Post by StoryGirl83 on Jan 18, 2010 17:50:37 GMT -5
Chapter Three – Underworld Stirring
Chris was just reentering the living room with two plates of food that he had cooked up when they heard the door open in the hall. He smiled as Seth rose from the couch and ran into the hall.
Seth entered the hall just as Wyatt was locking the door behind him. He ran over to Wyatt and pulled him into a hug.
When he let go and stepped away, Wyatt looked at him surprised. “What was that for?”
“That was because your brother was freaking me out with stories about you almost getting killed a few weeks ago and because I’m glad you are standing.”
“I’m definitely glad of that myself.”
Seth headed back into the living room speaking as he walked. “I imagine you want to know where I’ve been.”
“Yes,” Wyatt replied dryly.
Seth plopped down on the couch as Wyatt entered the room and looked at the two brothers. Then, he looked down at the plates now on the coffee table. “Food looks good, Chris.”
Chris nodded. “Thanks.” Looking at his brother, he added. “There’s more on the stove. Help yourself.”
Wyatt walked over to the remaining chair in the room and sat down. “I’ll keep that in mind. Right now, I want to know why I haven’t seen my best friend in almost three months.”
“You didn’t call?” Seth suggested.
“Cute. Your dad hasn’t seen you in just as long.”
Seth sighed. “Yeah, I know and I’ll go face him after this is over.”
“You haven’t seen your dad, yet?” Wyatt looked at him incredulous.
Seth shrugged. “Dad’s not exactly the most useful when it comes to fighting demons.”
Chris snorted at this.
Seth frowned and looked at him. “What?”
Chris shook his head. “Nothing. Continue.”
Seth eyed him and finally shrugged. “Whatever. Look I’ve been in the underworld since the beginning of January. I hadn’t meant to stay there this long, but every time I planned to come back, there was some other reason not to. This time though, there was every reason to not stay.”
“What happened?”
Seth sighed. “I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?”
“How can you not know?”
“I got knocked out in a brawl.”
Both brothers stared at him stunned.
Seth ignored them. “When I came to the room was empty except for a couple of bodies I’m pretty sure hadn’t survived the brawl. I didn’t check. Then, a couple of . . . demons, I guess . . . came in and started talking.”
“About what?” Chris asked, getting impatient. “You aren’t telling us anything, Seth.”
Seth leveled a look at him and flicked his tongue out. “Are you going to let me tell my story?”
“Sure, you must have a good reason for breaking three months of silence.”
“I was busy and I can’t get cell service in the underworld,” Seth frowned at him. “What’s with you anyway?”
Wyatt eyed his brother. “Considering Seth and I are about the same age, what on earth could be in those memories of yours that would make you rude to my best friend.”
Chris blinked. “What? This has nothing to do with my memories. And I’m not trying to be rude. It’s just that I have to leave in about five minutes, I haven’t eaten, and Seth likes to talk.”
“Eat then,” Wyatt directed him, pointing at the food Chris had cooked. “With your mouth full you won’t be able to interrupt Seth and he’ll finish his story sooner.”
“Memories?” Seth looked at them questioningly. “Is something wrong with Chris’ mind?”
Chris starred at him for several seconds and then burst out laughing. He sat down on the couch next to Seth and picked up one of the plates.
“I’ll explain later,” Wyatt promised, “but nothing is wrong with his mind.”
Seth shrugged. “I’ll wait then.” He exhaled slowly before looking at Chris. “And I’ll try to get to the point. I don’t know what’s going on, but they were talking about something big about to happen. They said that some warlock was trying to take out a couple of kids of the Charmed Ones; that he’d managed to talk a lot of demons into helping him to their demise. And the rumor was that he had hired a special demon for his next attack, a demon that only attacks once every one hundred years and that they couldn’t wait to see the pain he caused. They never said anything specific, but surely your book of shadows has info about a demon that only attacks once every one hundred years.”
“Did they happen to give you any clue as to when this attack was going to happen?” Wyatt asked as Chris tried to eat his food.
“Within the next month, but not for at least a week,” Seth told them. “So there is time, but how much I couldn’t say.”
“At least a week. You’re sure?” Chris asked between bites.
Seth nodded. “Definitely. They were disappointed, because they have to wait.”
Chris nodded. “Okay, then I can head to work and Wyatt can explain to you what happened with my memories and any other catching up you need to do.”
Seth frowned at this. “How can you just go to work, Chris? Innocents are at stake.”
“Innocents who are as yet a vague concept and are safe in your more than capable hands,” Chris reminded him. “Just call me if you get anything. I will come back.”
Seth considered this and finally grinned. “Sounds good. Have fun at the manor.”
Chris chuckled. “Sure, sure.” After taking his last bite he took his plate and stood. “Call me if you need me. I’ll keep my cell on and you know that number to The Manor, Wy.”
Wyatt nodded. “See you after work.”
“Want me to put some food on a plate for you?”
Wyatt shook his head. “I’ll get some. Don’t worry.”
Chris nodded and headed toward the kitchen.
Seth turned to look at Wyatt. “So what’s the deal with his memories? Did something happen?”