Returning Evil Part 4
(I do not own any part of Charmed. I just write about it. This continues a storyline begun in Degrees of Evil, and continued in several other stories).
"We have to go back!" Phoebe shouted as they appeared in Heaven. Gabriel was still unconscious in her arms, and Mortanos had slumped as soon as the orbing was done. He seemed barely conscious, and the group could see a blood stain spreading over his chest.
"Phoebe, we can't go back without a plan. The Founder, or Kain as Mortanos called him, is too smart to be beaten without a plan. Let's get everyone healed before we go on." Leo said. Before he could begin, Mortanos said hoarsely, "No, don't."
"Why, it isn't that big of a wound?" Leo asked. As his hands got closer, Mortanos physically batted them away. "I said DON'T! Never heal a wound given by Kain. Any wounds caused by him are poisoned. If you heal them, you become his."
Leo jerked his hand back, and then said, "Well, I am still a doctor, or I was. Let me see the wound." Before Mortanos could protest, Leo had yanked open his shirt. Leo's eyes widened, and he said, "What the?"
Mortanos covered himself up and backed away. "You've lost your fear of me, I see." He said dryly.
"Leo, what did you see?" Piper asked curiously.
Leo looked at Mortanos for a second, and then said, "Mortanos has no belly button, which means he was never born."
"What are you? Are you a creation of a demon, or what?" Paige demanded.
"What I am is none of your concern," Mortanos replied. "What we have to worry about now is how we are going to deal with Kain."
"Well, you've seen how effective we were against him. Neither you nor Gabriel could touch him." Piper said.
"What I want to know is how we are going to get my husband back!" Phoebe said. "He gave himself up to protect us, and we HAVE to save him." Tears began to flow down her cheeks, and then she felt a hand touch her face weakly. She looked down, and saw that Gabriel was conscious, and she could see the sadness and guilt in his eyes. Phoebe realized that no matter how sad she was, she had to be strong for her son, who despite his power, still looked to her for support.
"It wasn't your fault, honey," Phoebe said as she pulled him into a hug.
"I should have stopped Kain, I should have fought harder," her son whispered.
"Sssshhh.we'll get him back, I promise," Phoebe replied. She put her son down, and gave him her necklace. "This necklace has always brought me luck, and now I want you to wear it. We'll figure something out, and we will SAVE Cole."
"How are we going to do that?" Paige asked. "No offense, but we haven't even managed to slow him down, much less stop him."
"We need help, and we need advice," Piper said suddenly. She looked at Mortanos, and said, "Can we go anywhere we want up here?"
Mortanos nodded, and said, "Until this crisis is over, you have free run of the place."
"Good," Piper said confidently. "You go and recover, and take Gabriel with you." Phoebe looked like she wanted to protest, but Piper held up her hand. Mortanos nodded, and picked up Gabriel. They then walked off.
"We need both of them at full strength, and Mortanos is the best chance we have to get Gabriel recovered." Piper said.
"But what are we going to be doing?" Paige asked.
"Getting the best help I can think of," Piper replied. She looked over at Leo, and said, "Leo, take us to Grams."
***
Kain sat on his throne, and stared off into the distance. He seemed preoccupied with something, and Fiona was worried. He didn't even glance down, but he said, "Bring Cole to me." Fiona nodded quickly, and a few seconds later Cole was brought before him.
Kain looked down at Cole, and smiled. Cole looked like he had been through a war, and he had. While Kain felt that all humans were pathetic little creatures, far beneath him, he respected this one. Oh, not as an equal, but he was a credit to his species. This human had many of the same qualities Kain had had back when.well, back before he became so much more. Molded carefully, he could be very useful.
"Please, sit," Kain said, and gestured. Cole found a chair behind him, and sat down. Kain looked at him for a few moments, and said, "Tell me about your son and your family." Kain watched as Cole seemed to struggle slightly, and he was even more impressed when Cole said, "No."
Kain faked confusion, while inwardly he was grinning. "Haven't you seen my truth?"
Cole nodded eagerly, and said, "Yes, Master I have. I finally understand my place in life."
"Then why won't you help me to bring your family to the truth?" Kain asked. Cole hesitated, but Kain continued, "Tell me the truth, I am not a monster, as you now know."
"Well, I want to tell you, but I'm afraid." Cole said.
"Afraid of what?" Kain asked.
"That you will hurt them. I will gladly help them see your light, but I want your word that you will never hurt either Phoebe or Gabriel." Cole said seriously.
Inwardly, Kain was amused that this human would trust his word. But he was also impressed. No human before this one had ever stood against his command and kept past loves. Most had been all too willing to give everyone up to 'the light'. "Very well, you have my word. Now, tell me." As Cole began to speak, Kain grinned. Now he had the information he needed. This universe would be his, for this human was giving up the only defenders left.
***
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Phoebe asked.
"Yes, I'm sure. We need help, magical help, and Grams is the only one I can think of with the knowledge to help us." Piper responded. The sisters, Melinda, and Michael were standing outside the Gates to the afterlife. Leo had entered them a few minutes ago, saying he'd bring her out. As the sisters watched, Leo emerged with Grams in tow.
"Girls, and MICHAEL?" Grams said. "Oh, my god. What's happened? Are you alright? What killed you?"
"No, no, it's nothing like that, we're still alive," Piper interrupted. "We need your help very badly."
"Absolutely, it must be serious if you need me to help you," Grams said. "Ask and I will do what I can." The sisters talked rapidly, and began to fill Grams in on what was going on. When they were done, Grams had gone pale, and said, "This is very serious."
"Is there anything you can think of?" Paige asked. "Some potion or spell we can chant."
Grams thought for a second, and then said, "There is no potion or spell I know that would be possibly strong enough to deal with Kain. However, there may be an artifact. But getting it will be hard."
"What is it?" Piper asked.
"It is simply called Leba, and it is an ancient blade. No one knows its origins, or where it is located," Grams replied. "But it has been used throughout the centuries to combat great evil, and it boosts the powers of the user immensely. It is your best bet."
"But Leba has been lost for over four hundred years," Michael said. "No one has a clue where it is."
"I know where it is," a voice said, and the sisters turned. Mortanos was approaching with Gabriel in tow. Phoebe felt a surge of relief flow through her, for he looked much better. He looked healthier, and he walked forward and gave Phoebe a hug. "I'm fine Mom," Gabriel began, but then his face paled.
"What, what's wrong?" Phoebe asked. Gabriel looked at Melinda, and said, "I need your help, we are leaving now!" Melinda nodded, and Gabriel grabbed her. Before the sisters could react, the two had orbed out.
"What the Hell was that all about?" Piper asked.
"Every Guardian has a shade of the prophecy gift," Mortanos said. "Gabriel, being Life, only sees when something that would threaten great amounts of people is about to happen."
"What could that be?" Paige asked.
"I think I know. Kain has surfaced, and has begun to work," Mortanos continued gravely. "If my guess is right, your children have gone to stop a nuclear holocaust."
"WHAT! What are you talking about?" Piper demanded.
"Think about it. All it would take would be one or two very violent people, and the world would end. With Kain in this realm, every non- magical being is becoming more and more prone to violence."
"But that leaves them terribly vulnerable!" Paige protested.
"Don't you think I KNOW that," Mortanos shouted, "Our only hope is to find the sword and use it before Kain can kill your children. Let's go."
As the sisters got closer, Leo said, "Let's split up. Paige, you and Michael go with Phoebe and Mortanos. Piper and I will chase down the children."
"Is it wise to split up," Michael began, but the two were gone.
"It's too late to stop them," Mortanos said, "Come on, we have preparations to make before we can go."
***
"They're moving," Goebi said to Kain. Kain looked up from where he and Cole were talking, and said, "I know. It is time to act." He returned his gaze to Cole, and said, "You have been very helpful. Thanks to you, everyone will see the light. Allow me to reward you." Kain held out his hand, and energy passed from him to Cole. "I return to you the power to shimmer, so that you may spread the word more effectively."
"Thank you, Master," Cole said, and he bowed low. Kain smiled an evil smile, although it looked benevolent to Cole. "It is a reward you have earned. Now go. I have work to do." Cole bowed again, and shimmered out.
"Do you think that was wise?" Fiona asked. All 7 of the Guardians were there.
"Of course it was. Cole will never betray me, no more than you could," Kain replied. "Now, come, we have some people to grab." He laughed a sinister laugh, and then he and the Guardians faded out.
***
"Are you sure this is where they'll be?" Piper asked nervously.
"Relax," Leo said reassuringly. "I spoke to Melinda, and they are almost done. They'll be here soon." In fact, the two children appeared in front of them. Leo looked down with a smile, and said, "Are you done?"
Gabriel nodded, and said, "No nuclear weapons or World Wars will start for now, but it won't hold for long." "What did you do?" Piper asked curiously.
"We used magic to keep the nuclear weapons from being able to launch, and we disabled several communication systems," Gabriel replied. "It will take them longer to get information, so it will take longer to start a war."
"Very impressive," a voice said, and then Kain and Guardians appeared. The group fell back, and Kain continued, "What, are you going to try and run? Please, don't waste my time. You can't escape me."
Piper looked at Melinda for a moment, and then said quietly, "Melinda, orb Gabriel to heaven, now!" When Melinda looked up at her in confusion, she said, "I love you." Melinda said, "I love you too Mommy," and then she orbed out. Piper and Leo exchanged glances, and nodded. She then gestured at Kain. He seemed unaffected. She gestured again, and orange light leapt from her fingers. Without warning, the ground split open. Kain looked down, and said, "The ability to affect probability. Very impressive." He then gestured, and Piper felt something slam into her. She looked down in shock, and realized she was missing part of her midsection.
As Piper fell forward, a black tentacle shot from Kain and hit her. Leo ran forward, and Kain said in amusement, "Well, that was a waste. I suppose I should have let her die good, but well, I couldn't." As Leo looked at him with rage in his eyes, Kain drawled, "Well, what are you going to do?"
Leo looked at Kain steadily, and then said, "I'm going to trust in the others to kill you and save us." He then thrust his hands forward and began to heal Piper. As the light faded, both Leo and Piper stood up and then bowed low to Kain.
Kain smiled, and said, "So much for the Power of Three. Only two threats to go."
TO BE CONTINUED.
(I do not own any part of Charmed. I just write about it. This continues a storyline begun in Degrees of Evil, and continued in several other stories).
"We have to go back!" Phoebe shouted as they appeared in Heaven. Gabriel was still unconscious in her arms, and Mortanos had slumped as soon as the orbing was done. He seemed barely conscious, and the group could see a blood stain spreading over his chest.
"Phoebe, we can't go back without a plan. The Founder, or Kain as Mortanos called him, is too smart to be beaten without a plan. Let's get everyone healed before we go on." Leo said. Before he could begin, Mortanos said hoarsely, "No, don't."
"Why, it isn't that big of a wound?" Leo asked. As his hands got closer, Mortanos physically batted them away. "I said DON'T! Never heal a wound given by Kain. Any wounds caused by him are poisoned. If you heal them, you become his."
Leo jerked his hand back, and then said, "Well, I am still a doctor, or I was. Let me see the wound." Before Mortanos could protest, Leo had yanked open his shirt. Leo's eyes widened, and he said, "What the?"
Mortanos covered himself up and backed away. "You've lost your fear of me, I see." He said dryly.
"Leo, what did you see?" Piper asked curiously.
Leo looked at Mortanos for a second, and then said, "Mortanos has no belly button, which means he was never born."
"What are you? Are you a creation of a demon, or what?" Paige demanded.
"What I am is none of your concern," Mortanos replied. "What we have to worry about now is how we are going to deal with Kain."
"Well, you've seen how effective we were against him. Neither you nor Gabriel could touch him." Piper said.
"What I want to know is how we are going to get my husband back!" Phoebe said. "He gave himself up to protect us, and we HAVE to save him." Tears began to flow down her cheeks, and then she felt a hand touch her face weakly. She looked down, and saw that Gabriel was conscious, and she could see the sadness and guilt in his eyes. Phoebe realized that no matter how sad she was, she had to be strong for her son, who despite his power, still looked to her for support.
"It wasn't your fault, honey," Phoebe said as she pulled him into a hug.
"I should have stopped Kain, I should have fought harder," her son whispered.
"Sssshhh.we'll get him back, I promise," Phoebe replied. She put her son down, and gave him her necklace. "This necklace has always brought me luck, and now I want you to wear it. We'll figure something out, and we will SAVE Cole."
"How are we going to do that?" Paige asked. "No offense, but we haven't even managed to slow him down, much less stop him."
"We need help, and we need advice," Piper said suddenly. She looked at Mortanos, and said, "Can we go anywhere we want up here?"
Mortanos nodded, and said, "Until this crisis is over, you have free run of the place."
"Good," Piper said confidently. "You go and recover, and take Gabriel with you." Phoebe looked like she wanted to protest, but Piper held up her hand. Mortanos nodded, and picked up Gabriel. They then walked off.
"We need both of them at full strength, and Mortanos is the best chance we have to get Gabriel recovered." Piper said.
"But what are we going to be doing?" Paige asked.
"Getting the best help I can think of," Piper replied. She looked over at Leo, and said, "Leo, take us to Grams."
***
Kain sat on his throne, and stared off into the distance. He seemed preoccupied with something, and Fiona was worried. He didn't even glance down, but he said, "Bring Cole to me." Fiona nodded quickly, and a few seconds later Cole was brought before him.
Kain looked down at Cole, and smiled. Cole looked like he had been through a war, and he had. While Kain felt that all humans were pathetic little creatures, far beneath him, he respected this one. Oh, not as an equal, but he was a credit to his species. This human had many of the same qualities Kain had had back when.well, back before he became so much more. Molded carefully, he could be very useful.
"Please, sit," Kain said, and gestured. Cole found a chair behind him, and sat down. Kain looked at him for a few moments, and said, "Tell me about your son and your family." Kain watched as Cole seemed to struggle slightly, and he was even more impressed when Cole said, "No."
Kain faked confusion, while inwardly he was grinning. "Haven't you seen my truth?"
Cole nodded eagerly, and said, "Yes, Master I have. I finally understand my place in life."
"Then why won't you help me to bring your family to the truth?" Kain asked. Cole hesitated, but Kain continued, "Tell me the truth, I am not a monster, as you now know."
"Well, I want to tell you, but I'm afraid." Cole said.
"Afraid of what?" Kain asked.
"That you will hurt them. I will gladly help them see your light, but I want your word that you will never hurt either Phoebe or Gabriel." Cole said seriously.
Inwardly, Kain was amused that this human would trust his word. But he was also impressed. No human before this one had ever stood against his command and kept past loves. Most had been all too willing to give everyone up to 'the light'. "Very well, you have my word. Now, tell me." As Cole began to speak, Kain grinned. Now he had the information he needed. This universe would be his, for this human was giving up the only defenders left.
***
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Phoebe asked.
"Yes, I'm sure. We need help, magical help, and Grams is the only one I can think of with the knowledge to help us." Piper responded. The sisters, Melinda, and Michael were standing outside the Gates to the afterlife. Leo had entered them a few minutes ago, saying he'd bring her out. As the sisters watched, Leo emerged with Grams in tow.
"Girls, and MICHAEL?" Grams said. "Oh, my god. What's happened? Are you alright? What killed you?"
"No, no, it's nothing like that, we're still alive," Piper interrupted. "We need your help very badly."
"Absolutely, it must be serious if you need me to help you," Grams said. "Ask and I will do what I can." The sisters talked rapidly, and began to fill Grams in on what was going on. When they were done, Grams had gone pale, and said, "This is very serious."
"Is there anything you can think of?" Paige asked. "Some potion or spell we can chant."
Grams thought for a second, and then said, "There is no potion or spell I know that would be possibly strong enough to deal with Kain. However, there may be an artifact. But getting it will be hard."
"What is it?" Piper asked.
"It is simply called Leba, and it is an ancient blade. No one knows its origins, or where it is located," Grams replied. "But it has been used throughout the centuries to combat great evil, and it boosts the powers of the user immensely. It is your best bet."
"But Leba has been lost for over four hundred years," Michael said. "No one has a clue where it is."
"I know where it is," a voice said, and the sisters turned. Mortanos was approaching with Gabriel in tow. Phoebe felt a surge of relief flow through her, for he looked much better. He looked healthier, and he walked forward and gave Phoebe a hug. "I'm fine Mom," Gabriel began, but then his face paled.
"What, what's wrong?" Phoebe asked. Gabriel looked at Melinda, and said, "I need your help, we are leaving now!" Melinda nodded, and Gabriel grabbed her. Before the sisters could react, the two had orbed out.
"What the Hell was that all about?" Piper asked.
"Every Guardian has a shade of the prophecy gift," Mortanos said. "Gabriel, being Life, only sees when something that would threaten great amounts of people is about to happen."
"What could that be?" Paige asked.
"I think I know. Kain has surfaced, and has begun to work," Mortanos continued gravely. "If my guess is right, your children have gone to stop a nuclear holocaust."
"WHAT! What are you talking about?" Piper demanded.
"Think about it. All it would take would be one or two very violent people, and the world would end. With Kain in this realm, every non- magical being is becoming more and more prone to violence."
"But that leaves them terribly vulnerable!" Paige protested.
"Don't you think I KNOW that," Mortanos shouted, "Our only hope is to find the sword and use it before Kain can kill your children. Let's go."
As the sisters got closer, Leo said, "Let's split up. Paige, you and Michael go with Phoebe and Mortanos. Piper and I will chase down the children."
"Is it wise to split up," Michael began, but the two were gone.
"It's too late to stop them," Mortanos said, "Come on, we have preparations to make before we can go."
***
"They're moving," Goebi said to Kain. Kain looked up from where he and Cole were talking, and said, "I know. It is time to act." He returned his gaze to Cole, and said, "You have been very helpful. Thanks to you, everyone will see the light. Allow me to reward you." Kain held out his hand, and energy passed from him to Cole. "I return to you the power to shimmer, so that you may spread the word more effectively."
"Thank you, Master," Cole said, and he bowed low. Kain smiled an evil smile, although it looked benevolent to Cole. "It is a reward you have earned. Now go. I have work to do." Cole bowed again, and shimmered out.
"Do you think that was wise?" Fiona asked. All 7 of the Guardians were there.
"Of course it was. Cole will never betray me, no more than you could," Kain replied. "Now, come, we have some people to grab." He laughed a sinister laugh, and then he and the Guardians faded out.
***
"Are you sure this is where they'll be?" Piper asked nervously.
"Relax," Leo said reassuringly. "I spoke to Melinda, and they are almost done. They'll be here soon." In fact, the two children appeared in front of them. Leo looked down with a smile, and said, "Are you done?"
Gabriel nodded, and said, "No nuclear weapons or World Wars will start for now, but it won't hold for long." "What did you do?" Piper asked curiously.
"We used magic to keep the nuclear weapons from being able to launch, and we disabled several communication systems," Gabriel replied. "It will take them longer to get information, so it will take longer to start a war."
"Very impressive," a voice said, and then Kain and Guardians appeared. The group fell back, and Kain continued, "What, are you going to try and run? Please, don't waste my time. You can't escape me."
Piper looked at Melinda for a moment, and then said quietly, "Melinda, orb Gabriel to heaven, now!" When Melinda looked up at her in confusion, she said, "I love you." Melinda said, "I love you too Mommy," and then she orbed out. Piper and Leo exchanged glances, and nodded. She then gestured at Kain. He seemed unaffected. She gestured again, and orange light leapt from her fingers. Without warning, the ground split open. Kain looked down, and said, "The ability to affect probability. Very impressive." He then gestured, and Piper felt something slam into her. She looked down in shock, and realized she was missing part of her midsection.
As Piper fell forward, a black tentacle shot from Kain and hit her. Leo ran forward, and Kain said in amusement, "Well, that was a waste. I suppose I should have let her die good, but well, I couldn't." As Leo looked at him with rage in his eyes, Kain drawled, "Well, what are you going to do?"
Leo looked at Kain steadily, and then said, "I'm going to trust in the others to kill you and save us." He then thrust his hands forward and began to heal Piper. As the light faded, both Leo and Piper stood up and then bowed low to Kain.
Kain smiled, and said, "So much for the Power of Three. Only two threats to go."
TO BE CONTINUED.