Family Feud

Grams stared in shock at the young man laying the floor. She could see some of the cracked ribs sticking out at odd angles beneath his shirt. He looked at her, trying to stare her down.

"You mean to tell me that my great grandson is evil?" Grams asked and both Paige and Piper nodded their heads.

"I knew men could never be trusted," the ghost muttered.

"Grams, not now. Can you just help us? We can't keep them from trying to kill each other," Piper begged.

"Well, I can try. But it seems a bit of a lost cause," she sighed. Chris rolled his eyes, getting to his feet.

"You know, I think I just remembered why we never summon you in the future," Chris shot.

"Hold your tongue young man," Grams instantly snapped back, not in the least offended. Chris surprisingly backed off. Piper felt a little jealous that Grams was able to get Chris to listen to her that fast.

"Ok Grams, more fighting is not going to end this fight," Paige said stepping in before Chris and Grams went at it.

"This is so ridiculous," Grams muttered to herself, not believing they had to do a magical intervention with one of her great grandchildren.

From the floor, Wyatt couldn't help but laugh at Chris for being put in his place by their dead great-grandmother. His younger brother glared at him.

"Shut up," Chris growled.

"Both of you keep your mouths shut. You will not speak to each other," Grams said loudly, making both of the boys grimace. She turned to her granddaughters.

"Well we have a bigger problem on our hands than I thought," she commented.

"But you can help right?" Piper asked, hoping the ghost could do something.

"If they cooperate I don't see why not," Grams sighed. Both Wyatt and Chris rolled their eyes, a little annoyed that they were being shushed by their dead Great Grandmother.

"Good luck with that," Paige muttered. None of them had noticed that Leo had managed to get up from the floor. He tried to sneak behind Grams towards Wyatt.

"I don't need your help," Wyatt spat.

"Well I don't see anyone else healing you," Leo hissed quietly. He ignored his son's grumbling and healed his broken ribs.

"Where...is Phoebe?" Grams suddenly asked.

"Mom kicked her out of the room. She's having some trouble controlling her power," Chris answered.

"I think you're the reason," Paige snickered.

"Thanks for bringing on the guilt trip Aunt Paige," Chris muttered.

"I was only kidding…" Paige sighed.

"Well joking about your clearly stressed out sister is not going to help either," Piper sighed.

Grams rolled her eyes as she saw her family fall apart. She saw big Wyatt start to stand up, and she turned to him, "You are not going anywhere until we figure this out," she snapped.

"What makes me have to listen to you?" Wyatt snapped. Grams just glared at him, and he sighed and sat on the couch. Chris snickered. He wasn't the only one that Grams had control over and somehow that felt like a win for Chris.

"He's just pissed that I might ruin his little demonic empire," Chris snorted.

"You won't get the chance," Wyatt snapped.

"Please. It took you this long to show up. I think I've got the upper hand," Chris retorted.

"You think summoning the old bat is going to change anything? I have more power than any of you," Wyatt growled.

"I didn't summon her asshole," Chris began to argue.

"Actually I think you did...well not you...but you know..." Piper tried to explain.

"Yeah Mom, we get it," Chris and Wyatt answered.

"Enough!" Grams bellowed, sending both Wyatt and Chris flying in opposite directions.

"God you two are acting like five year olds fighting over a toy. Now…you will not speak to each other, you will not look at each other," Grams added to her fury, as objects around the room started to rumble.

"Act your age for once in your lives, and hold off from killing each other will you?" They both numbly nodded, shocked at the force with which Grams had thrown them.

"Good. Now we are making some progress,"

"Paige, dear. You said that Chris came to save Wyatt. What exactly is he saving him from?" Grams inquired, her tone much calmer. Suddenly Phoebe sprinted into the room.

"Barbas!" she shouted.

"I doubt he could turn someone evil," Grams remarked.

"No...he's in the Manor," the middle Halliwell sister explained.

"Oh...well just get rid of him," Grams muttered.

"Nice plan," Chris hissed at Wyatt.

"You give me too much credit," Wyatt snickered.

"No I don't. Asking about fears. It was clearly grunt work for Barbas. But seriously, I never thought you'd stoop that low," Chris whispered back.

Grams heard them bickering, and turned around, staring at them with a withering glare. "I thought I told you two not to talk to each other. No one listens," she barked at them.

Then she looked towards Wyatt, "So it was your bright idea to go get Barbas to hunt us down huh? Did you ever think Barbas was just using you to the point to where you were weakest and kill you?"

"Barbas, kill me?" Wyatt let out a laugh.

"You are so full of yourself, do you know that?" Chris spat.

"Ok stop bickering you two! He is here, so put the drama on hold and help," Phoebe snapped. Before anyone could say another word Barbas burst into the attic, a smirk on his thin lips.

"Well what do we have here? A little family reunion," the demon sneered. Immediately Piper tried to blast him but it had no real effect.

"You're starting to get boring," Phoebe said, faking a yawn.

"Oh but there is always a new fear to find," Barbas taunted.

"And we'll just vanquish you again," Paige retorted.

"But you're never really rid of me, now are you. Because fear never really goes away," he snickered.

"Hey, since when were you all talk and no action? You're supposed to be the Demon of Fear. Right now you're the Demon of Boredom," Chris shot. Barbas eyed Wyatt and Chris. Apparently Wyatt hadn't taken care of him. No matter, he'd take care of it for him. Barbas waved his hand in Chris' general direction, reading his fear.

"How interesting," he murmured. Chris glanced at Wyatt. This couldn't be good. Before their eyes Melinda appeared. Chris should have known it wasn't real but it still made him edgy.

"What is she doing here?" Wyatt asked, seeing her too.

"Who are they talking about?" Grams whispered to Piper.

"I have no idea what Barbas is making them see, but he had better stop it…" She had an angry glare set, but she knew she had to try and snap them out of it. "Chris, Wyatt…whatever he is showing you, both of you know it isn't real,"

Barbas turned to Piper, "Tsk tsk tsk, you bothering your sons is not going to help them," he raised his hand and started to read Piper's fear. Phoebe knew it was coming, and turned to Paige.

"Paige…orb Piper out of here now!"

Paige, starting to panic, grabbed Piper and started to orb out but Piper pulled her arm free.

"No. Chris, sweetie. Tell me what's wrong," she said, walking towards the younger of her two sons. Chris didn't respond. All he saw was his baby sister standing before him.

"I told you to stay out of this. I'd handle it," Chris spoke to the empty air.

"This is not your problem. It's between me and him," Wyatt added.

"It's too dangerous. You need to leave," Chris continued.

"I think they're seeing the same person," Grams murmured.

Right before their eyes, both Wyatt and Chris saw a demon shimmer in, athame in hand.

"No!" they shouted in unison, both trying to send the imaginary demon flying. They were too late. The demon slid the blade across her throat.

Piper ran towards her sons, and saw both of them in tears. One arm was wrapped around each son, bringing them close. In their minds, they were both cradling Melinda in their arms, tears streaming down their faces.

"Piper you need to get out of here now!" Phoebe shouted, clearly still feeling Barbas' powers and emotions. He was in total glee…hopefully Phoebe could use that against him.

"Ah…Phoebe. So worried about your sisters, while you should be worried about yourself. Lucky me I already know one of your fears," Phoebe stiffened, suddenly feeling weak. All in one-moment…emotions started to come in to no end. She fell on her knees, and Grams went over to her.

"Phoebe…" she started.

"Too much emotion…" Phoebe kept murmuring over and over.

Grams glared at Barbas. She had had enough of him. Forcefully she flicked her hand at him, sending him crashing into the opposite wall.

"That is enough of that," she snarled tersely. Phoebe was still on the floor sobbing, holding her head in her hands. Grams looked over to Piper. She was still cradling her sons. Suddenly Chris looked over at his brother.

"This is your fault!" he screamed, taking a swing at Wyatt.

"My fault! You're the one who didn't get to her in time!" Wyatt snarled back, catching the punch.

"If you hadn't been so damn worried about yourself she'd still be alive," Chris sobbed.

"Well if you hadn't been so damn hell bent on trying to change everything then she wouldn't have even thought of coming," Wyatt accused.

Across the room, Paige just looked on. So this was what happened when your family was really dysfunctional. Barbas was stumbling to his feet. He started to make his way towards Piper and her sons. Chris stood; ready to take on his brother. Wyatt was up on his feet as well. He looked over his shoulder, spotting Excalibur in the corner. Holding his hand out, he summoned it. The blade glinted in the sunlight. He lunged towards Chris but his brother orbed out just in time. When he orbed back in, he found Barbas stumbling backwards, the sword running him through. The image of Melinda disappeared. Piper and Phoebe also looked up.

"What just happened?" Piper demanded.

Phoebe slowly got up to her feet, and looked at Wyatt's shocked face. Barbas' face was twisted in pain and betrayal. He let out an ear splitting scream, as flames consumed his entire being, and couldn't even manage to get out his usual, I will be back, and fear never dies.

"Thank god," Phoebe muttered, the last of the emotional overload finally gone.

Wyatt still looked in shock, not believing what he just did. His plan was ruined, and he was pissed. Chris looked just as shocked, and yet both of them were still staring each other down, ready to pounce for an attack at any time.

Piper knew the look in her sons' faces, and knew this had to stop now. "No, the fighting ends now. Whatever Barbas showed you, was fake. It didn't happen," Piper saw Wyatt looking at where Barbas was vanquished, Excalibur now on the floor. Wyatt flicked his wrist at Excalibur once again bringing it to his hands.

"Give me Excalibur Wyatt," Piper commanded.

"Why should I?" Wyatt snapped back. He knew one way or another Chris was going to die, even if it meant impaling his mother with the sword. Chris stepped between his mother and older sibling.

"You wouldn't do it. You know you wouldn't," Chris taunted, seeming to read Wyatt's mind.

"Get out of my way," Wyatt hissed.

"No. You can be a complete jackass all you want and think you can stop me but you can't. I'm going to save your sorry ass," Chris said calmly. He took Piper by the hand and orbed her out of the attic. They reappeared in the sun room. He quickly turned away from her.

"Chris, what did you see up there?" Piper asked.

"You don't want to know," he sighed.

"Yes I do. Because unless I'm mistaken the both of you saw the same thing. What is it you are both afraid of?" Piper prodded.

"You...you have a daughter. And I guess...we just...don't want to lose her," Chris mumbled into his shirt sleeve.

Piper put on a shocked face, but deep inside she wasn't really surprised. She and Leo had been expecting a daughter while she was pregnant with Wyatt. Piper put a hand on Chris's shoulder about to say some comforting words to her second son, but Wyatt orbed in with Excalibur. Chris once again positioned himself in front of Piper more than willing to do anything to save her, but Piper gently pushed him away.

"Do you really want to do this Wyatt?" she asked him. He shook his head in shock, not sure what to say.

"You really want to kill your own brother that bad?" she took a step towards Wyatt, and Chris put a hand on her shoulder holding her back.

"Mom, are you insane?" he whispered sharply. "He is crazy, let me orb you out of here," he pleaded. He started to orb her away, but Piper shrugged his hand away. "Mom…"

"Chris, it will be fine," Piper said calmly, and turned her attention back to Wyatt.

Chris looked at Wyatt, and Wyatt was looking nervous, and started to sweat a little bit. She took another step towards Wyatt, and away from Chris. Wyatt could slowly feel the will to kill Chris slip away, as each step Piper took towards him. Piper finally got close enough, to gently grip his wrist holding Excalibur and had him put it down.

"Get your hands off of me," Wyatt spat weakly. He couldn't let her get to him. He needed to get out of the Manor, away from all the good magic. Wordlessly, Piper pulled Wyatt into a firm hug. Chris just stared, his mouth gaping open in confusion. Not two minutes earlier he was trying to impale them both and now she was hugging him like nothing had happened?

"Mom what the hell are you doing? He's evil remember?" Chris shot, trying to pry Piper's arms off of his older brother.

"I refuse to believe my son is truly that evil that he could kill without feeling some pain, some sorrow," Piper murmured.

"Don't think I won't do it," Wyatt whispered.

"Well your brother seems very certain that you won't. Care to explain that theory?" Piper answered, looking at Chris.

"Killing you now negates Melinda's birth...the ultimate act of evil against her in his eyes. He doesn't want evil to hurt her. But killing you before she is born would be the greatest evil to hurt her and he'd be the reason. He couldn't live with that," Chris explained coolly.

Wyatt stopped, and looked at his brother knowing that Chris was right. There was no way that Wyatt was going to be able to kill Piper. Though, that wouldn't stop him from hurting Chris now. But looking at his mother, and thinking of Mel…. he couldn't bring himself to pull away from Piper's grasp on his shoulders, and couldn't bring himself to kill Chris.

Just then footsteps echoed on the stairs, depositing Phoebe, Paige, Leo and Grams. The rest of the family looked surprised to see Piper and Wyatt embracing. Leo started towards them when Chris stopped him. Silently, he nodded his head in the direction of the kitchen. Leo followed.

"What's going on?" Leo demanded.

"He's coming around?" Chris offered with a shrug.

"Look...this doesn't change anything...about how I feel about you but...I'm sorry for kicking the shit out of you," Chris apologized.

"Why the sudden apology, Chris?" Leo inquired.

"Can't you just accept the damn apology and leave it at that?" Chris snapped.

"I'd rather not have to deal with Grams anymore ok?" he added in answer to his father's question.

Leo nodded in understanding at why he wouldn't want Grams riding on him about anything, but he wished that Chris would be less angry with him. They walked back out to the living room, to find Wyatt and Piper on the couch. Piper looked towards Chris and Leo walking in, and turned back to her oldest son.

"Wyatt…don't you think you should say something to your Dad?" she asked. Wyatt raised an eyebrow, not knowing what he should say. Piper rolled her eyes; "I thought I taught you your manners already,"

"Apparently he lost them," Chris muttered still not trusting, this "new" Wyatt shining through. Piper shot Chris a hushing glance, and turned back to Wyatt.

"Thank your father for healing you," she said spelling it out for him. Wyatt looked apprehensive about thanking his father, but after receiving a glare from Piper, he turned to Leo.

"Thanks," he muttered.

Leo shot a glance between his two sons. He didn't want to appear to be showing favoritism for Wyatt.

"You're welcome," Leo said. Just then Grams appeared.

"Well, who would guess it would take a demon attack to bring this family back together," she said with a smirk.

"Thank you, Grams," Piper sighed, surveying her family. Chris looked at the ghost and back to his mother.

"Christopher!" Piper hissed.

"What? She came to stop the fighting...the fighting stopped...she can go," he answered.

"I agree," Wyatt murmured. It was rare that he and Chris agreed on much of anything. Grams rolled her eyes, but she knew she had to go back anyways.

"No they are right, I was only allowed here to stop the fighting, and now it is done," she sighed. She enveloped each of her granddaughters in a hug, before disappearing in white lights.