Chapter 31: To Banish a Ghost
a/n: Sorry this took so long. Exams made my head hurt, and then I had a case of writers block. Thanks for the reviews, and keep reviewing. There's still a few more chapters, even though it's coming to an end.
The scrying they did seemed to be quite pointless, since they were fairly certain that Future Piper was somewhere in the underworld. Leo couldn't sense her, so the Underworld was the only feasible option for where she was. They refused to believe that she was dead. It wouldn't help anyone if they thought that way. Paige finally managed to convince her sister that the killing potion and the ghost banishing spell was still the best way to go, and future Piper was still the best one to do it. They still didn't know where exactly future Piper was.
That problem was quickly resolved when Chris orbed into the attic. He looked breathless, and the Charmed Ones noticed cuts and bruises all over his body. It was quite obvious that Chris had been in a fight with his demonic contacts. Demons weren't the friendliest people to work with. However, when Chris saw his mother and his aunts, he smiled. It was clear that he had good news to share with them.
"I found her", he said, panting. He broke into a huge grin. "Are we ready?" Chris asked looking around. There were empty potion bottles littering the floor and crumpled up pieces of paper containing the beginnings of spells. There were only two spells they needed, and two potions. Both of which were safely tucked in Paige's jean pocket. "We're ready", Paige said, giving her nephew a smile. The four gathered in the attic joined hands and disappeared in a swirl of blue white lights. They were shocked at the sight that met them when they reformed.
The golden light that filled the entire cavern grew brighter. It was practically blinding. The light was radiating from future Piper to the ghost of a demon. Future Piper felt the light being emitted from her very essence. It was a strange feeling. Once extremely close, the ghost of the Jorgen King washed to the far wall. Every time he tried to approach, he would shriek in pain. Future Piper had felt an enormous power rise up inside her, which she knew was coming from the baby.
After several moments the light subsided a little, and Piper was able to tell what had happened. She was surrounded in an impenetrable golden dome, larger than any she had ever seen Wyatt do. She could tell that the ghost was trying to break through the force field, but every time he approached it, he was thrown backwards. Patty possessed much more power than Future Piper could have ever imagined. Usually, future Piper was slightly afraid when facing a demon. The fear had diminished over the years, yet it was always there.
When the mysterious golden light had appeared, all of her fear miraculously vanished. She felt mighty powerful, and ready to fight. Future Piper was determined to vanquish this demon once and for all. Her unborn child lit a fire inside her that refused to be extinguished. Future Piper could tell she had a mighty powerful child on her hands. Just when Future Piper had the demon cornered, she saw a small group of people orb in out of the corner of her eye. She looked up and saw that it was the past versions of her sisters and herself, and also her youngest son.
"You seem to have a good hold on things", Paige said with a smile. "We just came as a little backup".
Future Piper was glad that her baby sister seemed to have so much confidence in her, and in herself. That was one of the things she admired about Paige. Past Piper, Phoebe and Chris looked slightly apprehensive, while Paige looked entirely at ease. Then again, Paige never lost anyone because of magic. She didn't know what it felt like when your magic failed. Whatever they were here to do, Future Piper was glad for the support.
"We brought the potion and the spell, so you can…you know…die and then vanquish the ghost", said Phoebe biting her lip. Clearly she wasn't too fond of the idea. Future Piper, however, was ecstatic that they were still letting her do this.
"Pass them here!" Piper called. Paige waved her arm, and a vial of potion and a crumpled up piece of paper disappeared in a swirl of blue white lights and reappeared in Future Piper's outstretched hand. Future Piper was about to swallow the potion, but Chris raised a hand to stop her. The demon was cowering in the corner, so he posed no threat.
"We have to do something first", Chris explained. Paige took a vial of clear potion from her pocket, and threw it into the center of the room. It exploded in a puff of smoke. Then, the past Charmed Ones, and Chris, joined hands. They said a spell that would make Piper's vanquishing of the ghost much easier.
"We call upon our ancient line,
To help us in this darkest time,
Protect us from this ghost's anger,
So we shall not be in danger!"
A strange pure white glow surrounded all but the demon. The ghost of the Jorgen King seemed to become suddenly bolder, and angrier. He charged at future Piper, not taking not of the others in the room. He was three feet from Piper, when he was thrown backwards. Paige smiled in pride. Her spell had worked! Future Piper didn't hesitate any longer. She finished the potion in one swallow.
With a gasp, future Piper fell to the ground. Her transparent ghost rose from her body. Her eyes were fixed on the ghost in front of her, her expression strong and defiant. She took a deep breath and she began the spell. Herself, her son and her sisters were still glowing faintly.
"Ashes to ashes,
Spirit to spirit,
Take his soul,
Banish this evil!"
Future Piper said the spell once, twice, and then thrice. The ghost of the Jorgen Demon started screaming in agony. He seemed to be melting, coming apart at the seams. In a final explosion of light, the ghost burst apart. His cries of pain reverberated through the chamber for a moment. Suddenly all was silent, and the ghost was gone.
Future Piper looked in the direction of her family and said, "Will one of you revive me now?" This brought everyone back to their senses. Past Piper rushed over and began performing CPR of the future version of herself. She didn't pause with the strangeness of it. With a gasp, future Piper opened her eyes.
She couldn't believe she had done it. Everything would be alright now. Wouldn't it?