"…it is time for a new era. One without conflict. One where every man, woman and child can live together in freedom and happiness- without the threat of witches or any other forces of evil taking away from the quality of their lives." Wyatt paused and surveyed the scene before him. What had once been the living room of his childhood home was now filled with the worlds most prominent and influential leaders- all there to see what he had to offer. "I dream of a new world. A better world." He continued with dramatic flourish. "A world that I know I will be able to create. With your support this new order that I speak of can easily come to be. If you can find it in yourselves to trust me- and to trust my power- then the Camelot which many before us have dreamed of, will finally become a reality."

Applause filled the crowded room and Wyatt found it hard to suppress a victorious smirk. Although he was not an empath, his whitelighter half had always been good at sensing people's emotion- he knew that he had already won everyone over.

There was almost no stopping him now.

"I thank you all for coming tonight." He said, looking down from the podium he had set up for his speech. "Help yourselves to the refreshments and feel free to continue wandering around the museum at your own leisure. The count down will take place in this room in fifteen minutes; I hope you will all be able to stay and help me usher in not only a new year, but also a new era of human history."

The crowd clapped again and with a smile, Wyatt slowly made his way down onto the floor- shaking the hands of many important individuals as he walked across the room.

He felt as if he were walking on air. The night had gone incredibly well so far. Everyone he had invited had arrived at the Halliwell Memorial Museum at 9:00 and he had been able to have long personal discussions with many of the world leaders he needed to be on his side.

They had all absorbed his every word, believing without question that he and he alone could rid the world of the ultimate threat.

The only thing left to worry about now was the annoying little attack that Chris and Leo were about to lead in the underworld. When Wyatt had first heard of his plans from the strange young witch who had, thankfully, decided that Wyatt was the way of the future, he had become somewhat worried. He couldn't very well cancel his new years gala after so many important individuals- not to mention the media- had agreed to attend. His father and brother had obviously taken this into account when they had begun their plan.

Wyatt, however, was not one to give in easily. He had not slept until he had devised a way to both make an appearance at the museum and stop the witches he had captured from being freed.

Seleucid- one of his most trusted upper level demons- was going to shape shift into him while Wyatt orbed down to the underworld to deal with the annoying little rebellion.

None of the mortals would know the difference- and he would be able to capture his brother along with the rest of the witches that had remained out of his grasp.

All he had to do now was make his way out of the room to meet Seleucid and make his exit…

"Ah, Mr. Halliwell." A middle aged man with thinning hair said cheerily as Wyatt shook his hand. "I was hoping to have a word with you."

Wyatt instantly recognised the man to be the Canadian Prime Minister, and he tried not to frown…he knew that they were going to attack at midnight…he really didn't have time for this now.

"Of course." The young man replied with a forced smile. As much as he needed to leave, he could not afford to appear panicked in front of any of his guests- especially not one who was in charge of their northern ally. "What did you want to discuss Mr. Mowat?"

"Oh, please, call me John." He replied, smiling. "I'm sure we'll be working together quite often in the future, there is no need for such formalities."

Wyatt had to resist blowing the man to pieces- what ever he wanted to say, he wasn't saying it fast enough.

Wyatt was running out of time…

…the minutes were ticking away.

"So, John, what was it exactly that you wanted to discuss?" he asked, still managing to suppress his annoyance. He glanced around the room for any sign of Seleucid- perhaps if he found the demon quickly, he could excuse himself for a few seconds and send the demon (in disguise of course) back in to continue the conversation.

"Well," the older man began slowly. "I must say that I'm very impressed with your efforts to get the witches out of California- from what I can tell you have had great success. In some of our larger cities, citizens have been rallying for me to do the same, but I don't see how I can without the assistance of magic."

Wyatt nodded vaguely- not really paying attention. He had more important things to worry about…like getting out of there.

"It would be much appreciated if you would pay us a visit sometime in the near future- perhaps spend a day in our parliament, helping us to set up the types of protection you have instigated in your cities…"

"Yes." Wyatt replied, still looking around. "I can certainly do that. Now, if you'll excuse me John I really must-"

"Oh. Please don't run off yet." The Prime minister cut in, taking hold of Wyatt's arm and preventing him from turning away. "I really must speak with you about other very important matters. If you expect my countries support then there are some things we should go over."

Wyatt felt his heart rate begin to increase and he cursed himself for not taking a shorter route out of the room. It would look bad if he walked out now- he wanted the entire continent under his power and to achieve that he needed the full support of this man…but on the other hand if he didn't get down to the underworld the attack could very well be a success. He should have at least sent some upper level demons down there. In his cockiness, he had just assumed that he would be able to end it himself…

The seconds continued to tick away.

He needed to get out very soon…or risk a huge loss…

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The tension in the great hall of magic school was almost unbearable. More than fifty witches and ten whitelighters stood quietly, awaiting the first order. In a matter of minutes, they would be down in the underworld- fighting to save the good beings that Wyatt had imprisoned.

Fighting to save their sisters, brothers, parents and friends…

Chris could hardly stand the suspense any longer. The entire day of final preparations had been horribly nerve wracking and it seemed almost unbelievable that the moment he had been waiting for ever since that horrible day that Wyatt had exposed magic had finally arrived. Soon he would be down in the underworld, vanquishing more demons than he had in the rest of his life combined, in hopes of gaining at least a small victory over his tyrannical brother… and in hopes of getting Bianca back.

He wished more than anything that it had not come to this.

He wished that Wyatt was the good brother he remembered from his childhood. He wished that Bianca was here with him…but he knew that there was no point in simply wishing. Taking action was the only way to achieve anything, and that was what he was about to do.

He was going to defy his own nature- defy his own brother.

He was going to get something done.

The fate of the world depended on their victory. It would determine which way the future was headed. People everywhere were about to bid farewell to the passing year and a new one would begin…a new year that would either be full of great hope or great sorrow…

Chris' thoughts fluttered briefly to his mother. He knew that she was watching over him right now…cheering him on as he fought for what was right.

"You're good and you always will be" She had said when he had last seen her, that day in the attic.

Those words had kept him going through all of the long months he had had to endure, and they were what kept him going right now. His mother believed in him; believed that he would never be like Wyatt. She had shown him what he had known all along.

"Eleven fifty- eight." Leo's quiet voice stated to his left. "One minute."

Chris could hear the blood pumping in his ears as he waited for the finial sixty seconds to pass. He glanced over at his father and their green eyes met briefly- his feelings about Leo where still conflicted at times, but right now he had nothing but great respect for the man that had worked so hard for the good of this mission. He knew that it was just as hard for Leo to see Wyatt fall to this state as it was for him, and yet he had managed to spearhead an organized attack…

He had never really known his father growing up- at that was hard to forgive- but in the past few weeks he had seen a glimmer of what Leo was truly like. Although they had fought, Chris had inwardly loved getting closer to him. He could only hope that they would be able to continue down that path…

"Eleven fifty- nine." Leo said, giving Chris a slight nod.

The time had arrived.

Chris watched as his father waved his hand and he felt a familiar sensation over come him. He, along with his group of twenty five witches were being orbed to the underworld.

It had begun…

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Katie watched a Leo sent the first group- Chris' group- away from the safety of magic school.

The room remained silent as the last glittering blue orbs flickered out of sight.

None of the remaining witches could find the power to make even the slightest noise.

Soon, they would be joining the others.

Soon, they would be fighting for their lives.

The fear was almost overwhelming.

When Chris gave Leo the command, Katie would lead her group down to the underworld and spearhead the second phase of the attack. They would help those who had already fallen, and do anything they could to vanquish the remaining demons, before heading on to the ultimate goal; Wyatt's prison.

Katie was afraid of what they would find when the finally breached the final layers of security. They could not even be sure if the captured witches were still alive. It had been a long time since he had captured the first group of them- enough time to lead them to insanity…

Katie could hardly blame them if they had decided to take death over a long and hopeless imprisonment.

But, she still continued to hope.

Hope that there were still some to save.

Hope that tonight would be the first of many victories…

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Watch out!" Chris shouted at the young witch beside him. She managed to duck in time to avoid the energy ball that one of the demons had thrown and, with a wave of his hand; Chris sent it back to its owner. The demon screamed in agony as it erupted into a ball of fire.

Chris instantly turned away, looking for his next victim.

The smell of burnt flesh hung in the musty air of the large underworld cavern and the blood of both witches and demons coated the cold stone floors. Chris did not know how long they had been down there- ten minutes perhaps- but already they had managed to advance quite a bit. Leo had orbed them as close as he could to the prison- when they had arrived, Chris had found it hard to sense the captured witches, but now, as they forged through the hellish tunnels, he could tell that they were getting close.

Almost fifty demons had been vanquished by his team of skilled witches- it was obvious that their training had been a success- and none had been grievously injured. Those who had had the misfortune of being hit by a demonic attack had been quickly orbed to safety by Leo and the other whitelighters. As Chris vanquished yet another creature with a stream of blue lightening, a new sense of optimism welled up inside of him.

They were winning.

Getting closer to the witches…getting closer to Bianca.

He could sense her now too. She was not far away, although it seemed that Wyatt had kept her separate from the others. Chris did not even want to think about what his brother had done to her in the past few days…but he knew that one day, he would get his revenge. Wyatt would not harm Bianca and get away with it. He would make sure of that.

More screams and more flames filled the cave.

He felt a warm gooey substance hit his left arm- demon guts perhaps- but he ignored it. All he cared about was getting to the prison; he paid no attention to the death around him. Demons did not deserve his sympathy- epically those who worked for Wyatt.

For the first time in his entire life, he felt nothing when he killed, and he knew that even if their mission was a success, this was a day that would haunt him forever. He may not have been evil like Wyatt, but he had changed.

Wyatt had forced him change.

He was far from innocent now. He was ruthless- willing to do whatever it took to reach his goal.

The person he had once been was dead.

A darklighter's arrow whizzed past his ear, missing him by mere centimetres. He turned to face his attacker and, with a slight smirk andwatched as the creature slowly choked to under his telekinetic grip. He needed to find a way to vanquish it quickly- it would not die from anything but its own poison. Before he could come up with a solution, another figure stepped up beside him and threw a potion at the darklighter, finishing him off for good.

"Thanks." Chris muttered, looking towards the person that had come to his assistance. He found it difficult to hide his surprise when he realized that it was Robert.

The other young man shrugged. "I have a lot of the darklighter vanquishing potions. Call me if you need more help."

There was a slight cockiness in his tone, but Chris chose to ignore it. As much as he hated Robert, he was grateful for his assistance.

He turned back to the action, noticing that the number of attacking demons had gone down significantly.

He knew that victory was near…

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"He's calling." Leo said suddenly, turning towards the young witch. Katie gave him a weak smile, wishing that she did not have to go, but knowing that she had not choice.

She was terrified, but there was no turning back now. They had worked so long and so hard…people were depending on her to be strong.

Katie drew a deep breath as she watched Leo wave his hand in front of her.

Her vision clouded over and her body was filled with a strange sensation- she was going- being orbed- down to the underworld.

When things became clear again, she saw that they had arrived in a rather small cave, littered with the bodies of vanquished demons. Trying her best to ignore the gore around her, she gave her group a signal and they began to follow her silently through the tunnels. It appeared that Chris' group had done a very good job with the first offensive attack…none of the demons she could see remained alive and the tell tale scorch marks on the walls and floor showed just how many they had killed.

A feeling of relief filled her as she saw movement up ahead. They had found the other group- and she could see as she approached, that they were alive and well.

Catching sight of the new arrivals, Chris pushed to the front of the crowd. He was filthy and worn, but she could see the determination in his eyes.

"Monitor the main chamber." He instructed. "More demons are on their way. My witches are working on the last door way- we should have it open soon."

Katie nodded and, on her command, her group dispersed themselves throughout the cave in the formation they had planned.

As the seconds passed the tension continued to build- but so did the hope. They had easily found the prison- no one had been killed- things were going extremely well.

Too well...

She tensed as she saw two new demons approach the cave. Their eyes widened as they took in the sight before them, before being quickly vanquished by the witches closest to them.

Yet another victory.

A series of loud bangs echoed off the walls as Chris and all of those with good offensive powers sent as much magical energy as they could at the prison door. Wyatt had sealed it well, but from what Leo had calculated they should have enough power to break it.

'Bang'

They tried again.

Katie could not help but wish that she was not so useless at these things- premonitions, no matter how advanced, were of now help in situations like this.

'Bang'

The seconds slowly ticked away.

"Bang'

Why was it taking to so long?

They needed to free the witches and get out…before it was too late.

'Bang'

"We've cracked it!" a voice shouted suddenly.

Katie felt excitement well up inside of her again. They were getting closer and closer…it was almost over, they had almost won…

Another approaching demon was quickly vanquished.

'Bang'

They were almost through…

They were actually going to make it.

'Bang'

A faint blue glimmer caught her eye and she turned slightly to face it. Someone else was orbing into the cave…perhaps it was Leo, here to help heal the imprisoned witches that needed it.

No.

Her heart almost stopped beating as she suddenly realized that that was impossible. They had figured out that Wyatt had placed various spells on his inner chambers- the chambers surrounding the prison- that prevented anyone from orbing directly into them…

Anyone except for Wyatt himself.

"Chris!" She cried out, breaking into a run towards her friend without a second thought.

The sound of orbing stopped, but she did not look back. She knew that he was here; she could feel his dark presence. Many of the witches turned at the sound of her cry, and they too had panicked looks on their faces as they realized who the new arrival was.

In mere seconds all of their plans had been ruined.

The worst had come.

They were going to die…

Chris emerged from the crowd trying to take down the prison door and a terrified look spread across his face as he saw his brother standing in the centre of the chamber.

"You are a fool, Christopher, to think that you could actually weaken me." Wyatt said coolly, his eyes focused solely on the younger Halliwell. "I've told you before, and I'll tell you again; you can never beat me. You are nothing."

With a wave of his hand, Wyatt sent any witches in his way hurling into the wall. He was headed towards Chris, a malicious glint in his cold, dead eyes.

Katie could not remember ever feeling so afraid…

"Everyone. Run back to the chamber we entered from and call for Leo." Chris commanded the terrified witches around him. "Now, go."

His voice was surprisingly calm as he spoke.

The witches that remained standing rushed for the exit, all abandoning the mission for the sake of their lives. A few remained were they were- Katie among them- willing to die for the cause- not wanting to leave Chris alone…

Wyatt stopped his slow walk towards his brother, leaving about a foot between them. The two Halliwell's locked eyes, and stared at each other unflinchingly.

Silence hung in the air.

Katie could hear nothing but the sound of her own heart beating frantically in her chest.

So, it had come to this…

Brothervs brother…both prepared to kill…

The mission had failed.

The future was lost…

"I've been waiting for you, Christopher." Wyatt drawled, his icy eyes not moving from his brother's. "I knew that you were coming…I knew what you and dad had been planning."

Chris' neutral expression faltered slightly. "How…" he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Wyatt laughed.

It was a cold, lifeless laugh.

It was the laugh of a man who no longer had a soul…

"You will find out soon enough." He replied, cocking his head to the side and looking thoughtful. "Don't be upset, Christopher." he began again. "I'm glad they you're here…it's been so much fun having Bianca around all week…I'm sure you will be just as amusing." He paused. "I truly do love to hear her screams…"

"Bastard!" Chris shouted, his eyes flashing with rage as he lunged wildly at his brother. He had lost it now…the thought of Bianca's pain was too much for him to handle…

Caught off guard, both fell in a heap onto the floor- Chris attempted to hurt Wyatt in any way he could- too enraged to use anything but pure physical force. He only managed one blow, however, when Wyatt telekinetically sent him flying a few feet away.

He landed with a sickening thud.

"You really are stupid." The older brother muttered and he slowly stood up, glaring down at the boy in a mixture of pity and contempt. "Soon, you will learn to obey me."

Chris drew several deep breaths, summoning his remaining strength.

"Never." He roared, sparks of blue energy flashing in his eyes and fingers. "NEVER!"

Chris got painfully to his feet, ready to charge his brother again.

He knew that he could not win…but that wasn't the point anymore. He just wanted to cause Wyatt as much pain as possible…give back a little of what he had inflicted on so many others.

Chris had not taken more than two strides, however, when he stopped suddenly- his eyes wide with shock and anguish.

Something had hit his back, and a strange substance now oozed down it, weakening him with every passing second.

He slowly turned around to face his attacker…

Robert, who had not left with the others,stood a few feet away, looking pleased. "I told you that I had a lot of darklighter potions." He said, a smirk spreading across his arrogant face. "And I saved one specifically for you."

Chris' heart sunk.

He knew who had told their plans to Wyatt…he should have detected it…he should not have been so trusting…

Katie felt the rage wash over her- breaking thorough the fear that had been keeping her frozen. "You did this. You told him!" she shrieked lunging at the young man who had injured her friend. "Traitor!" Robert levitated out of the way and she fell roughly to the cave floor.

She could taste the blood pooling in her mouth.

Her eyes burned with hot tears.

The room began to fade…

"Interesting." Wyatt said as he watched the scene unfold. "It seems that you have at least one loyal follower, Chris. Perhaps she should be the next Witch I burn…I promised the mortals I'd kill one tomorrow…to give them some fresh hope for the new year." He paused and glanced at his brother, who was already pale and sweaty form the poison.

"No." he gasped, his eyes clouding over in fear.

Wyatt merely smiled. "Good job, Robert. You may leave now. I'll call for you later."

With a bow, the young man left the chamber.

Chris began to shake- they had failed- they had been betrayed…and now the deadliest of all poisons was slowly beginning to kill him.

Wyatt had won.

He knew that he would rather die now then live to see the terrors that his brother would bring about next.

It was better this way.

He saw his mother's face flash through his mind…he could hear his father's gentle voice echo in his head…he could feel Bianca's soft touch on his skin…

It was all about to end, but he found himself at peace. His life had not been easy…he had suffered so much loss…but at least, he had felt love…

That was one thing that Wyatt could never have.

He wasn't capable of it.

Not anymore.

Unable to stand any longer, Chris fell to his knees…it was becoming hard for him to breathe…his vision was beginning to darken.

"I'll never join you." He whispered one last time, his voice weak from the attack.

Wyatt stepped up to his brother and placed a firm hand on his shoulder, pushing him down towards the cave floor. "You can't fight me anymore Chris." He said coolly. "Its over. I've won..."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A/N So, what did you think? Don't worry, Chris is obviously not going to die…he's just going to come very very close. Sorry for the long wait- I couldn't get this chapter right for a really long time (it still isn't, but I didn't want to wait any longer). Plus, I got stuck in a snowstorm last week…so that slowed me down a bit too…as did watching the 1st season of Nip/Tuck (Which is AMAZING. I highly suggest it…especially to anyone who was a Cole fan…Julian is HOT!)...and watching five new Charmed episodes my friend gave me (FINALLY saw Spin City, Oh My Goddess, Prince Charmed, Witch Wars and Valkarie Vixens...I realize now I have made a few mistakes with my story...but hopefully it's nothing Ican't fix).I also had class at some point ;)

As you can see, I've been busy, lol.

Hope it was okay!

Please REVIEW! (I'm sooo happy, I made it to 100 reviews last time!)

Angry Girl-Thanks again! You're right, I think show Bianca had just been brainwashed by Wyatt. And Chris' heart crushing thing is just telekinesis in my opinion…not another power.

mizunderstood writer- lol, okay, sequel good.

Alyssa- Thank you for such a nice review…glad you think I'm clever, lol. I try.

phoebe turner- Thanks again!

Pangea- Sorry for the slow update, thanks for the compliments. As for the King Arthur stuff…I think the debate is around weather Mordrid was Morgan's son with Arthur (making him Arthur's son and nephew) or Morgan's son with someone else (making him just a nephew)…I'm going with the second one. Glad you share my interest in this stuff!

Patricia L. Bryans- Wow, you read my mind…I actually set out thinking that I would make the conversation at the end of the last chapt. The 'calm before the storm', glad it came off that way! Thanks for the review!

charmedchick4eva-Oh yes, I do work hard on this story…too hard, lol. Thanks again!

phoebe-x15- Sorry about the mission:( I have to give Chris enough reason to come back. Aww, so sad.