Chapter 16: Here I Stand
A/N: Once again, sorry for wait but I decided I really had to focus on exams rather than fanfiction. But exams are over so here is the next chapter of Excalibur. Sorry if the speech sounds a little funny, but I must admit I don't find myself needing to write political speeches very often! Also I think I may have scrounged the last line of the speech from some book as it sounds familiar but I can't remember where, so if you know please drop me a line and I'll point it out in the next authors note. Oh and please leave a review on your way out!
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"Here I stand!"
Wyatt's voice boomed out across the expanse to the waiting world and echoed eerily around the terrified city behind him.
"My name, ladies and gentlemen, is Halliwell, Wyatt Halliwell. And I am here to bring you into a new era. An era in which my kind need not hide anymore. An era of magic."
Wyatt paused; he needed to make this sound believable.
"I do not need to be standing in front of you to see the looks of incredulous disbelief on your faces, or to hear you voice your opinions that I am insane, or, indeed, just a 'practical joker'.
"I tell you I am neither.
"I tell you that there is truly magic in this world!"
Wyatt could see the news crews creeping closer, the cameras focusing on his face and he had to fight to keep the smirk off his face. He had the entire world listening to him. The entire world was waiting to see what he said next. It was a power that few could ever honestly say they had held.
He cleared his throat. "There are others like me out there. Other witches, other magical creatures and it is to you that I direct this plea. Spread the word! Come out of your enforced hiding and show the world what you can do. For it is our time and we shall make this a new world!"
"A world of magic!"
Wyatt spread his arms above his head and conjured his force field. The blue light shimmered in the air, distorting his figure, yet shining as bright as the sun. Concentrating, Wyatt extended his arms as far as they would reach and focused on enlarging the sphere. It was an impressive show of magic, but Wyatt wasn't finished yet.
His force field grew until it surrounded the entire city! Onlookers gasped, torn between shock and disbelief. Was this really happening? they asked themselves, Or was it just some kind of trick?
To the reporters gathered around the city and to the unlucky citizens trapped within, there was no doubt in their minds. No magician's trick, however talented the magician, could have created that. The power sparking off from the bubble could be felt a good few miles away, and the air became hot and still.
Wyatt suddenly clenched both his fists and convulsively brought his arms down to his sides. The force field disappeared instantly and Wyatt raised his face, eyes bright and glinting power, to look directly at the cameras.
"I say something else now." his voice boomed into the shocked silence, "And I say this as a warning, although not intended to incite violence. Do not try to attack me. What you saw, what I did, was indeed a benevolent piece of magic. But, and listen carefully to this, how quickly can your open hand of peace change into a clenched fist ready to hit? Magic is no different from the rest of human nature. Do not for a second think that I am defenceless. If you choose to attack I will not be responsible for any losses or damage you may encounter. I have told you nothing but the truth and it is up to you to listen and take heed."
A definite chill settled over the crowd watching, the energy from the force field chased away by something much more sinister.
"Change is always necessary to prevent our race from faltering and failing." continued Wyatt, "Last time magic was allowed to roam free, the world was too close minded to allow it to flourish and many innocent people, both witches and not, suffered greatly. I tell you I will not allow any witch burnings under my rule.
"I am nearing the end of my speech. I have no doubt that many of you have unanswered questions, doubts, and even disbeliefs. If someone will step forward at the end I will arrange a conference with your President and it shall be up to him to decide what information to give you."
Wyatt raised a clenched fist into the air, "A world of magic I have promised you, and a world of magic I will give you."
"Here I stand. And here I shall remain."
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Wyatt was a good speech giver, Chris admitted to himself, albeit reluctantly. He'd got his point across admirably – 'don't mess with me, or else…' – but had placed the emphasis on talk of a new world so the less insightful among his audience would, likely as not, miss the menace behind his words.
The holographic screen facing Chris' cell, flickered and died, leaving only the dull illumination of the corridor's lone lightbulb.
He sighed and drew his knees up to his chest. 'Wonder when Wyatt will come back to talk to me.' he though bitterly, trying to decide if he would prefer that to being left alone in the dim and dismal room passing as his cell.
He ached from bruises left by his fight with Wyatt, but he refused to let his mind dwell on Wyatt's proclamation that he had killed their father. Leo hadn't been much of a dad, least of all to him, but family was still family and Chris was aware that he was hurting.
"I have an audience with the President of the United States." a horribly familiar voice rang out, disturbing the silence.
Chris looked up as Wyatt drew closer; "Well, to be fair, it's more like he has been granted an audience with me." Wyatt continued smugly, taking no notice of Chris' dark looks.
"Are you sure you won't join me?"
Chris remained silent, scowling furiously. He knew it was childish to ignore his brother, but right now he didn't care.
"Christopher?" Wyatt's voice sounded commanding now.
Fixing his gaze on a damp part of the wall, Chris mutinously kept his mouth closed and fists tightly clenched.
"You could be there, right beside me. Ruling at my side." Wyatt curled his fingers around the metal bars and Chris could feel Wyatt's piercing gaze never leaving his back.
Wyatt sighed in exasperation. "Fine. Be like that, then."
A brief expression of amusement flittered across Chris' face, despite the circumstances. If only the world could see their fearsome would-be leader now – in a childish mood simply because his younger brother wouldn't talk to him.
Wyatt's face twisted in a scowl directed at his brother, as it had done so often in the past. "I hope you change your mind soon, Chris. I won't wait for ever."
Chris turned to watch the stream of orbs dissipate and sighed himself. "But you will, Wyatt." he murmured sadly, "You'll wait for me to turn evil as long I will wait for you to turn good again.
"And I'm never going to give up."