Chapter 36

Chris had gone to bed late that night. He had spent most of the night orbing around the city, protecting the innocents. His last innocent he saved, he had to protect her from two brute demons. Chris ordered them to back off, but the demons pointed out that he's not their boss. They attacked, but Chris easily defeated them. But, not without one of them pulling his shoulder out of place.

Chris rested his head on the pillow and closed his eyes, drifting to a wonderful dream world. Chris felt like he was only in there for a few minutes when he felt someone tugging his injured shoulder.

Chris' eyes snapped opened, using his free arm to grab onto the attacker. However, his flying hand was snatched from the air and stopped.

"Easy brother. It's just me."

Chris blinked a few times and saw Wyatt sitting right next to him. "Wyatt," said Chris, sitting himself up. "What are you doing? It's early in the morning."

Wyatt wrinkled his forehead. "It's nine o'clock in the morning," said Wyatt and Chris looked to the window, seeing the sun shinning over the city.

"Oh," said Chris and he turned back to Wyatt. "So, what's do you need from me so urgently?"

"I just wanted to get the day started," he said and Chris stared questionably at his brother.

"Uh…okay, but why?"

Wyatt stared at him as if Chris' question was a trick. After a moment, Wyatt spoke. "Chris," he started, "Did you think I would forget?"

"Forget what?"

"It's your 18th birthday," said Wyatt and he pulled out a present from behind him. He handed it to Chris. "Happy Birthday little brother."

Chris stared at the present in his hands. He had completely forgotten it was his birthday. He was eighteen. Eighteen years old and now officially an adult. Chris carefully examined the present, but Wyatt became impatient.

"Stop staring at it like that," he snapped, "It's not going to explode! Now, open it."

Chris tore the wrappings off and found that Wyatt's present was a necklace that had a triquetra pendant. "Wow," said Chris as he stared at his family's symbol. "Thanks Wyatt."

Wyatt was pleased to see his brother admire the present. "It's your birthday," he said. "Besides, it's not your only gift."

Chris stared up at his brother. "You don't have to get me anymore."

"Yes, I do," said Wyatt. "Chris, you're my brother. Let me spoil you for once."

Chris didn't say anything and he raised his arms to put the necklace around his neck. As he did, a shot of pain and tearing came from his shoulder. Chris winced and lowered his arms back down. Wyatt stared at his brother worriedly.

"What's wrong?" he asked. "Why are you hurting?"

Chris rubbed his shoulder. "I popped my shoulder out of place and it's still sore."

Wyatt immediately put his glowing hands over his brother's shoulders. Chris felt the warmth and felt the pain being sucked away. Wyatt removed his hands. "What did you do to get that?"

Chris shrugged. "I was lifted something way too heavy for me."

"I would believe that if you were a mortal," said Wyatt. "Tell me the truth Chris."

Chris sighed and rubbed his hair with the arm that got healed. It didn't hurt. "A demon," said Chris and he saw his brother's face flush. "It's not a big deal. I took care of the demon. I just pissed it off."

"Christopher…" said Wyatt as he got up from the bed and paced. "Can't you ever just stay out of trouble."

Chris sarcastically acted like he was thinking. "Let me think…uh no."

Wyatt shook his head. "I'm not going to start a fight with you today," he said. "Just hurrying up and get dressed."

"Why?"

"Stop questioning me and just do it," said Wyatt. "We're going on a trip."

"I don't want to go anywhere," said Chris.

Wyatt frowned at him, but Chris didn't look at him. His thoughts turned to the day his mother died. The day of his birthday, she died. He remembered so clearly. He came back home to have the quiet family birthday dinner to only find his mother not in the kitchen but in the hallway The way she laid still on the floor, her shirt drenched in her own blood as Wyatt held him back. His father grieving on the opposite side of Piper's dead body. It was the worst birthday ever.

"You're upset because today is also Mom's death anniversary."

Chris didn't speak, but Wyatt knew that he was right.

"Chris," he said. "Mom wouldn't be happy to se you sulking on your birthday."

"She wouldn't be happy with a lot of things," commented Chris.

Wyatt rolled his eyes, but didn't speak. He stared at his brother as Chris fingered the pendant on the necklace. Wyatt made the necklace very special. It would warn Chris danger by glowing and alert Wyatt to his whereabouts. However, Chris doesn't need to know about its special features.

Chris finally put the necklace around his neck and it dangled in front of him. Chris smiled at the pendant. The triquetra reminded him of his family and having it around his neck gave him comfort that his family was still alive.

Wyatt watched his brother's face light up as he admired the necklace. "So, Chris what were you planning on doing today?"

Chris shrugged. "I don't know," he said. "I didn't even remember it was my birthday. I guess I would do what I always do."

"Walk around the streets and taunt demons?"

Chris gave his older brother a smirk and got out of his bed.

"Maybe," he said and he headed to the bathroom. "Why? Did you have better plans?"

Wyatt got up from the bed as well, leaning against the wall. He stared at his brother, watching him closely. "I do," he said. "I thought we should go to Las Vegas tonight."

"Las Vegas?"

Wyatt nodded his head. "Yeah," he said. "I've been thinking of expanding my horizons outside San Francisco."

Chris leaned back against the wall, interested. "Really?" he said. "And you just want to check out Las Vegas?"

"I'm just killing two birds with one stone," said Wyatt. "I'm taking you to Las Vegas as a birthday present and to check and see…"

"Battle strategy?" said Chris and Wyatt just narrowed his eyes at him, knowing perfectly well what his brother was accusing him for. "What?" asked Chris.

"I didn't say anything."

"But you want to say something."

"It's your birthday, Chris," said Wyatt, his tone slightly annoyed. "I don't want to fight with you. Let's just get along."

Chris sighed and nodded his head. "All right," he said. "Just give me a few minutes to get ready."

BREAK

Jen and Ryan roamed the streets, dressed in drabs that they stole from Sans Souci. Jen felt awful, but Ryan pointed out that their clothes were burned and cut from the attack at Magic School.

They walked downtown, taking in a few battle worn sites where buildings were toppled and grass and weeds grew between the cracks of the sidewalks. No one dared walk near the buildings, afraid that demons hid in the dark shadows, ready to pounce and burn them.

Jen and Ryan stayed with the crowd, trying their best to eavesdrop on people's conversations. They managed to pick up a few things like the registration, the U.S. government finally taking actions against Lord Wyatt's reign, and the increase hardships that Lord Wyatt had put on the civilians of the city.

After a long day's work of investigation, Jen pulled Ryan into a coffee house where they sat in the corner, drinking the cheapest drink they could get. It wasn't the best coffee they had before, but it would do.

"So, the whole idea of the registration," said Jen. "I can't believe that Lord Wyatt would even allow that. I thought that he of all people would oppose that new law."

Ryan took a sip of his coffee, breathing out slowly to let his lips cool. "Well, I think he only allowed it to gain the information."

"What do you mean?"

"The registration informs the government how many witches there are in the world and what type of power they possess," said Ryan. "Now, imagine how useful that would be to his lordship."

Jen leaned back, aware of Wyatt's intentions. "I understand," she said as she shook her head. "There's nowhere safe anymore."

"That's not true," said Ryan. "Valhalla is safe."

"But Leo managed to orb us all onto the island," said Jen. "Lord Wyatt has whitelighter abilities. He can orb in with his demon army."

"I doubt it," said Ryan. "I bet once we orbed in, Leo and that leader girl. I forget her name…I bet they're putting protection spells everywhere to prevent him from locating the island and getting in."

"I hope so," said Jen as she stared at the window. As she looked, she noticed two dark clothed men walking down the sidewalk. Jen stared a little closer and realized they weren't men. They were demons.

"Ryan!" she said, but then lowered her voice when a few customers turned their heads to them. "Demons…outside."

Ryan looked past Jen and out the window as he got up from his seat. "Let's go," he said and they left their table, leaving their half drunk coffee behind.

They exited the coffeehouse, following the two demons. Jen huddled close to Ryan. He noticed and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close as they continued their trail.

The two demons were talking, but it was hard to catch everything they were saying. Ryan managed to catch something about Lord Wyatt's trip, a stubborn brat, and Revolution #9, a bar that Ryan used to frequent before magic became exposed.

"I can't believe demons go to my bar!" said Ryan to Jen, who gave him a dirty look. "Sorry…"

"What are they saying," asked Jen to change the subject. "Besides about going to your bar."

"Something about his lordship going on a trip," replied Ryan. "But that's all I got." He didn't think the stubborn brat was important information.

"A trip?" said Jen. "Ryan, we need to know where."

"Yeah, I know."

The demons turned around the corner and Ryan and Jen quicken their pace to round it as well. When the rounded the corner, the demons weren't insight. Ryan let go of Jen and thrust his fist in the air. "Damn it!" he uttered. "We lost them!"

Jen stared around, searching. She remembered her training in magic school. Never assume that you're safe in a dangerous place. She glanced around, taking in every spot among the street.

"Ryan?" she said. "I don't think they're gone."

"You're right."

Ryan and Jen turned around and saw the two demons they were following. They were both sneering at Ryan and Jen and one of them produced a fireball. The demon tossed it at Jen, but Ryan pushed her away and the fireball went in between the two. Jen stumbled a little and the demon approached her. Jen grabbed the nearest thing and swung it at the demon. It hit the demon's face and she heard a crack. But, a demon cannot die from just a whack to the head.

Ryan had a bit of a trouble with his demon. His was bigger and stronger. He picked Ryan up by his shirt collar and tossed him a few feet in the air. He landed on his legs and fell on his butt. Ryan jumped up, but knew he couldn't have a skin fight with this demon. He wished he carried an athame.

Jen whacked her demon again. The demon spun and in that second of hesitation, she charged forward with her weapon and stabbed him in the back. The demon cried and burst into flames.

Jen turned around to see Ryan be thrown down the street. She took her weapon and rammed it into the demon's back. The demon roared out and burst like his partner.

"Are you okay?" asked Jen and Ryan nodded.

"Let's call Leo," suggested Ryan, grabbing Jen's arm to pull her along. "We gotta get out of this area first."

"But we didn't find out what Lord Wyatt's up to?"

"I rather find out later and live," said Ryan as the two of them walked away from their battle scene.

BREAK

Wyatt and Chris stood outside one of the many casinos in Las Vegas. The place was buzzing and glowing. The lights themselves made it appear that it was daytime and not nighttime. Chris had to blink several times to adjust, but Wyatt just stood around gleefully.

"Welcome to Las Vegas, brother," he said. "Come on, let's go inside."

Chris reluctantly followed his older brother to the entrance of the casino. The doors opened and the two Halliwell brothers walked through and into what looked like a party.

The lights bedazzled the ceiling and women in cocktail dresses were roaming around the machines, pools, and tables with drinks. People were screaming, cheering, and laughing drunkenly as they took another glass of champagne. Men with earpieces walked around, eyeing every guest, searching for any foul play. The sound of winning entered Chris' ears as well, but that didn't interest in him as much as it did for his brother.

Wyatt leaned over to Chris. "You see this Chris?"

"Yeah."

"This, all of this, is what life is about," he said. "Not a care in the world. Just having a good time. Forgetting your fears and worries. You're free here and no one will judge you."

"I would," said Chris, but Wyatt didn't hear him.

"Come on," he said. "Let's try your birthday luck."

Wyatt dragged Chris down to the gambling part, but as soon as they reached the floor, two earpiece men approached them.

"I'm sorry," said a man with balding hair and thick eyebrows. "But you must be twenty-one years or older to enter. Otherwise, you must leave."

Wyatt's lips twisted into a sinister smile. He crossed his arms in front of him. "You hear that Chris?" he said to his little brother. "They're trying to boss me around."

The next earpiece man stepped forward. "You'll leave now or I'll have to call security."

"By all means do," said Wyatt snobbishly. "And I'll call mine."

After his statement, six demons shimmered in behind Wyatt and Chris. The two earpiece men jumped back, frightened at what they had just witnessed. Wyatt smirked at their fear.

"Let's just see how your men fare against mine," said Wyatt.

The two earpiece men jumped aside. "No, that's okay," said the second man. "You may go on ahead."

Wyatt glared at him. "That's right," he said, but then he motioned two of demons forward. The two demons grabbed the two ear pieced men and dragged them off. Chris watched the demons take the men away. Chris knew that they were going to be killed. Chris moved to follow the demons and the men, when Wyatt grabbed him. His brother then proceeded to drag Chris out to the gambling floor. The other demons followed their lord closely behind.

"Stop worrying about it Chris," said Wyatt when he noticed Chris looking back, searching for where the two demons took the men. "It had to be done."

"Did it?"

Wyatt glanced at Chris. "Yes, they were in my way," he said. "Plus, they threatened us."

"They were just doing their jobs," said Chris. "And they both were right. We're not twenty-one Wyatt. I'm eighteen and you're nineteen. We're not allowed in here."

"Rules were meant to be broken, Chris," said Wyatt. "Besides, I'm going to change a few things around here."

"You don't own this casino."

"I do now," said Wyatt as he stopped in front of a blackjack table. He looked to Chris. "You know how to play?"

Chris shook his head.

"I'll teach you," said Wyatt as he took a seat and so did Chris. "Grandpa taught me when I was thirteen."

"Grandpa?"

Wyatt nodded, but didn't notice Chris' face creasing in sadness. "Now, pay attention."

The blackjack dealer looked at Wyatt, Chris, and the demons behind them. The dealer's face grew pale and nervous sweat beaded down his forehead. The dealer shuffled the cards and dealt them out with shaky hands. Wyatt's became annoyed.

"Stop fidgeting," he ordered and the deal flinched from Wyatt's tone.

"Light up," said Chris to his brother. "Your demons are scaring the poor guy. Get rid of them."

Wyatt looked over at Chris and sighed. "Leave," he ordered to his demons and they shimmered away. Wyatt looked at the dealer. "Happy?"

The dealer gulped.

Wyatt looked at his cards. "Let's just play and you," he said to his brother. "Pay attention."

BREAK

Jen and Ryan returned. They had managed to call out to Leo and he sent Leysa to retrieve the two. When they cam back, they had another council meeting and Coop didn't join again.

Once everyone was back in the temple cave, Freyja stood up and requested that Jen and Ryan stand forward and present the information they learned.

"We found out that they are doing registration for witches," said Ryan. "All witches must go to a government agency and register. It helps keep the government keep an eye on the witches and know who has what powers."

"And Lord Wyatt allowed it so that he could use the information as well," added Jen.

Leo dropped his head down when he heard Jen mention his son's name. Henry noticed and felt a little pity for Leo. Many people looked at Leo when Jen said Wyatt's name. Not all the looks were pity though like Henry's. Some flashed Leo a bitter, resentful look.

"Plus, we also learned that the punishments had increased," said Ryan. "And that Wyatt's going on a trip…somewhere."

Everyone perked up at that tidbit of news. Freyja stared at Ryan intensely. "Where?"

"We don't know," answered Jen. "We were hoping to find out, but…"

"The demons were trailing jumped us," finished Ryan. "Had to kill them off and make a run. We didn't get where he was going."

Freyja nodded and turned to Leo. "Elder Leo," she spoke softly, but commandingly. "What do you think?"

Leo scrunched up his face in concentration. He rubbed his chin as he thought. "I think that my son," he said as he raised his eyes to meet everyone else's. "I think Wyatt's expanding his empire. If Wyatt went on a trip, it was either to expand or take care of a threat." Leo turned to Jen and Ryan. "Did you hear of any threat?"

Ryan and Jen shook their heads. "No," answered Ryan. "Nothing, but the U.S. government."

Leo nodded. "Then it looks like he's expanding beyond San Francisco."

"Jesus," muttered another resistance leader. "That's more territory to protect. We don't have enough people as it is."

"I know," said Leo and then he sighed heavily. "I know."

Upon seeing Leo's distress face, Freyja jumped back into the conversation. "We first help those that need help and protection. We'll help as many as we can."

They all nodded in agreement and discarded amongst the island. Leo walked away, wanting to be alone and think to himself.

BREAK

Chris watched his brother play for a half an hour around the gambling room. Wyatt would win some and lose some, but he never really actually lost. When he lost any money, he would choke the person with his telekinesis and they would surrender the win to him.

Many of the guests disappeared from the casino that they were in, but that didn't bother Wyatt at all. Chris lounged around, sitting down in one of the chairs. He was offered a glass of wine and he took it, drinking it all in one gulp.

It wasn't the worst birthday, but it wasn't in his top sixteen. When Wyatt had stopped paying attention to him, Chris wandered off from the gambling floor and into the lounge room where it seemed most of the guests were now huddling and socializing.

Chris entered, but no one seemed to notice him. He was thankful for that and he went to the corner of the room. He took a seat on one of the empty couches. Everyone passed him without a glance and he enjoyed the relaxation away from his brother.

Wyatt wasn't very fun and his 18th birthday wasn't enjoyable. He watched the others enjoy their night. Chris could swear that they weren't aware that the villainous Lord Wyatt was in the building and he already had a few causalities behind him.

"Excuse me?"

Chris looked up and saw an attractive woman standing in front of him. She had long blonde, curled hair and wearing a navy blue mini dress. She smiled and her blue eyes sparkled. Chris gave her a smile back.

"May I help you?" asked Chris.

"Is the seat next to you empty?"

Chris nodded and the woman sat down next to him. "My name's Jess," she said. "What's yours?"

"Chris," he answered. "Here on vacation?"

The girl was still smiling. "Yeah, I'm on vacation with a few of my sorority sisters," she said. "Just a weekend trip. Why are you here?"

"Birthday party."

"Ah and you decided to just ditch the party?"

"It wasn't very much fun."

"Someone became a mean drunk?"

Chris thought. "I would say so, yes." Drunk on power, thought Chris.

"Yeah, my ex-boyfriend was a mean drunk."

"I'm sorry," said Chris, but the woman waved him down.

"It's okay," she said. "I'm over him now."

That wasn't what Chris meant. He was sorry that her ex-boyfriend was a violent drunk. No one should have to deal with a violent person.

Chris stared out in the crowd and noticed a few envious girls looking their way and some giggling girls. He dropped his head. The girls watching them were Jess' sorority sisters.

Suddenly, he felt pressure on his thigh and he looked over to see Jess' hand touching him.

"So, since, you ditched the party," she said as she moved her hand up. "Are you doing anything else tonight."

Chris shook his head. "Nope," he said as he stared into her dazzling eyes. "No, my schedule is wide open."

She leaned forward. "Good."

Her lips landed on his and they got closer to each other. They weren't worried about people staring at them. It was Las Vegas. It was expected for a guy and a girl to be making out on the couch. That's what the couches were for.

Jess placed her hand on Chris' chest as she lowered her mouth to his neck, kissing his skin. She then moved her hands to the back of his head to push his face closer to hers, shoving and tangling her fingers through his hair. She pushed herself against him and he allowed her.

Chris' hands were moving up her leg and the other hand behind her back, going underneath the straps of her dress. Maybe his birthday wasn't turning out to be as bad as he thought it would be.

"I see you're having fun."

Jess and Chris parted and stared up at Wyatt. Chris groaned at the sight of his brother while Jess stared irritably at him.

"I'm sorry," she said.

Wyatt turned to stare at her. "I wasn't talking to you," he said. "But I must give my congrats to my baby brother. You're a stunning girl."

Jess looked from Wyatt to Chris. "Brother?"

Chris turned to her. "Yes," he said tiredly.

Wyatt smirked at his brother. "Don't be rude. Introduce me to this girl."

Chris glowered at his brother. "Jess, this is Wyatt," he said. "Wyatt, Jess."

Jess crinkled her nose and her eyes dropped into slits as she thought. Then, her eyes went wide and her mouth dropped open. "Wyatt? Wyatt as in…"

"Halliwell?" said Wyatt. "In the flesh."

Jess flushed red and put her hands to her forehead. "Oh my God," she uttered and a look of terror spread across her beautiful features. Then she faced Chris. "Brother?"

Chris opened his mouth to explain, but Wyatt spoke. "Yes, my little brother, Chris."

"Fuck," she said as she backed away from him.

"Excuse me?" asked Wyatt, his voice lower.

"She didn't say anything Wyatt," said Chris, trying to defend Jess from being telekinetically choked. Chris could see Wyatt's anger rising and he needed to protect Jess from becoming another one of his causalities. "Thanks for the um…bye," said Chris he left with Wyatt following.

Chris walked pretty fast down the hallway. Wyatt ran to catch him, but then opt to orb in front of him. Chris slammed into Wyatt and feel backwards. Wyatt lent his hand, but Chris ignored it and got up on his own. He walked around Wyatt and continued his fast pace towards the exit doors.

"Where're you going?" asked Wyatt. "To another casino to make out with another girl?"

"I'm going wherever you won't be," said Chris and Wyatt grasped his arm and made him stop.

"Excuse me?" said Wyatt, his eyes glowing dangerously. "I don't like that tone or your attitude. I brought you here to celebrate your birthday and all you have done is be ungrateful to me. I've done a lot for you, Chris."

Chris tugged his arm out of Wyatt's hold and continued walking towards the exit. However, as Chris walked further away from him, Wyatt felt a warning. A warning that Chris was in danger.

Wyatt looked up, but he didn't see anything going towards Chris as he went through the double doors. Wyatt hurried after him, going through the double glass doors and standing right next to a frozen Christopher Halliwell.

Out in front were soldiers, all armed with guns that pointed at either Wyatt. A man off to the side held a megaphone and he spoke into the machine. "Wyatt Halliwell? You are under arrest. Lower your hands and we will not kill you."

Wyatt sneered at their insistence for him to obey their orders. He wondered for a minute how they found out he was here, but then he remembered that he's famous around the world. Everyone knew about him and his powers.

Wyatt turned to Chris, but discovered that he wasn't standing next to him. Chris had been seized and was handcuffed with his hands behind his back. He had three guns in his face and one pointed at his heart. Wyatt stared down at the pendant and saw it glowing. Wyatt was well aware that Chris was in danger.

"Or," said the man with the megaphone. "Come peacefully and we won't hurt you or your brother."

Wyatt turned and glared at the man. No one threatened his brother. With a hand, he curled his fingers into a fist as he stared at the man with the megaphone. The guy dropped the megaphone and grabbed his throat, but it snapped. He collapsed to the ground dead.

Then, Wyatt waved his hand at the soldiers in front. An orange wave washed over them, dismembering them into tiny chunks of fat and muscles, their bones crumbled. Wyatt heard gunshots being fired, but he flicked his hand and the bullets came pelting right back to the snipers that shot at him.

Then Wyatt heard Chris cry out. He turned and saw them dragging Chris away. Wyatt held out his hand and Chris turned to tiny blue and black orbs. He then reappeared right next to his brother. Wyatt sent another wave of heat and melted the men who held his brother captive.

Satisfied that the militiamen were all dead, he orbed Chris away from Las Vegas and back home.

When they appeared, Wyatt got Chris out of the handcuffs and healed his blistered wrists. "I'm sorry that your birthday got ruined," said Wyatt. "But there's still cake if you want to blow out the candles."

Chris didn't even look at Wyatt. He just took a seat in a chair, sighing with resignation. Wyatt examined his brother and then took a seat on the couch. "I'm sorry Chris. That wasn't supposed to happen," he tried to catch Chris' eyes. "Are you still hurt?"

Chris shook his head. "No, just a little shaken. I never had three guns in my face and one pointed at my heart." Chris pointed towards his chest.

"But you've been shot before," said Wyatt, but he hated remembering that day. It was the day he almost lost his brother.

"Yeah," said Chris, but he looked distant as if he wasn't in the room.

"But, hey, you managed to have your first kiss," said Wyatt. "Or make-out session, whatever."

Chris looked up at his brother, but he didn't say anything. Wyatt sighed and stared sadly at his brother. He wanted his brother to have a good time and so far, Chris had only smiled once and that was when he got the necklace.

"I'm really sorry that your birthday was ruined," apologized Wyatt. "I wanted you to have a good time."

"Well, you're the one who had the good time," said Chris and he glanced at his brother.

Wyatt sat on the edge of the couch. "Look, I'll make it up to you," he said. "I'll get you whatever you want. Anything. Just name it. You want to go to NYC? Done. You want a car? Done." Wyatt shifted in his seat. "Just tell me what you want."

Chris eyed his brother. "I want us to the way we use to be. Living in the Manor, going to school. Talking about comic books…"

Wyatt shook his head. "No, sorry little brother," he said. "Not that. Something else more concrete."

Chris nodded and he knew that his first real wish wouldn't be granted. But he had to try. "Okay," he said and he breathed out slowly. His next gift wish would be just as difficult to get, but maybe Wyatt would agree to it. He hoped he would, but wouldn't be surprise if he said no.

Chris looked directly into Wyatt's eyes. "I want to find my own place."

Silence. Wyatt didn't wave from Chris' eyes and neither did Chris. He wanted to show to his brother that he really meant it. He wanted his own place. He was tired of being force to live with Wyatt and wake up with demons roaming the halls.

Wyatt sucked in a gust of air and leaned back in the couch. "You want to leave?"

Chris felt his brother's resentment and rising anger though Wyatt didn't show it. Wyatt had managed to show a calm expression even when his temper was high and violent.

"No," said Chris. "I just want my own place. A place to myself."

"You have a room here," said Wyatt. "What's wrong with it? Did the demons not do a good job fixing it?"

"No, they did," said Chris. "It's just that. Demons. I don't like waking up to see demons right outside my bedroom."

Wyatt nodded his head thoughtfully, but Chris didn't know what he was thinking. "So, you want to leave because of the demons?" he said. "I can reduce the number of demons."

Chris rolled his head. "It doesn't matter how many you reduce," he complained. "I don't like having demons around."

"I can't get rid of the demons, Chris," said Wyatt. "I need them. They're here to protect us. Without them, we might be attacked on a daily basis."

"I just want my own place," said Chris. "I hardly live here anyways."

"Chris…"

"Wyatt," said Chris. "I'm glad that you gave me a place to sleep, eat, clothes to wear, and protection, but I want my own place with no demons. I want a private place…Wy, I don't want to live in a fortress."

"So, you find this place to be a fortress?"

"Yes!" Chris shouted. "It is. I mean there are so many demons around, guarding and patrolling. Not to mention that it's really hard to enter the apartment complex without orbing."

"Chris…"

"It doesn't mean that I won't be seeing you," said Chris. "If you want to come and visit or if you need me back here for whatever reason, I'll come. I just want a place to live. Wyatt, I want to be normal."

Wyatt stared at his brother thoughtfully again. He looked away, staring out the window. He let out a sigh. "I'll think about it."

Chris nodded his head and then got up from the seat. "Well, I'm going to go to bed," he said. "Night."

"Good night."

BREAK

Leo stared up at the dark sky. He had heard screams of pain and horror echoing in his ears. People were dying and he was standing in a safe jungle. There were so many that needed help. How was he going to save everyone when his own family was dying left and right?

"Uncle Leo?"

Leo looked away from the dark sky and saw Henry Jr. looking up at him. "Hello, junior," said Leo. "What's up?"

"I was just wondering if you were saying happy birthday to Chris," he said, his voice still not matured and soft. "Because if you are, could you tell him I say happy birthday too?"

Leo blinked. Today would have been Chris' 18th birthday. He would have been an adult. Eighteen years had passed since he came into the hospital room to find Piper holding a tiny infant in her arms. She was smiling and cradling him calling him a peanut.

"You can tell him," said Leo. "Just look up a the sky. Think of him and say 'Happy Birthday'."

Henry Jr. walked over and stood right next to his uncle. He tilted his head back so that his eyes were staring up at the stars. Henry Jr. closed his eyes. "Happy Birthday cousin Chris."

Leo smiled and he looked up at the sky as well. He pictured Chris with his mother, his three aunts, his grandparents, Patty and Victor. They were all smiling and wishing him an 18th birthday as well. Chris was hugging his mother, happy again to be with her and the people he loved the most.

"Happy Birthday son," muttered Leo as he stared at the twinkling stars. "I miss you."