Riders of the Storm(StormRiders)

He glanced around, checking his watch. A storm was scheduled for some time within the next few hours, and he didnt want to get caught in it. Chuck grumbled. The bridge they were building would never be done in time...and theyd have to cover it soon, before it got too damp. They wanted the cement to settle, before the water diluted the wet foundation of the bridge.

Alright guys, pack it up! he shouted as loud as he could to project over the heavy machinery. He waved away the few who buzzed around him for instructions, not wanting to be crowded against anyone. He was on edge today, and didnt know why. The storm made him itch...as it always did. He couldnt explain it, or understand it. It just was. It sent chills up and down his spine.

With a few bangs of the exhaust on his beat up truck, he fired up, knowing that he wasnt needed to supervise, but that he needed to get inside before the storm hit. He picked up his half eaten lunch, grumbling about the poor quality of the convenient store sandwich, and the home made lemonade from concentrate. Did anyone know how to cook any more? Years ago everyone knew how to cook. Everyone, even the men, because often enough theyd wind up old men, without wives, plowing a small plot of land that would eventually become their graves.

What a sad way to look at it, but it was true. Now, if you wanted a plot in the earth once you died, you paid for it years before you hit old. You drew up the document leaving someone your few earthly possessions, and bought the spot you wanted to spend eternity residing on, and then you forgot about it, until you died. And once you were dead, whoever was left in charge of your estate decided what happened, and your possessions never really went to the person they were supposed to, because all the other family members decided to pilfer this and that out of the pile for their own closets and basements.

Chuck sighed. He needed a life...a wife...kids. He was twenty four, and too young for these thoughts. But he couldnt remember the last time hed had a dream. He couldnt decide whether his favorite color was blue or gray, yet when he was younger it had always been blue, because that meant you were a boy, and if it was pink, you were a girl, so he never thought he liked pink. He didnt mind it really, the color looked nice on the right woman. Some were just too dark, or too rosy, and the pink just blended in. Some. There were a few who looked like they belonged in the princess pink colors that were so popular among the girls.

As he pulled into the driveway of his small trailer home, he cursed, running over the same rock he knew scraped the bottom of the truck every day, but he never moved over the foot and a half it would take to prevent the damage to the old ford pickup. There was no point. Hed just find another rock.

Making his way to the door, he turned the oblong knob to the trailer, pulling the door open and stamping his feet to clean the dirt he didnt feel like cleaning off the floor of the clean house. Mrs. Fitzy kept his trailer clean, and always had. He liked it that way. It meant he didnt have to clean it himself and he didnt have to look at the mess that would be there if She hadnt kept it clean.

She was a bit like a Mum she cleaned, she cooked; all just because she wanted to. Hed told her he couldnt afford to pay hercourse, he could if hed wanted, saving that little bit that he was for himself for her instead, but shed shrugged it off, telling him his money wasnt worth it anyway. Shed clean For the satisfaction of myself and shed smile, waving the duster in his face, then walk down to the kitchen at the other end of the trailer, and start cooking his dinner.

He walked down the hall to his bedroom, taking off his old boots, pulling off the greasy jeans, and the stained white T, replacing them with a comfy pair of sweats, and a baggy long sleeve both a matching forest green, and both well titled Holy in jest by Mrs. Fitzy due to the monopoly the holes had on the fabric.

Stepping into the bathroom, he noted the pristine cleanness of itthe seat was downhe never left it down. He smiled, Mrs. Fitzy strikes again. He turned on the faucet, brushing his teeth, and washing his face, the second part of the ritual he followed every day. Finishing cleaning up, he walked toward the kitchen, where he could smell fresh cooked steak, mashed potatoes and Gravy...hmthat was a meal he looked forward to more than anything.

Check the mail before you enter this kitchen boy.. he heard the low laughing commentary of his housekeeper from beyond the kitchen door, and turned to his left, stubbing his now stocking-ed foot on the mail tables base.

Just as he picked up the only envelope that rested on the tables surface, the first bolt of lightning flashed, and reflected its dim blue light around the dark trailer. He needed to find the lamp to read who it was addressed from.

With a slight jump, and a glance at the window, he proceeded to read the cursive handwritten address.

Josephina Conteress

57 Harbor Road

Stone Harbor, NJ

Who was Josephina? He was hesitant to actually open it. The address was written in the hand of a youngster, or someone who was illiterate. Lake was spelt Lacke, and Road was Rode. Something made him feel uneasy about the letter, and he tapped it on the table for a moment, before walking into the kitchen, switching off the light as he went.

Miles away in a small house on the right hand side headed North, on Harbor Road, Josephina was spending her first night with her foster parents. Her mother had been killed in a car accident, no grandparents or aunts or uncles to speak of left the girl an orphan. At thirteen she was at that point where she didnt care where she was, but she didnt want to be there, and would run away, and had once or twice.

She glanced at the other children in the room. Tommy was six. He had bright green eyes that were often full of tears. He had survived violent parents who had reportedly left many bruises on him. Brought two years ago, he was the Millers favorite as well as the youngest of the group, and the cutest too.

Andrew was next, at 8, he had been there for only a few months more than Josephina, but had already built wonderful ties with June and Mykal.

Sara was the quietest of the group. She sat in the corner opposite Josie, shed been there for four years, and the longest out of any. She rarely spoke, and rarely approached anyone for any reason. She frequently went to sleep early, and stayed asleep until as late as possible.

And Josie seemed to be the only one who didnt fit. An orphan, by all reason she was supposed to be in an orphanage, yet her social worker had for some reason sent her here. She smiled at Tommy. His big green eyes flickered a soft smile back, but turned quickly back to the Tonka truck on the floor in front of him.

June called her name from the kitchen and the girl rose from her seat in front of the computer, and walked into the other room. Behind her, Andrew and Tommy exchanged glances. They knew that tone.

Sara squeaked from the corner, and Josie turned for just a moment. There was a brief smile in her eyes that almost matched Tommys. Her eyes flashed over Sara, and she turned back around silently.

As she reached June in the kitchen, she noted that the woman held the phone in her hand. Silently she continued across the room until she reached June, and her foster mother handed her the receiver. Taking it softly, she glanced at June, whos lips formed the phrase social worker and watched her walk out of the kitchen as Josie put the phone to her ear.

Listening for a second to the sound of her social workers uneven breathing, she grew afraid that they had found a family member for her to live withsomeone she was already sure she would hate, simply for the reminder of who her parents were.

Hello? She managed to choke out the questioning greeting. From the other end of the line Paige spoke up.

Josiewere relocating you to CaliforniaIve found your uncleafter a lot of pushing for files.his name is Charles.. Ive been asked by the Higher ups to get you over there so you can at least meet him.Ive talked to June...if it doesnt work out, youll be brought back here in two weekshows it sound kiddo?

Josie frowned at the name. Kiddo? Paige, You know Im old enough to rank at least my name.it sounds..alright I guess. I dont want nothing to do with him if hes some straight laced shiny booted jack though.. she smiled.

Joyou know I wouldnt put you somewhere where you wouldnt be kept well. Hes an alright guy thougha construction site manager, hes building a bridge right now. I hear hes a nice enough guyand the only uncle you have leftyour mother barely knew him. He left home when he was 15...she was 8.

Paige.he barely knew her! What ifwhat if he tells me I look nothing like her. Or I look just like her?.what if he hates me?

Josieare you willing to give it a try? My sisters own a house in California, and Piper has already cleaned out a room for you to stay with us until its time to return or live with him. So hows it sound Jo? Paige mustve thought Josie had hung up on her, because she asked again Hows it sound?

A Week Earlier

Paige left the small office she worked in as a social worker, shutting the door behind her with a deep sigh. Piper needed her to pick up some Thyme, Lavender and basil. Paige wasnt sure which Piper needed for their potions, and which she needed for dinner.she shivered at the thought of combining the two, then chuckled. She walked down the hall to the elevator, and out through the lobby to her car.

Climbing in she turned on the radio and started listening to some music Phoebe had suggested she listen to help her calm down. It wasnt long before it was switched to something more Paiges style.

Pulling into the grocers she grimaced, knowing full well they didnt have what she wanted, but she might see something shed been eyeing for the last month. OOOOH...Danny was hot, she thought to herself, but for some reason thinking about Danny a different image popped into her head. Charles Cross. Charles Michael Cross, unknowing unclenearly unknowing sister.

She couldnt imagine not having her sisters. Remembering what her life was like before she met the two she had who were still living, she wonders briefly how she survived it. And wishes deeply that she had known Prue while she was alive.

Chuck Crossa unique person. Not at all what she considered ideal for a family. Him and his housekeeper lived alone in a little trailer that would not be big enough for him, and the surprise he had on the way.

Getting out of the car at her second stop was full of a few different thoughts. Why was she involved in this case? She didnt usually deal with cases involving parents whod been in car accidents. She focused more on child abuse cases like the others who had been placed with the Millers.

She smiled gently. When hed discovered he had a niece hed choke. Wait. Why was her mind back on Charles?

She reached the manor just as Piper started yelling Where is Paige?! and she smiled as she stepped in and moved toward the kitchen.

Here, Piper heres your goodies. You owe me.that lavender was hard to find..

Ya yaPaige, you forgot the milk!

She rolls her eyes as she steps out of the kitchen, and smiles at Phoebe curled up on the couch watching Dr. Phil.

Oh Paige, shes just had a difficult morning.

Paige looked up alarmed Difficulthow?

No nonot that sort of difficult. Difficult P3s supposed to be inspected this afternoon, and shes stressing out.

Paige tilts her head to the side saying oh and walks up the stairs. She had to inspect Charless house tonight, and she felt like looking business like, to intimidate him. Prues clothes had been set in boxes in the bottom of her closet after her unknown sister had passed away. Shed already gone through and picked out the outfit she would wear.once she got dressed she planned on putting the situation in front of her sisters. She hoped there wouldnt be a problem with Josie staying..

They all sat down to Pipers home cooked meal. Phoebe had her nose stuck in a book, and Piper was fighting with the vegetables on her plate. eeeww she said, glaring at the green beans, and begging them with her eyes to burst into flame and disappear.

Paige started talking, knowing itd be at least a minute before anyone started paying attention.

So Im leaving right after dinner to go across town. This case Im working on is kind of newusually I deal with abused children, but Josies an orphan, her parents never hurt her, shes been nothing but troublesome since she was put in orphanages, and they had to resort to putting her in a foster home.

Nothingthey were still lost in their own worlds. Seemed the children in the orphanage kept trying to pry into her stuff, and kept coming up with scratches and burns that no one could explain.

Phoebe looked up, scratches and burns? oh, so she had been listening, Paige thought sarcastically. Piper finished the last of the vegetables on her plate, and seemed to be thinking about something. Paige, that sounds like a privacy spell. Something to keep others outPrue used to put one on her door, remember Phoebe? A nod. How old is this girl?

Early teens. Her mother was killed in a car accident, her father died several years ago, of an unknown causebut Josies convinced it was murder listencan she stay here while I talk to her uncle about taking care of her?..The office wants me to work her into a relationship with himso shell be with family at least.

Piper seemed to think about it for a minute before looking to Phoebe, who nodded back, without a word. Oh, how often they did that, and how much it pissed Paige off was beyond words, but she sat silently and waited for the verdict. It wasnt long before the final nod came yet again from Piper, and Piper spoke up I will set up a wardingif she knows anything of the craft she needs to know from the beginning who we are, and that she may be in danger, but we must keep it under wraps...no more than she must know, and if anyone finds outwell have to call on Leo, and Id rather not do that to a teenage girl. Understood?

Yes Piper..ooooh..thank you! and Paige stood up, and moved toward the door Im off to inspect Crosss place...be back in a few hours!

8 hours earlier.

He slammed the phone down after Paiges call. That woman had some nerve telling him he had a niece. No child his sister begot was a part of him, he tried to convince himself of the truth of this, but couldnt. He had loved his sister, oncethey had been very close.

As he had grown he and his mother had fought, and hed left, finding the small trailer he still lived in as his new home, and using the money he made working for a carpenter as an Apprentice of sorts. Hed learned the craft of woodworking and building construction quickly, and moved even more rapidly to the top of the construction food chain.

And now he was going to be a father? It was a frightening prospect to him, to raise his niece as his own. How had his sister died he wondered? Paige had failed to tell him that. What she even dead? Or had she just put the child up for adoption?

Ms. Fitzy?

Yes?

I need you to make a quick run to Wal-mart buy some curtains and a set of twin sheets...Im going to the shed..

Alrightwho was that on the phone?

A social service worker..

All he got was a questioning look, then a nod that told him hed be spilling it all to her when she got back.

He walked out to the small shed and started to cut woodhe was building Josie a bed. He knew the measurements already, hed built several beds, all sold to pay for the trailer and the equipment hed needed to get his job underway. He had all the planks cut before Ms Fitzy returned, and had gone inside to clean up, and try and eat lunch. After Lunch, and spilling his guts to Ms. Fitzy, he returned to his work. He completed the bed two hours before Paige reached his house.

Present Day

Josie glanced at June, her small bag over her shoulder, it held only a teddy bear, and a change of clothes. June had outgrown some of her clothing recently, and had donated a box ready either for her return, or for the final decision for Josie to live with her uncle. Josie looked forward to having more than two sets of clothing. It had been difficult toward the end with her mother, who had been able to fit into her clothes, and often left them wherever she went, instead of returning them to her daughter.

She glanced at the door, and walked back to June. Shed already learned to love her foster mother, and now she had to leave all over again. She wondered if there was some way to beat the system and stay here with the family shed grown accustomed to.

Wrapping her arms around her softly, she heard the familiar horn of Paiges car arrive, and whispered into Junes ear Ill miss you before turning back to the door and stepping out onto the concrete steps. She was glad the other children were already in school. It made it easier to leave. Shed given each of them a hug before bed the night before, though she hadnt slept. She looked up at Mykal, and smiled briefly, extending her hand to shake his, before walking past, as Paige got out of the car, and held open the door for Josie. She climbed in, and nodded to Paige who walked up the concrete walk to the steps, exchanging a few moments worth of conversation with the Millers, before returning to the driver seat of her car.

I hope youll like Piper and Phoebe. Theyre a lot different from mebut youll like the house most of all.

Josie nodded.

Josie.I have to ask. How much do you know about Magic?

I know its what killed my father

How?

How the hell should I Know? Josie frowned. This wasnt what shed expected from Paigewhy was it any of her business?

Paige thought for a moment. Josie hadnt really answered her question. How had magic killed her father?..she decided that Josie would have to know, if she were to be staying with them. Josiemy sisters and I are all witchesand if youre in danger we need to know. We might be able to protect you, but only if we know what to expect.

W-w-itches?

Yes, Josie, I had thought not to tell you thatbut if you think thats what killed your father, then you need to understand more about it.

Josie nodded again.

My sisters and I have faced a lot of demonsmore real than most children believe the boogieman to be. Can you tell me what killed your father?

It wasnt a demonit was a stormrider.

A storm rider?

Yesit attacks through storms. Lightening is its weapon, and thunder. For its target, the sound is magnified, until the victim becomes deaf. It attacks through the sensesit has the ability to thicken the air, so that the target suffocatesits masked by a storm.

You know an awful lot about it.

Thats what dreams are for.

You have premonitions?

Sort ofnot a seer the way people think of psycics, , it only happens while Im sleeping. I dream of the future.

As they arrived at the Manor, Piper and Phoebe waited on the steps. They stood as Paige and Josie got out of the car, and Phoebe dive bombed them with questions, Piper hung back...still unsure of this. It had only been two years since Prue died, and it seemed awkward having another person in the house.. After a moments hesitation, she stepped forward, and extended a hand to the girl, Welcome to the Manor, JosieIm Piper...and the one youll have to deal with if you break the rules of the house..

Paige cut in Nope. She listens to me. I deal with you if she breaks the rules..

Josie shook her head as she shook Pipers hand Pleased to meet you, Piper, and dont worry, Im not going to break any rules...unless theyre the type that are supposed to be broken..

Piper laughed Good. I like you Josie...come on in...theres hot cookies on the counter for you..

Phoebe wrapped an arm around her Hi Josie, Im Phoebe, and I was the baby before Paige came alonggot any questions about love?

Josie raised an eye Nope...none yet, waiting to find out if Im staying in one place for any length of time first..

Phoebe tsked, before moving up the steps ahead of them to open the door. Paige put an hand on Josies shoulder, reassuringly. Josie shook it off, and Paige understood that Josie wasnt afraidthis was nothing new.. just another place to live.

Charles looked around the trailer. He had made several adjustments to satisfy the red haired social service workers complaints. The furniture had all been sanded down, and finished. The living room no longer smelled like pine. Hed miss that. Josies bed had been a good distraction, made with a lathe, and saws and intricate carving tools, until what stood in her room was a twin sized hanging canopy bed that could be hooked to the wall if Josie did not like the motion. The bedroom hed made out of his study now furnished a work desk for studying, a hand made wardrobe which stood 5 and a half feet tall, and sported pine wood, everything was pineand it was beautifully finished with cherry finish. He hoped shed like it. Hed found himself looking forward to her arrival. Hed heard a little from Paige about what she looked like, and he knew she looked much like her mother. Hed decided that was alright. Even though he was afraid of what his face might betray upon their first sight of each other, he looked forward to the call Paige would make to tell him she was there, and hed get to drive over and meet her. Paige had refused to let Josie live with him immediately, thinking it was too much of a shock for her. Instead the girl would stay with the social workers family, for the first week, then with him for the second. If she liked it at the end of the second week, shed stay with her uncle.

The phone rang. He jumped, before moving to the phone and lifting it to his ear. He listened to Paiges voiceclosing his eyes as he did. She was home, Josie was there. Dinner was at 5:30.

Alright, Ill see you there

What had he gotten himself into he wondered? Paige was a strange person, and determined. There was no way he could get out of it nowbut he had to give Josie a chance. What if she didnt like him. What if he screwed up and Paige was called to take Josie back to the foster parents shed gone to live with?

5:30 that night.

Chuck grimaced as he pulled up to the large Victorian house. He was not yet sure if he was looking forward to meeting his niece.