Chapter 16
Psyche sat on her bed holding her worn book of Greek mythology to her chest, crying softly. Phoebe gently knocked on the door. When there was no answer, she slowly opened it.
Phoebe: Psyche? Are you in here? May we come in?
There was no response so Piper and Phoebe stepped in the doorway pushing the door open. When they saw Psyche, Phoebe went to her and knelt down.
Phoebe: Psyche? Listen, everything is going to be all right. You can't give up hope yet.
Psyche: How do you know that for sure? Cole thinks Eros loves me but you saw the look on his face. He hates me.
She suddenly stood up and threw the book in the trash can next to the bed and went to stare out the window at the street below.
Piper: He doesn't hate you, Psyche. He heard what you told Cole and misunderstood, that's all.
Phoebe pulled the book out and looked at it.
Phoebe: What is this?
Psyche: It's a book of Greek mythology. My father used to read the stories to me to put me to sleep. My favorite was the story "The Four Tasks".
Piper: "The Four Tasks"?
Psyche turned her back to the window then, leaned against the sill, and crossed her arms in front of her chest.
Psyche: Yes. It was about the Greek God of Love, Eros, otherwise known as Cupid, who fell in love with a mortal named Psyche. According to an oracle's bidding she went to live in a golden castle to live with her new husband whom she had never seen. He only came to her at night, under the cloak of darkness, afraid that she would love him because he was a God rather than for who he was. She did love him but not enough at that time. Her sisters came to visit her and out of jealously taunted her. They said that he was probably a hideous creature and so horrible that he was too ashamed to show himself to her. Afraid that what they had said was true she hid a candle and spied on him that night. Instead of a hideous creature, she saw the most handsome of men and when she went to reach for him she pricked her finger on one of his arrows and fell deeply and truly in love with him. However, as she did, a bit of wax from the candle fell on his shoulder and woke him up. In anger, he
left. She went in search of him at his mother's--Aphrodite's--home on Mt. Olympus. His mother refused to let her see him unless she completed four impossible tasks to prove her love.
Phoebe: They were?
Psyche: She had to divide a huge mound of grain, seed by seed, into three piles of barley, wheat, and rice. Next she had to bring back a sack of golden fleece picked from a very mean and perhaps rabid ram. After that, she had to climb to the top of the tallest waterfall and fill a goblet with the freshest spring water that only flowed from that mountain and finally, she had to go to the Underworld and bring back a box from Hades.
Piper: And did she accomplish these tasks?
Psyche: Will a little help, yes. All but the fourth. On her way home, her curiosity overtook her and she opened the box. It had something in it that made her fall asleep. Eros, saw this from his window and against his mothers wishes flew to her. When he kissed her awake they ran off and were married. They later had a little girl whom they named Bliss and Aphrodite finally consented to their union.
Phoebe: Sounds like a lovely story.
Piper: Yes, and it has a happy ending.
Psyche: Happy endings are for myths and fairy tales, not real life. I think I've finally learned to accept that cold fact.
Psyche turned to look out the window again.
Phoebe: That's not true, Psyche. Look at Piper and Leo. They aren't supposed to be together. They broke every rule in the book about whitelighters and witches having relationships. Yet, here they are today, happily married and with the elders' consent.
Psyche: Maybe so but they were both willing to fight for each other. That is not the case here.
Piper: Do you know that for sure, Psyche? Have you asked Eros if he loves you?
Psyche turned and looked at them, hope starting to flicker in her eyes.
Psyche: No.
Phoebe: Then we suggest that you go down there and ask him. Don't let him leave without telling him how you really feel.
Piper. Right. I'm betting that once you do, he won't want to leave.
Psyche stared at them, then looked at the book in Phoebe's hand.
Psyche: Cole is right. My father would not want me to throw everything away to save him. If there is a way, it will have to be without my marriage to Lancelot.
Phoebe: That's the spirit. Now what are you waiting for?
With that, Psyche squared her shoulders and calmly left the room with Piper and Phoebe proudly looking at her. They quickly followed her.
Meanwhile, Cole, Leo, and Simon had caught up to Eros in the garden who was throwing rocks in the pond. Simon was the first to speak.
Simon: Son, can we speak to you for a moment?
Eros: You have nothing to say that I want to hear.
Leo: You never know. It could be exactly what you want to hear. Why don't you take a gamble? You might just win.
Eros: Yeah, right.
Nonetheless, Eros stopped throwing rocks and turned to give them a measuring look.
Cole: You misunderstood Psyche, Eros.
Eros: Did I now? Why is it that I don't believe you?
Simon: Because you're stubborn and pigheaded.
Eros: Thanks, Simon, now if you'll excuse me...
Cole: No! We won't. Why don't you cool that fiery temper long enough to listen to what you should have stuck around to hear all those years ago?
Suddenly, Eros was in Cole's face and looked like he was about to punch him.
Eros: Who the hell do you think you are!?! You have no idea what kind of hell I've been through in the last five years! Not being able to tell her that I'm alive, to smell her perfume, or even to hear her laugh. What right do you have to stand there and judge me!?!
Leo: Actually, Eros, Cole does have an idea and so do I. Both of us have been torn from the women we love. The elders forbade me from having anything to do with Piper because it was against their rules that a whitelighter and witch could be together. Cole killed The Triad to save the girls and then had to fake his death and disappear to save the woman he loved. He was on the run for months unable to come back for fear that it would put Phoebe and her sisters in more danger. You better stop and think about who is judging who at this moment.
During Leo's outburst, Eros had stepped back from Cole and looked at the two men warily. As Leo finished, Eros' expression changed from anger to awe and then to hurt.
Eros: Then both of you understand what if feels like to be in love with a woman who may not love you back.
Simon: If you believe that Psyche does not love you, then you are a blind fool.
Eros: Simon, do not insult me. She has never said so.
Simon: You have never asked.
Eros: And you think I should?
Simon, Cole, and Leo: Yes!!
Eros contemplated this for a moment, staring out over the gardens. He turned to look at them with hope in his eyes and a small smile.
Eros: Perhaps you are right. Life is a risk in itself and if one does not take risks while living than life is not worth living.
Simon: As said once, by a great man.
Eros: Yes. The only father I ever knew.
Simon: Other than Patrick, my dear boy, now stop being a stubborn jackass and follow your heart the way you were meant to.
Eros: I believe I will.
Eros turned on his heel and began walking towards the house.
Simon: Well, it's about damn time!
With that the others followed Eros.
Paige took a deep breath and opened the door. Lancelot pushed by her and stood in the foyer.
Lancelot: Why are you answering the door? Where is Simon?
Paige: He had more pressing matters to attend to and I offered to help by getting the door. You're here early.
Lancelot: I wanted to see how the arrangements were going. The High Priestess will be here soon.
Paige: You do know that it is bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony, don't you?
Lancelot: Really? Well, I'm not worried about it. Nothing is going to go wrong today. Speaking of which, where is Psyche?
Paige walked past him and headed for the kitchen. Lancelot followed her.
Paige: I believe she's upstairs with Phoebe and Piper. Probably getting ready.
Paige went to the coffee pot to get her dose of caffeine that she had missed earlier. Lance came in and sat at the table. Paige joined him.
Lancelot: Well, it would seem that everyone has made an early start this morning.
Paige: Yes, well, it looks to be a rather exciting day.
Lancelot: Yes, it does.
They shared a moment of silence as Paige drank her coffee. They both looked up when Psyche, Piper, and Phoebe walked into the kitchen. Upon seeing Lancelot, Psyche stopped dead in her tracks, her mission temporarily forgotten.
Psyche: Lance? What are you doing here so early?
Lancelot: I came to make sure everything was ready.
Lancelot stood and was about to approach Psyche when Eros, Cole, Leo, and Simon walked in from the gardens. Eros froze when he saw Lancelot while the others came in and then did the same.
Lancelot: You're still here? I figured that you would have left by now.
Eros: You were wrong.
Lancelot: It's a good thing I'm not a betting man.
Lancelot turned his attention back to Psyche.
Lancelot: Darling, why aren't you getting ready? The High Priestess will be here soon and then it will be time to start.
Psyche: I hadn't realized it was getting so late.
To everyone's surprise, Psyche had seemed to have slipped into a trance. She looked at Paige.
Psyche: Can you help me, dear?
Paige: With what?
Psyche: I need help getting my dress on.
Paige: Uh...sure...I guess.
Paige slowly stood and looked to her sisters for guidance as to what to do. Psyche had already left the room and started upstairs.
Piper: Paige, go ahead. We'll call you if we need you.
Paige went in the direction Psyche had gone and silence filled the room. No one was sure what to do and yet everyone sensed that time was rapidly running out. The sound of the doorbell made everyone, except Lancelot, jump.
Lancelot: Hadn't you better get that, Simon?
When everyone turned their heads back from the direction of the hall to look at Lancelot they suddenly realized that they were not the only people in the room. Seven men had suddenly appeared in the room. As the girls screamed, two of the strangers grabbed them from behind pinning Piper's arms behind her so she could not use her powers and the other holding a knife to Phoebe's throat. When Leo and Simon tried to orb to help, they were suddenly stopped by ropes being lassoed and then tightened around their arms and waists. Before Cole could move, he was suddenly tackled by two of them and tied up. Eros had vanished.
Lancelot: Where is he!?!
By the shocked expressions on his captives' faces, he realized that none of them knew.
Lancelot: Marcus!
One of the men that had been standing behind Lancelot overseeing the attack, stepped forward.
Marcus: Yes, milord?
Lancelot: I want these grounds searched!! Not a stone goes unturned until Eros is found and brought before me!! Understood?
Marcus: As you command.
With that, Marcus vanished. As the warlock that held Piper raised a knife to her throat to cease her attempts to get loose, Leo increased his struggles.
Lancelot: I highly recommend you stop struggling, Leo. My darklighter would love to see his poison-dipped arrow in your heart.
The other man next to Lancelot slowly raised a crossbow, already loaded and took aim. Both Piper and Leo stopped struggling at once.
Piper: Leo? Why can't you orb?
Leo: I don't know. Something is stopping me.
Lancelot: That would be the rope being used to bind you and Simon. It is specially made by darklighters when they wish to capture whitelighters. And should any of you decide you have a need to call for your younger sister, my darklighter who is outside Psyche's room will stop her from reaching this room.
No one could do anything and a sense of helplessness filled them.
Lancelot: Now that I have your full attention, I believe we will be taking our places.
Lancelot vanished and then suddenly everyone found themselves blinked outside at the grounds' gazebo which had been beautifully decorated for the wedding. A woman stood at the center of the gazebo in a shimmering black and red gown with a book in her hands.
Lancelot: Are you ready, High Priestess?
Cole: Mother!?!
Arachnine nodded her head in Lancelot's direction and then gave Cole a cold, hard stare.
Arachnine: Do not address me as such. I no longer know who you are. No son of mine would ever disgrace me as you have done.
She then turned back to Lancelot.
Arachnine: And where is my future daughter-in-law?
Lancelot: Getting ready. She will be here shortly.
Arachnine: Excellent! You're father will be here soon, as well.
Phoebe: The Source is coming here?
Lancelot: Of course he is. Who else would be my best man? Certainly not my traitorous brother.
Cole struggled even harder to get free but to no avail. Suddenly, there was a chilling laugh and in a bright burst of flames The Source stood next to Arachnine.
Source: Ah, Balthazar. At long last I have you right where I want you.
Cole: For the last time, my name is NOT Balthazar!!!
The Source laughed again.
Source: Yes, I know. You are nothing now except a weak, pathetic fool.
Cole: Untie me and I'll show you weak and pathetic!
Phoebe: Cole, NO! That won't solve anything!
Source: Yes, Cole. You had better obey your witch. We wouldn't want anything bad to happen to her now would we?
The Source slowly starting walking toward Phoebe.
Cole: Stay away from her!! If you harm her, I swear it will be the last thing you ever do!!
Lancelot: Father, no. I will not have bloodshed before this wedding is complete. This is my day.
The Source stopped, then turned and went back to where he had been.
Source: Very well, son. I will save my fun for later.
Lancelot: Thank you.
Arachnine: And here comes the bride.
Everyone stopped and turned. Psyche stood a short distance away dressed in an elegant, Victorian dress that was a shimmering white. She wore a simple halo of white roses in her hair instead of a veil and carried a bouquet of red roses. She looked stunning and almost radiant. The only thing that gave away the unreality of the situation was the blank look in her eyes. Paige stood behind her bound by the same rope used on Leo and Simon and looking very angry.
Paige: Let go of me!!
Lancelot: Paige, I highly recommend that you calm yourself before I take action against your sisters.
Paige immediately stilled and the sense of helplessness grew stronger as they realized that she could no longer help them escape. There was still no sign of Eros.
Lancelot: Thank you, that's better. Now shall we begin, sweetheart.
Psyche slowly began walking toward him as if to an unheard wedding march. When she reached him and took his hand, Arachnine stepped forward.
Arachnine: We gather here today to witness this union...aaaaahhhhh!
Everyone gasped for there was suddenly a very long sword protruding through Arachnine's stomach as she quickly burst into flames and then was gone.
Lancelot: Mother...NOOO!
Eros: How does if feel to lose a parent, Lancelot?
Everyone turned back towards the direction that Psyche had walked from and saw Eros standing there. Then suddenly, he vanished.
Piper: What on earth...?
Lancelot: Marcus!!
Marcus suddenly blinked next to Lancelot.
Marcus: We are having a hard time tracking him, milord.
Lancelot: Obviously, he just killed my mother. There is no room for failure in my ranks, Marcus.
Almost instantaneously, an energy ball hit Marcus and after bursting into flames, he too was gone.
Source: Calm yourself, son. We will find him. You forget, I am also a high priest. This marriage will continue.
Psyche: Over my dead body!!
To everyone's amazement and the good guys' relief, Psyche had come out of the trance and was now holding a very large energy ball between her hands. Lancelot and The Source stepped back from her.
Psyche: Release my friends and family...NOW!
Lancelot raised his hand and his minions did his bidding.
Lancelot: Psyche, listen to me...
Psyche: NO! You will listen to me! I want my father's soul back and I want it now.
Lancelot: I can't do that.
Psyche: Then you will die...!
Psyche started to raise the energy ball to hurl it at him as he squared his shoulders and met her gaze.
Lancelot: Kill me and you lose all hope of releasing your father's soul.
Suddenly, it was there, in his hand. A small glittering, blue orb nestled in the palm of his hand. Psyche's energy ball disappeared and she stood uncertain. All of a sudden, Eros was behind her.
Eros: Do not give in, Psyche. I am here to fight by your side. This time I will not leave you.
Psyche turned to stare into Eros' eyes. What she saw there answered all of her questions.
Psyche:
I call on the powers of the Heavens and the realms below.
What I must do to defeat evil, I now know.
The key I am, but shall remain powerless
Until awakened by true love's first kiss.
Eros: I love you, Psyche. I always have and I always will.
Psyche: I love you, too.
As everyone watched, dumbstruck, Eros swept Psyche into his arms and kissed her.
Lancelot: NOOO!
Suddenly, the glowing orb flew from his hand and straight into the air, hovering over them. It began to shine brighter and brighter engulfing them in its light. The Charmed Ones, Leo, Simon, and Cole covered their eyes to keep from being blinded just as Lancelot threw an energy ball at them. It bounced off the engulfing light and headed straight for Lancelot. With a scream of anguish, he vanished. The Source and his men quickly did the same.
As Psyche and Eros broke their kiss and pulled back to look at each other, the orb slowly lowered towards the ground and then there stood the spirit of Patrick Halliwell.
Patrick: Well done, daughter.
Psyche: Daddy?
Patrick: I knew you could do it and Eros, I am so very proud of you as well.
Eros: Thank you, sir.
Patrick: So you must be my nieces. It is very nice to have met you at last.
Piper: Yes, we are.
Phoebe: It's nice to finally meet you.
Paige: I think that there is someone else you should meet.
Piper and Phoebe looked at Paige and then all three looked at Patrick.
Piper, Phoebe, and Paige:
Here these words, here our cries,
Spirits from the other side.
Come to us, we summon thee,
Cross now the great divide.
Suddenly in a flash of white orbs, Grams and Patricia stood in front of them.
Patricia: Girls? Why have you called us?
Piper: We thought there was someone you both should meet.
Patricia and Grams turned and were stunned speechless at the sight of Patrick.
Phoebe: This is our Uncle, your twin brother, mom. Patrick Halliwell.
Grams: What? That's not possible.
Patrick: Yes. It is. It's feels good to finally meet you...mother.
As Grams stared at him, realization struck as she took in his likeness to her daughter.
Grams: A son? I have a son?
Paige: And another granddaughter.
Psyche stepped forward then.
Psyche: I'm Psyche Halliwell, Patrick's daughter.
Suddenly the three spirits were no longer transparent but in solid form and the four of them embraced. The Charmed Ones looked on with tears in their eyes while Cole and Leo went to Piper and Phoebe for support. As they broke the embrace, Patrick's face lit up with a huge smile. He went to Simon and held out his hand.
Patrick: Thank you, Simon. You have done everything I asked of you and more. A man could not be happier, unless he were alive as well to enjoy it, of course.
Simon smiled and shook Patrick's outstretched hand.
Simon: Thank you, Patrick. Your daughter did most of the work, I'm afraid. As for my son, well, he came through with flying colors.
Leo: Son?
Patrick: Yes, Eros is Simon's son.
Eros' mouth fell open in shock.
Eros: That can't be...why didn't you tell me?
Simon: You were an angry child, son, when you came to live with Patrick. I was afraid you would have turned that anger towards me. I am sorry for not telling you sooner. Forgive me.
Eros went to him and hugged him.
Eros: That I was and you're probably right. There is nothing to forgive, for I should have seen it sooner. Besides, if it weren't for your teachings, I never would have been accurate enough with a sword to vanquish Arachnine.
At the reminder, Phoebe turned to Cole and hugged him tightly.
Phoebe: I am sorry for your loss.
Cole: My mother was lost to me when I met you, Phoebe. There is nothing to be sorry about. May her soul find peace.
Patrick stepped forward.
Patrick: Well, I am afraid that we must be going.
Psyche: But father, I've missed you so.
Patrick: I know, Psyche, and for that I am sorry. However, we all must die eventually and it was my time to go. At least now, I will be at peace making up for lost time with your Aunt and Grandmother.
Piper: Don't forget your other niece.
Grams: Yes, Piper. Her too.
Psyche went to her father and embraced him tightly, then stepped back. Eros came up behind her and placed an arm around her waist.
Patrick: You were always worthy of my daughter's hand, Eros. Take good care of her.
Eros nodded, speechless, at Patrick's consent. Grams and Patricia went to stand beside Patrick.
Grams: When the time is right, I will conduct your ceremony. I am a simple call away.
Grams, Patricia, and Patrick: Blessed Be.
With that, the three of them vanished in a blur of white orbs.
Psyche sat on her bed holding her worn book of Greek mythology to her chest, crying softly. Phoebe gently knocked on the door. When there was no answer, she slowly opened it.
Phoebe: Psyche? Are you in here? May we come in?
There was no response so Piper and Phoebe stepped in the doorway pushing the door open. When they saw Psyche, Phoebe went to her and knelt down.
Phoebe: Psyche? Listen, everything is going to be all right. You can't give up hope yet.
Psyche: How do you know that for sure? Cole thinks Eros loves me but you saw the look on his face. He hates me.
She suddenly stood up and threw the book in the trash can next to the bed and went to stare out the window at the street below.
Piper: He doesn't hate you, Psyche. He heard what you told Cole and misunderstood, that's all.
Phoebe pulled the book out and looked at it.
Phoebe: What is this?
Psyche: It's a book of Greek mythology. My father used to read the stories to me to put me to sleep. My favorite was the story "The Four Tasks".
Piper: "The Four Tasks"?
Psyche turned her back to the window then, leaned against the sill, and crossed her arms in front of her chest.
Psyche: Yes. It was about the Greek God of Love, Eros, otherwise known as Cupid, who fell in love with a mortal named Psyche. According to an oracle's bidding she went to live in a golden castle to live with her new husband whom she had never seen. He only came to her at night, under the cloak of darkness, afraid that she would love him because he was a God rather than for who he was. She did love him but not enough at that time. Her sisters came to visit her and out of jealously taunted her. They said that he was probably a hideous creature and so horrible that he was too ashamed to show himself to her. Afraid that what they had said was true she hid a candle and spied on him that night. Instead of a hideous creature, she saw the most handsome of men and when she went to reach for him she pricked her finger on one of his arrows and fell deeply and truly in love with him. However, as she did, a bit of wax from the candle fell on his shoulder and woke him up. In anger, he
left. She went in search of him at his mother's--Aphrodite's--home on Mt. Olympus. His mother refused to let her see him unless she completed four impossible tasks to prove her love.
Phoebe: They were?
Psyche: She had to divide a huge mound of grain, seed by seed, into three piles of barley, wheat, and rice. Next she had to bring back a sack of golden fleece picked from a very mean and perhaps rabid ram. After that, she had to climb to the top of the tallest waterfall and fill a goblet with the freshest spring water that only flowed from that mountain and finally, she had to go to the Underworld and bring back a box from Hades.
Piper: And did she accomplish these tasks?
Psyche: Will a little help, yes. All but the fourth. On her way home, her curiosity overtook her and she opened the box. It had something in it that made her fall asleep. Eros, saw this from his window and against his mothers wishes flew to her. When he kissed her awake they ran off and were married. They later had a little girl whom they named Bliss and Aphrodite finally consented to their union.
Phoebe: Sounds like a lovely story.
Piper: Yes, and it has a happy ending.
Psyche: Happy endings are for myths and fairy tales, not real life. I think I've finally learned to accept that cold fact.
Psyche turned to look out the window again.
Phoebe: That's not true, Psyche. Look at Piper and Leo. They aren't supposed to be together. They broke every rule in the book about whitelighters and witches having relationships. Yet, here they are today, happily married and with the elders' consent.
Psyche: Maybe so but they were both willing to fight for each other. That is not the case here.
Piper: Do you know that for sure, Psyche? Have you asked Eros if he loves you?
Psyche turned and looked at them, hope starting to flicker in her eyes.
Psyche: No.
Phoebe: Then we suggest that you go down there and ask him. Don't let him leave without telling him how you really feel.
Piper. Right. I'm betting that once you do, he won't want to leave.
Psyche stared at them, then looked at the book in Phoebe's hand.
Psyche: Cole is right. My father would not want me to throw everything away to save him. If there is a way, it will have to be without my marriage to Lancelot.
Phoebe: That's the spirit. Now what are you waiting for?
With that, Psyche squared her shoulders and calmly left the room with Piper and Phoebe proudly looking at her. They quickly followed her.
Meanwhile, Cole, Leo, and Simon had caught up to Eros in the garden who was throwing rocks in the pond. Simon was the first to speak.
Simon: Son, can we speak to you for a moment?
Eros: You have nothing to say that I want to hear.
Leo: You never know. It could be exactly what you want to hear. Why don't you take a gamble? You might just win.
Eros: Yeah, right.
Nonetheless, Eros stopped throwing rocks and turned to give them a measuring look.
Cole: You misunderstood Psyche, Eros.
Eros: Did I now? Why is it that I don't believe you?
Simon: Because you're stubborn and pigheaded.
Eros: Thanks, Simon, now if you'll excuse me...
Cole: No! We won't. Why don't you cool that fiery temper long enough to listen to what you should have stuck around to hear all those years ago?
Suddenly, Eros was in Cole's face and looked like he was about to punch him.
Eros: Who the hell do you think you are!?! You have no idea what kind of hell I've been through in the last five years! Not being able to tell her that I'm alive, to smell her perfume, or even to hear her laugh. What right do you have to stand there and judge me!?!
Leo: Actually, Eros, Cole does have an idea and so do I. Both of us have been torn from the women we love. The elders forbade me from having anything to do with Piper because it was against their rules that a whitelighter and witch could be together. Cole killed The Triad to save the girls and then had to fake his death and disappear to save the woman he loved. He was on the run for months unable to come back for fear that it would put Phoebe and her sisters in more danger. You better stop and think about who is judging who at this moment.
During Leo's outburst, Eros had stepped back from Cole and looked at the two men warily. As Leo finished, Eros' expression changed from anger to awe and then to hurt.
Eros: Then both of you understand what if feels like to be in love with a woman who may not love you back.
Simon: If you believe that Psyche does not love you, then you are a blind fool.
Eros: Simon, do not insult me. She has never said so.
Simon: You have never asked.
Eros: And you think I should?
Simon, Cole, and Leo: Yes!!
Eros contemplated this for a moment, staring out over the gardens. He turned to look at them with hope in his eyes and a small smile.
Eros: Perhaps you are right. Life is a risk in itself and if one does not take risks while living than life is not worth living.
Simon: As said once, by a great man.
Eros: Yes. The only father I ever knew.
Simon: Other than Patrick, my dear boy, now stop being a stubborn jackass and follow your heart the way you were meant to.
Eros: I believe I will.
Eros turned on his heel and began walking towards the house.
Simon: Well, it's about damn time!
With that the others followed Eros.
Paige took a deep breath and opened the door. Lancelot pushed by her and stood in the foyer.
Lancelot: Why are you answering the door? Where is Simon?
Paige: He had more pressing matters to attend to and I offered to help by getting the door. You're here early.
Lancelot: I wanted to see how the arrangements were going. The High Priestess will be here soon.
Paige: You do know that it is bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony, don't you?
Lancelot: Really? Well, I'm not worried about it. Nothing is going to go wrong today. Speaking of which, where is Psyche?
Paige walked past him and headed for the kitchen. Lancelot followed her.
Paige: I believe she's upstairs with Phoebe and Piper. Probably getting ready.
Paige went to the coffee pot to get her dose of caffeine that she had missed earlier. Lance came in and sat at the table. Paige joined him.
Lancelot: Well, it would seem that everyone has made an early start this morning.
Paige: Yes, well, it looks to be a rather exciting day.
Lancelot: Yes, it does.
They shared a moment of silence as Paige drank her coffee. They both looked up when Psyche, Piper, and Phoebe walked into the kitchen. Upon seeing Lancelot, Psyche stopped dead in her tracks, her mission temporarily forgotten.
Psyche: Lance? What are you doing here so early?
Lancelot: I came to make sure everything was ready.
Lancelot stood and was about to approach Psyche when Eros, Cole, Leo, and Simon walked in from the gardens. Eros froze when he saw Lancelot while the others came in and then did the same.
Lancelot: You're still here? I figured that you would have left by now.
Eros: You were wrong.
Lancelot: It's a good thing I'm not a betting man.
Lancelot turned his attention back to Psyche.
Lancelot: Darling, why aren't you getting ready? The High Priestess will be here soon and then it will be time to start.
Psyche: I hadn't realized it was getting so late.
To everyone's surprise, Psyche had seemed to have slipped into a trance. She looked at Paige.
Psyche: Can you help me, dear?
Paige: With what?
Psyche: I need help getting my dress on.
Paige: Uh...sure...I guess.
Paige slowly stood and looked to her sisters for guidance as to what to do. Psyche had already left the room and started upstairs.
Piper: Paige, go ahead. We'll call you if we need you.
Paige went in the direction Psyche had gone and silence filled the room. No one was sure what to do and yet everyone sensed that time was rapidly running out. The sound of the doorbell made everyone, except Lancelot, jump.
Lancelot: Hadn't you better get that, Simon?
When everyone turned their heads back from the direction of the hall to look at Lancelot they suddenly realized that they were not the only people in the room. Seven men had suddenly appeared in the room. As the girls screamed, two of the strangers grabbed them from behind pinning Piper's arms behind her so she could not use her powers and the other holding a knife to Phoebe's throat. When Leo and Simon tried to orb to help, they were suddenly stopped by ropes being lassoed and then tightened around their arms and waists. Before Cole could move, he was suddenly tackled by two of them and tied up. Eros had vanished.
Lancelot: Where is he!?!
By the shocked expressions on his captives' faces, he realized that none of them knew.
Lancelot: Marcus!
One of the men that had been standing behind Lancelot overseeing the attack, stepped forward.
Marcus: Yes, milord?
Lancelot: I want these grounds searched!! Not a stone goes unturned until Eros is found and brought before me!! Understood?
Marcus: As you command.
With that, Marcus vanished. As the warlock that held Piper raised a knife to her throat to cease her attempts to get loose, Leo increased his struggles.
Lancelot: I highly recommend you stop struggling, Leo. My darklighter would love to see his poison-dipped arrow in your heart.
The other man next to Lancelot slowly raised a crossbow, already loaded and took aim. Both Piper and Leo stopped struggling at once.
Piper: Leo? Why can't you orb?
Leo: I don't know. Something is stopping me.
Lancelot: That would be the rope being used to bind you and Simon. It is specially made by darklighters when they wish to capture whitelighters. And should any of you decide you have a need to call for your younger sister, my darklighter who is outside Psyche's room will stop her from reaching this room.
No one could do anything and a sense of helplessness filled them.
Lancelot: Now that I have your full attention, I believe we will be taking our places.
Lancelot vanished and then suddenly everyone found themselves blinked outside at the grounds' gazebo which had been beautifully decorated for the wedding. A woman stood at the center of the gazebo in a shimmering black and red gown with a book in her hands.
Lancelot: Are you ready, High Priestess?
Cole: Mother!?!
Arachnine nodded her head in Lancelot's direction and then gave Cole a cold, hard stare.
Arachnine: Do not address me as such. I no longer know who you are. No son of mine would ever disgrace me as you have done.
She then turned back to Lancelot.
Arachnine: And where is my future daughter-in-law?
Lancelot: Getting ready. She will be here shortly.
Arachnine: Excellent! You're father will be here soon, as well.
Phoebe: The Source is coming here?
Lancelot: Of course he is. Who else would be my best man? Certainly not my traitorous brother.
Cole struggled even harder to get free but to no avail. Suddenly, there was a chilling laugh and in a bright burst of flames The Source stood next to Arachnine.
Source: Ah, Balthazar. At long last I have you right where I want you.
Cole: For the last time, my name is NOT Balthazar!!!
The Source laughed again.
Source: Yes, I know. You are nothing now except a weak, pathetic fool.
Cole: Untie me and I'll show you weak and pathetic!
Phoebe: Cole, NO! That won't solve anything!
Source: Yes, Cole. You had better obey your witch. We wouldn't want anything bad to happen to her now would we?
The Source slowly starting walking toward Phoebe.
Cole: Stay away from her!! If you harm her, I swear it will be the last thing you ever do!!
Lancelot: Father, no. I will not have bloodshed before this wedding is complete. This is my day.
The Source stopped, then turned and went back to where he had been.
Source: Very well, son. I will save my fun for later.
Lancelot: Thank you.
Arachnine: And here comes the bride.
Everyone stopped and turned. Psyche stood a short distance away dressed in an elegant, Victorian dress that was a shimmering white. She wore a simple halo of white roses in her hair instead of a veil and carried a bouquet of red roses. She looked stunning and almost radiant. The only thing that gave away the unreality of the situation was the blank look in her eyes. Paige stood behind her bound by the same rope used on Leo and Simon and looking very angry.
Paige: Let go of me!!
Lancelot: Paige, I highly recommend that you calm yourself before I take action against your sisters.
Paige immediately stilled and the sense of helplessness grew stronger as they realized that she could no longer help them escape. There was still no sign of Eros.
Lancelot: Thank you, that's better. Now shall we begin, sweetheart.
Psyche slowly began walking toward him as if to an unheard wedding march. When she reached him and took his hand, Arachnine stepped forward.
Arachnine: We gather here today to witness this union...aaaaahhhhh!
Everyone gasped for there was suddenly a very long sword protruding through Arachnine's stomach as she quickly burst into flames and then was gone.
Lancelot: Mother...NOOO!
Eros: How does if feel to lose a parent, Lancelot?
Everyone turned back towards the direction that Psyche had walked from and saw Eros standing there. Then suddenly, he vanished.
Piper: What on earth...?
Lancelot: Marcus!!
Marcus suddenly blinked next to Lancelot.
Marcus: We are having a hard time tracking him, milord.
Lancelot: Obviously, he just killed my mother. There is no room for failure in my ranks, Marcus.
Almost instantaneously, an energy ball hit Marcus and after bursting into flames, he too was gone.
Source: Calm yourself, son. We will find him. You forget, I am also a high priest. This marriage will continue.
Psyche: Over my dead body!!
To everyone's amazement and the good guys' relief, Psyche had come out of the trance and was now holding a very large energy ball between her hands. Lancelot and The Source stepped back from her.
Psyche: Release my friends and family...NOW!
Lancelot raised his hand and his minions did his bidding.
Lancelot: Psyche, listen to me...
Psyche: NO! You will listen to me! I want my father's soul back and I want it now.
Lancelot: I can't do that.
Psyche: Then you will die...!
Psyche started to raise the energy ball to hurl it at him as he squared his shoulders and met her gaze.
Lancelot: Kill me and you lose all hope of releasing your father's soul.
Suddenly, it was there, in his hand. A small glittering, blue orb nestled in the palm of his hand. Psyche's energy ball disappeared and she stood uncertain. All of a sudden, Eros was behind her.
Eros: Do not give in, Psyche. I am here to fight by your side. This time I will not leave you.
Psyche turned to stare into Eros' eyes. What she saw there answered all of her questions.
Psyche:
I call on the powers of the Heavens and the realms below.
What I must do to defeat evil, I now know.
The key I am, but shall remain powerless
Until awakened by true love's first kiss.
Eros: I love you, Psyche. I always have and I always will.
Psyche: I love you, too.
As everyone watched, dumbstruck, Eros swept Psyche into his arms and kissed her.
Lancelot: NOOO!
Suddenly, the glowing orb flew from his hand and straight into the air, hovering over them. It began to shine brighter and brighter engulfing them in its light. The Charmed Ones, Leo, Simon, and Cole covered their eyes to keep from being blinded just as Lancelot threw an energy ball at them. It bounced off the engulfing light and headed straight for Lancelot. With a scream of anguish, he vanished. The Source and his men quickly did the same.
As Psyche and Eros broke their kiss and pulled back to look at each other, the orb slowly lowered towards the ground and then there stood the spirit of Patrick Halliwell.
Patrick: Well done, daughter.
Psyche: Daddy?
Patrick: I knew you could do it and Eros, I am so very proud of you as well.
Eros: Thank you, sir.
Patrick: So you must be my nieces. It is very nice to have met you at last.
Piper: Yes, we are.
Phoebe: It's nice to finally meet you.
Paige: I think that there is someone else you should meet.
Piper and Phoebe looked at Paige and then all three looked at Patrick.
Piper, Phoebe, and Paige:
Here these words, here our cries,
Spirits from the other side.
Come to us, we summon thee,
Cross now the great divide.
Suddenly in a flash of white orbs, Grams and Patricia stood in front of them.
Patricia: Girls? Why have you called us?
Piper: We thought there was someone you both should meet.
Patricia and Grams turned and were stunned speechless at the sight of Patrick.
Phoebe: This is our Uncle, your twin brother, mom. Patrick Halliwell.
Grams: What? That's not possible.
Patrick: Yes. It is. It's feels good to finally meet you...mother.
As Grams stared at him, realization struck as she took in his likeness to her daughter.
Grams: A son? I have a son?
Paige: And another granddaughter.
Psyche stepped forward then.
Psyche: I'm Psyche Halliwell, Patrick's daughter.
Suddenly the three spirits were no longer transparent but in solid form and the four of them embraced. The Charmed Ones looked on with tears in their eyes while Cole and Leo went to Piper and Phoebe for support. As they broke the embrace, Patrick's face lit up with a huge smile. He went to Simon and held out his hand.
Patrick: Thank you, Simon. You have done everything I asked of you and more. A man could not be happier, unless he were alive as well to enjoy it, of course.
Simon smiled and shook Patrick's outstretched hand.
Simon: Thank you, Patrick. Your daughter did most of the work, I'm afraid. As for my son, well, he came through with flying colors.
Leo: Son?
Patrick: Yes, Eros is Simon's son.
Eros' mouth fell open in shock.
Eros: That can't be...why didn't you tell me?
Simon: You were an angry child, son, when you came to live with Patrick. I was afraid you would have turned that anger towards me. I am sorry for not telling you sooner. Forgive me.
Eros went to him and hugged him.
Eros: That I was and you're probably right. There is nothing to forgive, for I should have seen it sooner. Besides, if it weren't for your teachings, I never would have been accurate enough with a sword to vanquish Arachnine.
At the reminder, Phoebe turned to Cole and hugged him tightly.
Phoebe: I am sorry for your loss.
Cole: My mother was lost to me when I met you, Phoebe. There is nothing to be sorry about. May her soul find peace.
Patrick stepped forward.
Patrick: Well, I am afraid that we must be going.
Psyche: But father, I've missed you so.
Patrick: I know, Psyche, and for that I am sorry. However, we all must die eventually and it was my time to go. At least now, I will be at peace making up for lost time with your Aunt and Grandmother.
Piper: Don't forget your other niece.
Grams: Yes, Piper. Her too.
Psyche went to her father and embraced him tightly, then stepped back. Eros came up behind her and placed an arm around her waist.
Patrick: You were always worthy of my daughter's hand, Eros. Take good care of her.
Eros nodded, speechless, at Patrick's consent. Grams and Patricia went to stand beside Patrick.
Grams: When the time is right, I will conduct your ceremony. I am a simple call away.
Grams, Patricia, and Patrick: Blessed Be.
With that, the three of them vanished in a blur of white orbs.