CHARMED
" PIPER, THE VAMPIRE SLAYER?"
(A CHARMED/BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER CROSSOVER)
by J. B. Tilton
email: aramath@isot.com
Rating: PG-13
PART 4: Reunion Or Oblivion?
When the group finally confronts Collier, they learn he's been
looking for Piper since their first encounter. Immune to the sisters'
and Pipers' powers, and ready for the confrontation, Collier appears
unstoppable. Can our heroes defeat him and set things right again?
* * *
ONE
Their research on the amulet was not going well. They had
learned a great deal about it, but nothing that hinted at how it
operated. Or how to control it.
It apparently had been made millennia ago by a powerful demon
named Lishtak. Traveling to the various dimensions, Lishtak had
collected sufficient metal from each of these dimensions to use for
the amulet. The metals were all melted down and mixed together to
create a special alloy.
Then, using ancient magic, the alloy was poured to create the
star-shaped amulet. A single stone, gathered in the nether reaches
between dimensions, was set in the center of the amulet. When it was
completed, the amulets' magic radiated into each of the dimensions
from which the metals had been collected. Unlike normal magic, which
was normally confined to its own dimension.
No one knew what purpose the amulet was to have served. Lishtak
refused to say. Nor would anyone ever know. In his first attempt to
harness the power of the amulet, Lishtak was consumed and the amulet
lost. Both demon and the amulet vanished, presumably destroyed by the
great magic of each.
Then, Collier simply appeared with it one day. Originally a
witch, his only power had been the ability to change the color of
inanimate objects. He was considered less than even a minor player in
the battle of good versus evil.
Seduced by the magic of the amulet, Collier turned evil and
became a warlock. Able to use the powerful magic of the amulet, he
became a powerful source of evil. And the bane to all witches in two-
dozen dimensions.
"Apparently this Collier found the amulet," said Giles. "He was
able to learn how to control its' magic."
"That might have taken him years to do," said Prue. "I don't
think we have that kind of time."
"Then we'll have to figure it out sooner," said Buffy, coming
into the room. "I've got the spell ready. We can use it as soon as
Angel gets back."
As if this were a cue, the front door flew open. Sunlight
streamed in from the newly risen sun. Angel rushed in and slammed the
door behind him, then rushed into the entryway, out of the sunlight.
He was smoking.
"Wasn't sure I was going to make it that time," he said.
"Pew," said Phoebe. "Put a fork in him. He's done."
"Hazard of being a vampire," said Angel, smiling.
"I assume you finished whatever it was you went to do," said
Giles.
"Oh, yeah," said Angel.
"Just what did you go do, anyway?" asked Piper.
Angel looked at Leo.
"Why don't you do that orbing thing you do?" asked Angel.
Leo just looked at Angel for a moment and then shrugged. He
stood in place for another moment but nothing happened.
"I can't orb," Leo announced finally.
"Only out," said Angel. "It's only temporary. I have some . .
. friends who've put an enchantment around the house. It prevents
anyone from magically leaving the building. They can get in okay, but
to get out they have to do it the old fashioned way. Through a door."
"Or a window," said Prue, a bit angry. "You enchanted the
manor?"
"Only temporarily," said Angel. "It will wear off in a day or
so. I figured we'd need some protection against this Collier's
blinking or whatever you call it. And he might detect it if you had
done it. Besides, if he's immune to your powers, it might not affect
him if you had done it."
"That was good thinking," said Phoebe. "Only, next time, run it
by us first. It is our house."
"Oh, yeah, sorry about that," said Angel. "It won't prevent him
from dimensional traveling, however. So we'll need to get the amulet
away from him as soon as possible."
"Well, we have a summoning spell," said Prue. "All we need now
is to know where Collier is. Which means we need Salos. So where is
he?"
"He'll be here," said Angel, "just as soon as he locates
Collier. You helped free his mate. And Trinsor demons are very
responsible about paying their debts."
"He'd better be," said Buffy. "We're running out of time. If
he doesn't come through for us, I'm going to write a special spell
just for him. And believe me, he won't like it."
"He'll be here," promised Angel.
"We'd better keep looking," said Piper. "I'll need to know how
to use that amulet if I'm ever to get home."
Phoebe went into the kitchen to put on some coffee as the rest
went back to Giles' books.
TWO
Pipers' second "episode" struck her at midmorning. This one was
more intense than the first and lasted longer. Angel and Prue helped
Piper to her feet as her head cleared.
"That was worse than the first one," said Piper. "A couple of
more like that and I don't think I'm going to survive."
"That's not going to happen," said Prue. "We're going to get
you home before that happens."
"Slayer hurt?" questioned Salos, peering in from the entryway.
"Salos help Slayer. Salos find evil male witch."
"Salos," said Piper. "You found him? You know where Collier
is?"
"Salos knows," said Salos. "Salos follow. Evil man witch in
other same place. Then go to different other same place. Many times.
Now, evil man witch this place."
"Other same place?" questioned Buffy.
"A different dimension, I would gather," said Giles.
"Physically, they would probably all look the same. I suppose it's
the best explanation the little fellow can give because of his limited
grasp on our language."
"Different same place?" questioned Angel. "That probably means
he's been moving from dimension to dimension."
"That would explain why the Elders can't fine him," said Leo.
"Moving from dimension to dimension would make it more difficult to
locate him."
"So, if he's in 'this place' now," said Phoebe, "that must mean
he's in this dimension. That's good. It will make Buffys' spell that
much stronger."
"We should use it as soon as possible," said Giles. "The longer
we wait, the greater the chance he'll move into another dimension.
That will make it harder to bring him here."
"He's right," said Piper. "But we need to check something
first. Just to be sure we're ready. Leo, try to orb 'up there' and
then back here."
Leo closed his eyes and concentrated. Nothing happened for
several moments.
"I can't orb out," he announced. "The enchantment must still be
in place."
"I was thinking," said Buffy. "What about a power stripping
potion? That would strip Collier of his powers and maybe make him
easier to deal with."
"I don't think that will work in this case," said Piper.
"Collier seems to be getting his power directly from that amulet.
Even if we strip what little power he actually has, he still has
access to the amulet. Our best chance is to get that amulet away from
him so he won't be immune to our powers. Then we can get the answers
from him we need."
"Like I said," said Angel, "leave that part to me."
"How do you propose to get close enough to him to get it?" asked
Giles.
"Let's just say he's probably not expecting it," said Angel.
"He's used to dealing with witches and demons. I doubt he even knows
about me."
"What if he does?" asked Buffy.
"The we improvise," said Piper. "My sisters and I are pretty
good at that. Our opponents can't guess what we're up to since half
the time we don't usually know ourselves until we do it."
"That's kind of the way we work, too," said Phoebe. "Okay. The
enchantment is in place. We have Buffys' spell that, hopefully, will
bring Collier to us. Guess we're about as ready as we're ever going
to be."
"What if the spell doesn't bring him here?" asked Prue.
"Then we get Salos to show us where he is and go to him," said
Piper. "I'm getting tired of all this. I want it over."
"And the longer we wait," said Giles, "the more likely we are to
miss our opportunity."
"He's right," said Phoebe. "Let's do it."
The three sisters removed pieces of paper from their pockets.
They each looked over the spell quickly to make sure they were ready.
Then they recited the spell in unison.
"Theodore Collier, we summon you here,
"We compel you to come, whether far or near.
"Across the dimensions, we send this plea,
"We summon this warlock, by the Power of Three.
Piper found it strange to have a Power of Three spell being cast
without her. But these three were the Charmed Ones here. It was
their responsibility to cast the spells and protect the innocent.
They all waited impatiently to see what, if anything, would happen.
THREE
Everyone waited to see if the spell would work. With any luck,
Collier would appear and Angel could grab the amulet before he
realized what was going on. They just had to wait until he blinked
in. Which apparently wasn't going to happen. After a few moments,
Collier still hadn't appeared.
"Looks like it didn't work," said Leo.
"Oh, I wouldn't say that exactly," said a voice behind them.
They all turned to see Collier leaning against the fireplace.
The amulet hung outside his shirt around his neck. He was smiling at
them.
"You really didn't expect that spell t bring me here, did you?"
he asked. "Since you summoned me, you obviously know who I am. You
must also have known the spell wouldn't affect me."
"It seems to have worked okay," said Phoebe. "You're here,
aren't you?"
"I'm here by choice," said Collier. "The spell got my
attention. I was curious why you were summoning me. Witches usually
don't summon me. I assume you want something."
"Yeah," said Piper. "Send me back where I belong."
"Oh, so you're here," said Collier. "Your little defense in
your club kind of took me by surprise. I didn't think something like
that was possible.
"I had no idea where you had gone. You certainly didn't go
where I had intended. I've spent a great deal of time looking for
you. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to distinguish between
you and the real Piper of a particular dimension? It can get
frustrating, let me tell you."
"I couldn't care less," said Piper. "Just send me back."
"Or what?" asked Collier laughing. "You'll use your powers on
me? Well, even with four witches, I'm still immune to your powers.
The Trinsor demon is no threat to me. Let's see. We also have a
White Lighter. But then, they're pacifists in any dimension. So it's
unlikely he'll try anything. It's not in his nature.
"And finally there are two humans. No powers whatsoever. So
they're hardly a threat to me. I suppose you could try to overpower
me. But I'd just blink away before you can even get to me. Let's
face it, honey. You're not in much of a position to demand anything."
"Don't call me honey," said Piper. "Think of the Piper who
belongs here. She's not even a witch. By leaving me here, you're
condemning her to death, too."
"Collateral damage," said Collier. "It happens sometimes. All
I have to do is wait and my job is finished. Now, if that's all you
wanted, I really need to be going."
He stood smiling at them for a moment. Then the smile faded
replaced by a frown.
"What's the matter?" asked Prue. "Having trouble blinking
away?"
"Ingenious," said Collier. "You get someone other than a witch
to enchant the house to prevent me from blinking away. That way I'm
stuck here. Very creative. Except that I doubt the enchantment can
prevent me from moving interdimensionally."
He reached up and grasped the amulet around his neck. Suddenly,
Angel moved. With blinding speed, faster than anyone could see, he
was just as quickly next to Collier. He held the warlock in the iron
grasp of a vampires' strength.
"See," Angel said to the others, "I told you he wouldn't be
suspecting me." He looked at Collier. "That little trinket might
protect you against them, but I doubt it will protect you against a
vampire.
"Now, we have a few questions for you. You're going to tell us
what we want to know. If you don't, I might just rethink my policy
about drinking human blood. I imagine you could last for a month or
more."
"You don't frighten me," said Collier. "Vampire or not, I know
about you. The vampire with a soul who wants to be human again. You
aren't going to do anything to me and risk all that. You're
bluffing."
'Maybe you're right," said Angel, grabbing the amulet. "But
without this, you aren't immune to their powers. And they don't have
my restrictions."
Angel yanked the amulet off of Collier's neck.
"No," screamed Collier in fear.
Everyone watched as Colliers' body began to glow and fade at the
same time. Within seconds he simply vanished, leaving Angel holding
the amulet.
FOUR
"What happened?" asked Buffy.
"He must have used the amulet to move between dimensions," said
Giles. "The magic in the amulet probably acted like a booster of
sorts. Providing a stable power source, so to speak, to the silver
cord that anchored him to his own dimension."
"So when Angel removed the amulet," said Piper, "he cut the
power to the silver cord."
"Precisely," said Giles. "Much like hooking up a spare battery
to a car, I would imagine. As long as he wore the amulet, he was able
to draw on its' power."
"So what happened to him?" asked Prue. "When Angel removed the
amulet, did he return to his own dimension?"
'I don't think so," said Giles. "Remember Salos said Collier
had been moving from one dimension to another. That would increase
the strain on his silver cord, causing it to weaken faster than
normal. It was only the power of the amulet that kept it from
snapping."
"Which means without the amulet," said Piper, "he didn't have
that extra power. All of the strain would have suddenly been dumped
onto the cord."
"That seems a reasonable assumption," said Giles. "I suppose
it's not unlike two people carrying a very heavy object. If one
person should just suddenly let go, the other would unexpectedly be
forced to shoulder the burden alone."
"And they wouldn't be able to stand up with that," said Angel.
"With all that weight suddenly thrust upon them, they couldn't
possibly handle it."
Yes"," said Giles. "With that much strain on it, a silver cord
would suddenly snap. Casting the person out of the dimension they
were in."
"Wait a minute," said Buffy. "Didn't you say if that happened
he'd be trapped between dimension? Unable to enter any of them?"
"Yes, I did," said Giles. "Which means that Mr. Collier is
probably floating between dimensions at this very moment. Where he'll
remain forever. I think you've seen the last of this warlock."
"You moved pretty fast," Piper said to Angel. "I've never seen
anyone move that fast before."
"The benefits of being a vampire," said Angel. "We can only do
it in spurts and it's very tiring. But it gave us the edge we
needed."
"Well, one problem is solved," said Phoebe. "Collier's no
longer a threat and we have the amulet. But we still have the problem
of how to use it."
"We also didn't find out who hired him," said Prue. "When they
find out he's failed, they may send someone else after Piper."
"It's probably someone from my own dimension," said Piper.
"Once I get back, I can see if I can find out who it is. Our main
problem now is learning how to use the amulet."
"That might be a bit dicey," said Giles. "We've gone through
nearly everything we have on the amulet. Almost nothing is known
about the amulet itself. Aside from what we've already learned."
""We'll just have to keep looking," said Piper. "The more time
we waste, the less time we have. And the Piper who belongs here has.
She may not even have any idea what's going on."
"Not necessarily," said Angel, holding up the amulet.
"Of course," said Giles. "If it protected Collier from the
strain of interdimensional travel, it should also protect Piper. And
with her cord intertwined with our Pipers', that protection will
probably cover her as well."
"That's only an assumption," said Leo. "There's no way to know
for sure."
"But I don't even know how to use it," said Piper. "How can I
use it to protect myself without knowing how it works?"
"It's possible that simply possessing the amulet will transfer
that protection," said Giles. "Similar to a charm or talisman. It
did stop protecting Collier by simply removing it."
"It's worth a try," said Piper. "I guess it can't hurt."
She reached out and took the amulet from Angel. As he released
his hold on the star-shaped item, Piper blacked out.
FIVE
Piper looked around. Everywhere she looked she saw only a field
of gray. As if she were standing in a thick blanket of fog. But she
wasn't the least bit uncomfortable.
"Where am I?" shed asked.
"You are in my domain," responded a disembodied voice.
"Who are you?" asked Piper. "What domain are you talking about?
How did I get here?"
"I am Lishtak," said the voice. "And my domain is that area
that exists between dimensions. Welcome, Charmed One."
"Lishtak is dead," said Piper. "How do you know who I am?"
'I know all that happens in my domain," said Lishtak. "That is
how I know you."
"You can read my mind?" asked Piper.
"No," said Lishtak, "that is not one of my abilities. But I can
sense that you are a powerful witch. A witch of such great power
could only be one of the Charmed Ones. As for my death, my form was
consumed by the power I unleashed. I underestimated it. But my
essence continues on here, in this place."
"How did I get here?" asked Piper.
"You touched the amulet," said Lishtak. "The other who held it
is of no use to me. His body is no longer alive. It cannot benefit
me. When you took the amulet, I opened a door of sorts. To allow you
to pass through. So that we could speak.
"You have not physically moved. This meeting is more in your
mind than in reality. But it affords us the chance to talk."
"Talk about what?" asked Piper. "What do you want from me?"
"Your body," said Lishtak. "Or more correctly, partial use of
it. My essence cannot leave this place. I must have a physical form
for that. All I ask it that you allow me to share your form and take
me from this place."
"Why?" asked Piper.
"To help locate a suitable form for my essence," said Lishtak.
"A form I can assume and use to return to the mortal realm. To become
what I once was."
"Oh, yeah, now that's going to happen," said Piper
sarcastically. "Now, why would I do that? If you know who I am, you
also know I vanquish your kind. Why should I help you?"
"Survival," said Lishtak. "Even now your physical form is
dying. I can prevent that. And I can untangle your connection with
the other one like you. Freeing both of you."
"And let her die?" asked Piper. "You know I can't do that.
She's an innocent. I can't let her die to save myself."
"Of course not," said Lishtak. "I would also return both of you
to where you belong. That will prevent both deaths."
"So," said Piper, "I just let you hitch a ride until you find
the right body, and then you leave me for that body. Is that the
deal?"
"Yes," said Lishtak. "And I can anticipate your next objection.
The body I choose will be one where the spirit has already left it,
but the body still functions. What you would call brain dead. So no
other innocents are put at risk."
"And if I refuse?" asked Piper.
"I simply withhold my power to sustain you," said Lishtak.
"You, and the other like you, will die. I will simply withhold my
power until your form ceases to function. At any rate, another will
eventually find the amulet. And I would then use their form to return
to the mortal realm."
"You sort of got me over a barrel, don't you?" asked Piper.
"In a manner of speaking," said Lishtak. "I will give you time
to consider my proposal. But not too much time. When you're ready,
you can return here and complete our bargain. Until then, wear the
amulet so that my power can sustain you. In so doing, it will also
sustain the other."
Pipers' vision blacked out again.
SIX
"You can't trust him," said Prue. "He's a demon. He'll say
anything to get you to help him. More than likely, he'll just try to
take you over if you agree to this."
"You're probably right," said Piper. "But I don't seem to have
another choice. There's no telling how long it will take to find
another way to get me back. Even assuming that's even possible."
"Plus there's our Piper to consider," said Phoebe. "To us,
she's an innocent. We can't just let her die if there's something we
can do to save her."
"As much as I'd hate to lose her," said Giles, "she's prepared
to give her life to stop a demon. She is the Slayer, after all."
"Except that it won't be stopped," said Angel. "She'd be dying
for nothing. Like Lishtak told Piper, he'll just use the next person
who finds the amulet."
"Angel's right," said Buffy. "What about Salos? He can travel
between dimensions and apparently can take others with him. Can't he
just take Piper back where she belongs?"
'Not until the cords are untangled," said Giles. "And we have
no way to do that."
"I don't see any other way," said Piper. "I'll have to agree to
what he wants. Once I get home, maybe my sisters and I can figure out
a way to stop him."
"I'll see that you have all the information we can find on
Lishtak," said Giles.
"I'll check the Book of Shadows," said Phoebe. "It might have
something on him in there."
"That's unlikely," said Leo. "Lishtak was believed to have been
vanquished thousands of years ago. There wouldn't be any reason for
you to know about him. I'll check with the Elders to see if they can
help."
"Well," said Piper, "before I let him hitch a ride inside me,
I'll make sure your Piper is back here safe and sound first. That
will be one last thing we will have to worry about."
"Alright then," said Giles. "I suggest we all get ready. This
is going to be tricky at best. We need to be prepared in case Lishtak
tries something before Piper returns home."
Leo turned and headed for the kitchen.
"Where are you going?" asked Phoebe.
"To see the Elders," said Leo.
"Don't you have to orb to do that?' asked Phoebe.
"Yes, I do," said Leo. "And until the enchantment on the manor
runs out, I have to be outside to do that, remember? I just figured
it was better if I orbed in the backyard where I'm not likely to be
seen."
"Oh, right," said Phoebe. "I forgot."
"I'm going to miss you," Piper said to Prue as the others made
their preparations. "It's almost like loosing you all over again. It
happened so quickly I never had a chance to say goodbye. I just
wanted to say goodbye now unless there wasn't an opportunity later."
Prue hugged Piper.
"I can understand that," said Prue. "I can imagine how I'd feel
if I lost one of my sisters. I guess, in a way, we are sisters. And
I'm going to miss you, too. I've kind of gotten used to having you
around."
"Well," said Piper, "maybe you and the Piper who belongs here
can stay in touch. I don't know how much alike we are but I'm sure
she'd appreciate the friendship of someone else magical. Being the
Slayer must be trying on her at times. And Giles and her friends just
can't understand some things. They're innocents. It's not like
having someone like us around."
"I'm sure you're right," said Prue. "I'll have to make sure to
get her address and phone number before she leaves."
"Well, once this is all settled," said Piper, "I'm going to see
if there's a Slayer where I'm from. It might take some convincing but
I'm sure I can persuade her what's happened. Maybe she could use a
magical shoulder from time to time."
"You sound like Phoebe," said Prue. "I guess we'd better check
in with the others. Lishtak isn't going to wait for your answer
forever."
The two went to the attic to see what Phoebe had learned from
the Book of Shadows. For a while, at least, Piper almost felt as if
Prue had never left her.
To be continued . . .
Be sure not to miss the exciting conclusion in Part 5: Demon or
Witch? When Piper gets back to her own dimension, she learns that
Lishtak has no intentions of leaving her body. As Piper fights to
control her own body, she embarks on a desperate plan to stop Lishtak
for good.
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.
" PIPER, THE VAMPIRE SLAYER?"
(A CHARMED/BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER CROSSOVER)
by J. B. Tilton
email: aramath@isot.com
Rating: PG-13
PART 4: Reunion Or Oblivion?
When the group finally confronts Collier, they learn he's been
looking for Piper since their first encounter. Immune to the sisters'
and Pipers' powers, and ready for the confrontation, Collier appears
unstoppable. Can our heroes defeat him and set things right again?
* * *
ONE
Their research on the amulet was not going well. They had
learned a great deal about it, but nothing that hinted at how it
operated. Or how to control it.
It apparently had been made millennia ago by a powerful demon
named Lishtak. Traveling to the various dimensions, Lishtak had
collected sufficient metal from each of these dimensions to use for
the amulet. The metals were all melted down and mixed together to
create a special alloy.
Then, using ancient magic, the alloy was poured to create the
star-shaped amulet. A single stone, gathered in the nether reaches
between dimensions, was set in the center of the amulet. When it was
completed, the amulets' magic radiated into each of the dimensions
from which the metals had been collected. Unlike normal magic, which
was normally confined to its own dimension.
No one knew what purpose the amulet was to have served. Lishtak
refused to say. Nor would anyone ever know. In his first attempt to
harness the power of the amulet, Lishtak was consumed and the amulet
lost. Both demon and the amulet vanished, presumably destroyed by the
great magic of each.
Then, Collier simply appeared with it one day. Originally a
witch, his only power had been the ability to change the color of
inanimate objects. He was considered less than even a minor player in
the battle of good versus evil.
Seduced by the magic of the amulet, Collier turned evil and
became a warlock. Able to use the powerful magic of the amulet, he
became a powerful source of evil. And the bane to all witches in two-
dozen dimensions.
"Apparently this Collier found the amulet," said Giles. "He was
able to learn how to control its' magic."
"That might have taken him years to do," said Prue. "I don't
think we have that kind of time."
"Then we'll have to figure it out sooner," said Buffy, coming
into the room. "I've got the spell ready. We can use it as soon as
Angel gets back."
As if this were a cue, the front door flew open. Sunlight
streamed in from the newly risen sun. Angel rushed in and slammed the
door behind him, then rushed into the entryway, out of the sunlight.
He was smoking.
"Wasn't sure I was going to make it that time," he said.
"Pew," said Phoebe. "Put a fork in him. He's done."
"Hazard of being a vampire," said Angel, smiling.
"I assume you finished whatever it was you went to do," said
Giles.
"Oh, yeah," said Angel.
"Just what did you go do, anyway?" asked Piper.
Angel looked at Leo.
"Why don't you do that orbing thing you do?" asked Angel.
Leo just looked at Angel for a moment and then shrugged. He
stood in place for another moment but nothing happened.
"I can't orb," Leo announced finally.
"Only out," said Angel. "It's only temporary. I have some . .
. friends who've put an enchantment around the house. It prevents
anyone from magically leaving the building. They can get in okay, but
to get out they have to do it the old fashioned way. Through a door."
"Or a window," said Prue, a bit angry. "You enchanted the
manor?"
"Only temporarily," said Angel. "It will wear off in a day or
so. I figured we'd need some protection against this Collier's
blinking or whatever you call it. And he might detect it if you had
done it. Besides, if he's immune to your powers, it might not affect
him if you had done it."
"That was good thinking," said Phoebe. "Only, next time, run it
by us first. It is our house."
"Oh, yeah, sorry about that," said Angel. "It won't prevent him
from dimensional traveling, however. So we'll need to get the amulet
away from him as soon as possible."
"Well, we have a summoning spell," said Prue. "All we need now
is to know where Collier is. Which means we need Salos. So where is
he?"
"He'll be here," said Angel, "just as soon as he locates
Collier. You helped free his mate. And Trinsor demons are very
responsible about paying their debts."
"He'd better be," said Buffy. "We're running out of time. If
he doesn't come through for us, I'm going to write a special spell
just for him. And believe me, he won't like it."
"He'll be here," promised Angel.
"We'd better keep looking," said Piper. "I'll need to know how
to use that amulet if I'm ever to get home."
Phoebe went into the kitchen to put on some coffee as the rest
went back to Giles' books.
TWO
Pipers' second "episode" struck her at midmorning. This one was
more intense than the first and lasted longer. Angel and Prue helped
Piper to her feet as her head cleared.
"That was worse than the first one," said Piper. "A couple of
more like that and I don't think I'm going to survive."
"That's not going to happen," said Prue. "We're going to get
you home before that happens."
"Slayer hurt?" questioned Salos, peering in from the entryway.
"Salos help Slayer. Salos find evil male witch."
"Salos," said Piper. "You found him? You know where Collier
is?"
"Salos knows," said Salos. "Salos follow. Evil man witch in
other same place. Then go to different other same place. Many times.
Now, evil man witch this place."
"Other same place?" questioned Buffy.
"A different dimension, I would gather," said Giles.
"Physically, they would probably all look the same. I suppose it's
the best explanation the little fellow can give because of his limited
grasp on our language."
"Different same place?" questioned Angel. "That probably means
he's been moving from dimension to dimension."
"That would explain why the Elders can't fine him," said Leo.
"Moving from dimension to dimension would make it more difficult to
locate him."
"So, if he's in 'this place' now," said Phoebe, "that must mean
he's in this dimension. That's good. It will make Buffys' spell that
much stronger."
"We should use it as soon as possible," said Giles. "The longer
we wait, the greater the chance he'll move into another dimension.
That will make it harder to bring him here."
"He's right," said Piper. "But we need to check something
first. Just to be sure we're ready. Leo, try to orb 'up there' and
then back here."
Leo closed his eyes and concentrated. Nothing happened for
several moments.
"I can't orb out," he announced. "The enchantment must still be
in place."
"I was thinking," said Buffy. "What about a power stripping
potion? That would strip Collier of his powers and maybe make him
easier to deal with."
"I don't think that will work in this case," said Piper.
"Collier seems to be getting his power directly from that amulet.
Even if we strip what little power he actually has, he still has
access to the amulet. Our best chance is to get that amulet away from
him so he won't be immune to our powers. Then we can get the answers
from him we need."
"Like I said," said Angel, "leave that part to me."
"How do you propose to get close enough to him to get it?" asked
Giles.
"Let's just say he's probably not expecting it," said Angel.
"He's used to dealing with witches and demons. I doubt he even knows
about me."
"What if he does?" asked Buffy.
"The we improvise," said Piper. "My sisters and I are pretty
good at that. Our opponents can't guess what we're up to since half
the time we don't usually know ourselves until we do it."
"That's kind of the way we work, too," said Phoebe. "Okay. The
enchantment is in place. We have Buffys' spell that, hopefully, will
bring Collier to us. Guess we're about as ready as we're ever going
to be."
"What if the spell doesn't bring him here?" asked Prue.
"Then we get Salos to show us where he is and go to him," said
Piper. "I'm getting tired of all this. I want it over."
"And the longer we wait," said Giles, "the more likely we are to
miss our opportunity."
"He's right," said Phoebe. "Let's do it."
The three sisters removed pieces of paper from their pockets.
They each looked over the spell quickly to make sure they were ready.
Then they recited the spell in unison.
"Theodore Collier, we summon you here,
"We compel you to come, whether far or near.
"Across the dimensions, we send this plea,
"We summon this warlock, by the Power of Three.
Piper found it strange to have a Power of Three spell being cast
without her. But these three were the Charmed Ones here. It was
their responsibility to cast the spells and protect the innocent.
They all waited impatiently to see what, if anything, would happen.
THREE
Everyone waited to see if the spell would work. With any luck,
Collier would appear and Angel could grab the amulet before he
realized what was going on. They just had to wait until he blinked
in. Which apparently wasn't going to happen. After a few moments,
Collier still hadn't appeared.
"Looks like it didn't work," said Leo.
"Oh, I wouldn't say that exactly," said a voice behind them.
They all turned to see Collier leaning against the fireplace.
The amulet hung outside his shirt around his neck. He was smiling at
them.
"You really didn't expect that spell t bring me here, did you?"
he asked. "Since you summoned me, you obviously know who I am. You
must also have known the spell wouldn't affect me."
"It seems to have worked okay," said Phoebe. "You're here,
aren't you?"
"I'm here by choice," said Collier. "The spell got my
attention. I was curious why you were summoning me. Witches usually
don't summon me. I assume you want something."
"Yeah," said Piper. "Send me back where I belong."
"Oh, so you're here," said Collier. "Your little defense in
your club kind of took me by surprise. I didn't think something like
that was possible.
"I had no idea where you had gone. You certainly didn't go
where I had intended. I've spent a great deal of time looking for
you. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to distinguish between
you and the real Piper of a particular dimension? It can get
frustrating, let me tell you."
"I couldn't care less," said Piper. "Just send me back."
"Or what?" asked Collier laughing. "You'll use your powers on
me? Well, even with four witches, I'm still immune to your powers.
The Trinsor demon is no threat to me. Let's see. We also have a
White Lighter. But then, they're pacifists in any dimension. So it's
unlikely he'll try anything. It's not in his nature.
"And finally there are two humans. No powers whatsoever. So
they're hardly a threat to me. I suppose you could try to overpower
me. But I'd just blink away before you can even get to me. Let's
face it, honey. You're not in much of a position to demand anything."
"Don't call me honey," said Piper. "Think of the Piper who
belongs here. She's not even a witch. By leaving me here, you're
condemning her to death, too."
"Collateral damage," said Collier. "It happens sometimes. All
I have to do is wait and my job is finished. Now, if that's all you
wanted, I really need to be going."
He stood smiling at them for a moment. Then the smile faded
replaced by a frown.
"What's the matter?" asked Prue. "Having trouble blinking
away?"
"Ingenious," said Collier. "You get someone other than a witch
to enchant the house to prevent me from blinking away. That way I'm
stuck here. Very creative. Except that I doubt the enchantment can
prevent me from moving interdimensionally."
He reached up and grasped the amulet around his neck. Suddenly,
Angel moved. With blinding speed, faster than anyone could see, he
was just as quickly next to Collier. He held the warlock in the iron
grasp of a vampires' strength.
"See," Angel said to the others, "I told you he wouldn't be
suspecting me." He looked at Collier. "That little trinket might
protect you against them, but I doubt it will protect you against a
vampire.
"Now, we have a few questions for you. You're going to tell us
what we want to know. If you don't, I might just rethink my policy
about drinking human blood. I imagine you could last for a month or
more."
"You don't frighten me," said Collier. "Vampire or not, I know
about you. The vampire with a soul who wants to be human again. You
aren't going to do anything to me and risk all that. You're
bluffing."
'Maybe you're right," said Angel, grabbing the amulet. "But
without this, you aren't immune to their powers. And they don't have
my restrictions."
Angel yanked the amulet off of Collier's neck.
"No," screamed Collier in fear.
Everyone watched as Colliers' body began to glow and fade at the
same time. Within seconds he simply vanished, leaving Angel holding
the amulet.
FOUR
"What happened?" asked Buffy.
"He must have used the amulet to move between dimensions," said
Giles. "The magic in the amulet probably acted like a booster of
sorts. Providing a stable power source, so to speak, to the silver
cord that anchored him to his own dimension."
"So when Angel removed the amulet," said Piper, "he cut the
power to the silver cord."
"Precisely," said Giles. "Much like hooking up a spare battery
to a car, I would imagine. As long as he wore the amulet, he was able
to draw on its' power."
"So what happened to him?" asked Prue. "When Angel removed the
amulet, did he return to his own dimension?"
'I don't think so," said Giles. "Remember Salos said Collier
had been moving from one dimension to another. That would increase
the strain on his silver cord, causing it to weaken faster than
normal. It was only the power of the amulet that kept it from
snapping."
"Which means without the amulet," said Piper, "he didn't have
that extra power. All of the strain would have suddenly been dumped
onto the cord."
"That seems a reasonable assumption," said Giles. "I suppose
it's not unlike two people carrying a very heavy object. If one
person should just suddenly let go, the other would unexpectedly be
forced to shoulder the burden alone."
"And they wouldn't be able to stand up with that," said Angel.
"With all that weight suddenly thrust upon them, they couldn't
possibly handle it."
Yes"," said Giles. "With that much strain on it, a silver cord
would suddenly snap. Casting the person out of the dimension they
were in."
"Wait a minute," said Buffy. "Didn't you say if that happened
he'd be trapped between dimension? Unable to enter any of them?"
"Yes, I did," said Giles. "Which means that Mr. Collier is
probably floating between dimensions at this very moment. Where he'll
remain forever. I think you've seen the last of this warlock."
"You moved pretty fast," Piper said to Angel. "I've never seen
anyone move that fast before."
"The benefits of being a vampire," said Angel. "We can only do
it in spurts and it's very tiring. But it gave us the edge we
needed."
"Well, one problem is solved," said Phoebe. "Collier's no
longer a threat and we have the amulet. But we still have the problem
of how to use it."
"We also didn't find out who hired him," said Prue. "When they
find out he's failed, they may send someone else after Piper."
"It's probably someone from my own dimension," said Piper.
"Once I get back, I can see if I can find out who it is. Our main
problem now is learning how to use the amulet."
"That might be a bit dicey," said Giles. "We've gone through
nearly everything we have on the amulet. Almost nothing is known
about the amulet itself. Aside from what we've already learned."
""We'll just have to keep looking," said Piper. "The more time
we waste, the less time we have. And the Piper who belongs here has.
She may not even have any idea what's going on."
"Not necessarily," said Angel, holding up the amulet.
"Of course," said Giles. "If it protected Collier from the
strain of interdimensional travel, it should also protect Piper. And
with her cord intertwined with our Pipers', that protection will
probably cover her as well."
"That's only an assumption," said Leo. "There's no way to know
for sure."
"But I don't even know how to use it," said Piper. "How can I
use it to protect myself without knowing how it works?"
"It's possible that simply possessing the amulet will transfer
that protection," said Giles. "Similar to a charm or talisman. It
did stop protecting Collier by simply removing it."
"It's worth a try," said Piper. "I guess it can't hurt."
She reached out and took the amulet from Angel. As he released
his hold on the star-shaped item, Piper blacked out.
FIVE
Piper looked around. Everywhere she looked she saw only a field
of gray. As if she were standing in a thick blanket of fog. But she
wasn't the least bit uncomfortable.
"Where am I?" shed asked.
"You are in my domain," responded a disembodied voice.
"Who are you?" asked Piper. "What domain are you talking about?
How did I get here?"
"I am Lishtak," said the voice. "And my domain is that area
that exists between dimensions. Welcome, Charmed One."
"Lishtak is dead," said Piper. "How do you know who I am?"
'I know all that happens in my domain," said Lishtak. "That is
how I know you."
"You can read my mind?" asked Piper.
"No," said Lishtak, "that is not one of my abilities. But I can
sense that you are a powerful witch. A witch of such great power
could only be one of the Charmed Ones. As for my death, my form was
consumed by the power I unleashed. I underestimated it. But my
essence continues on here, in this place."
"How did I get here?" asked Piper.
"You touched the amulet," said Lishtak. "The other who held it
is of no use to me. His body is no longer alive. It cannot benefit
me. When you took the amulet, I opened a door of sorts. To allow you
to pass through. So that we could speak.
"You have not physically moved. This meeting is more in your
mind than in reality. But it affords us the chance to talk."
"Talk about what?" asked Piper. "What do you want from me?"
"Your body," said Lishtak. "Or more correctly, partial use of
it. My essence cannot leave this place. I must have a physical form
for that. All I ask it that you allow me to share your form and take
me from this place."
"Why?" asked Piper.
"To help locate a suitable form for my essence," said Lishtak.
"A form I can assume and use to return to the mortal realm. To become
what I once was."
"Oh, yeah, now that's going to happen," said Piper
sarcastically. "Now, why would I do that? If you know who I am, you
also know I vanquish your kind. Why should I help you?"
"Survival," said Lishtak. "Even now your physical form is
dying. I can prevent that. And I can untangle your connection with
the other one like you. Freeing both of you."
"And let her die?" asked Piper. "You know I can't do that.
She's an innocent. I can't let her die to save myself."
"Of course not," said Lishtak. "I would also return both of you
to where you belong. That will prevent both deaths."
"So," said Piper, "I just let you hitch a ride until you find
the right body, and then you leave me for that body. Is that the
deal?"
"Yes," said Lishtak. "And I can anticipate your next objection.
The body I choose will be one where the spirit has already left it,
but the body still functions. What you would call brain dead. So no
other innocents are put at risk."
"And if I refuse?" asked Piper.
"I simply withhold my power to sustain you," said Lishtak.
"You, and the other like you, will die. I will simply withhold my
power until your form ceases to function. At any rate, another will
eventually find the amulet. And I would then use their form to return
to the mortal realm."
"You sort of got me over a barrel, don't you?" asked Piper.
"In a manner of speaking," said Lishtak. "I will give you time
to consider my proposal. But not too much time. When you're ready,
you can return here and complete our bargain. Until then, wear the
amulet so that my power can sustain you. In so doing, it will also
sustain the other."
Pipers' vision blacked out again.
SIX
"You can't trust him," said Prue. "He's a demon. He'll say
anything to get you to help him. More than likely, he'll just try to
take you over if you agree to this."
"You're probably right," said Piper. "But I don't seem to have
another choice. There's no telling how long it will take to find
another way to get me back. Even assuming that's even possible."
"Plus there's our Piper to consider," said Phoebe. "To us,
she's an innocent. We can't just let her die if there's something we
can do to save her."
"As much as I'd hate to lose her," said Giles, "she's prepared
to give her life to stop a demon. She is the Slayer, after all."
"Except that it won't be stopped," said Angel. "She'd be dying
for nothing. Like Lishtak told Piper, he'll just use the next person
who finds the amulet."
"Angel's right," said Buffy. "What about Salos? He can travel
between dimensions and apparently can take others with him. Can't he
just take Piper back where she belongs?"
'Not until the cords are untangled," said Giles. "And we have
no way to do that."
"I don't see any other way," said Piper. "I'll have to agree to
what he wants. Once I get home, maybe my sisters and I can figure out
a way to stop him."
"I'll see that you have all the information we can find on
Lishtak," said Giles.
"I'll check the Book of Shadows," said Phoebe. "It might have
something on him in there."
"That's unlikely," said Leo. "Lishtak was believed to have been
vanquished thousands of years ago. There wouldn't be any reason for
you to know about him. I'll check with the Elders to see if they can
help."
"Well," said Piper, "before I let him hitch a ride inside me,
I'll make sure your Piper is back here safe and sound first. That
will be one last thing we will have to worry about."
"Alright then," said Giles. "I suggest we all get ready. This
is going to be tricky at best. We need to be prepared in case Lishtak
tries something before Piper returns home."
Leo turned and headed for the kitchen.
"Where are you going?" asked Phoebe.
"To see the Elders," said Leo.
"Don't you have to orb to do that?' asked Phoebe.
"Yes, I do," said Leo. "And until the enchantment on the manor
runs out, I have to be outside to do that, remember? I just figured
it was better if I orbed in the backyard where I'm not likely to be
seen."
"Oh, right," said Phoebe. "I forgot."
"I'm going to miss you," Piper said to Prue as the others made
their preparations. "It's almost like loosing you all over again. It
happened so quickly I never had a chance to say goodbye. I just
wanted to say goodbye now unless there wasn't an opportunity later."
Prue hugged Piper.
"I can understand that," said Prue. "I can imagine how I'd feel
if I lost one of my sisters. I guess, in a way, we are sisters. And
I'm going to miss you, too. I've kind of gotten used to having you
around."
"Well," said Piper, "maybe you and the Piper who belongs here
can stay in touch. I don't know how much alike we are but I'm sure
she'd appreciate the friendship of someone else magical. Being the
Slayer must be trying on her at times. And Giles and her friends just
can't understand some things. They're innocents. It's not like
having someone like us around."
"I'm sure you're right," said Prue. "I'll have to make sure to
get her address and phone number before she leaves."
"Well, once this is all settled," said Piper, "I'm going to see
if there's a Slayer where I'm from. It might take some convincing but
I'm sure I can persuade her what's happened. Maybe she could use a
magical shoulder from time to time."
"You sound like Phoebe," said Prue. "I guess we'd better check
in with the others. Lishtak isn't going to wait for your answer
forever."
The two went to the attic to see what Phoebe had learned from
the Book of Shadows. For a while, at least, Piper almost felt as if
Prue had never left her.
To be continued . . .
Be sure not to miss the exciting conclusion in Part 5: Demon or
Witch? When Piper gets back to her own dimension, she learns that
Lishtak has no intentions of leaving her body. As Piper fights to
control her own body, she embarks on a desperate plan to stop Lishtak
for good.
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.