Finally a new chapter! Sorry I took so long. Can't say I was busy, more like lazy. Well tell me what you think. Also pay close attention!

Chapter Four: To trust or not to trust

The Halliwell Manor had become a source of incredible tension. You could feel it in the air. Maybe it had to do with everyone wanting answers or maybe it was Bianca's presence. I'd say the latter. One person not entirely happy about the whole situation was Chris. Our young hybrid was more intent on getting the hell out of there. But of course he couldn't do that just yet, because as much as he would like a few moments alone with Bianca, he knew the sisters and especially Leo wouldn't let him of so easily. He was especially pissed with Leo. Damn it, he had been expecting a little more support from the man. But it seemed no way or form could persuade to forget the last 24 hours. Chris knew because he had tried endlessly, nearly groveling back in the Underworld.

"Chris what makes you think we can trust her?" Piper asked vehemently. That being one of the first of many questions to come. It had been not even minutes since Bianca had returned Phoebe's and Paige's powers, willingly. That didn't prove anything about the young woman.

Great Bianca, nice of you to get on my mother's good side before I'm even born. That will make you being your fiancée so much easier. Chris looked at Leo, clearly expecting him to say something that would make convince the girls of Bianca's innocence. The least the man could show was a little support.

As much as Leo wanted to let it all out and tell Piper that the young man before them was their son, their not yet born son, their not even conceived son, he couldn't do that to Chris. Not after everything he had already done to his son. For God's sake he had hit his own son, and just thinking about Valhalla…

"Piper, Bianca has proven her trust. For one she never harmed you or your sisters or our son," began Leo. When he said son, he meant both Chris and Wyatt. "She was sent by … Wyatt, she had no choice."

That left Piper speechless. Her own son? Sent that woman to... do what?

"What was her mission?" demanded Piper, not buying anything Leo was saying. She didn't know how but somehow he'd been brainwashed.

Leo looked at Chris uncertain of what to say.

Finally Chris sighed. Ok, he told himself, no big deal. I can do this.

"To take me back." Chris finally spoke. Piper turned around to face Chris.

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Phoebe stared at Chris, surprised that for once she was getting a reading of him. She could feel exactly what he was feeling. Sadness, discomfort, he's not telling us everything she realized. Then there was Leo, and that's what really surprised her to say the least. Leo seemed to be feeling guilty, then there was that strange way he now seemed to be feeling towards Chris. Trust? Yep, and love? Yep... Then there was the woman, Bianca. She seemed pretty cool for someone under 'investigation'. But as far as she could tell, the woman's actions towards them had been unwillingly. And she seemed especially remorseful about … torturing Chris? More than that she could sense love… love towards their young whitelighter.

"Why?' asked Phoebe curiously with the slightest hint of slyness.

"I would think that obvious. I'm a threat to his regime, if I succeed, then he'd no longer be who he is; the source." Chris stood still, answering their questions as honestly as he could.

"That still doesn't explain why we should trust her, for all we know she could be pretending." It certainly seemed possible to Paige. She was certainly not going to let her guard down so easily, not again. One time was more than enough.

Chris sighed, truly exasperated. Good to know I got pretty sharp aunts, even if they're suspicious of the wrong people. Still … who could blame them? Bianca hadn't exactly earned their trust.

"Phoebe maybe you can tell us?" suggested Leo, trying to be helpful.

Phoebe nodded at Leo. "I think we can trust her."

Paige gaped at her, take aback. "You sure?"

Phoebe nodded once again. "Yeah, I can tell she didn't want to do any," she paused looking straight at Chris and emphasizing on that particular word," of it."

Paige nodded willing to take Phoebe's word for it. "Okey dokey there goes question numero uno."

Piper seemed to be the only one with doubts. She was entitled to worry more than necessary. This was her child's safety on the line. And all things considered, it wasn't that she didn't trust her, but she could not trust Bianca, that woman and Chris were obviously hiding something. She couldn't but help but feel betrayed by Chris. She trusted him, and she wanted to keep on trusting him.

And Piper was going to find out. But for now, it would be in her best interest to go along with them, supposedly believing their words.

Better cautious than sorry.

Phoebe was starting to get seriously worried about Piper. She knew exactly what Piper was feeling, and that was what scared her. Knowing that Piper being Piper would not go so easily with Chris and especially Bianca. She could feel Piper struggling with herself, not sure whether they could be trusted. But she wanted to trust Chris, that much she knew. That at least comforted her.

Future

"It is obvious that Bianca will not be returning as it was obvious the moment I sent her for him." Lord Wyatt stood tall before his minions in the ever famous Halliwell Attic, part of The Halliwell Legacy Museum, with his face tightly emotionless.

His followers stood with their faces down and fright jolting through their spine at the very sound of their master. Fearing to even ask why in the first place he had sent her back if he already knew she would not return. The demons already agonized, not sure if they would live. The Source knows everything.

"I am a fair ruler," he told them knowing their thoughts fully well. "I gave … Bianca her chance."

He paused eyeing them. "I have chosen you for … your powers and for your determination. I know, and I hope for your sake you don't fail. Come back with Bianca and Chris or –"He left it at that, confident that a little more fear wouldn't hurt. He sat down, knowing and counting on the fact that his demons would fail.

"What are you waiting for?" he demanded sharply, seconds later.

The demons stood motionless torn, and furious at their master. How could he expect a mere number of 5 demons succeed in capturing the phoenix and his brother.

One of the more conceited Demons stepped forward. "Sire," he began. "Perhaps it would be in your best interest to send some of your darklighters with us?"

Wyatt smirked at them. Slowly he nodded, and waved his hand. Instantly one of his darklighters appeared, looking baffled. When he realized where he was and with who, his face instantly took a cool, nonchalant look. He kneeled down on one knee before Wyatt, his head down. "At your orders, my lord," he spoke softy.

"Follow them," he gestured towards the five demons. The darklighter nodded and slowly rose to his feet. The demons and darklighter stood motionless, somewhat dreading what came next.

"Well?" Wyatt stared at them impatiently.

The demons nodded and stepped through the portal.

This is just a warning Chris. I'll be coming next.

Present Day Halliwell Manor

It was perhaps the sound of footsteps that warned them of the intruders or Phoebe's rapid recognition.

"There's someone up there," voiced Phoebe alarmed." Demons!" She could feel them; their determination and their fear.

Piper glared at Bianca. "You!" she shrieked accusatory. This was the last straw. She was positive this was the Phoenix's fault. It was clear that she betrayed them. "I bet they're with you! When we're done with them, you'll be next!"

Bianca shook her head in disbelief. "I didn't-"

Chris shook his head, unconvinced. He knew Bianca or at least he was sure he did. This was more than likely Wyatt's doing.

Without warning three demons shimmered into the room, and unleashed their wrath.

A fireball was sent straight at Paige. "Fireball!" yelled out Paige using her whitelighter/telekinetic powers to send it back at the demon. The demon stepped out of the way with ease.

"Demons!" yelled out Paige. Piper held onto Wyatt tighter, fearing for his safety.

"What do you want?" demanded Leo already struggling with one of the demons. The demons had strict orders not to answer to anyone except for their Lord. And they were most certainly not going to be answering to an Elder. Fortunately for Leo Phoebe came to the rescue and kicked the demon against the wall. The demon hissed in anger. Paige sent her thumbs up.

One of the demons threw themselves at Chris, going right to the target. Bianca stepped in, threw the demon to the side, conjured an athame and thrust it into the demon's side. The demon burst into flames. One down, two to go. "Wyatt!" she hissed to Chris.

Would Wyatt really risk jeopardizing his evil future? Of course he would, if it means getting his hands on me. How nice to have such a caring brother… Chris shook his head and concentrated on the heated battle now taking place between the witches and demons. He glanced quickly at Bianca. She was now fighting another demon. Sometimes it scared Chris, when Bianca went into full fighting mode. Always worried about whether or not she'd come back to him as the Bianca he loved. He didn't want to lose her, either. She was one of the last people he had left, besides Leo. Leo who was still an overly unreliable pain in the ass, who he had not seen in over 2 years. Mainly because of the Elders seclusion and vacillating nature. Not that it helped the people down on Earth at all. But of course the Elders do consider their safety much more important. Not that he'd be willing to see him of course. No, he hated the man, and Leo probably hated him as well. Future Leo of course, he still hasn't got too many issues with this Leo. He actually kind of likes this Leo. Now this Leo isn't as bad as his father. Something must have changed, he realizes to his dismay. Why to his dismay? Because it might mean hope and hope of course is an unfeasible thing? How dare Chris hope for such a thing??

Bianca was gasping out of breath, the demon sneered pleased. "You know what we want," the demon hissed. Paige grunted as she attempted to impale the demon with a Knife from the kitchen and failed.

Piper felt a sudden sense of dread and a soon dissipating anger towards Bianca. Perhaps she had misjudged her. Piper flicked her hands attempting to blow the demon up, but with no success. Leo let out a small groan as he made to approach Piper but instead was promptly knocked out by the demon closing in on Piper.

"Uh, a little trouble here. A little help, guys?" Quickly panicking, Piper stepped backwards, backing up against Chris. Chris immediately stepped in front of Piper and Wyatt shielding them from danger. Wyatt, honey we could really use your help right about now!

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The demon glared at The eldest of the Charmed Ones, who held her son Wyatt Halliwell future source of all their troubles. He was more than tempted to kill the child now, and end all their troubles. As much as he like any other demon loved the fact that evil ruled, somehow if it was possible it was all too much. They had come to learn that there is in fact too much.

Ruthless

Cunning

Deceptive

Brutal

Cold blooded

Cruel

Callous

Sinister

Vile

Something they never expected, especially from the son of Piper Halliwell.

The two demons glanced at each other, and one nod was enough.

There mission then: Bring them back.

Their mission now: Kill Wyatt Halliwell.

Chris quickly took in the demons changed expressions, and he feared the worst.

"Stay behind me!" he whispered firmly to Piper. He truly hoped Piper would listen to him. She was safe behind him, with his shield up, they would be safe. The girls in fact did not know about it, but then again there were lots of things he kept from them.

Piper held her breath as she watched the battle slowly unravel. As in slow motion, the demons attacked.

Paige felt herself panicking as she watched Leo crumple to the floor and as she saw how the demon seemed to be winning. It was merely holding them at bay.

She glanced quickly at Piper, Wyatt and Chris. She prayed Piper would trust Chris enough.

Phoebe knew what was coming. Maybe it was her premonition, but she knew. She felt it, as she saw Piper move away from Chris. She felt her distrust towards Chris and that ruined it all.

Piper moved away from Chris, and leaving her unprotected. She began to run towards the stairs.

Chris groaned inwardly. In super demon speed the demon raced forward towards Piper and Wyatt with an athame in hand. Chris quickly moved to the side, intersecting the demon's path.

Bianca watched in slow motion as the athame pierced Chris' abdomen. She gasped. No, no Chris!

The demon stepped back and let Chris fall to the floor. Bianca felt the anger rush through her, as she sent the demon she, Phoebe and Paige were fighting hurtling towards the wall.

Paige called out," Crystals!" The demon was trapped.

Bianca rushed to Chris' side, never once taking her eyes of the last demon standing. The demon laughed and shook his head. He glanced quickly at Wyatt then orbed out.

Piper stood frozen. Paralyzed by guilt as she realized it was all her fault.

Phoebe was already by Bianca's side. "How is he?" she asked genuinely worriedly.

Bianca examined the wound and shook her head as she realized the athame had been poisoned. "The poison's spreading too fast," she whispered angry at herself for not preventing this.

"Leo! Leo can heal him, can't he?! " cried out Paige. She took a quick look at Leo's unconscious form. Bianca nodded.

"He doesn't have long, we need Leo awake!" Come on Leo, your son needs you.

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