Chapter 24: Demons and Potions and Spells…Oh My!

A/N: Firstly, I'd like to say thanks to all my kind reviewers. You made me smile! I am getting so confused with all these tenses, but I'll keep trying. If you love heart to hearts and scary demons, this chapter will be great. Enjoy!

Leo hated having to take charge after all he had just heard, but somebody had to do it. As a whitelighter, it was his job to guide his charges through situations like this. This was different, however, because it hit much to close to home. So it was with no joy that he instructed them all to their various tasks. They all knew one thing. These demons had to be beaten. If they couldn't vanquish them, all would be lost.

"How about Past Piper and Paige try to work on a spell. Phoebe and I can make a potion. Future Piper and Chris can check the book of Shadows again, and than try to scry for the demons", Leo said. They all mutely followed his instructions. They were in a way glad to have some direction. Future Piper was the first to move, followed by Chris. As they headed up to the attic, everyone else began to move.

When future Piper arrived in the attic with Chris, she sat down numbly on the antique sofa. It was very difficult for her to face Chris, after he died in Leo's arms. She wasn't there, but it had hurt her deeply. She knew how much it would hurt to loose her baby boy again. Still, she was afraid. If she told him what had happened someone else might die. At least she still had baby Chris. He was telekinetically flipping through the Book of Shadows the way she remembered him doing many times before. It was Chris who broke the silence.

He asked the question future Piper dreaded answering. "So mom", he said casually, "I do end up saving Wyatt, right?" Future Piper shifted uncomfortably. She knew she shouldn't answer that question. She wished she could prevent it, but she knew that she couldn't. "I can't tell you Chris", she managed to choke. This was much harder than anything she had to do so far. Her youngest son didn't notice the single tear that fell from her eye. Seeing this adult version of her son brought all the pain back. This was pain she wished she could forget.

Chris turned his head and looked his mother straight in the eye. He knew the look in her eyes. It was a look that he still had. When his mother died, it left a hollow sense of emptiness that everyone said showed in his eyes. The eyes were said to be the windows of the soul. He knew that he had died. He had not failed in his mission, but he had died. "You don't have to tell me mom", he said gently. He understood exactly how hard it was. Chris didn't need his mother to tell him anything. He knew.

'Thank You', Future Piper mouthed to her son. They got back to work. Their fears, for the moment, were allayed…

The Jorgen Demon smiled at what he saw in the Manor's attic. This was very interesting. Perhaps he could make use of this. He shifted his vision to the Manor's kitchen to take in a different conversation.

Leo and Phoebe were rummaging through the cabinets, looking for herbs to make their potion. This potion needed to be a potent one, because they were facing a very powerful demon. Leo was checking the cabinets for more mandrake root. Phoebe was stirring the already bubbling potion in the pot. For the moment, they worked in silence. Finally, Leo asked Phoebe the question that he had been burning to ask for some time.

"What makes you so sure you can trust Chris?" Leo asked rather sharply.

Phoebe was shocked at the question. How could Leo be so cruel to his own son? "I saw what he went through, Leo", Phoebe said angrily, "he's your son, and you should be there for him." Leo still looked unconvinced. Phoebe was outraged, but now she had less trouble imagining Leo as the father Chris knew. Leo was pacing back and forth in frustration. He still wasn't convinced. "I can't believe you would just abandon your son like that!" Phoebe shouted at her ex-brother and law.

Leo stepped back, taken aback. "I would never do such a thing to Wyatt!" Leo yelled angrily. Phoebe fumed internally at his stupid remark.

"I was talking about Chris, you idiot!" Phoebe yelled straight into Leo's face. This time it seemed to reach him. He paled and sank into a chair, his head in his hands. He seemed to realize that Chris was his son, and he needed him. "I'm so sorry", Leo whispered, his head still in his hands, "What have I done?" He was crying openly now, and he didn't care. Phoebe's heart broke for him. He really didn't mean all he had said before. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"It's okay", Phoebe said softly.

'So Chris has some issues with his father', the Jorgen King thought to himself. He had to continue watching them, so he didn't make the same mistake as last time. He was gaining information more valuable than he ever thought possible. He would make use of it. That was certain. He shifted his perspective once again to observe the remaining people in the Halliwell Manor.

Past Piper and Paige were coming up with rhymes in the manor's living room. They each had a pad and a pen, and were scribbling down half baked ideas as they came to them. Occasionally, they would consult with each other, and share ideas. "You know I love you Paige", Past Piper said suddenly. Paige looked up from her note pad to her sister's face. "Of course I know that Piper", Paige said in confusion, "I love you too." Paige went back to work.

Past Piper wasn't finished yet. "When I first met you, the reason I was so distant was that I was afraid of loosing anyone else after Prue died. I'm sorry. I really do love you." Paige moved closer to her sister and gave her a big hug. She knew that Piper loved her, even if she couldn't always show it.

"I always knew it Piper", Paige whispered, "and I love you too." Past Piper returned Paige's hug affectionately. Paige finally knew that she belonged. The sisters returned to work, both much happier. Sometimes it was necessary to say I love you to become closer as sisters. They continued scribbling down things and crossing them out. Suddenly Paige jumped up, an epiphany lighting her up from the inside.

"Look!" Paige exclaimed, shoving the paper into Past Piper's face. "We need more information on the Jorgen King…and we can use this spell to get some!" Past Piper smiled at her sister. Paige's idea was pretty good, and it was worth a try. "Go ahead", Past Piper said smiling. Paige cleared her throat and began to chant the spell she had created.

"Knowledge hidden in the dark,

Come to this witch, I thee impart.

I call upon my ancient might,

To help me in my current plight!"

For a moment, both sisters thought nothing had happened. Then with a gasp, Paige fell to the floor, unconscious. Past Piper ran desperately to her baby sister's side, trying to revive her…

The Jorgen King smiled at this most recent turn of events. This was unexpected, but most certainly welcome….

Paige awoke surrounded by swirling white clouds. She looked down at her own body to find it transparent. This place was extremely similar to the place the elders lived, "up there". Paige could remember the spell, and passing out. What happened afterwards was a blank. "Am I dead?" she wondered out loud, never expecting an answer.

"Not quite yet", said an unfamiliar female voice from behind her. She spun quickly around to see an extremely familiar face. She had seen so many pictures and heard so many stories. Prudence Halliwell extended a hand and helped Paige off the cloudy floor. Paige was looking at her with a mixture of shock, admiration, and fear. If she wasn't dead, then why was she with Prue?

Prue seemed to sense her unasked question. She said calmly, "I'm here to guide you Paige. Come with me." Prue began to walk as Paige followed directly behind her…

TBC…

Up next… Chapter 25: Vision Quest … Paige is shown things that shaped who she is and who she will become. Guided by Prue, Paige comes to certain conclusions about her life, and learns a crucial piece of information that will be vital to their mission.