CHARMED
"Makeshift Coven"
by J. B. Tilton and Angela Roche
email: aramath@isot.com
Rating: PG-13
Part 2: SERIAL KILLER
Forced to tell Grams the truth, the sisters enlist her aid to
find out why they've been brought to the past. What they discover and
sets them on the trail of a killer. A killer who is hunting witches.
* * *
ONE
"So you're telling me you've come back in time?" asked Grams.
"Like you did about twelve years ago?"
"Yes," said Piper.
"Only, this time we didn't do it," said Phoebe. "Piper opened
her yearbook and it just sort of happened. We don't know how or why."
"There must have been an enchantment on the book," said Grams.
"Sitting there waiting until a specific set of circumstances
occurred."
"But who did it?" asked Piper. "Aside from the Elders or the
Power of Three who has the power to cast such a powerful spell?"
"I don't know," said Grams. "We need to get Prue back here. If
you all came back together, we may need...
"Grams," interrupted Piper, "Prue didn't come with us."
"Why not?" asked Grams. "If this spell or whatever it was
brought both of you back why wouldn't it bring.... Oh, I see."
"She didn't suffer," said Phoebe. "It was over very quickly."
"Well," said Grams, a little saddened, "We always knew it was a
possibility." She looked at Paige. "You're not a friend from school,
are you?"
"No, grams, I'm not," said Paige.
"That's why you looked so familiar," said Grams. "You have
Patty's eyes."
"And Sam's mouth," said Piper.
"Sam?" questioned Grams. "Oh I see. No wonder no one knew
about you. The Elders would have a fit if they found out."
"What are you doing home?" asked Phoebe. "Your women's meetings
always lasted all afternoon."
"You mean my Wicca meeting?" asked Grams smiling.
"Wicca?" questions Piper. "You mean those meetings were
actually a coven?"
"I am a high priestess," said Grams. "What did you think I was
a high Priestess of? That's how I recognized the change in the two of
you. There was power there that you never had before. I knew that
wasn't possible. So I came home early and found you upstairs."
"And we thought we could hide it from you," said Phoebe.
"You girls could never hide anything from me," said Grams. "And
now I have another granddaughter. For a little while at least."
"I'm afraid when we first met I wasn't very friendly to you,"
said Paige.
"I'm sure I didn't hold it against you," said Grams. "You would
have had to get used to me. They grew up with me. You would have had
no idea who I was."
"As I recall," said Paige, "that's the same thing you did say to
me."
"Well it appears you got over it," said Grams smiling.
"Eventually," said Paige.
"Good," said Grams. "Now what we need to figure out is how you
got back here and why?"
"What about unbinding our powers?" Phoebe asked. "In these
bodies we have no powers. Except for Paige's White Lighter powers."
"She can't do that," said Piper.
"Why not?" Paige asked.
"Because she didn't do it before," said Piper. "She told us
that after she bound our powers as children, she never unbound them."
"Besides," said Grams. "If I do, you'll have that warlock to
contend with. And since Paige obviously doesn't become a Charmed One
for several years, you wouldn't have the Power of Three to protect you
against him. I'm afraid Piper is right. We'll have to leave your
powers bound."
"It was just a thought," said Phoebe.
"Well," said Grams, "Obviously magic is involved. And without
your powers, you're going to need my help. So tell me exactly what
happened just before you came back."
TWO
"Well," said Grams, closing the Book of Shadows, "there doesn't
seem to be anything in here that gives us a clue. Whatever is going
on it doesn't seem to be anything in the book. Come on, let's go
downstairs. I think I have a way to find out.
They all went down to the living room. Grams pulled a map of
San Francisco, similar to the one the sisters used for scrying. The
she removed a crystal hanging around her neck. She held the crystal
by the chain over the map and recited a spell.
"Sisters three come from the future have come,
"To perform a task left undone.
"Show us now what task this be,
"Reveal to us what we need to see."
Suddenly the crystal was ripped from Grams hand and went flying
across the room. It landed on the floor resting on some newspapers,
next to the fireplace. Phoebe went to get the crystal.
"Well that's new," said Paige. "I've never seen that happen
before."
"Neither have I," said Grams. "It should have shown us where
you were supposed to go."
"Maybe someone is using magic against us," suggested Piper. "To
keep us from finding out what it is we're supposed to do."
"I don't think so," said Phoebe, holding a newspaper up for them
to see. "I think it worked just as it was supposed to."
"What's that?" asked Grams, looking a picture of a young girl on
the front page.
"The latest victim of the serial killer," said Phoebe. "The
crystal was lying squarely on the picture."
"You think we're supposed to stop the killings?" asked Paige.
"What about not being able to change the past?"
"Well," said Piper, "grams' magic is pretty strong. Almost as
strong as the Power of Three. I agree with Phoebe. I'd say we were
brought back here to do something about these murders."
"But what about not changing the past?" asked Paige.
"Maybe you aren't changing it," said Grams.
"What do you mean?" asked Phoebe.
"What if you're correcting it?" asked Grams. "What if someone
else came back from the future to kill these girls? What if you were
brought back to stop them and set things straight?
"Well this Glenda Johnson was the third victim," said Piper
looking at the paper. "If we're supposed to stop the murders we're
just a little bit late."
"Not if only the first three died initially," said Grams. "It
stands to reason whatever magic brought you here would have brought
you in time to do whatever it is you were supposed to do. What if
only the first three girls were murdered initially? What if someone
came from the future and murdered the other two? You did say there
were a total of five victims."
"And whomever or whatever brought us back," said Piper, "brought
us back to protect the last two. Makes sense to me. It would explain
why we didn't we get here before the first three were killed."
"So what we need to do now," said Paige, "is figure out what all
the victims have in common. Figure out why the killer targeted them?"
"As I recall," said Piper, "there didn't seem to be a pattern.
Except that they all went to our high school. Other than that the
police couldn't figure out any motive behind the killings."
"There's got to be something," said Grams. "They don't seem to
be random murders. Do you remember the names of the last two
victims?"
"Let me think," said Piper. "There was Michelle Holmes and, I
think Carrie Parker. Yeah, those were the last two."
"I think our first order of business," said Grams, "is to find
out what we can do about the first three victims. I think it's time
we paid a condolence call on the mothers of the first three victims."
THREE
Grams and the girls stood on the front porch of a house. When
the door opened a woman about the girls' mothers age answered. A tiny
bell, hanging on the door, rang.
"Hello," said grams. "We're looking for Karen Lynch,"
"I'm Karen Lynch," said the woman.
"My name is Penny Halliwell," said Grams. "These are my
granddaughters Piper, Phoebe, and Paige. Piper was in the same class
at school as your daughter, Terry. We just wanted to offer
condolences on your loss. I lost my daughter a number of years ago.
I know how trying this can be for you."
"Please, come in," said Karen.
The house was a small frame building only a single story high.
It was modestly decorated. An open map of San Francisco lay on the
coffee table. Grams and the sisters could smell incense burning.
"That's very nice incense," said Grams.
"It was Terry's favorite," said Karen
" I didn't know Terry well," said Piper. "It's a big class and
it's hard to know everyone."
"I appreciate your visit," said Karen. "Terry's father left
several years ago. It's been just her and me. It's been very hard
since..."
"I understand," said Grams, looking around. "Have you lived in
San Francisco long?"
"I grew up here," said Karen.
"Are you planning on moving?" asked Paige. " I noticed you have
a map of San Francisco out?"
"Oh, uh, yes, I was thinking about it," said Karen nervously.
"There are a lot of memories in this house. Terry was born here.
Sometimes it can be hard just to get up each morning."
"I remember being like that after my daughter, Patty, died,"
said Grams. "The girls were too young to really understand what was
going on. But it gets easier with time."
"So I've been told," said Karen. "I have a support group of
sorts. They've been a great help to me."
"Not doubt," said Grams. "Your support group. Have you or they
had any luck? Finding the killer, I mean?"
"That's the responsibility of the police," said Karen.
"Normally, I'd agree with you," said Grams. "But there must be
something unusual about your daughters death or you wouldn't be
looking for him yourself. I just assumed your support group was
probably helping you in that regard."
"Well even if I did find him," said Karen, "there's not a lot I
could do about it. Except turn him over to the police."
"Well, for a normal killer, yes," said Grams. "But not if he's
a demon."
"Grams," said Piper.
"Oh, it's okay Piper," said Grams. "That map isn't used to find
a new house. Not with that crystal she has hanging around her neck.
And that incense is incense for the dead. Not to mention the bell
hanging on the door. Certain demons can be kept away with a bell.
The sound causes them intense pain. Karen is a witch"
"Listen, I don't know what you want," started Karen nervously.
"It's okay dear," said Grams, pulling out a necklace of the
triquetra she was wearing, "you're in very good company.
"You're a witch too?" asked Karen.
"Grams is a high priestess," said Phoebe.
"Thank goodness," said Karen. "Being a witch is not real
popular in some circles. I thought maybe you were one of those nut
cases.
"I've met my share of them," said Grams
"Are you three witches too?" asked Karen of the girls.
"Sort of," said Piper. "It's a long story."
"Three sisters all witches?" questioned Karen. "The
granddaughters of a high priestess? You're the Charmed Ones. Melinda
Warrens' prophecy has been fulfilled."
"Well, I guess you could say that," said Phoebe.
"Okay then," said Grams. "All the reports indicate this is
nothing more than a normal serial killer. If you've been scrying for
a demon, there must be something that makes you think it's a demon.
Tell us everything you know about these murders. And what you suspect
about the killer.
FOUR
"Well," said Karen, pouring more coffee, " so far that's
everything the police have released on the three murders. Terry was
the first one. They didn't realize it was a serial killer until the
second girl, Traci Arborgast, was found murdered the same way. And
now this Glenda Johnson is his third victim."
"There's nothing to connect them," said Grams. "And so far
nothing that indicates the supernatural."
"I said that's all the police have released," said Karen. "I've
learned a couple of things the police haven't released. Such as they
all appear to all have been ceremonial sacrifices. The murder weapon
appears to have been a long thin knife."
"An athame," said Piper. "That would definitely make it
supernatural in nature. Which means all we have to do is figure out
what ceremony was involved. That should give us an idea who's doing
it."
"Well as usual," said Karen, " the police think it's some sort of
devil worship cult."
"Typical," said Grams. "The police can be so short sighted. If
it's a ceremonial sacrifice, it MUST be devil worshippers. They don't
seem to realize there are other groups just as evil who use some of
the same methods and sacrificial ceremonies."
"There is one other thing," said Karen. "Each of the victims
had a symbol carved into her chest before she died. I've been trying
to track it down but so far I've had no luck."
She took out a pad and pencil and drew the symbol. It consisted
of an inverted cross with a five pointed star at the top. There was a
circle drawn around the inverted cross and star and a straight line
underneath the circle.
"I've checked every source for the demonic information I can
find but I haven't been able to identify it yet," said Karen.
"Neither have the police."
"Hey, I've seen that before," said Paige.
"You have?" asked Karen excitedly.
"Yes," said Paige. "In one of my college classes I wrote a
paper on ancient signs and symbols. It belonged to a special order of
knights.
"You've been to college?" asked Karen in surprise.
"Oh," said Paige, "I'm older than I look. Anyway, that one is
pretty obscure. It was used mostly during the Spanish Inquisition.
The Pope commissioned a special order of knights to dig out witches,
heretics, that sort of thing. Then the inquisitors would come in and
get their confessions before they were executed. As I recall, they
were disbanded after the Inquisition."
"Well, that's more than we had before," said Karen. "But what
does a defunct order of knights have to do with demonic murders
hundreds of years later?"
"They don't," said Grams. "I recognize that symbol, too. I
encountered it years ago, before I was even married. Paige is right.
That order of knights was disbanded when the Pope decided their
services were no longer needed.
"But the core group of knights refused to disband. They
continued on in secret eventually becoming something of a secret
society. Over the years their order has changed but their mandate has
never changed.
"You see, the Pope who commissioned the original knights simply
disbanded them. He neglected to revoke the commission. He felt since
the knights didn't exist and longer, their commission really held no
meaning. So it was just forgotten about."
"But that core group still operated under that commission," said
Piper.
"Yes," Grams said. "To them, that commission gives them the
justification to do whatever they have to do to carry out their
mandate."
"What is their mandate?" asked Phoebe.
"To seek out evil doers and heretics," said Grams. "At least
that was their original commission. Like the organization, it's
changed over the centuries. Now, they have only a single purpose.
They're witch hunters. They're the most fanatical and dangerous witch
hunters who have ever existed. And they won't rest until every witch
is dead."
FIVE
Knowing they were looking for witch hunters instead of a demon
changed the direction of their investigation. And knowing whom the
next two victims would be made it easier to search for the killers.
"It's probably only one or two of the order," said Grams.
"Witch hunters typically work alone. And the Holy Order of Purity is
relatively small. More than likely they spread out to cover as much
territory as they can."
"But why go after witches?" asked Paige. "Witches are good.
Why not go after warlocks."
"They do," said Karen. "To a witch hunter, there is no
distinction between a witch and a warlock. Both are considered
abominations."
"Well that's short sighted," said Paige.
"Prejudice usually is, honey," said Grams. "Centuries ago any
religious belief that didn't conform to the state sanctioned religion
was considered heresy. And most were subject to state sanctioned
murder for their crimes of heresy.
"During the inquisitions witches were primary targets for the
state sanctioned religion of Catholicism. During the Roman Empire,
Christians were considered heretics and fed to lions or put in the
gladiatorial arenas for not worshiping the Roman deities. Down
through history almost every 'official' state religion has persecuted
and murdered those who believed a different way. Even today there are
those who die in other countries for their religious convections."
"Boy, I guess you don't realize how well off you are sometimes,"
said Phoebe.
"We rarely do," said Karen. "Down through the years some of the
prejudices have persisted among small groups. This Holy Order of
Purity appears to be one example. They believe all witches are evil
and abominations. It really doesn't matter what the individual witch
hunter believes. All witches are evil because they believe
differently."
"So this is political?" asked Paige. "A difference in ideology,
not because of something anyone has actually done."
"Usually but not always," said Grams. "There are witch hunters
who have been wronged by a witch or a warlock. But their grief and
hatred have blinded them. All they see is the wrong. They don't see
the individual people. A witch wronged them so all witches must be
evil."
"Unfortunately their solution usually involves killing innocent
witches," said Piper. "At least with those kind it is sometimes
possible to show them how wrong they are and they can change."
"I don't think that's going to happen here," said Phoebe. "This
Holy Order of Purity simply believes that all witches are evil."
"Which means we have to find out who it is before they kill
again," said Grams. "I'll contact Gwen Holmes and Clarice Parker.
We'll bring their daughters to the manor where it will be easier to
protect them.
"Karen you contact Amanda Arborgast and Meg Johnson. You've all
lost daughters to this lunatic. Find out if they are witches and let
them know what we've found out. Bring them to the manor. The more of
us we have working on this, the better chance we'll have of finding
out who's doing it."
"What about us?" asked Piper.
"You three go back to school, " said Grams
"You expect us to sit through some boring classes while you do
all the work?" asked Phoebe.
"Not at all dear," said Grams. "Whomever is doing this is
targeting the witches at your school. Something there must have
identified them as witches to the killer. You three are in the best
position to find out what that is."
"Oh, okay," said Phoebe. "That's better."
"She's a little young to be in high school," said Karen, looking
at Paige.
"No problem, " said Paige.
Suddenly Paige changed. It wasn't a big change. She just
appeared to be about Phoebe's age instead of the twelve year old she
was.
"If anyone asks," said Paige, "I'll just say I'm their cousin."
"How did you do that?" asked Karen
"I'll explain it later," said Grams. "Now we'd better get
started if we're going to catch this guy."
SIX
"This is strange," said Phoebe as the three sisters walked
through the school hallways. "These are nothing but kids.
"Well, we are right now too," said Piper. "Just remember we
aren't here to rekindle old friendships. We have a witch hunter to
find."
"No problem here, " said Paige. "I don't have any old
friendships here to rekindle. Just what are we looking for?"
"I don't know," said Piper. "Anything out of the ordinary.
Anything that might tell us who this witch hunter is, or at least what
put him onto those three girls. I'm going to talk with some of my old
friends. They might know something.
I'll do the same," said Phoebe. "We ran in different circles.
Maybe my old friends know something yours don't."
What about me?" Paige asked.
"I know," said Piper. "You're a new transfer student. That way
whatever questions you ask won't sound suspicious. And both of you be
careful. Without our powers we're vulnerable."
"Speak for yourself," smirked Paige.
The three sisters spent most of the day asking questions and
gathering information. They didn't learn much. Mostly just rumors
and speculations. The normal type of wild guesses that run rampant
among a large group of people, especially high school students.
Paige had made a number of new friends. Well not friends
exactly, but most of the kids she talked to were friendly. It was
nearly the end of the day when suddenly she stopped. She stood
staring at a man wearing a maintenance uniform, fixing a broken
window.
"What a hunk," said one of Paige's new friends walking up to
her. "He just started here this year. One of those maintenance men
that keep the school repaired. I wouldn't mind him coming over and
repairing a few things for me."
"He's way too old for you," commented Paige. "Believe me."
"I know he's older," said the girl. "But you know what they say
about older guys."
The girl smiled at Paige then continued down the hallway.
"I wonder what you'd think if you knew he was dead?" said Paige
to herself.
Paige continued to watch the maintenance man until he finished
fixing the window. Then he gathered up his tools and walked toward
Paige.
"Hi," he said as he passed her.
"Hi, Leo," said Paige.
"Do I know you?" asked Leo
"Leo it's me Paige," said Paige.
"I'm sorry," said Leo. "Maybe you have me confused with someone
else. I don't know any Paige."
"I'm sorry, " said Leo. "Maybe you have me confuse with someone
else. I don't know any Paige."
"Of course you don't," said Paige suddenly realizing they
wouldn't meet for about another thirteen years or so. She grabbed Leo
and pulled him into an empty office nearby. "Leo, I know who you are.
And I know what you are."
"I'm a maintenance man," said Leo.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," said Paige. "It keeps you close to your
charges. I know you're a White Lighter. And I know you're watching
over Prue, Piper, and Phoebe. And later on, me too."
"Miss," said Leo nervously, " I don't know what you're going on
about, but we shouldn't be in here. Someone might get the wrong idea."
"For crying out loud," said Paige.
Suddenly Paige orbed out of the office and almost immediately
orbed back in.
"See," said Paige. "Can anyone but a White Lighter orb?"
"No," said Leo confused. "So that means you're a White Lighter
too?"
"Not exactly," said Paige. "I'm half White Lighter."
"That's not possible," said Leo
"It's kind of a long story," said Paige. "Right now, we could
use your help."
"We?" questioned Leo. "We who?"
"Come on," said Paige, grabbing Leo's wrist. "There's a lot to
explain and not a lot of time to do it."
Before Leo could protest, Paige orbed both of them out of the
office.
SEVEN
"I've never met a White Lighter before," said Karen.
"You don't have your own?" asked Paige.
"Not all witches do dear," said Grams. " So, you're the White
Lighter who's going to watch over my girls."
"I have been for a long time," said Leo. "What I don't
understand is how you know about me. I'm sure I didn't give myself
away."
"Not yet," giggle Phoebe.
"Leo sit down," said Piper. "We need to explain a few things to
you."
"Just be careful what you say honey," said Grams "You can't
tell him too much or you might change things."
"But we cant change the past," said Phoebe.
"No," said Grams, "but it's his future. And he can change that.
I know it's kind of confusing but trust me on this. Just give him the
bare facts."
"Okay" said Piper. "Leo, this all starts in about thirteen
years or so."
* * *
"And you have no idea who enchanted the book?" asked Leo when
Piper had finished.
"None," said Piper. "Or even when they did it. I won't even
get it for several months. Any way, the important thing is for us to
find this witch hunter. Maybe you could check with the Elders and see
if they know anything."
"I'll try," said Leo. "But I'm going to have to explain this
all to them first. Frankly, I'm not sure how much they're going to
believe."
"Just try," said Phoebe. "We really don't have anything to
lose."
"Okay," said Leo. "I'll be back as soon as I can."
"Uh, Leo," said Paige. "Nothing about me okay? We aren't sure
exactly when they learn about me. Wouldn't want to give away anything
too soon."
"I'll do my best," promised Leo.
"He's cute," said Gwen Holmes. "I can see why he was chosen as
a White Lighter."
"Well that's not why a White Lighter is chosen," said Grams.
"Oh I know that," said Gwen. "It's just kind of an added bonus,
that's all."
"What are you working on?" Phoebe asked Gwen's daughter
Michelle.
"College applications," said Michelle. "You can't get them in
too early."
"Hey, Piper," said Phoebe, "You and Michelle were born the same
month."
" Really?" questioned Piper. "What a coincidence."
"Yeah," said Phoebe. "You're only four days older than she is."
"Are you sure?" asked Meg Johnson, the mother of the latest
victim. "Glenda, my daughter was born the same month."
"Two victims with almost the same birthday?" questioned Grams.
"And both witches? That seems just a little to coincidental to me.
Carrie, how old are you?"
"Fourteen," said the expected fifth victim of the killer.
"Phoebe's fourteen," said Grams. "Karen how old was Terry?"
"Eighteen," said Karen. "In fact she had just turned eighteen."
Grams picked up a pad and pen and handed it to Karen.
"I want each of you to write down your daughters birth date, "
said Grams. "And I hope I'm wrong."
One by one the women wrote down their daughters birth dates.
Grams sat nervously as they did. When they were finished she took the
pad and looked at it.
"Oh my god," said Grams
"What is it Grams," asked Piper
"Terry Lynch and Traci Arborgast the first two victims," said
Grams. "Both eighteen, both birth dates within a few days of Prue's
birthday. Glenda Johnson, the third victim and Michelle Holmes. Both
of their birth dates are within a few days of Piper's. And Carrie
Parkers is only six days after Phoebes'."
"Boy, that's weird," said Paige.
"It's more than weird," said Grams. "And it's too coincidental
to be a coincidence. This witch Hunter isn't after just any witches.
He's after my granddaughters. He's after the Charmed Ones."
To be continued....
Don't miss Part 3: The Holy Order of Purity. With the
realization that the witch hunter is after the Charmed Ones
specifically, Leo and the group of witches intensify their search.
Failure could mean the end of the Charmed Ones before they even exist.
If you've enjoyed this story, you can find more "Charmed"
stories at my website, www.geocities.com/killeenmale/ . You can also
post your own "Charmed" stories if you like to write fan fiction.
"Makeshift Coven"
by J. B. Tilton and Angela Roche
email: aramath@isot.com
Rating: PG-13
Part 2: SERIAL KILLER
Forced to tell Grams the truth, the sisters enlist her aid to
find out why they've been brought to the past. What they discover and
sets them on the trail of a killer. A killer who is hunting witches.
* * *
ONE
"So you're telling me you've come back in time?" asked Grams.
"Like you did about twelve years ago?"
"Yes," said Piper.
"Only, this time we didn't do it," said Phoebe. "Piper opened
her yearbook and it just sort of happened. We don't know how or why."
"There must have been an enchantment on the book," said Grams.
"Sitting there waiting until a specific set of circumstances
occurred."
"But who did it?" asked Piper. "Aside from the Elders or the
Power of Three who has the power to cast such a powerful spell?"
"I don't know," said Grams. "We need to get Prue back here. If
you all came back together, we may need...
"Grams," interrupted Piper, "Prue didn't come with us."
"Why not?" asked Grams. "If this spell or whatever it was
brought both of you back why wouldn't it bring.... Oh, I see."
"She didn't suffer," said Phoebe. "It was over very quickly."
"Well," said Grams, a little saddened, "We always knew it was a
possibility." She looked at Paige. "You're not a friend from school,
are you?"
"No, grams, I'm not," said Paige.
"That's why you looked so familiar," said Grams. "You have
Patty's eyes."
"And Sam's mouth," said Piper.
"Sam?" questioned Grams. "Oh I see. No wonder no one knew
about you. The Elders would have a fit if they found out."
"What are you doing home?" asked Phoebe. "Your women's meetings
always lasted all afternoon."
"You mean my Wicca meeting?" asked Grams smiling.
"Wicca?" questions Piper. "You mean those meetings were
actually a coven?"
"I am a high priestess," said Grams. "What did you think I was
a high Priestess of? That's how I recognized the change in the two of
you. There was power there that you never had before. I knew that
wasn't possible. So I came home early and found you upstairs."
"And we thought we could hide it from you," said Phoebe.
"You girls could never hide anything from me," said Grams. "And
now I have another granddaughter. For a little while at least."
"I'm afraid when we first met I wasn't very friendly to you,"
said Paige.
"I'm sure I didn't hold it against you," said Grams. "You would
have had to get used to me. They grew up with me. You would have had
no idea who I was."
"As I recall," said Paige, "that's the same thing you did say to
me."
"Well it appears you got over it," said Grams smiling.
"Eventually," said Paige.
"Good," said Grams. "Now what we need to figure out is how you
got back here and why?"
"What about unbinding our powers?" Phoebe asked. "In these
bodies we have no powers. Except for Paige's White Lighter powers."
"She can't do that," said Piper.
"Why not?" Paige asked.
"Because she didn't do it before," said Piper. "She told us
that after she bound our powers as children, she never unbound them."
"Besides," said Grams. "If I do, you'll have that warlock to
contend with. And since Paige obviously doesn't become a Charmed One
for several years, you wouldn't have the Power of Three to protect you
against him. I'm afraid Piper is right. We'll have to leave your
powers bound."
"It was just a thought," said Phoebe.
"Well," said Grams, "Obviously magic is involved. And without
your powers, you're going to need my help. So tell me exactly what
happened just before you came back."
TWO
"Well," said Grams, closing the Book of Shadows, "there doesn't
seem to be anything in here that gives us a clue. Whatever is going
on it doesn't seem to be anything in the book. Come on, let's go
downstairs. I think I have a way to find out.
They all went down to the living room. Grams pulled a map of
San Francisco, similar to the one the sisters used for scrying. The
she removed a crystal hanging around her neck. She held the crystal
by the chain over the map and recited a spell.
"Sisters three come from the future have come,
"To perform a task left undone.
"Show us now what task this be,
"Reveal to us what we need to see."
Suddenly the crystal was ripped from Grams hand and went flying
across the room. It landed on the floor resting on some newspapers,
next to the fireplace. Phoebe went to get the crystal.
"Well that's new," said Paige. "I've never seen that happen
before."
"Neither have I," said Grams. "It should have shown us where
you were supposed to go."
"Maybe someone is using magic against us," suggested Piper. "To
keep us from finding out what it is we're supposed to do."
"I don't think so," said Phoebe, holding a newspaper up for them
to see. "I think it worked just as it was supposed to."
"What's that?" asked Grams, looking a picture of a young girl on
the front page.
"The latest victim of the serial killer," said Phoebe. "The
crystal was lying squarely on the picture."
"You think we're supposed to stop the killings?" asked Paige.
"What about not being able to change the past?"
"Well," said Piper, "grams' magic is pretty strong. Almost as
strong as the Power of Three. I agree with Phoebe. I'd say we were
brought back here to do something about these murders."
"But what about not changing the past?" asked Paige.
"Maybe you aren't changing it," said Grams.
"What do you mean?" asked Phoebe.
"What if you're correcting it?" asked Grams. "What if someone
else came back from the future to kill these girls? What if you were
brought back to stop them and set things straight?
"Well this Glenda Johnson was the third victim," said Piper
looking at the paper. "If we're supposed to stop the murders we're
just a little bit late."
"Not if only the first three died initially," said Grams. "It
stands to reason whatever magic brought you here would have brought
you in time to do whatever it is you were supposed to do. What if
only the first three girls were murdered initially? What if someone
came from the future and murdered the other two? You did say there
were a total of five victims."
"And whomever or whatever brought us back," said Piper, "brought
us back to protect the last two. Makes sense to me. It would explain
why we didn't we get here before the first three were killed."
"So what we need to do now," said Paige, "is figure out what all
the victims have in common. Figure out why the killer targeted them?"
"As I recall," said Piper, "there didn't seem to be a pattern.
Except that they all went to our high school. Other than that the
police couldn't figure out any motive behind the killings."
"There's got to be something," said Grams. "They don't seem to
be random murders. Do you remember the names of the last two
victims?"
"Let me think," said Piper. "There was Michelle Holmes and, I
think Carrie Parker. Yeah, those were the last two."
"I think our first order of business," said Grams, "is to find
out what we can do about the first three victims. I think it's time
we paid a condolence call on the mothers of the first three victims."
THREE
Grams and the girls stood on the front porch of a house. When
the door opened a woman about the girls' mothers age answered. A tiny
bell, hanging on the door, rang.
"Hello," said grams. "We're looking for Karen Lynch,"
"I'm Karen Lynch," said the woman.
"My name is Penny Halliwell," said Grams. "These are my
granddaughters Piper, Phoebe, and Paige. Piper was in the same class
at school as your daughter, Terry. We just wanted to offer
condolences on your loss. I lost my daughter a number of years ago.
I know how trying this can be for you."
"Please, come in," said Karen.
The house was a small frame building only a single story high.
It was modestly decorated. An open map of San Francisco lay on the
coffee table. Grams and the sisters could smell incense burning.
"That's very nice incense," said Grams.
"It was Terry's favorite," said Karen
" I didn't know Terry well," said Piper. "It's a big class and
it's hard to know everyone."
"I appreciate your visit," said Karen. "Terry's father left
several years ago. It's been just her and me. It's been very hard
since..."
"I understand," said Grams, looking around. "Have you lived in
San Francisco long?"
"I grew up here," said Karen.
"Are you planning on moving?" asked Paige. " I noticed you have
a map of San Francisco out?"
"Oh, uh, yes, I was thinking about it," said Karen nervously.
"There are a lot of memories in this house. Terry was born here.
Sometimes it can be hard just to get up each morning."
"I remember being like that after my daughter, Patty, died,"
said Grams. "The girls were too young to really understand what was
going on. But it gets easier with time."
"So I've been told," said Karen. "I have a support group of
sorts. They've been a great help to me."
"Not doubt," said Grams. "Your support group. Have you or they
had any luck? Finding the killer, I mean?"
"That's the responsibility of the police," said Karen.
"Normally, I'd agree with you," said Grams. "But there must be
something unusual about your daughters death or you wouldn't be
looking for him yourself. I just assumed your support group was
probably helping you in that regard."
"Well even if I did find him," said Karen, "there's not a lot I
could do about it. Except turn him over to the police."
"Well, for a normal killer, yes," said Grams. "But not if he's
a demon."
"Grams," said Piper.
"Oh, it's okay Piper," said Grams. "That map isn't used to find
a new house. Not with that crystal she has hanging around her neck.
And that incense is incense for the dead. Not to mention the bell
hanging on the door. Certain demons can be kept away with a bell.
The sound causes them intense pain. Karen is a witch"
"Listen, I don't know what you want," started Karen nervously.
"It's okay dear," said Grams, pulling out a necklace of the
triquetra she was wearing, "you're in very good company.
"You're a witch too?" asked Karen.
"Grams is a high priestess," said Phoebe.
"Thank goodness," said Karen. "Being a witch is not real
popular in some circles. I thought maybe you were one of those nut
cases.
"I've met my share of them," said Grams
"Are you three witches too?" asked Karen of the girls.
"Sort of," said Piper. "It's a long story."
"Three sisters all witches?" questioned Karen. "The
granddaughters of a high priestess? You're the Charmed Ones. Melinda
Warrens' prophecy has been fulfilled."
"Well, I guess you could say that," said Phoebe.
"Okay then," said Grams. "All the reports indicate this is
nothing more than a normal serial killer. If you've been scrying for
a demon, there must be something that makes you think it's a demon.
Tell us everything you know about these murders. And what you suspect
about the killer.
FOUR
"Well," said Karen, pouring more coffee, " so far that's
everything the police have released on the three murders. Terry was
the first one. They didn't realize it was a serial killer until the
second girl, Traci Arborgast, was found murdered the same way. And
now this Glenda Johnson is his third victim."
"There's nothing to connect them," said Grams. "And so far
nothing that indicates the supernatural."
"I said that's all the police have released," said Karen. "I've
learned a couple of things the police haven't released. Such as they
all appear to all have been ceremonial sacrifices. The murder weapon
appears to have been a long thin knife."
"An athame," said Piper. "That would definitely make it
supernatural in nature. Which means all we have to do is figure out
what ceremony was involved. That should give us an idea who's doing
it."
"Well as usual," said Karen, " the police think it's some sort of
devil worship cult."
"Typical," said Grams. "The police can be so short sighted. If
it's a ceremonial sacrifice, it MUST be devil worshippers. They don't
seem to realize there are other groups just as evil who use some of
the same methods and sacrificial ceremonies."
"There is one other thing," said Karen. "Each of the victims
had a symbol carved into her chest before she died. I've been trying
to track it down but so far I've had no luck."
She took out a pad and pencil and drew the symbol. It consisted
of an inverted cross with a five pointed star at the top. There was a
circle drawn around the inverted cross and star and a straight line
underneath the circle.
"I've checked every source for the demonic information I can
find but I haven't been able to identify it yet," said Karen.
"Neither have the police."
"Hey, I've seen that before," said Paige.
"You have?" asked Karen excitedly.
"Yes," said Paige. "In one of my college classes I wrote a
paper on ancient signs and symbols. It belonged to a special order of
knights.
"You've been to college?" asked Karen in surprise.
"Oh," said Paige, "I'm older than I look. Anyway, that one is
pretty obscure. It was used mostly during the Spanish Inquisition.
The Pope commissioned a special order of knights to dig out witches,
heretics, that sort of thing. Then the inquisitors would come in and
get their confessions before they were executed. As I recall, they
were disbanded after the Inquisition."
"Well, that's more than we had before," said Karen. "But what
does a defunct order of knights have to do with demonic murders
hundreds of years later?"
"They don't," said Grams. "I recognize that symbol, too. I
encountered it years ago, before I was even married. Paige is right.
That order of knights was disbanded when the Pope decided their
services were no longer needed.
"But the core group of knights refused to disband. They
continued on in secret eventually becoming something of a secret
society. Over the years their order has changed but their mandate has
never changed.
"You see, the Pope who commissioned the original knights simply
disbanded them. He neglected to revoke the commission. He felt since
the knights didn't exist and longer, their commission really held no
meaning. So it was just forgotten about."
"But that core group still operated under that commission," said
Piper.
"Yes," Grams said. "To them, that commission gives them the
justification to do whatever they have to do to carry out their
mandate."
"What is their mandate?" asked Phoebe.
"To seek out evil doers and heretics," said Grams. "At least
that was their original commission. Like the organization, it's
changed over the centuries. Now, they have only a single purpose.
They're witch hunters. They're the most fanatical and dangerous witch
hunters who have ever existed. And they won't rest until every witch
is dead."
FIVE
Knowing they were looking for witch hunters instead of a demon
changed the direction of their investigation. And knowing whom the
next two victims would be made it easier to search for the killers.
"It's probably only one or two of the order," said Grams.
"Witch hunters typically work alone. And the Holy Order of Purity is
relatively small. More than likely they spread out to cover as much
territory as they can."
"But why go after witches?" asked Paige. "Witches are good.
Why not go after warlocks."
"They do," said Karen. "To a witch hunter, there is no
distinction between a witch and a warlock. Both are considered
abominations."
"Well that's short sighted," said Paige.
"Prejudice usually is, honey," said Grams. "Centuries ago any
religious belief that didn't conform to the state sanctioned religion
was considered heresy. And most were subject to state sanctioned
murder for their crimes of heresy.
"During the inquisitions witches were primary targets for the
state sanctioned religion of Catholicism. During the Roman Empire,
Christians were considered heretics and fed to lions or put in the
gladiatorial arenas for not worshiping the Roman deities. Down
through history almost every 'official' state religion has persecuted
and murdered those who believed a different way. Even today there are
those who die in other countries for their religious convections."
"Boy, I guess you don't realize how well off you are sometimes,"
said Phoebe.
"We rarely do," said Karen. "Down through the years some of the
prejudices have persisted among small groups. This Holy Order of
Purity appears to be one example. They believe all witches are evil
and abominations. It really doesn't matter what the individual witch
hunter believes. All witches are evil because they believe
differently."
"So this is political?" asked Paige. "A difference in ideology,
not because of something anyone has actually done."
"Usually but not always," said Grams. "There are witch hunters
who have been wronged by a witch or a warlock. But their grief and
hatred have blinded them. All they see is the wrong. They don't see
the individual people. A witch wronged them so all witches must be
evil."
"Unfortunately their solution usually involves killing innocent
witches," said Piper. "At least with those kind it is sometimes
possible to show them how wrong they are and they can change."
"I don't think that's going to happen here," said Phoebe. "This
Holy Order of Purity simply believes that all witches are evil."
"Which means we have to find out who it is before they kill
again," said Grams. "I'll contact Gwen Holmes and Clarice Parker.
We'll bring their daughters to the manor where it will be easier to
protect them.
"Karen you contact Amanda Arborgast and Meg Johnson. You've all
lost daughters to this lunatic. Find out if they are witches and let
them know what we've found out. Bring them to the manor. The more of
us we have working on this, the better chance we'll have of finding
out who's doing it."
"What about us?" asked Piper.
"You three go back to school, " said Grams
"You expect us to sit through some boring classes while you do
all the work?" asked Phoebe.
"Not at all dear," said Grams. "Whomever is doing this is
targeting the witches at your school. Something there must have
identified them as witches to the killer. You three are in the best
position to find out what that is."
"Oh, okay," said Phoebe. "That's better."
"She's a little young to be in high school," said Karen, looking
at Paige.
"No problem, " said Paige.
Suddenly Paige changed. It wasn't a big change. She just
appeared to be about Phoebe's age instead of the twelve year old she
was.
"If anyone asks," said Paige, "I'll just say I'm their cousin."
"How did you do that?" asked Karen
"I'll explain it later," said Grams. "Now we'd better get
started if we're going to catch this guy."
SIX
"This is strange," said Phoebe as the three sisters walked
through the school hallways. "These are nothing but kids.
"Well, we are right now too," said Piper. "Just remember we
aren't here to rekindle old friendships. We have a witch hunter to
find."
"No problem here, " said Paige. "I don't have any old
friendships here to rekindle. Just what are we looking for?"
"I don't know," said Piper. "Anything out of the ordinary.
Anything that might tell us who this witch hunter is, or at least what
put him onto those three girls. I'm going to talk with some of my old
friends. They might know something.
I'll do the same," said Phoebe. "We ran in different circles.
Maybe my old friends know something yours don't."
What about me?" Paige asked.
"I know," said Piper. "You're a new transfer student. That way
whatever questions you ask won't sound suspicious. And both of you be
careful. Without our powers we're vulnerable."
"Speak for yourself," smirked Paige.
The three sisters spent most of the day asking questions and
gathering information. They didn't learn much. Mostly just rumors
and speculations. The normal type of wild guesses that run rampant
among a large group of people, especially high school students.
Paige had made a number of new friends. Well not friends
exactly, but most of the kids she talked to were friendly. It was
nearly the end of the day when suddenly she stopped. She stood
staring at a man wearing a maintenance uniform, fixing a broken
window.
"What a hunk," said one of Paige's new friends walking up to
her. "He just started here this year. One of those maintenance men
that keep the school repaired. I wouldn't mind him coming over and
repairing a few things for me."
"He's way too old for you," commented Paige. "Believe me."
"I know he's older," said the girl. "But you know what they say
about older guys."
The girl smiled at Paige then continued down the hallway.
"I wonder what you'd think if you knew he was dead?" said Paige
to herself.
Paige continued to watch the maintenance man until he finished
fixing the window. Then he gathered up his tools and walked toward
Paige.
"Hi," he said as he passed her.
"Hi, Leo," said Paige.
"Do I know you?" asked Leo
"Leo it's me Paige," said Paige.
"I'm sorry," said Leo. "Maybe you have me confused with someone
else. I don't know any Paige."
"I'm sorry, " said Leo. "Maybe you have me confuse with someone
else. I don't know any Paige."
"Of course you don't," said Paige suddenly realizing they
wouldn't meet for about another thirteen years or so. She grabbed Leo
and pulled him into an empty office nearby. "Leo, I know who you are.
And I know what you are."
"I'm a maintenance man," said Leo.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," said Paige. "It keeps you close to your
charges. I know you're a White Lighter. And I know you're watching
over Prue, Piper, and Phoebe. And later on, me too."
"Miss," said Leo nervously, " I don't know what you're going on
about, but we shouldn't be in here. Someone might get the wrong idea."
"For crying out loud," said Paige.
Suddenly Paige orbed out of the office and almost immediately
orbed back in.
"See," said Paige. "Can anyone but a White Lighter orb?"
"No," said Leo confused. "So that means you're a White Lighter
too?"
"Not exactly," said Paige. "I'm half White Lighter."
"That's not possible," said Leo
"It's kind of a long story," said Paige. "Right now, we could
use your help."
"We?" questioned Leo. "We who?"
"Come on," said Paige, grabbing Leo's wrist. "There's a lot to
explain and not a lot of time to do it."
Before Leo could protest, Paige orbed both of them out of the
office.
SEVEN
"I've never met a White Lighter before," said Karen.
"You don't have your own?" asked Paige.
"Not all witches do dear," said Grams. " So, you're the White
Lighter who's going to watch over my girls."
"I have been for a long time," said Leo. "What I don't
understand is how you know about me. I'm sure I didn't give myself
away."
"Not yet," giggle Phoebe.
"Leo sit down," said Piper. "We need to explain a few things to
you."
"Just be careful what you say honey," said Grams "You can't
tell him too much or you might change things."
"But we cant change the past," said Phoebe.
"No," said Grams, "but it's his future. And he can change that.
I know it's kind of confusing but trust me on this. Just give him the
bare facts."
"Okay" said Piper. "Leo, this all starts in about thirteen
years or so."
* * *
"And you have no idea who enchanted the book?" asked Leo when
Piper had finished.
"None," said Piper. "Or even when they did it. I won't even
get it for several months. Any way, the important thing is for us to
find this witch hunter. Maybe you could check with the Elders and see
if they know anything."
"I'll try," said Leo. "But I'm going to have to explain this
all to them first. Frankly, I'm not sure how much they're going to
believe."
"Just try," said Phoebe. "We really don't have anything to
lose."
"Okay," said Leo. "I'll be back as soon as I can."
"Uh, Leo," said Paige. "Nothing about me okay? We aren't sure
exactly when they learn about me. Wouldn't want to give away anything
too soon."
"I'll do my best," promised Leo.
"He's cute," said Gwen Holmes. "I can see why he was chosen as
a White Lighter."
"Well that's not why a White Lighter is chosen," said Grams.
"Oh I know that," said Gwen. "It's just kind of an added bonus,
that's all."
"What are you working on?" Phoebe asked Gwen's daughter
Michelle.
"College applications," said Michelle. "You can't get them in
too early."
"Hey, Piper," said Phoebe, "You and Michelle were born the same
month."
" Really?" questioned Piper. "What a coincidence."
"Yeah," said Phoebe. "You're only four days older than she is."
"Are you sure?" asked Meg Johnson, the mother of the latest
victim. "Glenda, my daughter was born the same month."
"Two victims with almost the same birthday?" questioned Grams.
"And both witches? That seems just a little to coincidental to me.
Carrie, how old are you?"
"Fourteen," said the expected fifth victim of the killer.
"Phoebe's fourteen," said Grams. "Karen how old was Terry?"
"Eighteen," said Karen. "In fact she had just turned eighteen."
Grams picked up a pad and pen and handed it to Karen.
"I want each of you to write down your daughters birth date, "
said Grams. "And I hope I'm wrong."
One by one the women wrote down their daughters birth dates.
Grams sat nervously as they did. When they were finished she took the
pad and looked at it.
"Oh my god," said Grams
"What is it Grams," asked Piper
"Terry Lynch and Traci Arborgast the first two victims," said
Grams. "Both eighteen, both birth dates within a few days of Prue's
birthday. Glenda Johnson, the third victim and Michelle Holmes. Both
of their birth dates are within a few days of Piper's. And Carrie
Parkers is only six days after Phoebes'."
"Boy, that's weird," said Paige.
"It's more than weird," said Grams. "And it's too coincidental
to be a coincidence. This witch Hunter isn't after just any witches.
He's after my granddaughters. He's after the Charmed Ones."
To be continued....
Don't miss Part 3: The Holy Order of Purity. With the
realization that the witch hunter is after the Charmed Ones
specifically, Leo and the group of witches intensify their search.
Failure could mean the end of the Charmed Ones before they even exist.
If you've enjoyed this story, you can find more "Charmed"
stories at my website, www.geocities.com/killeenmale/ . You can also
post your own "Charmed" stories if you like to write fan fiction.