Legacy 206: Pardon My Past Again

Part 2

Xxx

Penny stared at the mysterious man with confusion in her eyes. What had he just called her? Although she knew for certain that she had never seen him before in her life, there was something striking about his handsome face and intense eyes. It was like she had seen him in a dream. Whoever he was, he was a demon attacking an innocent woman in a bar, as well as her brother. She wasn't going to let either of them get hurt. She looked around and saw a total of four demons, meaning they were equally matched in numbers.

"Who are you?" Penny asked.

"You don't remember, that makes sense." The demon replied. "For you, it must have been many lifetimes ago, my little phoenix."

"I'm not your anything, creep." Penny remarked. "Why are you attacking my brother?"

"Brother?" The demon noted with a frown as he looked at Julian. "A half-demon and now the orbing, I know who you are now. Seems it was fate that brought us back together, because I'm not here for your brother. I'm after the bartender."

"We're not going to let you hurt an innocent." Wyatt said.

"She's no innocent." The demon replied. "She made a deal and has to face the consequences for not paying me back in time."

"So you're a demon doubling as a loan shark?" Penny noted. "How original."

"It's what I do, my dear. You understood that once upon a time." The demon said. "Back then you knew me as Alvize, but now I go by Lorenzo Russo."

"I don't know you." Penny replied.

"But you will." The demon said determined. "We shall continue this another time."

The demon smiled before disappearing through a swirl of bug-like particles, after which the remaining three demons followed his lead. Once they were gone, Wyatt dropped his force field.

"Well, that was interesting." Henry said.

"Are they gone?" The bartender asked nervously as she rose up from behind her bar.

"They're gone." Julian replied. "Are you hurt, Ruby?"

"No, I'm fine." Ruby said nervously. "They're going to come back, though. And they're not human. What were they?"

"Demons." Julian replied. "How did you get into business with them?"

"I needed money." Ruby explained. "The Russo family is known for financing a lot of local businesses, so I reached out to them. They offered me a good deal at first, but then began asking for more. After a while, I couldn't keep up with my payments. I had no idea they were… what you just said."

"We need to stop them." Julian said determined.

"Guess we should buy some bug spray." Henry remarked.

"First we need to get Ruby somewhere safe." Wyatt noted. "And we need more information about what we're dealing with."

"Why did that demon seem to think that he knew me?" Penny added. "What did he call me again?"

"Phillipa." Wyatt said. "It does sound familiar."

"Could be a past life." Julian reasoned. "The demon did mention something about it being many lifetimes ago."

"We should check the book and the family tree." Wyatt said.

"Agreed, the way he was staring at me was a little creepy." Penny replied.

"What about Ruby?" Julian asked.

"I actually have an idea for that, Inspector Morris." Penny said. "Maybe he can put Ruby is some sort of witness protection, and I can ask him about the Russo family."

"Good thinking." Wyatt replied. "Just make sure that he doesn't become too suspicious. We don't want to draw unwanted attention on the family."

"Are you sure I'll be safe there?" Ruby asked. "The Russo's are known to bribe politicians and law enforcement."

"Inspector Morris can be trusted." Penny said. "I'm sure of it."

"I should come with you." Julian replied.

"You can't." Penny said. "Morris is still looking for someone matching your description after the fire in the Chinese market."

"Alright, Penny will take Ruby to the police station." Wyatt said. "The rest of us will regroup at the manor and figure out what we're dealing with."

"You want us to work together?" Julian asked somewhat confused. "Even after… Why did you guys even come here?"

"We were looking for you." Penny said. "We should talk after I get Ruby to Morris. I will meet you guys back at the manor."

Wyatt and the others nodded before teleporting away. Despite the demonic attack she just involved in, Ruby was still shocked to see magic before her eyes. Penny needed to fix that with a little hypnosis, otherwise their family secret might be out soon. She took Ruby by the arm and whispered something in her ear, forcing her to remember the attack in a different way. As they headed to the police station, Penny thought about the demon and his longing gaze. It sent a chill down her spine to think that they could have been together in another lifetime. She wanted to say it was impossible, but she knew how tempting a man like that could be. She was lucky that she grown in the last year, or she might make the same mistake again.

Xxx

In another part of San Francisco, the demon Alvize stood in the study of his luxurious mansion, staring at a painting above the fireplace. To the outside world, he was known as Lorenzo Russo, though he had gone through several names across the centuries. Each time he was reborn, he would take a new identity. Although he was never quite the same, his memories of his former selves remained. That was why he recognized Phillipa the moment he saw her, and why her painting still had a place in his study. It hurt that she had no idea who he was, but that was to be expected after being reincarnated. He guessed it was different for someone with a soul. Fate had brought them back together, however, and he would not let that opportunity go to waste.

"Boss." One of his minions, Sal, short for Salvatore, said as he entered the study. "The bartender is being taken to the police."

"Not a problem." Alvize said. "Nobody will take her seriously. The cops won't dare to move against us, not without solid evidence."

"What about the witches?" Sal asked.

"We will deal with them." Alvize said. "But Phillipa is mine."

"Boss, I know she was your sweetheart, but she's not the same person." Sal said. "She's a good witch now."

"So was Phillipa." Alvize replied.

"Yeah, and she ended up vanquishing us all." Sal said. "We were lucky that the entire hive wasn't destroyed in the fire."

"We survived." Alvize said. "As we always do. You cannot vanquish the Cicada that easily. We always come back."

"Still, we have good thing going here." Sal said. "We still have years before this cycle ends. Let's not waste it on a witch."

"Enough!" Alvize snapped angrily as he shifted to his demonic form, nearly spraying his minion with acid. "Remember your place, I am in charge here!"

"Sorry, I'm just voicing my concerns, boss." Sal replied. "I'm trying to look after the family."

"I know." Alvize said as he calmed down and returned to his human self. "I always appreciated your opinion, brother, but this is something I can't let go."

"So what's the plan?" Sal asked.

"The witch might look like Phillipa, but she's not her. Not really." Alvize said. "I need to bring back the real Phillipa. She will be mine again."

"How?" Sal asked.

"That's what I'm trying to figure out." Alvize replied. "There has to be some kind of spell or artifact to bring her back."

"We do know a black market dealer." Sal noted. "I heard she's in town."

"You're right." Alvize said with smile. "Let's pay her a visit."

Xxx

At the Halliwell Manor, Julian appeared through flames rising from the floor, followed by Wyatt and Henry appearing through orbs. It always felt strange to be at the manor, as it felt like the heart of the Halliwell family. Julian wasn't sure he was ready to be a part of that, or if his cousins even wanted him to be. He had never spent much time with them, so he had no idea where he stood. It was uncomfortable, but he was there with a purpose. It felt good to have something to focus on.

"Henry, see if you can find the family tree." Wyatt said.

"Sure." Henry replied. "It has to be around here somewhere."

As Henry started looking for the tree, Wyatt walked over to the Book of Shadows and flipped it open. Julian walked closer to the book but remained hesitantly at a distance. He knew about its ability to protect itself from evil and Julian wasn't sure if he wanted that question answered. He was already conflicted enough.

"Are you okay?" Wyatt asked as he looked at him.

"I'm fine." Julian replied. "Why?"

"Just checking." Wyatt said. "Is there anything you can tell me about the demons?"

"Bug-like, spitting acid, super speed." Julian noted. "They seemed to be acting like a criminal organization, targeting the desperate."

"Thanks." Wyatt said.

"Penny mentioned that you were looking for me." Julian said.

"We were." Wyatt replied as he stopped flipping through the pages and looked at him. "Penny told us what happened in Bangkok."

"I figured as much." Julian said. "You must hate me."

"No, I don't hate you, Julian." Wyatt said. "I know you never meant for it to happen, but it did. You need to find a way to live with that, and make sure it never happens again."

"I still don't know what happened, but there is a demon inside me, fighting to get out." Julian replied. "I can't let it."

"No, we can't." Wyatt said determined.

"We?" Julian asked surprised.

"Yes, we." Wyatt replied. "Penny and I agreed that we want to help you and we figured that the best way to do that is for you to stay at the manor. We want you to move in."

"You must be joking." Julian remarked. "I'm dangerous, unstable even. We have no idea what might trigger the demon to take over. I don't want to hurt anyone."

"We will figure it out, together." Wyatt said. "We'll take precautions to make sure everyone is safe."

"What about the rest of the family?" Julian asked. "Henry lives here too, doesn't he?"

"Henry does." Henry remarked as he walked over holding a parchment. "And Henry is getting really tired of people talking about him like he isn't here."

"Are you okay with this?" Julian asked.

"Honestly? No." Henry admitted after a deep sigh. "Look, it's not that I don't believe that you want to be a good person, Julian, but I can't look past the fact that you killed innocents."

"Henry, we talked about this." Wyatt said.

"I know, and I agreed to the plan because I trust you, Wyatt." Henry replied. "But that doesn't mean that I'm okay with it."

"I understand." Julian said. "I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable in your own home. And you're right, I don't think I can be forgiven for what I've done, but I still want to do some good."

"We can talk about this once we've stopped the demons." Wyatt noted. "Are you guys at least capable of working together for the time being?"

"Sure." Henry said.

"I think we can." Julian added.

"Good." Wyatt replied. "Let's take a look at the family tree, because I'm having no luck finding these demons in the book."

Henry nodded and rolled out the family tree across the table. Julian looked at the tree and saw it listed every member of the Warren line, starting with Melinda Warren. However, he soon realized that he was not on the tree. He never expected himself to be, but it was another reminder that he wasn't truly a part of the family. He was still an outsider, a demon looking in from the outside. Wyatt seemed to notice his feelings and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"It's just a piece of paper." Wyatt said.

"I know." Julian lied.

"Look here." Henry said as he pointed to a spot in the tree. "Phillipa Lawrence, born in 1743, died in 1776. She was the great-granddaughter of Melinda Warren."

"So she probably is Penny's past life, or at least bears a striking resemblance to her." Wyatt said. "Maybe there is something in the book about her."

As if the Book of Shadows heard their conversation, the pages started to flip on their own. The three cousins walked over and saw it had landed on a page about Past Lives. It explained that souls went through various lives in order to learn and grow to become better people. Julian frowned, as a half-demon, he had no past lives and he had no idea what would happen to his soul after he died.

"Well, that seems to confirm it." Henry noted. "But how does that help us now?"

"The book is showing us this for a reason. Maybe Penny needs to cast the spell to relive her past life." Wyatt said. "There might be something there that we need to defeat the demons."

"Then we should wait for Penny." Henry said.

"Agreed, it's getting pretty late anyway." Wyatt replied. "We'll get some sleep and come up with a plan tomorrow. Julian, you can take Chris's old room."

"Are you sure about me staying?" Julian asked.

"Of course." Wyatt said. "Right, Henry?"

"Yeah, not a problem." Henry replied. "At least for tonight."

Julian nodded, though he wasn't sure this was a good idea. Staying at the manor felt like he was putting everyone at risk. On top of that, he didn't know how to even attempt to bond with his cousins. It made him feel weird and uncomfortable. However, he didn't really have anywhere else to go and it had been weeks since he had slept in anything other than a cheap motel bed. Getting a good night of sleep would probably do him some good. Staying didn't mean that he was accepting their invitation to live in the manor. It was just for one night.

Xxx

After calling inspector Morris out of bed in the middle of the night, Penny and Ruby entered the police station to meet him. The bartender was nervous, as she believed that many cops were being bribed by the Russo family. Penny had ensured her that they could trust Morris completely, though as the cop behind the desk gave her a suspicious glare, she also felt a little worried.

"Miss Halliwell." A familiar voice said. "I wish I could say it was good to see you again, but I'm a little tired for that."

Penny turned around and saw Morris walking towards them. Although she could see he was tired and groggy, he still looked very fine in a casual leather jacket and dark jeans. She had never seen him out of a suit before and she liked this casual side of him.

"Thanks for meeting us this late." Penny said.

"Well, you said it was urgent." Morris replied. "A matter of life and death even."

"It definitely is." Penny said. "This is my friend Ruby."

"Nice to meet you." Morris said. "So what's this about?"

"Not here." Penny replied as she glared over at the cop behind the desk. "Can we talk somewhere private?"

"Sure." Morris said. "Follow me."

Morris led them to one of the interrogation rooms and got them some coffee. When he returned, Penny started explaining everything that had happened, or at least the version that she wanted him to hear. Due to her hypnosis, Ruby agreed with everything she said, further cementing her story. Morris listened to them without interrupting until she was finished.

"You were right to call me." Morris said. "The Russo family is very dangerous. We've been trying to get them for years, but they've got deep pockets and a lot of influence."

"So can you keep Ruby safe?" Penny asked.

"We can place her in witness protection." Morris replied as he turned to Ruby. "Are you willing to testify against the Russo's?"

"Is that safe?" Ruby asked.

"I can't promise that, but you're already on their radar." Morris said. "This is your best chance of being free of them and you'd help make the city a safer place."

"I want to be free of this mess." Ruby said determined. "I'll do it."

"Great." Morris replied. "I'll get things moving, but first I have to show Miss Halliwell out."

"Wait, I can't stay?" Penny asked.

"Do you want to be on record?" Morris asked with a frown.

"Right, I have to go." Penny quickly said and she gave Ruby a hug. "Don't worry, you're in safe hands. All of this will be over before you know it."

"Thanks, Penny." Ruby replied.

Morris led Penny out of the interrogation room and walked her back to the entrance of the police station. As they reached the door, he crossed his arms and gave her a suspicious look.

"So you seriously expect me to believe that you got involved in another crime scene just by chance?" Morris asked. "And that you scared off a mobster on our own?"

"That's what I told you." Penny replied. "Ruby confirmed it, didn't she?"

"Right." Morris said unconvinced. "I'll keep your name out of the paperwork, but I'm keeping an eye on you. There is more to this story, I just know it."

"Maybe I just like the idea on your eyes on me." Penny replied with a flirty smile. "I'll be doing the same, inspector."

Morris shook his head and unsuccessfully attempted to suppress a smile. Penny winked at him before leaving the station. As she walked down the dark street, she got the feeling that someone was following her. Suspected it to be one of the demons, she crossed a corner and prepared to fight. When someone appeared, she attempted a high kick, though her leg was skillfully caught by the mysterious agent Reed.

"Nice to see you again as well." The handsome agent remarked. "Nice leg."

Xxx