Confrontation
The sequel to "Surprise." I do not own any part of Charmed, I just write about it.
As Gabriel slowly stirred, he was greeted by the smell of flowers. Opening his eyes, Gabriel saw he had transported them to a field somewhere, and it was obviously spring here.
"Nice smell," Cole mentioned as he and Gerald slowly sat up.
"Uuggghhh.how long were we out?" Gerald asked aloud.
Gabriel closed his eyes, and said, "About 12 hours or so."
"Did you manage to save the child?" Cole questioned slowly.
Gabriel sighed, and said softly, "I did everything I could.but if he doesn't receive nearly immediate treatment in his realm, he's still going to die."
Cole winced, and then snarled, "Those bastards! We should."
Gerald touched his shoulder, "I understand how you feel, but we have neither the time nor the resources to take on the minotaurs right now. It was only intense luck that allowed us to escape with our objective."
"Speaking of which, let me see it," Gabriel murmured. Gerald handed over the gem, and Gabriel studied it. It was a flawless diamond, one nearly the size of his fist in his correct age. Gabriel could detect no magic inside of it, and yet there was something about it that drew Gabriel's eyes, some indefinable element that made Gabriel KNOW this was special.
"That's odd.son, are we closer or farther from our home realm?" Cole asked.
"Closer.we're a lot closer than we were in the minotaur realm. I didn't have the strength to send us all the way, but I got us close, "Gabriel explained, "Why?"
"Because I can't detect anything from Phoebe along the Soulbond," Cole replied anxiously. "I was hoping it was just distance, but now I'm worried."
"Could she be dead?" Gerald demanded quickly.
Gabriel shook his head, "No, Cole or I would have felt that. She's still alive, but somehow someone is hiding her from you father."
"Well, the only one who would have the power, much less any chance of knowing how would be." Cole began, and then he paled.
"Let's get back to the manor," Gabriel said shortly. He grabbed the three of them, and vanished.
***
"Wasn't it a risk taking them hostage Master?" the shadowy figure asked.
Angel laughed, "It was a risk, but one necessary for my plan. You know what to do?"
The shadowy figure nodded, and said, "Of course.but how do you know that's what they will do?"
Angel's face went cold, "I've spent millennia.no eons learning to read and predict my opponents. There has not been a move made I did not anticipate and prepare for. Do you doubt my abilities?"
The figure cringed, "No Master, of course not."
"Go and do as I said," Angel remarked dismissively. The figure vanished, and Angel slowly sat back in his seat. It was only a matter of time now.
***
When they arrived at the manor, the three of them cast shields and assumed their Azarian forms. But nothing was moving, and the place looked like normal.
"Do you sense anything?" Cole demanded.
Gabriel's eyes lost focus, and he said tightly, "The kitchen."
The three of them shimmered into the kitchen, poised for a fight. They found the kitchen the same as always, except for on the center of the table was a small metallic disk. Gerald slowly reached out and touched it, and there was a slight flash of light. The light coalesced into a transparent image of Angel.
"You son of a." Cole snarled.
Angel's image smiled, "Insults aren't called for. You have something I want, and I have something you want. If you want that something, mainly your family and the other Guardians, back, you'll trade me. You have one hour from this moment this started to arrive. I look forward to seeing you again Gabriel."
Angel's image vanished, and Cole incinerated the metal plate. "Feel better," Gerald offered.
"Not really." Cole snapped back, "Gabriel, can you sense him."
Gabriel didn't even bother to close his eyes, "Easily, and so could you. He's not even bothering to hide his location.which means it's a trap."
"Then let's go spring it," Cole said in a dangerous voice.
"Hold it, let's not be too hasty," Gerald warned, "I'm all for saving the family, but we need a plan first of all. I don't particularly want to give Angel the gem either. Gabriel, could you make a copy?"
Gabriel shook his head, "It's too perfect, I don't have the knowledge of crystalline magic, or Azarian for that matter. Plus, Angel can sense the crystals, so he'd know." Gabriel trailed off and his eyes lit up.
"What?" Cole demanded.
"I have an idea." Gabriel said.
***
"Uuggghhh.where am I?" Phoebe groaned.
Angel looked at her, and said, "Well, I didn't expect any of you to regain consciousness so soon. I'm very impressed."
"You didn't answer my question," Phoebe challenged.
Angel smiled, "No, I guess I didn't. You're in my custody until a small matter is resolved."
"What matter is that?" Phoebe demanded.
"You'll find out soon enough. Now, as much as I enjoy this little interrogation, I'm afraid I do have some work to do." Angel apologized. Phoebe felt power wash over her, and then she lost consciousness again.
***
"I have to admit, it's an intriguing challenge," the Librarian mused, "To make an exact copy of this item so perfect it would fool my former liege lord."
"Can you do it?" Gabriel demanded.
The Librarian was silent, and then he said, "Yes, just wait here for a few minutes while I do it. It'll be worth it just to spoke that psycho's wheel."
The Librarian walked off, and Gabriel looked at his father. Cole had not said much since discovering Phoebe was Angel's captive, along with everyone else. Gabriel slowly walked over and said, "Father, we'll get her back."
Cole looked at Gabriel, and then suddenly pulled him into crushing hug. "I know son, I know." Cole whispered as Gerald reached over and added his support.
They held that pose until the Librarian returned. "Here you are," The Librarian said as he handed a gem over to Gabriel. Gabriel used his powers, but he couldn't tell any difference between them.
"It's perfect.where's the other one," Gabriel asked.
"I put it in the safest place here, and altered the shields to keep everyone out after you leave until I change it back," the Librarian explained, "It won't stop my former lord, but it will slow him down long enough for me to grab the gem and get out of here. I'll keep it from him as long as I can."
"Thank you," Cole said simply.
"Hey, you're Azarians.probably the Azarians our race should have been like," The Librarian deflected, "If only things had been different.anyway, good luck."
"We'll come back as soon as it's over. I want to learn more about what our race used to be like at its peak," Gabriel said. He then grabbed Cole and Gerald, and all three shimmered out.
***
They appeared in a cavern somewhere in the Underworld. It was almost empty, except for a chair and table. Angel was currently relaxed in the chair with his feet up, in human form.
"Angel," Cole snarled.
Angel looked at them for several seconds before saying, "I must admit, I'm very proud of the way you three are carrying the Azarian name. Especially you, Gabriel. You would have been a fine leader among our people."
"I don't think so, I'm not an evil bastard," Gabriel said coldly.
A flash of something like pain went through Angel's eyes as he said, "Your words are painful.but true. Unfortunately, my hand has been forced by events beyond my control. I truly wish things had been different, and this wasn't the path left to me. But I will not falter from it, not at this junction. Too much depends on it."
"Where is our family and the Guardians," Cole demanded.
"Do you have the diamond?" Angel countered.
Gabriel sighed, and slowly pulled the diamond out. "It's right here, where's your end of the bargain."
Angel gestured, and the walls, faded, revealing everyone chained up and unconscious. Cole started towards them, but Gerald grabbed him and said, "Wait."
"Put the gem on the table, and you can leave with them. Never interfere with me, and I promise not to interfere with you." Angel said softly.
Gabriel shook his head, "I can't do that. You have to be stopped, you're too powerful and out of control to be left unchecked."
Angel sighed, "I didn't really think you'd accept, but I thought I'd at least offer. It pains me that Azarian must now fight Azarian." Angel got out of the chair and walked around until he was facing all three of them.
The three crouched down and began to pull in their powers, "I'll give you one last chance," Gabriel stated, "Surrender, and we can keep this from becoming violent."
Angel replied, "A very tempting offer, but I must decline."
"Then there's nothing left to say," Gabriel said.
Angel shook his head, "Wrong, there is one thing left to say. Watwageagveyag!"
The diamond in Gabriel's hand erupted in power, shooting arcs of lightning and energy into all three Azarians. Totally unprepared for such a strange assault, Gabriel, Cole, and Gerald took it full force. They shook and jolted from the assault and when it ended, all three slid to the floor, unconscious.
Angel slowly walked over to the three forms and said softly, "Checkmate."
***
Gabriel came around as he felt a brutally cold wind hit his face. He opened his eyes and saw sky, and a great expanse of terrain. Wherever he was, it was very high up. Gabriel tried to move, but found his arms and legs were chained to the rock behind him.
"I'm glad you're awake," a new voice said. Gabriel turned his head to find Angel looking at him. "I didn't want you to miss this."
"You don't really think these chains could hold me," Gabriel stated.
"Of course not," Angel said, "The merest flicker of power from you would shatter them. But there would be a small side effect."
Gabriel heard groans around him, and looked around to find his family slowly stirring. "What effect is that?"
"These chains are of my own personal design, and are linked magically to another set," Angel replied, "If any of your power leaves your body to, say, destroy these chains, the corresponding set would immediately explode, killing whoever was wearing them. In your case, it would be your mother Phoebe. I would have linked you to the Guardians, but their presence was annoying, so I left them in the Underworld."
Gabriel heard chains rattling, and saw out of the corner of his eye Cole and Gerald were struggling to get free. Angel looked at them, and said, "Don't get any ideas, your chains are also linked to another person, namely Piper and Paige."
As the entire group stopped struggling, Angel said, "That's much better. I wouldn't want you to miss the show."
"What show?" Phoebe asked.
"You are going to be witness to the greatest magical event in the history of the world." Angel replied.
"Tell us all about it," Gabriel said innocently.
Angel chuckled, "I may be Azarian, but I know all those movies where the hero tries to stall the villain by having the villain explain his plan.still, maybe it's best if you understand. After all, you are playing a key role in my plans."
"What do the gems do," Cole questioned.
"They power.this," Angel stated as he gestured. Looking around, the group realized they entire platform was covered in runes and ancient symbols.
"What does this place do," Michael asked, "And WHERE ARE WE?"
"I believe you humans call it Everest," Angel stated, "I need the height to keep an eye on certain things."
"What things?" Gabriel interjected.
"That," Angel pointed upwards, and the group saw that the celestial heavens were aligning.
"The Equinox," Michael breathed.
Angel smiled, "Exactly. That event, plus this device, will allow me to accomplish my goal."
"What does this place do?" Gabriel pressed.
Angel laughed, "Sorry, I got a little sidetracked. I suppose it happens now and then. The device amplifies a single Azarian spell 100 times. With the Equinox to act as a temporary boost, that will be increased to 10,000 times."
"WHAT!" The group shouted, and Gabriel chimed in, "You've lying. If you had that much power, why didn't you lose it in the last war."
Angel's smile faded, "I had just finished research when God intervened. Knowing he'd realize what this was, I scattered the gems, knowing if I returned, I could find them again. Now, all is in readiness to complete what I started out to do.restore the Azarian race."
"How will amplifying any spell restore a race?" Michael asked.
"I'd always hoped to restore the Azarian race gradually," Angel mused, "With Gabriel as the father of our new race, I was confident we could return and even surpass our former glory. However, thanks to my idiot son, such can never be."
"Because you let me keep my free will," Gabriel guessed.
Angel sighed, "Yes, a gift I'd always planned to give you eventually, once I was sure you understood how important our mission was. But thanks to that event, I've been forced to take.rather extreme measures, measures I wish I didn't have to take."
"What are you planning?" Gabriel demanded as he felt fear rise in his soul.
Angel smiled sadly, "I'm going to cast the spell to change a person into an Azarian on you.again."
"But I'm already an Azarian," Gabriel said in confusion.
"Yes, but you're not the only one who'll be affected." Angel finished.
Gabriel paled, "You bastard, you can't!"
"What're you talking about?" Cole shouted.
Angel looked over and said, "Your son is the Guardian of Life, which is quite prestigious. He gets powers, privilege.and a link to all life."
"You're going to try and change the ENTIRE HUMAN RACE!" Phoebe yelled.
"Angel, don't do this," Gabriel begged, "You'll wipe out the human race. Normal humans can't handle the change, it'll kill them. You'll commit genocide."
Angel shook his head, "No, actually I won't. Even with the boost in power, my spell will only reach 95% of the human population. Out of that 95%, somewhere between 5-10% will become Azarian. When's it all over, our populations will either be nearly equal, or the Azarians will outnumber the humans. God will have no choice but to let both races live in harmony."
"You're insane, you'll kill millions of innocent lives," Gabriel shouted.
"Actually, I will kill 4,589,254,128, give or take 5 humans," Angel replied. "Now, you can stop this, all you have to do is break out. But you'll kill your mother, which I know you won't do, no matter the cost."
Gabriel slumped in defeat, and said softly, "Please, don't do this,"
Angel said, "I have no choice." He then looked up, "I'd love to continue this, but I really must get everything properly aligned. I'm working with a tight schedule, as you must know."
Gabriel grinned, and laughed, "Well, I may not be able to break free, but you don't have all four gems."
"Oh really," Angel mentioned in a curious voice.
"The diamond was fake," Gabriel said in a triumphant voice.
Angel laughed, "I know. I made it."
"What?" Gabriel stated dumbly.
"You still haven't figured it out?" Angel mocked Gabriel.
At that moment, the Librarian shimmered in. He bowed low to Angel, and handed over the diamond, "Your plan worked perfectly Master. They never even suspected me."
"You son of a bitch," Cole shouted.
"He took yours wings, and you still support him!" Gerald yelled in shock.
The Librarian looked sad, "It was a necessary sacrifice. You were more likely to believe me if it looked like I had suffered by my Master's hands."
Angel touched the Librarian on the shoulder, "I am truly sorry I had to do that."
"Forgiven Master. You are my leader, and I will follow you anywhere." The Librarian replied.
"I'm afraid I require a greater sacrifice from you now," Angel said. Quick as a flash, he drove a knife into the Librarian's heart. A look of shock came over The Librarian before he died. Angel kicked the body off the cliff, and it fell away. He then put a drop of the Librarian's blood on each of the gems.
"YOU KILLED HIM!" Piper shouted.
"I needed the blood of his dying to work the spell," Angel explained sadly.
Gabriel had slumped, and tears were coming down his face, "Angel, for the love of everything good, don't do this, PLEASE!"
Angel smiled, and said, "Don't worry, it'll all be over soon." Angel adjusted the four crystals slightly, until each was aligned the way he wanted it, in a straight line from him to Gabriel. He then began to chant, and each word caused more runes to start to glow.
"FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, STOP HIM!" Phoebe shouted. "Don't let him destroy our race to save me. Please, stop." Suddenly, she couldn't speak. She looked over and saw Angel waggling a finger at her.
Angel finished chanting just as the Eclipse reached his climax. He then gestured, and cast the spell. All four crystals started to glow, intensifying exponentially. Angel smiled, "It'll all be over soon, Gabriel. I've won."
Gabriel looked up, and Angel saw his face was a mixture of fear, determination, and sadness, "Not yet. I still have one door left." Gabriel began to scream, and his whole body shook. Tears flowed freely down his cheeks as the screaming intensified.
A look of horror came over Angel's face, "You FOOL! It's too late to stop it, that much power will."
Power erupted around Angel and Gabriel, enveloping them in a sphere of pure power. The group could see two faint silhouettes inside it.
As soon as the energy ball appeared, speech returned to Phoebe, and she said, "GABRIEL!"
Suddenly, she felt hands unlocking her chains. She looked up, and saw Mortanos's face. "Sorry it took so long, "He apologized, "but Angel left a few surprises for us."
"You have to save him," Cole shouted.
"There's nothing we can do until the spell plays out," Mortanos shouted back.
As quickly as the power came, it vanished. The sisters saw a much paler and lighter Gabriel still hanging limply from his chains. Of Angel, all the sisters saw was a blackened, burned corpse that looked vaguely Azarian. Cole and the others ran forward and quickly unchained Gabriel. Gabriel fell into Phoebe's arms, and looked at Cole.
Cole nodded. He turned to Angel's body, and scanned it. He then said, "It's Azarian." There was an explosion, as Angel's body disintegrated.
"Cole, did you." Piper asked.
Cole nodded, "Couldn't take the chance he could resurrect himself again."
"What happened?" Michael wondered.
"When Angel realized his spell wouldn't work, he knew that much power would destroy us, "Gabriel said weakly as he kept crying, "He had to choose, him or me. In his mind, I was the only hope for the future of the Azarian race, so he took all the power onto himself."
"Are you in pain?" Phoebe whispered. When Gabriel nodded, she turned to Mortanos and demanded, "Can't you do something? He's a fellow Guardian."
Mortanos and the others had been staring at Gabriel with a look of profound sadness and horror. They then shared a look with each other, and then nodded. Fiona turned and walked over to a bewildered Gerald. She grabbed his face, touched his forehead with hers, and said, "Fire to Life, I greet you brother."
As everyone stared in absolute shock, the Guardians walked forward and said the benediction used to make Gabriel a Guardian to GERALD! The entire group was too shocked to move or react. Finally, only Mortanos was left. He slowly walked over to Gabriel, leaned in, and whispered, "I'm sorry." He then strode over to Gerald and said solemnly, "Death to Life, Yin to Yang, I greet you brother. Welcome, Guardian of Life."
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!" Phoebe shouted as Gerald reeled from the power coursing through him. "Gabriel is the Guardian of Life."
Mortanos looked over at her and said to the whole group, "The only way Gabriel was able to stop Angel was to sever his link to all of life. To do that, he had to turn his gift, his powers, upon themselves. He repudiated his position, and such a thing cannot be undone."
"What are you saying," Cole demanded.
Mortanos sighed, and said solemnly, "Gabriel is no longer the Guardian of Life."
THE END
The sequel to "Surprise." I do not own any part of Charmed, I just write about it.
As Gabriel slowly stirred, he was greeted by the smell of flowers. Opening his eyes, Gabriel saw he had transported them to a field somewhere, and it was obviously spring here.
"Nice smell," Cole mentioned as he and Gerald slowly sat up.
"Uuggghhh.how long were we out?" Gerald asked aloud.
Gabriel closed his eyes, and said, "About 12 hours or so."
"Did you manage to save the child?" Cole questioned slowly.
Gabriel sighed, and said softly, "I did everything I could.but if he doesn't receive nearly immediate treatment in his realm, he's still going to die."
Cole winced, and then snarled, "Those bastards! We should."
Gerald touched his shoulder, "I understand how you feel, but we have neither the time nor the resources to take on the minotaurs right now. It was only intense luck that allowed us to escape with our objective."
"Speaking of which, let me see it," Gabriel murmured. Gerald handed over the gem, and Gabriel studied it. It was a flawless diamond, one nearly the size of his fist in his correct age. Gabriel could detect no magic inside of it, and yet there was something about it that drew Gabriel's eyes, some indefinable element that made Gabriel KNOW this was special.
"That's odd.son, are we closer or farther from our home realm?" Cole asked.
"Closer.we're a lot closer than we were in the minotaur realm. I didn't have the strength to send us all the way, but I got us close, "Gabriel explained, "Why?"
"Because I can't detect anything from Phoebe along the Soulbond," Cole replied anxiously. "I was hoping it was just distance, but now I'm worried."
"Could she be dead?" Gerald demanded quickly.
Gabriel shook his head, "No, Cole or I would have felt that. She's still alive, but somehow someone is hiding her from you father."
"Well, the only one who would have the power, much less any chance of knowing how would be." Cole began, and then he paled.
"Let's get back to the manor," Gabriel said shortly. He grabbed the three of them, and vanished.
***
"Wasn't it a risk taking them hostage Master?" the shadowy figure asked.
Angel laughed, "It was a risk, but one necessary for my plan. You know what to do?"
The shadowy figure nodded, and said, "Of course.but how do you know that's what they will do?"
Angel's face went cold, "I've spent millennia.no eons learning to read and predict my opponents. There has not been a move made I did not anticipate and prepare for. Do you doubt my abilities?"
The figure cringed, "No Master, of course not."
"Go and do as I said," Angel remarked dismissively. The figure vanished, and Angel slowly sat back in his seat. It was only a matter of time now.
***
When they arrived at the manor, the three of them cast shields and assumed their Azarian forms. But nothing was moving, and the place looked like normal.
"Do you sense anything?" Cole demanded.
Gabriel's eyes lost focus, and he said tightly, "The kitchen."
The three of them shimmered into the kitchen, poised for a fight. They found the kitchen the same as always, except for on the center of the table was a small metallic disk. Gerald slowly reached out and touched it, and there was a slight flash of light. The light coalesced into a transparent image of Angel.
"You son of a." Cole snarled.
Angel's image smiled, "Insults aren't called for. You have something I want, and I have something you want. If you want that something, mainly your family and the other Guardians, back, you'll trade me. You have one hour from this moment this started to arrive. I look forward to seeing you again Gabriel."
Angel's image vanished, and Cole incinerated the metal plate. "Feel better," Gerald offered.
"Not really." Cole snapped back, "Gabriel, can you sense him."
Gabriel didn't even bother to close his eyes, "Easily, and so could you. He's not even bothering to hide his location.which means it's a trap."
"Then let's go spring it," Cole said in a dangerous voice.
"Hold it, let's not be too hasty," Gerald warned, "I'm all for saving the family, but we need a plan first of all. I don't particularly want to give Angel the gem either. Gabriel, could you make a copy?"
Gabriel shook his head, "It's too perfect, I don't have the knowledge of crystalline magic, or Azarian for that matter. Plus, Angel can sense the crystals, so he'd know." Gabriel trailed off and his eyes lit up.
"What?" Cole demanded.
"I have an idea." Gabriel said.
***
"Uuggghhh.where am I?" Phoebe groaned.
Angel looked at her, and said, "Well, I didn't expect any of you to regain consciousness so soon. I'm very impressed."
"You didn't answer my question," Phoebe challenged.
Angel smiled, "No, I guess I didn't. You're in my custody until a small matter is resolved."
"What matter is that?" Phoebe demanded.
"You'll find out soon enough. Now, as much as I enjoy this little interrogation, I'm afraid I do have some work to do." Angel apologized. Phoebe felt power wash over her, and then she lost consciousness again.
***
"I have to admit, it's an intriguing challenge," the Librarian mused, "To make an exact copy of this item so perfect it would fool my former liege lord."
"Can you do it?" Gabriel demanded.
The Librarian was silent, and then he said, "Yes, just wait here for a few minutes while I do it. It'll be worth it just to spoke that psycho's wheel."
The Librarian walked off, and Gabriel looked at his father. Cole had not said much since discovering Phoebe was Angel's captive, along with everyone else. Gabriel slowly walked over and said, "Father, we'll get her back."
Cole looked at Gabriel, and then suddenly pulled him into crushing hug. "I know son, I know." Cole whispered as Gerald reached over and added his support.
They held that pose until the Librarian returned. "Here you are," The Librarian said as he handed a gem over to Gabriel. Gabriel used his powers, but he couldn't tell any difference between them.
"It's perfect.where's the other one," Gabriel asked.
"I put it in the safest place here, and altered the shields to keep everyone out after you leave until I change it back," the Librarian explained, "It won't stop my former lord, but it will slow him down long enough for me to grab the gem and get out of here. I'll keep it from him as long as I can."
"Thank you," Cole said simply.
"Hey, you're Azarians.probably the Azarians our race should have been like," The Librarian deflected, "If only things had been different.anyway, good luck."
"We'll come back as soon as it's over. I want to learn more about what our race used to be like at its peak," Gabriel said. He then grabbed Cole and Gerald, and all three shimmered out.
***
They appeared in a cavern somewhere in the Underworld. It was almost empty, except for a chair and table. Angel was currently relaxed in the chair with his feet up, in human form.
"Angel," Cole snarled.
Angel looked at them for several seconds before saying, "I must admit, I'm very proud of the way you three are carrying the Azarian name. Especially you, Gabriel. You would have been a fine leader among our people."
"I don't think so, I'm not an evil bastard," Gabriel said coldly.
A flash of something like pain went through Angel's eyes as he said, "Your words are painful.but true. Unfortunately, my hand has been forced by events beyond my control. I truly wish things had been different, and this wasn't the path left to me. But I will not falter from it, not at this junction. Too much depends on it."
"Where is our family and the Guardians," Cole demanded.
"Do you have the diamond?" Angel countered.
Gabriel sighed, and slowly pulled the diamond out. "It's right here, where's your end of the bargain."
Angel gestured, and the walls, faded, revealing everyone chained up and unconscious. Cole started towards them, but Gerald grabbed him and said, "Wait."
"Put the gem on the table, and you can leave with them. Never interfere with me, and I promise not to interfere with you." Angel said softly.
Gabriel shook his head, "I can't do that. You have to be stopped, you're too powerful and out of control to be left unchecked."
Angel sighed, "I didn't really think you'd accept, but I thought I'd at least offer. It pains me that Azarian must now fight Azarian." Angel got out of the chair and walked around until he was facing all three of them.
The three crouched down and began to pull in their powers, "I'll give you one last chance," Gabriel stated, "Surrender, and we can keep this from becoming violent."
Angel replied, "A very tempting offer, but I must decline."
"Then there's nothing left to say," Gabriel said.
Angel shook his head, "Wrong, there is one thing left to say. Watwageagveyag!"
The diamond in Gabriel's hand erupted in power, shooting arcs of lightning and energy into all three Azarians. Totally unprepared for such a strange assault, Gabriel, Cole, and Gerald took it full force. They shook and jolted from the assault and when it ended, all three slid to the floor, unconscious.
Angel slowly walked over to the three forms and said softly, "Checkmate."
***
Gabriel came around as he felt a brutally cold wind hit his face. He opened his eyes and saw sky, and a great expanse of terrain. Wherever he was, it was very high up. Gabriel tried to move, but found his arms and legs were chained to the rock behind him.
"I'm glad you're awake," a new voice said. Gabriel turned his head to find Angel looking at him. "I didn't want you to miss this."
"You don't really think these chains could hold me," Gabriel stated.
"Of course not," Angel said, "The merest flicker of power from you would shatter them. But there would be a small side effect."
Gabriel heard groans around him, and looked around to find his family slowly stirring. "What effect is that?"
"These chains are of my own personal design, and are linked magically to another set," Angel replied, "If any of your power leaves your body to, say, destroy these chains, the corresponding set would immediately explode, killing whoever was wearing them. In your case, it would be your mother Phoebe. I would have linked you to the Guardians, but their presence was annoying, so I left them in the Underworld."
Gabriel heard chains rattling, and saw out of the corner of his eye Cole and Gerald were struggling to get free. Angel looked at them, and said, "Don't get any ideas, your chains are also linked to another person, namely Piper and Paige."
As the entire group stopped struggling, Angel said, "That's much better. I wouldn't want you to miss the show."
"What show?" Phoebe asked.
"You are going to be witness to the greatest magical event in the history of the world." Angel replied.
"Tell us all about it," Gabriel said innocently.
Angel chuckled, "I may be Azarian, but I know all those movies where the hero tries to stall the villain by having the villain explain his plan.still, maybe it's best if you understand. After all, you are playing a key role in my plans."
"What do the gems do," Cole questioned.
"They power.this," Angel stated as he gestured. Looking around, the group realized they entire platform was covered in runes and ancient symbols.
"What does this place do," Michael asked, "And WHERE ARE WE?"
"I believe you humans call it Everest," Angel stated, "I need the height to keep an eye on certain things."
"What things?" Gabriel interjected.
"That," Angel pointed upwards, and the group saw that the celestial heavens were aligning.
"The Equinox," Michael breathed.
Angel smiled, "Exactly. That event, plus this device, will allow me to accomplish my goal."
"What does this place do?" Gabriel pressed.
Angel laughed, "Sorry, I got a little sidetracked. I suppose it happens now and then. The device amplifies a single Azarian spell 100 times. With the Equinox to act as a temporary boost, that will be increased to 10,000 times."
"WHAT!" The group shouted, and Gabriel chimed in, "You've lying. If you had that much power, why didn't you lose it in the last war."
Angel's smile faded, "I had just finished research when God intervened. Knowing he'd realize what this was, I scattered the gems, knowing if I returned, I could find them again. Now, all is in readiness to complete what I started out to do.restore the Azarian race."
"How will amplifying any spell restore a race?" Michael asked.
"I'd always hoped to restore the Azarian race gradually," Angel mused, "With Gabriel as the father of our new race, I was confident we could return and even surpass our former glory. However, thanks to my idiot son, such can never be."
"Because you let me keep my free will," Gabriel guessed.
Angel sighed, "Yes, a gift I'd always planned to give you eventually, once I was sure you understood how important our mission was. But thanks to that event, I've been forced to take.rather extreme measures, measures I wish I didn't have to take."
"What are you planning?" Gabriel demanded as he felt fear rise in his soul.
Angel smiled sadly, "I'm going to cast the spell to change a person into an Azarian on you.again."
"But I'm already an Azarian," Gabriel said in confusion.
"Yes, but you're not the only one who'll be affected." Angel finished.
Gabriel paled, "You bastard, you can't!"
"What're you talking about?" Cole shouted.
Angel looked over and said, "Your son is the Guardian of Life, which is quite prestigious. He gets powers, privilege.and a link to all life."
"You're going to try and change the ENTIRE HUMAN RACE!" Phoebe yelled.
"Angel, don't do this," Gabriel begged, "You'll wipe out the human race. Normal humans can't handle the change, it'll kill them. You'll commit genocide."
Angel shook his head, "No, actually I won't. Even with the boost in power, my spell will only reach 95% of the human population. Out of that 95%, somewhere between 5-10% will become Azarian. When's it all over, our populations will either be nearly equal, or the Azarians will outnumber the humans. God will have no choice but to let both races live in harmony."
"You're insane, you'll kill millions of innocent lives," Gabriel shouted.
"Actually, I will kill 4,589,254,128, give or take 5 humans," Angel replied. "Now, you can stop this, all you have to do is break out. But you'll kill your mother, which I know you won't do, no matter the cost."
Gabriel slumped in defeat, and said softly, "Please, don't do this,"
Angel said, "I have no choice." He then looked up, "I'd love to continue this, but I really must get everything properly aligned. I'm working with a tight schedule, as you must know."
Gabriel grinned, and laughed, "Well, I may not be able to break free, but you don't have all four gems."
"Oh really," Angel mentioned in a curious voice.
"The diamond was fake," Gabriel said in a triumphant voice.
Angel laughed, "I know. I made it."
"What?" Gabriel stated dumbly.
"You still haven't figured it out?" Angel mocked Gabriel.
At that moment, the Librarian shimmered in. He bowed low to Angel, and handed over the diamond, "Your plan worked perfectly Master. They never even suspected me."
"You son of a bitch," Cole shouted.
"He took yours wings, and you still support him!" Gerald yelled in shock.
The Librarian looked sad, "It was a necessary sacrifice. You were more likely to believe me if it looked like I had suffered by my Master's hands."
Angel touched the Librarian on the shoulder, "I am truly sorry I had to do that."
"Forgiven Master. You are my leader, and I will follow you anywhere." The Librarian replied.
"I'm afraid I require a greater sacrifice from you now," Angel said. Quick as a flash, he drove a knife into the Librarian's heart. A look of shock came over The Librarian before he died. Angel kicked the body off the cliff, and it fell away. He then put a drop of the Librarian's blood on each of the gems.
"YOU KILLED HIM!" Piper shouted.
"I needed the blood of his dying to work the spell," Angel explained sadly.
Gabriel had slumped, and tears were coming down his face, "Angel, for the love of everything good, don't do this, PLEASE!"
Angel smiled, and said, "Don't worry, it'll all be over soon." Angel adjusted the four crystals slightly, until each was aligned the way he wanted it, in a straight line from him to Gabriel. He then began to chant, and each word caused more runes to start to glow.
"FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, STOP HIM!" Phoebe shouted. "Don't let him destroy our race to save me. Please, stop." Suddenly, she couldn't speak. She looked over and saw Angel waggling a finger at her.
Angel finished chanting just as the Eclipse reached his climax. He then gestured, and cast the spell. All four crystals started to glow, intensifying exponentially. Angel smiled, "It'll all be over soon, Gabriel. I've won."
Gabriel looked up, and Angel saw his face was a mixture of fear, determination, and sadness, "Not yet. I still have one door left." Gabriel began to scream, and his whole body shook. Tears flowed freely down his cheeks as the screaming intensified.
A look of horror came over Angel's face, "You FOOL! It's too late to stop it, that much power will."
Power erupted around Angel and Gabriel, enveloping them in a sphere of pure power. The group could see two faint silhouettes inside it.
As soon as the energy ball appeared, speech returned to Phoebe, and she said, "GABRIEL!"
Suddenly, she felt hands unlocking her chains. She looked up, and saw Mortanos's face. "Sorry it took so long, "He apologized, "but Angel left a few surprises for us."
"You have to save him," Cole shouted.
"There's nothing we can do until the spell plays out," Mortanos shouted back.
As quickly as the power came, it vanished. The sisters saw a much paler and lighter Gabriel still hanging limply from his chains. Of Angel, all the sisters saw was a blackened, burned corpse that looked vaguely Azarian. Cole and the others ran forward and quickly unchained Gabriel. Gabriel fell into Phoebe's arms, and looked at Cole.
Cole nodded. He turned to Angel's body, and scanned it. He then said, "It's Azarian." There was an explosion, as Angel's body disintegrated.
"Cole, did you." Piper asked.
Cole nodded, "Couldn't take the chance he could resurrect himself again."
"What happened?" Michael wondered.
"When Angel realized his spell wouldn't work, he knew that much power would destroy us, "Gabriel said weakly as he kept crying, "He had to choose, him or me. In his mind, I was the only hope for the future of the Azarian race, so he took all the power onto himself."
"Are you in pain?" Phoebe whispered. When Gabriel nodded, she turned to Mortanos and demanded, "Can't you do something? He's a fellow Guardian."
Mortanos and the others had been staring at Gabriel with a look of profound sadness and horror. They then shared a look with each other, and then nodded. Fiona turned and walked over to a bewildered Gerald. She grabbed his face, touched his forehead with hers, and said, "Fire to Life, I greet you brother."
As everyone stared in absolute shock, the Guardians walked forward and said the benediction used to make Gabriel a Guardian to GERALD! The entire group was too shocked to move or react. Finally, only Mortanos was left. He slowly walked over to Gabriel, leaned in, and whispered, "I'm sorry." He then strode over to Gerald and said solemnly, "Death to Life, Yin to Yang, I greet you brother. Welcome, Guardian of Life."
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!" Phoebe shouted as Gerald reeled from the power coursing through him. "Gabriel is the Guardian of Life."
Mortanos looked over at her and said to the whole group, "The only way Gabriel was able to stop Angel was to sever his link to all of life. To do that, he had to turn his gift, his powers, upon themselves. He repudiated his position, and such a thing cannot be undone."
"What are you saying," Cole demanded.
Mortanos sighed, and said solemnly, "Gabriel is no longer the Guardian of Life."
THE END
