See Prologue for Warnings and summary.

Please r&r constructive criticism welcome flamers are not.

Chapter One

A burnt out Police Station, San Francisco City

Chris Halliwell carefully made his way past the police officers guarding what was left of the bombed out Station. He'd orbed in which had not been exactly his best move as he had nearly been caught doing so. The half-witch was an intelligent and quite cunning guy and he was more than capable of looking after himself. However at the moment Chris was not himself, he'd been distracted for the last month and then three days ago this had happened.

He was worried. His brother Wyatt had recently joined the Police Force and if someone or something was targeting Police Stations then he had to stop it. He knew Wyatt could take care of himself but it was still his job to protect him. That's why he'd come here looking for any clues that hadn't been mentioned in the Newspapers. He had tried before but there had been too many Officers around so he had waited until things had died down.

He looked around for clues but after only ten minutes he could tell he was not going to have luck. It looked like it had been done by humans but something was telling him it had been supernatural in nature. He was getting evil vibes from the room something evil had definitely been here and it was making him shiver and it was making him worry even more. He wasn't looking forward to meeting this evil whatever it was. Something caught his attention it was faded writing on one of the walls. It looked like it had been written in blood.

He had read about this in a Newspaper; some overzealous News Reporter had made it past the Police. Chris himself was studying to be a Journalist and if he spent more time at the University than he did demon hunting he might actually succeed in becoming one. Problem was he wasn't sure he really wanted to he'd chosen it more for a way to keep up with all weird advents. He was more than obsessed with Demon hunting.

"To the Winchesters with Love, " he read in a whispered voice, he frowned, "Who are the Winchesters, and why those that name sound familiar?"

A noise snapped him out of his thoughts and he quickly hid himself behind what was left of a desk. Two Cops walked into the room he recognized one of them. He worked with his brother. The unknown Cop was saying something as they stopped uncomfortable close to his hiding place.

"Did you hear what that crackpot said?"

Wyatt's friend, Jake something or other Chris remembered, laughed and nodded his head.

"Yeah she actually thinks she was processed by some Demon something about black smoke entering her." He replied.

They were both laughing then, the unknown Cop rolled his eyes.

"This always happens with things like this," he said shaking his head in disgust, "next thing it will be Aliens."

Jake nodded his head in agreement. In his hiding place Chris had to silently agreed, this sort of thing did bring out all sorts of crazy or just plain bored people. It wasn't just the Police they made life difficult for; Chris and the rest of his Family had been given the run around more than once. Unlike the Police thought Chris knew better than to dismiss them so casually. Quite option they were right. The unknown Cop apparently wasn't finished.

"Listen I heard some of the others talking apparently they have a lead on these Winchester guys," he said lowering his voice.

Chris strained to hear what he was saying.

"Two brothers apparently they are wanted in several states for Murder, Robbery and get this Grave Robbery!"

Chris smiled.

'Bingo' he thought to himself with satisfaction.

Whatever his parents might say, ears dropping could be very helpful, satisfied he orbed out.

Phoebe Halliwell's Office, the Bay Mirror

"Aunt Phoebe? Can I talk to you?"

Chris didn't wait for an answer opening the door to his aunt's office and walking in. Phoebe Halliwell the new editor -in- chief looked up to from her Laptop and smiled at her Nephew.

"Of course you can honey!" his Aunt greeted.

She smiled at him brightly, showing how happy she was to see him. She had not seen her nephew in weeks he .was always out when she visited her sister. Demon hunting she presumed. He had changed his whole reality but Chris himself had not changed at all. Despite the fact he had had a much happier childhood this time around. She supposed he was just naturally neurotic. He got straight to the point asking,

"Do you know anything about the attack on the Police Station down town?"

He closed the door behind him and walking fully into the room. He did not bother taking a seat he wouldn't be staying long.

"Nothing more than what was in the newspapers."

She was being honest. She was also trying to read Chris's emotions and coming up with nothing. That stupid empath blocking potion he had taken always stopped her from using her powers on him.

'Why did Chris have to take it and at such a young age as well? Why would a thirteen year old need such privacy? Okay so there are many reasons why a boy of that age would need privacy. It was not any of those though, I'm sure of that, but he's not going to tell me anytime soon.' she though sourly.

Neurotic to the last her Nephew was, but she loved him dearly. She could not use her empathy powers on him, but she could use her powers as an Aunt and she knew what all this was really about.

"Honey I know you're worried but I'm sure there's nothing to worry about," She assured him, "It was just some sick people who want to scare people, besides Wyatt can take care of himself."

Chris ignored her, he was good at that. Instead he asked,

"Do you know anything about Demons that can turn themselves into smoke; and possess people?"

Phoebe sighed in frustration he would never change.

"No Chris I have not. Look honey, if it has anything to do with Demons, then your Mother and I, and you Aunt Paige when she can spare the time, that is, will deal with it." She said in a voice that left no room for arguments, before adding quickly, "Besides as I said before Wyatt is a big boy. He can take care of himself."

Chris glared at her in annoyance.

"Does the name Winchester mean anything to you?" he was not giving up.

"Chris I can't say that name rings any bells, but like I said before; there is really not anything for you to worry about." She repeated herself rubbing at her temples, "Relax for once in your life, and why you are at it you can work on that lack of a social life." She smiled at the young man, "You are a young, good looking, and intelligent guy, who is also very respectful towards women. Do you know how many girls would kill to find a guy like you? Or guys if that is what you are into, I am sure they would kill to be with a guy like you too."

Her tone was teasing but she had her suspicions about her nephew's sexuality, but unless he was going to admit it to her, she wasn't going to say anything more on the subject. Chris blushed furiously making the older women grin widely, he was too cute sometimes. He glared at her, willing his face to go back to normal.

"That is none of your business Aunt Phoebe!" he said defensively, folding in his arms.

Phoebe laughed at him. Getting to her feet she walked over to him.

"You are too easy sometimes, and just so cute."

Chris sighed as his aunt wrapped her arms around him, but he hugged her back, and he stayed there longer than usual, l needing the comfort.

"Is something wrong Chris?"

Chris pulled back looking angry at her softly voice question.

"I am fine, everything is fine!" He lied.

Phoebe did not believe his answer for a second. She tried to get through to him once more.

"It's just that you seem off lately, and your Mother is worried. You know you can tell me anything right, honey?"

"There's nothing to tell!"

He said it with such firmness; that she knew she wasn't going to get anything out of him. It was even clearer when he continued with a quick change of subject.

"I have to go anyway. Paige should be on a break now and I need to look in the library in Magic School."

Phoebe groaned in frustration but gave him a small smile anyway.

"You are going to make a great reporter someday." She told him honestly.

There was pride in her voice when she said it. She had been so happy. when Chris had decided to follow in her footsteps even if his reasons were not the greatest. He would be good at it she was sure, and at least it would be a break from Demon hunting. Well a break from the actual fighting anyway, he would more than likely use his future job, to find as many demons as possible. Chris gave her a smile in return.

"Thanks." He said

He orbed out straight after, saying it, without even saying goodbye.

"Chris you can't just orb out after walking into my office people will notice" his aunt called after him.

She knew it was useless; he was good at ignoring her calls.

"He will never change." She said despairingly.

Her words echoed slightly in the silent room. Promising herself she would have a talk with her sister about her wayward son. Taking her seat again she returned to her work.

The Library, Magic School

Paige entered the Library annoyed that she had to leave her lunch early, but happy to be seeing her Nephew. It had been awhile, he always seemed to be busy. Demon hunting would be her guess. He really was too neurotic for his own good. She was not surprised to find the young man in question rummaging through the Library's vast collection of books, yet again.

"What are you doing here Chris?"

The Headmistress looked at her nephew expecting an answer, even though she already knew the answer.

"Did you know there was a whole different race of Demons that have no body of their own and possess people to stay in this World?" he asked instead.

He didn't bothered turning around. Paige stared at him for a second before specking.

"What? Show me!"

Chris complied with her order, handing her book from the table he had placed several books on.

"This is all I could find. One lousy paragraph so much for the best collection of books on the Magical World!" he complained.

He scowled at the books as if that would magically make them multiply. In his defence it was a magic school. maybe it would. After reading the paragraph, Paige looked up at Chris an unsettled expression on her face. She anxiously voiced her worry.

"Why were you looking this up?"

"I was at the Police Station that was bombed."

He dropped his gaze at his admittance. His Aunt gave him a look, which he of course ignored.

"I overheard two cops talking about a women claiming that she had been possessed by a Demon made up of black smoke so I thought I'd check it out." He continued.

He looked at his aunt anxiously, to see her reaction. Paige looked lost in her own little World.

"I think we have a problem." He finished.

His softly spoken words made his aunt laugh bitterly. She groaned loudly.

"When don't we have a problem Chris?"

"Have you ever heard the name Winchester?"

Paige searched her memory but came up with nothing.

"Sorry Chris can't say I have. Why do you ask? Something else you overheard?"

Her tone spoke of her disapproval. Chris identified her tone as one reserved for him, her best I really do not approve of your risk taking tone. Chris rolled his eyes.

'Hypocrite' he thought somewhat bitterly.

She was a hypocrite; she took risks all the time. He ignored the look she gave him and continued.

"Yeah apparently they found out about two brothers named Winchester who are wanted for murder, robbery and apparently grave robbery. You read about the message on the wall right?" He asked.

Paige nodded mulling it over in her own head before shaking her head.

"I do not know Chris it sounds like it just your run of the mill terrorist attack."

"I don't think so." her nephew argued, "I was getting bad vibes from that place. I mean really evil vibes!"

He shivered slightly at the memory of the creeping sensation that had run up his spine. He felt slightly queasy at the memory. Paige looked at him sadly.

"Places can feel like that from the evil that people do too." she reminded him.

Chris shook his head. He did not need her to remind him of that fact. He had seen what people were capable of first hand. and he knew the difference. A person had not done this, he was sure of it. He looked his aunt in the eye, silently pleading with her to believe him. She shuffled on her feet slightly. He inwardly smiled, because he knew she was starting to waver. He tried a new tactic, to give that final little push.

"I know Aunt Paige but it didn't feel like that. Maybe it could be humans, humans that were messing with black magic. Maybe they called on one of these Demons, and it went wrong like it usually does."

Paige was reluctant to agree but he had a point.

"Maybe, it's possible I suppose." She admitted grudgingly.

Satisfied that she was seeing things his way, his brain automatically started to concentrate on what he needed to do next.

"I'll ask Dad maybe he'll know more about these Demons and maybe the Winchester too." Chris muttered.

Paige could tell he was saying more to himself than to her. She gave him a soft smile both fond and amused.

"You do that and let me know, okay Honey?"

He nodded in answer getting ready to orb.

"Wait a minute." She said stopping him from leaving.

He looked at her expectantly surprised at the pleading tone.

"Promise me one more thing?" she asked, "Get some rest you look wreaked."

She had noticed his pale face he looked beyond exhausted. He nodded again feeling impatient but when Paige glared at him he agreed.

"I promise to get some rest!" he agreed.

He would too, as long as it did not get in his way. Paige seeming satisfied readied herself to leave.

"I have to go to class now." She said rather forlornly.

Chris smiled at the slightly tense sounding words. He knew what that tone meant.

"Advanced?" He asked trying to sound innocent.

His aunt didn't buy it but she nodded in reply, his smile turned into a smirk.

"Good Luck then."

His teasing made Paige go on the defensive.

"I do not need luck. I've been teaching magic for years," She said reminded him, "It's just a new year; a new group just having some teething problems is all."

Chris smirked.

"Whatever you say Aunt Paige, I'll let you know what Dad says."

He orbed the minute the words left his mouth. Paige rolled her eyes at his abrupt exit.

"Just having a few little teething problems at the moment; that's all." she muttered to herself.

She did not leave straight away, taking a moment to prepare. Steeling herself she repeated the words again to herself, a mantra to help her through what was to come, before she headed to her next class.

Halliwell Manor

"Dad, Are you home?"

Chris looked around for his father. He was just after orbing into the hall of the Manor. He was about to call again when he heard his father's voice.

"In here Chris." The reply came.

His voice was coming from the observatory. Entering the room he was surprised to find not only his Parents but also his Brother and Sister.

"Hey there, Peanut!" his mother greeted him, pulling him into a hug.

"Hey Mom" he replied.

He hugged her back he smiled at his father over her shoulder.

"Hi Dad" He greeted the older man.

His father gave him a large smile.

"Son it's good to see you."

"It's been awhile." Piper pointed out.

His mother looked at him accusingly but also sadly. Her youngest son blinked. He realized she was right.

'It has been' he thought guiltily.

He had not seen his parents or his siblings in three weeks. Truth was if he did not need to ask his father about the unknown type of Demon, he probably would not have seen them for even longer. He hugged his Mother tighter and apologized.

"I'm sorry Mom.""

"You live here but you are never around. Is something wrong Honey?"

Worry lining her pretty face. Chris felt guilty for making her worry but he could not tell her the real reason he was not around much. It would only hurt her so he lied and in a firm voice.

"I've just been busy. Nothing's wrong really Mom." He told her firmly.

It occurred to him sometimes in quite moments, that he could lie, and lie convincingly a little too well. All the same; he could tell by the look on their faces, that neither of his parents was happy with his answer. He let go of his Mom turning his attention to his siblings.

"Hi Wyatt," he said nodding at first his brother, then his sister, "hi Melinda."

At his greeting, his sister came over to give him a hug. The nineteen year old was a lot like their mother; in looks and temper, and like Chris she still lived in the Manor. Both siblings were reluctant to leave their parents alone to protect the Book of Shadows. Their home seemed to attract Demons like flies. Wyatt on the other hand had left home rather suddenly about a month ago. Chris did not know at the time why, but he had been kind of relived when he had moved out. He felt uncomfortable around Wyatt lately, and sharing a room with him would be too much.

2I have to go but you listen up!" his sister told him, "You better not up and disappear on us for another three weeks. If you do I will hunt your sorry ass down."

Despite her slight frame, her older brother knew to take her seriously, she meant it, and he knew she was powerful enough to do it. He mentally noted to make sure to check in with her at least once a week. He could not risk her showing up in the middle of a dangerous fight even if she was strong. She was his little sister after all; it was his job to protect her.

"I Promise." He assured her.

He crossed his heart and she gave him a grin and nodded in satisfaction. Saying her goodbyes she left the room. Wyatt had not said anything yet, he seemed to be studying his younger brother hard. Chris feeling uncomfortable turned to his father instead. He could not help it, his brother made him nervous. He loved him really he did, but he just could not be around him at the moment. His father looked at him expectantly.

"Dad do you know anything about a race of Demons that has no body of their own? That appears as black smoke and can possess humans?" he asked.

Leo eyes had widened slightly and he looked uncomfortable both Chris and Piper watched him closely identical frowns on their faces. Leo sighed and began his explanation.

"Yes I have they are the humans who have lost or sold their souls." He informed them, "They are sent to hell, not the underworld that we deal with another dimension known as hell. They are tortured there for hundreds of years… and eventually they forget what it is to be human and become Demons." He paused to let the information sink in, before continuing, " They can get out through portals, Hell Gates and when they do they appear as black smoke, and as you said they possess people. Some are very old and very powerful and somewhere never people, but fallen Angels they are the strongest."

Piper's frown deepened, she was annoyed she had not been told of this before, it sounded like something she had been told about, well before this. Especially, when her son has come asking questions about it. She tried to catch her husband eye.

"How come I've never heard of these Demons?" she asked dangerously.

"They don't attack Witches they only prey on people, and the Elders felt that there was no need for you to know."

He would not look her in the eyes; he knew she would be angry. She was angry and getting angrier.

"So that makes it alright?"

It annoyed her that even after all these years he still defended them. Leo took a deep breath and tried again.

"There are hunters, humans that hunt theses demons. They are not exactly friendly towards anything supernatural." he explained, "So the Elders felt it would be dangerous for you and your sisters to get involved with them. They deal with their demons we deal with ours."

The ex-elder felt that the Elders decision had been reasonable. Piper did not, and neither did Chris.

"Normal Humans," his son asked incredulously, "humans without any powers that are hunting demons? Innocents who are hunting Demons? How could you not tell us Dad?"

Chris's temper was rising, Leo held up his hands in a placating gesture.

"These Hunters do a good job besides we have enough on our plate." He reasoned.

Chris was feeling irrationally like he had been betrayed. Picturing the mess that had been the Police Station he decided to inform his father of why, exactly they could have used that knowledge before now.

"Well Dad; one of those demons blew up that police station down town so I think that makes it our problem."

Leo's eyes widened slightly at that, and he opened his mouth to speck. But Wyatt came up behind his brother laying a hand on the younger man's shoulder, Chris tensed slightly.

"I know you are worried about me. but if I come across this demon I can take care of it."

Wyatt's assurance only caused Chris to feel more agitated and he shook off his brother's hand angrily.

"You can't handle everything on your own Wyatt."

Wyatt's eyes darkened and he glared at his brother.

"Neither can you!" the older one retorted.

Chris was feeling uneasy at his brother's gaze on him, but he stood his ground. Their Mother stepped in between them, her gaze looking from one to the other.

"Boys what's with you two lately?" she asked confused.

Wyatt looked away, refusing to meet anyone's eyes.

"Ask Chris he's the one that's been acting weird."

The younger one just glared. His Mother put a hand on his cheek.

"Chris?" she prodded.

He leaned into the touch slightly.

"Nothing Mom I'm just tired." He groaned.

It was a half-truth he was exhausted but that wasn't what was wrong with him. Leo came to stand beside him placing a hand gently on his son's shoulder. He looked at him with concern.

"Then get some sleep son." He suggested kindly.

Chris nodded in agreement giving them a half smile he left the room. He could hear them talking in low concerned voices as he made his way to his room. He quickened his pace not wanting to hear what they were saying.

Chris's Bedroom

Once in the room Chris found his body was shaking, and his eyes stung, he rubbed at them angrily. He would not cry he, would never cry. Sitting on his bed he stared into space lost in his own little world. Wyatt was right, he was not himself, but he could not tell them why. It would open old wounds for his parents, and it would destroy Wyatt. He could not do that to them, he loved them too much. He just would have to deal with it alone. He had always had memories of the alternative time line, the one in which Wyatt had turned Evil, and he had gone back in time to save him, and he had changed reality in the process. His memories had been there, but they had been considerably blurred and mixed up. Then about a month back they had become scarily clear.

He remembered so much more now, and god it scared him so much. He could not go through that again, he just couldn't. So much so that he had started to avoid Wyatt as much as possible, and at the same time trying to destroy any possible threat to his brother. He loved Wyatt, and he knew it was not this Wyatt, not his brother, that had hurt him. He could not lose him, but he could not be near him either without remembering. He would have to destroy ever possible threat out there, and then he could rest. Then he could trust his brother again. So every Evil bastard out there better pray they do not cross his path. He curled up on his bed again he was really was very tired.