Look at how quickly I updated this time! I think this chapter may come off a little disjointed so sorry if it doesn't seem to flow very well. Hope you like it though. x x
Chapter 24: Interrogating News
Inside the studio, the newsreader waited for the nod from his superior before pretending to shuffle his papers into order as the camera swooped down from the ceiling to capture his grim looking face. Twelve chimes rang out signalling the start of the lunchtime news.
"Good afternoon." he announced, "Further fighting broke out in the city of San Francisco this morning leaving over 50 of our troops dead and many more injured. However the terrorists, under the leadership of one Wyatt Halliwell, gained no further ground from the attack."
Beside him, the second newsreader took up the report. "There have also been reports of a group resisting the take-over within the city itself." she continued, "Viewers will remember that the apparently magical barriers set up around the city trapped all residents inside leaving worried relatives unsure about the fate of their loved ones. This is the first proof we have that at least some are still alive."
"Our reporter, Jane Ellis, is outside San Francisco now," the first newsreader added, touching his earpiece, "Jane, what is the situation there at the moment?"
The TV cut to a middle aged woman standing in the army camp. The shimmering barriers could be seen in the background and men in camouflage scurried about the camp. "Well," the reporter began, "The fighting started just before dawn this morning in what experts believe was to be a surprise attack. However, as the barrier came down Wyatt Halliwell's troops did not attack immediately; instead they appeared to be being attacked from behind, thereby giving our soldiers time to form a defence plan."
The screen cut back to the studio, "So is this proof that the citizens of San Francisco are alive?" asked the second newsreader.
"At the moment nothing is known about this mysterious resistance, but unless Halliwell is experiencing some serious contention in his ranks then yes, the best guess is that those still alive in the city are fighting back." Ellis replied, "The barrier was raised again before our troops could reach the city and we do not believe that any from inside the city made it past the barrier either. However it is of little doubt that if this resistance hadn't attacked Halliwell's army then our losses would be much greater."
The female newsreader cut in with another question, "And what of Wyatt Halliwell's claim of magic? Was there any evidence of that?"
In the field, Jane Ellis hesitated briefly before answering, "From speaking with our troops, they claim to have witnessed what appears to be 'magic'. There have been reports of creatures, called demons by some, shooting fire and electricity from their hands. Some soldiers have said they fought against beings that were unharmed by bullets and appeared to possess superhuman strength."
Back in the studio the newsreaders exchanged worried looks, "But all-in-all what is the general consensus of today?" the first asked.
"Well, despite everything, it was an unmistakable victory for our side." Ellis concluded, "Halliwell's attack failed and there is no doubt that he will be less than happy with this result."
Inside the City Hall of San Francisco, Wyatt Halliwell was indeed furious. He was absolutely livid. He had lost. Wyatt Halliwell, the twice-blessed, bearer of Excalibur, had actually lost and it was all down to his good-for-nothing brother. Chris and his pathetic resistance.
Wyatt snarled and let an energy ball explode at a wall already covered in numerous scorch marks. The once carpeted floor was also blackened with a light dusting of ash, suggesting that those who had brought the unhappy news to their leader were no longer counted amongst the living.
'Maybe I should have joined in the fighting', Wyatt thought bitterly, 'After all I guess it is true that if you want something done properly you have to do it yourself. But then this was supposed to be an easy victory...'
Wyatt let loose another energy ball with a growl of frustration. He was going to have to do something about this Resistance if he wanted to start another attack. If they could stop him once then they could stop him again. And San Francisco just wasn't enough. He needed more.
A hesitant knock on the door pulled Wyatt out of his scheming. His eyes narrowed in annoyance but nevertheless he was impressed by the audacity of his visitor to willingly enter his office after the fate of the previous guests.
"Enter." he barked, and was mostly unsurprised when the door swung open revealing Kezlar, a brute demon who was his best lieutenant.
"My Lord." Kezlar bowed his head in submission but Wyatt could sense the air of excitement around the demon.
"What is it?" Wyatt demanded, hardly daring to believe that there might be some good news.
Kezlar's mouth twisted into what probably passed as a grin for brute demons and proudly announced, "My Lord, we have captured an Elder."
Wyatt felt his heart leap in jubilation. "Finally." he hissed, "What have you done with him?"
"He is in the dungeons, M'Lord." grunted Kezlar, "I thought perhaps you might like to question the Elder yourself?"
An unholy smirk crossed Wyatt's face. "Yes," he murmured, "Yes I think I would. Perhaps now we can find out where this Sanctuary is located so we can crush Chris' little resistance."
At that moment Sanctuary was in such a state of disarray that, had he known, Wyatt may have been a little less worried about the prospect of meeting them in battle again.
There were injured everywhere, some collapsed on the ground, others leaning wearily against pillars and walls. And amongst these were flashes of gold and Elders rushed about healing all those they could.
Chris was surveying the scene from an upstairs balcony. His leg had been healed and after a joyful reunion with Prue and Sheila him, Darryl and Orion had retreated upstairs to discuss the battle.
"It was a victory." Darryl had constantly insisted and Orion had been quick to agree. However, as Chris watched the numerous injured and felt his eyes drawn to the area designated for those who had not managed to be healed, he couldn't help but feel that it was a sorry victory.
"Chris," Darryl approached the teen, "Wyatt lost. He lost the battle. And no matter what losses we had, overall we still won."
Chris sighed, "I know." He caught a glance of Prue darting through the crowd, arms filled with healing potions and felt a burst of pride. Everyone had done all they could, they had all fought their hardest and it had paid off. Technically they had won. Chris had just always assumed that victory was a little more joyful than this.
"Forgive me if this is insensitive," Orion cut in, "But I feel I must point out that Wyatt will know we exist now. We cannot expect that there will not be other fights."
Darryl nodded in agreement, "We need more fighters. We had the element of surprise today but we can't count on that again."
"You're right." Chris nodded, setting his jaw in a grim line, "As much as I hate to think of dragging more people into this bloody battle we cannot afford to lose. We'll have to start recruiting, persuading the San Franciscans to join us."
Darryl laid a comforting hand on his godsons shoulder, "It's not your fault Chris, none of this is."
Chris nodded sadly, "I know," he whispered, "It's Wyatt's. And I'm going to have to do whatever I have to to stop him."
Down in the dungeons, a figure was chained to the stone floor surrounded by a gaggle of jeering demons. The man's golden robes were torn and scorched and any visible skin was streaked with dirt and blood.
"Not so high and mighty now are we Elder," sneered one of the onlookers throwing an energy ball that landed inches from the Elder's face. Raucous laughter rang out from the crowd, accompanied by cheers and stamping of feet.
"Well, well, well." interrupted a cool voice from the cell entrance, "I see we have indeed managed to capture an Elder."
The demons all stepped back and dipped their heads in deference to their leader as Wyatt entered the cell and walked a lazy circle around the prisoner.
"Has he said anything yet?" Wyatt enquired.
"No M'Lord." grunted a demon with black tattoos covering most of his face, "Nothing yet. He won't even scream in pain."
Wyatt surveyed the shackled figure, "Is that so?" he murmured fixing his icy gaze on the Elder's dark eyes, "Well we shall have to do something about that then, shan't we."
The Elder mustered up the deadliest glare he could manage and spat, "I will never tell you anything and no pain in the world can make me."
Wyatt laughed without mirth and snapped his fingers at Kezlar, who had followed behind. "Bring me the crystal cage." he demanded.
"Yes M'Lord." assented the brute demon hurrying out of the cell.
"Forgive me M'Lord," the tattooed demon spoke up hesitantly, "But can a crystal cage trap an Elder? I was under the impression that they only work on those that are evil."
Wyatt smirked, "Oh but this is a special crystal cage, made with special crystals." Kezlar returned and Wyatt waved a hand instructing the demon to set up the cage, "Watch." the twice-blessed instructed.
As the last crystal was put into place shimmering bands of black extended from each crystal and joined at the top. Wyatt stepped forwards and nudged one of the crystals with his foot, sending a shock through the cage. The Elder's body jerked and a guttural scream was wrenched from his mouth.
"See," Wyatt informed the watching demons coldly, "This is so much more effective. Now, let the interrogation begin."