Author's Note: Hellos! I'm back and with a longer chapter this time (my computer shows this one at about 6 and ½ pages and that's the longest I've written so far). This chapter had been plaguing me for some time now and I am just happy that I finally finished it and have it ready for you all to read. To all of my readers: thank you for being so patient for the updates. I guess it must be good if you are all sticking around to see what happens, right? I will try not to take as long with the next chapter, but I make no promises. So, enough about me: have a good read and don't forget to review when you're finished (it lets me know that you want me to keep going).
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Hostages and Kidnappings
"You're mom and aunts didn't have their powers growing up," Victor told Chris as they sat in the living room of his house. "I wasn't too keen on magic and their mother was…it was a big mess. Maybe if I had been a little more understanding about it then I would have been a bigger part of their lives. But, I wasn't. I told myself when Wyatt was born that I was going to make up for it and the same with you and your cousins."
Chris nodded. He was enjoying the time he was spending with his grandfather, despite the circumstances. Their conversations had been about anything and everything and Chris was relieved to know that he had someone who he could turn to when he needed to talk. After all, that's what his grandfather said he did with him in the future.
Still a bit confused, Daniel and Victor had calmly and slowly explained the ordeal about Chris' future self coming back from the future to save his brother from turning evil. Apparently, the other version of himself had in fact saved Wyatt, but with the kidnappings, the future that Chris had tried to prevent was lost and Wyatt was still evil.
"You okay Chris?" Victor asked. "You've been quiet."
He nodded. "Yeah. I'm just thinking about things. So much has happened all at once and it's been tough to handle it all."
"I'd say I understood what you were going through, but I don't see the use of making empty statements like that. But I know that this is hard and I want you to know that you aren't alone. You have people out there, Chris, who love you and who would do anything for you." Victor turned and looked at Daniel and Derrick. "I'm glad you weren't alone all this time."
"Me too," Chris replied. "If it wasn't for those two I don't how I would have…" Trailing off, Chris stood and walked toward the window and looked out. His eyes scanned the area as if he was looking for something close by, but he saw nothing.
"Chris, what's the matter?" Victor questioned, standing at his grandson's side.
Hearing this, Derrick turned his head and shouted at Chris as he jumped up. "Be careful of the crystals Chris!"
Stepping back, Chris looked at Victor and then at Daniel who lad left his seat and joined them. Daniel had seen the look in Chris' eyes before. It was that same look he had when he knew that something was wrong the night Cathy was killed, that look of knowing something was happening even though he didn't know where.
"What's happening Chris?" Daniel asked.
"I don't know," his friend answered. "I know something is wrong…it has to be mom and dad."
Upon saying the last few things, Chris put his hands over his mouth and looked at his friend in awe. Yes, he had called Piper his mother the other day, but it was just in trying it out. Never before had Chris referred to Leo as dad and even though he was surprised at what had come out of his mouth, Chris knew that he was accepting them into his life and that he was genuinely worried about the two, about his parents.
"You think something is happening at the Manor?" Victor questioned. "Are you sure that is where you think it's happening? Things happen all over at different times."
Chris shook his head. "I know that's where it is. The night my mom…the night Cathy died, I knew something was wrong and I left too late."
Victor looked sternly at Chris, knowing what he was thinking. "You can't leave here, Chris, your mother won't let you."
"If I don't go, something is going to happen to her!" Chris shouted. "I've already lost one mother, you can't let me lose another one."
About to say more on the subject, Derrick placed a hand on the man's shoulder. "I think he's made up his mind and there really is no reasoning with him at this point. Besides, I think he makes a good point."
"But I don't want to lose him again," Victor said.
"I'll be fine," Chris assured Victor. "I know where I am going and I have a pretty good handle on my powers, thanks to Piper. I mean, thanks to mom."
Taking a deep breath, Victor nodded after thinking it over. He knew Piper and Leo were going to get mad at him for letting Chris go, and there was even a part of Victor who didn't want to let Chris leave…but even so, he knew that Chris had to. Giving Chris a tight hug, Victor looked him in the eye and told him to be careful. Chris responded with the same comment and told the others to be cautious of Wyatt.
"I'll be back soon," Chris said and with that he orbed out of his grandfather's living room.
It wasn't long after Chris had decided to leave when Wyatt appeared outside of Victor's house. He had spent much of the day trying to locate Chris and it was as he did that he sensed Barbas leave the lair. Ever since he was a child, Wyatt knew where certain demons were and if he didn't, he knew how to find them. As with Chris, all he needed to do was think of him and after a while, an image would appear in his mind of where to go. And as with Barbas, Wyatt simply knew the demon, and knew that he would try to leave, despite Wyatt's saying otherwise.
"He's probably trying to cover his tracks," Wyatt muttered under his breath.
It was one thing for Wyatt to learn that he was the son of a good witch and a Whitelighter and even more to learn that the witch was a Charmed One, but above all it hurt to know the truth about Barbas. Of course, Wyatt knew that Barbas was a demon and that no demon could be trusted, yet there was everything the two had gone through: Barbas had raised Wyatt, had taught him how to use his powers, was there when he killed his first witch…all of that was ruined with the knowledge of the kidnapping.
Putting his feelings aside, Wyatt walked toward the front door and caught sight of a crystal in the window. Moving closer to the window, he could see the other crystals around the room. The Charmed witch must have brought Chris to a place where she thought he would be safe, Wyatt thought, and surrounded the place with crystals to insure that I wouldn't be able to get in without being harmed. He laughed at the thought and going back to the front door, a smirk appeared on his face when he held out his hand and with looking at the crystal in the window, called for it. Easily, it appeared in his hand and the cage was broken. Knowing he had a way in, Wyatt wanted to play with Chris and as he did with Cathy, Wyatt knocked on the door.
Victor jumped at the sound of the knocking. Turning to Daniel and Derrick, the other two shrugged, thinking that it must be the inside of the house that was protected by the crystals and so long as the person from outside didn't set foot inside that everyone would be okay. Hesitating, Victor walked slowly to the door and reached for the handle, Derrick and his son nearby.
The door opened in almost slow motion and Victor all but stared at who stood outside. Outside stood a young man who seemed so familiar and yet so unfamiliar all the same. He wore black clothing and had somewhat long blond hair. There didn't seem to be anything evil about the young man, but Victor still felt a bit uncomfortable. Clearing his throat, Victor mustered his courage and spoke.
"Can I help you?" he asked.
"I was looking for Chris," the young man answered. "Is he here?"
"There's no Chris here," Victor said, his hand pushing the door shut, but the young man stopped him and pushed the door back open. " I said there is no Chris here."
"I don't believe you, old man," the other said and he easily pushed the door back and Victor fell to the floor. Taking a few steps in, the young man grinned as he looked around and saw Daniel with his father. Moving closer, Wyatt could see the look of surprise on their faces and he held up the crystal in his hand for all to see how he was inside the so-called protected house. "I see you're here, Danny boy. Where is your friend? In hiding?"
"I'll never tell you anything, Wyatt," Daniel answered, moving protectively in front of his father.
Victor stood, a lump in this throat as he heard the name. Wyatt. Looking over the young man, it made sense in how familiar he appeared. His features were Leo's, no doubt, though he had Piper's dark eyes. Shaking his head, Victor could not believe that this was the oldest of the grandchild whom had been lost for so long. Walking forward slowly, Victor stood behind Wyatt and could do nothing but stare in awe. Feeling a pair of eyes upon him, Wyatt turned his head.
"Do I frighten you, old man?" he asked.
There was only silence as a reply.
"Well? Are you going to answer me?"
"Wyatt…" Victor managed to stutter. "I can't believe…this can't be you…"
With an aggravated sigh, Wyatt rolled his eyes. "I don't have time for this, old man. I am here for one reason and that is to find Chris and if none of you tell me where he is, then I shall just have to start killing you off in hopes that you will tell me then."
"What do you want with Chris?" Derrick asked.
"A stupid question," Wyatt said. "I want him found and I want him dead. Now, I'll either kill him first, or you."
"You can't kill him," Victor said, his voice returning.
Wyatt rolled towards Victor and raised his eyebrows. "Really now? And why can't I?"
"You can't kill your brother."
Wyatt stood silently as he stared at the old man. He mustered a laugh and shook his head. "You lie, old man."
"It's not a lie. Chris is my grandson and your brother. You are not going to hurt him because you aren't going to find him."
Taking a deep breath, Wyatt strode forward and grabbed the collar of Victor's shirt. The two men were the same height and their eyes met, Wyatt's fierce ones with Victor's frightened ones. Pulling him close, Wyatt hissed at his grandfather. "Don't you dare try to threaten me, old man. You are of no relation to me and neither is that ridiculous great good that my world fears so much. I will prove to you all that I am a demon and no son of a good witch and her whitelighter."
With all the strength he had, Wyatt threw Victor to the floor. His eyes flared with hatred and Wyatt wanted nothing more than to destroy the house in which he stood. It was one thing when it was revealed that he was the child of good parents, but to hear that Chris is supposed to be his brother…Shaking off the words and thoughts, Wyatt turned to Daniel.
"Now, if you know what is good for you, I would tell me this instant where your friend is," Wyatt snapped. Creating an energy ball in his hand, he held it out towards Derrick, his eyes all but looking through Daniel. "I can always find ways of making you tell me if you do not want to."
Daniel looked from his father to Wyatt, not knowing what to do. If he said nothing, his father could be killed, and yet if he spoke, Chris would most likely die. It was something Daniel had been dreading he might have to face before the ordeal was finished. His hands shaking, Daniel didn't know what to do. His father stood fearlessly in front of the energy ball, telling him not to say a word, but Daniel was still confused.
"So, are you to listen to your father and end his life," Wyatt asked mockingly, "or do you speak and send your friend to his death?"
Before Daniel had the chance to answer, Wyatt turned away, the energy ball disappearing. He could sense Barbas leaving the underworld lair. Closing his eyes, he tried to picture where he would flame himself. Was the demon really that stupid as to think that Wyatt wouldn't go after him for trying to escape? Perhaps Barbas knew that Wyatt would be too preoccupied with dealing with Chris and the Charmed one and her Whitelighter. It was then when Wyatt could sense other demons with Barbas and he then began putting the pieces together.
"Chris isn't here," Wyatt said, turning to Victor on the floor. "Isn't that what you said, grandfather? And he isn't here because a certain demon I know went after those helping him, the same two who were accused of being my parents. He went to help them, didn't he?"
Victor said nothing.
Wyatt smirked. "Your silence speaks volumes, old man. I know where to look for him now and I shall not go alone."
Quickly, Wyatt was at Daniel's side, an arm around his neck and the two disappeared in bright lights. Derrick ran to where his son had been standing and grasped at the air as if to collect the light that was his son and make him whole again. His attempts in vain, Victor stopped him, saying that it wouldn't bring him back or save either of the boys. Knowing that Victor was right, Derrick said nothing, only prayed that his son was all right and that Chris would be safe.
It was during Wyatt's visit at Victor's that Chris arrived at the Manor. He had orbed into the living room downstairs and heard the commotion above him. Running as fast as he could up the stairs, Chris made his way to the attic and found Piper and Leo surrounded by demons. The furniture throughout the room was either destroyed or burnt, pieces of it littered everywhere. Smoke clouded Chris' vision and he had to strain his eyes to find his parents. Standing in the shadows, Chris watched what took place before him before having the courage to join in.
Chris had dealt with Wyatt before, and a few of his demonic minions, but this was something Chris had never seen. The room was filled with demons and his parents were outnumbered. Was this the life he had escaped by being given away when he was little? This was the life he was returning to, a life of constant attacks, or pain and doing nothing but fighting for a side that seemed like it only barely won?
But Chris knew what was right and what was wrong and it this was the life he was born into, a life he was destined for, then he was ready to accept it and fight for what was his. Moving forward, he caught sight of a demon ready to throw an energy ball at his unsuspecting mother. Concentrating on what Piper had taught him, Chris threw his hands out toward the demon and it exploded before his eyes.
Surprised at what he had done, Chris had simultaneously let the others in the room know that there was another person present. Piper and Leo turned and were both glad and angry that their son was there. The demons felt that they only had another witch or Whitelighter to defeat and Barbas, was the happiest of all. Thinking he was going to have to search for the wretched boy, Barbas was glad that he had walked right into a trap.
"Well, look who decided to come to his parent's aid," Barbas sneered.
Chris looked questioningly at Barbas, but felt a hand pull him back. Turning, Chris faced Leo, who shook his head. "You want nothing to do with that demon. He's the one responsible for this mess."
It was as if everything stopped.
His eyes widening, Chris' gaze went from Piper to Leo as if to ask with his eyes if it were true. When they both nodded, Chris turned to Barbas and saw the smile spread across this face. It was true, what his parents were saying. The gray haired demon before him was the reason all of this was happening. He had been the one who wanted Chris taken, so that Wyatt's kidnapping could go undetected. If it hadn't been for this demon, Cathy would still be alive and Chris might be having a normal life…Though, the demon had done one good thing: he had brought Chris together with his real parents.
"If you are trying to remember me you can stop," Barbas said, waltzing forward. "I only met your future self. It was a darklighter who took you that day in the park. Do you remember it?"
Chris clenched his fists.
"Oh, don't look so angry," Barbas continued. "I did that I thought was best. You didn't really want to grow up fighting demons and hiding who you really were from everyone did you?"
"You had no right to do what you did to me," Chris hissed.
"I'm a demon. We have no right to do anything and yet we do." Turning back to his minions, Barbas flicked his wrists. "Finish them off."
As the demons readied themselves, bright lights appeared and in the room orbed Wyatt and Daniel. Upon seeing what had been going on, Wyatt released his hold on Daniel and the latter fell to his knees, coughing and holding his neck as he tried to calm himself. Putting his hands behind his back, Wyatt paced around the room until he stood at Barbas' side.
"Using my demons for your own purposes?" Wyatt asked. "But, if you would defy me and leave the lair when I said not to, then what should make me think you wouldn't try to steal my minions? How foolish of me, right Barbas?"
Chris ran to Daniel's side as his Wyatt and Barbas spoke. "You okay?"
"I think so. I didn't tell him you were here," Daniel said, breathing heavily. "He said that if I didn't tell him that he would kill my dad, but I couldn't tell him and let you die. But, he stopped and I guess he knew that the other demon was here because he grabbed me and we orbed."
"Don't worry about it," Chris said. "I know you wouldn't have said anything."
Helping his friend stand, Chris walked Daniel over to his parents and they all stood as Barbas and Wyatt argued. Leo healed the wound Wyatt had left on Daniel's neck and Chris put a hand around his mother as she got to see her oldest son for the first time in years.
"Are you not going to answer me?" Wyatt shouted. "What business do you have coming and killing Chris and the other two if not to cover your tracks? That darklighter was right, and so was the old man." Without looking, Wyatt pointed back toward who he didn't believe were his parents and younger brother. "I am their son and he is my brother."
"You would believe the words of fools!" Barbas shouted.
"I believe what I see and what I know."
Not wanting to have to bother with what he was hearing, Barbas turned away. All was over now that Wyatt knew and began to accept the truth. Barbas didn't except him to turn from evil to good overnight, but there was a slight chance that Wyatt just might turn…No, Barbas shook his head. There was still time to end it all. If there was no Piper, no Leo and no Chris than Wyatt had no immediate family to turn to. Of course, there were the two other Charmed Ones, but they would have little power once their eldest sister was gone.
The question was: what was Barbas going to do about it? Glancing at the minions, Barbas released them and they shimmered away, leaving the others to wonder what was going on. Even Wyatt didn't know what the demon had up his sleeve. Everything in the room seemed to still and Barbas decided to go for broke. He could always go after the witch and her husband or count on them to search for him if he left.
With that in mind, the demon took a deep breath and sent Wyatt flying back into an attic wall with a fireball, as he did to Piper and Leo. The three were either too stunned or too weak to get themselves up in time and could only listen as Barbas physically pushed Daniel away, grabbed hold of Chris' shirt and flamed out of the Manor. By the time everyone got up, the room seemed empty and all Piper and Leo could do was stare at where their son had been standing.
"No," Piper whispered, her head shaking. "Not again…I've lost my son again…"
Wyatt's face contorted with rage as he clenched his fists. "I swear…when I find him…"
Daniel stared where he and his friend had stood and lowered his head.
"Chris."
