Chapter 37
It's been five days and, so far, Chris hadn't heard anything from Wyatt. He hadn't even seen his brother in the past few days. When Chris tried to talk to him, Wyatt would either orb out or wouldn't be around. His demon lackeys told him that he was a very busy person now that he's expanding the empire and having to deal with pathetic people trying to stop him. Chris blew the demons up and muttered. "They're not pathetic."
Chris still went out on secret missions of his own though. He would head out to the streets, searching around to help anyone that needed it. He would fight at least three demons every day and save a few handful of citizens. Chris found it tiring, but he never gave up. It was rewarding to their faces relieved after thinking they were about to die. A few even asked him if he was an angel, but Chris never answered the question with a yes. He didn't want to be associated with his father's half.
In the early afternoon, Chris found himself sitting outside an old coffeehouse. He wasn't the only one. There were a few others around him and they were all mortals. He felt normal and nothing could ruin his day as he sat and stared at the small population daring to walk outside their homes.
Until someone sat next to him.
"Beautiful day."
Chris rolled his eyes. "What are you doing here Matt…right?"
Matt nodded his head. "Yep," he said. "I'm glad you remember me."
"Don't get too happy," said Chris. "It's nothing to celebrate about. Doesn't mean I find you important."
"I'm sorry," said Matt, "But your brother finds me important."
"Congrats," mumbled Chris as he shifted in his seat to sit up taller than Matt. "So, has my brother decided?"
"About you moving out?" said Matt and he shook his head. "Of course not. He's been a bit occupied with expanding to figure out what to do with you."
"I'm touched," said Chris and he stood up. "I didn't think Wyatt would put power before family, but he just keeps surprising me."
Chris grabbed his coffee cup and dumped it into the nearest trashcan, walking away from Matt. He found Matt to be annoying. He always tried to please Wyatt and wanted to take on missions. He adored Wyatt and listened to every word Wyatt spoke as if it they were the answers to everything. Matt even tried to buddy with Chris, but Chris didn't allow it. Matt often tried to hang out with him or even just talk, but Chris always made an excuse to leave.
Chris walked further down the street, thinking about Wyatt's promise to him. He said he would think about it. Who needs five fucking days to think about your baby brother moving out of your home? Chris stuffed his hands inside his hoodie and bowed his head down as a couple of demons walked passed him.
When the demons were out of sight, Chris whispered his brother's name. "Wyatt," he said. "Wyatt? I need to talk to you. Wy?"
Chris looked around, but he didn't hear the sound of orbs or see his brother in sight. Chris sighed and kicked at an empty soda can on the sidewalk. The can bounced from the building and rolled onto the street, resting by the curb near a car.
That's when a thought sprouted in his head. If Wyatt wouldn't answer him, he was going to have to force Wyatt to see him. Chris hurried, going down multiple streets until he found the place he was looking. BMW of San Francisco Dealership.
Chris walked over and searched through the parking lot, checking out the nice, classic ALPINA B7 and M9 Convertibles. He imagined as a kid driving one of these, but he liked the car his grandfather left for him.
"May I help you sir?"
Chris looked up from a red M8 Convertible to see a salesman with a crooked grin staring right at him. Chris straightened up.
"Yeah," said Chris. "Do you have the keys to this car?"
The salesman looked over at the car. "Ah…the M8 Convertible. Very Classy."
"Yeah," agreed Chris. "Can I take it for a spin?"
"Ah, yes," said the salesman, "But, I'll need you to fill out some paperwork and I'll have to join you for the test ride. Follow me."
Chris followed the salesman inside and to his office. The salesman went behind his desk and pulled out a piece of paper. "Okay, need you to fill this out," he said as he hand the paper and a pen to Chris.
Chris took it and read the paper. It asked him personal information and driving information. Chris raised his eyes as he watched the man search for the keys to the vehicle.
The salesman smiled as he pulled the correct key. "Ah, found the little bugger," he said as he walked around his desk, stopping right next to Chris. "Make sure you fill out the last part as well. Most people forget about that."
Chris stared at the salesman and placed the paper and pen on the desk. "Uh, yeah, I don't want to fill this out," he said.
The salesman laughed a little. "Well, then, I'm afraid you can't take a test run."
Chris sighed and his lips became thin. "I'm sorry," he said.
The salesman nodded his head and was about to say goodbye to the young man when Chris' punched him in the lower face. The salesman fell backwards, dropping the key.
Chris snatched the key and bolted out of the dealership and towards the M8 Convertible. Opening the car door, Chris jumped into the seat and closed the door behind him. He turned the key and the engine jumped the car to life. Chris put it into drive and hit the accelerator. The car turbo powered forward and out of the dealership. Chris looked in his rearview mirror to see the salesman had gotten up, shouting and pointing at the car Chris was driving.
Chris smiled as the wind flapped through his hair. He hit the radio button and music came out of the speakers, the bass making it seem the drums in the music were pounding the side of the door.
"Let's see what you got," said Chris as he slammed the accelerator again. The car's speed increased and Chris zoomed around corners and went down a few highways, dodging other cars. He listened to other vehicles honk their horns and rant at him, but he didn't care. He wasn't putting this show on for them.
Chris pulled off the highway and returned to the downtown area when he heard a different sound coming from behind him. Chris glanced back and saw flashing red and blue lights.
Chris smiled grew bigger.
He decided to give the police a good chase. He took another sharp turn as the police car had to slow down to make the turn. Chris dodged a few more cars as the lonely police car was joined with another police car. Chris turned off into an alleyway and zoomed in with traffic. The other cars swerved to avoid colliding with him. Chris turned off on another street as now three police cars trailed after him.
Chris was about turn the car around another corner when a gray mini van came out of nowhere. The van hit the tip of Chris' car. The car did a 180-degree spin and then stopped. Chris looked up from where his car stopped and saw the police coming at him. The police cars braked and got out of their car, holding their guns towards him.
"Freeze!" one of the policemen shouted. "Get you hands up where I can see them!"
Game over.
Chris raised his hands and watched as the policemen approached the two vehicles. Two of them attended the other vehicle as a mother and child hopped out of the car. The little girl was crying hysterically as the mother, nervous as well, tried to comfort her and talk to the police.
Three policemen approached Chris. They had their guns up and one of them used their free hand to open Chris' door.
"You're in big trouble, kid," he said.
Chris nodded. "I know."
BREAK
"Does he have a number?"
"Not that I'm aware of."
"So, he's mortal?"
"I would assume so."
"Hey, what's your name?"
Chris looked up at the two police officers that had dragged him into the station. He was sitting on a bench that the two officers had dropped him off at. The arresting officers left Chris in the care of the two leading officers at the station and he sat patiently. He had been through this process before and knew the drill. Answer all the questions and then just wait for Wyatt to come.
"Christopher," said Chris, pausing for a moment, "Perry. Christopher Perry."
"Christopher Perry," muttered the officer as he scribbled the fake name down on the piece of paper. The secretary lady behind the desk started tapping at her keyboard. The officers turned to look at her as they waited for something Chris didn't know about.
The lady read something from the computer and shook her head. "Nope," she answered. "No Christopher Perry in the system."
The police officers gave a sigh of relief. "Good," they muttered. The one furthest away from him look to the other police officer. "Put him in Cell B3."
The officer grabbed Chris' elbow and led him through the station to the cell rooms. As they passed through, Chris noticed a few changes since the last time he was arrested.
The one door became two doors to enter the holding cells and Chris wondered which door he would go through.
"A lot of trouble going on nowadays?" asked Chris as he motioned his head to the two doors.
"With crazies running around," muttered the officer, "of course crime would pick up. Lucky enough, you aren't the dangerous kind."
"What's the dangerous kind?"
The officer's eyes narrowed as he growled, "Witches."
The officer opened the left door and led Chris down a small hallway of jail cells before stopping at one. He unlocked it and then pushed Chris inside. He slammed the cell door closed and locked it.
"Aren't I allowed one phone call?" said Chris, but the officer shook his head.
"Maybe a few years ago kid," he said. "You picked the wrong year to steal a car."
The officer then left Chris in his cell. As the door opened and closed, Chris stared around his surroundings, surprising himself that he wasn't alone. A big bald man two cells down peered through his bars, staring greedily at Chris.
"Whacha ya in for, pretty?"
Chris gagged and turned away from the man, thankful to have a cell in between them. The bald man frowned.
"I said whadda in for?" the bald man repeated.
Chris turned to face the guy, his dead and his tone serious. "None of your goddamn business."
The bald man frowned deepened as his busted lip sagged. He looked past Chris and muttered. "Hey, yo Marko!"
Chris wondered whom the hell Marko was when he felt an arm go around his neck. Clinging onto the arm, Chris realized that he had a neighbor in the other cell. Marko tightened his grip around Chris' neck. Chris' face turned a slightly off color as he choked for air.
"Should have answered the damn question, pretty," said the bald man.
Remembering the many times he has seen his brother fight off attackers, Chris balled his fingers into a fist. The arm around Chris' neck loosened and Chris clawed his way out, scrambling to the middle as Marko grabbed for his own throat. Now, he was the one choking and gasping for air.
"Don't mess with me," spat Chris and he uncurled his fist and Marko started to breathe again.
Marko backed away from the bars and so did the bald guy. They both stopped terrorizing him and Chris went to his metal cot to lay down. He smiled to himself, as he got comfortable, knowing that he was perfectly safe in his little cell.
However, he didn't noticed the triquetra on his necklace glowed.
BREAK
Wyatt sat at his desk when a knock came to his door. Wyatt raised his blue eyes to the door. "Enter."
An older woman walked into the room. She had short blonde hair, light eyes, and her athletic figure made her look younger than her actual age. She didn't smile when she walked towards the middle of the room. She stood straight and then slightly bowed, "Good afternoon, Lord Wyatt."
Wyatt leaned back in his chair. He wondered when he was going to see her. He had given her an offer a few days ago and promised to wait for her answer by the end of the week. "You've made a decision, Phoenix?"
The Phoenix turned her hand, trying to hide the birthmark on her wrist. "Yes," she said. "My clan and I will side with you."
Wyatt nodded. "Smart choice, Lynn," he said as he stood up. "I have your first assignment right here."
Wyatt handed Lynn a folder. "All the information you need about your target is in there," he said as Lynn took the folder and opened it, examining the contents. "I want it finished by tomorrow night."
Lynn gave one last look at the papers and closed it. "Don't worry," she said. "My clan is the best. We'll get it done, my lord."
"It better," he said. "This is a test. If you fail…well, I suggest you don't fail."
Lynn gulped, but her stance didn't waver. "Of course, my lord," she said. "Failure is not an option to my clan."
"Good," said Wyatt and he waved his hand. "You may go."
Lynn bowed out and left the room. As soon as the door closed behind her, Wyatt felt a sense of urgency. He closed his eyes, sensing for the danger and finding it. He orbed out of his office and appeared next to Matt on the streets.
The few mortals that witnessed Wyatt's orbs, scattered away, but Matt didn't react. Instead he greeted Wyatt respectively.
"My lord," said Matt. "What brings you here?"
"I need you to go and get Chris," said Wyatt. "He's in trouble…again."
Matt nodded his head quickly. "Okay," he said, "where is he? I'll get him."
Wyatt closed his eyes, but he still sensed the same location. "He's at the police station," he answered. "Punish the ones involved."
Matt nodded and Wyatt orbed back to his office. He sat down in his chair. He didn't feel his brother's fear anymore, but he still sensed that he was alive. Wyatt had been trying to avoid having to make a decision about Chris' living situation. He had lowered the number of demons around Chris and inside the apartment complex. Yet, he could still sense his brother's desire to leave, which killed Wyatt's blackening heart.
He's done everything for his brother and Chris wants to leave him.
BREAK
Matt waltzed into the police station. He glanced around as he walked up to the service desk, flanked by two demons.
The woman at the desk looked up and her mouth trembled at the sight of three men in front of her. "Hello," she greeted with her shaky voice. "May I help you?"
"I'm looking for Mr. Christopher Halliwell," said Matt. He didn't like small chat. He just needed to get what he came for and leave. That's what Wyatt assigned him to do and to punish the idiots that locked up his brother. "I've been told that you have him here. Locked up."
The woman's eyes doubled in size. "I-I'm not aware that Mr. Halliwell was here," she said. The woman looked wildly around the station. "Officer Quail! Come here!"
An officer walked up to the desk, standing only a few feet away. "Yes, Gretchen?"
The woman opened her mouth to speak, but Matt interrupted her. "I'm here to collect Christopher Halliwell. You have him locked up."
The officer appeared dazed and confused. "We don't have him, sir."
Matt frowned. "You better not be lying to me," he warned. "I've been informed by a promising source that you have Christopher Halliwell in custody."
"Well, your informant is incorrect," said the officer, his lips slightly trembling. Onlookers at the station cautiously watched the interaction between the head police officer and Matt. "We don't have a Christopher Halliwell. If we did, I would assure you, we would have notified Lord Wyatt and would not have Mr. Halliwell in this building. You're informant lied."
Matt shook his head. "I doubt that he would lie," he said and he sighed. "I gave you a chance." Matt stared at the two demons.
The demons barged through the police station, shoving and injuring any that got in their way towards the holding cells. Matt followed behind along with Officer Quail. The demons came to the two doors and turned. "Which one?" they hissed.
Office Quail pointed to the right door. "We put magical offenders in that part of the holding cells."
The demons blasted the door opened and went through with little patience of the smoke to clear. Matt and Officer Quail walked through and stopped by the door. Matt looked around. There were only a few magical creatures, but none of them considered dangerous. No wonder Wyatt didn't bother himself with these useless creatures. They weren't powerful enough to get out of police custody. But, then again, neither did Chris Halliwell and Wyatt often told him that Chris was second to his power.
The magical creatures got up and leaned close to the cell gates, but where shot back by a force field guarding the cell doors. Matt took a step forward once he knew he was safe. "I'm looking for a Christopher Halliwell," he said, his voice booming. "Is he here?"
The some of the prisoners shook their heads while others claimed to be Chris Halliwell. The demons threw fireballs at the ones who tried to trick their way out, but it was unnecessary. Matt knew they were lying. It was a futile attempt. Chris Halliwell wasn't in the holding cells. Maybe Lord Wyatt was wrong? No, Lord Wyatt wasn't dumb. He's the most powerful person in the world. He wouldn't make a mistake, especially if it concerned his baby brother.
Matt turned to the officer. "Did you arrest anyone in the last hour and if you did," he said, "where did you put them?"
The officer thought. "We only put one person away," he said, "but he's a mortal. Checked the database. Came clean."
"I don't care what the database says and neither does Lord Wyatt," said Matt, sternly. "Take me to the other holding cells."
Officer Quail, shaking and fumbling with his hands, nodded his head and led the three to next door. Officer Quail opened the door and let the three walked in before him. Matt looked around the holding cells. They were quite different from the other holding cells. For one, they weren't very well protected. Just simple metal bars kept them caged like animals. Another difference was the fact that these mortals were just simple idiots. Weaklings.
"He's in cell B3," said Officer Quail and Matt looked at the numbers above the cells as he walked down the cement hallway. As he got close to B3, he lowered his gaze to the cells, looking at the prisoners. Matt saw a big bulking man who was rubbing his neck. When the man spotted Matt staring at him, he backed further away and into the corner of his cell. Matt smirked and moved onto the next cell.
Then, Matt saw Christopher Halliwell.
Chris was laying on the cot and he picked up his head when he heard footsteps outside his cell doors. When he saw Matt, he groaned and dropped his head back on the cot.
"Weren't expecting me, huh?" said Matt to Chris.
"Not really."
"Well, I've come to rescue you, though I don't understand why you can't do that yourself seeing as you're imprisoned behind normal bars."
Chris sat up and glared at Matt. "Because I'm a normal citizen. I'm being treated like a normal citizen."
Matt stared. "Uh-huh."
Matt turned to look at Officer Quail. "So, you were saying that you don't have Christopher Halliwell?"
Officer Quail glanced from Matt to Chris and then back to Matt. "I swear," he stuttered, "W-we didn't know that he was Christopher H-Halliwell. He told us C-Christopher Perry..."
Matt raised his hand. "Enough," he said, "I don't want to hear excuses and neither does Lord Wyatt." Matt turned to the demons and nodded.
The demons raised their hands, producing fireballs. Upon seeing what was going to happen, Chris jumped off his cot, "NO!" he shouted as he flicked his hand at the demons.
The two demons flew backwards, releasing the fireballs. The fireballs missed their original target. Chris breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Officer Quail still standing and breathing, though the officer's breathing was more like panting and his face paled considerably more than when he first walked into the holding cell room.
Chris snapped his attention back to Matt. "It's not their fault!" said Chris. "It's mine! I broke the law! They were just doing their job."
"Their job is not to put you in jail, Chris," said Matt, calmly.
"No, it's not!"
"You can argue this with your brother," said Matt, "but I have a job to do."
Chris stared at Officer Quail and soon, the officer blurred into blue and white orbs. Then, he disappeared from the holding cells. Matt flared his nose and he eyed Chris. "Orbed him away," he said. "That won't protect him."
"For now, it will," said Chris.
Matt opened the cell door as the two demons stood up, walking over back to Matt. When Chris' cell door opened, Chris backed away. "If you think I'm going to leave willingly," he said. "Think again. I'm not going with you."
"Chris, stop being a stubborn brat."
"Send Wyatt here and maybe I will."
"Lord Wyatt is too busy to deal with petty things."
"So, I'm petty?"
"You are now," said Matt and Chris glared.
Chris crossed his arms in front of his chest and shook his head. "Well tell Lord Wyatt," said Chris, "that when he has the time to deal with petty things, to come down here. I'm not leaving unless my brother comes."
Chris then flicked his wrist and the cell door closed and locked. Chris turned to sit on the cot as Matt placed his hands on the hips and flared his nostrils. He motioned the demons again and they shimmered into Chris' cell. Chris looked up, preparing to fight back when the demons grabbed his arms.
Matt opened the door, "Come on," he said and the demons dragged Chris out of the cell and out of the holding cells.
Chris struggled in the demons' grasps, but it was no use. The demons just tightened their hold and grunted at the young witch-whitelighter. Chris sent a death glare to Matt, but Matt didn't care. To him, this was just another job to please Lord Wyatt.
Once they were in the main station, the police stared at Matt, Chris, and the demons. Chris didn't care if he was causing a commotion. He wanted to be let go. He didn't want to be touched by demons. To him, a demon's touch was like touching a burning stovetop. Painful and terrible.
Matt stopped and pointed to Chris' face. "Who arrested this boy here?"
The police station went deathly silent as all eyes were avoiding Matt, Chris, and the two demons. They didn't want to claim Chris as their arrest. Chris understood. Those who claimed him as their arrest would incinerate into nothing but ash. They had families to live for, people to see again, and dreams to live before they died.
Matt narrowed his eyes and glared at them all. "Okay," he said angrily. "Since no one is claiming the arrest, I'm just going to have to burn everyone alive."
The police station went into an uproar. Their voices bounced off the walls as everyone were pointing at two officers, shouting accusations that they were the ones responsible. The two being held accountable to Chris' arrest were trying to plead innocent, but it wasn't enough. Their co-workers sold them out and Matt walked over to the two officers.
Chris furiously struggled. "Matt!" he called out. "No! Don't! Matt! Please! Please don't do it!"
Matt ignored Chris' pleas and stuck his hand through the first officer. The officer stiffened and tried to scream, but nothing came out of his vocal cords. The officer's color faded and his expression became of horror as his eyes dimmed. Matt removed his hand and the officer fell like a broken puppet.
Matt turned to the next officer. "Your turn."
"Matt! Stop it! Don't!"
Chris' pleas were again ignored as Matt did the same thing to the other officer. He died in the same manner as his partner and he landed right next to him, his eyes rolled up in his head. Chris turned away. He didn't mean for this to happen. He didn't mean to kill any of these people, to put them in harms way. He just wanted his brother to face him.
Matt kicked the bodies and eyed everyone in the police station. They all stepped back, some were even trying to stifle their cries and hold back the tears.
Chris lowered his head as Matt returned to stand in front of him. Matt grabbed Chris chin to raise his head so that everyone could see his bright green eyes. "Look at this face," he said. "Look!" Everyone was staring at Chris and he slightly flushed in shame. "This is Christopher Halliwell. He can do whatever the hell he wants. Got that? No one is allowed to touch him."
The police nodded immediately and Matt muttered a remark. He turned to the demons. "Lord Wyatt ordered that his brother be sent back to the penthouse immediately."
The demons obeyed and shimmered away with Chris, who had stopped the struggle after witnessing the officers' deaths.
They dropped Chris off in Wyatt's office and shimmered out. Chris walked slowly towards the chair and sunk into it. He put his head in his hands, stressed as he remembered the deaths.
What did he do?
BREAK
Chris waited for three hours inside Wyatt's office before his brother appeared. Wyatt waltzed in, not acknowledging his younger brother standing by the windows. He sat at his desk, searching for something and then calling out for a demon.
The demon appeared and Chris turned his back, preferring to ignore them. Wyatt chatted with the demon a little and the demon disappeared. Then, Wyatt called for Chris.
"So, what did you get arrested for?" asked Wyatt as he relaxed in his chair.
Chris didn't turn around and mumbled his answer.
"I didn't quite hear that, Chris," said Wyatt. "Turn around and face me. Speak clearly."
Chris turned around and stared directly at his older brother. "I stole a car," he said, "and drove it around town."
Wyatt raised his eyebrows. "They arrested you for that?" Then he burst out in laughter. "Of all the things…"
"It's illegal to steal, Wyatt," said Chris.
"Not for us," said Wyatt, simply. "So, what? They didn't recognize that you were a Halliwell?"
"Well, I don't promote it as much as you do," said Chris.
Wyatt's face darkened. "Keep a civil tongue there, Chris," warned Wyatt. "It's going to get you in a lot of trouble."
Chris shrugged. "I'm already in trouble," he said and he walked over to the desk, sitting down in the chair across from Wyatt.
Wyatt watched his brother, studying him. "I would never expect you to be the criminal type," he said thoughtfully. "Why did you do it?"
"Steal the car?"
Wyatt nodded and Chris took a deep breath. "I wanted to get your attention," admitted Chris. "You've been avoiding me all week. I thought it was the only way, but I realized my mistake." Chris' thoughts returned to the two officers that were killed by Matt's hand.
Wyatt shrugged merely. "You could have just knocked on the door," he said. "You don't have to wait on me, Chris. You can interrupt me anytime."
"Yeah, well I was told you were a very busy person," said Chris, bitterly. "Too busy to deal with me and my pettiness."
Wyatt scrunched up his face. "Pettiness?"
Chris gripped his hair and then let it go. "Yeah," said Chris, "and they're right. I've been trying to talk to you, but you just leave. Go off doing whatever the hell you do."
Wyatt rolled his eyes. "Chris, if I'm not here, all you need to do is call my name."
"I did," said Chris and Wyatt stared placidly at his brother while Chris glared. "I called your name and you didn't come. You were like Leo."
Wyatt looked away. "I'm sorry Chris," he said his voice heavy with guilt. "I didn't mean to do that to you."
Chris scoffed. "Yeah, right," he said. "You're avoiding me because you didn't want to talk about me moving out."
Wyatt sighed and tilted his head back. "Chris…"
"You know," said Chris, "Let's talk about that. What's your decision about me moving out?"
Wyatt lifted his head and calmly stared at his angry little brother. "Chris," he began. "I've been battling my decisions these past few days. But, after everything that has happened. It seems to me that you can't be responsible to live on your own."
Chris stared at his brother. "Responsible?"
"Look at what you did," said Wyatt. "You stole a car."
"So I could have this meeting with you!"
Wyatt rubbed his temples. "Chris, I just don't think it's a very good idea. I mean, you're vulnerable. You always seem to get yourself into trouble. You're afraid to use your powers…"
"I'm not afraid to use my powers!"
"Then what happened in Las Vegas?" questioned Wyatt. "How in the world did those mere mortals managed to put you in handcuffs?"
Chris's mouth hung opened as he tried to find the right words. Wyatt just smirked. "Exactly, little brother," he said. "You need to put your fear away. You shouldn't have to be afraid. Nor should I always have to keep saving your ass."
Chris dropped his head, staring at the carpet floor of Wyatt's office. He closed his eyes, picturing the night at Las Vegas. "I didn't want to hurt them," he said, softly. "I wanted to show them that I wasn't evil."
Wyatt rolled his eyes at his brother's comment. "Chris," he said. "They don't care. They hate us because we have more power than them. The world isn't divided by good and evil. It's divided by those who have the most power and the least. It's that simple."
"That's not true!"
"It is true!" countered Wyatt, leaning forward. "The world isn't out to defend the greater good. Everyone is out to seek power, because with power, they can do whatever they want."
"Isn't that what you're doing?" questioned Chris. "Doing whatever you want because you have the most power."
Wyatt sighed and leaned back, staring at his brother with a new light in his eyes. "You blame me for all of this, don't you?"
Chris didn't answer. Wyatt wrinkled his nose and flared his nostrils. "Chris, this isn't my fault," he said. "The world stabbed us in the back. Our whole family have gave up their lives to defend them and in return, we became outcast. I'm just doing what was needed to save us from having the same fate as the rest of our family."
Chris shook his head, but avoiding his brother's eyes. "I don't agree with your tactics Wyatt," he said. "If they knew we were good…"
"Weren't you even listening to me?" asked Wyatt, his voice louder than usual. "There's no such thing as good and evil. Chris, our mother and aunts' morals were wrong. That's why they are dead. They misread how the world really works. And I'm afraid they brainwashed you into believing the same thing."
"Chris, please," said Wyatt. "Don't let yourself follow the same fate."
"Kind of hard when a brother won't let me even do anything," smarted Chris.
"I'm doing it to protect you Chris," claimed Wyatt. "I don't want to lose you."
"So, that's your decision," said Chris. "I'm not allowed to move out?"
Wyatt nodded his head gravely. "Like I said Chris, you're too vulnerable. You let your emotions get out of control. You're an easy target. You let the police rough you up. You won't protect yourself. How can I let you live on your own?"
Chris curved his lips in. His green eyes darkened as he stared into his brother's blue. "Well, I respect your answer, but I'm eighteen years old. I'm an adult," he said. "I can do whatever the hell I want. I just asked your permission because I was being polite."
Chris got out from his seat and headed for the door. Wyatt stood up as well, but he didn't attack Chris. Instead, he watched Chris walk towards the door. When Chris reached for the doorknob, he was shocked back and flew away from the door, landing on his back and whacking.
Groaning, Chris pushed himself up and stared at the door. Then, he looked over his shoulder to stare at Wyatt. "You put a force field on the door?"
Wyatt walked around his desk and helped Chris up to his feet. "I can't let you leave, Chris," he said. "Not after everything I've done for you."
Chris shoved his brother's hands off his arms and took a couple of steps away from him. Wyatt's eyes expressed hurt when his brother backed away from him. "Chris, just understand it from my point of view. If I let you live out on your own and my enemies find out, they will gun you down. You're much safer here."
"Well, no kidding," said Chris. "This place is a fucking fortress." Chris ran his fingers through his hair frustratingly. "Wyatt, I'm not weak! I can take care of myself. Don't you remember the time when you went up to the Heavens and I was just with grandpa?"
"No."
"Well I do," said Chris. "Three demons came and tried to kill grandpa and I. And I managed to kill two on my own."
"And I killed the third one while he was trying to kill you," said Wyatt. "I remember now. Grandpa was thrown out of the window. Terrific job."
"That's what you said to me," said Chris. "You told me that. I thought that of all people you would trust me. I trusted you all my life, Wyatt! And you know?" Chris' face grew red as his anger rose from the pit. "It hurts to know that you don't share that trust with me."
Chris turned away from Wyatt and stood by the door. "Is the force field still up?"
Wyatt simply shook his head and Chris grabbed the doorknob, turning it, and walking out of the door. Chris flicked his wrist and the door slammed closed behind him.