Information Exchange Part 2
(This is a continuation of the alternate universe I created in Degrees of Evil. I do not own any part of Charmed, I just write about it. And as always, please comment and tell me what you think.)
When Paige and Piper returned from the Magic Shop, they found Phoebe and Cole sitting on the couch talking quietly. "Hey, how about a little help!" Piper shouted. Phoebe and Cole hopped up, and Phoebe asked, "What, did you buy the whole store?"
"Almost." Paige responded. Phoebe and Cole began to help, and within a few minutes everything was out of the car and put away. Phoebe looked around anxiously and said, "We can't afford all this, did you win the lottery or something?"
"First of all, this store is awesome! It has everything we could possibly need. Secondly, all of this stuff was free, as long as we told him about our lives." Paige explained.
"Yeah, the store manager gave it away for a date with Paige." Piper said slyly.
"It's not a date, it is an exchange of information, that's all." Paige said defensively.
Phoebe's eyebrows rose, and she said, "I see.so you'll just wear any old thing, and be back in a couple minutes."
Paige looked uncomfortable as she said, "Not exactly."
Phoebe smiled and said, "That's what I thought."
Cole looked at the sisters and said, "As entertaining as this all is, I should probably head out. I've got some cases to work on."
Phoebe nodded, and said, "That would probably be best."
Cole looked at Phoebe expectantly, and when nothing happened, he sighed and said, "I'll talk to you later." As soon as Cole was out of earshot, the two sisters pounced on Phoebe. "So, how was the lunch date?" Paige asked.
"Well, it was.fine. We talked for a while." Phoebe said. She then walked over to the couch and collapsed on it. "Who am I kidding, it was awful."
"Why?" Piper asked curiously.
"Because I could tell the whole time Cole wanted to ask if I loved him, and wanted to get back together."
"Well, do you love him?" Piper asked.
"I don't know," Phoebe said, "What I feel for him is all mixed up with the events that have happened to us. I honestly can't tell what is going on between us. I mean, I know he's not evil, but I've believed that before. And even though my son made him good, I keep expecting him to go evil again. I don't know what to tell you."
"Well, how has he adjusted to witchhood?" Paige asked.
"As well as can be expected," Phoebe said, "He is adjusting much better since the Elders broke down and gave him the power of deflection."
"Wow, a second power a week after the first one. Got to be some kind of record." Piper remarked.
"I think the Elders are hoping to keep Cole good. They know like I do how much Cole hates the fact he's a lot less powerful now. I mean, he had more power than we can imagine from the Wasteland, and it's pretty hard to be reduced rapidly like he was. I just hope an active power is enough to keep him good."
***
As Cole walked to the elevator up to his penthouse apartment, he remembered yet again how much he missed his powers. Oh, he was happy with the deflection, and the mindscaping was alright, but what he really missed was the ability to shimmer. He missed the ability to travel from place to place without the tedium of walking and driving.
Cole sighed as the elevator door opened and he got in. Who was he kidding? What he really missed was the respect and power. As a demon, Cole had been one of the most feared beings, in the Underworld and above. Even when he was the Source and Phoebe hated him, some small part of loved the fear and respect that was given to him as the leader of evil.
Cole was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't realize someone was in the elevator until that person said, "Hello." Cole looked up, and the man smiled and held out his hand. "My name is Robert Berdict, and I'm new to the building." As Cole took it, he got a good look at the new tenant. He was about 6 ft, and had brown hair and hazel eyes. There was something about him that made Cole wish yet again for his demon days, when he could detect evil a mile away. "Hi, nice to meet you," Cole responded automatically as his mind raced. "What floor are you on?"
Robert smiled, and said, "Oh, I'm on the 5th floor. Speaking of which." As the elevator opened, Robert stepped out and said, "It was nice talking with you, I hope to do it again soon." As the elevator doors closed and it continued up to Cole's floor, he couldn't shake the feeling that he should know that man, and that he was trouble.
***
Landeras smiled as the elevator doors closed. It had been a risk, but he had to be sure that Belthazor did not recognize him. They had known each other briefly, when Landeras had been initiated into the Brotherhood of the Thorn. He had been happy to join the Brotherhood, for it had been a power in the Underworld, before. Landeras bit back a snarl as he completely that thought. Before Belthazor had betrayed them and destroyed the leadership of the Brotherhood.
As Landeras opened the door to the apartment he was 'living' in, he reflected on the ramifications of Belthazor's actions. The Brotherhood had been disgraced, and any member with any intelligence went into hiding, and Landeras was no fool. Even after the Source was killed, Landeras stayed down. Only when rumor surfaced that a new and stronger Source had stepped forward and was prepared to assume the throne did Landeras move. He attended the coronation ceremony, in the background, and realized with shock that Belthazor was the new Source! His rage was enormous, and he had to leave before he did something he wouldn't live to regret. That half- breed bastard had betrayed the Brotherhood, and he was now going to rule the Underworld!
Landeras had left the Underworld, and had gone back into hiding. When he heard that the new Source, his 'brother', had been vanquished, Landeras was thrilled, but he stayed down. He could sense the uneasiness in the Underworld, and he knew that he had to wait until the chaos died down before he stepped forward. Landeras knew he couldn't become the Source, no matter how much he wanted to. He was simply too weak. That was why he was the only member of the Brotherhood to survive the Seer's debacle of a rule.
After the destruction of the rest of the Upper Demons, Landeras had drifted, unsure of his next move. He had no desire to become the Source, for the Charmed Ones had proven aptly that they could handle the Source. No, Landeras needed to become much stronger before he would attempt that.
It was the rumors that Belthazor had arisen yet again that had made Landeras surface. He found out about Belthazor's resurrection, and was curious, for Belthazor had come back even stronger than before. Landeras began to spy on Belthazor, and so it was that he discovered that Belthazor had more power than Landeras had ever seen. When Belthazor lost it all in his 'conversion' and became a witch, Landeras came up with a plan. Which reminded him.
Landeras gestured, and said, "Pax." A small, imp like demon appeared, and said, "Yes, what you want?"
Landeras sighed. Since the fall of the Source, competent help had gotten harder and harder to find. He looked at the imp, and said, "I have a job for you, one that will have high reward if you succeed."
The imp took on a cunning look, and asked, "What is the job."
Landeras took out an orb, one that had taken him months to find, and said, "I want you to point this at a witch, and make sure the beam that comes out hits her."
The imp jumped up and down, and said, "Pax can hit witch." As he reached for the orb, Landeras pulled it out of his reach. "Not just any witch.this witch." Landeras gestured, and an image of Paige appeared. "Can you do that?"
The imp considered, and then said, "I can do, I can do." As he took the orb, Landeras grabbed him by the throat and said menacingly, "If you fail, run, because I will find you and make you wish you hadn't." As Landeras let him go, the imp backed away and was gone. Landeras walked over to a chair and sat down, and then pulled out another orb, the twin to the one he had given the imp. Landeras had made the first move, now it was time to see what happened.
***
That evening, Piper was reading a book when Paige came downstairs and asked, "How does this look?
Piper looked up, and said, "You look fine, but then again, you looked fine 6 outfits ago."
"Alright, thanks." Paige said. She sat down, and then asked, "Are you sure I look alright?"
Just then, the doorbell rang. Paige hopped up and said, "I'll get it." As she pulled open the door, Michael was standing there. He took one look at her, and said, "Paige, you look ravishing." Michael was dressed nicely, and Paige noticed again his eyes, how they seemed to look right into her and how a confidence could be found there, a confidence she liked. She turned back, and said, "See you later!" and was out the door. As she walked over to Michael's car, she saw that he drove a Saturn. They got in, and were off. Paige looked over at Michael, and asked, "So where should I begin?" Michael smiled, and said, "At the beginning."
***
Four coffees and about two hours later, Paige finished her story. Michael looked at her for a second, and then said, "Wow, that is very impressive. So, let me see if I get this straight. Your oldest sister married your whitelighter, and is carrying a child with a great deal of potential. Your middle sister married and then divorced the Source of all evil, and is carrying the Guardian of Life in her womb?"
Paige looked at him, and said, "Pretty much yeah. And I'm stuck trying to figure out witchcraft, and always feel like I'm five steps behind my sisters."
Michael reached forward, and grabbed her hands, "Paige, don't feel like that. You have just started being a witch, and haven't been at this that long. To be honest, you are the most impressive on the bunch. You have managed to come this far in your knowledge in such a short time. It is remarkable, and a testament to your ability."
Paige looked into his eyes and said, "Thank you." They seemed to realize that Michael was holding her hands at the same time, and they both turned red. Michael dropped his hands and looked uncomfortable. Paige moved her hands and said, "So, tell me about yourself. How did you get into the business?"
Michael looked at Paige for a second, and then said, "Well, I was a child prodigy. You know, one of those college by age ten people. I got a business degree from Indiana University, and then a Masters from MIT. All before I was 12. It was great, but it was lonely. I kept believing that science didn't answer it all, and that magic had to exist. I spend 3 years searching, wandering from place to place, looking for answers. And then I found it."
"Wait, are you saying you're not magical?" Paige asked. "But I've seen you cast magic."
Michael smiled, and said, "Yes, you have. But that was from training, not a gift. I have no innate magic, and am as mortal as the next man. I just studied a lot."
"Please continue," Paige said eagerly, "So, what did you find."
Michael sighed, and said, "I had found references and rumors of a great library that contained magical texts that the world had never seen. I became obsessed, and I finally tracked it down. The people there took one look at me and said, 'What took you so long?' While I was recovering from my shock, they said 'welcome to the library. You may stay as long as you wish.' I spent close to 10 years there, and I learned a great deal. I'm not sure why, but eventually I decided to open up a magic shop. I looked in the records, and found out the San Francisco had the highest magical being percentage in the world. So, I moved here and opened my shop. That was 3 years ago."
"Tell me this, how do you get your ingredients?" Paige asked. Michael smiled, and said, "Sorry, trade secret."
They talked about other inconsequential things for a while. Paige told him that she was thinking about quitting her job, and Michael told her to just consider if she really feels she is doing the most good. Michael regaled her with funny stories from his travels, and then they headed out. When they arrived back at the manor and got out, Michael turned to Paige and said, "Paige, I'm afraid I have a confession to make. I lied to you."
"What? When?" Paige asked, fearing the worst.
Michael said, "No, no, nothing like that. It's just, well." Michael rubbed the back of his neck and said, "The first purchase at my store by a witch is covered by the whitelighters. Your stuff was free anyway, I just made up the whole bargain thing. I'm sorry, its just, well, you seemed like a nice person and I wanted to get to know you."
Paige smiled, and said, "That was dirty on your part.so, what do you think of me now?"
Michael looked at her, and said, "I think you are a beautiful and intelligent person, who I would like to see again."
Paige smiled, and said, "I was just going to say the same thing about you. How about dinner, tomorrow night?"
"I'd love that," Michael responded. As he bent towards Paige as if to kiss her, Paige felt something hit her in the back. "OW!" she said, as she grabbed her back. Paige felt a strange coldness course through her limbs for a second, and then it passed. Michael looked at her for a second, and asked, "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I think something hit me in the back," Paige explained. An awkward silence ensued, and then Michael leaned forward kissed her on the cheek and said, "I'll see you tomorrow." He then got back into his car and drove off.
As Paige entered the house, her sisters pounced on her. "So, how was it? Do you like him? Where did you guys go?" Phoebe and Piper asked.
Paige said, "It was fine. Um, guys, I'm feeling a little lightheaded, I think I'm going to sit down." Paige got 5 steps before she collapsed.
"PAIGE!"
To be Continued.
(This is a continuation of the alternate universe I created in Degrees of Evil. I do not own any part of Charmed, I just write about it. And as always, please comment and tell me what you think.)
When Paige and Piper returned from the Magic Shop, they found Phoebe and Cole sitting on the couch talking quietly. "Hey, how about a little help!" Piper shouted. Phoebe and Cole hopped up, and Phoebe asked, "What, did you buy the whole store?"
"Almost." Paige responded. Phoebe and Cole began to help, and within a few minutes everything was out of the car and put away. Phoebe looked around anxiously and said, "We can't afford all this, did you win the lottery or something?"
"First of all, this store is awesome! It has everything we could possibly need. Secondly, all of this stuff was free, as long as we told him about our lives." Paige explained.
"Yeah, the store manager gave it away for a date with Paige." Piper said slyly.
"It's not a date, it is an exchange of information, that's all." Paige said defensively.
Phoebe's eyebrows rose, and she said, "I see.so you'll just wear any old thing, and be back in a couple minutes."
Paige looked uncomfortable as she said, "Not exactly."
Phoebe smiled and said, "That's what I thought."
Cole looked at the sisters and said, "As entertaining as this all is, I should probably head out. I've got some cases to work on."
Phoebe nodded, and said, "That would probably be best."
Cole looked at Phoebe expectantly, and when nothing happened, he sighed and said, "I'll talk to you later." As soon as Cole was out of earshot, the two sisters pounced on Phoebe. "So, how was the lunch date?" Paige asked.
"Well, it was.fine. We talked for a while." Phoebe said. She then walked over to the couch and collapsed on it. "Who am I kidding, it was awful."
"Why?" Piper asked curiously.
"Because I could tell the whole time Cole wanted to ask if I loved him, and wanted to get back together."
"Well, do you love him?" Piper asked.
"I don't know," Phoebe said, "What I feel for him is all mixed up with the events that have happened to us. I honestly can't tell what is going on between us. I mean, I know he's not evil, but I've believed that before. And even though my son made him good, I keep expecting him to go evil again. I don't know what to tell you."
"Well, how has he adjusted to witchhood?" Paige asked.
"As well as can be expected," Phoebe said, "He is adjusting much better since the Elders broke down and gave him the power of deflection."
"Wow, a second power a week after the first one. Got to be some kind of record." Piper remarked.
"I think the Elders are hoping to keep Cole good. They know like I do how much Cole hates the fact he's a lot less powerful now. I mean, he had more power than we can imagine from the Wasteland, and it's pretty hard to be reduced rapidly like he was. I just hope an active power is enough to keep him good."
***
As Cole walked to the elevator up to his penthouse apartment, he remembered yet again how much he missed his powers. Oh, he was happy with the deflection, and the mindscaping was alright, but what he really missed was the ability to shimmer. He missed the ability to travel from place to place without the tedium of walking and driving.
Cole sighed as the elevator door opened and he got in. Who was he kidding? What he really missed was the respect and power. As a demon, Cole had been one of the most feared beings, in the Underworld and above. Even when he was the Source and Phoebe hated him, some small part of loved the fear and respect that was given to him as the leader of evil.
Cole was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't realize someone was in the elevator until that person said, "Hello." Cole looked up, and the man smiled and held out his hand. "My name is Robert Berdict, and I'm new to the building." As Cole took it, he got a good look at the new tenant. He was about 6 ft, and had brown hair and hazel eyes. There was something about him that made Cole wish yet again for his demon days, when he could detect evil a mile away. "Hi, nice to meet you," Cole responded automatically as his mind raced. "What floor are you on?"
Robert smiled, and said, "Oh, I'm on the 5th floor. Speaking of which." As the elevator opened, Robert stepped out and said, "It was nice talking with you, I hope to do it again soon." As the elevator doors closed and it continued up to Cole's floor, he couldn't shake the feeling that he should know that man, and that he was trouble.
***
Landeras smiled as the elevator doors closed. It had been a risk, but he had to be sure that Belthazor did not recognize him. They had known each other briefly, when Landeras had been initiated into the Brotherhood of the Thorn. He had been happy to join the Brotherhood, for it had been a power in the Underworld, before. Landeras bit back a snarl as he completely that thought. Before Belthazor had betrayed them and destroyed the leadership of the Brotherhood.
As Landeras opened the door to the apartment he was 'living' in, he reflected on the ramifications of Belthazor's actions. The Brotherhood had been disgraced, and any member with any intelligence went into hiding, and Landeras was no fool. Even after the Source was killed, Landeras stayed down. Only when rumor surfaced that a new and stronger Source had stepped forward and was prepared to assume the throne did Landeras move. He attended the coronation ceremony, in the background, and realized with shock that Belthazor was the new Source! His rage was enormous, and he had to leave before he did something he wouldn't live to regret. That half- breed bastard had betrayed the Brotherhood, and he was now going to rule the Underworld!
Landeras had left the Underworld, and had gone back into hiding. When he heard that the new Source, his 'brother', had been vanquished, Landeras was thrilled, but he stayed down. He could sense the uneasiness in the Underworld, and he knew that he had to wait until the chaos died down before he stepped forward. Landeras knew he couldn't become the Source, no matter how much he wanted to. He was simply too weak. That was why he was the only member of the Brotherhood to survive the Seer's debacle of a rule.
After the destruction of the rest of the Upper Demons, Landeras had drifted, unsure of his next move. He had no desire to become the Source, for the Charmed Ones had proven aptly that they could handle the Source. No, Landeras needed to become much stronger before he would attempt that.
It was the rumors that Belthazor had arisen yet again that had made Landeras surface. He found out about Belthazor's resurrection, and was curious, for Belthazor had come back even stronger than before. Landeras began to spy on Belthazor, and so it was that he discovered that Belthazor had more power than Landeras had ever seen. When Belthazor lost it all in his 'conversion' and became a witch, Landeras came up with a plan. Which reminded him.
Landeras gestured, and said, "Pax." A small, imp like demon appeared, and said, "Yes, what you want?"
Landeras sighed. Since the fall of the Source, competent help had gotten harder and harder to find. He looked at the imp, and said, "I have a job for you, one that will have high reward if you succeed."
The imp took on a cunning look, and asked, "What is the job."
Landeras took out an orb, one that had taken him months to find, and said, "I want you to point this at a witch, and make sure the beam that comes out hits her."
The imp jumped up and down, and said, "Pax can hit witch." As he reached for the orb, Landeras pulled it out of his reach. "Not just any witch.this witch." Landeras gestured, and an image of Paige appeared. "Can you do that?"
The imp considered, and then said, "I can do, I can do." As he took the orb, Landeras grabbed him by the throat and said menacingly, "If you fail, run, because I will find you and make you wish you hadn't." As Landeras let him go, the imp backed away and was gone. Landeras walked over to a chair and sat down, and then pulled out another orb, the twin to the one he had given the imp. Landeras had made the first move, now it was time to see what happened.
***
That evening, Piper was reading a book when Paige came downstairs and asked, "How does this look?
Piper looked up, and said, "You look fine, but then again, you looked fine 6 outfits ago."
"Alright, thanks." Paige said. She sat down, and then asked, "Are you sure I look alright?"
Just then, the doorbell rang. Paige hopped up and said, "I'll get it." As she pulled open the door, Michael was standing there. He took one look at her, and said, "Paige, you look ravishing." Michael was dressed nicely, and Paige noticed again his eyes, how they seemed to look right into her and how a confidence could be found there, a confidence she liked. She turned back, and said, "See you later!" and was out the door. As she walked over to Michael's car, she saw that he drove a Saturn. They got in, and were off. Paige looked over at Michael, and asked, "So where should I begin?" Michael smiled, and said, "At the beginning."
***
Four coffees and about two hours later, Paige finished her story. Michael looked at her for a second, and then said, "Wow, that is very impressive. So, let me see if I get this straight. Your oldest sister married your whitelighter, and is carrying a child with a great deal of potential. Your middle sister married and then divorced the Source of all evil, and is carrying the Guardian of Life in her womb?"
Paige looked at him, and said, "Pretty much yeah. And I'm stuck trying to figure out witchcraft, and always feel like I'm five steps behind my sisters."
Michael reached forward, and grabbed her hands, "Paige, don't feel like that. You have just started being a witch, and haven't been at this that long. To be honest, you are the most impressive on the bunch. You have managed to come this far in your knowledge in such a short time. It is remarkable, and a testament to your ability."
Paige looked into his eyes and said, "Thank you." They seemed to realize that Michael was holding her hands at the same time, and they both turned red. Michael dropped his hands and looked uncomfortable. Paige moved her hands and said, "So, tell me about yourself. How did you get into the business?"
Michael looked at Paige for a second, and then said, "Well, I was a child prodigy. You know, one of those college by age ten people. I got a business degree from Indiana University, and then a Masters from MIT. All before I was 12. It was great, but it was lonely. I kept believing that science didn't answer it all, and that magic had to exist. I spend 3 years searching, wandering from place to place, looking for answers. And then I found it."
"Wait, are you saying you're not magical?" Paige asked. "But I've seen you cast magic."
Michael smiled, and said, "Yes, you have. But that was from training, not a gift. I have no innate magic, and am as mortal as the next man. I just studied a lot."
"Please continue," Paige said eagerly, "So, what did you find."
Michael sighed, and said, "I had found references and rumors of a great library that contained magical texts that the world had never seen. I became obsessed, and I finally tracked it down. The people there took one look at me and said, 'What took you so long?' While I was recovering from my shock, they said 'welcome to the library. You may stay as long as you wish.' I spent close to 10 years there, and I learned a great deal. I'm not sure why, but eventually I decided to open up a magic shop. I looked in the records, and found out the San Francisco had the highest magical being percentage in the world. So, I moved here and opened my shop. That was 3 years ago."
"Tell me this, how do you get your ingredients?" Paige asked. Michael smiled, and said, "Sorry, trade secret."
They talked about other inconsequential things for a while. Paige told him that she was thinking about quitting her job, and Michael told her to just consider if she really feels she is doing the most good. Michael regaled her with funny stories from his travels, and then they headed out. When they arrived back at the manor and got out, Michael turned to Paige and said, "Paige, I'm afraid I have a confession to make. I lied to you."
"What? When?" Paige asked, fearing the worst.
Michael said, "No, no, nothing like that. It's just, well." Michael rubbed the back of his neck and said, "The first purchase at my store by a witch is covered by the whitelighters. Your stuff was free anyway, I just made up the whole bargain thing. I'm sorry, its just, well, you seemed like a nice person and I wanted to get to know you."
Paige smiled, and said, "That was dirty on your part.so, what do you think of me now?"
Michael looked at her, and said, "I think you are a beautiful and intelligent person, who I would like to see again."
Paige smiled, and said, "I was just going to say the same thing about you. How about dinner, tomorrow night?"
"I'd love that," Michael responded. As he bent towards Paige as if to kiss her, Paige felt something hit her in the back. "OW!" she said, as she grabbed her back. Paige felt a strange coldness course through her limbs for a second, and then it passed. Michael looked at her for a second, and asked, "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I think something hit me in the back," Paige explained. An awkward silence ensued, and then Michael leaned forward kissed her on the cheek and said, "I'll see you tomorrow." He then got back into his car and drove off.
As Paige entered the house, her sisters pounced on her. "So, how was it? Do you like him? Where did you guys go?" Phoebe and Piper asked.
Paige said, "It was fine. Um, guys, I'm feeling a little lightheaded, I think I'm going to sit down." Paige got 5 steps before she collapsed.
"PAIGE!"
To be Continued.