Disclaimer : Still don't own Charmed, well dang. I was hoping after I blew out a candle at my friend's Birthday and made a wish I would, but apparently not. Well shucks, who knew? Any who, I don't own Charmed, but the plot is mine, the other Characters are mine, and if you steal any of it I will hurt you, and if you run, I will send my personal hell hounds after you to hunt you down, along with an assassin or two! Please enjoy the story.
Author's note :Any input that you have for this story, I will try to include. Like if you want a certain person to come back, request for an episode, or a certain event to happen, I will work it in if I can. Please review after you read this, I'm not asking for a million or anything, just a few. That's all the author needs, one little review and I'm happy. I started this one when I was half way through the last episode, "There's No Place Like Home," and if you don't read the other stories first, this one wont make sense. -Frowns- or at least it wouldn't to me, and that doesn't take a lot; while I'm not stupid, I can sometimes be slow when it comes to some explanations.
1x03 : No Rest For the Witches.
Summary : What is happening to Chris? He remembers random clips; his mother dying in his arms, Wyatt turning evil, and some mystery girl he can't remember meeting. Will he be able to get it together in time now that the Source has a new game? A deadly game - a game that could end a friend's life.
Chapter One : Spiralling Down
Wyatt laughed as he seen Emily resting her head on her History book, which actually amazed him. She had fallen asleep reading about the Witch Trials, so the fact that she wasn't awake complaining about the inconsistencies astonished him to no end. But there she was, sitting in his apartment slouched up against the coffee table, sound to the world, and the only proof that she was indeed sleeping was the heavy, deep breathing he could hear ever so faintly.
Realising he was starring at Emily like that, he looked away quickly, ignoring how a warm sensation flooded his cheeks and flooded down his neck. He didn't like Emily like that, he knew he didn't. But if that was so, then why did he often find himself looking at her or daydreaming of her? Also, why did he suddenly feel like a stuttering fool when around her, and even after he had come home from a date a night, why was it a woman with blonde hair and warm brown eyes haunting his dreams and filling his thoughts instead of the woman he'd been out with? He didn't like Emily like that, he couldn't and he wouldn't. He didn't care, he would keep his hormones in check.
But he didn't have to look away for long before Kelsey sighed and looked up from her book and began complaining; again. Kelsey let out another deep breath and starred at her book, she hated studying; and to make her mood worst, she had cancelled her date with Peter. From the looks of things, they were never going to have their first date. The first one had been because he had stood her up without so much as a "I'm sorry," and yet here she was trying to hurry and get time to get on the date, but that didn't matter. She was in a fowl mood, and this history nonsense wasn't making any sense to her. Why did she care what had happened to witches in the past? She was only going to upset herself, and how Wyatt could take this subject with a clear head amazed her.
"This is boring," she said simply, looking up as Wyatt snorted at her. "I mean, I know it, I know I do, but it seems like I can't grasp it when I need to," she said as her way of explanation. "It's almost as if the more I know, the more I forget!" She shook her head and allowed her head to fall on her text book, "why can't we sleep?" She whined, her head snapping to the door when she saw the youngest Halliwell brother walk in, frowning, she sighed. "You're brother is cruel!" She told Chris, frowning when he laughed at her - if there was one thing the Halliwell brothers had in common it would be there terrible sense of humours, but more than that, they had the same line of thinking. They were both stubborn, and not to mention two of the cockiest people she knew - and she couldn't wait for the day that she got to see one of them embarrass themselves and fall flat on their asses. Oh that would be rich!
"Tell me something I don't know," Chris replied, his mind flashing to the flashbacks he'd been having of his brother being evil, which he knew wasn't true. Not yet, a voice rang in his mind, causing Chris to shake his head to rid himself of the thought. Sighing he looked at where his brother and friends we sprawled on the floor and smirked when he saw Emily asleep, "well unlike you insane people," he said slowly, "I'm going to bed," he looked at Wyatt, "night," and with that he turned on his heel and headed into his room, aware of the fact his brother was watching him the entire way.
Wyatt frowned as his brother disappeared, all thoughts of studying long gone from his mind. He didn't know how to approach Chris about this, but lately he had been more cautious and distant, whether Chris realised it or not. And it was causing Wyatt to worry, especially after Chris snapped at him. But more than that, if Chris was having a problem, he hadn't come to him about it. And they had always went to each other with their problems, whether it was magical or not. The fact that Chris hadn't come to him, well that was going to send Wyatt to an early grave he knew it was.
But he knew he couldn't force Chris to come to him. It just didn't work like that with Chris, he was an extremely independent person and hated to trouble his family and friends with his problems, but if Chris didn't come to him soon, he would have to take action. Wyatt had been waiting for over two weeks for his brother to come to him, and he didn't care if Chris was ready, Wyatt would get through to him. It was about damn time Chris learned that it was his job to protect Chris, not the other way around, and he couldn't protect Chris - not when Chris was keeping something from him. And Wyatt didn't know why, but he had a sinking feeling that it was something big.
"Wyatt!" Kelsey whined again, leaning back against the sofa she was sitting at, throwing her head back. "We've been at this for too long, and I can't process this anymore tonight," she looked up at him. "I promise we'll study more tomorrow, or at least I will, but I need to have some sleep!" She complained, "and why do I have to study anyway?"
Wyatt chuckled and looked up from his book, "because you are not doing to well in this course," seeing Kelsey narrow her eyes, he held up a hand in defence. "I'm not saying you're stupid," he stated, "you're just not the studying type of person." He frowned, "especially when the topic is the Witch trials."
Kelsey nodded in agreement, "yeah, and can you blame me?" She asked, narrowing her eyes. "I don't want to read about how my ancestors were murdered for what they are, the witch hunters were cruel people who should have had their collectives asses kicked by the witches because we're so much better!" She defended, "and of course I'm not the study-happy person! That would fall to our dear friend Emily," she said, her eyes drifting to the blond physic. She frowned and looked at Wyatt, "and she's sleeping! So why can't I sleep?" She asked, venom in her voice.
They had been doing this for at least five hours straight. Five hours. And she was dropping as it was, and she had already had four cups of coffee, so if she planned on sleeping - ever - she couldn't have anymore caffeine. She needed sleep.
Wyatt rolled his eyes in exasperation. It had been Kelsey's idea to get together and study; and out of the three of them, she had done the least amount of studying and she was the only one almost failing the course. He and Emily detached themselves from the topic at hand, taking a logical outlook of it by getting rid of their personal feelings and being objective. It was the only way they would be able to remain sane through this course.
"Come on Wyatt!" Kelsey whined, "you're going to be a doctor for heaven's sakes!" She pointed out, "and what kind of doctor would force their patient to stay up late and deprive them of sleep?!" She asked, seeing Wyatt sigh and shake his head she pouted. "Can's we take a little break?" She pleaded, "I only ask for a few hours of sleep!"
Knowing she wasn't going to shut up, Wyatt reluctantly nodded his head and gathered his books. He smiled at her, "fine, you go to sleep," he said, stifling his laughter when Kelsey immediately stacked up her books and smiled at him, and looked at him expectantly, only to frown when she noticed Emily again.
"What do we do about sleeping beauty?" She asked.
Wyatt frowned and then sighed, "no point in waking her," he admitted, and then he met Kelsey's eyes, "she can stay here," he said simply, "so home?" He asked, and Kelsey nodded vigorously and Wyatt waved his hands and watched as Kelsey dissolved in a column on blue and white orbs, and then he looked towards his brother's door, this was not going to be easy.
Opening Credits.
Theme : In the Shadows, The Rasmus
Starring:
Drew Fuller ... Chris Halliwell
Wes Ramsey ... Wyatt Halliwell
Jennifer Love Hewitt ... Prue Halliwell
Channing Tatum ... Henry "Junior" Matthews
Steven Strait ... Caleb Johnson
Laura Ramsey ... Emily Simms
Anne Hathaway ... Kelsey Vincent
With:
Eliza Dushku ... Katy Halliwell
Rachel Bilson ... Elizabeth Halliwell
Amber Tamblyn ... Melinda Halliwell
Jessica Origliasso ... Oriana Matthews
Lisa Origliasso ... Callie Matthews
Camera pans over the Golden Gate Bridge, and then slowly pans across the city, showing views of the blinking lights of the passing vehicles, until it descends to the Underworld.
The Underworld.
The Source rolled his eyes as his second in command stormed in - without even knocking first. He sighed, what was the world coming to these days? People not even teaching their children perfect manners, it was revolting. Even he, the Source of all Evil, was courteous to everyone, even his prisoners and traitors- he killed them as swiftly and painlessly as possible. Well, that all depended on what they had done, but more than likely he was well-mannered towards them. If not, his father would be rolling in his grave, well if he actually had one.
Daquin didn't even bother to bow or acknowledge that the Source was superior to him as he entered the room, something that would have helped him greatly. "How could you do it?" He demanded, "bringing him back!? I thought you were going to discuss this, once the others learn of this-"
"They'll do nothing," The Source stated, "they know when to keep their mouths shut." He said, "and they know better than to question me," the Source growled as he turned around and glared at Daquin, his eyes flashing red. "And I know that you are not being disrespectful Daquin," he sneered. "Unless of course, you want to end up like Candon."
Daquin frowned as he recalled what had happened to the Source's last in command, and he didn't like what he saw - especially since he was being threatened about being put in those shoes. Dropping down to one knee, Daquin bowed his head, "of course not my liege," he assured. "I only fear what the council will think!" He looked up at the Source, "they were all against him being returned from the wasteland."
The Source shrugged, "who cares," he said simply. "I have no time for their petty thoughts, nor am I at foolish enough to inform them of all my doings or plans. It is wise to learn that keeping some people in the dark is a great tool in keeping their heads down, and their mouths shut." Waving his hand, the Source sighed, "now leave!" He ordered, and immediately Daquin shimmered out.
Wyatt grumbled. He wasn't having a hard time holding onto Emily - who in his opinion slept like a rock - it was trying to open his bedroom door with her in his arms that was proving to be difficult. "Okay, Em. I'd like to have a little cooperation right about now, okay?" He asked as his arms got heavy. He could have orbed her in, but Emily had complained several times over the years that orbing felt weird when you didn't have white lighter blood in you - so, that was out of the question considering he didn't want to wake her up. "Em, a little help is all I ask," he whined, but not to Emily. He was pretty sure she was asleep, but talking out loud made him forget that his arms were slipping, and if he dropped her, how prince charming would he be then?
Readjusting Emily in his arms, Wyatt finally managed to slide her legs farther down his arms so he could reach the doorknob. Sighing in relief, he opened the door and then carried her to his bed. Laying her down, he shook his head as he placed a blanket over her and pulled it up to her stomach. Now for the real problem - Chris. Smiling down at Emily, Wyatt felt his eyes once again travel to her face. Whether Emily admitted it or not, she was beautiful, especially when she was asleep and her features were calm.
Realising what he was doing once again, Wyatt mentally slapped himself and shook his head. "Even when you're asleep you make a man work hard," he mused as he crouched down and kissed her forehead. "Night, Em," he said as he got back to his feet and headed towards the door and went to turn the handle.
Hearing the door squeak slightly as Wyatt turned the handle, Emily couldn't take it anymore. "Night, Wy," she said as she sat up in bed, her eyes glinting in mischief when Wyatt whirled around with a shocked expression on his face that quickly turned to playful rage as he narrowed his eyes.
Pointing his finger at her, Wyatt shook his head. "That'll cost you ice cream!" He hissed, his face breaking into a grin as Emily turned around so she was facing him and shrugged. Frowning at her sudden energy, he raised an eyebrow. "What?" He asked, sighing. When she got that look in her eyes it usually meant she had an idea - and when she had an idea it usually meant he wasn't getting any sleep.
"Would a movie be up for grabs in regard to this ice cream?" Emily asked, raising her eyebrow. "Because if I recall, there is a container of Cookie Dough in your freezer," she said waggling her eyebrows. Stretching, she yawned. "And after that power nap, I'm itching to watch a movie."
Biting his lip, Wyatt shrugged, "I'm game," he said. "You pick the movie," then he momentarily froze, "but it can't be the Wizard of Oz!" He declared, shuddering as he recalled their recent trip to Oz. He sighed, "I'll get the ice cream when I get back, I just have to talk," he said sadly, his eyes drifting in the vague direction of his brother's bedroom. "To Chris."
"Sure," Emily said as she rolled out of the bed and went to look at Wyatt's DVD collection, but then one caught her eyes. "The Godfather?" She asked, turning to look at him with a raised eyebrow. "The Godfather," she repeated, unable to hide the surprise in her voice.
"What?" Wyatt asked dramatically, frowning as Emily shook her head. "It's a good movie, and not just for it's time! For anytime," he defended, causing Emily's giggles to bubble over. "What's wrong with the Godfather?" He asked, knowing that his side of the debate was a lost cause and he would have to abandon his effort. He would lose this one, but he would win the next debate.
Emily snorted, "it's boring, for one," she said ticking her points off on her finger. "Not to mention is so played out! And 'I could've bee a contender,'" she said in her worst accent possible, " 'I made 'im an offer he could refuse.'" she said, shaking her head. "Who doesn't know those?" She smirked when she saw the movie they were going to watch. "There's a difference, you know, between not liking one's brother and not caring when some dumb Irish flatfoot drops him out of a window."
Shaking his head, Wyatt sighed. "Die Hard with a vengeance," he muttered, "should have known," he said as he walked out of the room. "People today, making fun of the Godfather!" He exclaimed as he headed to his brother's room, his playful expression gone as he went to find out what was wrong with his brother.
Hearing Wyatt mutter to himself, Emily giggled. Wyatt Halliwell could be even more immature that his sister, who was six years younger than him. Shaking her head, she placed the DVD into Wyatt's vintage DVD player and sighed as she sat back on the bed. It was a good thing Wyatt had an important job to keep him in line.
As they entered P3, Caleb frowned, "not that I hate your aunt's club," he commented the bouncer automatically waved them in, "but why do we go to P3 every time we go out?" He asked Henry and Prue as they headed over to a table as Prue shrugged off her jacket.
"Because if we went anywhere else aunt Piper would kill us," Prue said simply, Henry nodding along with her as Caleb looked at her in amusement. "And besides, I really don't care where we go, we kick demon ass and save the world every day I think we earn the right to party," she said simply. "But when my birthday rolls around we're going to a different club," she said in hushed whisper as she leaned towards Caleb, "my mother doesn't need to hear about my 21st Birthday binge," she said, smiling sweetly when Henry frowned at her.
Henry Jr sighed as he shook his head, "your mother will find out anyway," he said simply, smiling when Prue sighed. "Aunt Phoebe," he said sadly, leaning his head on his chin, "there is no keeping secrets from that woman," he frowned, "it's quite sad actually." Seeing a few people call his attention, Henry looked up and waved at a few guys that were over at the bar.
Prue rolled her eyes, "go talk to you friends," she ordered, seeing Henry hesitate she rolled her eyes, "come on! The sooner you get out of here the sooner I can get Caleb to buy me a drink!" She stated, causing Henry to go pale while Caleb burst out laughing. "Seriously, go!"
Chuckling at the thought of leaving Caleb to fend for himself, Henry got up from his chair and headed over to his friends while a song came on and Caleb sighed, "how big of a nerd would I be if I said I liked this song?" He asked Prue once they were alone.
Frowning, Prue tilted her head to the side and smirked when the lyrics of Simple Plan's "Against the World" filtered through her ears as she smiled at Caleb. "Under any other circumstances," she said slowly, "you would be the king of nerds," she admitted. "But, I like this song too, so it's okay in my books," she said winking at Caleb.
Seeing Prue get up from the table, Caleb felt his eyes travel along the lines of her curves until he realised what he was doing and mentally slapped himself. She was his best friend's baby cousin, but more than that, she was his friends. He couldn't think of her life that, hell he had saw what Wyatt had done to other guys who dared look at a woman from the Warren line, and Caleb never wanted to end up like that. "Where are you going?"
"Dancing," Prue said simply as she looked at him with pleading eyes, causing Caleb to frown. "Dance with me?" She asked as she held out her petite hand, causing Caleb's face to scrunch up. Him .. Dancing? "Come on!" Prue whined, rolling her eyes. "Where's your sense of adventure?" Seeing him hesitate she pouted, "one dance?"
"But I - I - I - I, "Caleb stuttered intelligently as Prue grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet before leading her to the middle of the room and then she turned around and smiled at him. "Prue," he groaned as Prue took his hands and placed them on her hips before placing her own around his neck.
"Tough," Prue stated as she and Caleb began swaying to the music, a little off the beat - but it was all good. She didn't care about that, all she wanted was to dance and if that meant dancing to slow, that was alright by her. "So," she said slowly, "you, Henry, and me are here, where is everyone else?"
Caleb smirked and raised an eyebrow at Prue, "Kelsey, Wyatt and Emily," he said, rolling his eyes at the thought of his two loved blinded friends who didn't know they were blinded. "Are studying, and Chris?" Caleb frowned at the thought of the younger Halliwell brother, God only knew what he was up to. Especially lately, Caleb didn't know what was up with him, but a part of him doubted he wanted to know. "I don't know where he is," he admitted. Looking around, Caleb sighed as the song changed, "so, why are we dancing exactly?"
"Because I wanted to!" Prue said as though it was the most obvious answer as she placed her hand in Caleb's and began moving them back and forth, "and besides, if it wasn't for me, you would have went and got some drink," she stated, "and then ran into some random woman who didn't know you that well, and then she would have fallen for what many women mistake as charm." Winking at Caleb, Prue shrugged. "Had to save them somehow!"
Wyatt sighed as he stood outside his brother's door. He still didn't know what was up with Chris, but it appeared as though his brother wasn't going to come to him, leave Wyatt no choice but to go to Chris and confront the problem head on. But with his brother's stubbornness this was going to prove to be a difficult task - Wyatt was sure of it. But his brother was unaware of how stubborn he was, and Wyatt was getting whatever it was out of his brother - come hell or high water. And if Chris didn't want to open up to him, there was always the Truth Spell. An idea that Wyatt had been entertaining for some time now, and its appeal only grew as the days went on.
Shaking his head, Wyatt brought his hand up and knocked on his brother's door. "Chris?" He called, frowning when his brother didn't answer. Wyatt knew his brother wasn't asleep, but if that was the case, why wasn't Chris answering? The fear that a demon could have been after attacking his brother immediately popped into his mind, but Wyatt immediately pushed that thought from his mind - he would have heard it. Then why wasn't Chris answering him, Chris knew better than to ignore him like this. "Chris," he called again, and yet again there was no response.
"Chris I'm coming in," Wyatt said as he gripped the handle and slowly turned it, and then opened his brother's room. Squinting in the darkness, Wyatt grumbled as he felt for the light switch - why his brother kept his room pitch black had never made sense to him. "Ah-ha!" He said in whispered victory as he flicked on the light, it took Wyatt's eyes a moment to adjust to the sudden brightness. But once they did adjust, Wyatt was livid. Chris wasn't there, and from the looks of his bed, Chris hadn't been there - there wasn't as much as a wrinkle in the bedding.
Taking a moment to take a deep breath, Wyatt told himself he was overreacting and closed his eyes - and sensed for his brother. Sensing in his eyes, was every overprotective big brother's dream, the ability to seek out his family's whereabouts at anytime he wished - unless they were blocking him or somewhere he couldn't reach. And if that was the case, Chris was in for it. His frequent trips to the Underworld had to stop and - Wyatt froze. Oh, he had been overreacting -this time at least- Chris was still in the apartment.
Frowning, Wyatt turned on his heel and waved his hand slightly causing the light to flick off as he exited the room. He wasn't overprotective, and he didn't overreact. Fearing for the safety of his family was a good thing, or at least it was in his eyes. And he knew that deep down - deep, deep down - his family didn't mind the fact that he was concerned and protective of them … at least most of the time they didn't mind.
XxX
Meanwhile Chris was in the bathroom with his heartbeat in his head as he dripped the bathroom sink, the only thing that was holding him up. He groaned, he hadn't had any alcohol and he hadn't spent long hours in front of a television or computer screen, so that wasn't causing his headaches or nausea. But if he was being honest with himself, Chris knew exactly what was causing his insomnia and constant migraines - it was his damn flashbacks or memories or whatever the hell they were.
Looking up at the mirror, Chris groaned as he saw the image in front of him shift. He was still staring back at himself, only he was wearing a different outfit and his hair was groan out a bit more, not to mention their was a large gaping wound in his chest, that upon inspection looked like a severe burn. Moving his hand to his chest, Chris frowned when he noticed that in his reflection he didn't move, but instead he saw himself lift up an engagement ring - the same one he remembered seeing himself give to that woman - Bianca.
Blinking, Chris continued to look at his reflection, but it didn't go away and he knew that he seeing things. But at the same time, he could literally feel his heart breaking, or rather the him in the reflection, which even to him - a Halliwell that had learned long ago not to be surprised anything - was a hard concept to grasp. But then he saw the him in the mirror orb away, and then in the blink of an eye, everything was the way it had been.
He'd learned his lesson, no more late nights for him, especially if they were what was messing with his mind. Chris took a deep breath, but the sudden breath of air only made his head ache worst and Chris even entertained the idea of asking Wyatt to heal him, but this wasn't magical - at least, not to his knowledge - but knowing his luck it was. Turning on the tap, Chris leaned his face down and splashed his face, enjoying the cold water against his face, so much he splashed it once more, and then again, and then three times.
Damn, Chris thought as he continued to lean on the sink for support since his legs felt as though they were going to give out at any moment, what had he ever done to the world to deserve to feel like this? Turning off the tap, Chris rubbed his face with his hands and then once again looked at his reflection - and he was glad to say that it was his face starring back at him, no weird reflections. Biting his lip in thought, Chris opened the bathroom cabinet and sighed when he saw the prescription bottle starring back at him tauntingly.
Three days ago he had finally had enough and went to the doctor, something that a Halliwell rarely had to do, but he had had enough of his migraines - what his doctor had said were migraines caused by stress, and when being a Halliwell, that didn't sound that far off. And Chris probably would have bough it too, if it wasn't for the damn flashbacks that always made his head hurt more after they were over.
Shaking his head as his need for sleep won over, Chris took the bottle out of the cabinet and held it in his hands before he popped the top off and tilted the bottle so two pills fell into his hand. Grabbing the glass by the sink, Chris filled it half way up and then threw the pills into his mouth, which was followed by a gulp of water as he leaned against the sink once more and closed his eyes as he scrunched up his face.
Unaware his brother was in the doorway with a frown on his face, Chris shook his head and put the top onto the bottle and went to put them back up in the cabinet, but before he could do so, the bottle disappeared from his hands in white and blue orbs, causing Chris to silently curse as he turned around and came face to face with his older brother - Wyatt Matthew Halliwell who was inspecting the pills. It was times like this Chris swore his brother was only in Med school to annoy him to death, that or drive him insane.
Looking at the name on the bottle, Wyatt instantly knew it was prescribed for migraines and he let out a low whistle as he looked up at his brother, "wow, getting quite the headaches lately, little brother?" Wyatt asked, unknowingly referring to Chris as little brother instead of baby brother, something that even Chris hadn't been able to pick up on because of his pounding head. Crossing his arms, Wyatt frowned. "How long have these migraines been going on?" He asked, going into complete older brother mode.
Chris shrugged, "a few weeks I guess," his brother's constant prodding was bad enough as it was, and now that Wyatt was aware of the migraines, Chris was sure he was going to go stark raving mad. And though he knew his brother meant well, Chris knew he wouldn't be able to tolerate to much of his brother's questioning that was sure to arise at any moment.
"And when were you planning on telling me this?" Wyatt asked, frowning. His brother had always told him everything, and why his brother had suddenly started keeping things from him, he didn't understand. He knew something was up with his brother, but he didn't know what, and he would even admit that it hurt that Chris had gone to someone before him. Deciding to inform his brother of where their relationship had always stood, Wyatt narrowed his eyes. "You've always told me everything," he stated, "so why didn't you tell me about this?"
Chris internally groaned. No matter what his brother had the obsession with making sure everything was fine and was sure -without a doubt - that it was his job to make sure nothing happened to him or Melinda - hell the world! And Chris swore, one way or another Wyatt was going to drive him to a mental breakdown, maybe not now, but one of these years - he knew it. Chris also knew the reason they clashed so often was the fact that he hated having his to rely on his family more than most people did, but it was all down to the Halliwell genes. Like he had been told his whole life, he was neurotic - something that his parents and aunts seemed to have an inside joke about, but more than that he was independent. And that was all down to his parents, they had raised him his whole life to be able to take care of himself, but the moment he went to soar with that independence, his mother tried to smother him and his brother tried to guard him from anything that posed him harm. It was literally to the point that his brother had been after following him to make sure he's fine, despite the fact that Chris had complained countless times. Chris sighed, family.
It was no wonder he got to be like this, it was all his family's fault. The fact that they constantly tried to smother him and protect him - they should have known that it would have caused him to rebel. Being independent was a genuine Halliwell trait, at least according to his Aunt Prue, and Chris felt inclined to believe the woman, especially since there were many occasions during his youth that his Aunt Prue had taken his side. God bless her.
"Chris?" Wyatt asked, his eyebrows creasing down into a frown. Lately his brother's mind had been drifting off to places more and more often, causing the constantly overprotective brother to worry more than usual. He was worried about Chris, hell he had taken it to his parents and aunts and they were all worried about him too - especially their mother who was backing Wyatt on this one. One of the many perks of having Piper Halliwell as a mother, she was a worry-wart and usually took Wyatt's side, unless it was completely out there like the time Wyatt had followed Melinda on a date. But that had been his sole right as the big brother.
Seeing his brother drift off into space again, Wyatt sighed as he leaned against the doorway. "Chris," he said again, almost smiling in victory when his brother's eyes met his. "I'm worried about you," he stated, frowning when his brother rolled his eyes at him. "Mom and Dad are worried too," he said, "and I don't know what's going on, but if it's affecting your health, you need to let us know."
"It's nothing, Wy," Chris assured, imitating his brother's stance, only he was leaning against the sink for support, something Chris knew Wyatt didn't miss. But even if he didn't need the support of the sink, this stance was one that Wyatt was able to better than him. Ever the inferiority complex. But more than that, there was no way that Chris could tell his brother what was going on when he didn't even understand it himself. And telling Wyatt prematurely would only cause him to worry for no good reason, and Chris wanted to protect his brother, Wyatt had spent enough time worrying about him. Sure, Chris knew Wyatt didn't mind it - hell, he lived for it - but that didn't mean that Chris wanted his brother to miss out on something because of his unnecessary worry. Wyatt had enough on his plate as it was, and what they had to do was already affecting Wyatt - he was still as blind as ever to Emily who was starring him in the face everyday.
"Chris…"
"It's nothing. Things are fine, it's just stress migraines," he assured, even though his mind was screaming at him, calling him a liar. He couldn't argue with that, who lied to their brother about little things like that? "It's just with school and the Source all coming at us," Chris shrugged, "it's driving me a little crazy," he said, which was partly true. When lying, it was best to keep as close to the truth as possible. Chris frowned, where was all his sudden knowledge of lying coming from, and where had it been when he was a teenager? "Now, night," Chris mumbled as he walked past his brother, glad to say that he had managed to make it to his room door without swaying, because even if he wasn't able to sense someone watching him over his shoulder, he would have known Wyatt was. Overprotective jerk.
But Wyatt wasn't done, he had thought if he left Chris long enough, whatever insecurities he felt would fade and Chris would go to their parents, or at least him or Melinda. Preferably him, but at this point Wyatt didn't care who Chris went too, he would find out eventually. He just wanted to know what was up with his brother, and he would find out. Eventually. Sighing, Wyatt shook his head and pushed himself away from the door-frame and headed into the kitchen and grabbed the container of Cookie Dough and two spoons. He couldn't force his brother to come to him - at least, he was trying to convince himself of that - but he could enjoy a movie now, even if it wasn't the Godfather. He could deal with Chris tomorrow, the joys of having a large family. Family ambushes were great, unless you were the intended person being ambushed, but Wyatt didn't know what else to do. It was obvious Chris wasn't coming to him, so Wyatt was taking steps. But why did he feel it wouldn't be that easy?
Thirty minutes later, Chris took a deep breath as he sat on his bed with his feet hanging over the side, face in his hands. Sadly, his miracle medicine had failed to relieve him of his migraine, and being who he was, Chris didn't want to go to Wyatt. Not that he didn't trust his brother, but he knew that Wyatt would make a big deal out of nothing. Besides, his migraine wasn't that bad. But more than anything, Chris wanted answers.
It wasn't just today that it had been bothering him. Ever since the memories had started it felt as though he had been misplacing something - forgetting something that he knew he shouldn't have forgotten, but that didn't make sense to him either. Maybe he had been to dismissive of his flashbacks, but where could he go to get information without being caught - that was the key.
"You were putting up a wonderful fight," a voice sneered from behind Chris as he clapped. Focusing his eyes, Chris frowned as he seen a demon walk out of the shadows, he was tall, and dark, and hell Chris was willing to bet some women he knew would find him, dare he say it, handsome. "Right up until the point you spaced out," the demon chided, shaking his head. "So much for not needing big brother Wyatt," he demon cackled, conjuring an athame, sending it at Chris, where it embedded itself in Chris' arm. Chris frowned as he used his telekinesis to violently send the athame out of his arm and at the demon, then using his telekinesis again, he brought himself to his feet and smirked. "What was that about me needing me brother?" The demon smirked as the one Chris had been pinning against the wall, fell to the ground. "Leave now," the demon ordered, "before I tell the Source of your betrayal," he ordered, smirking as the demon immediately shimmered out. Sighing, he looked back at Chris, "demons are so unreliable." Chris raised an eyebrow, "aren't you a demon?" Smirking, the demon nodded. "Yes I am, meaning that I must be unreliable. But," he contradicted, "you want to know about the Source," he concluded, "but what if I knew about something more important, hypothetically of course." Seeing he had Chris' attention, his smirk became more pronounced. "What if I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt what was causing your flashbacks?" Chris raised an eyebrow, "well normally I would ask you what you know," he stated, narrowing his eyes as he tried to get into the demon's head to see if he was legit. Not getting in, Chris shrugged, "but considering you admitted to being unreliable, I think I'll just be leaving," and with that, Chris orbed out, still clutching his arm. With only one thought in mind, Wyatt was going to kill him. The demon smirked, "you will seek the truth in good time," the demon stated. "All in good time, Christopher."
Chris sighed, that was his answer. The demon he had met in the Underworld over a week ago just before they had all gotten sent to Oz. But a demon? Chris didn't trust demons, and he didn't work with them. Don't work with them? You've worked with demons before haven't you? Bianca, Gith… his mind rang, causing Chris to grip his ears. Again with the voices, what the hell was happening to him!?
Taking a deep breath, Chris looked to his door and sighed, Wyatt could yell at him tomorrow. And then, without even a glance back Christopher Perry Halliwell orbs went down towards the Halliwell where he intended on finding the demon from before and getting answers. Anything was better than thinking he was going insane.
XxX
Sighing when he appeared in the Underworld, Chris looked around - doing a quick survey of the cavern where he had encountered the demons from before. He knew it was a stretch that the demon was still here, but it was all he and to go on. And the demon knew he would be back, so he must be….
Chris let out a sigh of relief when the demon from before flamed in - causing Chris to frown, flaming meant Upper Level demon. Oh boy, he did not think this all the way through, but still Chris didn't feel as though he should be fearing for his life. He felt as though he could trust this demon, but since when had he started trusting demons? Well, demons other than Caleb that was.
"You have questions that need answering, I assume." The demon stated, standing five feet in front of Chris with his arms lazily crossed over his shoulder as he looked at Chris with interest, causing Chris to raise an eyebrow. Since when did demons want to answer questions, and where could Chris find them!? It would be so much easier than torturing them out of the demons.
Chris frowned, "I'm in no mood for mind games," he stated, only continuing when the demon nodded. But the logical part of his mind was screaming at him, telling him this was a dire situation and he should orb away while he still could, and if Chris was being honest the voice ringing in his ears reminded him of his mother. "Who are you?"
The demon shrugged causally, "that is unimportant," he said simply, walking a few subtle steps towards Chris causing Chris to move back a little, he wasn't that comfortable with the demon. "I have the answers you wish, so who I am doesn't matter."
All the lectures that he had been given over the years from his mother, aunts, and father suddenly rang in his mind, causing Chris to rationalize the situation he was in. Not liking this already, Chris silently cursed at himself as he crossed his arms. "I beg to differ," he said simply, frowning when the demon laughed - not in a mocking laugh, but in a genuinely amused laugh.
"You haven't changed, Christopher." The demon commented, seeing the question on Chris' face, he shook his head, "we have never met, but I know who you are. The second child of Piper Halliwell and Leo Wyatt, brother to the Twice Blessed," noticing how Chris rolled his eyes, the demon smirked. "But you are so much more than that, aren't you?"
Chris frowned, "what?" He asked, seeing the demon's face remain neutral, he sighed. He had better conversations with paperweights, hell he was pretty sure he had had better conversations with Wuevy - the bear that Wyatt had owned a child, that Chris was proud to say spent plenty of time orbing from brother to brother. "Why are you here?"
"To give you the answers you seek," the demon replied.
Groaning in frustration, Chris threw his hands up in the air and began pacing back and forth. "Will you stop with all of the cryptic talk!" He shouted, pacing angrily. "I have had a very bad headache all day long, and I do not have time for your mind games! Either you know what is causing these damn flashbacks, or you don't!" Chris spun on his heel and glared at the demon, "but don't you waste my time!"
"Of course," the demon said, bowing. Standing up straight, the demon smirked. "You are so much like your mother," the demon mused, "eager to get to the point and unwilling to waste time." Shrugging the demon walked up to Chris, "and wasting your time is something I don't want to do," the demon admitted as he placed a vial in Chris' hands.
Bringing the vial up to his line of view, Chris frowned as he eyed the vial with suspicion. This had his hair standing on end, this was not a good idea. This was a bad - no, a terrible lack of judgement. "What is it?" He asked, as he looked cautiously at the bright green substance that reminded him a lot of the fowl green tonic his mother made when they were all sick.
"What will give you the answers you seek," the demon stated as Chris looked up to meet the demon's eyes - and from what Chris could tell he was being honest. "All you have to do is drink it, and any questions you have, it will all be explained." He stated, seeing Chris frown, "he shrugged. "I'm not forcing you to drink it, I'm just telling you it will help." Seeing Chris get ready to orb out, the demon smirked. "Just make sure you're sitting down when you drink it, there have been complaints about the after effects of the potion." Observing how Chris' frown became more pronounced, he shook his head. "It only causes the normal," the demon said, an amused smile on his face. "Effects such as drowsiness, light-headedness, some mild nausea."
Looking at the vial one more, Chris sighed and nodded before orbing out, the vial firmly held in his hands as he dissolved into little white and blue orbs. As soon as Chris was gone, a figure stepped from the shadow and smirked, "the plan?"
"Everything is going as planned," the demon stated, "my Liege," he said, turning to bow at the Source before flaming out, leaving the Source alone in the cavern. Smirking, the Source let a callous laugh out, it was time for round three.
To Be Continued...
Author's Note : Chapter one, third story. Wow, applause people I think I'm impressed with myself. Aha, one of the things you've been waiting for will be coming out in this story, so keep an eye out. And some other things will happen too, some not so happy things, but some happy things. Well, I don't know if they are happy, but they're happier than the other memories. Well, there you go. What did you think? Wil Chris be crazy enough to take the potion? (It's a fanfiction, honestly people!) Please review.