Infection

Part 2

Sequel to "Transfer". I do not own any part of Charmed. I just write about it.

"Kain's mark," Gabriel gasped.

Mortanos smiled sardonically, and nodded, "Yep."

"How, how long." Gabriel stuttered.

"Apparently, my beloved son left a little behind in us," Mortanos explained, "For months it wasn't even visible, and we didn't realize it was there. But, it's getting worse, and it's only a matter of time,"

"There must be something we can do, some cure we can." Gabriel began.

"We've tried everything," Fiona interrupted. "It's rooted to our bodies physically, and can't be healed. It uses our powers to sustain itself and grow, and it is slowly poisoning our minds. Within six months, we will be hopelessly evil."

"That's why you sent a servant after Phoebe," Gabriel stated, "You wanted me to kill you before you went evil,"

"It's our only option," Kuzan commented.

"No, I refuse to believe that. There has to be a way," Gabriel said forcefully.

"There isn't, and every second we delay could cost us everything," Mortanos replied firmly, "Now, do it."

Gabriel started to pace, and the Guardians waited, sure of his answer. Suddenly, Gabriel spun and demanded, "The curse is connected to you PHYSICALLY, but not to your powers?"

"That's right," Mortanos said in confusion.

"But it needs your power to survive, right?" Gabriel continued.

"Yes.what are you thinking?" Fiona asked suspiciously as Gabriel smiled.

"I know how to cure you," Gabriel commented.

"What? How?" Mortanos remarked.

Gabriel outlined his plan, and the other eight Guardians went pale, "Are you insane? Do you have any idea of the consequences of this could be?" Moebi shouted.

"As opposed to the consequences of the deaths of eight Guardians," Gabriel pointed out.

"Even if we agree to this, how will we maintain order?" Kuzan demanded.

"Tell your Agents, and they'll keep the world from collapsing. Don't worry, it'd be only temporary." Gabriel soothed.

"How can you be sure they'll even do it," Tempest requested.

"They'll do it if I ask them to," Gabriel said firmly. The other eight Guardians turned to Mortanos, begging him to put an end to this idea.

Mortanos looked into Gabriel's gaze for a few moments, and then added, "If they'll do it, I'll agree."

The other Guardians began to agree, with their strongest support gone. As soon as they were gone, Gabriel nodded and said, "Excellent. Stay here, and I'll go get them."

As Gabriel vanished, the other Guardians whirled to Mortanos, who said softly, "We don't have a choice. Unless this fails, Gabriel won't destroy us. I just hope the cost for this isn't too great."

***

Phoebe and Cole paced impatiently in the living room as the group waited for Gabriel's return. Michael and Leo were playing with Melinda, while the other two sisters were talking with Gerald about some subject or other. All of their nerves were frayed as they waited to find out what happened.

Without warning Gabriel appeared. Cole whirled and demanded, "What happened? What did they say?"

"Not here," Gabriel warned. "I can't risk it. Everyone take my hands."

The group complied, and soon they found themselves in heaven. Gerald looked around in amazement, since he'd never been here before, as the others looked at Gabriel with a question in their eyes.

"The other Guardians are still infected from Kain, and are slowly going evil. The power is rooted in their bodies and feeding on their powers, and they can't stop it," Gabriel stated.

The sisters paled, and Cole said, "Oh, god. What are we going to do?"

"We're going to cure them. I know how, but I need your help." Gabriel stated.

"What do you need us to do?" Piper asked.

"I'm going to use the Gem to transfer the Guardians powers into the eight of you." Gabriel relied softly.

The group stared at him in utter shock for several moments before Phoebe managed to croak, "What?"

"It'll only be temporary, but once they're powerless, the curse will die out with no power to sustain it. Then I'll use the Gem to transfer it back to them. You'd only hold it for a few hours, that's all."

"Oh, that's all." Paige murmured sarcastically. "Are you even sure you can do this?"

Gabriel nodded, and said, "I've been studying the Gem, and I can use its powers without any of the phrases. I can do this, and I can switch them back."

Phoebe was about to comment when the eight Guardians appeared. They all looked nervous, and Mortanos asked, "What did they say?"

"We're still discussing it," Piper remarked, "How can we even handle it.I mean, I can't even fathom doing everything they must do."

"Our Agents can handle the work for the time we'll need," Kuzan explained.

"Your Agents?" Gerald asked.

"They're like our generals. We all have countless creations that serve our aspect, but almost all of us have Agents who act as our advisors and lieutenants." Moebi commented.

"Almost all of you? Who doesn't?" Phoebe questioned.

Mortanos raised an eyebrow and looked at Gabriel as he replied, "Well, some of us haven't accepted any of the candidates, and are very picky."

"You don't have any Agents? Why not?" Piper asked curiously.

Gabriel shrugged, and said, "Like Mortanos said, I'm picky, and I want only people who are truly committed to my goals. So far, I haven't found anyone like that, but I'm still looking. Look, I need to know, are you in? This is the only way, and I know this will work."

The group looked at each other, and then they all nodded. Some of the strain left his face as he said, "Fantastic. Then all that is left is for the Guardians to pick who gets their powers."

The Guardians began to walk confidently towards the group. Kuzan (Guardian of Destiny) chose Piper, Tempest (Guardian of Wind) chose Paige, Fiona (Guardian of Fire) chose Phoebe, Azar (Guardian of Spirit) chose Leo, Sierra (Guardian of Earth) chose Michael, and Undine (Guardian of Water) chose Melinda.

While the choosing was going on, Moebi and Mortanos approached Cole and Gerald. "Cole, I'd be honored if you'd take my powers. You've conquered Death, and are worthy," Mortanos said softly. Cole smiled and nodded.

"Gerald, Karril, you have fought against the ravages of time, and exist outside it's reach. I chose you." Moebi commented.

Gerald swallowed, and then said, "Sure."

"Now that everyone has chosen, form a circle around me, with the Guardians directly in front of their choice." Gabriel remarked. Everyone did as told, and Gabriel held out his hand. A moment later, the Gem appeared, and Gabriel closed his eyes. The Gem began to glow, and the glow intensified exponentially. Suddenly, eight blasts of energy shot from it and slammed into the Guardians. Eight colored outlines left there bodies and touched their choices. As everyone collapsed, the light faded and Gabriel opened his eyes.

"It's done," Gabriel stated.

"My god." Piper said softly. The group was staring in wonderment, as they felt infinitely larger and more powerful than before. They each could feel their aspects on a level they could barely comprehend, and it filled them each with joy.

Screaming brought their minds back, and they looked down to see the Eight Guardians holding their heads and screaming. They were writhing in pain, and Phoebe exclaimed, "What's happening?"

"The curse is dying, and I think it's not a painless process," Gabriel explained. "It will take some time. I advise you all to wander around Heaven. Don't leave, and don't try to use your powers. We want to keep damage down to a minimum."

The group nodded, and everyone began to wander off. They each felt different, and reveled in the new experiences. The sisters went to talk to their dead relatives, as did Michael. Melinda and Leo went to talk to the Elders, to see what was going on.

As soon as they were gone, Gabriel turned to Cole and asked, "Can you stay here and watch them? Make sure they don't hurt themselves."

"Sure, but what are you going to do?" Cole said. Gabriel looked at him, and he nodded. Cole recognized that look. It was one he gave when he wanted no questions.

Gabriel led Gerald away from the group towards a secluded spot. Gerald looked at him and questioned, "What's up?"

"I have a favor to ask," Gabriel started.

"Well, we're family. If it's in my power, I'll do it," Gerald replied.

"I want to use Moebi's powers to expand my vision. I can feel something coming, something very bad, something that can destroy all of humanity. Unfortunately, I can't see how to save humanity. But if I use his powers with my own, I can explore the possibilities and find a way through the encroaching evil."

"And Moebi would never agree, so you figured you'd ask me?" Gerald guessed shrewdly.

Gabriel looked uncomfortable as he explained, "This borders on interference, and I'm not supposed to do it. But since you have the powers but aren't 'technically' a Guardian, I can do it. I'll understand if you say no, but it could really help."

Gerald smiled and asked, "What do you need me to do?"

Gabriel's gaze softened, and he said, "Sit down, close your eyes, and open up your mind. You'll feel me enter, and don't stop me."

Gerald did what he was told. Soon, he felt another presence politely waiting for him to accept it. Gerald lowered his defenses, and he felt the powers of Moebi rise. He was carried along with it, and found himself awash in visions. Millions of possibilities rushed by his mind too quickly for him to see, but Gerald began to get an overall sense of dread, as the majority of the visions were very dark and evil.

Time was meaningless. Seconds, minutes, hours may have passed as Gabriel jumped from possible future to possible future, desperately seeking a good future. Gerald felt his panic increase, and realized they had covered millions of bad futures. Moebi's power was running out, and Gabriel still hadn't found a single good future.

Just as the power ended, Gerald felt Gabriel's exultation as he found good possibilities. Then, the link was gone, and Gerald opened his eyes with a gasp. Gabriel was sitting in front of him, and Gerald could see he was scanning the future he'd found, memorizing every detail. After a moment, his eyes came back into focus, and he said, "Thanks,"

"How long?" Gerald asked.

"A few hours. It should be about time to switch back," Gabriel explained. He helped Gerald up, and then said, "Please, don't mention this to Moebi."

***

Gerald and Gabriel returned to find the rest of the group waiting. The Guardians were back on their feet, and Moebi was pacing impatiently. "Finally, I was about to ask for a search party,"

"I was just showing my uncle some of heaven, since he's never been here," Gabriel lied.

"Are we ready to switch back?" Mortanos said in concern.

"Let me look," Gabriel said. His eyes lost focus, and then he smiled, "The infection is completely gone. We can switch back. Thanks for helping out everyone."

Phoebe smiled and replied, "Not a problem.it was worth it to feel this way for a little while."

They formed a circle again, this time with the group in front of the Guardians. The Gem glowed again, and again eight blasts hit the group and transferred the powers. When it was over, the Guardians and the group got up.

"I feel a lot smaller, and I miss it a little," Leo confessed.

"That's to be expected, but you did a good deed today, never forget that," Gabriel soothed. "Are we ready to go back?"

The group nodded, and began to gather around Gabriel, "Son, why is Moebi looking at you suspiciously," Cole whispered.

"Beats me," Gabriel said back, and then they all faded.

Moebi turned to Mortanos and said, "I know he used my powers. I can feel it."

"Yes, but they weren't yours at the time, so there's nothing we can do about it. Can you tell what he did?" Mortanos asked.

"No.when did he get so devious?" Moebi complained.

"I don't know, but it worries me a little," Mortanos commented.

***

"I figured you'd be here," Gerald said softly.

Gabriel turned from his view on a hill outside of San Francisco to look at Gerald in puzzlement. "You used your new Azarian sensing power," he stated.

"Yes." Gerald replied.

"You were looking for me?" Gabriel continued.

"Yes," Gerald murmured.

"Why?" Gabriel asked curiously.

Gerald took a deep breath, and slowly went down on his knees, "I want to become your Agent."

Only a slight widening of his eyes indicated Gabriel's shock as he demanded in a calm voice, "Do you have any idea what you're asking?"

"When I had Moebi's powers, I saw some of his memories. I know what being your Agent would mean. I know I'd be your subordinate, and would outlive everyone else. I also know how many different duties there are, and just how hard the job is going to be. I am willing to live with that."

"Why?" Gabriel's gaze bored into Gerald's soul, and forced him to answer honestly.

"Ever since returning from.that place, I've been adrift. I've had no purpose, and I feel like I could do more good if I was just given the chance. Then, when you used me to access Moebi's powers, I felt what you did. A great power is coming, and this realm has very little chance of surviving. I also know you are going to do everything in your power to stop it, and I want to be a part of that,"

"You do realize that there's a very good chance that your lifespan would be very short as my Agent," Gabriel pointed out.

"It doesn't matter," Gerald said firmly, "I would do more good as your Agent than I could do in a millennium on my own. Even if I die tomorrow, I would accept it, because I know you would never let me die for anything less than the fate of the world. You're family, and I trust you. I may be a demon, but I want to do good," Gerald's gaze dropped, and he waited. He'd pored out his soul, and he felt that, family or not, Gabriel would never accept him because of his past.

He wasn't even aware of Gabriel moving until he felt Gabriel's hand on his shoulder. Gerald looked up, and found Gabriel staring at him with a smile, "Uncle, I'd be honored to have you as my Agent. Hold out your hand,"

Gerald did so, and an athame appeared in Gabriel's right hand. Slowly, Gabriel cut a line in Gerald's hand, and then in his own. He then put the hands together, and began to chant. As he did so, Gerald felt his body changing. He felt the demon in him die, and power rushed into him. Suddenly, he could feel the life of every creature in this realm, and it filled him with joy.

He looked up at Gabriel, who said formally, "Welcome to my service. Rise Gerald Hunter, Agent of Life."

Gerald slowly rose, and bowed. Gabriel smirked and said, "Don't be stupid. You're centuries older than me, and bowing is pointless."

"So, when are you going to do it?" Gerald asked.

"Do what?" Gabriel's said.

"Don't play dumb. I felt some of the parts of the future you want, and I know what you have to do to put this realm on track for it. When are you going to do it?" Gerald snapped.

Gabriel's face saddened, and he said, "After Paige's wedding. I want to push it off a little longer?"

"Why so sad? You've seen the future, you know what happens if you don't do this. What's the problem?" Gerald questioned.

Gabriel turned back to the horizon and whispered,

"I've seen the future, and I know what may happen if I do it."

THE END