Disclaimer: Rangers : Me, no. Saban, yes. JLA and other DC
heroes: again, me, no. DC, yes.Charmed, Prue, Piper, and Phoebe Halliwell:
again, for the 3rd , and final time: me, no. Spelling/WB, yes. In this series,
all three of the original Power of Three will be here for the duration, so,
Prue will stay alive here, but Paige will show up somewhere down the road. If
you are an Aquaman fan, TURN BACK NOW! This will not be your cup of tea. If,
however, like me, you want to have the so-called 'king-of-the-sea' as the guest
of honor at a modern day lynching, you will enjoy this tale.
Notes : This story has 2 main locales: San Francisco, and Metropolis.
Also, this story takes place two weeks after "Kimberly, Zack, and Trini:
Warrior Rangers."
Rising
Wiccan, Fallen Hero
by: Carl Turner
San Francisco: Halliwell manor:.
A young woman, named Piper Halliwell, walks through the front door. Tossing her long brown hair out of her eyes, she calls “Prue?â€
“In here, working on the chandelier.†Prue Halliwell replies .
“Sorry I'm late.â€
Prue smiles and says good naturedly “What else is new? Piper, I would of been here to meet the electrician myself but you know I can't leave the museum until six. I didn't even have time to change.â€
“I just didn't realize how long I was in China town.†Piper then changes the subject. “Did Jeremy call?â€
“No, but he had some roses and a package delivered. What were you doing in China town? I thought that you had an interview in North Beach.â€
“I did but I went to Young Lee market after my interview to get the ingredients for my audition recipe tomorrow.†the middle Halliwell spoke up, with a tone of disgust.
“So, that Wolfgang Puck knock-off didn't hire you then?â€
Piper’s tone changes. “No, but this just may get me the job.†She opens a box, and pulls out a very expensive bottle of fine wine.
Prue smiles and asks rather jealously “Jeremy sent you port?â€
“The ultimate ingredient for my recipe.†Piper’s eyes fall on an object on the table. “Oh my God, I don't believe it. Tell me that's not our old spirit board?â€
Prue walks over, smiling. “Yeah, I found it in the basement when I was looking for the circuit tester.â€
Piper picks up the board and starts reading the inscription on the back: " ‘To my three beautiful girls. May this give you the light to find the shadows. The power of three will set you free. Love, Mom.’ " We never did figure out what this inscription meant.
Prue frowns at that. “Well, maybe we should send it to Phoebe. Maybe a little light from the past will help her right now.â€
Piper sighs. “You're always worrying so much about her. I think she needs this time in New York.â€
Prue speaks up then. “Piper, the girl’s guilt muscle is way overworked…I mean, it wasn’t her fault.â€
“I really think Phoebe's coming around.â€
“Well, as long as she comes home, and soon, I guess that's good news.†As the 2 Halliwells go into the solarium, the pointer on the spirit board starts to move by itself…
Meanwhile…Downtown Metropolis:
Trini Kwan felt a twinge of deja vu and longing as Black Canary took both her and Jason Lee Scott on a tour of the Hall of Justice in Metropolis. Deja vu, because some of the League's earlier cases mirrored some of the Rangers' early adventures. Longing, because she wished she could have been a part of those cases. Barely a month ago, she and the other six Rangers had become the newest members of the Justice League of America.
Jason was soon standing in front of a portrait of the original Leaguers, completely fascinated, and had a lot of questions, such as... "How was it, I mean, your first few adventures as a team?"
Black Canary told him, "Not too differently from yours. Then, we were all very different people, full of piss and vinegar, along with a good dose of righteous anger, ready to take on the scum of the Earth."
Trini had the next question. "We know what happened to the original Flash and Green Lantern, but what happened to Aquaman? There's virtually nothing on him."
Black Canary growled, "That is something we have been asking ourselves for the past eight years. Somehow, four years after we got together, he changed, and not for the better. He disbanded the League, and replaced most of the team with a group of complete idiots who had absolutely no business whatsoever ever crimefighters. The press called the U.N. funded League 'an expensive joke.' Wrong on all counts. Sure, they were ridiculous at times, and admitting Guy Gardner was a major faux pas, but at least they actually got the job done. Aquaman's team was the real joke, no teamwork, no interplay, nothing but powers and attitude. J'onn and Aquaman were proud of that motley crew of turkeys. I respect J'onn's opinion, and still do to this day. But, as far as fish-face goes..."
Trini and Jason gasped in surprise. "Fish-face?" They had no idea that her contempt of the one-time Sea King ran so deep. However, it seemed they had only scratched the surface.
"He had already begun to change at that point. He blamed the entire surface world for his own failures and stupidity. When his JLA went down in flames, he saw this as the last straw. He began to reject any ideas and thoughts other than his own. When he resigned this last time, no one, not even Power Girl, cared one bit. His actions soon reflected this new murderous attitude, as he began attacking waterfront cities and destroying lives. When he initiated an assault on an underwater farming project, he destroyed ten years of work which would have helped ease world hunger. He also crippled and nearly killed all the personnel assigned to the project. And, as time went on, he just got even worse, with no remorse to what he had done."
Trini spoke up then, "Man, that's low. From hero to complete bastard, I mean, that has to be a major 180."
Black Canary continued, "His recent escapades prove he's only gotten worse. In fact, just one month before you and the other Rangers joined, he used his powers to demolish the waterfront district of Gateway City, and would have tried to trash the entire city, if Wonder Woman wasn't there. I'm happy to say that she stopped his rampage and beat him shitless. Unfortunately, he was able to escape."
"I've seen him on recent broadcasts. It's almost as if he's just remaking the entire planet in his own image. But, didn't the other Green Lantern try to do that?" Jason asked.
"There's a slight difference, Jason. From everything I've ever read, he was villainous for less than one year, and towards the end, he began to atone for his misdeeds, even though it cost him his life. It seems that Aquaman has absolutely no intention of reforming whatsoever," Trini told him.
At that very moment, all three JLA signal devices went off. The Flash was clearly disgusted. "He's done it. The point of no return. Teleport to the Watchtower." All three knew who he meant.
San Francisco: Halliwell manor.
Prue is fiddling with the circuit tester. “I don't get it. I have checked everything, there's no reason why the chandelier should not be working.â€
Piper starts to change the subject. “You know how we've been talking about what to do with the spare room? I think you're right, we do need a roommateâ€
Prue starts thinking. “We can rent the room at a reduce rate in exchange for some help around the house.â€
“Phoebe's good with a wrench.â€
Prue reminds her “I wish she was here, however, Phoebe’s still in New York.
“Not anymore.†Piper then adds “She left New York. She's moving back in with us.â€
Prue sighs. “Thank god. I wondered how long she was going to keep blaming herself. Roger was such an ass.â€
Piper smiled at this, and added “Glad you feel that way, besides, I could hardly say no. It's her house too. Grams left it to all three of us. Even though it was months ago and we haven't seen or spoken to her since. Well, you haven't spoken to her.â€
“No, I haven't. But, look, maybe you've forgotten: she thinks I'm still mad at her, for no reason. Maybe now, we can talk this out, and put an end to this. Wait a minute, how long have you known about this anyway?†Prue asks.
Piper stammers “A couple of days, maybe a week…or two.â€
“Thanks for sharing.†Quickly changing her tune, Prue asks “When does she arrive?†In answer, the front door opens and Phoebe walks in, saying “Surprise! I found the hide-a-key.â€
Piper grins “Phoebe, welcome home.â€
Phoebe smiles “Hello, Piper.†Piper and Phoebe hug, as Prue walks up to her baby sister, speaking “It's so good to see you. About Roger…he was a loser…if anything, you set me straight about him. I’m sorry.â€
A car horn beeps. “Oops. I forgot about the cab. I’ll be right back.â€
“Is that all that you brought?†Prue asks, concern lining her face.
“That's all that I own and a bike. Look, I know that you don't want me here ...â€
“I do want you here. It’s time to toss Roger out of this and move on. I want my baby sister back.â€
Phoebe counters with “And I want you to have a life of your own. Piper and I are grown women now. We can handle our own problems. Besides: it's just so hard for me to talk to you. You’ve always been more like a mother.
Piper joins in then. “That's not her fault. She practically had to sacrifice ...â€
“…My own childhood to raise you. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I get it. You’re both welcome.†Prue smiles.
Piper continues “And we're lucky you were so responsible.†Turning to Phoebe, she continues: “You and I had it easy, all we had to do was be there.â€
Phoebe finishes with “Yeah, and believe me, I love her for it, but I don't need a mom anymore, you know, I need a sister.â€
Prue then says “Phoebe…â€
I never touched Roger. I know you thought otherwise because that's what that Armani-wearing, Chardonnay-slugging, trust-funder told you ...I know you’re not mad about that. It took me a while to realize that. Still, I’m…â€
Prue gives her a warm hug just as Piper says “Hey, I have a great idea. Why don't I make a fabulous reunion dinner.
“I’d rather have a reunion breakfast. That’s my big meal of the day, these days.†Prue grins.
Phoebe adds “And, I ate on the bus. But, I’m still up for a midnight snack later.â€
Later: Phoebe's room. Phoebe's stands in front of the mirror. The news is on the TV but she's not really watching it. Piper knocks on the door, carrying a tray with drinks and food on it. “Hi, it's me.â€
“And me.†Prue follows Piper, holding a blanket. “This was always the coldest room in the house.
“Thanks. Come on in, both of you.†Phoebe sees both the blanket and the tray. “Thank God. I am starving.â€
“Figured.†Piper then seen a male reporter on TV. Hey, that's my boyfriend, Jeremy. What happened?
“Some woman got whacked.â€
Prue gives her baby sister a shocked look. “Whacked? Phoebe, you've been in New York way too long.â€
Meanwhile, the JLA Satellite:
Soon, the entire JLA had assembled, including all seven Power Rangers. Batman was even grimmer than usual. "Rangers, Aquaman plans to destroy Angel Grove and all of its population. No ransom demands, no negotiations, nothing. He plans to wipe out any and all continents, beginning with North America, Angel Grove beings the focal point."
"We've discovered that he's somehow got hold of Rita Repulsa's book of spells and incantations. He's into mass destruction and black magic now. The worst thing is, we don't have any idea how he got his hand on the book," Isis told everyone.
"Oh, man, that book was trouble times 90 in Rita's hands. I don't even want to know what sushi-boy can do with that!" Samantha Dean spoke up.
"We should contact your mentor, Zordon, and ask him bout what our 'Sleaze-of-the-Sea' can do with this thing," Hawkman told them
Robin asked, "Wonder Woman, do you think he'll try to destroy Gateway City again?"
"I wouldn't put it past him. Meanwhile, we have another mystery on our hands. Tommy, you can help me with this one. You started out as the Green Ranger, right?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Well, a friend of mine, Phil, has found a coin similar to the one you had as a Green Ranger. If it is like that, could it give him your old powers?"
"It could, if it is the second green coin. Considering what's going on, we need another Ranger, even a temporary one."
"I'll contact Phil and tell him you're coming. Tell him all about the Green Ranger's powers and see if he'll help us out," Wonder Woman told us.
San Francisco: Halliwell manor:
Piper and Phoebe are sitting at the table playing with the spirit board. “When did you meet Jeremy?†Phoebe asks.
“About six months ago - right before Grams died. We met in the hospital cafeteria the day Grams was admitted. He was covering a story and I was bawling over a bagel. So, he handed me a napkin.â€
“Isn’t that romantic? I’m thirsty, I ate way too much chips and popcorn, I’m gonna get another root beer, anyone want one?†Prue asks.
Piper shouts “I’ll take one, thanks.†As Prue leaves, she turns to Phoebe and continues “As a matter of fact it was. The napkin had his phone number on it. Stop pushing the pointer.â€
Phoebe gets defensive. “I'm not touching it.â€
“You used to always push the pointer. More popcorn?†Piper gets up and heads for the kitchen.
Phoebe shouts “Hey, I forgot your question.â€
Piper shouted “Actually, it was Prue’s question. She asked if Roger would have sex other than himself this year.â€
“That's disgusting! Please say yes!â€
The pointer then moved to the letter 'A' by itself. Phoebe is in shock. “Piper...â€
It then moves to 'T'. Phoebe is now screaming “Piper, get in here!â€
“What?†Piper races back in, and Prue follows.
Phoebe squeaks “The pointer on the spirit board. It moved on its own.â€
Prue and Phoebe stare at her, giving her a ‘Yeah, right’ look.
“I'm serious. It spelled 'A' 'T'.â€
“Well, did you push it? You used to always push the pointer.†Prue reminded Piper.
“My fingers were barely touching it. Look.†The pointer moves to the bottom of the board, then back to the letter 'T'. Ah, it did it again! It moved!
Prue and Piper turn back around and look at the board. The pointer moves again. Prue and Piper see it this time.
“There. Look. You both saw that, right?â€
“I…t…think so, yeah.†Piper stammers.
Phoebe looks at both her sisters. “I told you I wasn't touching it!â€
The pointer moves again. This time, Phoebe writes the letters down on an envelope. “I think it's trying to tell us something.†Once the letters are written down, she holds up the envelope, saying one word: “Attic.â€
There's a loud clap of thunder and the power goes out. Soon, Piper is racing towards the door. Prue and Phoebe are following her, trying to calm her down. Phoebe yells “Don't you think you're overreacting?â€
“We're perfectly safe here.†Prue adds.
“Don't say that. In horror movies, the person who says that is always the next to die!â€
Prue calmly states “The power's out. Look, go with me to the basement.â€
Piper squeals out “What?â€
“I need you to hold the flashlight while I check out the main circuit box.â€
“Phoebe will go with you to the basement won't you Phoebe.â€
Phoebe, however, has a different plan. “Nope, I'm going to the attic. I am not waiting for some handyman to check out the attic and I'm certainly not waiting until tomorrow. I'm going now.†As Phoebe walks up the stairs, Prue goes into the basement, Piper shouting “Prue, wait!â€
Phoebe is trying to open the attic door but it's locked. Just as she gives up and turns to walk back down the stairs, she hears a creak and turns to see the attic door opening. Phoebe walks inside and sees a light shining on a trunk and she walks over to it. She opens it and there's a book inside. She picks up the book, blows the dust off, and opens it.
"The Book of Shadows." Phoebe continues reading…
"Hear now the words of the witches,
the secrets we hid in the night,
the oldest of Gods are invoked here,
the great work of magic is sought.
In this night and in this hour,
I'll call upon the ancient power,
bring your powers to we sisters three,
we want the power, give us the power."
Prue and Piper enter the attic around this time. “What are you doing?â€
“Uh ... reading an incantation. It was in this Book of Shadows, I found it in that trunk.â€
Piper then asks “How did you get in here? Wait a minute, an incantation? What kind of incantation?â€
“The door opened. And, it said something about there being three essentials of magic. Uh, timing, feeling and phases of the moon. If we were ever gonna do this, now - midnight on a full moon - is the most powerful time.â€
“This? Do what?†By now, Piper is freaking out.
“Receive our powers.†Phoebe tells her.
“What powers? Wait, our powers? You included me in this?â€
Prue frowns “No, she included all of us. Prue is now reading from the book. "’Bring your powers to we sisters three.’ It's a book of witchcraft.â€
“Let me see that.†Piper asks.
They are now walking down the stairs, Prue gasping “Spirit boards, books of witchcraft. It figures all this freaky stuff started when you arrived.â€
“Hey, I wasn't the one who found the spirit board!â€
“But it wasn't my fingers sliding around on the pointer!â€
Piper calms everyone down. “It doesn't matter. Because nothing happened, right Phoebe, when you did that incantation?â€
Phoebe gets sarcastic. “Well, my head spun around and I vomited split-pea soup. How should I know?â€
Piper looks around. “Well, everything looks the same.â€
“You're right. But the house still needs work.†Prue stated.
Piper sighs. “Everything feels the same, so nothing's changed.â€
Not quite the case. A man is standing outside their house He then slowly walks off.
The next morning, outside Halliwell manor, Phoebe's sitting on the stairs drinking coffee. Piper comes out. “You're up early.â€
“I never went to sleep.â€
Piper laughs. “Don't tell me you put on a black conical hat and spent the night flying around the neighborhood on a broomstick?†She then sits down next to Phoebe.
“The only broom I've ever had was kept in a closet beside a mop.â€
“So what were you doing?â€
“Reading. Is Prue around?â€
“She went to work early. Reading aloud?†Piper asks.
Phoebe counters with “No. According to the Book Of Shadows, one of our ancestors was a witch, named Melinda Warren.â€
Standing up Piper adds: “And we have a cousin who's a drunk, an aunt who's manic, and a father who's invisible.â€
“I'm serious. She practiced powers. Three powers. She could move objects with her mind, see the future and stop time. Before Melinda was burned at the stake, she vowed that each generation of Warren witches would become stronger and stronger, culminating in the arrival of three sisters.†Phoebe continues speaking as they walk to Piper's car. “Now, these sisters would be the most powerful witches the world has ever known. They're good witches and I think we're those sisters.â€
Piper tries to reassure her baby sister. “Look, I know what happened last night was weird and unexplainable, but we're not witches and we do not have special powers. “Besides, Grams wasn't a witch and as far as we know, neither was mom. Piper then kisses her on the cheek, saying “So take that, Nancy Drew.â€
As she gets in her car, Phoebe yells “We're the protectors of the innocent. We're known as the charmed ones!†Piper drives off, however, not hearing a word.
Later, that day, at the Museum of Natural History, a rather nerdy gentleman is talking to Prue. “There's been change of plan.â€
“Change of plan regarding the Beals expedition?†Prue asks.
Roger tells her “The extra money that you help raise through private donations has sparked significant corporate interest. The Beals artifacts will now become part of our permanent collection.â€
“Well, that's terrific.†Prue, however is waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“…Which is why the board wants someone a little more qualified to handle the collection from now on.†Roger looks at her. “You look surprised.â€
Prue fumes “I don't know why. I'm furious. Not only have I been on this project since its inception, but I'm the curator who secured the entire exhibition. You're the person a little more qualified aren't you?â€
“I could hardly say no to the board of directors, could I? But I know you'll be happy for me, after all, what's good for me is definitely good for you. Right, Miss Halliwell?â€
“Miss Halliwell? Since when did we stop being on a first-name-basis? When we stopped sleeping together or when I returned your engagement ring, Roger?â€
Roger stupidly says “I didn't realize the two were mutually exclusive. Although I certainly enjoyed one better than the other.â€
Understandably, Prue is livid. “Son of a bitch!†She then turns to leave.
Roger then shouts “Prue, wait. I feel like I should say something if only to avoid a lawsuit.â€
Prue growls and leaves, snapping her fingers as she does so. Roger's pen in his pocket leaks and gets a blue ink spot on his shirt. He takes the pen out of his pocket and it squirts in his face.)
At a S.F. eatery called Quake, Piper is in the kitchen making her audition meal. Just as she's pouring the port wine in a measuring cup, Chef Moore enters the kitchen. In the smarmiest French accent ever, he declares “Your time is up. Let's see…†He then reads the index card. “Roast pork with gratin of fennel and penne with a port giblet sauce.â€
Piper is nervous “Chef Moore ...â€
“What?â€
“Uh, the port ...â€
“Yes, without the sauce it is nothing more than a salty marinara. A recipe from a woman's magazine. Puh!â€
“I didn't have time for—“ Piper tries to stop him.
“Ah-ah!â€
Piper stammers “But, but ... However, as he puts some on a fork and raises it to his mouth, Piper waves her hands around and he stops, standing there like a statue. Piper is flabbergasted. “Chef Moore? Chef Moore?†She waves her hand in front of his face. “Hello? Hello?†Inspiration hits her as she picks up a baster and fills it up with some port. She then dribbles some on Chef Moore's forkful of food. He unfreezes and puts it in his mouth, at that moment.
“Mmm ... this is very good. C'est magnifique.â€
Piper sighs in relief.
Back at the Museum, Roger is in his office, sitting in his chair facing the window, talking on the phone, being sleazy in his conversation, lying through his teeth as he speaks “It was my idea to spark corporate interest in private donations. Not only have I been with this project since its inception, but we both know who really secured the entire exhibit…â€
Prue walks in his office right then. He swings around on his chair and sees that he’s been caught in a bold faced lie. “Prue ...â€
“I quit.†She relishes the 2 words as they fall from her tongue.
Roger blurts out over the phone “I'm going to have to call you back.†Hanging up, he tries to get Ms. Halliwell to reconsider. “Think about this, Prue…â€
“Lousy job, lousy pay, lousy boss. What's to think about?â€
“Your future. Because, believe me, if you walk out with no notice, you can kiss any references—“
Prue glares at him. “Don't threaten me, Roger. You do NOT want me as an enemy!â€
“You know me. Had to try. You're hurt, you're angry, your pride is wounded. I understand all that. That's why you can't see that I'm doing you a favor.â€
“Excuse me?â€
Roger continues his lie, saying “I had to take the exhibit away from you. If I hadn't, the board would have come and put a total stranger in my place. Think about it, Prue. I'm here for you. Not some stranger. You should be thanking me… not leaving me.â€
Prue smiles to herself. “Well, I'm not worried. I'm certain that your intellect will make quick work of the seventy-five computer discs and thousands of pages of research I left in my office.â€
Roger gives up, snapping “You're gonna regret this.â€
“Oh, I don't think so. I thought breaking up with you was the best thing I'd ever done. But this definitely tops that. Goodbye, Roger.†Prue grins, turns and leaves towards the door.
“I hope there are no office supplies in your purse.†(
Prue stops and wraps her hands around an imaginary neck. As she does this, Roger's tie tightens around his neck and starts strangling him. He opens his draw and finds a pair of scissors. He cuts the tie off, and falls out of his chair.
Outside, Piper's in a phone booth. “Phoebe, answer the phone. Answer the phone. Hanging up and walking out of the booth, Piper doesn’t see Jeremy walking up to her. “Oh, God, Jeremy you scared me.â€
“I-I can see, I'm sorry. You okay?â€
“Yeah, now I am. I really am. Um, what are you doing here?â€
Well, I wanted to be the first to congratulate you on your new job.â€
Piper smiles “You always surprise me. How did you know?â€
Jeremy tells her “You prepared your specialty, and everyone's who's ever sampled your work, can truly see how talented you are.â€
“I get so turned on when you talk about food.â€
“Hamburgers, pizza….†They kiss.
On a bike path, Phoebe is riding her bike. All of a sudden she has a premonition. In it she sees two boys on rollerblades and they skate right in front of a car which hits them. The premonition finishes. Phoebe continues riding and then sees the car and the two boys.
“No! Wait!â€
She rides in front of the boys stopping them from skating in front of the car. The car honks and Phoebe falls off her bike.
At that moment,…
Within minutes, Tommy and Green Lantern were in Dayton, Ohio. "There's the address WW gave us, Tommy. Let's go," Green Lantern said.
Phil's first response to what greeted him on his doorstep was quite simply, "God, it's too damn early in the morning for this crap. Go away!"
"Mr. Farrell, Diana sent us. We really are the White Ranger and Green Lantern, and we could really use your help. Can we depend on you to do this?" Tommy asked.
"If I can. How?"
"Diana told us that you found a coin with strange energy coming out of it. Could we see this coin, please?" Green Lantern asked.
"Here! Take this damn thing, and get it out of my sight! Since I found the thing, I've had nothing but trouble and grief. Who the hell needs that crap?" Phil growled as he handed the coin to Tommy.
As the White Ranger held the coin, he noticed the power starting to fade. "What in the hell? GL, look at this."
"Uh-oh. Ah, Phil, would you hold the coin for a second?" Green Lantern asked. He reluctantly did so, and the power returned to full. Phil had an instinctive response. "Oh, hell no!"
Tommy began, "We have to test it to make sure, but if it is what we think it is, we have a huge favor to ask..."
"NO! My life is full of headaches and grief as it is now! I don't need this insanity in my life! No way!" Phil growled, then continued, "My fiancee is in a coma, my career as a performer seems to be on permanent hold, my uncle is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, now this? If I knew that being friends with Diana would bring stuff like this..."
"Uh, just how did you and Diana meet, anyway? Truth be told, you strike me as the type who wouldn't have a superhero as a friend, much loss tolerate all that comes with it," Tommy asked him.
"Well, three years ago, the Cheetah came to Dayton, intent on stealing rare silver pieces from the Art Institute, and other rare items. I forget what they were. Anyway, Diana tracked her here. While she was in pursuit, she ran and collided into me in front of the Victoria Theatre downtown where I was heading for an audition. We traded some four-letter insults, and then we both calmed down. She helped me get my audition, and I was able to help her set up the Cheetah and put her away. And we've been tight ever since."
"What type of performer are you?" Tommy asked.
"Musician, comedian, actor. But, considering my fiancee's condition, I really haven't done much in that field lately. She was one of these people who were in Florida working on a underwater farming project when a..."
"...huge wave crashed into the area with deadly results? Oh, my God, it couldn't be... could it?" Green Lantern asked.
Tommy immediately grasped what he was getting at. "You think Aquaman caused that disaster? My God, he really has gone past the limit."
Phil also got the idea. "That son of a bitch was responsible for Michelle being in a coma? And you say that this coin will only work for me?" he asked, looking at the coin in his hand.
"Wait a minute! The idea is to catch him and put him away, if possible, not kill the guy! I've been Green Lantern for two years now, and I've learned that being a hero does not involved that sort of revenge."
Before the matter could be discussed any further, the signal went off. Tommy responded, "Go ahead, we read you."
"Teleport to the Watchtower right away, the stakes went up, big time," Hawkman told them.
Phil stopped them both. "I'm coming with you, and before you say anything else, the coin will only work for me, so I might as well come along. Besides, I can keep my emotions in check, and Id don’t have it in me to kill anyone, no matter what. Besides, you probably need all the help you can get, don't you?"
Tommy said in resignation, "OK. Hold on to my shoulder. Hawkman, three to teleport now."
Back In San Francisco, Prue walks up to a hospital information desk. A man is standing there with his back turned to her as she speaks “Hi, um, I'm looking for my sister, Phoebe Halliwell.â€
The nurse politely tells her “One second please.†She then turns to the man, asking “What's the name again?â€
“Inspector Andrew Trudeau. Homicide. Dr Gordon's expecting me.â€
Prue is surprised. “Andy?â€
“Prue? I don't believe it. How are you?â€
“I'm good. How are you?
Andy looks at her and smiles. “Fine. I just can't believe I'm running into you.â€
“Yeah, I'm picking up Phoebe. She had some kind of accident.â€
“Is she gonna be okay?†Andy asks her.
“Yeah, she'll be fine. Um, what are you doing here?â€
“Murder investigation.â€
The nurse arrives at this time. “Your sister’s still in x-ray's so it'll be another fifteen minutes.†Turning to Andy, she says “Dr. Gordon's office is to the left and down the hall. He's with a patient right now but you're free to wait outside his office.â€
“Thank you.â€
Prue tells the nurse “Thank you.â€
Andy looks at Prue “Well, it's good seeing you, Prue.†They shake hands, and Prue returns the greeting. “Yeah, you too, Andy. Take care.†Prue then stops and tells him “You know, Phoebe's busy, Dr Gordon's busy. Can I buy you a black cup of coffee while we wait?â€
“Sounds good to me.â€
They walk towards the coffee machine. Prue asks “So, you're an inspector now?â€
“What can I say? In any other city I'd be called detective.â€
“Inspector's classier.â€
“Liking it better already.â€
Prue smiles at him, saying “Your dad must be so proud.â€
“Third generation. You bet he’s happy. How about you? You taking the world by storm?â€
“Well, I'm living back at Grams' house, and as of an hour ago, looking for work.â€
Later, at Quake, Prue and Phoebe are sitting at the bar. Prue is in shock. “The Chosen Ones? The Charmed Ones? Phoebe, this is insane.â€
Phoebe looks at her older sister. “Are you telling me that nothing strange happened to you today? You didn't freeze time or move anything?â€
“Roger took an exhibit away from me. All right, look, Phoebe, I know that you think you can see the future which is pretty ironic, since you told me that at the hospital, and I didn’t even say anything about it then.
Phoebe speaks up with “Even if you don't want to believe it, just once can't you just be willing to accept that there are some strange things going on in the world?â€
“Phoebe, I do not have special powers. Wonder Woman has special powers, the Power Rangers have special powers, not me. Now, where is the cream?†In the next few seconds, the cream moves by itself and fills her cup of coffee with cream.
Phoebe looks at her sister. “Really? That looked pretty special to me.â€
Prue stammers. “Oh my god. So, um, I can move things with my mind?â€
“With how much you hold inside, you should be a lethal weapon by now.â€
This is way too much for Prue. “I don't believe it.â€
Phoebe has a realization. “This must mean that Piper can freeze time.†Prue grabs a shot of tequila and drinks it all. “Are you okay?†she asks.
Prue blurts out “No, I'm not okay. You turned me into a witch!â€
“You were born one. We all were. And I think we better start to deal with it.â€
10 minutes later, Phoebe and Prue start walking down the sidewalk. Phoebe continues: “When I was looking through the Book Of Shadows, I saw these wood carvings. They looked like something out of a bosch paintings. All these terrifying images of three women battling different incarnations of evil.â€
“Evil fighting evil, that's a twist.â€
Phoebe corrects her. “Actually, a witch can be either good or evil. A good witch follows the wiccan rede. 'And it harm none, do what ye will.' A bad witch or a warlock has but one goal: to kill good witches and retain their powers. Unfortunately, they look like regular people. They could be anyone, anywhere.â€
“And this has what to do with us?â€
“Well, in the first wood carving, they were in the slumber, but in the second one, they were battling some kind of warlock. I think as long as we were in the dark about our powers we were safe. Not anymore.â€
The JLA Satellite:
Within seconds, Hawkman and Zordon were outlining what Aquaman had created with the book of spells. "It seems that he's been able to create an army of the undead from the sea... zombies, if you will, to do his bidding, along with a batch of sea golems, animated bodies of water, as a backup, unstoppable force. He's already destroyed a good portion of the waterfront area of Angel Grove, along with killing nearly 50 people. He can't turn back now, we have to stop him at all costs, by any and all means necessary."
Zack Taylor told them, "But we took an oath to never take another life, no matter what."
"In this case, Zack, this may be the only way. I have told all of you Rangers that all life is scared, but anyone who kills indiscriminately, with no remorse, and at his level of power, vastly increased, there is no other option. No prison can hold him, he's too deadly to keep under observation, and he's much too deadly and vicious to be allowed to go free," Zordon told him from the special tube that Green Lantern had created for him.
"We'de better teleport to Angel Grove now! And this time, the gloves are off!" Hawkwoman stated.
Zordon told them, "First, Phil, you have the Dragonzord coin. Now, accept your morpher." In a flash, a Ranger morpher appeared in his hands. "Go now with your fellow Justice Leaguers, Rangers, and may the power protect you all."
Kimberly Hart asked, "You know what happens next, don't you?"
Phil said nervously, "Yeah. Here goes. DRAGONZORD!"
There was a blinding flash of green light, and in seconds it faded, and there was the new Green Ranger standing there. "OK, let's do it,"
Hawkman yelled. "Right. Move out!"
San Francisco, evening:
Piper is in a cab with Jeremy. She's holding a box of fortune cookies, and asks him “Has anything weird or unexplainable ever happened to you?â€
“Sure. It's called luck or fate or some people call it miracles. Why? What happened?â€
Piper pushes it out of her mind, saying “Forget it. Even if I could tell you, you'd swear I was crazy. Now open your fortune cookie.â€
“Okay.†He opens it and reads the bit of paper. “Soon you will be on top.â€
“It doesn't say that.â€
“Yes it does.â€
Piper looks at him. “ Let me see that.†She then snatches the bit of paper off him. “Of the world. Soon you will be on top of the world.â€
Jeremy then asks the cab driver “Can you make a left on 7th please?â€
“You got it.â€
Piper is stunned. “Hey, I thought that we were going to your place?â€
“We are, but you reminded me of something. I wanna show you the old Bowing building. The view of the Bay bridge is amazing.â€
At that moment, at a Pharmacy, the Pharmacist speaks to Phoebe. “I'll be right back with your prescription.â€
“Take your time.â€
Prue asks “Excuse me, where do you keep the aspirin?â€
“Aisle three.â€
Phoebe adds “Chamomile tea works great for headaches.â€
“Not for this one it won't.†Prue and Phoebe wander up the aisle.
Phoebe then says “You know I'm not afraid of our powers. I mean, everyone inherits something from their family, right?â€
“Yeah, money, antiques, a strong disposition. That's what normal people inherit.â€
Phoebe questions her sister with “Who wants to be normal when we can be special, and, didn’t you want to be Black Canary when you were younger?â€
“Well, since I can’t be Black Canary, I want to be normal, I want my life to be... you know, isn't this aisle 3?â€
“Well, we can't change what happened. We can't undo our destiny.â€
Prue, obviously, does not want to talk about this anymore. “Do you see any aspirin?â€
Phoebe suggests “I see chamomile tea.â€
Prue loses it. “Look, I have just found out that I'm a witch, that my sisters are witches, and that we have powers that will apparently unleash all forms of evil. Evil that is apparently going to come looking for us. So excuse me Phoebe, but I'm not exactly in a homeopathic mood right now.â€
Phoebe suggests “Then move you headache out of your mind.â€
Prue stares angrily at Phoebe and a bottle of aspirin flies off the shelf. Prue catches it, and phoebe tells her “You move things when you're upset.â€
“This is ridiculous! I thought that you landed on your arm, not your head.â€
“You don't believe me?â€
“Of course I don't believe you!â€
Phoebe tests a theory. “Ro-ger.â€
A few more bottle of aspirin fly off the shelf. “Now let's talk about Dad and see what happens.â€
“He's dead, Phoebe.â€
“No, he's moved from New York, but he's very much alive.â€
Prue counters “He isn't to me. He died the day he left mom.â€
Phoebe says point blank “What are you talking about? He's always been a major button pusher for you. You're mad he's alive, you're mad I tried to find him, and you're mad I came back. Dad, dad, dad, dad, dad, dad, dad.
All the medicines and bottles fly off the shelves. Phoebe looks at her sister. “Feel better?â€
“Lots.â€
Phoebe tells her “The Book of Shadows said our powers would grow.â€
“Grow to what?†They laugh at this.
Meanwhile, Piper & Jeremy are at an old, run down place called The old Bowing building. Jeremy opens the door. “Well, here we are.â€
Piper hesitates. “I don't care how amazing the view is. I'm not going in there.â€
“Come on, come on. I have a surprise inside.†They step inside an old elevator. Jeremy presses a button and the elevator starts to go up. “You are gonna love this. I bet you tell Prue and Phoebe the moment you see them.â€
Warning bells go off in Piper’s head. “I never mentioned Phoebe came home.â€
“Whoops.†Jeremy pulls out a knife, causing Piper to shout “What is that?â€
“It's your surprise.â€
“Jeremy, stop it, you're scaring me. Damn it! I'm serious!â€
“So am I. See, I've waited six months for this. Ever since Grams went to the hospital. I've known for some quite time that the moment that old witch croaked that all your powers would be released. Powers that would reveal themselves as soon as the three of you got together again. All that was needed was for Phoebe to return.†Jeremy snarled.
Piper is crushed. “It was you wasn't it? You killed all those women.â€
“Not women, witches!â€
“Why?â€
Jeremy raises his hand and flames come out of his finger tips as he bellows “It was the only way to get their powers...†he then speaks in a demonic voice. “… And now I want yours.â€
Piper starts to scream, but red hot anger wells up in her. Instead of screaming as Jeremy raises his arm about to stab her, Piper kicks him in his family jewels, then cocks him in the jaw. Piper. then puts her hands up and he freezes. The elevator freezes as well.
“Okay, think, stay calm. I gotta get outta here. Okay.†She then slips between floors, exits the building, and runs home, where Phoebe presses play on the answering machine. Prue, it's Roger. I've decided to let you come back to work. Seriously, let's talk. Bye-
Prue comes in holding a cat, saying “Piper's definitely not home unless she's turned into a cat.â€
Phoebe is puzzled. “How'd the cat get in?â€
“I don't know. Someone must have left the window open. Um, did Piper leave a message?â€
“She's probably out with Jeremy. Roger called.†Phoebe told her.
“Yeah, I heard.†The front door opens, and Piper shouts “Prue?â€
Phoebe yells back “In here.†She then notices the state of panic Piper is in as she locks the door. “Piper?â€
“Oh my God, what is it? What's wrong?†Prue demands, mother instinct kicking in.
Piper blurts out “Lock the doors, check the windows. We don't have a lot of time. Phoebe, in the Book Of Shadows, did it say how to get rid of a ...â€
“Warlock? Oh my God.†Prue gasps.
At the elevator, Jeremy is waking up. He grabs the knife and runs outside, shouting “I'll get you, you bitch!â€
Angel Grove:
Angel Grove was total pandemonium. People running in total panic from all of the zombies caused chaos and leaving blood-filled streets in their wake. Isis and Hawkman sent Billy to Atlantis to recapture the book. Hawkman's communicator beeped. "Did you get it?"
"Yeah. I just sent it to Zordon. He's trying to come up with a way to defeat those things. I'm on my way over there now. Billy out."
"Your days of terrorizing are over, ugly! Eat size nine!" Zack yelled, and did a flying kick alongside Robin. The two connected with the zombie's head, knocking it off. When this happened, the body collapsed, and then disappeared.
"That's how we handle the zombies. Remove the head, it falls apart!" Trini yelled.
"But what about the water golems... and THAT!" Samantha Dean shouted.
"Oh my God. Aquaman used a growth spell on himself!" Green Lantern yelled.
"Well, we can't call the Zords, the golems will overwhelm you guys. What the hell do we do now!" Jason yelled.
Kimberly shouted, "Hey guys! Zordon just told me that any Ranger can take the size of a MegaZord for a brief period of time, but with that huge golem and Fish-face himself, two of us have to do it, but I kinda have my hands full at the moment." She was protecting a troop of Girl Scouts from zombies using her Power Bow.
Jason bellowed, "I'll do it!"
Phil added, "So will I!"
Soon, the two were concentrating on their sources of power, and in seconds, both grew to the size of the ThunderMegazord. "Phil, you take care of the big monster, I'll take the Turncoat-Chicken of the Sea!" Jason shouted.
The ultra golem was about to march into town and destroy everything in sight. Phil blocked it at every turn, making several kicks and punches, all make contact, but since the creature was made of water, they had little or no effect.
"This is really getting me steamed. Wait. Steam. That's it! And since dragons were supposed to breathe fire... worth a shot." The Green Ranger concentrated hard, and a huge ball of fire materialized in front of him. "Hope you like spicy food, you son of a bitch!" he yelled, and hurled the fireball right at the golem, striking it's head, and having the desired effect, turning it into whisps of steam. In turn, with the big monster out of the way, the smaller monsters quickly evaporated, leaving only the zombies, which the Rangers and JLAers quickly took care of.
Meanwhile, Jason was taking a real beating from Aquaman at first, but slowly but the upper hand. Each time Aquaman tried to thrust with his hook, Jason parried with his sword. "Man, why the hell are you doing this? You were a hero, once! Don't you give a damn about what you're doing?"
"Hell, no, not for the past seven years! Your world is a rotting husk! No one here was worth risking my life for, so now I'm getting rid of this cancerous realm once and for all! Your world is pure trash!" Aquaman snarled.
"Who said your world was a utopia? Wake up, damn you! Only one person is responsible for your life and your feelings.. YOU! Go sell that bullshit somewhere else, you stupid bastard!"
"You young punk, you really think I give a damn anymore? Hell, no! None of you can stop me, and I will rid this world of land masses, and none of you can stop me. The only way to do that is to kill me! None of you can ever hope to have the guts to do that, ever!"
"Wrong, I can do that. I have to stop you. I have to do this." Jason's voice lowered as he steeled himself for what he had to do next. Aquaman advanced on him.
"Don't make me do this," Jason whispered.
As Aquaman fired his harpoon-hook at the young hero, Red Ranger dived out of the way, weaving in and out of the line of fire with his Power Sword at the ready, driving it into Aquaman's rib cage, just below his heart.
"I'm really... surprised. For a... lousy punk... Ranger, I didn't think... you had it in... gasp... you," a surprised Aquaman choked.
"Wherever you wind up, I truly hope you receive your just due," Jason whispered as he prepared to deliver the final, killing blow. "I never wanted to do this, but if I don't, this world will never get another change. May God have forgiveness on you, because I don't think you'll get any here." With one swing, Jason beheaded Aquaman, and watched as his body fell into the sea. He then returned to normal size, and promptly took off his helmet and ran behind a tree, throwing up and crying. In minutes, Hawkman was at his side, along with Tommy, who was worried about his best friend.
Hawkman looked at the Young Ranger. "Jason, all that I can tell you is that, hopefully, you can use this to help you one day. Believe me, this is something you never truly get over. It kills you inside, but you can't let it destroy you, not in this line of work."
Tommy spoke up then, "He's right, Jason. You did what you had to do. It's over. You did the right thing."
"No. This can never be called right. Never," Jason wept.
San Francisco
Prue takes charge. “I'm calling the cops.â€
This does nothing to calm Piper “And tell them what? That we're witches? That some freak with powers beyond comprehension is trying to kill us? Even if the cops did come, they'd be no match for Jeremy, and we'd be next.â€
Phoebe is at the top of the stairs, shouting “I found the answer, come on!â€
Soon, they are in the attic, sitting in a circle on the floor around a low table, candles placed in a circle around them. Prue says “Okay, we've placed the nine candles anointed with oil and spices in a circle.â€
Piper stops them. “Wait, I only count eight.â€
“Oh you forgot this one.†Phoebe tells her, holding up a candle smaller than the others.
Piper can’t believe it. “A birthday candle?
“I guess Grams was a little low on witch supplies.â€
“Alright, we need the poppet.†Prue says.
Piper holds it up. “Got it.†Phoebe then lights the birthday candle and puts it in the pot.
“Right, we're set. Get ready to cast the spell.†Prue sighs.
Piper starts: “Okay, first I'll make it stronger.†She gets a rose and places it on top of the poppet, then speaks "Your love with wither and depart, from my life and my heart, let me be, Jeremy, and go away forever." She then presses the rose thorn into the poppet and places it in the pot. “Okay, the spell's complete.â€
“Let's hope it works.†Prue hopes, as they watch the poppet and rose burn, then explode, and catch on fire. As this is happening, Jeremy is walking down the street then suddenly he starts screaming in pain. Hundreds of thorns tear through his skin. In the attic, they are cleaning up. Phoebe picks up the pot and has a premonition. “Wait! It didn't work!â€
“What?†Prue & Piper gasp.
“The spell, it didn't work.â€
“How do you know?†Prue asks.
“When I touched the pot, I had a flash. I saw Jeremy.†Phoebe tells them.
“You touched the pot and you saw him?â€
“He's on his way here! Wait! We’re about to get some high powered help!â€
5 minutes earlier:
Just after the JLA trashes Aquaman, Isis gets a flash in her head. “A demon…in San Francisco…after three sisters…they need help!â€
Kimberly is with her, still morphed. “I’ll go with you. Let’s roll!â€
San Francisco, now:
Prue, Piper, and Phoebe run out of the attic and down the stairs. They run to the door and Prue opens it. Jeremy is standing there. Piper and Phoebe scream, while Jeremy sneers “Hello, ladies.†Prue stands in front of Phoebe and Piper. They slowly walk backwards. Prue uses her power of telekinesis, and he hits the wall. “Piper, Phoebe, get out of here now!†They run upstairs, while Jeremy snickers “Cool parlor trick, bitch. You were always the tough one weren't you, Prue?â€
A voice behind him bellows “Hey, slimeball, eat this!†as a taser arrow flies from the Pink Ranger’s Power Bow, hitting it’s mark as Isis shouts:
“Strike lightning, and let thy aim be true!â€
Both hit the mark, causing the demon to scream in pain. Both heroines join Prue, Isis asking “Are you all right?â€
“We’re fine, thanks. How did you know we needed help?â€
“Long story… heads up!†Isis yells. Prue once again uses her powers and he hits the wall. She runs upstairs, followed by Isis and the Pink Ranger. “Phoebe, you're right, our powers are growing. Look who’s here to help!â€
Piper is thankful, but stunned. “How do we stop him?†she asks Isis, as they push a dresser against the door and put a chair on top of it.
“I don’t think that’s going to help!†Pink Ranger blurts out, as Jeremy shouts from outside Do you think you can take me now, Prue. My powers are stronger than yours. Do you think a chair will stop me?�