Title: And Then There Were Three
Author: the weeping willow
Chapter: 3- "Meet The Elders"
Rating: PG (possibly to change) for violence, swearing, etc.
Spoilers: Up until end of season 4
Setting: Season 5 AU
Disclaimer: I do not own Charmed or any of its associates, etc. This is just a fanfic, please don't sue me. :)
Description: The Halliwells and the Warrens have an unforgettable encounter with the infamous Elders...
Distribution Not without asking, please. Get permission first, or put a link to this page.
Contact: queenofthebandgeeks@hotmail.com
Author's Notes: Yet another chapter! *cheers* I only have five and a half written, though (I threw out the last half of the sixth chapter 'cause I didn't like it ;)). So expect a delay soon. Plus school, yuck!!! Anyways, Paige's power is tele-orbing (like always). And I love all the reviews! And that you guys love my story! :) Reviews stimulate more chapters *nods* Yup. So if you want more, review! And a special thanks for Katriona for coming back to read the second chapter after reading the first. ;) Because I spent so much time between posting chapters, so this is just the first half of what I meant to be one really long chapter. LOL Enjoy!
And Then There Were Three
Chapter Three: "Meet The Elders"
"How did you escape detection for so long?" The haughty question came from the woman at the head of the table. Her face was ageless, her hair a silvery cloud-white, the same color of her robes. She emanted power; her voice indicated she would be answered.
"My Lady," Leo began awkwardly, his head bowed in respect.
The woman cut him off with a wave of her hand. "Silence! Let them speak for themselves."
Alex boldy replied to the woman's original question. "I got rid of our whitelighter with a hiding spell. She was annoying." Felicity involuntarily blushed for her sister's impudence.
"So you cast a spell to diliberately keep you three out of detection, putting you and your sisters in grave danger?" the woman asked, her ever-intimidating presence becoming stronger. All but Alex shied away unconsiously. "Clever. And extremely powerful," the woman added with just the slightest hint of a smile on her face. Even Alex relaxed visibly at her words. "Now then, you three," the woman said, indicating the Halliwell sisters, "thought you were the Charmed Ones, no?"
"That's what we were told!" Phoebe protested.
In response, the woman closed her eyes. A smoky haze formed in the center of the table, then cleared to show a translucent image of Prue, Piper, and Phoebe as children. "Your family history as witches and Pagans goes back to before the Burning Times. Your grandmother raised you as Christian, yet still with general Pagan values. Attempts to suppress your powers were in vain. You are a powerful set, indeed." As she talked, the image changed to fit her words. "But your family told you wrong- they were misinformed. You are in fact, imposters. Another trio, who has escaped us for so long. Yes, blood relatives of Melinda Warren herself. But they hold the key to the ancient powers. The most powerful to be known. Destined for greatness." With those last words the smoke disappeared instantly.
"H-how..." stuttered Piper, trailing off in shock.
The man to the woman's left, similar in appearence, spoke. "You are to commence training immediately. The Warrens have special training to undergo. The Halliwell sisters will be trained in the proper methods of witchcraft and set to work with or as a coven." His low, gravelly voice echoed throughout the room.
"Leo, do something!" Paige muttered, poking him in the side.
The man gazed at her sternly. "When you are quite finished, then." Paige sighed and stuck out her lower lip, but remained silent. "This is to increase efficiency. The Halliwells will follow me, the Warrens," he declared, pointing to the woman, "are to go with her."
"Now then," the woman said, sweeping out of the room, "come along." The Warrens were close behind. Reluctantly, Piper, Phoebe, and Paige were led to another chamber.