Chapter 9

"Why are you here?" Cole asked again.

"We have a very big problem," Paige said.

"What is it this time?" Phoebe asked.

"Darklighters," Paige answered.

"Those have always been a problem," Cole said.

"Yeah, but they always haven't been able to kill mortals for their souls so that they can put them in the power transfer crystal so that they can unleash a terrible fate?" Paige replied. "Oh yeah? And did I mention that we are taking care of Melanie Baxter and her mother because Melanie is a half demon, half witch? Oh, and the Darklighters have shot me and Melinda, and we almost died?"

"Ok, that's a new problem," Phoebe responded, sitting down on the bed.

"In other words, we didn't want to resort to this, but we need the Power of Three," Paige said.

"Alright," Phoebe replied. "I'm sorry Cole."

"It's alright," he said. "I'll head back with you."

"Come on," Paige said. "I'll orb you."

Paige, Cole, and Phoebe orbed back into the manor.

"Hey guys," Piper said.

"Hi," Phoebe said.

"Have you guys found anything new?" Paige asked.

"We haven't found anything," Melinda said. "But we have a hunch."

"The terrible fate is only terrible for the good side," Leo said. "Which means that the fate is good for evil."

"So it must be something the Underworld needs," Blake said.

"What does the Underworld need?" Phoebe asked.

"A new Source!" Cole exclaimed.

"Not following," Tori replied.

"This all started happening after you vanquished Kavinan, right?" Cole said. "The Underworld needs a Source. The Crystal could give them that."

"Then if this is true, this situation just got a whole lot worse," Wyatt said.

Before anyone could say anything else, the room began to swirl. When it stopped swirling, they found themselves in a dark chamber.

"It's about time you arrived," a deep voice said.

"Who are you?" Paige asked.

"I'm hurt," the voice said. He clapped his hands twice. The room filled with light. In that room was giant crystal. Around the crystal stood several Darklighters, one of them Andrew. "I thought the infamous Charmed Ones and family would know by now."

"Gavstan," Piper muttered.

"Yes, my dear," Gavstan said bitter sweetly. "And I've brought you here to witness the beginning of your end."

"He's bluffing," Wyatt said.

"Am I?" Gavstan asked. He turned to the Darklighters. "Seize her!"

Two of the Darklighters came forward and grabbed Melanie. Then they vanished with her.

"One down," Gavstan said. "Only a measly ten more to go."

"The crystal hasn't reached the power it needs yet," Melinda said. "You're bluffing."

"You idiot girl," Gavstan snarled. "Learn by now, evil never bluffs."

Gavstan put his hands over the crystal. Slowly he began to chant in some ancient language:

"E a suva ton la marksu,
Don la mycalpay ti"

The Crystal began to glow black. Black wind began swirling around all of the people in the room. There was a flash of light, and then it was clear.

Gavstan and the Darklighters instantly bowed on one knee. The Charmed gang followed their gaze.

"Oh no," Phoebe muttered.

"That isn't," Piper started.

"I recognize one," Paige said slowly. "But the other?"

Tori glanced at Melinda.

"What are they talking about?" she mouthed.

Melinda shrugged her shoulders.

"Didn't she die?" Leo asked.

"The Seer," Cole muttered.