A/N sorry for the long wait. Been back 2 skool and not much time for writing!
Disclaimer: I don't own Charmed or the characters. I only own the story.
"Piper," Phoebe said frantically. "What do we do now?" Piper shook her head, looking desperately at her youngest sister.
"I think we're safe for now. Paige isn't awake; she's just got her eyes open. Phoebe, you write the spell and I'll make the potion." Phoebe nodded and they hurried out of the attic.
Chris determinedly struggled to his feet and staggered over to a conveniently close tree. Leaning against it, he held a hand to his chest, hoping he had enough power. The golden light appeared, faltered, then died. Chris swore and fell to the ground as dizziness engulfed him. He tried again and this time the healing glow stayed longer. Chris smiled. He had bought himself a few extra hours. He was determined to not only save himself and the sisters but to vanquish Aspixus once and for all.
"The spell's written," Phoebe announced. "How's the potion going?"
"It's -," Piper added the cinnamon. "- Done." She looked at her younger sister. "We ready?"
"Let's do it," Phoebe said. They joined hands and recited the spell.
As I smile at the person the room darkens and I once again find myself facing Aspixus.
"Paige," he croons. "So glad you joined us."
"I was always with you Master," I say. I feel a little confused. I think of the past and am disgusted with my weakness. Somehow though, it doesn't bother me. My past doesn't matter, only now is important. I kneel in front of the demon. "My life is yours Master," I tell him. He smiles.
"I'm glad you finally saw the light," he says. "I have work for you."
"Anything," I promise fervently.
"You must -," he begins, then stops. "Ah, your sisters have arrived. Excuse me while I have a talk with them." He flames out leaving me waiting.
*************
Piper and Phoebe looked around. They had a glimpse of Paige before a white flash blinded them and they found themselves on a deserted street facing a demon. Piper immediately tried to blow him up. He smiled at her.
"Piper," he said. "Did you really think that was going to work?" Piper said nothing, glaring at him.
"Where's our sister?" Phoebe demanded. Aspixus chuckled.
"I'm afraid she's not your sister anymore. She works for me now."
"Evil or not, she is still our sister," Piper yelled.
"You won't defeat us," Phoebe promised. Aspixus raised his eyebrows.
"Maybe you should talk to your whitelighter," he said. He waved his hand and the sisters disappeared.
Piper fell to the ground as the world stopped spinning. Phoebe looked around, confused.
"Where are we?" she asked.
"Piper, Phoebe?" A familiar voice croaked from nearby. Both Halliwells spun around to see Chris. He was sitting on the ground and it was obvious that he was hurt.
"Chris!" Both sisters ran over to their Whitelighter. "What happened?" Phoebe asked. Chris quickly explained, leaving out the part about having worked for Aspixus in the past. They all looked at each other.
"Now what?"
My master Aspixus flames in and I instantly fall to my knees. He smiles cruelly at me.
"Stand," he commands me. "I have a special task for you."
"What about the power swapping spell?" Piper suggested. "I'll swap with Chris and I can heal him." Chris nodded and Piper quickly recited the spell. A golden glow rose from Piper and went into Chris and the same happened with Chris. Piper healed him quickly and Chris got up.
"Thanks," he said. Piper smiled. She was just about swap the powers back when orbs appeared. The three stared speechless as they cleared.
My orbs disappear and I find my sisters and their Whitelighter exactly where Aspixus told me they would be.
"Paige?" Phoebe asks. I put on a worried look and go over to them.
"Guys, what's happening?" I ask in a normal tone. Chris gives me a sharp look. He can't suspect me already. This'll be harder than I thought. Chris puts out a warning arm.
"Paige, I thought you had been turned evil," he says in a carefully even voice. I think fast.
"Aspixus was trying to turn me," I say. "He didn't do it. He got frustrated and sent me here." Piper and Phoebe seem to believe me. Chris doesn't look so sure.
"How did you stop Aspixus from turning you?" he asks. Damn him. I'll have to do something about this annoying Whitelighter. I keep my face casual as I reply, "I was too strong for him. He's still as arrogant as ever though, he insists he'll get me in the end. I won't let him." Chris gives me a slightly suspicious look and turns to my sisters.
"So, anyone got a plan?" he asks. Piper shakes her head.
"Nada," Phoebe answers. "Paige?" Piper asks.
"Well, I thought we could just orb in and get Chris to distract him -," I shoot an apologetic look in his direction hoping he'll forget about my being turned and continue. "- And we'll say the spell and the potion and he'll be vanquished and we're done."
"Chris?" Phoebe asks him.
"I guess," he says. "What am I meant to do about distracting Aspixus?"
"I don't know," I said, a little annoyed. "Whatever you think of." From Chris's glare I catch that the comment was a wrong move. He opens his mouth to speak but Phoebe begins talking.
"Paige, did you pick up any weaknesses from Aspixus? Anything we can build on?"
I let out a laugh. "Weaknesses? My mas – I mean Aspixus doesn't have any weaknesses."
All three stared at Paige, startled by the harsh tone in her voice. Her eyes were cold and hard.
"Paige?" Piper said cautiously. "Are you ok?" Paige seemed to snap back to normal.
"Yeah. I'm sorry. It's just – We're done for. We can't fight him. He's got me." Paige lowered her head.
"No, don't think like that," Phoebe said. "We're going to fight him and beat him. Don't worry honey, we'll get ourselves out of here alive." Paige had a doubtful look on her face.
"I hope so."
There was a pause for a few minutes. Then Piper said, "Will we go then?"
"Hang on a moment," Paige said. "I just need to duck behind a tree."
Paige quickly went a little way away and ducked into some shrubs. Then she orbed out.
I orb in and kneel before my master.
"Well?" he asks. "What have you found out for me?"
"My sisters plan to use the Whitelighter to annoy you while they read their spell." I answer respectfully.
"Very well. What are you going to do about it?" I quickly explain my plan. Aspixus smiles.
"Excellent. Now go before they notice you're missing." I nod and, still kneeling, orb out.
I orb in and find my sisters and the Whitelighter with their backs to me. I walk over.
"Ok. We ready?" Everyone nods. Phoebe hands me a vial containing green liquid.
"Here's the potion," she tells me. "And here's the spell," she adds, passing me a piece of paper. I take it and quickly read it through. I almost laugh. There's no way this spell could vanquish my master. I keep my face calm as I take Piper's arm and orb out, knowing I am leading my sisters to their death.
A/N hmmm. I'm kinda getting bored with this story. I reckon it was waaaaaaaay better when it was just about the dreams and stuff. Oh well. Thanx for reading!