Leo dodged out of the way, I stood there in shock. This couldn't be happening...He couldn't be here...I couldn't go through that again...With no energy to move out of the way and my mind in shock, I stood and waited as he advanced and hit me in the stomach. I went flying across the room and slammed into the wall.
"Paige!" I heard Phoebe scream as I fell to the floor. She was beside me in a moment, along with Leo, who healed my injuries. When I opened my eyes I saw Piper and Cole battling the Yellonius. Leo was kneeled next to me on my left, and Phoebe was on my right.
"NO! NO! NO!" I started screaming when my mind went out of shock and into panic.
"Paige! Paige!" Phoebe shouted, trying to calm me. I didn't listen. I had to get away...the Yellonius was here...He'd torture me again...NO...I couldn't live through that twice. I tried to stand up, but with my energy drained I needed Leo and Phoebe's help. When I turned towards the door Phoebe grabbed me and pulled me back around.
"No!" I cried out in a weak voice. "No..." I looked into my sister's eyes and started to cry. "No...Please Phoebe...I have to get out...I need to get away..." When I fell to my knees Leo caught me and I sunk into his arms. "No, no, no, no," I repeatedly whispered to myself as I shook my head and wept.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PHOEBE)*
I watched as my little sister fell apart in front of me. The Yellonius was more powerful than his brother had been, so we had to injure him before the spell was read. It looked like Piper and Cole were succeeding.
"Piper, now!" I shouted and I ran up beside her. We recited the spell from memory as Cole held the Yellonius off.
"Yellow may you be,
Demon of energy,
We send you down to Hell,
So you may no longer dwell!" I watched in satisfaction as the energy-stealing demon that tortured my sister was engulfed in flames and vanished.
"UHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGG!!! I HAVE HAD IT!!! YOU ARE DEAD!!!" Dalei screamed as we rushed to Paige's side. She was still hysterical, but stopped crying when Dalei filled the house with her booming voice.
"Paige, say the spell with us!" I cried, as I held out the spell I had written and we all read from it.
"Evil Mistress seeking power,
None you shall have from here after,
In the darkness you reign over,
Light will enter and dispose of,
Centuries of evil from past and future,
Your dirtied hands destroyed forever!"
I sat in shock as Dalei was jolted back a few feet, but otherwise stood there with a sinister smile on her face. A second later the room filled with purple light and I felt like my body was being torn apart as I flew across the room and landed in pain. I felt the blood flow from my body and I found that I couldn't move. When I finally looked around I saw Dalei standing there with a smile and confidence written all over her face. Cole and Leo were knocked out, and I saw Piper on the other side of the room in the same situation as me. As I craned my neck to see Paige crushed against the wall I cried out in pain. Dalei just stood there and laughed. She knew we were all helpless and she loved it. "I have defeated the Charmed ones!" she cried out as she walked towards me. "Now, I will kill each of you one at a time and revel in your destruction." As Dalei bent down and placed her hand on my throat I looked at my sisters out of the corners of my eyes. Piper was barely conscious and Paige...Paige!? I gasped in shock as I saw my sister start to glow, and as Dalei's grip started to force the air from my lungs...Was I hallucinating?...No...That couldn't be...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
I cried out as a powerful force crushed me into the attic wall, and the indent kept me in place.
"Uhhggg..." I moaned to myself as I listened to Dalei's laugh. I could hardly move, but I forced myself to open my eyes and watched as Dalei bent over Phoebe. I had to do something! All of a sudden, the courage within me strengthened as I tapped into something...Yes, it was there...Prue's soul...The thing that had kept me alive...and given me strength. I needed her now more than ever...
"Paige..." I heard her voice within me and I prayed.
"Prue... I need you now...please...use all of the strength I possess...tap into my soul...Prue..." I whispered to myself as I closed my eyes and felt a warm glow. Prue's presence came into me and my strength was returned momentarily, only to be taken away as a form shaped in front of me. I slid to the floor as my sister appeared in human form, white gown and no ghostly features. She was there in the flesh. I smiled up at her as she quickly turned and squinted at the Mistress. Dalei went flying across the room and landed in a heap next to the wall. Using every reserve of strength in my body, I crawled over to Phoebe and Prue, who was helping her up.
"Prue?...Is it you???..." Phoebe whispered, tears running down her cheeks. Prue just nodded, and I smiled weakly as they embraced. With Prue's essence filtering through her soul that was within me, I didn't even have enough strength to stand, so I looked up at them with hope. Anything was possible in this family. A moment later Prue broke away from Phoebe and looked down at me.
"Phoebe?" she asked as she kept her eyes me.
"Yes Prue?" she answered, choked up as she heard her sister's voice.
"Go wake up Leo and help Piper." I saw Phoebe nod as she limped off in the direction of Leo. Meanwhile, Dalei had struggled to her feet.
"Prue..." I warned, but as I said this she had already turned around and had thrown the demon against the attic wall as well as throwing all unimportant objects towards her. While Dalei was distracted, Prue bent down next to me and I looked into her eyes.
"You didn't have to warn me," she replied calmly. "Part of my soul is in you...we're connected. I can faintly feel everything you feel...all of your emotions. That connection is what brought me here." My eyes welled as she leaned forward and we embraced. She had been with me the whole time...I hadn't been alone. A moment later I saw Leo and Phoebe bending over Piper and reality struck me. We still had a demon to fight. Prue wrapped her arms around me and helped me up as I struggled to stand. We stood there, the eldest and the youngest, side by side. Hand in hand, we threw everything we had at her while Phoebe, Piper, and Leo made their way towards us. I let all of my power filter into my sister as Leo healed me and then continued to fight. Dalei had gotten to her feet and was throwing energy bolts at us. Prue and I were deflecting them and Piper was freezing and blowing them up as well. Phoebe had gone to wake up Cole, and Leo had joined Prue in supporting me so I could stand. We were giving Dalei one heck of a fight. As the seconds turned into minutes I started to tire. I sagged completely in Prue and Leo's arms, but they still clung to me and I felt Prue squeeze my arm with assurance. Cole was now up, and was throwing some energy of his own. Phoebe had also joined us, and although she didn't have a power she could use, her presence helped. After what seemed like hours, we began breaking through Dalei's defenses. Every time she would try to flame out Phoebe would hit her with a levitating kick, or Cole would attack as well. We had her where we wanted.
"Let's try that spell again," Prue said firmly as Cole started throwing all he had at Dalei. Piper took Prue's hand on the right, I was on the left, and Phoebe took Leo's place on my left. White energy formed around Prue and I and slowly included Piper and Phoebe.
"Evil Mistress seeking power,
None you shall have from here after,
In the darkness you reign over,
Light will enter and dispose of,
Centuries of evil from past and future,
Your dirtied hands destroyed forever!"
As the words were spoken flames sprouted up on Dalei and the last thing we heard was her screaming before she was engulfed and exploded into dust.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PIPER)*
As I stood there, freezing and blowing up numerous energy bolts, I was in shock. My sister...Prue...she was here, and she was helping us defeat Dalei. I wasn't imagining it, no, she was holding up my younger sister and doing her part in the fight. She was back. As we weakened Dalei I moved to her right and stood next to her. We would have enough power to win now...It would soon be all over. When Prue stated that we should try the spell again I took her hand and found strength when she squeezed it. Everything would be okay. As I spoke the words that would vanquish Dalei I felt relief flow through me. Leo came up next to me and I felt Prue's angelic power flow through Paige and then into all of us. We were the Power of Four, and it felt ten times more powerful than when there were three of us. As Dalei screamed I turned my head towards Prue. The battle was over, and I wanted to be with my sister, hear her reassuring words, and find out why she was here...how it came to be. The white light faded as the spell was ended and Paige slid slowly to the floor. First we'd have to take care of her, and then I'd get to speak with Prue. We laid Paige down, her head in Prue's lap and I looked at my big sister. She looked over into my eyes and I smiled slowly. I saw joy and pain emanating from hers. We were in the same boat. I wrapped my arms around her and she returned the hug.
"Prue..." I whispered, tears falling down my cheeks. I buried my head into her shoulder and took in her scent. "I missed you so much..."
"I missed you too," she replied, and I smiled when I heard her voice. I had missed it so much. I jumped when I felt someone join the hug, and looked up to see Phoebe on Prue's other side.
"Prue..." she whispered, just like I had done. A moment later Paige's arms were wrapped around Prue's neck from below, and we formed a group hug. All of us were crying now, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
The battle had ended...the final battle...The white energy that had flowed through me receded and I closed my eyes as Prue and Phoebe let me slide slowly to the floor. I wasn't ready to deal with everything that happened, I knew this, so instead I concentrated on the one thing that gave me strength...my family. Prue, Piper, Phoebe...they mean the world to me. I took in their presence as they gathered around Prue, and when I opened my eyes I joined in the group hug. I couldn't keep it in any longer, and I let the tears fall down my face. We were all here together...and I was still part of the family. I don't know how long we stayed like that, but as a feeling of peace came over me I closed my eyes. The events were finally hitting me, and I fell asleep.
TO BE CONTINUED...
I hope you liked it! I apologize again for the delay in getting this entry out. Hopefully the next entry will be out in one or two weeks. Until then, please review! ^____^
Part Seven
By: Silverstar
Okay, here it is, the final battle! I hope everyone enjoys this chapter, the climax, as much as I enjoyed writing it. This chapter is what I've been visualizing since the beginning. A few weeks ago I had about 10 pages written, but wanted to finish it and put it out all together. I know it's pretty long, but I hope thats okay. Sorry it took so long to put out, but once I started writing I couldn't stop. The story become longer and developed more than I expected. I'll be putting one last chapter out later to wrap it up as well. Thanx again to all who have encouraged me and reviewed. Without you guys Guardian from Above would probably still be on chapter two...^^ Well, here we go...
Disclaimer: I don't own Charmed or any of the characters...although I wouldn't mind owning Cole...^^
Warning: There are some gruesome parts to this chapter
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*(PIPER)*
I paced around the room, trying not to worry. It had been an hour since Paige had called, and she still wasn't home.
"Did you try her cell?" Phoebe asked, walking into the front hallway. I was pacing back and forth in front of the door.
"Yes, I tried a few times, but she's not answering," I replied worriedly. What if something had happened?
"Piper, you have to calm down," Phoebe told me, taking my hands and leading me over to the couch. I sat down with a sigh, but I couldn't sit still. Phoebe sat down across from me and I looked over at the door nervously. "Piper!" I glanced over at Phoebe and was caught in her gaze. *Sigh*
"I know Phoebe, I know," I said softly. "I'm just overreacting. Paige probably stopped somewhere on her way home."
"That's right," Phoebe told me, although she didn't sound so sure herself. "Paige can take care of herself, and she probably had to do something before she came home." Phoebe nodded her head, but I still wasn't convinced.
"But what if-"
"She can take care of herself," Phoebe said sternly. I continued to look at my sister and saw that she was fighting to believe what she was saying. We'd both been in the demon-killing business long enough to know that anything was possible, and in the situation that we were in, this wasn't good.
"Phoebe...Prue could take care of herself too," I whispered, looking down and feeling the tears form under my eyelids. A moment later Phoebe stood up fiercely and I with her.
"That's it!" she shouted, looking at me with determined eyes. "Let's find out what's going on."
"Wha-"
"LEO!!!" Phoebe shouted, and I winced from the volume of her voice.
"Leo..." I whispered to myself. He would help, he wouldn't leave, he would know what to do.
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*(PHOEBE)*
"LEO!!!!" I shouted, troubled by the way Piper was acting, and needing to take charge of the situation. A moment later I saw blue and white lights appear next to Piper and Leo materialized. Piper immediately jumped into his embrace and he put his arms around her, trying to sooth her. Piper was really missing Prue right now, and she wanted to keep the same thing that happened to our big sister from happening to Paige. I didn't blame her. I'd be just as nervous if I hadn't promised Cole to stay positive.
"Phoebe." I looked over at Leo to see him questioning me with his eyes while still hugging Piper.
"It's Paige," I said quietly. "We're worried because she was supposed to be home by now and she's not picking up her cell. Could you please sense her for us?"
"Yeah," he said swiftly before Piper moved around to his side and put only one arm around him, giving him some room. I watched in apprehension as Leo closed his eyes and concentrated. A minute passed, but it seemed like an hour to me. Leo's face held a frown, and Piper and I exchanged glances. Finally, our whitelighter opened his eyes and looked at both of us. Please don't say those words Leo, please don't say them... "I can't sense her," he whispered, looking at the ground. He has said the forbidden words...For a second things got a little hazy, and I felt myself dropping to the ground. When I opened my eyes I saw Cole looking down at me. He had shimmered in and caught me.
"Cole..."
"Are you all right?" he asked, lifting me to my feet and letting me steady myself by holding onto his shoulder.
"Yeah..." I said, looking up to see Piper and Leo crowded around us. "I think my heart stopped beating there for a moment." I smiled weakly, and Piper returned it. She looked like she could faint as well.
"What's wrong?" Cole asked again, and I saw him looking at all of us. I sighed, and wrapped my arms around my love.
"Paige is missing," I whispered, burring my head in his shoulder.
"Is...Is she dead?" Cole asked, looking at Leo. I jumped at this thought, and looked at Leo as well.
"I don't think so," Leo said, taking Piper in his arms. "If she were I'm sure They'd be calling me." I sighed in relief, but then realized that if Paige wasn't dead, she was captured. We had to find her.
"We have to find her," I said with determination, standing up and pulling a piece of paper out of my pocket. "I'm almost done the power of three spell, though if it will work I don't know. Cole, you go underground with Leo, see what you can find, but first take Piper to Paige's car, see what she can find there. Let's get Paige back." I took a breath, surprised at my position as leader, but everyone nodded. Leo orbed out with Piper, and Cole shimmered out after giving me a kiss on the cheek. I smiled, putting my hand up to the side of my face, before grabbing a pen and sitting down to work on the spell.
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*(PAIGE)*
I starred at Slimy for a second and watched as he laughed in triumph. I was in so much trouble. I didn't know what he did to me in the car, but whatever it was, it had drained my strength. I was only standing from being held up with chains, and at realizing this I winced. The cold hard metal was tearing into my wrists and I felt the blood stream down my arms.
"Uhhghhh..." I groaned, closing my eyes for a moment. I hated blood...I hated demons...I hated not being able to move...and I was getting dizzy. If I was going to act, it had to be now. Gathering what strength I had left, I tried to orb. I felt the warm glow surround me, but when I opened my eyes I was still chained to the wall. The demon just laughed at me, and walked closer. Soon, he was so close that I could smell his wretched breath, and all I could see were his two pale unblinking eyes.
"Don't think you can orb out of here Charmed one," he spat so evilly that I closed my eyes and wished I were deaf. "I drained you of all your magical and physical strength. What you have left is what has built up in your system over the past hour. I'll drain you every hour, taking your strength, and allowing mine to grow. Your power tastes very good...I think I'll have some now." I opened my eyes to see his hand on my throat and felt my body convulse as he slowly extracted all the strength I had. My magical energy diminished and my head dropped. He must had done it very fast....before in the car...for me to pass out. Now, it was slow torture as I felt him taking what was mine...my power...
"Y...You...can't use it," I said weakly, struggling to lift my head.
"Use what?" he asked, obviously amused.
"My...p-power," I responded. I heard him laugh as my chin hit my chest and he removed his hand from my throat.
"Yes...You are above me in power Charmed one, and I'm not able to directly use your powers...But they do make mine stronger." Then, I saw him out of the corner of my eye lift his hand. White energy was gathering into it. "I now have an active power from draining yours. I praise Mistress Dalei for sending me. This will be revenge for my brother." What...I then looked closely at Slimy and saw that he had yellowish skin and two horns. He looked like the Bluhonius...Searching my mind, I remembered seeing him in the book right before the Bluhonius. Slimy here was a Yellonius...*shiver*
"If...you want revenge...why don't you kill me?" I asked, lifting my head slightly to look at him. "Why not Yellonius?" I saw him grin as he shaped the white energy into a blade.
"So, you know who I am. Good." He stared at me for a moment before continuing. "Actually, I intended to. Any other creature would have died if I had extracted their energy as fast as I did yours...For some reason though, you did not die. I took everything you had, but you still live. So, since I wasn't able to kill you I decided that I would play with you. We're going to have fun witch." I grimaced as he came towards me. When he was two feet away I started to panic, looking around the room, but there was no way I could escape. I knew I wasn't thinking clearly, but I couldn't stop my breathing from growing faster and the perspiration from running down my forehead. Finally, making a resolution to never give in, I clamped my mouth shut and closed my eyes. I suppressed a scream when I felt the burning energy blade slide into my side and remain there. Eyes watering, I opened them to see Slimy making another blade. Hardening my eyes, I gave him a death stare before he laughed again and plunged his second blade into my right thigh.
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*(PIPER)*
I felt the warm energy of glowing lights as Leo pulled me from the manner and a moment later we reappeared behind a tree in the parking lot at Paige's work. I looked around the tree and easily spotted Paige's lime green Bug.
"Will you be okay?" Leo asked, stepping in front of me. I saw Cole shimmer in out of the corner of my eyes and remembered what my husband had to do.
"I'll be fine," I said, giving Leo a hug. "You be careful, do you hear me?" He nodded and I stepped back. "I'll take Paige's car home. You just try to find out what's going on, okay?" He smiled before walking over towards Cole behind another tree.
"Don't worry Piper, I'll be careful," he said. With that, Cole shimmered out and Leo followed. I was alone. Two seconds later I looked over at the car and gasped. I hadn't realized it before, but Paige's Bug looked like it was running. I ran over and found that indeed it was. When I looked in the mirror I saw Paige's purse on the seat with its contents spilled out. Her phone was on the passenger seat, still on. Tears came to my eyes as I realized that she had been captured when she was talking to me...I hadn't even realized it...Wiping my tears away, I opened the door and put Paige's things back into her purse. I slowly picked up her phone and saw that there were three missed calls. They were mine. I gulped as I put it inside the purse and slid in. There was no sign of a struggle in the car except that the seat belt was broken. Nothing in the back seat and nothing in the front. No tares, no slime, no flame marks...What kind of demon left nothing behind? I shook my head in frustration before closing the side door and putting the car in drive. Phoebe might need me at home...and besides, we'd figure out this mystery together. I'm sure we could do it without Paige or Prue to help...I restrained a sob as I turned out into the road and headed home.
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*(COLE)*
I felt a blast of chilly air as I shimmered into an abandoned cave of the underworld. Leo orbed in behind me and we both checked to make sure no one was around.
"Okay, can you sense her?" I asked, checking behind me again out of habit. I waited for a few moments as Leo closed his eyes. When he finally opened them and frowned.
"I can't sense her...But I know she's somewhere down here..." I sighed and started towards the opening of the cave.
"Where're you going?" Leo asked, following me quickly.
"Towards the Source's chambers. We'll probably find Dalei in a chamber around there."
"But we're not even sure Dalei took her," Leo said, jumping in front of me. I halted and looked over at my companion.
"Yes, we're not sure, but if Paige was captured then Dalei will know about it. She's our closest guess at finding Paige." I saw acceptance of the plan register in Leo's eyes and I continued to walk while he followed closely behind. The Source was close...I could feel it. I led Leo through numerous caves of the underworld, keeping to the shadows so we wouldn't be seen. After about 15 minutes of traveling I stopped behind a boulder and crouched down. Leo followed suit, and we caught our breaths.
"Where are we?" he asked after a few moments had passed.
"Do you see those guards behind that bend in the path?" I asked. He nodded, so I continued. "Well, they guard that path because it leads to the Source's chambers, where he and his closest allies stay. Dalei would be there if she's as powerful as I've heard, and if she plans to become Mistress to him." He nodded again and then we were silent, thinking of how we'd get past them.
"Why don't I make a distraction, and then you can shimmer in behind them and knock them out with an energy ball?" Leo suggested. I nodded to myself, that would make sense. The guards were pretty powerful, and I don't know if I could kill them, but I'm sure I could knock them out long enough to get info on Paige.
"Okay," I said, slapping Leo lightly on the back. "Good luck." He grinned back at me.
"Thanks, I'll need it," he replied, and then stood up and started to orb. I watched as he orbed-in right in front of the guards, and orbed back out, then in again, and so forth. By this time he had all of the guards' attention, and all four followed him as he led them towards the boulder. I could have predicted it. All four wanted favoritism with the Source, so all went after the whitelighter. None thought about the entryway that they left unprotected. I watched as Leo stopped orbing half way down the path and started to run. Energy balls were thrown, but he dodged them as he brought the unsuspecting victims towards me. When they got him backed into a corner I acted. Walking quietly up behind them, I made two huge energy balls, one in each hand, and threw them at two of the guards. The energy hit them in the back of their heads, and they dropped. I shimmered out before the other two could turn around and then hid behind the boulder again. Meanwhile, the two demons that were left were looking around furiously. They must have decided that Leo had done it, for in a few seconds they were staring back at him. This was where I wanted them, their attention on Leo. I quietly walked up behind them once more and created two energy balls. Just as they were about to thrust their swords into Leo, I let the energy fly, and the last two guards were down.
"Wow, close call," Leo stuttered, wiping his forehead with his sleeve. "You could've come earlier." I smiled and sent a few more energy balls at each guard.
"I didn't want them to see me," I responded. "When they wake up they'll tell their story to the Source, and I don't want to be in it. My appearance could spark new bounty hunters to come after me." Leo nodded, and after a few more energy balls were thrown, we started down the path, keeping to the side. What we came to was a dead end with five doors, each one leading to a different room. The one directly ahead of us was the Source's chamber. The ones to the right and left were his most trustworthy demons' rooms. The other two were reserved for important guests and those that the Source wanted to watch. Dalei would be in one of these rooms.
"Which door?" Leo whispered, looking back at the unconscious guards.
"One of these," I responded, pointing to the nearest doors on our right and left. "Wait here and let me check them out." With that, I shimmered out and reappeared behind a curtain in the room to our right. No one was in sight. I again shimmered and appeared behind a column in the door to our left. I listened carefully and heard voices.
"So, you sent Yellonius after the witch my Mistress?" I heard a female demon ask. I peaked around the column to find a young and beautiful women lounging on a bed. I saw that she had waist length black hair and purple eyes. She was the woman I had seen in The Book...She was Dalei. The female demon that I had heard ask the question was standing next to her. She resembled Dalei remarkably, but parts of her hair had white wisps and she had pinkish orange eyes.
"Yes," Dalei said slowly. "He went after her...and he has succeeded where his brother could not."
"What will you do with the witch Mistress?" a young male demon asked. This comment brought my attention to him. He was pretty tall with red glowing eyes and dark black hair. These two youngsters must be Dalei's offspring, her protectors.
"Oh, well, I've decided to let Yellonius play with her for a while. Things will play out eventually, and I'll be sitting on the thrown with the Source at my side." Dalei smiled evilly and then started to laugh. I quickly shimmered out to the awaiting Leo.
"They're in the door to the left," I whispered. "It's Dalei and two of her offspring, her protectors, a male and a female." Leo nodded and I continued. "A Yellonius captured Paige, and Dalei said that she's letting him 'play' with her. Doesn't sound good." Leo grimaced and I continued. "We'll go back in to see if they mention where Paige is. Orb in behind a big column. It should conceal you, but cut down on the angelic music, okay?"
"Sure," Leo replied before I shimmered out and he followed. I shimmered in behind the column and a moment later Leo was beside me, no chimes at all. Then, I brought my attention to Dalei and her children.
"Mother..." the female said while sitting down next to Dalei. "Tell me, why doesn't Yellonius just kill the witch. Wasn't that what you ordered?" Dalei looked at her child before sitting up and beckoning the male to sit on her other side.
"The Charmed ones are tricky my dears. That is why the Source has asked me to get rid of them. Yellonius drained the witch of all her power, but she still lives. Any other being would have died, just as we expected her to. So what if she lives? Let Yellonius get his revenge for the Charmed ones killing his brother. It's the least I can do for him. Plus, if he doesn't kill her, then she will be a good gift for the Source when I become His Queen. The other two will die in time, and then we shan't have to worry about the Charmed ones any longer." The children grinned and then the male jumped up suddenly. "What is it my child, do you sense something?" The male was walking over towards us...he knew we were there!
"Leo, go home. Take this information with you," I said hurriedly.
"But-"
"No," I whispered fiercely. "They know someone's here, and they'll follow if we both leave. Just go, and they'll never know we both were here. Tell Phoebe I'll be home soon." With that I gave Leo a shove and I shimmered to the middle of the room as he orbed out, bringing the attention to myself. All three quickly looked over at me, and both the male and the female advanced. I gathered an energy ball in my hands, waiting for a battle, when Dalei spoke.
"Dannilei, Maricu, stop." Both the female and then the male stopped, each with a sword ready in their hands. "I know this demon...the Source has informed me of him. I wish to speak with Belthezor, for I have just thought up a proposition for him." I knew I couldn't out run these two, their mother's blood flowed strongly through them, and I sensed their power. They slowly circled until they were behind me and pointed their swords as I slowly walked towards Dalei. "You are strong Belthizor to hold out so long without Maricu sensing you, but he has. You are outnumbered and overpowered. Tell me why you have infiltrated my chambers." I looked at her coldly, but then decided that I might end up alive if I played into her Mistress thing. Slowly, I smiled and then averted my eyes downward out of 'respect.'
"I am sorry for disturbing you Mistress," I said in a low and humble voice. "I am here only to seek one who was captured. I thought you might know where she was."
"Oh, I see," Dalei said, taking her role as Mistress, possible Queen to the underworld.
"Also, Mistress, I wanted to lay eyes on your face," I added, thinking flattery might help. "I have never seen you, but have heard so many wonderful things about the evil empires you have created. I wanted to see you for myself."
"I see," she said again, flipping her hair in joy. "You may arise," she said, referring to my downcast eyes, and I allowed them to lift up and lay on her face. "You seek a Charmed one, do you not?" she asked. I nodded. "The Source tells me that you bedded one, is this the one you seek?"
"No," I replied. "This is her sister, the youngest."
"Good, good," she said back. "I had hoped that you would have bedded a smart and strong one at least. Now that I know this, I am willing to make my deal as well."
"What deal is that my Mistress," I said, inwardly sneering. This was so degrading for me, but I had to do it. I had to do it for Paige and for Phoebe.
"We hold the Charmed one in which you speak captive. Our Master, the Source, wants all three dead, or captured, but I am willing to make an exception. We will return this witch to you if you will hand over the other two." When I heard her offer I clamed my mouth shut. What was I to say? "I see you dislike this," she said coolly, grinning at me. "It is because you must give up your witch...But I, after all, will be Queen. We may find a way later on to produce an understanding." She continued to grin evilly and I shivered inwardly. How could I give Phoebe up?
"It is not my choice to give you the Charmed ones," I replied. "I've come here to take their sister back to them. It is they who would decide."
"I see," she said yet again. "Well, take the proposition back to them. I will be seeing them soon either way. If they disagree let me know in the next half-hour. If not, I'll see you when I see you Belthezor." I turned around to find Dalei's children lowering their swords to let me go. "Oh, and remember Belthezor," Dalei said to me when my back was turned. "If they comply, there is a possibility that you will save your witch. If not, she will die." I nodded abruptly and then shimmered out. Oh boy.
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*(PHOEBE)*
*Sigh* It had been a half-hour, and the spell still wasn't complete...I needed one more line....Ah! Smiling to myself, I quickly wrote a line of words down and stood up in triumph. The spell was done! Just as I stood up, looking at my work one more time, I heard the front door open. In walked Piper, and she didn't look together at all.
"Piper, what is it?" I asked, walking over to her as she sat on the couch.
"Its..." she trailed off, looking at the object she had in her hand...Paige's purse. "Paige's car was still running, the contents of her purse were all over the front seat, the seat-belt was broken, and the car was still in the parking lot at her work." I looked at Piper with concern and put my hand on her shoulder. "There wasn't any other sign of struggle...What kind of demon could do that? Phoebe, Paige was captured when I was talking to her on the phone. I thought the phone had gone dead and hung up...but...I didn't even realize what had happened. I could have prevented it..." I saw tears well up in Piper's eyes and reached over to give her a hug. She wrapped her arms around me as well and we stayed like this for a few moments.
"Cheer up," I whispered to her. "I finished the spell." I pulled away and she smiled while she wiped away her tears. When I pulled back I accidentally knocked Paige's purse off Piper's lap. "Oh, sorry," I apologized, and reached down to pick up the red handbag.
*****
I felt my power expand as I was drawn into a premonition. I found myself in a small stone room with no doors in sight. Before me came the image of my sister, Paige. She was hanging from chains on the wall...Oh God...So much blood...So much blood...Her head moved a millimeter as she struggled to look up, but then a demon shimmered in. Tears flowed down my sister's face as he approached her. She couldn't resist him and cried out when he reached up and put his hand on her throat...He pulled away, smiling triumphantly, and shimmered back out. My sister hung there, helpless, the blood dripping, her clothing torn, totally defeated.....
*****
I gasped as I came out of the premonition. I was sobbing hysterically. I felt someone wrap their arms around me, and I clung to them. A few minutes later I quieted and opened my eyes. I was on the floor and Piper was next to me, her arms around my shoulders. I looked at her and saw an expression of fear...She was afraid of what I had seen.
"Phoebe," she whispered, pushing the hair back off of my face and handing me a tissue. I dried my eyes and attempted to smile at her.
"Thanks," I replied. Now that I had talked I think Piper was less afraid. She got up and disappeared into the kitchen for a moment. I took this time to get situated on the couch, and watched as Piper returned with a glass of water. "Thanks," I said again as she handed it to me and I took a sip. As I drank the water that Piper had gotten for me I heard chimes and saw a blue and white glow out of the corner of my eyes. When I looked up, Leo was standing there. He looked out of breath.
"Leo, what happened?" Piper asked, walking up to her husband.
"I have information," he replied. "A Yellonius captured Paige, the brother to the Bluhonius you three killed. Dalei said that for some reason Paige didn't die when she was drained of all her power, so..." He trailed off, not wanting to say what he had over-heard.
"Tell us Leo," Piper said, sitting down next to me and putting her arm around my shoulder. "She said the Yellonius was 'playing' with Paige...Getting revenge for his brother's death..." My face went white as I remembered my premonition and I felt Piper's arm tighten around my shoulders.
"Where's Cole?" I asked as I tried to keep my composure. Leo stayed silent for a moment, but when I looked up at him he continued.
"Dalei had two of her children, her protectors, with her. The male sensed us, and Cole stayed so I could get away. He told me to tell you that he'd be home soon." Cole...Paige...I couldn't take this anymore. Taking a few deep breaths, I tried to calm myself. It wasn't working.
"Leo, Phoebe had a premonition," I heard Piper say as I closed my eyes and tried not to go into hysterics. "She's kind of shaken up..." Suddenly I felt someone's hands on my shoulders. I opened my eyes to see Leo in front of me.
"Phoebe, it's okay to feel the way you do. We're not in the best situation...but everything will turn out, you'll see." I looked at my whitelighter and saw truth in his eyes. I then reached out and gave him a hug. He was giving me the comfort that Cole couldn't at that moment...although I wanted Cole to be there so badly. I pulled away and wiped the tears off my cheeks that had fallen.
"Thanks Leo," I whispered as I picked up my water and took another gulp. Okay...I could do this. I could tell them the premonition.
"Phoebe...Do you think you could tell us what you saw?" Leo asked, and I looked up into his eyes. They gave me courage and I nodded.
"*Deep breath* I picked up Paige's purse, and the premonition came," I whispered as the image came back to me. "I was in a small stone room with no doors...It must've been in the Underworld. And...Paige...was there." I stopped for a moment, taking a deep breath and tried to suppress my tears. A few fell down my cheeks, but I continued. "Paige...She was chained to the wall...only held up my the shackles around her wrists...the blood...so much blood..." I trailed off as the image came to my mind and I cringed. I felt a hand on my shoulder and I looked over to see Piper sitting beside me. She gave me an encouraging smile, but I could tell how upset she was. "Sh-...She wasn't moving," I choked out, trying to continue. "Just as she attempted to lift her head, a yellowish demon with horns shimmered in. Oh, how she cried out as he slowly walked towards her...She was weeping and begging...but he still approached. Then...He put his hand...on her throat....She went limp and he started to laugh before he shimmered out...Paige...she was so helpless...so much blood...I didn't know there could be that much blood..." I trailed off and stared off into space as the image stayed with me. My sister... All of a sudden I felt arms encircle me...Piper. We wept together for a few moments before she broke away and stood up.
"Phoebe, Leo," she said, and we both looked at her. "I don't know if Phoebe's premonition was of the past or the future, but I don't want Paige to go through any more than she already has. Let's get the Book of Shadows and see what we can do. Phoebe already has a spell to vanquish Dalei, let's see if we can get one for Mr. Yelloni-whatever and get Paige back." I smiled up at my sister and sighed as she went up to the attic to get the Book.
"Don't worry Phoebe," Leo said to me. "I'm sure we'll get Paige back. Let's at least stay positive and do our best to save her, okay?" I nodded my head and stood up. Leo was right, we had to stay positive.
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*(PIPER)*
We'd tried all the summoning spells in the Book, but Paige must've been protected in a magical room, for none of them worked. There was a vanquish for Yellonius in the Book as well and I, along with Phoebe, had memorized it by heart. We were going to vanquish his sorry ass for touching our sister. Phoebe had calmed down a little, and I was glad. We had to figure out a way to save Paige and find Cole, and being pessimistic would only delay us. At the moment, Phoebe was pouring over the book and I was drilling Leo on his knowledge of the Yellonius. We had to be as prepared as we could.
"Cole!" I looked over at Phoebe, the one who had shouted, and saw that Cole had shimmered in a few feet away from her. She quickly ran over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. I was glad he was back. Phoebe needed him, and he'd be a help in finding Paige.
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*(COLE)*
When I shimmered into the manor Phoebe immediately looked up and over at me. I saw joy and relief flash into her eyes as she stared at me for a moment.
"Cole!" she finally called out, and I welcomed her as she ran into my arms. When I wrapped my arms around my love I felt her shaking beneath me. Phoebe had gone through a hard time...I wonder what had happened?
"Hey," I whispered, ruffling Phoebe's hair and kissing her on the head. When I looked up I saw that Piper and Leo had walked towards us partially.
"Cole...How did you get away?" Leo asked, taking Piper in his arms.
"In a minute," I replied, holding Phoebe by the shoulders and looking down at her. "Phoebe, are you alright?" I asked, staring into her eyes. I saw them well up and she grabbed me into a hug again.
"I had a premonition," she whispered into my shoulder. "The Yellonius was torturing Paige..." I cringed when she said that, but continued to hug her, trying to provide all the comfort that I could. I knew what demons could do to others in torture, and it wasn't pretty. When a few moments had passed Phoebe pulled away and looked up at me. "Tell us Cole," she said, leading me over towards Piper and Leo. "How did you get away?" I smiled a little, but I think they all knew it was forced.
"Well, firstly, I have to say that I don't think they knew Leo was there, which was good," I said, wrapping my arms around Phoebe's shoulders as she stood in front of me. "I was ready to fight for my life, for Dalei's children were very powerful. Just when they had swords to my throat, Dalei ordered them to stop, saying that she had a proposition for me. I don't want to really get into the details of what was said..." I cringed, remembering how I had sucked up to Dalei, trying to preserve my life. "Anyway," I continued. "Dalei says that she's willing to give Paige up in return for the both of you." I felt Phoebe grow tense beneath my arms, and I unconsciously pulled her closer to me. Piper gave a 'look' to Leo, communicating with him through her eyes. It almost looked like they were having a conversation between them... "Dalei said that if she doesn't hear back from me then she'll assume the deal is on. We have a half-hour until she comes."
"Let's do it," Piper announced, looking to her husband as if challenging him.
"Piper..." Leo said, wary of his wife, but wanting to declare his disapproval.
"Piper's right," Phoebe said, pulling out of my grasp and walking up to her sister.
"Phoebe-" I started.
"No." she interrupted. "Dalei is going to come for us anyway. This will be our chance to get Paige back and kill Dalei with the spell."
"Phoebe, you said yourself that the spell may not be powerful enough. What if you need a potion as well?" Leo asked. Phoebe shook her head and looked at Piper.
"Are you with me?" she asked her sister.
"One Hundred Percent," Piper replied, and they headed up the stairs towards the attic, The Book under Piper's arm and the spell in Phoebe's hand. Leo and I exchanged glances as we followed the sisters upstairs to hear their plan.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
The darkness slowly diminished and I could feel the ache of my body as I gained consciousness. When my head fully cleared my body screamed with pain and I opened my eyes. The room was empty, and it had been since Slimy had drained me of my power and tortured me. I didn't know how long I had been here, but the torturing process had happened a few times. I stared down at the floor and saw puddles and puddles of blood...How could I lose so much and still be alive? I shuddered, but the movement caused so much throbbing in my muscles and limbs that I cried out and started to weep. My clothes were torn, my body was torn, and my spirits were torn. I'd never get out of here alive. Phoebe, Piper, Leo, Cole...Someone help me! Prue....Prue! That was it! It was her soul that was keeping me alive. I might still have a chance...only if the others would hurry up and rescue me...Even if these shackles weren't around my wrists, I wouldn't have the strength to move. I took a deep breath as I attempted to lift my head. I had to find a way out, pain or no pain. Just as I started to look around the room one more time, Slimy shimmered in. Tears welled up in my eyes as he appeared before me.
"Oh God...please," I whispered, staring at him with terror-stricken and frightened eyes. When he saw this he grinned maliciously and started towards me. I attempted to move my arms, but as they moved a millimeter the pain from my cut wrists was un-numbed and I cried out. My tears mixed with the blood at the bottom of my feet as he walked slowly and torturously towards me. When he was only a foot away from me I looked into his evil yellow eyes and started to weep. "Oh God," I said again, only able to whisper. "Please...don't do it again, please...Oh God..." He just grinned at me...more tears fell with the result of pain as they mixed with my wounds. Then, he reached out and put his hand to my throat. My body went limp as he drained every ounce of energy I had built up. My muscles screamed as the energy went through them and up to his hand. My vision fogged, but I could see the yellow glow on his hand and arm as my energy and power left me, and flowed into him. A few moments later he stepped away, smiled sinisterly, and shimmered out. I hung there, defeated and worn, as my wounds continued to bleed and my mind slipped in and out of consciousness. Oh God, please help me...Please, someone make it go away...Make the pain stop.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PIPER)*
"It's fairly simple," I explained to Leo and Cole, Phoebe by my side. "Dalei will come expecting to get us without a fight. Then, she'll want to kill Paige." They all nodded and I continued. "We will demand that she show us Paige before we go with her and threaten her with our spell. She's been asleep a long time, and probably doesn't know of us very well. She will be wary." Leo nodded like it made sense, and Cole just stood and listened, a thoughtful expression on his face. "When she brings Paige Cole will grab her and shimmer her to us. Then, we'll say the spell together." Phoebe nodded and I looked at Leo. He didn't seem all convinced.
"But Piper," he said, concern in his voice. "There are two variables. One: What if the spell doesn't work? Two: What if Paige isn't conscious?" I looked at my husband and sighed. He had a point.
"You're right Leo," I admitted. "But the fact is, we don't have a choice in the matter. Dalei could come at any moment, and there's nothing else we can do in such short notice." Cole nodded his head and I walked up to my husband. "Do you have any other ideas?" He shook his head and took me in his arms. The warmth was comforting.
"Alright," he said. "But if something goes wrong I'm orbing everyone out. Understood?" I nodded my head and smiled.
"Hopefully, the spell will be strong enough to at least hurt her if Paige can't say it with us. If that's the case we need Cole to try and get a piece of her flesh, for a potion. Do you think you can do that Cole?" I asked, looking over at him. He was standing next to Phoebe, his hand in hers, and he looked deep in thought.
"Yeah," he said as he nodded his head and a knife appeared in his hand. "I can do that." I watched as he tucked the knife into his belt and I smiled. Cole was very dangerous with a knife, this plan would work. It had to work, and I refuse to think otherwise. Just as I grabbed The Book and we were all going to head downstairs I heard a noise behind me. We all swiftly turned to see three flames appear in the attic. Oh God, there were three of them. I gulped, saw Phoebe do the same, but we both left the sides of our loves and stepped up in front of them to face this evil together. Reaching into my pocket, I felt for a potion that I had found in Paige's purse. There had been a few in there, and both Phoebe and I had taken one. I saw Phoebe grip hers as well, and then turned my attention back to the attackers. There stood Dalei, a tall slender woman with long black hair and purple eyes. She was dressed in a dark violet velvet robe, but looked both cool and comfortable. To her right was a younger looking version of the Mistress, only a head shorter. She had shoulder length black hair containing white wisps and pinkish orange eyes. She was dressed in a dark maroon robe, shorter and airier than her mothers'. From what Cole had told us, this was Dannilei. To Dalei's left was a tall and muscled man with short black hair and glowing red eyes. He was dressed in black pants and an open maroon shirt, showing off his powerful chest. This must be Maricu. All three looked extremely powerful and I sent a silent prayer to Prue before taking a deep breath and looking Dalei straight in the eyes.
"What is it you want?" I said with disgust, looking at the being who was responsible for my sister's pain.
"Oh, has Belthezor not told you my little deal?" she asked, a triumphant smile on her face.
"Yes, Cole has told us, and we accept under one condition," Phoebe said, challenging Dalei with her voice.
"Oh, and what is that?" she asked lightly.
"We want you to bring our sister here first. When we know she is here and safe, then we will go with you freely, no opposition or resistance." Dalei seemed to think about this for a moment, and then nodded her head.
"You have a deal," she said, and nodded her head towards Maricu. In an instant he had flamed out, and we all stood in silence.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PHOEBE)*
As Maricu flamed out I looked at our opposition around the room. Dalei stood in front of us, an air of superiority surrounding her. Dannilei stood next to her, eying Cole with suspicion and fingering a sword that she had drawn from her waist. Even with facing these frightening and evil demonic creatures, I was more afraid of how I would find Paige. What if she had been tortured? I hoped with all my heart that my premonition hadn't occurred yet, but I knew deep down that it probably had. We had to get Paige back safe. I glanced over at Piper and caught her eye. She looked worried and afraid, but determined. I drew strength from that and looked back over at our enemies. They were going down. A moment later I saw Maricu appear in flames. In his arms laid my little sister...Paige. Oh...my God...She was bleeding heavily and her eyes were closed. Was she breathing....Yes, I saw her chest move slightly. Oh God, she looked terrible.
"Here is your sister Charmed ones," Dalei said as Maricu threw Paige to the floor. I struggled to keep my tears in, and I saw that Piper was having the same problem. Taking a deep breath, I looked back at Cole out of the corner of my eyes. He saw my gaze and we went into action. In the blink of an eye he appeared next to Paige, grabbed her wrist, and then appeared behind us. As this occurred Maricu went into action as well. When Cole was shimmering in behind us he lunged. Piper and I threw our potions at him at exactly the same time. They both duplicated Piper's explosion power, which meant they would be pretty powerful together. A large explosion went up when the bottles hit Maricu and smoke filled the air. Then, Dannilei decided it was her turn. She lunged with her sword and as Piper froze the sword in mid air I levitated. I flew with all my strength towards Dannilei as she struggled to keep her balance. My feet hit her chest and she went flying backwards. As I levitated down she flung back, using her arms on the ground to throw her body, and knocked me to the ground. I hit hard and rolled, just missing the sword that was meant for my throat. We were locked in a live-or-die battle.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PIPER)*
I gasped as Dannilei came towards us and froze her sword in mid air. As Phoebe levitated towards her I brought my attention back to Maricu. He was on the floor, stunned, but still alive. I threw my arms out, trying to blow him up, but nothing happened. He looked up at me and grinned. A second later he was in front of me and in my face.
"That wasn't very nice," he sneered, referring to the potions, and I jumped back in battle stance, ready for an attack. I tried to freeze his sword as it came towards me, but his powerful arms broke through my power and headed towards my heart.....*BANG* I looked up and saw Cole in front of me, knife countering his sword. I gulped, realizing how close that was, and hurriedly glanced around. Dalei still stood where she had entered. She was looking around with confidence, not making a move to help her offspring. I slowly backed up and saw Phoebe dodging Dannilei's sword as it rushed towards her every second. She was levitating through the air and jumping around, trying to confuse Dannilei. It wasn't working. To my side I saw Leo and...Paige. He had her in his arms and she didn't look so good.
"Leo..." I whispered, bending down next to him and using all my strength to freeze Dannilei's sword before it hit Phoebe. She smiled and reached up for the sword as Dannilei had to flame out and then back in to keep from falling. Phoebe now had the sword and the upper hand. "Leo...If anything goes wrong, get Paige out of here." I gave my husband a pleading and determined look as he reluctantly nodded his head. "Now try to wake her," I said as I stood up. "I don't think Dalei will attack until we have her children out of the way." With that, I rushed to help my sister. Dannilei had formed a sword of energy and was countering Phoebe's blows. Boy was I glad that Cole had trained her. As Dannilei turned her back on me to counter one of Phoebe's swings I acted. Gathering all of my strength, I rushed forward and threw myself at the demon. She fell in surprise and I rolled to the side as Phoebe shoved the sword through her heart. She cried out as her body was covered in flames and she disintegrated. That sword must've had some powerful spells on it. When the vanquish was done, Phoebe and I brought our attention back to Cole. He was still fighting Maricu, and although he looked a little beaten up, he seemed like he was holding his own. We rushed to Leo's side and were about to throw ourselves into battle when Dalei spoke.
"ENOUGH!" she cried out and Maricu stopped moving. We all starred at her, transfixed by her spell as our eyes fell on her. I blinked my eyes as Cole lunged forward and hit Maricu with energy ball after energy ball. He fell to the floor and Phoebe threw Cole her sword to finish him off. He called out as he was engulfed in flames as well. Dalei stared at him in shock and the room shook with her anger. "How DARE you defy me lower being!" she roared, as a bright purplish red glow appeared around her. She looked angry.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
When I opened my eyes I felt dizzy and sick. The room looked like it was spinning, so I closed them again. How long had I been here?...I couldn't think...I couldn't even breathe without pain coming to my chest. Why me...why?...I didn't think I had any tears left, but they came. As I silently wept more pain emerged, but I just cried out more when the tears hit my wounds. I'd never get out...I'd never escape...My eyes popped open as I heard someone flame into the room. A tall demon with dark hair and glowing red eyes appeared before me. I gasped as he threw a knife at me. It went right through the shackles holding my arm up...I screamed as all of my weight shifted to be held by my right wrist and I felt it starting to break. He withdrew the knife and the shackles on my left wrist fell to the floor. He repeated the process with my right hand and I cried out as I fell in a heap to the ground. The blood beneath me splashed all over my body, but I had no strength to shield myself. What was he going to do with me? I felt his muscled arms beneath me and he flamed out, with me in his arms. With the heat of the flames, my eyes closed and the darkness came yet again.
I heard noises...were they voices? I was so out of it that I couldn't tell. Nothing was coherent to me, not even my own thoughts. I remember hitting the ground...no longer engulfed in the flames of that demon. Somehow, I felt safe. The floor felt familiar to me. My stomach turned as I felt someone grab my torn wrist and everything went fuzzy. I winced as the dizziness started to recede, and felt something under me. It felt...warm...What was...happening? The noises happened again...What were those noises? They had to be voices, but I couldn't understand...too loud...too much pain...As I started to fall back into the soundless void I felt something tighten around me and the noises came back...they were right next to my ear. I had to open my eyes...If only I could find the strength...Taking as deep a breath as I could manage without cringing in pain, I slowly lifted my eyelids...
I gasped in shock as I found myself looking up into Leo's eyes...Leo...was I safe???...Was I home???...More tears welled up as I saw him smile. The warmth I felt...It was Leo slowly healing all of my wounds fully. He was making his way up from my feet, and was currently on my stomach. I smiled back at him, but still couldn't understand what he was saying...That was when I heard a voice scream loudly and clearly...
"How DARE you defy me lower being!" I saw a tall woman out of the corner of my eyes...She was the one who had spoken with so much power and I became even more frightened when I saw her glow a purplish red color. That had to be...Dalei. Before her stood Cole, and slightly to his right and behind him were Phoebe and Piper. They all looked pretty beaten up. The tears overflowed when I saw them standing there. I was home...I was...here...I'd see my sisters one last time. I starred at my family with love and faith as the battle began.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PIPER)*
Purple energy flew and I jumped to the side just in time to miss being scorched. I quickly rolled, knowing that Dalei might pursue, and leapt to my feet. Phoebe was levitating around trying to get out of the way of energy bolts, and Cole was standing in front of Leo and Paige. Leo was healing her, and was concentrating so hard that he couldn't protect himself. That's when I noticed Paige...her eyes were open and she was starring at me.
"Paige," I whispered as tears welled up in my eyes. When her eyes widened in fear I quickly dove off to the right...just in time as an energy bolt hit the ground where I had been standing and a hole formed in the rug. All of a sudden, bolts were every which way. I jumped and dodged, froze them, and blew them up, but there were too many. I heard Phoebe scream as she got hit and the distraction made me an easy target. My arm was hit, and I was on the floor holding it and crying out in pain. As another bolt hit my shoulder I forced myself to get up and freeze those that were moving towards Phoebe's heart. Then, I focused my eyes on Dalei. I had to stop her. I glanced back and saw Cole covered in cuts as the purple bolts hit him...but Paige wasn't hurt, and Leo was healed whenever one hit him. I cried out when I was hit in the stomach and fell to my knees. There were too many...they were too fast. Before I knew it Phoebe had levitated to my side. She was just as worse off as I was. I looked into her eyes and she nodded. The next moment, we stood up and ran towards Dalei. She was going down. Before we got halfway there a gust of wind was formed before her and we went flying back towards Cole, Leo, and Paige.
"Uhhhgggg..." I moaned as I hit the ground hard. I sat up and noticed that the purple bolts had stopped raining down on us. Dalei was standing there, huffing and angry.
"I'm too good to waste any more energy on you weaklings!" she exclaimed, putting her hands on her hips. "Yellonius!" she cried. I got to my feet and held hands with Phoebe. We could take any demon thrown at us. Paige and Leo were also on their feet, but I only had time to smile at Paige's confused face before the Yellonius appeared and attacked.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
The purple bolts were falling everywhere. Oh God...they'd destroy us all. I watched in terror as Phoebe and Piper barely dodged each one, and I grimaced when they got hit. When Cole had to leap in front of the bolts so they wouldn't hit me, I cried. Leo was healing me, but always seemed to get in front of those that Cole couldn't stop. They were in pain because of me...When Leo finished healing my wounds he stood up to help Cole defend me. I was still so confused...How did I get here? What was going on? I wasn't sure about anything and I was still dazed...but I somehow knew that this was the final battle...we had to win. A moment later Phoebe and Piper were on the floor in front of me and the energy bolts had stopped. I quickly stood up as they struggled to their feet hurried next to Leo and Cole. My magical and physical energies were still drained, even though my wounds were healed, but I managed to get to my feet anyway. It was my turn to defend them.
"I'm too good to waste any more energy on you weaklings!" Dalei yelled, and I glanced over at Piper. She gave me an encouraging smile before I heard the most frightening thing I could imagine. "Yellonius!" When the ugly demon appeared in the room and looked over at us, I starred at him in horror. He laughed evilly before advancing on us swiftly and deadly. As Phoebe, Piper, Cole, and Leo dodged out of the way, I stood there in shock. This couldn't be happening...He couldn't be here...I couldn't go through that again...With no energy to move out of the way and my mind in shock, I stood and waited as he advanced and hit me in the stomach. I went flying across the room and slammed into the wall.
"Paige!" I heard Phoebe scream as I fell to the floor. She was beside me in a moment, along with Leo, who healed my injuries. When I opened my eyes I saw Piper and Cole battling the Yellonius. Leo was kneeled next to me on my left, and Phoebe was on my right.
"NO! NO! NO!" I started screaming when my mind went out of shock and into panic.
"Paige! Paige!" Phoebe shouted, trying to calm me. I didn't listen. I had to get away...the Yellonius was here...He'd torture me again...NO...I couldn't live through that twice. I tried to stand up, but with my energy drained I needed Leo and Phoebe's help. When I turned towards the door Phoebe grabbed me and pulled me back around.
"No!" I cried out in a weak voice. "No..." I looked into my sister's eyes and started to cry. "No...Please Phoebe...I have to get out...I need to get away..." When I fell to my knees Leo caught me and I sunk into his arms. "No, no, no, no," I repeatedly whispered to myself as I shook my head and wept.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PHOEBE)*
I watched as my little sister fell apart in front of me. The Yellonius was more powerful than his brother had been, so we had to injure him before the spell was read. It looked like Piper and Cole were succeeding.
"Piper, now!" I shouted and I ran up beside her. We recited the spell from memory as Cole held the Yellonius off.
"Yellow may you be,
Demon of energy,
We send you down to Hell,
So you may no longer dwell!" I watched in satisfaction as the energy-stealing demon that tortured my sister was engulfed in flames and vanished.
"UHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGG!!! I HAVE HAD IT!!! YOU ARE DEAD!!!" Dalei screamed as we rushed to Paige's side. She was still hysterical, but stopped crying when Dalei filled the house with her booming voice.
"Paige, say the spell with us!" I cried, as I held out the spell I had written and we all read from it.
"Evil Mistress seeking power,
None you shall have from here after,
In the darkness you reign over,
Light will enter and dispose of,
Centuries of evil from past and future,
Your dirtied hands destroyed forever!"
I sat in shock as Dalei was jolted back a few feet, but otherwise stood there with a sinister smile on her face. A second later the room filled with purple light and I felt like my body was being torn apart as I flew across the room and landed in pain. I felt the blood flow from my body and I found that I couldn't move. When I finally looked around I saw Dalei standing there with a smile and confidence written all over her face. Cole and Leo were knocked out, and I saw Piper on the other side of the room in the same situation as me. As I craned my neck to see Paige crushed against the wall I cried out in pain. Dalei just stood there and laughed. She knew we were all helpless and she loved it. "I have defeated the Charmed ones!" she cried out as she walked towards me. "Now, I will kill each of you one at a time and revel in your destruction." As Dalei bent down and placed her hand on my throat I looked at my sisters out of the corners of my eyes. Piper was barely conscious and Paige...Paige!? I gasped in shock as I saw my sister start to glow, and as Dalei's grip started to force the air from my lungs...Was I hallucinating?...No...That couldn't be...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
I cried out as a powerful force crushed me into the attic wall, and the indent kept me in place.
"Uhhggg..." I moaned to myself as I listened to Dalei's laugh. I could hardly move, but I forced myself to open my eyes and watched as Dalei bent over Phoebe. I had to do something! All of a sudden, the courage within me strengthened as I tapped into something...Yes, it was there...Prue's soul...The thing that had kept me alive...and given me strength. I needed her now more than ever...
"Paige..." I heard her voice within me and I prayed.
"Prue... I need you now...please...use all of the strength I possess...tap into my soul...Prue..." I whispered to myself as I closed my eyes and felt a warm glow. Prue's presence came into me and my strength was returned momentarily, only to be taken away as a form shaped in front of me. I slid to the floor as my sister appeared in human form, white gown and no ghostly features. She was there in the flesh. I smiled up at her as she quickly turned and squinted at the Mistress. Dalei went flying across the room and landed in a heap next to the wall. Using every reserve of strength in my body, I crawled over to Phoebe and Prue, who was helping her up.
"Prue?...Is it you???..." Phoebe whispered, tears running down her cheeks. Prue just nodded, and I smiled weakly as they embraced. With Prue's essence filtering through her soul that was within me, I didn't even have enough strength to stand, so I looked up at them with hope. Anything was possible in this family. A moment later Prue broke away from Phoebe and looked down at me.
"Phoebe?" she asked as she kept her eyes me.
"Yes Prue?" she answered, choked up as she heard her sister's voice.
"Go wake up Leo and help Piper." I saw Phoebe nod as she limped off in the direction of Leo. Meanwhile, Dalei had struggled to her feet.
"Prue..." I warned, but as I said this she had already turned around and had thrown the demon against the attic wall as well as throwing all unimportant objects towards her. While Dalei was distracted, Prue bent down next to me and I looked into her eyes.
"You didn't have to warn me," she replied calmly. "Part of my soul is in you...we're connected. I can faintly feel everything you feel...all of your emotions. That connection is what brought me here." My eyes welled as she leaned forward and we embraced. She had been with me the whole time...I hadn't been alone. A moment later I saw Leo and Phoebe bending over Piper and reality struck me. We still had a demon to fight. Prue wrapped her arms around me and helped me up as I struggled to stand. We stood there, the eldest and the youngest, side by side. Hand in hand, we threw everything we had at her while Phoebe, Piper, and Leo made their way towards us. I let all of my power filter into my sister as Leo healed me and then continued to fight. Dalei had gotten to her feet and was throwing energy bolts at us. Prue and I were deflecting them and Piper was freezing and blowing them up as well. Phoebe had gone to wake up Cole, and Leo had joined Prue in supporting me so I could stand. We were giving Dalei one heck of a fight. As the seconds turned into minutes I started to tire. I sagged completely in Prue and Leo's arms, but they still clung to me and I felt Prue squeeze my arm with assurance. Cole was now up, and was throwing some energy of his own. Phoebe had also joined us, and although she didn't have a power she could use, her presence helped. After what seemed like hours, we began breaking through Dalei's defenses. Every time she would try to flame out Phoebe would hit her with a levitating kick, or Cole would attack as well. We had her where we wanted.
"Let's try that spell again," Prue said firmly as Cole started throwing all he had at Dalei. Piper took Prue's hand on the right, I was on the left, and Phoebe took Leo's place on my left. White energy formed around Prue and I and slowly included Piper and Phoebe.
"Evil Mistress seeking power,
None you shall have from here after,
In the darkness you reign over,
Light will enter and dispose of,
Centuries of evil from past and future,
Your dirtied hands destroyed forever!"
As the words were spoken flames sprouted up on Dalei and the last thing we heard was her screaming before she was engulfed and exploded into dust.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PIPER)*
As I stood there, freezing and blowing up numerous energy bolts, I was in shock. My sister...Prue...she was here, and she was helping us defeat Dalei. I wasn't imagining it, no, she was holding up my younger sister and doing her part in the fight. She was back. As we weakened Dalei I moved to her right and stood next to her. We would have enough power to win now...It would soon be all over. When Prue stated that we should try the spell again I took her hand and found strength when she squeezed it. Everything would be okay. As I spoke the words that would vanquish Dalei I felt relief flow through me. Leo came up next to me and I felt Prue's angelic power flow through Paige and then into all of us. We were the Power of Four, and it felt ten times more powerful than when there were three of us. As Dalei screamed I turned my head towards Prue. The battle was over, and I wanted to be with my sister, hear her reassuring words, and find out why she was here...how it came to be. The white light faded as the spell was ended and Paige slid slowly to the floor. First we'd have to take care of her, and then I'd get to speak with Prue. We laid Paige down, her head in Prue's lap and I looked at my big sister. She looked over into my eyes and I smiled slowly. I saw joy and pain emanating from hers. We were in the same boat. I wrapped my arms around her and she returned the hug.
"Prue..." I whispered, tears falling down my cheeks. I buried my head into her shoulder and took in her scent. "I missed you so much..."
"I missed you too," she replied, and I smiled when I heard her voice. I had missed it so much. I jumped when I felt someone join the hug, and looked up to see Phoebe on Prue's other side.
"Prue..." she whispered, just like I had done. A moment later Paige's arms were wrapped around Prue's neck from below, and we formed a group hug. All of us were crying now, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
The battle had ended...the final battle...The white energy that had flowed through me receded and I closed my eyes as Prue and Phoebe let me slide slowly to the floor. I wasn't ready to deal with everything that happened, I knew this, so instead I concentrated on the one thing that gave me strength...my family. Prue, Piper, Phoebe...they mean the world to me. I took in their presence as they gathered around Prue, and when I opened my eyes I joined in the group hug. I couldn't keep it in any longer, and I let the tears fall down my face. We were all here together...and I was still part of the family. I don't know how long we stayed like that, but as a feeling of peace came over me I closed my eyes. The events were finally hitting me, and I fell asleep.
TO BE CONTINUED...
I hope you liked it! I apologize again for the delay in getting this entry out. Hopefully the next entry will be out in one or two weeks. Until then, please review! ^____^