The Life and Times Part 2: Friends, family and other contradictions Chapter 17
"To expostulate why day is day, night night, and time is time, |
Arturo
shimmered Phoebe home around about the time she would have gotten home from
work. Phoebe had carefully texting both Cole and Piper to say she would be out all
day. After a long. long lunch, where she had learned more secrets than she
thought any guardian, including Cole would tell her, flirting shamelessly and
feeling a very sophisticated lady she had happily shopped in Hong Kong for a
couple of hours, very much accepting Arturo's advice on silk and cotton and some
what awkwardly accepting a very beautiful and expensive jade bowl he insisted on
buying her.
Arturo
smiling thanked her for he company and somewhat old fashioned told her to thank
Belthezor for her company too.
"Cole
wasn't around to ask " Phoebe whispered ."
"Nevertheless
thank him anyway " Arturo said" I ..today was a day when I failed
myself a little and " he stopped "I have resented staying here when
..others pass on, I have ..I want to pass and today I learned, I was not beyond
temptation, I have much to think about " he said slowly " and very
little of it pleasant but you .. you helped me today and I thank you " he
said and kissed her hand before he shimmered.
Phoebe
feeling magic had opened her to a world she had never dreamed, feeling that she was a
long way from the naive and unsophisticated little girl who had found the Book
of Shadows 8 years ago, waltzed into the manor and stopped cold as she saw her
family and Angela and not-Casper and Rodik with Cole sitting just outside the
circle deep in conference around the dining table. She hastily slide the bags
with Hong Kong on them on the sofa where she hoped they would not be seen as the
whole family glared at her.
"Hi
" she said brightly "Hi baby " she said going to Cole planting a
big kiss on his mouth.
"Hi baby" he said dryly.
"Phoebe
where have you been?" demanded Piper.
"Where
have you been?" asked Leo primly.
Phoebe
looked at her family, the whitelighters, Rodik and her husband.
"Well" she said slowly thinking hard.
"I'll
tell you where she's been" screeched Rodik " she's been off
whoring with Belthezor.. he was there today don't tell me he wasn't. I felt a
great demon presence and then you go off with that .. that demon who came here.
I felt the power, the demonic power of that creature you were with, you went off
with." He yelled pointing his finger at Phoebe.
Phoebe
sagged against Cole who put his arm around but it was more to hold onto her than
to protect her as he pulled her down on to his knee.
"You
feel demonic power all over the house" she said sarcastically. "You
claimed Melinda's power was giving you a headache the other day when you thought
she was in the attic, and it wasn't even her. It was me. You know, weak little
witch me who can't even be sent out after the warlocks. So don't tell me you can
start feeling demonic powers out of ordinary people who visit here . We have a
life outside you" Phoebe snipped,
feeling quite proud of herself for thinking fast.
The
whitelighter not-Casper looked at with an expression of distrust. "Are you
categorically denying that you had any contact with Belthezor today? he asked.
And
Phoebe sucked her breath as Cole's arm around her locked like steel.
"What
are you saying you believe that shit ." she challenged aware that her sisters
and Leo were annoyed enough at her to be enjoying her discomfort.
And
not-Casper looked at Angela and they both nodded.
"Belthezor
was vanquished" Phoebe told them calmly.
"Are
you denying that Belthezor saved you today. I saw that … creature I saw behind
you" Rodik screeched "That was Belthezor."
"You
heard the witches, a mortal wandered in on the vanquish" Phoebe said
scornful or as scornfully as she could with Cole's arm so tight it was stopping
her breathing.
"I
know what I saw and felt " screeched Rodik.
"What
you saw and felt was dirt" said Phoebe "while your face was buried in
it. Lying on the ground, in case the warlocks missed me and got you. So stop
making up tales."
"So
who were you with this afternoon "asked the whitelighter.
"A
business acquaintance of Cole's. A… a friend of both of us" Phoebe
answered, wondering if Cole's arm would crack a rib " He often calls in
when he comes to.. town. Cole was in court so I went to lunch with him. Nothing
more. He's a nice man " she said " charming and I enjoyed talking to
him. Knows a bit more than just living in San Francisco."
"Who
Phoebe? " said Paige wyes narrowing.
"Arturo" said Phoebe safe in truth.
"Who
is this ..Arturo? " asked Angela.
"A
business acquaintance of mine and friend of both of us" said Cole quietly.
"So I guess the inquisition is over.".
"Not
yet " said Piper angry " why the hell did you go out with that fuck
today" she demanded.
"That
was stupid" Phoebe conceded" he just goaded at me saying how weak I
was and I gave into temptation" she said and hissed as the vice around her
squeezed her in two.
"Did
you find anything out?" Angela asked.
"Yeah
" said Phoebe "Willem looks like Dracula and he'll kill me if he
could. Thinking it will bring out Belthezor, not that it will" she added
smugly "We vanquished him. And Rodik is a moronic shit."
"I
know" said Angela turning on Rodik "What were you told by the Elders
about baiting witches, trying to guilt them, abusing their willingness to
serve?" she demanded.
Phoebe
smiled happily feeling, a little like her son when he managed to get Melinda
blamed or something he did. "So much for sophisticated lady " she
thought.
"I
guess that finishes that conversation" Cole said standing up an pushing
Phoebe to her feet but keeping a firm hold of her upper arms " we need to
discuss a few private things " he said over Phoebe's head as he pushed
her to the front door.
"You're
a fool and cuckold " Rodik spat at him.
"You're
half right " Cole said as Phoebe tried to wriggle free. He got her out the
front door and pushed her against the wall hands on either side of her while she
looked up this face nearly in hers.
"How
much of that garbage was true? " he asked quietly.
"You
were the on who told me a little truthful passion goes along way to making a lie
stick " she whispered "and I was only protecting you."
"I
see" he replied just as quietly ".
"Arturo
stopped the warlock killing, me " Phoebe explained and was a little
relieved when the blue eyes looking down on hers flashed with fear and concern
"He was there because he did not want to risk you getting mad at Rodik over
hurting me and doing something stupid." She said " It isn't because
I'm weak that they stoped me going out. Arturo pulled some strings, or Francesca
or some-one did because of you
" she said "So its your fault." she tried her luck.
"I
must tell Arturo how grateful I am :" said Cole not letting himself be
drawn.
"Pretty
ironic " said Phoebe "because when he came her, you know the way
Rodik hits, goes for the jugular, he really got at Arturo, Arturo said for a
second he wanted to kill Rodik. And then he felt pretty down because I thought
he had added centuries to his sentence wasn't beyond temptation so he can't
pass over to Marie Jeanne. "Phoebe explained. 'So I just went to lunch so he
had some company.
"So
it was only kindness" Cole murmured moving closer and to Phoebe's
relief getting angry.
"To
a friend" she agreed putting her arms around his neck.
"You
flirted didn't you?" Cole demanded angry.
."Yeah;
it was fun," she answered happily, knowing Cole was okay when he was angry
"Arturo told me I was a lovely lady, said I was very attractive"
"And
I don't" Cole snarled .
"You
still want to have sex with me when I'm wearing cold cream. You say you love me
despite my faults, You talk about breast pumps " Phoebes explained as
Cole's eyes brightened with annoyance.
"I
love you" he said bitterly
"Arturo told me to thank you fro the pleasure of my company" Phoebe told Cole.
"Well I've known thieves to leave thank you notes before" Cole muttered.
"You're
jealous " Phoebe sighed happily "I finally found some -one to flirt
with who you think is a threat " she said reaching for his mouth.
Cole
made her work hard for it before he gave in and let her have what she wanted.
"I
do love you baby" she said " and I never want to be with any-one else.
but.." she giggled "its
nice knowing that I did I'm still ….desirable I'm still attractive, especially
when the man is a mythical romantic hero.."
"Don't ever change Phoebe" he sighed not altogether thrilled. "And I
do love you baby."
"And
you want to be with me for eternity? " Phoebe pushed.
"Yeah
but as Rodik just pointed out I'm a fool " Cole said not entirely
mollified.
Phoebe
gave him one last kiss and waltzed through the door ahead of him, jumping as his
hand hit he backside pretty well as hard as he could.
"Ouch"
she squealed as she spun at him "That hurt." she
accused.
"Worked
for Grams" Cole answered smugly.
Phoebe
snorted and turned around to see sisters still standing in the hall, glaring at
her, although Rodik and the whitelighters had gone.
"No
problems" she told them brightly.
"You
think " said Paige coming forward to grab her and haul her into the kitchen
where Cole and Leo could hear Phoebe saying but but but while Piper and Paige
roared at her.
Leo
looked at Cole nervously " What are you thinking?" he asked.
"How
much I love Piper and Paige " Cole answered
"Want a beer?"
"I'll
get it" said Leo grinning.
.....................................
Phoebe
and Cole had a wild night, between temper and emotion and some evidence of trust
and just the need to be together, they giggled laughed and just enjoyed each
other, so much that Rodik who claimed to have super hearing came across the
landing and belted on their door.
"Shut
the fuck up " yelled Phoebe and Cole in unison and fell on each other
laughing.
Whosit
Patrick made some soft whuffling noises and Phoebe got up and snuck over "
Patsy'll sleep through anything" she giggled.
"I
won't" yelled Piper banging on the wall.
They
both giggled louder. Then there was silence in the next room and they laughed
again and Piper banged on the wall " I don't care what you are doing but do
it quietly" she yelled.
They
lay in each others arms for a while and Phoebe giggled "Do you think we
woke Leo up ?" she said as she heard noises in the next room.
Cole
was still for a second or two "Yes " he said "Demonic
hearing." He explained.
"Do
you think we should bang on the wall and tell them to keep it down"
whispered Phoebe.
Cole
thought about it "No " he said. "I'm scared of Piper when she's
pissed " he said. "and interrupting her now might piss her off."
"Rodik's
going to be pissed lying awake listening to people enjoy themselves." said
Phoebe happily "About today." she started to say.
"Don't
make promises that will piss me off if you break them" Cole told her
sleepily."
"We're
doing okay " Phoebe whispered as he went to sleep.
Phoebe
did not sleep. She lay awake thinking of the spirit winds and the possibilities
and a little wondering if there was a way when she felt the winds shift and
found herself a sucked into them, for half a second panicking then realising it
was the eclipse. She shut her eyes and opened them expecting to find herself as
some odd creature or another being but instead all she was aware was a surreal
clouded feeling and instead of lying beside her husband and lover, she was
standing on a balcony that she recognised as Arturo's, standing behind Cole who
sat alone in a seat staring out at the view across the Corinthian Gulf. He held
a glass/goblet with wine but was not drinking.
Phoebe
glanced around her. The house was recognisable but different. The furniture had
changed to a material she no longer recognised and the house seemed to have more
coloured transparent walls and paintings of a style she did not know. She move
to Cole's side. He was older, his hair had streak's of grey. She was relieved to
see that although the lines around his eyes were deeply etched, the humour was
still there, the gentleness she loved, the kindness, the understanding. He was
dressed in a loose trouser and shirt she made of some dark material she did not
know. She noticed he still wore his wedding ring. Down below there were boats in
the water and the trees were familiar but she knew she was in a time far, far in
the future to her.
She
could feel the aura reaching out from him, there was a sadness to the present
but he seemed locked away in another space and time and what he was feeling was
the overwhelming memory of great happiness. She shared and connected with that
and something told her his mind was back in the night she had just left, but his
mind was not locked in children crying, or retrievers arguing, it was totally
immersed in the memory of happiness and pleasure they had just shared. From
staring at the sea, he looked toward her, the intense blue eyes in both pain and
joy. She put her hand out to touch his face, and almost imagined she felt the
life blood of him". He smiled toward where she stood and out loud said
"I love you Phoebe" as if he knew she was there.
And
then she felt herself sucked away. She came back to the present, lying against
him.
"I
love you too" she murmured.
"
What "He muttered half awake.
"You
said you loved me" she whispered.
"I
do but I didn't." he said.
"Go
to sleep " she said kissing him gently and curled up against, a small
shudder going through her, excitement that she just may find away to be with
him, and fear of what it might cost.
............................................
The
demonic hierarchies had recognised the eclipse of the realms. Demon lore masters
who had some understanding of the nature of the eclipse covetously colleted
stories as they could, especially those of any future visions, only most tended
to believe those fleeting glimpses to be premonitions to change rather than a
connection to the determined future.
The
few demons hiding in small caverns with manuscripts and musty records who by inherent
wit, slyness and just good luck had survived long enough to remember the last
eclipse had a small inkling that the visions that were whispered were not a
warning but a fleeting glimpse of a future that was already written but as the
stories were as much about failure as fortune, they were reluctant to express
this. They knew that during the last eclipse there were the glorious stories of
great visions granted to seers and others of the upper hierarchies, of the
rising of three Charmed sisters to defeat the Old Source, of Tempus great honour
in retrieving the lost Grimoire and his ascendency. However there had been other
stories of zoltars and watchers who obtained great, great power to rival the
Source and of course that had not happened to the disappointment of the demons
of those casts and derisive glee of their rivals.
Already
the senior lore master and advisor to the Source had managed to collect some
things of interest to him, and to his master if he chose to tell.
He
did chose to tell Tempus of a great increase in demonic power and decisive
victories over Good as a result of demonic intervention in Africa, and chose not
to tell the Source of a proportional increase in the power of Good.
And
heard an odd story of the appearance of the demon Belthezor and his witch or a spirit like him, appearing to castigate
and the Source when he would find the power to cross the realms and call on the
winds to rule above and below may years in the future. Unfortunately a lore
master of less wisdom brought the vision to Tempus, hoping for reward and
honour.
Tempus
taken by surprise and remembering that it was that it was Belthezor's accursed
witch who had first defeated him with her damnable weak time powers screamed
that he did not understand why Belthezor so long gone should haunt him when he
was vanquished.
The
unwise lore master trying to find wisdom explained that Belthezor was always a
demon who evoked a certain mythical status even while alive and demons remembered his cleverness, sly humour and uncanny ability to betray to his
friends and enemies to his own advantage until the last great and legendary
fall, betrayed by the witch he loved. The unwise lore master explained to Tempus
that memories of Belthezor made him an iconic figure, even those whom he had
betrayed finding a certain status in the recalling of their failures.
"Undoubtedly the warlock Willem who tries to arise to kingship to challenge
hopes to profit by associating his name with the icon, by painting himself
through association with the power of Belthezor as a nemesis of the natural
order " the unwise lore master bowed toadyish, waiting for his due reward.
He
got it. At the mention of the word nemesis, Tempus swung on him and fried him to
a smouldering heap to the sheer disbelief of the demons who watched and to some
murmurs of approval that Tempus was a strong demonic leader who would lead evil
to victory and power, leader enough to vanquish one of the great red robed
masters
"The
fate of those who seek my displeasure" sneered Tempus. "I fail to
understand why any –one here claims to see a threat in this warlock."
"This
warlock grows in power my lord" said the third highest of the priests
" If he has acquired some upper demon powers...it is possible, though
unlikely."
"Perhaps
the truth is" said a demon who would not exist long enough to gain wisdom "
that Belthezor in some incarnation is always the nemesis is of the source."
Tempus
just caught the eye of the demon and without a word he lifted his hand and
slashed the demon apart with the lightning power of the source.
"Belthezor's
gone" he pronounced "And this warlock who dares invoke his name soon
will soon be gone" and he shimmered to his chamber where he was surprised
and angry to find the senior lore master waiting for him.
The
lore master inclined his head. "This warlock grows powerful my lord."
"I
can defeat it " Tempus said angrily. "I can summon it and slay it as I
slay those who question me of nemesis.
"But
my lord is that wise " said the lore master bowing.
"You
doubt I can destroy this warlock" Tempus lifting his hand.
"I
have no doubt but at a cost my lord " the lore master replied carefully
" and an unnecessary one.
"So
I should leave this warlock to invoke my enemy's name, Belthezor and his
witch" Tempus sneered "I should smite her."
"My
Lord has long ago proved his wisdom over his predecessor by recognising that the
Charmed Ones, having fulfilled their destiny, are an icon who can do him no harm,
unless he choses to make them appear more powerful than they really are"
said the lore master who had watched demondom fall apart under five years of war
waged against the Charmed Ones."
"I
want to smite the bitch " said Tempus peevishly.
"To
waste demon lives on a weak witch who will undoubtedly be protected by Good
because of her iconic status " said the lore master "just demonstrates
fear."
Tempus
eyes flamed.
The
lore master knew he stood on a precipice where he could fall or gain great power
."It is to the gain of demondom my lord "he said "if the witches
fight and destroy warlocks. Good gains a few powers but we regain more. We send
our retrievers out to find all the powers lost, without the minions discovering
just how many demonic powers have been stolen by warlocks during the obsessive
interest in witches of your predecessor. The longer the fight goes the stronger
we become and the more obsessed and weak Willem becomes and the more we have to
retrieve."
Tempus
eyed him considering ."
"The
Charmed Ones will get him eventually, as they have got so many before but it is
worth remembering the stronger the enemy the greater the victory. The
reward for destroying weak enemy is ignominy. For destroying a strong one their
strength becomes your own."
"So
to destroy Belthezor's weak witch love would be ignominy " Tempus sneered.
"Willem
has some strengthen and it is in the interest of his conqueror that strength be
known. His defeat will be at a cost. Let someone else pay, let the witches pay
and then let us claim the deed and the reward." advised the priest.
"Even if it means letting him invoke Belthezor's legend. When Willem is
defeated so is the legend of Belthezor."
"There
is no nemesis" said Tempus.
"Only
if it is to our gain there should be one.. for the moment " said the lore master
bowing.
"You
serve me well" said Tempus considering him and not missing the slight sneer
on the loremaster's face.
...................................................
Cole
came home hoping that there would be none of the eruptions of yesterday, Rodik
had been warned not to take risks and desist warlock hunting. As he walked in
the front door of the manor he was struck by an unnatural quiet. No children
yelling, no music. And it was just over a week ago he had walked in
thinking how he loved the manor abut he could have done without the noise.
He threw down his brief case. Phoebe and Paige were
both at work, and Leo had said at breakfast he was planning on spending the day
with the works of Herodotus, just for light reading, he added as Cole snorted and
Piper raising her eyes said she was staying home as well, to enjoy time with her
children.
"I
take it I won't be interfering with Patsy's upbringing if I enjoy time with him
too?" she asked sarcastically while Cole and Phoebe exchanged glances.
Cole
was greeted by both Patsy and Melinda coming from the living room but with
nothing like the enthusiasm of a week ago. Both were looking sulky and the
smiles were only half hearted.
Melinda
did not even bother to go through his pockets looking for chocolate and when he
gave it to her she very carefully broke it in two even pieces and gave Patsy his
half.
Cole
glanced at Leo sitting on the living room, sofa. Leo who sucked his lip and
shrugged helplessly. "Rodik managed to make up for his disappointment in
not getting any warlock' s and the thrill of retrieving powers by taking it
out on the kids," he explained.
"How?"
Cole asked grimly.
"Told
Melinda that ham was cute little piglets" Leo said." I think we may
have a vegetarian on our hands. " He shook his head "Piper told him he
was all sorts of shit so he told her in front of Melinda she was a bad mother.
Melinda told him she would eat him not the piggies. Then he complained
Melinda gave him a headache with her power. Piper and I think" Leo said
waiting for Cole to react "That Patsy has some of your empathic power
because every time Melinda and Piper got upset he started to cry."
"You
don't have to be empathic to feel the tension " Cole
winced." And that power is so small in me, it would be… "And
stopped as Leo stuck his tongue firmly in his cheek.
"Well
" said Leo told him " you know more about Patsy's connection to magic
than Piper and me."
"Rodik
is not making it easy for them" Cole said deciding retreat was safest.
"We
can't protect them from life." Leo answered helplessly.
"We
should be able to " Cole replied just as helplessly. Melinda across the
room looked at him and suddenly managed to shift herself into a half orb, the
bracelet Marly made her wear stopped her orbing completely, and fully levitated
so Cole suddenly found himself getting a big chocolaty kiss as he caught her.
"I
love you" she said in her funny grown up/little girl voice and clutched at
his neck.
"Levitating
is part of orbing "Leo told him, she suddenly decided she could levitate
more than a few inches this morning when Rodik told her little girls should
be seen and not heard. So she levitated into his face and sang itsy bitsy
spider."
"I
love you to" said Cole hugging Melinda back. Melinda accepted it and then
put her hand out flicked her fingers and Cole actually jumped as a vase was
blown to pieces.
"She
decide she could do that too" said Leo "Don't blow things up
honey " he told Melinda "Piper and I decided its self defence. She
feels in danger from Rodik and its forcing her powers out.
"Great
" said Cole who still, holding Melinda bent to his son who had squashed the
chocolate into his mouth and was grimacing his face and squashing up his body.
"He's
been trying to copy her levitating all day." Leo explained
waiting for a comment .
"That
is all we need " Cole said deciding this was not the time for an argument
" he has that transgleaming when Phoebe got in the way of that
warlock power before he was born. What if that comes out right now/"
"I
checked " Leo said " that is a power they get at puberty, but I called
Marly to put a none-materialising bracelet on him any way. She came while Rodik
was out."
"Good
idea " said Cole in a very regretful voice picking Whosit up so he got
another chocolaty kiss. "Anything else I should know about magic
happening today."
"One
thing " said Leo.
"What
" said Cole as he half tuned and then glanced through the glass door into
the conservatory. "What the hell " he said. "That.. what ..
that's" he said not able to point because his arms were full of children.
"That's.
"Mommy
" said Melinda.
"Its
not really Mommy " Leo explained to Melinda. "It's a nymph."
"Why
is it here?" Cole said looking back as the Piper nymph danced around the
conservatory with pretty pirouettes and arabesques and leaps off the
furniture."
"Eclipse
" said Leo.
"Piper's
naked " Cole said still looking.
"I
wish you'd stop staring " Leo said" and it isn't Piper, it's a
nymph."
"So
there' s nothing I should worry about" Cole said trying to stop
looking and not being able to, "That's an awful lot like Piper " he
said.
"Nothing
to worry about" Leo said "I locked all the windows and doors and
nymphs can't dematerialise in this realm ".
"Good"
said Cole still looking.
Leo
said "It scares the hell out of me what Piper has an emotional connection
too" he told Cole. "I'm starting to get really worried about the next
one. You can stop looking " he added.
Cole
left the kids with Leo and went up stairs to change, even hanging up his suit
and putting his shirt in the laundry basket because he did not want to upset
Phoebe. He put the small bag with an expensive hair ornament that Phoebe had
rejected on the weekend as to dear, on her pillow, because he decided he could
afford it when one of the dead beat clients had been rearrested and he would not
agree to defend until they paid him the bill, in cash, and went downstairs as he
heard Paige and Phoebe's voices.
Both
of them were standing in the archway to the conservatory watching the Piper
/nymph dance. Phoebe was holding Patsy and Melinda made sure she was not
ignored by levitating up to Auntie Paige and so Paige had to hold onto her.
The
nymph was lost in trance as if totally unaware of an audience. Rodik had
appeared from wherever he had been and was surreptitiously watching Piper from
behind the girls.
"She's
naked" said Phoebe with Patsy sitting on her hip "And she's not even
noticing us."
"Maybe
she thinks she's dancing in magic dell somewhere" Paige answered as Melinda
clung tightly to her neck, legs around her waist.
"Mommy's pretty" Melinda said ."
Rodik
looked. "No she's not pretty" he sniffed" her breasts are to
small and she does not have a proper ratio between her hips and her waist."
Phoebe
swallowed and Paige nervously said " I suppose you want an
explanation" she said to Rodik.
"I
am well aware of the magic cycle at the moment" Rodik sniffed "Do you
witches suppose that you are the only ones touched by the greater magic worlds,
the only ones who have knowledge outside your existence."
"We
wondered" squeaked Phoebe.
"
I know at this time when magic creatures are exchanged with the lesser beings to
make them aware of their place in the hierarchy " Rodik answered" I
myself have experienced this several times and imparted to those creatures the
importance of subservience." And with another glance at Piper and a
disgusted sniff, he pushed past Cole who was half way down the stairs.
Cole
half choked half swallowed.
Phoebe
made a little a whimper.
"Mommy
dances like she was a bird flying " said Melinda.
Paige
hugged Melinda "She loves animals so much. We really should get her a pet
" she said.
"We
are not having a pet in this house " said Phoebe in a don't mess with me
voice.
"I
don't think that is a good idea" said Leo.
Paige
looked at Cole who shook his head and shrugged.