Hi! Sorry for the delay in updayting... As I promised, some more action in this chapter – time to get to know the bad guys of this story...
VI. Underworld
The alchemist hurried his way through the cold, dark cave-like tunnels that formed what once was known as the capital of the realm of the Source. By the way he kept looking over his shoulder, one could easily say that he wasn't feeling safe. In fact, nobody was; in the chaos that had followed the vanquish of the Source and the loss of the Grimoire, faction fighting and killings were almost a daily routine in those long corridors.
Oh, yes, the vanquish of the Source. Even though he hadn't been loved or popular among his subjects – how could anyone achieve something like that in the Underworld – even though he had been a tyrant in the possibly worst sense of the word, he had granted peace to the Underworld. Back then, nobody would have been afraid to walk around. Nowadays, all those upper-levels and aspiring Source-to-be demons had rendered the Underworld a real nightmare, even to its natural inhabitants.
The alchemist looked in terror behind him, as he heard something like footsteps. Nothing, probably nothing. After all, why would somebody come after him? He was a low-profile demon, concentrating in his craft rather in the pursuit of power. But then, that was his current client's expertise.
He had been very surprised to see Meldis enter his study two weeks ago. Of course he had heard of him; for the time being, he was the strongest among the throne's suiters. There was the feeling that, had it not been for the Grimoire being lost, he would already have been coronated. But then, he couldn't really get coronated without the Grimoire, and that served the purposes of his adversaries pretty well.
But, the strangest of all was his request; to figure out the magic in two dolls, two toys used by human children. What would an aspiring Source would want with human toys? And, that was just the beginning of a strange story...
The alchemist slowed down, as he reached the entrance to Meldis's domain. In his old figure, he was no match for the muscular guards; and, he wasn't in a mood for a fight, either. He lowered his hood, allowing the guards to see the old face of one of the Underworld's most respected wise demons.
"Alchemist", came the acknowledgment from one of the guards. "Please, let me escort you inside; Meldis is expecting you."
In response, the alchemist raised again his hood, and followed the guard inside.
In what seemed to be the main hall, or rather cave, of Meldis's domain, a black-dressed man, seemingly in his early thirties, was leaning on a table, while speaking with someone, whose dressing revealed that he was a dark high priest. As the guard went to the black dressed man, whom he recognized as being Meldis, the alchemist took a short look at the rest of the room. That guy did have an impressive collection of books, most of them leather bound and very old looking. Over the fireplace that gave the room's lighting a unique color, there was a unique collection of eastern-style weapons; rumors were that Meldis was a fan of martial arts, more as a sport, since with his powers, he didn't really to resort to them.
His attention was almost immediately diverted to the girl who entered the room, carrying drinks for Meldis and the priest. How could it not? The girl, dressed in the revealing clothes of an oriental dancer, could count among the most beautiful creatures the alchemist had seen in the centuries of his life. He watched her offer a glass of a red drink to the priest, and then approaching Meldis. The nervousness in her movements revealed the fear she felt of her master. He saw her pulling back as Meldis tried to grab her behind; a move that enraged the archdemon, who with a wave of his hand send her flying against the wall.
The priest turned casually to see the impact, and the unconscious girl lying on the floor.
"Whitelighters", commented Meldis. "Stupid creatures, difficult to tame – but one has to admit that their women have undeniable gifts."
Yes, of course. The alchemist took a quick glimpse of the orb-restraining collar around the girl's neck. Whitelighters have always been beautiful creatures, and very difficult to catch alive. That's why they would cost a fortune at the slave market.
His train of thoughts was interrupted by Meldis.
"Alchemist... I was expecting you earlier."
"I apologize my lord. The task you asked me to complete was very complicated."
"Complicated? How complicated can it be to do a magic probing?"
"Depends on the magic involved, my lord."
No, he wasn't afraid of Meldis; the alchemist knew that the faction leader needed him. And, he had a few tricks under his sleeve if it came to that. But, it was better to keep in his good graces.
"And, what kind of magic have you come up with this time?"
"A very strange one."
"Like?" Meldis was getting impatient.
"Well, my lord, the doll that resembles the wizard has traces of normal witchcraft, in form of a spell, but cast from a very highly gifted witch. It also has some traces of whitelighter magic, but the witch part is the dominant one."
"Makes sense..." muttered Meldis. "And, what was so complicated about that?"
"My lord, the complicated part was the other doll."
"The other doll? You mean the spider figure?"
"Yes, my lord, the one humans call Spiderman. It contains traces of general immunity magic."
"General immunity magic? What is that?"
"I am not so sure, my lord. I have to say that I have never seen such magic before. But, it is kind of like the magic making some of us immune to witch powers. Only that this spell or magic would have protected against all known kinds of magic."
"There is no such spell or magic, alchemist."
"I used to think so, my lord. But, it would be the only thing that would make sense, based on my analysis."
"How strong would you think that such a spell would be?"
"Strong enough to ward off fireballs, but good magic as well. You could say that someone protected by such a spell would be invincible, or, if you prefer, unvanquishable."
Meldis frowned. If the Charmed Ones had come up with a spell that strong, it would be very bad news.
"Do you have any more details regarding that protection spell?"
"My lord, I am working on it. But it will take more time."
"OK. You are dismissed."
The alchemist was releaved to leave the room. Meldis was knew well how to inspire fear. Imagine what it will be like if he becomes the Source... he thought. But then, the alchemist secretly hoped that he would make it; at least it would put an end to the chaos the Underworld had been in for the last six years.
Back in the hall, Meldis was continuing his conversation with the dark priest.
"A spell to protect from both dark and white magic? To the point of being unvanquishable?" Meldis still couldn't believe the alchemist's words.
"My lord, it's not totally unheard of. Rumors are that, shortly before his death, Belthazor had reached that level, too. And, given his relationship to the Charmed Ones, it might be possible..."
Belthazor... That traitor was the cause of his current troubles...
"And how did he die, if he was unvanquishable indeed? Rumors, my friend, just rumors."
"Then, there is the possibility that this power is due to the enhanced magic of the little boy. He has been known to have put around him a protective force field ever since he was a baby."
"That's more likely. But, we can't be sure... and if the Charmed Ones have come up with such a spell..."
"All the more reason to the plan I suggested."
"You are not expecting me to seriously consider marrying a witch, are you?"
"This witch used to be the Queen of the Underworld, my lord. She has a connection to the Grimoire, and with it missing, she might be the only way to tap into the Grimoire's powers – and thus, to receive the full powers of the Underworld."
"Easy for you to say... Marrying a human, a witch of all things!"
"Well, for as long as it serves your purposes. After you find the Grimoire, you could just consider her a part of your collection..." said the dark priest, pointing at the still unconscious whitelighter.
"I'll have to think about that," said Meldis. "For now, I think I'll just have some fun with the current parts of it... You are dismissed."
The dark priest bowed in respect, and then headed to the exit. Meldis smiled, took a last sip of his drink, and then moved toward the girl.
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So, what do you think? Phoebe is in trouble, for sure... and Meldis is gathering all information he can about the Charmed Ones! All ideas, suggestions, flames are welcomed!