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“Double, Double, Toil And Trouble”
Written by Andrea V. Haagcopyright 2001 Charmed and the characters within this story, as well as the logo, are the copyrighted property of Spelling Television and the WB, Paramount/Viacom corporation. Infringement on these rights is not intentional. This story is not for use for sale.
The drive back to the Halliwell manor was uneventful. Alexandra looked like she was dozing in the back seat, next to Phoebe. When Piper pulled into the driveway they started the same process all over again. Piper froze everything around them and Prue and Phoebe helping Alexandra out of the car and into the house, with a little help from Prue’s power. Once they got into the hallway they were greeted by a smiling face whom just happen to have a wheel chair in front of him.
“Hi Leo!” Prue and Phoebe both said at the same time. Leo helped Prue and Phoebe settle Alexandra into the chair. And they all proceeded to enter the living room and Alexandra tested out her new wheels. “Good thinking on the wheel chair. It will come in handy.” Prue answered.
“Can I get anyone anything?” Piper asked “Piper could I ask you for a cup of tea?” Alexandra asked sweetly.
Prue was the first one to open the conversation about Alexandra and the day’s happenings. She told Leo and Alexandra everything that Darryl had told her about the nurse that died last night. And why it troubled the police and the dead nurse’s co-workers. Phoebe watched Alexandra’s reactions closely. She had a far off look, like she wasn’t really here but still listening intently. This puzzled Phoebe, since she still got the feeling that this girl across from her didn’t trust them fully yet. And how were they supposed to help if they still didn’t know what they were up against. It was then that Piper returned to the living room with the tea.
Prue reached over and squeezed Alex’s hand. Phoebe asked Alexandra if her mother was the one who died under mysterious causes in New York State. Alex was shocked that these girls already knew so much about her, that she herself hadn’t told them yet. Saddened, Alex explained the whole sad story and then noted that her mother didn’t commit suicide like the police and papers tend to believe. That her mother was just trying to protect her against a demon, called Astraroth, that was out to kill the whole Parker line of witches. And that it was he that probably killed that nurse. Alex explained a little of what she knew about Astraroth’s powers and that her powers could even come close to vanquish him.
All three sisters laughed at that last question, breaking the solemn tension in the room.
Everyone in the living room agreed with Leo. This could wait til tomorrow morning and after Alexandra got some rest. Prue and Leo helped Alex up the stairs to Prue’s room, while Piper picked up the teacups to bring to the kitchen. “Alex, you can sleep in my room.” Prue said
“But where will you sleep? I don’t want to put you out.” Alexandra
replied
Phoebe just looked at Prue and stuck out her tongue. With that they all headed up the stairs and got themselves ready for bed. Leo helped Prue get Alexandra into her bed and left in a shimmering orb. Alexandra settled into a deep sleep after the exhausting day that she had and was well out of it in minutes. The Halliwell house was quiet and peaceful for the rest of the night. _______________________________________________________________________________________ Astraroth was busy that afternoon himself, tracking down the piece of information he found on a slip of paper in that witch’s room in the hospital. He had a name and phone number but now was going after an address hoping to track down Alexandra Parker. The sign in front said San Francisco Phone Company customer information. It must have been a slow day since he seemed to be the only one at the counter. Behind the counter sitting at the desk immersed in the computer game she was playing, was a pretty brunette. She looked up as Astraroth coughed slightly trying to gain her attention. “May I help you?” She asked.
Astraroth just held her mesmerized with the look from his eyes. The girl standing there was frozen, being lured into a trance. This was Astraroth’s way of obtaining information that he needed from her, before he disposed of her. He knew that no one was around and therefore wouldn’t be found out. Searching her mind, he found she held so much useless information, but somewhere in there he found what he needed or the place where he could get more answers. He proceeded to reach out to her. Placing his hand on her forehead, she collapsed to the floor, dead even before contact. Dusting off the spec of lint from his jacket, he looked around before proceeding to the office of accounts and billing. It was there that he knew he would get what he wanted. He encountered few people on his way up the stairs. Most of the employees there were engrossed in their jobs or some entertaining activity. Mondays were always slow days in the office of Accounts and Billings and this was no exception. Krista was busy working on a crossword puzzle at her desk, trying to occupy her in some activity. She knew that Bruce was hidden in the corner sleeping, by the sound of his snoring. Krista happened to look up at the doorway just as a mysteriously handsome stranger walked through the door. “Hmmm, definitely a ten.” She thought. This was a guy she could picture going out with. Very well dressed, even though the clothes were dark, he looked good in them. She smiled as he approached her desk, waiting for the first words out of his mouth. “May I help you?” she asked this dark handsome stranger.
Astraroth couldn’t help but smile back at her, knowing that he could get that information out one way or the other. This seemed to be easier than he thought, so he agreed by nodding his head at her. Krista went to work typing on her computer keyboard, bringing up the information she needed. She was thinking that for once she landed a cute date, and this one she could show off to her friends. She entered in the phone number and last name that brought up the listing of a Prudence Halliwell residing at 1329 Prescott street. She recognized that address as being an impressive section of San Francisco, with all those old historical row houses. She wrote down the address and added a little map so that he knew how to get there. This she handed to him, waiting to get his number in return. He held her hand a bit longer and starred into her eyes. She felt frozen, mesmerized by those emerald green eyes of his. Nothing like this ever happened to her and she felt a little terrified that she couldn’t move or speak. Then the stranger reached out his hand, and lightly touched her head. She felt the powerful electric charge surging in her head down her body, and then like a vacuum everything was pulled out of her mind, sending her into a vortex world of black, as everything she knew fell away. He regarded the limp lifeless form in front of him with no remorse or emotion other than eliminating a nuisance. Humans to him were expendable creatures that held no importance in his quest to annihilate the Parker witch line. There was no limit in the evil he could havoc on these pitiful beings to obtain his elevated status in hierarchy of Demons. Astraroth wasn’t worried or even cared that the other sleeping office worker in the corner heard what had happened. That nuisance could be dealt with if it should ever arise. He smiled a devilish grin now that he was on his way to finishing his goal of riding this world of the last Parker witch, not that this world knew that witches really existed or really cared that they were being killed off. Nothing at this point would or could get in his way. He laughed as he left the building, arrogant in his strides. He would show the Powers that Be, that he was a demon to be reckoned with. ______________________________________________________________________________________ It took awhile for Prue to shake off the Monday morning cobwebs out of her head, as she head down the stairs toward the kitchen. As she scuffled into the kitchen she wasn’t surprised to already see her sisters there. Phoebe was at the kitchen table reading the newspaper and eating her granola cereal, while Piper was busy cooking breakfast, and by the smell, it only had to be her favorite eggs fritata. Prue smiled at Piper as she looked up from her cooking. “Morning sleepy head!” Piper said cheerfully. “Hmmm…that smells good. Is that for me?” Prue asked. “I made enough for everyone, even our guest.” Piper replied back. Phoebe looked up from the paper and said morning to Prue, as well, and then asked about their houseguest. Prue just shrugged her shoulders and said that it was kinda quiet in her bedroom so assumed that Alexandra was still sleeping, but she will check on her after breakfast. Piper handed Prue her leaded coffee, which she took and then settled down to read the morning news. She didn’t much of a chance to read it, as Phoebe started discussing the conversation they had with Alexandra the night before.
With the day’s schedule planned out, Prue decided to go up and check on their guest before leaving for work. She quietly turned the doorknob and opened it to find Alexandra already up and seated in her wheel chair. She was quietly starring out the window with Kit seated on her lap purring softly as Alexandra gently stroked her silky coat. Alexandra had gotten up with the dawn to look out the window and think things through. She heard one of sister get up and walk past her door, but didn’t say a word. She was feeling sorry for herself. This was the first time in a very long time that someone wanted her in their lives. A tear streamed down her face, but it wasn’t just a tear of sadness, it was all the emotions colliding together that was finally being released. She didn’t want this moment to end. The scene in front of her only made Prue feel sorry for the lonely existence that Alex had to endure in her life. Prue felt extremely lucky to have her sisters and that sometimes she takes it for granted that they would always be around to help each other. This was something that she felt she had to share with Alexandra. Clearing her throat to get Alex’s attention, Prue walked up to her.
Alexandra looked up at Prue and smiled.
Prue helped Alexandra down the stairs and then left for work, leaving Piper in the Manor with her. Piper sat across from Alexandra as she was eating her late breakfast. Between mouthfuls, Alexandra was asking Piper questions about being a witch and how it changed their lifestyle and about the variety of warlocks and demons they already vanquished. In that moment Alex felt a kinship to the sisters that she had never known before and right at that moment just reach over as best she could and gave Piper a hug.
Piper giggled and then said, “Oh trust me, we’re not your typical sisters…you’d fit right into this family. Honey, we’re happy to have you here and to teach you all we can about being a witch.” Piper went about her business cleaning the kitchen, while Alexandra was finishing up the last morsels of the Fritatas. She felt Kit snuggling up against her legs…smiled, and offered Kit her the plate to lick clean. Alexandra spent that early afternoon, in the Conservatory, reading up on spells. It was a hefty book that Piper gave her to read. Piper felt that she could trust Alex with the BOS that she didn’t when Aunt Gail had looked at it several months earlier. Piper had called it the Book of Shadows and told her to look in the book to see if there was anything recognizable as far as the demon or warlock that was chasing her. She was surprised that there was a vast amount of evil beings in the world that would have escaped her knowledge had she not run into the Halliwell Sisters in the Park that day. With this knowledge she felt a little more confidant in her skills, and an understanding to what she was up against. Now all she needed was the strength to go up against Astraroth. Phoebe came home a little after noon and greeted Alex in the Conservatory where she was still reading in the Book of Shadows. Piper heard Phoebe closing the front door and greet Alex, so she joined her sister and Alex in the Conservatory.
Alex then looked at Phoebe and asked, “Would you teach me all about spells and how I can cast them?” “Well, while you two are doing that, I have to go run a few errands before Prue gets home.” Piper said interrupting Phoebe’s reply. “So Pheebs can teach you all there is to know about spells…hahaha, trust me, she’s the expert.”
Astraroth bided his time watching the house on 1329 Prescott street. Hidden in the shadows, he stood there unnoticed by the coming and goings on the street. Astraroth noted the young vibrant woman that entered the house and then minutes later another young confident, hurried looking woman left. This he presumed was the sister to the first woman. So, he was dealing with more than one woman in the house, but he could deal with that matter now, with one less living being in the house. One extra death meant nothing; it would be her fault for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. As Astraroth made his way to the side of the house, he made sure that none of the neighbors saw him. He really didn’t want to waste the time to deal with anything unexpected.
Phoebe laughed at Alexandra’s first attempt in creating and casting a spell. Alexandra looked confused but then laughed herself after realizing her simple mistake. She had to remember to say the context in the right order, or the spell wouldn’t work. “Don’t worry you’ll get the hang out this.” Phoebe said grinning.
“Sure… I’ll be here whipping up another spell.” Alex said. Phoebe headed off to the kitchen to brew up some tea, leaving Alex alone in the conservatory. Alex scribbled another spell that she wanted to use against Astraroth, now that she knew the basics of casting a spell. Though she wasn’t very confident that it would work, she wanted to try it out and finally get rid of him. She was busy changing a few lines to the spell when she heard the phone ring in the kitchen. ‘Hmmm, must be Piper checking in to see if Prue made it home before she did’, Alex thought. She then heard a knocking on the front door and decided to get it for Phoebe since she was already busy in the kitchen. So, Alexandra rolled herself slowly to the front door in her wheelchair, with Kit trailing behind. As Phoebe was busy heating up the kettle of water, the cell phone on the counter began to ring. She went to answer it, hoping the Piper didn’t get stuck somewhere or forgot something at home. “Hello, Phoebe here…” She answered.
“No rush Prue, Piper had to run a few errands before you got home. She Meanwhile, Alexandra is close to opening the front door to see who’s knocking. She was still trying to get the hang of the wheelchair and its limitations, like opening the front door. “Hold On.” She replied to the person on the other side. She finally got the door opened and standing there was a very handsome looking man with very alluring eyes. Looking at him sent a chill up her spine and she felt an air of impending doom. Kit didn’t stay to long after Alexandra opened the door. She ran off caterwauling towards the kitchen like greased lighting. “Aaahhhhmmmm…can - - I help you?” She hesitantly asked the stranger. Alexandra was regretting opening the door to this stranger.
And with that he raised his hands and flung her to the opposite wall. Alexandra and wheelchair crashed loudly against the wall and then landed with a thud to the floor. Alexandra squealed in pain as she felt herself hitting the wall, something that wasn’t good for her already sore back. Astraroth wasn’t finished with her though, he lifted his hands and with his power lifted Alex up off the floor and held her in place against the wall, crushing her between his power and the paneled wall. It was difficult for her to breathe but with what little strength she had she tried to retaliate by starting to form a power ball with her hands. Phoebe was still on the phone with Prue, when Kit rushed past her hissing as she made her exit out her kitty door. Phoebe starred out the door Kit had exited then quickly turned towards the door she came from.
It was then that Phoebe heard the loud crash and thump and Alex crying out in pain. Phoebe dropped the phone and ran into the hallway.
Phoebe was in time to see the strange man hold her against the wall. Alexandra was gasping for breath. Phoebe didn’t have to think she just reacted and sent a flying kick to the warlocks’ side. Astraroth was thrown to the wall, which in effect released Alex from his power, sending her plunging to the floor at the foot of the stairs with a crash. Phoebe turned to look at Alex but that gave enough time for Astraroth to right himself. Phoebe tried to send him flying again but wasn’t fast enough. He just side stepped her and sent her flying to the wall with her momentum as well as his power. She hit the wall full force knocking her out cold.
“PHOEBE!!!!!!!!” Alex screamed out, seeing her hit the wall and
knocking
Alexandra was a bit confused by that statement since clearly there were four witches. ‘Maybe he doesn’t know about Prue.’ She thought. ‘Hopefully Prue can get home in time to save Phoebe’. Astraroth walked over to stand in front of Alexandra, enjoying the look of pain on her face. Alex’s spirit was defeated as well as her strength. She didn’t want anything else to happen to the Halliwell sisters so she just gave in. Prue feared the worst when Phoebe hung up the phone in mid-sentence. All she heard before the line went dead was a loud crash. Thankfully she was almost home, but hopefully in time to save her sister and Alexandra. Prue quickly dialed up Piper’s cell number. She needed Piper for the Power of Three if they ever hoped to defeat this very powerful warlock. The phone rang on the first try when Piper picked up. “Piper, listen to me carefully - -“ “Prue, what’s wrong?” Piper said interrupting her.
Prue got out of the car and ran up the front steps, stopping short of the opened front door. She walked in quietly hoping to catch Astraroth by surprise. As she entered the foyer she noticed that Astraroth was directly ahead but had his back to her and was standing over Alex. The she glanced to her left and noticed Phoebe on the floor to her left. Reacting to the scene in front of her, she used her powers on the stranger, sending him flying out of the hallway and into the living room, crashing against a curio cabinet. Thankfully the force was powerful enough to knock him out. “Are you alright Alex?” Prue asked, concerned for her.
Prue bent over to check on Phoebe but as she did so, Astraroth came up behind and used his power to forcefully hurl her against the wall.
Prue landed with a thud on the floor next to Phoebe but was still conscious. Astraroth stepped a little closer and with his power lifted her against the wall pinning her there. He was crushing her against the wall trying to suffocate her. Prue tried to fight back using her eyes to fling him across the room, but he was already prepared against her power and had formed some kind of shield around him.
“Nooooooo!…don’t hurt her…. its me you want.” Alex yelled out to
“Please, take me…leave them alone… Alexandra pleaded. “No Alex.” Prue managed to hoarse out of her voice. Astraroth went back to torturing Prue. ‘Why couldn’t he have some fun before killing them? Hell, he’ll get a bonus of bringing in extra good witches.’ Prue was at the point of blacking out due to the lack of oxygen. Watching the scene in front of Her, Alex had to do something but she was hurt herself. Hearing Prue gasp for her last breath gave Alex the determination to at least get up on one knee and muster all the energies around her so that she will have a powerful ball of light hit the warlock in front of her. But she had to do more than this she thought. Astraroth already knew her power and would have some kind of defense against it. In a flash it came to her, she would have to say a spell as well as use her powers against him. It would be totally unexpected. ‘Think, think. Phoebe taught me some spells but none seemed right. Why not combine some spells she was practicing with to make a new spell?’ she asked herself. In a clear and strong voice Alexandra cast her spell against Astraroth.
And with that last line she unleashed all the energies she had collected and unleashed it towards him. Astraroth turned around just in time for Alexandra to see the look of surprise and anger in his face as her power enveloped him. Astraroth burned with a brilliant light and then imploded upon himself and was gone. Prue fell with a loud thump right next to Phoebe, who was still out like a light. The house was once again quiet, except for the big sigh of relief from Alexandra. Energy spent she slumped to the floor as well, drained physically as well as magically. She wanted to go over to check on Prue and Phoebe but just couldn’t get up, so instead she just cried. Minutes seemed like hours to Alex, before Piper got home. Piper raced home as fast as she could after Prue had called her. Minutes before reaching the manor she said a mental prayer that she could get there in time, and that everyone was all right. She parked her jeep on the street and raced up the stairs to the manor. Just before entering she hesitated. The door was slightly ajar but not enough to see in. It was too quiet inside the manor which made Piper wonder if the warlock was still inside or that her sisters was still in there somewhere. She cautiously opened the door wider so that she could see in. What she saw before her took her breath away, there lying on the floor in front was Prue and Just behind her she could see another body lying at the foot of the stairs and realized it was Alex by her blond hair. Not waiting to see if the warlock was still around, Piper rushed in to check on Prue and it was then that she noticed Phoebe slumped in the corner of the foyer as well. ‘Thank god’ Piper said to herself as she felt a pulse on Prue. ‘She must have blacked out or is unconscious. Piper rushed to Phoebe and checked her as well. As she did so she heard a moan coming from her.
From the foot of the stairs, Alexandra started to rise as she heard Piper call out to Phoebe.
Piper looked over to Alex and saw that she too was in pain and had a few cuts on her head. “Alex are you Ok? And the warlock….
Phoebe gave out another moan and started to move, she was starting to stir from her black out. Opening her eyes the first thing she noticed was Piper smiling over her.
“Ohhhhh…man, I have a killer headache!” Phoebe said as she got up stiffly.
“Don’t worry about me, please help Prue right now.” Alex said to
both As Piper tried to wake Prue, Phoebe ran to the bathroom upstairs to get smelling salts for Prue and some extra strength Tylenol for her headache. Phoebe also came back with a cold wet towel to wipe off the blood on Alex’s forehead. As Phoebe helped Alex, Piper cracked the smelling salts under Prue’s nose and received an instant reaction on her face. Prue started to cough and her eyes opened slowly to the light. “Get that away from my nose Piper!” She said coughing again. “Prue! Are you Ok?” She asked her older sister. Prue started to rise but as she did so she let out a cry and slumped back down wrenched in pain. “What is it! What’s wrong Prue?” Piper cried out.
“Do you think I should call an ambulance Prue?” Phoebe asked. Just before anyone answered Phoebe’s question, Leo orbed into the hallway. He had a look of concern on his face as he surveyed the scene before him.
Leo went about healing Prue, who got up stiffly and still ached from sore muscles that weren’t automatically healed by Leo. Alexandra had all her injuries healed, even the ones that Leo wasn’t allowed to heal the first time around by the Elders. Though she got up more slowly than Prue since she had her first injuries as well as the ones received by Astraroth.
“Hey that’s not fair!!” Piper responded back giving Prue ‘That Look”.
Alexandra laughed at all the sisters for reliving the tension and stress from the past few minutes. They headed into the living room to recapped all that happened. Each adding something new to what has been said by the other.
“Hey Piper, just don’t burn mine to Hell.” Phoebe said to Piper comically. “Ooooo, bite me.” She said squinting her eyes at Phoebe. “You know I luv ya!” Phoebe answered back.
Everyone in the room was laughing, and suddenly without words, they looked at each other with unspoken love. Phoebe was the first to hug Alexandra, which turned out to be a well-deserved group hug. The End. |