CHARMED

"Once A Brother"

By J. B. Tilton a.k.a. Centexmale and Teri Thibeault a.k.a. Tessalynne

K+

Disclaimer: "Charmed" and all related characters and events are the property of the WB television network, except for those characters specifically created for this story. This is a work of fan fiction and no infringement of copyright is intended.

(Authors note: This story takes place between season 4 finale episode "Witch Way Now'" and season 5 premier episode "Witch's Tail".)

When Cole Turner's son, Peter Coleson, learns about Coles' initiation into the Brotherhood of the Thorn, he also learns that some bonds remain unbroken even after death.

ONE

Peter Coleson was walking home to his apartment. It was nearly dark and for once he had been able to get out of his office early. Providing adequate legal services to the indigent was extremely rewarding. But it often made for very long hours. Still, he received a great deal of satisfaction from his work.

It also kept his mind occupied. Since giving up his vendetta against his father, Cole Turner, he needed that distraction. For nearly forty years he had schemed and planned to destroy his father. Now, because of a promise to his mother, he would have to forgo his revenge. His work kept him too busy to dwell on the matter. So it was a mixed blessing.

As Peter passed an alley he glanced idly toward the dimness. Peter suddenly stopped and looked up the alley in surprise. There was a person walking through the alley apparently on their way home, too. It was a young man that Peter recognized. He had helped the man out of some legal trouble a few months back. But that wasn't what surprised Peter.

As he watched the young man walk down the alley he noticed another figure suddenly appear. There was a black, slight rippling effect and the figure was suddenly there. Hiding behind a dumpster watching the young man walk up the alley.

Peter put his briefcase down and turned up the alley. Only one creature moved like that. A demon. Peter was very familiar demons. His own father had been half demon. And he had inherited some magical abilities from his father, including the ability to shimmer; which was what that demon had just done.

And Peter knew there was going to be trouble. The only reason for a demon to be stalking a human was because it had been sent after the human. Probably to kill him.

Peter moved up the alley as quietly as he could. The human wouldn't stand a chance against the demon. But Peter just might. Though only one-quarter demon, he was still extremely powerful, having one of the most powerful demons in the underworld as a father. Peter moved up to within several feet of the demon and stepped to one side, partially obscured by the shadows.

"Out for a late night stroll are we?" Peter asked.

The demon spun to look at Peter. It was in its human form and appeared to be male. Standing just over six feet tall, he had brown hair and was clean-shaven. Light blue eyes shone clearly in the fading light as he glared at Peter for a moment.

"I suggest you mind your own business," said the demon. "This doesn't concern you."

"Yeah, that's my problem. Always sticking my nose in where it doesn't belong. It's a bad habit I just can't seem to break. Especially where demons are concerned."

"So, you are aware of us. Who are you? A witch?"

"Oh, heavens no," said Peter. "I know a couple of witches. But I'm about as far from being a witch as you are."

"More's the pity," said the demon. "If you know what I am then you know I can't let you live. It's a shame, really. I wasn't hired to kill you. You just got in my way. Nothing personal, you understand. Just business."

"Yeah, I've heard that before. Demons just love to boast. Always making claims they can't back up."

"Oh, I can back it up." The demon formed a fireball. "At least you deserve to know who is about to kill you. I am called Baldasor and I am a member of the Brotherhood of the Thorn. And it is a great honor for me to kill you."

"Yeah, yeah." Look, just walk away and no one needs get hurt here. Leave the human alone and I'll forget all about this little incident."

"You're arrogant," said Baldasor. "And you have courage. That is rare for a human. I will make it quick. You deserve no less."

"So you say," said Peter. "All I see is you flapping your gums and not much else."

Baldasor just smiled at Peter. Despite the fact he was human, Baldasor found himself liking Peter. Still, he was a human. And he had spoiled his hunt. The victim had escaped and this young upstart taunted him. Baldasor smiled once more and then cast the fireball at Peter.

Peter ducked and the fireball missed him completely. As he did he cast an energy ball at Baldasor, striking the demon full on. Baldasor was knocked back by the attack and fell to the ground. In an instant he was on his feet.

"You're demon?" Baldasor questioned.

"Something like that. Now, like I said. Move along. You'll not have any prey this day."

"You're demon and yet you dare oppose me? Are you a fool that you would oppose the Brotherhood?"

"I don't care about your Brotherhood," said Peter. "You're just another cowardly demon. Like all the rest. I'm not one of you. And I don't have any problem vanquishing you. Just give me a reason."

"I'll give you more than that," said Baldasor.

The demon suddenly cast another fireball that struck Peter sending him crashing to the alley. Pain coursed through Peter. Even though he was human his partially demonic constitution afforded him some protection. But he only had access to part of his powers in his human form. If he were to have access to his full power he would need to change to his demonic form. And he realized that he would need his full power if he stood any chance against this demon.

Peter suddenly changed form and stood up, facing Baldasor. Peter was nearly seven feet tall. He was a dark red color and had tribal markings. There were small horns that circled his forehead. He formed another energy ball.

"Now, demon. Let's see just who is the more powerful."

"Belthazor?" questioned Baldasor extinguishing the fireball he was holding. "That's impossible. Belthazor is dead. Vanquished by the Charmed Ones."

"So I heard. Only I'm not Belthazor. He was my father."

"Then we have no quarrel. Belthazor was a brother. I will not fight the offspring of a brother."

"Yeah, yeah, all demons are brothers," said Peter. "But like I said, I'm not one of you. I'm not one of your brothers."

Baldasor laughed loudly.

"True, those of the Brotherhood all consider themselves brothers. But Belthazor was a brother by more than our bond of the Brotherhood. The same demon that bore me also bore him. Belthazor was my brother by blood."

"Your brother?" questioned Peter.

"Yes. And if you are truly Belthazor's son, then you are my nephew. We are family."

Peter just stared at Baldasor in disbelief.