Chapter 25

The newspaper boys all rode their bikes or had their parents drive them through the neighborhood. They threw the roll of newspaper towards the front door, hearing the pounding sounds of the newspaper hitting the door.

On the front cover as the picture of the Halliwell Brothers, indicating that they were dangerous witches and if seen, contact the Witch Hunters that had their hotline number at the end of the article.

People across San Francisco read the front-page article along with the rest of the world and soon, everyone in the world recognized Wyatt Matthew Halliwell and Christopher Perry Halliwell as the world's most dangerous people.

The Witch Hunters arrived at the school early morning, giving the young students a speech about the dangers of witches and they asked around the students who were friends with the youngest Halliwell student.

Jake and Jude were called in where they were interrogated by two men. They questioned their friendship and asked random questions and tested to see if they were witches. Jake and Jude passed and were on their way to their fourth period class.

"That's crazy isn't it?" spoke Jude. "That Chris…he's one of them."

Jake didn't say anything, but he slowly nodded his head. After learning of his best friend's true identity, Jake felt betrayed. How could Chris do this to him? Jake had trusted Chris with everything and he had been there for him when he was dealing with the loss of his mother and the abandonment of his father.

"Jake?"

Jake stopped and turned to face Jude. "What do you want me to say?" asked Jake, loudly. "I just found out my best friend is…I don't know what the hell he is."

Jake leaned against the lockers and tilted his head back. "I don't know Chris anymore."

Jude stared, but then sighed. "I don't know either, man, but Chris…All I know is that he was a good guy. That's good enough for me."

Jake stared at Jude and then nodded. "Yeah, me too, I guess."

BREAK

Wyatt stood in the middle of his home. He saw the broken glass and the bullet-holed walls. He knew the witch hunters had stormed his home, but he was thankful that they didn't burn the Manor down like they did to his Uncle Coop's house.

He had sensed for his cousins whereabouts and found that they were still alive. Yet, when he heard the news through his allies that there was an attack on his family, Wyatt immediately orbed to their homes, but found them both in ruins. Angry, he hunted down three witch hunters and killed them by crushing their hearts. It made him feel slightly better seeing them dead, knowing that his family was a little safer.

Walking forward in his home, he cast a spell and with a glow, the house became good as new. He found it amusing how hard the witch hunters were trying to eliminate them. He would have thought that they would have learned from the Salem Witch Trials that they couldn't dispose magic, especially someone like him. The most powerful person ever to walk the Earth.

He stood in the center of the house and, with his hands up, he invoked every protection charm, spell, and enchantment for the house, sealing it from those that would want to cause damage to it. When he was sure the Manor could not be damaged or touch, he orbed away.

BREAK

Eric Moore sat in his new office at City Hall coming up with strategies as to who to kill next. He and his team of witch-hunts had managed to discover a few witches who used their magic to fight them. They were easily bought down after several bullets pelted into their chests.

The public started to panic with all the gun firing, but Eric Moore had ensured that they were safe and that no harm would come to them. They also promoted propaganda against witchcraft and magic, hoping to increase public endorsement and favor.

Yet, there was still the matter with the Halliwell brothers. So far, no one has seen them or even heard from them. The men from school informed him that friends of the youngest brother hadn't heard from him since yesterday when he came to school. For Moore, capturing and killing the Halliwell, especially the one names Wyatt, was vital to end the magical community and save humanity.

His men, waiting for any witches to show up at the herb and other stores, are heavily guarding Chinatown. Moore had wanted to make sure that there would be no more escapes after he learned that Mitchell and his children escaped from their clutches.

Maybe he ought to have men guard the Manor? The Halliwell brothers had to eventually show up at their home. Moore was counting on it at least. He quickly pulled out his cell phone. He dialed and when the other person answered, he ordered the person to gather a group of men to stake out the Manor.

Moore hung up and turned his chair around, staring at his bulletin board that he created to help him understand magic and who was a witch or not and who was associated with witches. The famous mortal that Moore couldn't believe to be associated with witches was Darryl Morris. All their years together on the force, he had never known that his good friend was in league with witches. He was also surprised to learn Andy Trudeau's involvement with the witchcraft. Moore greatly admired Andy and held him in high esteem, crediting him as his reason to want to protect the citizens of the city. Yet, he died in the Halliwell Manor, probably from witchcraft.

Moore curled his fingers into a fist. He cried at that man's funeral!

Disgusted with himself, he eyed the central of his board, which held the picture he stole from the Manor. The photograph of Wyatt Halliwell and his younger brother Christopher Halliwell was in the center, because Moore wanted them dead the most. At least, he wanted Wyatt dead the most. He caused all of this panic and terror in his city. It was his fault and he killed a man with what appeared no regret.

Yes, thought Moore, he needed to die and his brother too.

BREAK

Chris was sleeping when he felt his arm being pulled. He snapped his eyes opened and immediately grabbed the person's wrist and twisted it.

"Jesus, Chris," muttered a voice that Chris recognized as Wyatt. "Could you let go?"

Chris saw his brother's face and dropped his wrist. "I'm sorry," he said. "Didn't know it was you."

Wyatt rubbed his wrist. "Yeah, well, I'm happy you were ready for whatever," he said as he stopped rubbing his wrists. "You doing well?"

Chris sat up on the bed. "Do you really want to know?"

Wyatt gave a shrug. "Well, I know you're all right."

"Yeah," agreed Chris. "That's because you caged me in this damn hideout."

Wyatt nodded his head. "Yes, I know," he said, simply. "I couldn't let you run off like you did last time."

"I told you I wouldn't," said Chris.

"Then how did you know about the block?" questioned Wyatt, his eyebrows raised as he watched Chris struggle with the answer. "Exactly, I knew you would run off again. Being careless as always."

"Still doesn't give you the right to keep me trap down here," said Chris.

"I agree," said Wyatt as he took a seat on the bed as well. "That's why we're leaving."

"Where're we going?"

Wyatt pointed up. "We're going home, Chris," he said and Chris gave him a look. "It's protected. Very protected. You'll be safe there and you'll probably have a lot more things to do than just sleep."

Chris inclined his head in agreement. There was nothing for him to do here. Chris looked over at Wyatt. "Is the block off? Am I allowed to orb?"

Wyatt nodded his head and Chris immediately disappeared in a dazzle of blue and white lights, but Wyatt reached out and pulled him down. "Not so fast little brother."

Chris reformed on the bed. "What?"

"I have some rules for you to follow."

"Rules?"

Wyatt nodded. "Yes, rule number one is that you're not allowed to go outside the Manor without my permission. It's still dangerous outside."

"Wyatt…"

"Rule number two," continued Wyatt. "Don't try to communicate with your mortal friends. Bringing them into this will not only hurt you, but them too. It's best not to get them involved."

"What's going—"

"And rule number three," said Wyatt, holding three fingers up in the air. "You do whatever I tell you to do. If I say use magic to protect yourself, do it."

"What the hell is going on?" demanded Chris, getting agitated that his older brother was keeping secrets from him.

Wyatt narrowed his eyes at Chris. "I'll tell you as long as you agree with the rules. Do you agree?"

Chris nodded and Wyatt sighed. "I know that you have figured out that magic has been exposed and everything."

"Yes, I remember that quite clearly," said Chris, pointing towards his stomach where a bullet had impaled him.

Wyatt winced, not wanting to remember his baby brother falling into his arms, Chris' blood smeared onto his hands. "Yes, well, things have gotten worse," he said and Chris' eyes widen slightly and his mouth trembled a bit. "The mortal community had created a group called the Witch Hunters. They have been hunting those that are suspected of being witches or other magical beings."

Chris' mouth dropped. "Oh my god…"

"It gets worse," said Wyatt and Chris leaned forward to listen. "The witch hunters figured out that we were witches and went to attack us and the family."

Chris' skin paled as he stumbled off the bed. "Are they okay? Uncle Coop? Uncle Henry? The cousins?"

Wyatt tried to calm his brother. "Relax Chris," he said gently, trying to get Chris to breathe normally as his younger brother's breathing pattern quicken after he heard of his family being in danger. "They didn't get hurt. Their homes are in ruins, but they all managed to get out alive."

Chris let out a gasp of air, sighing in relief and joy. "They're okay. They're safe."

Wyatt nodded. "Yes, but that doesn't mean they will be safe forever," said Wyatt. "These witch hunters are becoming a problem. They're trying to destroy the magical world. Eliminate it."

Chris shook their head. "We can't let them do that," he cried. "If they kill off all the witches, then who will protect the innocents from the demons?"

Wyatt agreed. "I know, but don't worry," said Wyatt. "I have a plan. I will fix this Chris."

Chris stared at his brother, seeing the determine look and he nodded his head. "I know you will Wy, but what about me? What can I do to help?"

"Just follow the rules you agreed upon."

"Wyatt," groaned Chris. "I'm not useless or weak! I can help! I can help save innocent witches and protect them from being killed by the witch hunters."

"I don't want you to get involved Chris," said Wyatt, his voice lowering to a deep, forceful tone. "I'm powerful enough to take out the entire US military. I don't need your help in my plan."

Chris was taken back by Wyatt's cold tone. He nodded quickly to get Wyatt's glare off of him. Shortly, the person that Chris didn't recognize as his brother disappeared as Wyatt's face softened.

"All right," said Wyatt. "You ready to go?"

Chris didn't answer. He orbed away and Wyatt, frowning, orbed after his little brother.

BREAK

Lightening blots cracked the chalkboard into three chunks as papers flew in every direction, some burned along the edges. Magic School's main room had debris everywhere, burnt objects lying in piles after battling against the lightening bolts.

"ARGH!" roared Leo as he shot off another lightening bolt towards the tower of books and papers exploded with tiny flames floating in the air.

His youngest son was gone. Dead. Another family lost to death. Leo's breath quicken at the thought of his son dead body. He shot off another bolt, but no matter how many times he shot of his powers around the room, Chris would never come back.

The dead stay dead. Well, usually, the Charmed Ones have experienced death several times. But, still, his son was gone. He knew that he would outlive his sons due to his status as an Elder, but he never figured his sons to die so young. He just never wanted to think about it.

He shot off another bolt of lightening, putting much of his power and emotion into it, watching the wall turn a darker shade. He wanted his son back. He wanted both of his sons back.

"Leo?"

Leo turned around and shot a lightening bolt towards the entrance and the person jumped to the side, barely missing the bolt.

"Whoa!" said the person, raising their hands up. "Don't shoot! It's just me. Henry."

Leo lowered his arms and saw Henry Mitchell, standing nervously by the entrance. "He's gone," said Leo, his face red and his chest moving up and down quickly. "Chris is dead."

Henry cautiously walked forward. "I'm sorry, Leo," he said. "I-I can't even imagine what you're going through…"

Leo turned and shot off another lightening bolt. Henry closed his eyes and flinched at the sight and bright light of the bolt coming out of his brother-in-law's hands.

"Leo, you got to stop," said Henry. "You're destroying things. You're scaring the kids."

Leo snapped around. "I don't care! My son is dead! My son!" Leo let his arms fall to his side as he leaned his head down. "My son…" Leo walked away from the center of the main room and sat down in an untouched chair.

Henry followed. "Leo, I'm sorry. Really, Chris was a good person," he said. "Junior really admired him." Henry paused. "I'm gonna miss him too. But, destroying things and losing control won't bring him back."

Leo dropped his head into his hands. "It's my fault. I should have protected him better. If I didn't keep…if I didn't…"

"Don't do this, Leo," said Henry. "It won't help. Paige use to tell me things happen for a reason. Maybe…"

"NO!" shouted Leo, rising from his chair. "Chris didn't need to die! He didn't deserve…he witnessed so much…It's not fair!"

Leo sobbed and walked away from Henry. The mortal watched his brother-in-law leave in a mess. Henry's heart twanged in pain at the thought of losing his own children. He was being honest. He couldn't imagine losing one of his children. He didn't want to. Yet, Leo was living it. A parent's worst nightmare.

BREAK

Leo returned to the Heavens after being called by the other Elders. They had made their decision. When Leo appeared, they saw his grief stricken face and asked what happened. Leo refused to talk about it, not wanting to bring Chris up. It hurt too much.

The Elders gather in their circle and began the meeting.

"As we all know, magic has been exposed to the mortal world," said Sandra and all the Elders murmured amongst themselves. "Times will be difficult for us as witches are being hunted and killed. Those that managed to get away are in hiding at magic school."

Leo wasn't really listening. He was drowning in his sorrows as he began to see memories of Chris. His youngest son was a toddler, crawling after his mother. He was five years old, orbing around the house, trying to get away from Wyatt. Chris turned ten years old and he sat in between his parents as Chris graduated from sixth grade. Piper was getting teary eyed and Chris sat, bored.

Leo rubbed his temple. He remembered seeing Wyatt hold Chris, who was sobbing over their mother's death. Leo remembered rescuing and healing Chris from the demons that killed Paige and Phoebe. He remembered Chris being furious at him and when Chris was hurt by Leo's claim.

"Leo?"

Leo looked up at the rest of the Elders. "Yes?"

"Do you agree with our decision?"

He didn't know what the decision was, but everyone was waiting for his answer. Without any thought, Leo nodded. "Yes, I agree with the decision."

Sandra nodded. "Then it's done. Call the whitelighters. Tell them we are sealing the Heavens."

Leo's eyes widened. What?

BREAK

Chris was happy to be home again. When he orbed back into the familiar hallway, Chris ran to the stairs to go to his bedroom. When he entered, he was happy to see it looked the same. Then, Chris made his way to the attic and sighed when the Book of Shadows was still at its podium. Chris walked over and flipped the pages. As he was reading, the book dissolved in blue lights and disappeared.

Chris wrinkled his brow.

"What are you searching for, Christopher?"

Chris looked up at his brother, who held the book in his arms. "Nothing in particular," he said. "It's just I thought there might be a page on magical families. Check on them to see if they are safe. Take them a safe place if they are in danger."

Wyatt walked forward a frown on his face. "I told you I was going to fix this, Chris," he said.

"Yes, I know," replied Chris. "I just want to help."

"And I told you I didn't need your help," Wyatt walked behind Chris and stared out the window, at the city. "There's going to be changes around here, Chris."

Chris turned to look at his brother, but Wyatt remained staring at the window. "There's already a big change, Wyatt. Magic is exposed and in danger of being eliminated."

Wyatt glanced over his shoulder. "Well, not for long. Once I get my plan into action, the magical community will be saved."

"How are you planning to do that, Wyatt?"

Wyatt finally turned fully around to stare at his little brother. He had a playful smirk on his face. "Don't you worry about it," he answered. "I've got it handled."

Wyatt walked over towards his brother. "Just stay here," he said. "And remember what you promised."

Chris nodded, but he was eyeing the book. He wondered what if Wyatt was going to place it back on the podium. Wyatt noticed Chris staring at the book.

"No, little brother," he said and Chris flickered his eyes to his brother. "You don't need the book. You're perfectly safe here. There's no need for you to have it."

Chris crossed his arms in front. "I have heritage rights on the Book too, Wy."

"Well, as the oldest," said Wyatt. "I get dibs on it first." Wyatt walked past Chris. "I'll see you later, Chris. Remember, don't leave the Manor."

Then Wyatt walked out of the attic, carrying the Book of Shadows in his arms.

BREAK

"Seal the Heavens? Why?"

Sandra and the Elders all looked at Leo. They had one mission in the world and that was to protect innocents and the Greater Good. Closing the Heavens would mean abandoning what they stood for.

"Leo, the mortal are aware of the witches on Earth," said Odin. "We cannot let them discover us or the Greater Good would be in jeopardy."

"But we'll put the Greater Good in jeopardy if we leave them!"

"We have no choice, Leo," said Sandra. "It's the only way to protect the Greater Good. We'll unseal the Heavens when people forget about magic, but until then, we must stay alive to help the Greater Good."

Leo shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I don't agree. We need to stay and help protect the innocents."

"I'm sorry, Leo, but you're outnumbered. We are closing the Heavens."

"Then I won't stay."

All the Elders gasped and Roland spoke. "Leo! You can't risk your life living down there. We need you here."

"My family needs me. My son needs me. I will risk my life to protect the ones I care," countered Leo and the Elders stared. They knew he was the emotional Elder out of all of them because he had family on Earth. He had two sons that were powerful and constantly in danger from demons and evil forces. Now, they were in danger of the mortal witch hunters. "I lost my youngest son a few days ago. Chris is dead and I won't lose my other son."

Leo didn't wait for them to react as he orbed back out of the Heavens and to the rest of his family at Magic School.