Charmed is owned by Spelling Entertainment and Warner Bros. I only own the fiction plot and original characters. Don't sue me, hire me instead

Love Potion No. 9

Vial Fourteen

By Devon Masterson-Bond

Aoi37hotmail

AN: Thanks for sticking through the block and the business of school. Also there is a controversial topic mentioned in here. If you have a problem discuss it with me before you go off the deep end.

Reloaded 3/13/08 since I a ridiculous amount of mistakes. Sorry --

­­­­­­­­­­­Darryl tensed as the guards bound his wrists, legs, and torso with thick leather straps. Every bone in his body said struggle against them and that this was not right, but police logic overruled. It was pointless. He was going to die and that was it. No blaze of glory, no magic to bail him out…part of him regretted telling Piper not to help him. Magic got him into this mess and depending on the foul thing was not going to get him out of it.

Sheridan had him on tape, alone, shooting a surrendering man. It did not add up at least not at first, but a year in jail gives a person time to sort out the details. The passage only felt like a moment but he still had memories of everything. It confirmed his theory; he was the residential normal person that was being punished for the exposure of Phoebe caused by rushing everyone around that day. "She has the ability to see the future and she did not see this!?"

A gruff hand pushed his head back and a strap went across his forehead. His body started to shake as the fear finally overtook him. A mouth guard was shoved into his mouth. The last shred of dignity kept him from screaming. Now his life was merely seconds.

14-14-14

"For the crime of negligence resulting in the death of an innocent and a fraternizer you have been found…" the four girls bit their lips.

"The Charmed Ones were set up," Chris called out as they orbed into the center chamber. A struggling Sheridan looked confused for a moment then panicked.

"You dare bring an innocent into these proceedings?" one of the council members asked incredulously.

"This woman is possessed," Leo explained. He looked at Barbas, "to set up the Charmed Ones."

"I…where am I? What is this?" Sheridan asked wildly. She struggled in Chris's grasp. She glanced towards Barbas for help then frowned when he simply rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"How about we refresh your memory," Chris suggested pushing her into the center of the chamber. Sheridan fell into the circle of truth then backed up furiously trying to keep the circle from reading her. The view globe's picture changed to Sheridan sitting in her office going over case work and a poltergeist possessing her. The possessed Sheridan grabbed a folder marked Darryl Morris.

"What is the meaning of this Barbas?"

Barbas sneered while looking apologetic. "What can I say I am demon? I may have dramatized a few elements using information that I had."

"I am getting out of here," a soft glow surrounded Sheridan.

"No you don't," Chris pulled out the wand he used earlier and captured the escaping apparition. The unpossessed Sheridan fell to the floor unconscious.

"Wrong as I may have went about it, the Charmed Ones are still careless. Phoebe should have seen this, but she has been selfishly pushing her visions and missed the obvious."

"You know what, Barbas…" Paige began; Phoebe put her hand on Paige's shoulder.

"He's right, I have been reckless."

"He's full of…"

"For the crime of selfishly using her powers Phoebe Halliwell shall be stripped of her active powers until they are earned by her deeds and Morris is spared. The council is dismissed." The Council members disappeared.

Piper looked at Gideon. "Get them back here. We have done too much…"

"No, Piper, it's okay. They are not the only ones who think I have been abusing my powers lately besides this is my fault." Phoebe painted a smile on her face. "It may be relaxing to be without my powers and increase my focus."

"No…" Piper argued when Leo touched he shoulder and shook his head.

"Let's just go home," the four of them orbed away.

Pan prepared to orb as well when she felt eyes upon her. She turned around to find he was in fact observing her. "Don't even thinking about it," she replied before orbing away.

Barbas smirked. "What are you amused by?" Gideon asked rolling his eyes.

"What, your little plot didn't go as planned?"

"You nearly had an innocent man executed and the Charmed Ones exiled. I only…"

"The result was the same regardless. Phoebe has been stripped of her powers and I have fulfilled my end of the bargain. I get out of jail free." He stood and adjusted his black jacket dramatically then held his palm towards his face. "You're afraid your little plot will be discovered."

"The job is not done. You need to continue to occupy the Charmed Ones."

"I am more interested in that darklighter. She's unusual and I like unusual," Barbas grinned then teleported away. "Happy plotting."

Gideon frowned. Barbas was no help. He was too powerful of a demon to keep tight reins on under the guide of partnership. Perhaps he should step into the unusual as well. He orbed away feeling more confident about his goal.

14-14-14

"Home sweet home," Pandora sighed jumping on her bed hugging her pillow. Her smile faded some what when she felt a weight lean against her. A nervous chuckle escaped her as the toddler version of her nemesis sat next to her looking innocent. "You can't just orb in here whenever, Wyatt." She pulled him onto her lap. "Your mother's probably going into early labor over this." She kissed on the forehead. "Always stay on the side of good, Wyatt. Don't let them change you. We like you just like this. Now let's get you home." The two orbed away.

"Wyatt!" Paige sighed walking into the foyer. "Looks like Leo was right." Wyatt orbed to Paige's arms and looked up at Pan from the top of the stairs. She sat down and smiled at him.

"He is getting way too good at that."

"Yeah it's becoming a pain," Paige sighed then shifted Wyatt in her arms. "At least he always goes to same place."

Pandora reddened and shifted the subject. "Well at least he can get away if there's trouble," she commented then stood. "I gotta go. I need sleep, later." She waved then orbed away.

14-14-14

Sheila closed the door to her bedroom. Darryl was sleeping finally. He seemed anxious at dinner. He was so in tune with everything even her pregnancy. She could not bring herself to tell him what happened, not when he seemed so vulnerable. That left it all to her to bear. She would end this pregnancy and then it would be over.

Standing at the top of the stairs, she took a deep breath absent mindedly caressing her abdomen. It was her baby too! But who knew what type of fire and brimstone would occur if the child was allowed to live. "I'm sorry."

Sheila fell forward barely bothering to brace herself. She wanted to loose the baby not die. Several grunts escaped her as she tumbled down the stairs followed by searing pain. A soft cry escaped her lips as she landed at the bottom on top of her arm. "That's definitely broken," she hissed though her teeth as her eyes squinted shut in pain. Excruciating pain shot through her spine and abdomen as white orbs streamed into existence. Leo appeared looking disappointed and distraught. "Sheila."

"No, Leo, don't heal me," she begged.

"I have to," he replied. "This isn't the way." He placed his hands over her and began to heal her.

"I said no," Sheila growled pushing her weight against him to stop him. She fell against him.

Leo gripped her by the shoulders and gently pulled her forward. "You can't do this."

"This is my choice. This baby is not Darryl's…"

"I know," Leo replied.

"You knew the whole time and you let that bastard rape me?" Shelia winced as she pulled away. A blue light surrounded her. "And you're trying to heal me again!? Get out!"

'The power is coming from inside of you. She's healing herself now that she learned the magic."

"She?" Sheila shook her head. A breakdown was eminent. "How a dare you and the others set me up? You are like family to me and Darryl. I don't understand…"

"Let me explain…"

"No," Sheila replied, "you can get out. We're done." She looked towards the stairs.

"They won't wake up until morning," Leo said answering her unspoken question. Brown eyes glared into mismatched ones. "I just found out what happened."

"Then why stop me, Leo? I know how much you hate demons, darklighters, and all that evil crap."

"Pandora isn't evil," Leo replied.

"What does she have to do with anything…?" Sheila shook her head. "You can't be serious." Leo nodded. "No. No. No. That can't be. She's too old and…."

"She's a darklighter witch," Leo explained.

"So then she's the one that set me up so she could be born?"

"Do you believe she did?" Leo asked. "I didn't get that from her character. Her whitelighter seemed very proud of her and I would trust her judgment on what happened since you trust her as well," he replied cryptically.

Sheila, now healed, sat with her legs folded. "I can't...why me? I am not even a witch."

"Listen," he said softly comforting her, "sometimes while in a trial it is easy to lose sight of the reason. I hate that this happened but there's nothing I can do. This was foretold to your family generations ago. All of the children's powers were bound to protect the line. That is why you have never been able to do magic. Pandora has aranju so she can absorb magic. The potion will wear off and you will have control of your magic again. I will be your whitelighter to guide you."

Sheila sighed. "I don't want Darryl to know until I am ready. I need time." She paused. "I know there's more to this. I've known you and Piper long enough to know that magical destiny carries some sort of sacrifice. Tell me the truth Leo. What are they planning for my family?"

"Pandora is an equalizer. She exists to keep a high concentration of power in check."

"So demons will be after us."

"Most likely, but…"

"You don't have to color my world, Leo. It's okay," she said before going into a thoughtful silence. The two sat in tension for a few moments. "I die don't I?"

Leo's mouth dropped open in shock. He did not expect such a direct question and since his family and eldership, he found it difficult to tip toe around issues. He would want straight answers if he were in her position. "Don't answer, Leo. I already know. She told me without realizing it." Sheila stood. "I am going to bed now. Good night."

14-14-14

Pandora rinsed her face and looked into the mirror. She started to fade again but then it passed. She had been solid for two hours now. Everything seemed fine when she peaked in on Sheila tossing in her slumber. A sleep spell helped calm her down. With that out of the way, she needed to focus on the problems at hand.

"For once I just want a normal day," she sighed to herself as laid face down on the floor. "One. Two. Three…" she counted as started doing push ups.

"What are you doing?" Chris asked.

"Working out." Good thing she did not have her hair in rollers or something. Him catching her in her pajamas was bad enough. "If I want to keep my weight down, I have to stay in shape."

"I never thought you were the type to worry about your weight."

Pandora finished her push ups and moved to sit-ups. "Well I am sorry but some of us aren't born thin."

"You don't have to get an attitude," he replied.

"What do you want Chris?" she asked finishing her nightly routine. Already she felt weird wearing boxers that had little pink hearts on them and a tank top.

"I'm wondering what's the deal with you and Leo?"

Pandora rolled her eyes, "You know just as much as I do. What business is it of yours anyway?"

"I don't want the timeline messed up," he shrugged.

"Well don't worry. I only want to change one thing and it is the same as you. I am tired of being on constant guard even in my dreams." She sat down on her bed. "Anything else?" She folded her legs in the lotus position and braided her hair.

"About before…"

The dreaded subject. "Before when?" she asked. "Having sex in the attic or when you stabbed me?" her bluntness flushed the two of them but it was only shield she possessed.

"Uh, yeah that," he coughed. "I have a fiancée."

A honey eyebrow arched as she processed what was said. "So you're telling me," she growled then paused collecting herself. She did not want to know. He was a cad simple as that. "Get out."

"Let me explain…"

A crossbow appeared in her hands. "You do not want to continue this conversation."

Chris backed away then stopped. "Look I like you," her hand tensed on the trigged, "and I don't know what's going to happen after I save Wyatt. She maybe alive or still dead."

Pandora relaxed her finger and looked at him confusion. "Your fiancée is dead." He nodded.

"Wyatt killed Bianca for helping get back here. That's why my…the sisters summoned you."

"Nice. I am the rebound toy, even worse," she shook her head. "Just go home, Chris. I don't think my confidence can take it anymore." Chris orbed away. "Why can't I come across normal people?" she groaned before orbing herself some place else. She needed to think.

Sheila sat on the blanket watching the tide roll in and out. She tried to sleep but it eluded her. For awhile she managed to rest but it was only an hour or two then she felt strangely energetic. A tingling sensation in her abdomen made her turn around as black orbs streamed downward. "Following me?"

"I could ask you the same thing," Pandora commented sitting in the sand. She pulled her knees to her chest.

"I take it you couldn't sleep either," Sheila observed as she took in Pandora's appearance. "Nice jammies."

"Thanks."

"You look a lot like my sister," Sheila sighed.

"About that….I'm sorry. I figured it out too late to prevent it."

"It's…okay." Sheila's eyes lowered and she turned away.

"You should get some rest," Pandora suggested.

"What about you?" Sheila asked.

"I'll be fine, I always am."

Sheila turned around again, "Is that to be your life, just surviving?"

"No offense but I don't want to talk about it or be scolded right now." Pandora rubbed her head in agitation. "At this point my life is just causing people trouble."

"Don't say that!"

Garnet eyes narrowed. "You don't know me or what I can do. I lost control and destroyed an entire city. My parents and the few friends They had were killed by me just so Wyatt could see what I could do. I'm dangerous."

"That doesn't mean you don't need to live…"

"Three hours ago I was fading again and then I was fine. Don't tell me you wouldn't like to get rid of me if you had the chance, I know what you were thinking."

"Look, I am not about say I'm perfect or life is beautiful, I was in a low point."

"Well I am a low point too! I cause grief for everyone around me and I am tired!"

Sheila jumped to her feet. "Don't you dare give up! If I can be strong and give you life then you can be strong enough to fight for it. You will not throw away everything I may have to give up for you."

"No one asked you to."

Sheila's hand cracked across Pandora's cheek. "Grow up and stop looking for the easy way out. It's not all about you."

Pandora held her face and gave Sheila a look of defiance. Black orbs surrounded her. "No you don't." Sheila grabbed her arm.

"Let me go."

"It's too late for that."

Pandora paused. She could feel her eyes welling up with tears. She was so weak. "I am not strong enough," she said lowly as she looked downward.

"Then lean on someone." She wrapped her arms around Pandora and held her. Sobs racked the two of them for a few moments before Pandora pulled away. The two women's gaze locked for a moment as understanding finally came between the two of them.

"I have someone I have to go yell at," she said as she stood.

"Give them hell," Sheila smirked gathering her blanket.

Pandora nodded. "Will you be okay?"

"Just orb me to my car and I will be fine."

"Good night," She said as black orbs surrounded Sheila and flurried off to their destination. Pandora wiped the last of her tears. She felt a lot better but she was not done yet.

14-14-14

Chris sat in his room at P3 throwing a tennis ball against the wall. He was not happy at the situation he was in currently. The only person he had encountered in awhile that understood him hated his guts. Then there was the whole guilt thing. "I need to focus," he chastised himself. He was there to work not to have fun.

"We need to talk," Pandora replied as she orbed into his room.

"You told me to leave," he said frowning.

"Look, Chris, I am done playing games. I like you and I don't know how long this is going to last or if there will be an "us" in the next timeline. So I am going to enjoy it."

"You think that…"

"Free," Pandora interrupted moving closer to him. A soft fog settled over the both of them as they wrapped in vanilla. They would battle it out in the morning.

To be continued….

© Devon Masterson-Bond 2007

Another Bond Girl Production

Charmed is owned by Spelling Entertainment and Warner Bros. I only own the fiction plot and original characters. Don't sue me, hire me instead