AN: So this is a bit late again. Sorry! As I'm doing summer school this year I'm going to only be updating every two weeks I think unless I get really inspired and don't have tons of homework. I hope you all enjoy the chapter. Let me know what you think with a review!
IN OVER MY HEAD
Kenny sat cross-legged in the middle of his bedroom's floor with his eyes closed gently. He took a deep breath through his nose and held it for a few seconds before exhaling through his mouth. The process repeated as he tried to clear his head of thoughts and distractions. Ever since his encounter with the Vrykolakas at the school he had been reading up on how to strengthen his control over the elements. Most of the information was a repeat from his family's Book of Shadows or too complex for him to understand. One article was written entirely in various formulas and another in hieroglyphics. It amazed him how much information on magic was out there on the Internet if you looked carefully enough.
Today, he decided to try out the method Wyatt and Chris told Zach to use to reconnect with his powers. Meditation never came easily to him. His grandfather had often tried to get him to sit with him during their visits and meditate. It never stuck. He would get bored after a few minutes, and his fidgeting would annoy his grandfather enough that the sessions ended early. Generally speaking, he was a quiet and contemplative person, but while he spoke very little his mind never quieted. It constantly raced from one topic to the next, finding unique connections to the most random topics.
Someone, he assumed his sister, knocked on his bedroom door twice.
"Who is it?"
His mother answered, "Bookie, iemand is hier om jou te sien."
He opened his eyes and stretched out his legs, frowning. No one he knew would visit him at his house. Maybe, Matt might, but he was flying home from England. Climbing to his feet, he walked over to the door and opened it.
"Wie is dit?" He asked.
Helen Parker stood with hands on her hips, her dye-blond hair wrapped up in a towel, and a thick white robe wrapped around her too thin frame. She smiled at Kenny with her rose-tinted lips. He could tell she had been interrupted midway through her weekly ritual of repainting her nails, a ritual Beth often joined in on. It surprised him she had answered the door. Normally, she would not be caught dead without full makeup and a well-designed outfit.
"Lemand uit die skool. 'N meisie." She said the last line with waggling eyebrows.
Kenny's frown deepened. The only girls from school he knew well were Rebecca and Sophia, but it could not be either of them. They were with their respective boyfriends on a plane somewhere over the mid-Atlantic. Beth had friends popping over day and night. He preferred to keep his friends and family separate. Not that he was embarrassed of his family, but it avoided the inevitable and exhausting interrogation from his mother afterward.
"Is jy seker dit is vir my?"
His mother rolled her pale green eyes. "Natuurlik, domkop. Sy het gevra vir jou. Nou opskud. Jy onbeskof."
His mother was a prim and proper lady, and she despised rudeness. There was no way he could ask her to dismiss the person at the door. He would have to go down and see who it is. Heaving a heavy sigh, he indicated he would go down stairs. She smiled and led the way down the attic stairs. They departed ways in the passageway; his mother returning to the confines of her room. She would not spy on them. She knew she would extract all the details from Kenny later.
Kenny found a girl with long strawberry blonde hair seated in one of the many florally appareled couches in the main living room. Amber Jones sat with legs crossed lady-like twiddling her thumbs, facing away from him. He knew her from around school. She was part of the larger group of freshman girls who sidled up to Rebecca as opposed to the minority who tried to impress Angela and her cronies. She had been part of the group of girls he vaguely remembered hitting on at Homecoming. Blood rushed to his cheeks at the memory.
He cleared his throat to announce his presence. "Hey, Amber, right?"
Amber's face broke into a huge smile, and she flushed. "Yes. Sorry about dropping by unannounced, but I texted Beth and she said it'd be fine. For some reason she thought this would be less rude than her giving me your number so I could text you. I don't know why she thinks that. I think coming over to someone's house is extremely demanding and rude if you're not invited. I guess, technically, I was invited, but not by you. Is Beth even here?" She said everything very quickly and quietly, not meeting he eyes.
Kenny sat down across from her in his favorite chair, the one that used to belong to his grandfather. "It's ok. I'm just—surprised."
Amber's smile faded a little. "I—I'm sorry. It's just I—well, you see there's this party tomorrow for New Years Eve. My big sister, Julie, is throwing it since our parents are out of town. It's not really a party for me, but I told her I'd tell our parents if she doesn't let me go. She's in college and didn't really want to have me around, but she consented to let me have a few friends come over if we promised to stay out of sight."
Kenny bit his lip. "That sounds like—er…"
Amber shook her head. "So I was wondering if you're not busy or anything. I know it's last minute and all, so don't feel bad. I was wondering, though, if you'd like to come?" Her voice cracked on the question.
Kenny studied her warm hazel eyes and saw the barely contained anticipation etched behind them. Her pale cheek flushed crimson with embarrassment. Her small frame shook. Slowly he reached out and took her delicate hand in his. "I would love to come, but I've already promised friends I'd go to their party."
Amber's eyes immediately welled up with tears, and she briskly turned away. She deflated before his eyes. "I—I—understand…"
She tried to pull her hand free, but for some reason he held on to it. He felt sweaty and terrible for hurting her.
"Amber, I'm really flattered you invited me, though. Really."
She blinked rapidly to hide the tears. "Do—don't be silly."
Kenny got down on his knees in front of her. He waited until she looked at him. "Honestly, if I didn't already commit to this other thing, I'd go in a heartbeat."
Her eyes grew intense. "You mean it?"
Kenny nodded fervently. "Absolutely."
A few strands of her red hair fell into her face, and without thinking Kenny reached up and brushed them aside. Immediately his heart leaped in his chest and his cheeks burned hot. She smiled shyly. He bent in further, and his eyes closed automatically. His lips touched hers briefly. He felt her gasp but quickly return the kiss.
"Wow," muttered Amber softly.
Kenny smirked to hide his anxiety. "Have you invited anyone else to your party?"
Amber sighed, her blush rising to tinge her cheeks. "No, there wasn't anyone else I wanted to ask."
"So come with me tomorrow night? I'm sure my friends won't mind," said Kenny excitedly. His lips still tingled where they had touched her lips.
Amber nibbled on a fingernail nervously, caught herself, and pulled her hand away quickly. "What? No, no—I can't gatecrash someone else's party."
"Why not? Zach and Matt are hosting it. You're already friends with Beth and Rebecca. That's pretty much everyone who's going to be there. It's going to be very low key, snacks and a movie."
"No party games?" asked Amber.
Kenny shook his head. "No idea."
"I'll—I'll have to ask my sister. Are you sure it'll be ok with Zach and Matt? They don't really know me. Well, Zach does a bit from drama, but it's no more than him recognizing my face."
Kenny stroked her cheek gently. "They'll be more than happy to have you there."
Amber stood up and Kenny followed suit.
"Right, I—er—I should go."
Kenny walked her to the door with a huge grin on his face. He put a hand on the door handle but did not open the door.
"I'll see you tomorrow, then…maybe," said Amber awkwardly.
Kenny pecked her on the cheek. "I'm looking forward to it. Oh, wait!"
He dug his phone out of his pocket and typed in a few characters. Amber's phone buzzed.
"Now, you don't have to bug my sister to talk to me."
Amber grinned and waved her hand behind her as she made her way down the garden path. Kenny barely closed the front door before being ambushed by Beth and his mother.
"Tell us everything!" squealed Beth, dragging him into the living room.
Rahab sat straight-backed on the massive golden seat at the head of the black oak table. Around the table sat various leaders of the factions who currently ruled the Underworld. Most bent to her will or her brother's, but a few at the table still believed they stood a chance of usurping her control of the Dark Council. One leader, in particular, was on top form tonight. Shedim was an ancient sorceress who currently took the form of a young woman with flowing black hair, pale blue eyes, and almost translucent skin. She spoke with a thick Slavic accent when she spoke at all. She was skilled in making her thoughts known through other means of communication and manipulation. Tiamat reported that she and the ever troublesome wraith, Phenex, had formed a back alley alliance.
Currently, Shedim held the rest of the Dark Council enthralled as she reiterated the age-old argument of quiet rebellion and secretive deception to advance their agenda. She projected into their minds the latest and greatest weapons humankind had developed over the past decade to combat magic. Suddenly the images flashing in the back of Rahab's mind morphed into the familiar scene of the Halliwell Manor. The action played out as the Halliwells were chased from their ancestral home by a force mainly composed of mortals. Muttering broke out in the stuffy chamber. For all their animosity toward the witches, the name Halliwell still evoked a sense of pride in all magical beings. They were the pinnacle of what magic could achieve.
"Enough," hissed Rahab, glaring at Shedim.
Shedim folded her hands politely in her lap and bowed her head in semblance of reverence.
A grimlock spoke up from the shadows. Not all demons were welcomed to sit at her table. "The mortals are a problem you consistently fail to recognize, almighty one. There is no disrespect meant, but if the mortals choose to rise up against us—they outnumber magical beings, both good and evil, by a considerable amount. Despite their relative weakness, by numbers alone they would overwhelm our forces."
Rahab chuckled and tapped her long nails on the tabletop. "The mortals are of little concern. Has it really been so long that you forget how easily Aeglaeca controlled humanity? Or even before him, we were feared and revered as dark gods and goddesses. Their technology has advanced, but their psyches are still as primitive as when they were still foolish apes. Do not forget, brothers and sisters, we were here longer before them. This world was once ours. It will be ours again."
A demon with ash white skin and tribal markings scaring the majority of his face bowed his head before he spoke. "This world was never ours. It was once yours. Lucifer's first born ruled the world before the Powers came forth and struck him down…"
The demon choked off and clutched at his throat. Tiamat slunk out of the shadows near the grimlock, carrying a small wooden crate under one arm. The other arm was out stretched and tiny spindles of magic arose from his fingertips and streamed down the demon's open mouth.
"It would be foolish to try and distance yourself from your betters, demon. You are correct that we once ruled this world without your aide. Now, my sister in her benevolence wishes to extend to all of you the chance to be a part of the revolution, which will once again see evil at the top. I have my misgivings of allowing lesser beings to rise above their created positions in the hierarchy but consider me a romantic. My sister is the realist."
Tiamat turned his darkened eyes to his sister. "A present for you in celebration of the unification of the Underworld under your rule."
He placed the wooden crate in front of Shedim. Still, the demon choked on the magic being forced down his throat. Tiamat tapped the lid and the magic holding it shut dissipated. He patted Shedim on the shoulder.
"I am dreadfully sorry for you loss," said Tiamat with a vindictive smile.
Shedim peered into the crate and pulled back in disgust. She screamed in a forgotten language and about a dozen members in the Council chambers rose to her battle cry, most were not seated at the table. Rahab grinned; her brother was a master and ferreting out threats to their survival.
Tiamat crushed his fingers into a fist, and the demon he held under his spell exploded. Three harpies, two queens and one king, stood up and made quick work of most of the final detractors to her rule. Tiamat focused on Shedim. Rahab sat on her throne stroking her pet snake as the last threads of their decade-long plan came together. After tonight, there would be no one capable of hindering them from fulfilling their final ambition. Not even the Halliwells with their otherworldly good fortune could stand in their way.
Shedim curled her fingers around an invisible object and blew on her palm. A massive fiery drake erupted from her shimmering breath. It charged at Tiamat who twirled his cold metal ring twice. Water of the darkest blue materialized out of every crack and crevice in the room. It poured out from thin air and drowned the drake, washing away the ash. The water spun and formed into a large sea monster with reptilian yellow eyes. The leviathan struck at Shedim.
The ancient sorceress beat the massive head back with a simple pale staff. She nimbly dodged its jaws and blinded it with conjured diamond blades. Spinning the staff to keep the tendrils of dark water at bay, she telekinetically threw the blades at Tiamat.
Tiamat transformed in a blink of an eye into his crocodilian form. The blades bounced harmlessly off his thick leathery skin. He crushed the skull of a demon foolish enough to get in his way with a flick of the back of his hand. The spinning staff hit him on the cheek and shattered, throwing Shedim backward.
"Phenex at least put up a fight, Shedim," taunted Tiamat.
Rising to her feet, the pale woman clapped her hands together. The sound cracked the rock roof and overthrew the council table. Demons and warlocks alike tumbled over and crashed into each other. Rahab lifted one finger and not even her delicate robes moved. Tiamat stumbled slightly and covered his ears with clawed hands.
"You will bring us all to ruin," cried Shedim.
Tiamat laughed and plunged his hand into her chest. A glimmer of a shield broke his fingers and burnt away the hand. Shedim spun on the spot and disappeared. Tiamat roared in fury. Rahab rolled her eyes and snapped her fingers. Shedim reappeared kneeling before her.
"Only chaos and destruction awaits you if you continue down this path," growled Shedim, transforming into the wrinkled old crone she usually favored.
Tiamat, glowering, stomped over to her side. His burnt stump shimmered and a new hand grew out of the still smoking flesh. He grabbed the crone by the throat and lifted her high into the air. Thick blood trickled down her throat as she continued to try and talk and plead. Rahab stood up and removed the snake from around her neck.
"Chaos and destruction is exactly what we want. It's what evil thrives on, sweetie."
The snake struck out twice, and Tiamat let the crone drop to the ground. Shedim rolled on the floor screaming in agony. The venom coursing through her veins would not let her die easily. It would slowly burn her from the inside out, keeping her alive throughout the whole process. After days of agony, the venom would reach her core, her magic, only then would she turn to dust, leaving the magical essence behind for easy digesting.
"Put her in a cell," said Rahab as she swept out of the destroyed room.
The morning of New Year's Eve found Richard Brooks seated at the Manor's kitchen table, watching the weather report. Everyone else in the house was still recovering from jetlag. Somehow he never had to deal with jetlag, even as a young child. His twin brother could sleep for days after an airplane trip, but he rarely slept more than a few hours a night. Often that left him with hours on end when he would be the only one up. As a child he would use the time to read countless books. Once, he even read the dictionary from start to finish. As a teenager, his parents trusted him enough to let him go exploring on his own as long as he kept his cellphone on him. A lot of his photographs were from one of this early morning wanderings. This morning he had opted for a bowl of cereal and the news.
San Francisco was experiencing an unseasonable heat wave. The forecast called for high more consistent for mid-summer and clear skies. His uncle Chris had explained that with the amount of magic currently running amuck in the city was bound to affect the weather. He went on to tell them the story of when the Titans were released and the Charmed Ones were turned into Greek Goddesses. He left the room halfway through the story to call his mother.
After Christmas, the adults had sat them all down to have a family discussion. His aunt Serena announced she was pregnant, and the adults opened up the options of returning to the States. It seemed the school where Zach and Matt went was scheduled to be reopened in the new year, and their absence might turn into a red flag. Zach and Matt immediately jumped on board of returning; Richard suspected their girlfriends played a big part in their decision. Returning brought about a whole slew of problems.
The first problem was sorted out quickly. Serena would be remaining in England while she was pregnant. Sarah and his mother would also stay and keep her company. The second was more complicated; the next generation had to stay together. Neither of his parents was particularly happy about sending them to the States, but Chris convinced them it was for the best. He was on the fence about leaving his family to stay in a house that held very little personal connections to him. He had been outvoted, though; again girlfriends or potential girlfriends were the issue. The final problem was living arrangements.
The Manor had been magically expanded to accommodate everyone's needs. Everyone who returned to the city was living in the old Victorian house. Piper kept her bedroom. After some discussion, Wyatt stayed in the largest bedroom, his and Sarah's original room. Chris took over Zach's room as it was the only room unaffected by the expansion spell, and he needed certain mundane amenities such as hardwired access to the Internet access in order to perform his duties at his job. The cousins were relegated to the four massive rooms conjured up in the basement.
The set suited him, although he was surprised when his chosen room was already decorated. A look at some of the pictures on the desk told him all he needed to know; the room once belonged to his dead uncle. He spent most of the night carefully collecting all the old mementos and packing them away. The box of pictures, books, and trophies sat at the bottom of his bed. He did not know what to do with it. He did not want to bring it up with his uncles or grandmother. He did not know if it would be a shock to them or not. When Anakin had died the room in the basement no longer existed. Perhaps, he would talk to Zach about it when his older cousin woke up.
"You know your cereal is getting soggy, right?"
Richard jumped and covered his mouth to stifle the very girlish scream.
Wyatt bit his lip to hide his smile. "Sorry."
Richard took a few deep breaths to steady his racing heart. "No, you're fine. I just didn't expect anyone to be up this early."
Wyatt started pulling out the various items needed to make coffee. "Ordinarily you would be right, but I got a call from one of my patients. He needs me to come into the office for a chat."
Richard frowned. "I didn't know psychologists were on call."
"Well, if you work at a hospital you can be, but it's not the norm for psychologists in private practice. This particular patient, though, is a special case," explained Wyatt.
Richard tested his cereal with his spoon and found his uncle to be correct. It was all soggy. "How did he know you were back in town?"
"Oh, through the grapevine," said Wyatt mysteriously. "Got any plans for today before the party that the adults aren't supposed to know about?"
Richard choked on a mouthful of orange juice. "What? What party?"
"The party Matt texted Kenny about before we got on the plane." Wyatt poured himself a cup of coffee and sipped it.
"Who—what?" spluttered Richard.
Wyatt shook his head. "As long as it's only a small group we're fine with you guys having a party. No alcohol or drugs, and certainly no people sneaking away to find private places. Your mothers would kill Chris and myself if they found out about any misbehavior."
Richard's cheeks burned red. "Why?"
Wyatt shrugged. "It's better than having you sneak out to a different party. The Manor is the safest place we know."
"Why did you change your mind about leaving the city?" asked Richard, standing up.
"A story for a different time," said Wyatt, gulping down the last of his coffee. "I've got to go. Wake Zach for me if he sleeps past noon. See you later."
"See you," said Richard as Wyatt orbed away.
Picking up his bowel and empty glass, Richard walked over to the sink and washed the dishes. He debated sitting back down and watching more of the news, but for the last hour most of the stories were just repeats from the night before. Demon attacks were on the increase. The military or police forces were taking over most major cities and instituting curfews in hopes of protecting civilian lives. The images of Albuquerque in flames from the night before currently played on the television screen before Richard turned it off. Something had to be done to stop these demons. At the same time, it terrified him to even think about hunting down the creatures capable of burning a whole city to the ground.
He returned to his new bedroom and collected his camera and a few of his lenses. There was an abandoned house a few blocks down he wanted to photograph. Matt also wanted to explore the house, but his cousin was not in his room when Richard checked. He guessed the teen had snuck off in the night to visit Kenny or more likely Sophia. He peeked in on Zach, who was sleeping with one leg under the covers and the other on top. His sensed his brother was still asleep. He did not have telepathy, but it was a twin thing.
The morning air outside already hinted at the soaring temperature for the rest of the day. He stepped off the Manor's porch and jogged down the quiet street. Up the next street he passed a police car driving in the opposite direction. He sped up his pace and quickly rounded the corner. A young couple greeted him as they walked their little dog. He should have brought Pax with him. He felt like he stood out like a sore thumb. However, no one bothered him, preferring to concentrate on his or her own life. He eventually reached the abandoned house and he slipped through the rusted gate.
The house, according to Matt, had been abandoned for ages. The once beautiful garden was overgrown with weeds and thick ivy. Windows were boarded up and neighborhood kids had spray painted graffiti all over the outside. No one dared enter the house. A news clipping he found online described over two-dozen disappearances being linked to the house. Richard looked over his shoulder at the gate, suppressing a shiver.
At the time he and Matt discussed coming to the house, the disappearances had not bothered him. He reasoned if there was anything sinister lurking in the house he could orb out. Now, standing near the broken front porch, the house took on a more menacing appearance. He shook off the wave of cold spreading down his back and pulled out his camera. He took a few shot of the exterior, building up his courage.
"You shouldn't be in there."
For a second time he found himself caught off guard by another person. He turned around and spotted a girl in skinny jeans, a white tank top that did not cover her midriff, and a stylish leather jacket.
"I'm just taking a few photos," he called back.
The girl pushed her way into the garden. "Haven't you heard the stories about this place?" She asked in an almost awed tone.
Richard lowered his camera. "My cousin told me about them. They can't all be true."
The girl stopped inches away from him and lowered her dark sunglasses revealing stunning chocolate brown eyes. "Some of them might be though," she said breathlessly. "I'm Angela, by the way."
Richard forced himself to blink and breathe. "I'm Richard. Richard Brooks."
Angela arched a perfectly styled eyebrow. "Brooks? You're not related to the Halliwells by any chance?"
Richard frowned. "What? Why?"
"Oh, don't worry, silly, I'm just friends with Zachary. I had heard they were out of town." She leaned in closer.
Richard voice broke when he spoke. "We got in yesterday."
She smiled. "That's wonderful! Do you guys have any plans for tonight? Zach usually goes to one of the parties thrown by one of our friends at school, but if you only got back yesterday—maybe you're doing something low key at the Manor?"
Richard found himself talking before he thought out his response. "It's gong to be just a few friends at the Manor."
Angela bobbed her head and looked up at the ruined house. "My mom knew the couple who first died into the house. Their murders were brutal; probably what kicked off all those other rumors. Oh well, I'll see you around, cutie."
Richard found himself unable to stop staring at her as she walked away. He snapped out of the daze only when she disappeared around the corner. Goosebumps covered his arms. Forgetting any plans of entering the house, he ran back to the Manor.
Wyatt sat behind the desk in his office. Across from him sat Andrew, Adelrich, and off to one side Andrew's mother. He analyzed the woman with her folded arms and narrowed eyes. Any hope he had of at least convincing her to leave Andrew alone died in that moment. She had her mind stubbornly set on regaining custody of her son. He suspected the issue was a matter of pride for her more than an act of motherly love.
"I do not wish to subjected Andrew to a long drawn out legal proceedings," continued Adelrich. "It is not in his best interests, and it is certainly not in your husband's either. As much as it galls me to let a man such as he to walk free Andrew has stated he would be willing to drop his charges against your husband."
Mrs. Christensen leaned back and wrapped her arms more tightly around her. "In exchange for what? What does my dear son want for telling the truth?"
Wyatt watched Andrew flinch at the harshness in his mother's voice and cleared his throat. "Mrs. Christensen, you would do well to keep your tone civil. I am here as and advocate for my patient. If I feel this discussion is hurting him, I will put an end to them. The courts have all they need to convict your husband, and I have no doubt further investigation will reveal your complicity."
Mrs. Christensen kept her face neutral, but Wyatt caught the flash of anger in her eyes. "Andrew is my son. You cannot stop me from talking to him the way I see fit. You are in my employ."
Adelrich leaned forward and puffed out his chest. "But I can."
"I am Andrew's psychologist. My duty is to him, not the person signing the check," said Wyatt evenly.
"Did you know? Did he tell you about his perversions?" hissed Mrs. Christensen.
Adelrich wrapped an arm around Andrew's shoulders. "Enough!"
"They are not perversions. He likes another person. How can you not see that as a good thing? Doesn't your Bible teach compassion and love as the greatest commandment?" questioned Wyatt with a rising voice.
"I love him," said Andrew clearly. "Mom—Mr. Halliwell…I love him. I love Danny Beck."
Mrs. Christensen spat on the floor. "Disgusting."
Andrew blinked back tears. "I—I want to move in with the Halliwells. Mr. and Mrs. Watson have been great, and so have Sophia. But I—it doesn't feel like home, no offense."
"None, taken, son," said Sophia's father kindly.
"The Manor has been a second home to me. I want you and dad to drop your contentions against Wyatt and Sarah taking me in as a foster child. You do that and I'll tell the agent I don't want to press charges." Andrew said not looking at his mother.
Mrs. Christensen seethed in her seat. "You will come home!"
Andrew shook his head. "No. I won't live with that man ever again. Maybe—maybe one day I could forgive you enough to have a relationship with you, but never him."
"Mrs. Christensen, I suggest you take this gracious offer."
Mrs. Christensen unfolded her arms and pointed a thing finger at her son. "He is coming home. You might have been able to convince that foolish agent, and don't think I don't know the judge who signed the removal order was in your pocket, Mr. Watson. I'll have corruption charges filed the moment my husband is vindicated."
She stood up and glared at Wyatt. "You can consider yourself fired, Mr. Halliwell, and I'll be filing a complaint with the Board of Psychology." She stormed out of the room.
Adelrich sighed. "That could have gone better."
Andrew stifled a sob.
Wyatt smiled sadly at his son's best friend. "It could have gone a lot worse, but it is in the past. We need to discuss the future. As it stands, I received a summons to appear before a Grand Jury on behalf of the prosecutor in your case. As your psychologist I have information that could prove valuable to their case; however, I cannot and will not answer their questions unless I have your permission, Andrew."
Andrew wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. "Say what you want."
Wyatt glanced at Adelrich. "Could we have a moment, Mr. Watson?"
Sophia's father nodded. "Of course, I'll be right outside."
"You—you can go home, Mr. Watson. I'm going to Zach's house for a sleepover tonight. I could just go over to the house early. If that's ok with you, Mr. Halliwell?"
Wyatt nodded and shrugged. "Fine with me."
Adelrich collected his cane. "I'll see you in the morning then. Mr. Halliwell."
"Goodbye, Mr. Watson."
Wyatt waited until Adelrich closed the office door before standing and walking around the desk. He set down in the chair previously occupied by Andrew's mother. "Andrew, I want you to be sure about this. My testimony will be helpful to the prosecutor; however, the defense will be able to question me as well in open court. Now, there is nothing you have told me that you should be embarrassed about, absolutely nothing, but I know you are about some things."
Andrew frowned; eyes still red and puffy. "I can't go back to them, not with him in the house. If you testifying can prevent that, then I don't mind what comes out in court."
Wyatt leaned back in the chair and sighed. "Have you spoke to Daniel about anything you've said in here?"
"Not specifically, but he knows the—he understands, I think, where I'm coming from."
"I can't predict how your friends may react. I know you don't want their pity. Before this goes to court, I'd suggest sitting down with them particularly Daniel and Zach. The larger your support base at this point, the better," said Wyatt methodically.
Andrew let out a long deep breath. "I'll think about it, Mr. Halliwell."
Wyatt leaned forward again and patted his son's best friend on the knee. "Everything will work out for the best, I promise."
Andrew followed his lead and stood up. Wyatt offered his hand to the teen, and once he grasped hold of it orbed back to the Manor.
Zach held up a picture of an entertainment room. In the corner sat a massive audio set up, and the entire back wall was composed of a television. There was an area for a little dance floor of sorts and another smaller segment designated as a snack section. The picture had beanbags strew throughout as sitting.
"Do we want these beanbag chairs?" he asked not looking up from the picture.
Matt sat across from him playing a game of chess with Richard. Michael and Andrew were up stairs preparing some sort of special drink for the night.
"What would you prefer?"
Zach shrugged. "I don't know."
"Let's start off with those, and if we don't like it change them," suggested Richard, taking Matt's queen.
"Shit, yeah, I agree," said Matt.
Zach put the picture down. "Ok. I think I've got it."
Matt replaced his rook on the chessboard. "Do you need us out of the room?"
Zach pursed his lips in thought. "No, I don't think so. Just don't move."
Matt and Richard abandoned their chess game and backed up behind Zach. The older teen waiting until his cousins stopped moving before closing his eyes. He concentrated on the picture of the room, picturing every detail in his mind's eye. As the features of the room formed in his mind, he allowed himself to find that part of himself that still felt slightly foreign. He pushed passed the shockwave of pain emanating from the scar on his chest but stemming from a place deeper and more intimate. The curse was now as much a part of him as his own magic. He squashed the fear and continued to dig for that spark.
His uncle said using his powers would become second nature over time. His other powers, telekinesis and molecular manipulation, were much quicker to find and activate. Their practice session in England improved his command over basic witch powers. The only problem he still had was projection. His father suggested it was because of the locus of the curse. He felt the mental block was rooted in deeper memories.
He felt the moment his mind connected with his magic. A rush of warmth and euphoria spread throughout his mind. His whole body vibrated with the unleashed power and it fought for a release. Focusing harder on the room, Zach released some of the magic, sensed it drip onto the Manor's floor, experienced it connect with the older magics that pervaded his ancestral home. His magic flowed over the floor of the room, Richard's bedroom, and the room expanded at its touch. He unleashed more of his power and pops indicated the materialization of objects. A shimmering flashed over his closed eyes and his body briefly felt lighter than air.
Matthew gasped. "You did it!"
Zach opened his eyes. He was no longer in Richard's room, before him lay the cozy yet elegant room from the picture. He breathed out, realizing he had been holding his breath.
"Impressive," commented Richard. "Although you could've left the chessboard."
Zach laughed. "How much time until the girls and Kenny get here?"
Richard checked his phone. "Half-an-hour."
"And what about Chris and my dad, have they left yet?"
Matt nodded. "They left an hour ago. Don't you remember them saying bye?"
Zach shrugged. "Yeah, I just…forgot."
Richard arched an eyebrow. "Seriously?"
The scar on his chest twinged, but Zach refused to acknowledge the pain not with both of his cousins' concern on the rise. He had something special planned for Rebecca tonight, and he was not about to let some dumb curse ruin it all.
"Absolutely, it just slipped my mind."
Matt gave him a knowing stare but shrugged his shoulders. "Well, I'm off to get ready."
Zach looked around the room, impressed with everything he saw, but paused when his eyes slid over the worried face of his cousin.
"What's up?"
Richard bit his lip. "Do you know someone called Angela?"
Zach's eyebrows disappeared beneath his slightly too long hair. "Angela? Yeah. Why?"
"I run into her this morning."
Zach cringed. "Sorry."
Richard frowned. "Why? I mean, I found it weird when she asked about you, but otherwise she's kind of hot."
"And my ex," explained Zach.
Richard's eyes widened. "Seriously! How do you bag all the good looking ones?"
Zach rolled his eyes. "Gee, thanks, bro."
"You know what I mean," said Richard dismissively.
Zach shook his head. "Whatever. We dated for a bit last school year. She's, I don't know, we just did not—it wasn't going to last. My dad would say we were fundamentally incompatible despite both being wonderful people."
Richard sighed. "So, you broke up and started dating Rebecca?"
"Not immediately afterwards, but there wasn't anyone in between if that's what you mean."
Richard sat down on one of the beanbags. "Theses are comfortable."
Zach leaned against the wall. "Where'd you run into Angie?"
Richard marked the use of the nickname, but chose not to comment. "By that abandoned house down the street."
"She used to live next to that house with her mom and dad before her mom vanished. Her mom was the one making all the money, so they had to sell the house and move into an apartment," said Zach. "Although, Kenny said he heard her mom is back."
Richard shrugged. "She being your ex means she's off limits. It's going to suck tonight when I'm the only one without a date to kiss."
"There'll be a few other people around besides just us. Danny usually throws a New Year Eve's part for the swim team, but he's not doing that this year. A few of those girls will come over, and then Rebecca's friends," continued Zach, ticking off people on his fingers.
"Where's Grandma Piper going tonight?"
"No where, hence the soundproof room. Dad dragged me off to explain the plan. He and Chris were fine leaving the house as long as there was one adult here. Grandma Piper won't bother us, besides she's more popular with some of the kids at my school than I am." Zach pushed himself away from the wall. "Let's go see what your brother and Andrew are up to."
Richard clambered back to his feet. "They think something might happen tonight, don't they?"
Zach, leading the way up the stairs into the kitchen, shrugged. "My dad's been on edge ever since we got our powers back. With Grandma Piper here and being in the Manor, who's going to even try?"
"I guess…"
Michael cut off Richard by ambushing him at the top of the stairs.
"Finally! I need your help remembering that drink from our last night in India."
Andrew sidestepped the twins and sidled up to Zach. "Hey, Zach, can we talk?"
Zach kept his eyes on the twins who were bickering over which liquor to add to an already very fill pitcher. "Ah—sure, what's up?"
Andrew shook his head. "Not here, can we go someplace quieter?"
"Er—um—of course. My room?" Zach said finally turning his fill attention to his friend.
Andrew gestured with a slightly shaky hand for Zach to lead the way. Zach kept his face neutral and returned back down the stairs. His room was the furthest from the stairs. He heard Matt singing badly in the shower and chuckled, but Andrew did not reciprocate. Zach opened the door to his room and let Andrew walk in first. His friend stopped dead in his tracks.
"I had no idea you were so into candles," commented Andrew.
Zach slipped in behind him, shut and locked the door. "I'm not."
Andrew's face broke into a knowing grin. "Wow, very romantic. Much better than a quickie in the bathroom at school."
Zach gagged. "I don't need to know the details of your love life, dude."
"Who said it was my first time?"
Zach covered his ears. "Not listening!"
Andrew threw himself on the rose petal covered bed. "Sorry, dude, but rose petals are so last century."
Zach waved his hand and orbed all the petals onto of Andrew who sputtered as a few landed in his mouth. "What do you want to talk about?"
Andrew pulled the last of the petals off his tongue and chucked it at Zach who easily dodged it. "Actually—nothing."
Zach folded his arms. "Nope. You dragged me down here."
"Seriously, it's nothing. It—it can wait."
Zach took a seat and softened his expression. "Come on, this isn't like you. The last time you were like this you told me you're gay. So unless you're here to tell me you fucked Matt or something…what's wrong?"
Andrew bit his lower lip hard enough to draw blood. "Zach, you—you know you're my best friend?"
"Of course just like you're my best friend," said Zach softly.
"Right—but no really. You're really are my best friend. I mean, I know you and I are close but not as close as you and Matt."
"He's my cousin. We grew up together, but…"
Andrew held up his hand. "Don't sell your relationship short, Zach, please. You guys are closer than brothers, and that's great. I've always admired that about the two of you. Despite some differences, you guys always have each other's backs."
"I have your back, always."
"Dude, I'm not—this isn't me complaining or anything. He's family; that makes a difference. Plus you guys have this whole magic thing."
Zach scoffed. "Hardly. We've been witches for like two months."
Andrew sighed deeply. "Please, Zach, what I'm trying to say is you are my best friend, my only friend really."
"That's bullshit! Sophia and Rebecca are your friends. What about Matt and Kenny? Are you forgetting Danny? I think, he'd be pretty pissed if you don't think he's a friend."
"They're all my friends because they're friends with you. Not Danny so much, but even with him it's because of you we met. He was looking for you to talk to you about something. BUT," said Andrew loudly over Zach's objections, "I get your point. They're my friends, and I'm their friend. This whole thing has gotten way off track. What I'm trying to say is out of everyone in the world your opinion matters most to me."
Zach swallowed against the lump in his throat. "Thanks."
Andrew blushed. "Ok, so doing this—talking to you about this is really hard for me. Let me say my piece without interruption. Ok?"
Zach rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Yeah, fine."
Andrew nodded his thanks. "You don't know this, but for a few years—ever since my parents suspected I was gay—I've been going to your dad for therapy."
Zach opened his mouth to voice his surprise and closed it with great difficulty.
"Now, with the trial and everything they want him to testify about my sessions. I told him I want him to, but before he does I want you to know what he's going to say. Not all of it is going to be good."
Zach shifted in his seat and smiled to reassure his friend.
Andrew sucked in a rattly breath. Somewhere upstairs a doorbell went off. "The girls are here."
Zach nodded. "They can wait."
"I'm sure Rebecca wants to say hi," said Andrew uncrossing his legs.
Zach pulled his chair closer and put a restraining hand on Andrew's knee. "She can wait."
Andrew fidgeted with the hem of his jeans. "Ok. For the most part your dad and I talked about normal problems. He's very good at making you feel comfortable. It only took him two weeks before I told him the truth: I was gay. I tell people I wasn't really sure until Danny, but I knew. From when I was three or so—I've never thought of myself as anything else as much as I wished I could. I hated that about myself. I forced myself to play normal. I told your dad it was what I wanted. I don't think he bought it."
"It was in seventh grade when I first told him I liked a boy, and that I knew this boy would never like me back. Up until then being gay didn't really hurt. It made me hate myself, but I could live with the self-hatred. This—feeling that strongly about someone else and knowing they'd never reciprocate—it was horrible. I formulated a plan to—to end it all."
Zach gasped. Andrew's eyes dropped to his feet and tears dripped freely from the tip of his nose. Zach got up off the chair and sat down next to his friend. He pulled the blond into a hug.
Andrew angrily wiped away the tears. "I'm being stupid."
"No, you're not."
"Yes, I am. I told your dad my plan, and he persuaded me to not going through with it. That's why I was 'sick' those few days back then. He had to report me, and the time away from everything helped. It let me see that even if I could never have the type of relationship I wanted with the guy I could still call him my best friend. I knew you loved me."
Zach tightened his grip around Andrew. "Andy—I—er…"
Andrew sniffed. "Stop, ok, it's fine. You were my first real crush. I fell a bit harder than I should have, and I'm—I'm glad I never told you back then. What we have now—I wouldn't trade it for the world. Besides, we'd never have worked out. You're way too high maintenance." Andrew indicated the room decorations, his attempt to alleviate some of the tension.
Zach chuckled wetly. "Whatever."
Andrew wiped his runny nose. "After all that, my parents went a little crazy. They sent me to your dad like every day. He talked to me. He tired to make me see being what I am was not wrong. He did his best to let me figure out for myself just how fucked up my parents were. I don't think he ever thought they'd be this—whatever, it doesn't matter. The point is my self-esteem was never particularly high. I didn't—no, I don't want you to be blindsided by all this. There was nothing you could have done. I hid it too well."
Andrew fell silent still unable to meet his best friend's eyes. He shrunk back as Zach moved. A gasp escaped his lips; Zach enveloped him in a bone-crushing hug again. The floodgates opened and tears poured down his cheeks and fell freely onto Zach's shoulder. Andrew buried his nose into the crook of Zach's neck, thankful his friend was still at his side.
Zach patted his friend on the back and held him close. He rapidly blinked his eyelids and sniffed to stop his nose from running. The notion that Andrew had been anything but a happy and confident kid sat wrong in the pit of his stomach. His best friend had always been the life of the party, but he could sense the truth in Andrew's words. He felt the fear and relief of the skinner blond like it was his own.
"Why didn't you ever come to me?" muttered Zach as his rubbed circles on Andrew's shaking back.
Someone knocked on the bedroom door.
"Who is it?" yelled Zach.
"It's me," called Rebecca.
Andrew tried to pull away, but Zach held firmly to his shoulders.
"I'm still getting ready. I'll see you in a sec, babe."
After a long pause, Rebecca said, "Everything ok?"
Andrew successfully disentangled himself from Zach. "It's ok, Zach. I'm fine. Go be with your girlfriend. You've got a big night planned."
Zach frowned deeply. "This is more important."
Andrew slid off the bed and pulled Zach to his feet. "Nothing's more important than your girlfriend, at least not tonight. We've got plenty of time to talk later."
Andrew opened the bedroom door before Zach could argue. "Damn, Rebecca, are you trying to give my friend a heart attack?" He turned back and winked at Zach before sliding around Rebecca.
Matt stepped out of the bathroom with just a towel wrapped around his waist. "What's up?"
Andrew shrugged. "If you ever feel like expanding your horizons, dude, I'm sure Danny won't mind us getting it on."
Matt rolled his eyes. "I think my cousin might just have an aneurism if I sleep with both of his best friends."
Andrew shrugged. "Just a suggestion. The girls are here."
Matt held up his phone. "I know."
Zach reappeared in the doorway with his shirt half undone. His face was pale white. "Demons…"
A blood-curdling scream from above them drowned out anything else Zach tired to say. Without thinking all three boys raced toward the stairs. Zach crashed through the basement door and into a warzone. The kitchen was destroyed. Cabinets were on fire and the sink resembled a waterworks display. Four demons turned around to face the new comers. Zach flicked his hand and two demons exploded in a rush of flames. Another demon went flying courtesy of Matthew. The fourth demon threw an energy ball at Andrew. The powerless teen dropped to the floor with not a second to spare.
On the ruins of the kitchen island stood the Vrykolakas laughing at the carnage. Forgoing the long black robes from her previous attack, the demon wore a skin-tight black leather suit, accentuating her feminine figure. The deadly tail curled neatly around her waist. The tongues of flame adorning her two horns danced wildly, spitting out embers.
"Zach, how wonderful of you to join us. Where is your delectable girlfriend? I do hope she is safe at home."
Rebecca screamed behind them.
The Vrykolakas tutted. "Such a pity, I would have thought given your family's bad luck in keeping loved ones alive you would have manned up and broken her heart. She may have been sad but alive. Now, I must dispose of her."
A demon shimmered in beside her holding Rebecca against his bare chest, an athame to her throat.
Zach balled his hands into tight fists. "Leave her out of this."
The demon nicked her neck with the blade, drawing blood. He exploded.
The Vrykolakas caught Rebecca with her clawed hand around her throat. "Clearly you are not a witch to anger."
Zach seethed. "Let her go!"
"You've got to work on that authoritative tone, my love," taunted the Vrykolakas. "Your father, I am told, could send an army scrambling when he spoke like that."
Zach took a step closer.
The Vrykolakas shook her head, tapping a sharp talon against Rebecca's neck. "I'd stay where you are for the time being."
"Where is everyone?" asked Matt softly.
"Oh they are in dispose, young Matthew. My minions are very effective in subduing neophytes and mortals. Although, I must admit seeing those two twins in battle, yum. I might have to keep them alive a tiny bit longer, just to see how flexible they really are."
Matt glared at the demon. "What do you want?"
The Vrykolakas jerked Rebecca back. "I want your cousin. He's been the subject of a number of my more shall we say alluring bedroom fantasies. He comes with me, and I let you live for now."
Shaking with rage, Zach ground his teeth. "What makes you think…"
The demon's tail uncurled and lashed out. Several snaps echoed through the room. Rebecca gasped for air. The reptilian tail had hit her right across the chest.
"You fucking bastard!" screamed Zach.
Energy erupted from both of his palms and scorched everything in its path. The Vrykolakas revealed it's gigantic wings and cocooned herself and Rebecca with them. Massive blisters erupted all over the wings, but as the energy dissipated the demon still stood grinning back at them.
"I am impressed," said the Vrykolakas gingerly refolding her wings. "That tingled."
Several explosions from beyond the kitchen drew their attention away from the demon. Spine-shivering yells and unearthly shrieks followed the explosions, along with yelps of joy. The Vrykolakas tightened her grip on Rebecca's neck.
"Stop that! You're killing her," bellowed Zach.
Still eyeing the doorway, the Vrykolakas chuckled. "That is kind of the point, baby."
"I—AM—NOT—YOUR—BABY!"
The Vrykolakas smirked. "You won't be saying that for too long."
Rebecca stared back at Zach with her large brown eyes. She clutched at the talons around her neck, slowly cutting off her air supply. The pain from the broken ribs made her see stars with every fitful breath.
Matt twitched his finger, and the Vrykolakas rounded on him.
"Any movement, and she loses her pretty head. Now, who else was here besides your useless cousins, and that dimwit elemental? Mortals don't count."
Zach and Matt glanced at each other. "No one."
The Vrykolakas sighed and hit Rebecca in the chest with her tail again. "Those were demons being vanquished. Is your grandmother home? I would have thought if you are throwing a party you get rid of all the adults."
Piper stepped into the kitchen throwing a potion bottle at the Vrykolakas. The demon slapped the potion vial away with her tail.
"Get out of here!" yelled Piper, flicking her wrists.
The demon stumbled backwards and retaliated with a fire ball. The Halliwell matriarch froze the fire ball midair. Another gesture turned the arm, holding Rebecca into a bloody stump. The Vrykolakas roared and slapped her tail against the ground. Piper stumbled and fell to the floor from the resulting mini-earthquake.
Zach orbed Rebecca into his arms and shoved her immediately into Matt's arms. "Get them out of here."
Matt opened his mouth to argue.
"NO, GO!"
Zach willed an energy ball into existence and charged at the Vrykolakas. He threw it a lightening speed at the demon's back and ducked her tail. He skidded underneath a second sweep and stopped right next to his grandmother. He flicked his wrist in rapid succession not aiming. Glass, wood, and countertop rained down the already destroyed kitchen. The demon stumbled backwards, using her wings to deflect the attacks.
Piper crawled to her feet, leaning heavily on Zach. "I told you to get out of here."
Zach smirked at his grandmother. "And let you have all this fun?"
Piper blasted the demon deliberately. Half of her wing shivered away. Piper aimed and struck again. The unprotected shoulder turned into a fine red mist. The Vrykolakas screamed, shattering the windows.
"I'll kill you for that, witch!"
Piper stood up straighter. "The hell you will, bitch."
Zach watched in awe as his grandmother went on full offensive. Parts of the demon vanished under the relentless onslaught. The demon fell back, crashing to the floor just as Piper blasted apart one of her horns.
Bleeding and bloodied, the Vrykolakas looked up at the two witches. "You'll pay for this."
Piper flicked her hand. The demon shimmered out, and a massive hole in the kitchen's floor appeared.
"Damn it!" yelled Piper in frustration. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "I think you need to call your friends and tell them the party is canceled."
"You kicked ass, Grandma Piper," said Zach.
Piper gave him a crooked smile. "Call them, Zach. I'll get your dad back here. He's got a lot of cleaning to do."
AN: Like it? Love it? Hate it? Leave a review and let me know.