Balancing Act : Chapter Two: Run it over with an SUV?
Author: Yalover
Disclaimer: I sadly and inexplicably still don't own Charmed...
Thanks and Cookies for: angelkat2502, History Buff 1990, Robbie the Phoenix and the amazingly wonderful Sj-Snugglebug (whos charmed fics are made of awesome and should be read)
I walk into the classroom with a sense of trepidation. These classes never seem to go well. I see my target in the back corner of the room. I head towards him and sit down next to him. He spares me a brief glance and a quick smile, barely a twitch of his lips, before returning to his computer screen.
Matt Briars. He and I have always gotten along ok. We've been paired together for a few debates here and there and have always been polite if not friendly. He's always been a tad detached though, like he constantly has a poker face on. I think it's because of his powers. Aunt Phoebe is a Charmed One and one of the most capable people I know and she still struggled when her Empathy advanced to telepathy.
Though based on a few quick saves in classes where I'm sure he didn't hear the teacher's question, I'm guessing it's under control.
Back in the present I shake my head and clear my thoughts. I observe him out of the corner of my eye. 5'9, Dark brown hair that falls just short of his eyes. His hair is kinked out to the sides and while messy its clear its been deliberately done so. Eyes are a dark green almost brown and behind rimless glasses. I can just see the top of a black T-shirt under a dark red long-sleeve jumper. Jeans and brown suede shoes complete the outfit aside from the brown leather jacket he always seems to have with him.
He stops typing for a moment and looks puzzled for a moment then shrugs.
"I didn't realize my couture was so fascinating to you Chris."
Crap. Busted.
"You do know it's rude to read someone's mind with out permission don't you?"
"You read too many comic books Chris. Besides Charles Xavier is a hack, I'm more of an Emma Frost kinda guy. Oh and I didn't need to read your mind. I thought you were the sneaky one in the family?"
"Yeah well fair call."
We lapse into silence and Matt goes back to typing. I try and get a glimpse of his screen, subtly this time. Looks like some kind of list.
Leo orbs in at the front of the teacher's desk. He leans against it and smiles casually. It's straight out of his tips for future Whitelighters page. Always try and relate to people as people. Then if you have to use a position of authority it will be more effective as it highlights the seriousness of the situation.
"Good morning to you all! Today we will be discussing shape shifters; how to spot one, how to fight one and, naturally, how to vanquish one. We'll start with the various types of shape shifter but first: Laptop!"
Matt's laptop glows with blue sparkles but they die a moment later when a corona of green fire forms on Leo. There are a few screams from the younger kids but most of us just chuckle having seen this sort of thing before. Matt just keeps typing so I give him a nudge and nod my head at Leo when he looks up.
"Crap!"
He takes a breath and lets it out closing his eyes for a moment. I recognize the habit as centering yourself before spell casting.
"Power of water wind and earth,
Turn the spell back to its birth.
Destroy the spell,
Undo the harm.
By the strength of a Briars' charm."
The flames engulfing Leo roar up into the air and hover there for a moment before diving down into Matt's computer. It glows green for a moment then returns to normal as Leo blinks and sits unsteadily down.
"Sorry about that. On the plus side though the defenses didn't register you as a real threat or you would've been hit with a blasting trap not a binding one."
Matt smiles and shrugs trying to brush it off.
"See me after class."
Leo seems about to say more but shakes his head and spins to start writing on the blackboard. I turn to Matt and give him a consoling smile. He does his flash of movement smile in response and returns to his screen to save and power down. I turn back to the front and try not to frown as I mull things over.
I need Matt's help, but to get it I'll need to talk to him alone. As he has to stay after class that would be the ideal time for said talk, which means I have to piss off Leo enough to get him to hold me back as well. Now who says you can't mix business with pleasure?
I'm more advanced then my classmates and only attend the class because I like the opportunity to socialize with magical beings. Leo loves to highlight my supposed brilliance so he always picks me to answer questions…. oh this is going to be fun.
I have to wait awhile before he focuses his attention on me.
"What would be the main component of a potion designed to return a Pre'tal demon to its natural form…. Chris?"
Mandrake root and silver nitrate, "Vodka so they get drunk and stop caring? I don't know."
"Okay, how would you go about vanquishing a Wendigo?"
That's totally cheating! He knows I know that! "Hit it with a big stick and run it over with an SUV? I don't remember."
There are a few snickers from around the class. They know I'm baiting him; more to the point Leo knows they know. He can't let himself appear to favor me so he'll have to punish me.
"Your lack of seriousness is inappropriate. I'll talk to you after class and we'll discuss your punishment."
"Fine."
"I really thought you were smarter then this Chris."
Okay that was just petty! Saying that in front of my entire class? I briefly contemplate orbing some chili powder into his briefs but decide against it. He would know it was me straight away and tell Mom, plus I suppose I did kind of start it.
Matt looks at me and frowns. I look back and raise an eyebrow. He gives me that lip twitch again shakes his head and faces front. Class drags on, Leo assigns the homework: A list of ten species of shape shifter demons and ten warlocks known to have stolen shape-shifting powers. I can do the demons of the top of my head but the warlocks will take some research.
The class files out while Matt and I remain seated. Matt reaches for his jacket and puts it on then sticks some papers in his bag along with his laptop. Leo calls for me to come to the front but we both rise. Solidarity among the damned I suppose.
Leo fixes us with look number #12 Disappointed but understanding. I resist the urge to punch him when raises his hand to cup his chin resting his elbow on the desk.
"I'm not going to bother explaing why you're both here. That should be clear to each of you. Matt your spell work is obviously good but I've noticed your not paying enough attention in your classes. Chris we both know that you knew the answers then and were only trying to get me. Since neither of you seems willing to show yourselves properly in class you can do it on your own time."
"Together you will write a spell to vanquish a midlevel shape shifting demon and brew a potion to vanquish the same demon. You will submit both the spell and recipe along with a sample of the finished potion to me at this time next week."
"I actually think that you will find this to be a good experience for both of you."
Matt looks a little worried and asks Leo a question.
"Does it have to be a potion or can it be another form of catalyst?"
"No I think a potion is most appropriate since we covered them in the most detail in class."
Leo gives us both a you-brought-it-on-yourselves-but-I'll-be-sympathetic-anyway smile and orbs out.
Matt collapses into a chair looking pissed.
"I'll brew a potion to vanquish you, you sadistic---. I'm sorry, I forgot."
I shrug.
"Hell I was thinking the same thing but with more expletives."
That actually manages to startle a laugh out of him. He smirks for a second then looks serious.
"I have to warn you I don't have much talent in the way of potion brewing. I've always favored scrolls instead."
I nod and pretend to understand before saying "I can handle the brewing. It's the recipe that's the problem. I can't use one from the Book Of Shadows, he'll know the style."
"I'll dig through the archives at the compound and find an old recipe. He'll never know."
"Cool. So where do you want to brew it? The manor? Or your place?"
I'm loath to ask. People always act like the manor is holy ground. I actually caught a dwarf trying to chip a bit off the skirting board as a souvenir once.
"This is probably going to blow up in our faces and I'd rather have that happen in privacy so I'd say my place."
Not the answer I expected but defiantly the one I prefer.
"Okay so where-" I start to respond but Matt interrupts:
"Crud. On second thoughts my place will cause more problems then it solves… middle ground?"
I give him the address for P3 and we arrange to meet tomorrow at 12. Matt gives me smile then closes his eyes and mutters a spell before disappearing in a swirl of wind.
I take a moment to collect my thoughts. Tomorrow should give me plenty of time to get the answers I need. It's probably for the best. Having a telepath look around your head isn't something that should be crammed into the ten minutes between classes.
Ten minuets. Damn! I'm already late for my next class. Screw it, it's Miss Donovan anyway, she'll cover for me.
I orb to the bridge and sense everyone's locations. Mom is at P3, Phoebe and Paige are both at work and Wyatt is at home. Knowing I'm not about to be busted I orb back to the kitchen. Wyatt is down in the basement. I don't bother saying hello. He would have sensed my arrival anyway. Unless of course he's distracted by something…
Grinning I reach out with my powers. It's taken me years to get to the point where I don't need to see something to move it. I still can't do it quickly or while under pressure. I reach where I know his computer cable is and yank on it mentally.
The sound of swearing floats up the stairs. Then stops suddenly.
"Chris! I'm gunna kill you! Just because you don't appreciate the finer things in life doesn't mean you can ruin them for me!"
I burst out laughing and grab the magical shopping list from the counter. I personally think it shows just how weird our family is that we have a shopping list for food and another for potion materials.
I hadn't planned on picking up anything more then the powdered toadstool but Wyatt obviously needs some 'alone time' and Mom's going to blow me up for getting under Leo's skin again. Doing the shopping won't save me but it sure as hell can't make things worse.
I orb to an ally in China Town that is always deserted. It's a short walk to the herbalist. I pick up our outstanding order and a few extras I'll need for tomorrow. I chat with the clerk for a bit and practice my Mandarin Chinese.
The whole speak the language of your charges thing has never really worked properly for me. I can understand what they mean but not what they're saying. The Elders told me that it might be because I'm only half Whitelighter and that my powers will hopefully expand as my witch ones do.
I find a spot where no one can see me and orb home. I put away the herbs and place some of each of the ones I think I'll need into zip-lock bags and label them. Wyatt comes upstairs and we chatter a little, banter mostly.
Then Mom gets home.
"Christopher!"
"Kitchen!"
Mom storms in and I can tell she's had a visit from Leo.
"Hey Mom. I did the herb shopping. Is it okay by you if I use the P3 kitchen tomorrow while it's closed?"
"Brewing the potion for your detention I take it? No don't answer that. Chris I swear I just can't understand you sometimes."
Mom pauses for a second mid rant and looks at Wyatt.
"This isn't a spectator sport buddy, scat!"
Wyatt pouts then pats me on the shoulder while slowly shaking his head. "I'll miss you Chris."
I move to backhand his shoulder but he's already fled the room cackling.
Mom pulls a stool up to the kitchen island and settles herself.
"Seriously Chris why? What did you hope to gain by acting like this?"
"Mom I was just-"
"Annoyed? Having a bad day? Dealing with something? Chris you use these excuses for how you treat him all the time! Leo isn't perfect, but he is still your father and he loves you. I know you feel like you missed out growing up but if you keep acting like this you'll lose what time you have left."
She's visibly upset and I feel terrible. I know I over did it a little but I had to!
"Mom I'm sorry I promise I'll try to be civil."
"Please do. He's still family sweetie, never forget that."
I gather my bags of herbs and leave the room I meet Wyatt sitting on the stairs. He stands and moves out of the way, laying a comforting hand on my shoulder as I pass. As I go upstairs I see him walk towards the kitchen. He'll calm down Mom and tomorrow the issue will be buried by sarcasm and snark.
I go up to the attic and gather my things ready for tomorrow. I try and calm myself before sleep. I'm tempted to just stay awake all night but I know it would be best if I could show Matt a fresh example tomorrow. I slide under the covers and for the first time in months I actually hope I dream.
A dream is starting. I don't know why but somehow I always know when one is going to happen. It's a terrible experience, I feel like I'm trapped here unable to move, unable to stop them.
My family. I watch as Phoebe and Paige orb into one end of the ally, blocking off the exit. A young woman walks down the ally skipping and singing. I should find it funny but a little piece deep down is sickened by it.
Phoebe has short hair dyed black and she shoves the woman into a wall. The woman merely smiles.
"Hello! I don't think we've met before. I'm sorry but I have to go feed the poor now!"
She brings her hand up and slams it into Phoebe's chest sending her flying into the opposite wall. There's a puff of black smoke and a crossbow appears in Paige's hands she brings it up and fires an arrow pinning the woman to the wall by her shoulder.
Phoebe gets to her feet while the woman struggles vainly to free herself. I know from experience how draining Darklighter poison is.
Phoebe smiles and moves next to Paige
"Nice shot sis."
"I try my worst."
"That you do. Now lets waste the bitch."
They link hands and begin their spell. The woman screams knowing what's happening. I fight so hard to get free. Every sense I have is screaming at me to stop them but I can't move. This time the deeper echo is one of anticipation.
"Demoness of kindness,
All who know you do profess,
That nature's evil you repress.
So to stone now regress!"
Her scream escalates and my revulsion wars with a dark thrill. Her screams choke off suddenly as she turns to stone. It starts at her face and works its way down. When its complete Paige waves a hand and she orbs into the air and drops shattering into a pile of rubble.
The shock of pain that runs through me can't quite cover the matching feeling of joy that's also present.
I wake up screaming "No!" at the top of my lungs. I realize what I'm doing and choke it off straight away. I can feel my heart pounding. The door bursts open and Wyatt runs in.
"Chris! Are you o-"
He's cut off when I raise an arm and fling it at him sending him flying back the way he came. It was an instinctive reaction born solely from my panic. I'm up in seconds and running to the door to see if he's ok. He's at the foot of the stairs his bruises already healing as his powers subconsciously kick in.
I'm down the stairs and at his side moments later.
"Wy! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. Are you ok? Do you want me to call Da- Leo?"
"I'll be fine. But seriously Chris what the hell? That's the third time I've heard you scream and the second you've sent me flying down the stairs. What if Mom ran in instead of me?"
"I'm sorry really I am. But-"
"You can't tell me what's wrong. I know Chris, but you have to tell someone, and soon. I'm not sure even I can put up with that kind of punishment much longer!"
"Ok Twice Blessed now you're just milking it."
"Hey I missed out on chicken pox from self healing, I'll take my sympathy and pampering where I can get it."
"I take it you want ice-cream out of this?"
"Ben and Jerry's. Classic chocolate."
I stand and reach down to give him a hand up. He gets to his feet and heads downstairs to the kitchen while I go and put some shoes on. I orb myself into the ally behind an all night supermarket.
I go in and buy Wyatt's ice cream before orbing home. He's waiting in the kitchen with a spoon ready. I toss him the tub and he tears into it with enthusiasm.
I sit on the opposite side of the table and we chatter. We don't mention what happened upstairs. Mom comes home from P3 and raises an eyebrow at Wyatt's ice cream.
"Chris tried to kill you? Should I ground him till he's not evil anymore?"
"Not evil, just jumpy. Threw me down the stairs again."
"Not having a good day are you mister?"
"I said I was sorry! I even went and got ice cream even though technically I didn't actually try and kill him. I mean if a face like that burst in on you at night you'd use your powers too."
Wyatt's eyes narrow at that "Asshole."
"I try."
Mum is looking at us with her magical-boys-will-be-magical-boys-face. She sits down and steals the ice cream.
"Nothing serious?"
"Just a bad dream Mom, I'm fine. We're both fine."
"Good in that case off to bed with the pair of you! You have a detention tomorrow and you have a job interview. So scat, go sleep, and no more midnight fratricide Chris!"
We laugh give Mom a kiss on the cheek each and head to our respective rooms.
I settle down knowing the rest of tonight at least will be peaceful.
