Healing 2
Sequel to "Confrontation". I do not own any part of Charmed; I just write about it.
"Angel..." Gabriel whispered.
Angel smiled, "That's a simplification for a complicated situation, but it'll do."
"How...wha...how are you here?" Gabriel demanded.
"Again, that's a rather complicated," Angel began, but stopped as Gabriel threw a punch at him. Angel calmly stepped back and asked, "What are you doing?"
"You bastard," Gabriel shouted, "You may have cost me my powers, but I'll never yield to you."
A pained look crossed Angel's face, "So, you did renounce your link to life? He was afraid you'd do that."
"Who was?" Gabriel questioned.
"Angel," Angel replied.
"What?" Gabriel asked in shock.
'Angel' sighed, "As I said, you're naming me Angel was a simplification. To be more exact, I'm a copy of Angel."
"A copy?" Gabriel shouted.
'Angel' nodded, "I have all of the original Angel's memories and experience, but none of his powers. I'm as powerless as you say you are."
"I don't believe you," Gabriel said shortly.
"You may be powerless, but your eyes still work," 'Angel' said in exasperation
Gabriel stared at 'Angel'. Despite his lack of powers, his eyes clearly showed this figure had no separate future, which meant he...it wasn't alive. "You aren't Angel," Gabriel stated in surprise.
'Angel' smiled, "Told you."
"How are you here? WHY are you here?" Gabriel began.
Angel raised his hand, cutting Gabriel off. "One at a time. First of all, I am here in part because of your actions."
"My actions?" Gabriel said.
Angel nodded, "The real Angel knew there was only one way you could stop his plan to remake the humans into Azarians. Not even Angel could predict your choice, so he planned for both possibilities. I'm his plan for the choice you made."
"What do you mean?" Gabriel demanded as he crouched.
Angel laughed, "Don't be silly, it's nothing sinister. While you were unconscious, Angel transferred a copy of his personality, memories, and knowledge into your mind. As the last Azarian, you are his only hope to restore the Azarian race. My purpose is to provide you with any knowledge, advice, or skills you require to achieve that goal."
"What if I don't want your advice? What if I want you gone," Gabriel demanded angrily.
Angel shrugged, "What you want is irrelevant. Even if that was your desire, it can't be done. I've integrated myself into every part of your mind. You'd never survive if I was removed against my will, and I'll only leave willingly when my purpose is complete and I'm sure the Azarian race will continue."
"I'll tell my family, we'll figure out how to get you out," Gabriel mentioned confidently.
"You could do that...Gabriel, you're only thinking of the negatives. Think of all you gain," Angel begged.
"What do you mean?" Gabriel wondered.
"You are the only one who knows I'm in your mind," Angel explained. "Even if God himself scanned your mind, he'd never find me. I know everything the real Angel knew. All his strategies, his artifacts, his skills, and they are all things you aren't supposed to know. With me, you can surprise your enemies. I'm the ultimate ace up your sleeve. Do you really want to waste me?"
"I want you gone," Gabriel stated firmly.
Angel stared at Gabriel, and then asked, "Even if I can help you with your present situation?"
"What do you mean?" Gabriel demanded.
"The constant pain you feel, the near hopeless depression you are experiencing," Angel surmised.
"My family will find a way to help me," Gabriel stated, but he was visibly wavering.
"But I have a solution now, one that will work," Angel remarked.
Hope warred with suspicion on Gabriel's face as he said, "Tell me."
Angel shook his head, "I'll only tell you if you promise to let me stay, and to never tell anyone else about me without my permission, not even your family. No one but you should ever know about me. I want your word, or I'll never tell."
"I'll never agree to that," Gabriel shouted.
"Knowing how much you're suffering, I think you will." Angel countered.
Gabriel paced for several seconds, glancing covertly at Angel. Finally he muttered, "Alright, I give you my word I'll let you stay and keep you a secret. Now, what's your solution?"
Angel smiled, "I knew you'd see it my way."
"Don't push it," Gabriel growled.
"Sorry," Angel apologized. "The Lake of Life, or the Lake of Torment as the demons call it, was designed to heal Azarian injuries. If you submerge yourself into it, it should deal with your mental injuries."
"But that's in the deepest part of the Underworld, how am I going to get there," Gabriel demanded.
"Your family can provide the way in," Angel replied, "I've given you my advice, as is my job. Use it or don't."
Gabriel was about to respond when the image of Angel faded. "ANGEL!" Gabriel shouted into his mind, but there was no response. Cursing slightly, Gabriel turned and let his consciousness fade.
***
When Gabriel could see again, he found three heads resting near him. Looking up, he saw his mother and his aunts with their heads on his bed. In the corner, his father was slouched, watching him. His face was unshaven, and his eyes were slightly blurry. "Welcome back," Cole said softly.
"How long was I out," Gabriel whispered.
"Two days," Cole replied.
"Have you been watching me the whole time," Gabriel asked.
Cole stood and stretched, "When Gerald explained how much pain you were in, I was afraid you'd stop breathing. So I kept count. 37,258 by the way."
Gabriel sat up, which caused his mother's head to shook up. Phoebe looked deep in his eyes, and said, "How are you feeling?"
Gabriel winced, "It hurts still."
Phoebe wordlessly pulled him into her embrace, as her sisters woke up. At that moment, Michael walked in, "Phoebe, I've been checking every reference I can find, but I just can't find...hey Gabriel, feeling better?"
"Not really," Gabriel confessed. "What were you saying?"
Michael looked uneasy as he continued, "I've checked with the Founder, and there's no record of any injury like Gerald described, nor a possible cure."
Gerald and Leo both appeared at that moment, "We're checked with the Guardians and the Elders, and while they both pledged their support, they had no suggestions," Leo said.
Gabriel sighed, "What about the Lake of Torment?"
The whole room started, "You mean the Azarian Lake we came back from the dead through," Gerald asked. When Gabriel nodded, Gerald's brow furrowed in thought, "You know, that could just work. How did you think of it?"
Gabriel's face spasmed from the pain as he gasped, "I don't know, it just seemed like a good idea."
Gerald looked like he wanted to ask something, but he changed his mind. "Well, the big question is how you are going to get down there. I understand a faction has taken over that section and guards it heavily. It'll take a lot to get you down there."
Cole stood up, "We'll get you down there, no problems."
Piper looked around, and then said, "Then let's get ready. We have a lake to reach."
***
"What do our contacts say," Gradesew demanded.
His minions bowed low, "My Master, our contacts report the location of several witches with great powers. We have sent agents even now."
Gradesew grinned maliciously, "Perfect. At this rate, I'll be the new Source in no time."
"That depends," a new voice said. Gradesew turned to see nine figures appear. Several of them had wings, and they all had a deadly competence about them.
"Depends on what?" Gradesew demanded harshly.
Cole smiled, "On if you get out of our way."
"GET THEM!" Gradesew shouted. All the members his faction appeared and formed energy balls.
"So much for the easy way," Piper muttered. She gestured, and two demons exploded. "Move it, we'll hold them here," she shouted.
Gerald and Gabriel nodded. Gerald grabbed him, and they shot towards the Lake. Meanwhile, more and more demons and warlocks were appearing. "This is a rather large faction," Phoebe commented as she ducked a lightning bolt.
"I know what you mean," Cole mentioned. "They seem to be coming out of the woodwork." Cole clapped, and a sound wave shot out, knocking several warlocks down.
As the group kept the faction busy, Gerald landed Gabriel right next to the Lake. "Alright nephew. It's up to you now."
Gabriel nodded, and slowly walked into the Lake. As soon as his head was submerged, light began to emanate from the Lake. The light continued for several minutes, as the others dispatched the rest of the faction and approached.
"How can he hold his breath that long," Phoebe worried.
"Maybe I should go in after him," Cole stated. He was about to take off when Gerald grabbed his shoulder.
"No, look!" Gerald shouted. As the group watched, a small boy walked out of the Lake, with a slight glow surrounding him. As the last of the water dripped off him, the light faded and the group breathed a sigh of relief. The emaciated and pained look on Gabriel's face was gone. He looked...normal.
As Gabriel opened his eyes and looked at them, Phoebe said, "It worked."
Cole was about to add his affirmation when a look of horror came over Gabriel's visage. "What's the matter?" Cole demanded.
Gabriel shook his head, and stated, "No, something is very, very wrong."
TO BE CONTINUED...
Sequel to "Confrontation". I do not own any part of Charmed; I just write about it.
"Angel..." Gabriel whispered.
Angel smiled, "That's a simplification for a complicated situation, but it'll do."
"How...wha...how are you here?" Gabriel demanded.
"Again, that's a rather complicated," Angel began, but stopped as Gabriel threw a punch at him. Angel calmly stepped back and asked, "What are you doing?"
"You bastard," Gabriel shouted, "You may have cost me my powers, but I'll never yield to you."
A pained look crossed Angel's face, "So, you did renounce your link to life? He was afraid you'd do that."
"Who was?" Gabriel questioned.
"Angel," Angel replied.
"What?" Gabriel asked in shock.
'Angel' sighed, "As I said, you're naming me Angel was a simplification. To be more exact, I'm a copy of Angel."
"A copy?" Gabriel shouted.
'Angel' nodded, "I have all of the original Angel's memories and experience, but none of his powers. I'm as powerless as you say you are."
"I don't believe you," Gabriel said shortly.
"You may be powerless, but your eyes still work," 'Angel' said in exasperation
Gabriel stared at 'Angel'. Despite his lack of powers, his eyes clearly showed this figure had no separate future, which meant he...it wasn't alive. "You aren't Angel," Gabriel stated in surprise.
'Angel' smiled, "Told you."
"How are you here? WHY are you here?" Gabriel began.
Angel raised his hand, cutting Gabriel off. "One at a time. First of all, I am here in part because of your actions."
"My actions?" Gabriel said.
Angel nodded, "The real Angel knew there was only one way you could stop his plan to remake the humans into Azarians. Not even Angel could predict your choice, so he planned for both possibilities. I'm his plan for the choice you made."
"What do you mean?" Gabriel demanded as he crouched.
Angel laughed, "Don't be silly, it's nothing sinister. While you were unconscious, Angel transferred a copy of his personality, memories, and knowledge into your mind. As the last Azarian, you are his only hope to restore the Azarian race. My purpose is to provide you with any knowledge, advice, or skills you require to achieve that goal."
"What if I don't want your advice? What if I want you gone," Gabriel demanded angrily.
Angel shrugged, "What you want is irrelevant. Even if that was your desire, it can't be done. I've integrated myself into every part of your mind. You'd never survive if I was removed against my will, and I'll only leave willingly when my purpose is complete and I'm sure the Azarian race will continue."
"I'll tell my family, we'll figure out how to get you out," Gabriel mentioned confidently.
"You could do that...Gabriel, you're only thinking of the negatives. Think of all you gain," Angel begged.
"What do you mean?" Gabriel wondered.
"You are the only one who knows I'm in your mind," Angel explained. "Even if God himself scanned your mind, he'd never find me. I know everything the real Angel knew. All his strategies, his artifacts, his skills, and they are all things you aren't supposed to know. With me, you can surprise your enemies. I'm the ultimate ace up your sleeve. Do you really want to waste me?"
"I want you gone," Gabriel stated firmly.
Angel stared at Gabriel, and then asked, "Even if I can help you with your present situation?"
"What do you mean?" Gabriel demanded.
"The constant pain you feel, the near hopeless depression you are experiencing," Angel surmised.
"My family will find a way to help me," Gabriel stated, but he was visibly wavering.
"But I have a solution now, one that will work," Angel remarked.
Hope warred with suspicion on Gabriel's face as he said, "Tell me."
Angel shook his head, "I'll only tell you if you promise to let me stay, and to never tell anyone else about me without my permission, not even your family. No one but you should ever know about me. I want your word, or I'll never tell."
"I'll never agree to that," Gabriel shouted.
"Knowing how much you're suffering, I think you will." Angel countered.
Gabriel paced for several seconds, glancing covertly at Angel. Finally he muttered, "Alright, I give you my word I'll let you stay and keep you a secret. Now, what's your solution?"
Angel smiled, "I knew you'd see it my way."
"Don't push it," Gabriel growled.
"Sorry," Angel apologized. "The Lake of Life, or the Lake of Torment as the demons call it, was designed to heal Azarian injuries. If you submerge yourself into it, it should deal with your mental injuries."
"But that's in the deepest part of the Underworld, how am I going to get there," Gabriel demanded.
"Your family can provide the way in," Angel replied, "I've given you my advice, as is my job. Use it or don't."
Gabriel was about to respond when the image of Angel faded. "ANGEL!" Gabriel shouted into his mind, but there was no response. Cursing slightly, Gabriel turned and let his consciousness fade.
***
When Gabriel could see again, he found three heads resting near him. Looking up, he saw his mother and his aunts with their heads on his bed. In the corner, his father was slouched, watching him. His face was unshaven, and his eyes were slightly blurry. "Welcome back," Cole said softly.
"How long was I out," Gabriel whispered.
"Two days," Cole replied.
"Have you been watching me the whole time," Gabriel asked.
Cole stood and stretched, "When Gerald explained how much pain you were in, I was afraid you'd stop breathing. So I kept count. 37,258 by the way."
Gabriel sat up, which caused his mother's head to shook up. Phoebe looked deep in his eyes, and said, "How are you feeling?"
Gabriel winced, "It hurts still."
Phoebe wordlessly pulled him into her embrace, as her sisters woke up. At that moment, Michael walked in, "Phoebe, I've been checking every reference I can find, but I just can't find...hey Gabriel, feeling better?"
"Not really," Gabriel confessed. "What were you saying?"
Michael looked uneasy as he continued, "I've checked with the Founder, and there's no record of any injury like Gerald described, nor a possible cure."
Gerald and Leo both appeared at that moment, "We're checked with the Guardians and the Elders, and while they both pledged their support, they had no suggestions," Leo said.
Gabriel sighed, "What about the Lake of Torment?"
The whole room started, "You mean the Azarian Lake we came back from the dead through," Gerald asked. When Gabriel nodded, Gerald's brow furrowed in thought, "You know, that could just work. How did you think of it?"
Gabriel's face spasmed from the pain as he gasped, "I don't know, it just seemed like a good idea."
Gerald looked like he wanted to ask something, but he changed his mind. "Well, the big question is how you are going to get down there. I understand a faction has taken over that section and guards it heavily. It'll take a lot to get you down there."
Cole stood up, "We'll get you down there, no problems."
Piper looked around, and then said, "Then let's get ready. We have a lake to reach."
***
"What do our contacts say," Gradesew demanded.
His minions bowed low, "My Master, our contacts report the location of several witches with great powers. We have sent agents even now."
Gradesew grinned maliciously, "Perfect. At this rate, I'll be the new Source in no time."
"That depends," a new voice said. Gradesew turned to see nine figures appear. Several of them had wings, and they all had a deadly competence about them.
"Depends on what?" Gradesew demanded harshly.
Cole smiled, "On if you get out of our way."
"GET THEM!" Gradesew shouted. All the members his faction appeared and formed energy balls.
"So much for the easy way," Piper muttered. She gestured, and two demons exploded. "Move it, we'll hold them here," she shouted.
Gerald and Gabriel nodded. Gerald grabbed him, and they shot towards the Lake. Meanwhile, more and more demons and warlocks were appearing. "This is a rather large faction," Phoebe commented as she ducked a lightning bolt.
"I know what you mean," Cole mentioned. "They seem to be coming out of the woodwork." Cole clapped, and a sound wave shot out, knocking several warlocks down.
As the group kept the faction busy, Gerald landed Gabriel right next to the Lake. "Alright nephew. It's up to you now."
Gabriel nodded, and slowly walked into the Lake. As soon as his head was submerged, light began to emanate from the Lake. The light continued for several minutes, as the others dispatched the rest of the faction and approached.
"How can he hold his breath that long," Phoebe worried.
"Maybe I should go in after him," Cole stated. He was about to take off when Gerald grabbed his shoulder.
"No, look!" Gerald shouted. As the group watched, a small boy walked out of the Lake, with a slight glow surrounding him. As the last of the water dripped off him, the light faded and the group breathed a sigh of relief. The emaciated and pained look on Gabriel's face was gone. He looked...normal.
As Gabriel opened his eyes and looked at them, Phoebe said, "It worked."
Cole was about to add his affirmation when a look of horror came over Gabriel's visage. "What's the matter?" Cole demanded.
Gabriel shook his head, and stated, "No, something is very, very wrong."
TO BE CONTINUED...