"I still don't know." Leo said slowly as he studied the spell Paige had handed him. "We have no idea what we're dealing with here, what if the crystals aren't enough to trap the demon once you summon him?"
Paige rolled her eyes and grabbed the piece of paper out of her brother-in-law's hands before flopping down on the attics couch in exasperation. "You're worrying too much Leo." She muttered shooting him an annoyed look. "We've done this many times before; it always works out in the end."
"Yes." Leo began again. "But every other time you've had the power of three. You may have found a way to summon it without Phoebe, but you may not be able to vanquish it without her. I can't let you take that risk."
"And let's not forget that we're under the influence of this annoying spell." Wyatt cut in, exchanging a glance with his father. His earlier enthusiasm about the summoning spell had quickly faded as he thought about the many problems with their plan of action. They hadn't gotten Phoebe back, they didn't have the power of three, and they were yet to figure out what type of demon could have started this in the first place. He had a suspicion it was the demon that had begun making a speech down in that large cavern of the underworld, but unfortunately the spell had prevented Wyatt from obtaining any useful information.
He frowned slightly before continuing. "Somehow I don't think my demon fighting skills are quite up to par today…and I have the sudden urge to meditate…"
Leo raised an eyebrow at his oldest son and Piper, who had just walked back into the attic from her trip downstairs, gave a slight chuckle. 'Wyatt' and 'meditate' were two words that she normally would not have put together. Even though her oldest son was not (thankfully) the ruler of all evil in this time line, he generally wasn't the peaceful type ether. He had always loved a good vanquish, and could never really be bothered with what he had often deemed 'whitelighter nonsense'. The demonic spell really had affected him both mentally and physically.
Wyatt turned and glared at him mother, not appreciating her amused reaction to his inner turmoil. He was trying hard to fight it, but as the minutes ticked past he felt himself succumbing more and more to his pacifist urges. "Why are you so happy?" he snapped, noticing the wide grin that remained on his mothers face as she made her way across the room.
"No reason." Piper shrugged before standing on her toes to give her husband a quick kiss on the cheek. Leo stared down at her, also feeling slightly confused by her sudden state of cheerfulness. It wasn't like Piper to be calm and content in the midst of demonic fiascos.
"Are you sure honey?" The whitelighter questioned as his wife laced her arm around his lower back. "You're acting a bit strange." His mind immediately began to race as he thought about what type of spell she could possibly be under. Maybe the demonic spell that had returned the demons and whitelighters of the family to their natural forms somehow affected witches too…but, he couldn't sense a problem…
"I'm fine, Leo, really." Piper replied, still grinning from ear to ear. "You can't blame me for being just a little bit happy…despite everything. Today has made me realize that my family truly is a gift from heaven."
She paused and gave a wistful sigh as she absentmindedly ran her hand across Leo's feathered wings.
"I'm married to the sweetest angel in the world and I have the most handsome, perfect, and angelic, boys a mother could ask for."
Leo and Wyatt exchanged another glance before both looking back at Piper.
"Umm, okay…" Wyatt muttered, his blue eyes wide with uncertainty. Something must have happened downstairs to cause his mother to act so uncharacteristically dreamy…but he couldn't sense any supernatural problems...it must have been something else…
"Did you get the ginger root for the potion?" Paige asked suddenly, as she stood up and walked towards Piper, Leo and Wyatt. As mush as the little family moment had amused her, she was anxious to reverse the spell and leave this whole confusing night behind her.
Piper turned abruptly towards her sister. "Oh!" she exclaimed. "I knew I forgot something."
"That's why you went downstairs in the first place." Paige said with mild annoyance. "How could you forget?"
Piper opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, a swirl of blue orbs began to form to her left, and Chris, Jenny and Emily materialized in the attic. The boy was grinning in a manner similar to his mother, and Jenny too seemed surprisingly happy for someone in her situation.
"Jenny woke up." Chris proclaimed cheerfully. "We've explained the situation the best we could."
The girl nodded in confirmation. "Yes, I think I'm sort of beginning to get it, although this entire night still feels surreal."
The Hallwell's all gave her understanding smiles.
"It's going to feel that way for quite a while." Paige said as she stepped forward to shake Jenny' and Emily's hands. "I can totally relate."
Jenny took in Paige's appearance before jumping to a logical conclusion and returning her warm gesture. "I presume that you're a witch/angel too." She said, her blue eyes fixed on the youngest charmed one.
"Is it that obvious?" Paige asked in mock surprise as she made her wings flutter slightly for emphasis.
"Nope." Jenny replied with a smile. "I'm just a good guesser."
The two exchanged a slight laugh and Paige found herself liking the young girl already. Piper and Leo had filled her and Wyatt in on the conversation they had had with Emily downstairs…the situation sounded all too familiar…she really did understand.
"Another one?" Emily asked, her mouth slightly agape as she looked over at Paige.
The charmed one nodded. "Yes." She said, locking eyes with the woman who she could sense was fighting back more feelings of confusion and jealously. "But I'm afraid I wasn't quite so lucky as my little nephews."
There was a slight pause before she continued. "My parents had to give me up as soon as I was born, for fear that the elders might find out about the forbidden child of a witch and a whitelighter. I've never blamed them for it- I got adopted by a wonderful family and I grew up happy…and normal. But then in my twenties I found out that I had two-well, technically three- half sisters, and that I was, in fact, far from normal…" Paige trailed off and she gazed distantly out the window as if recalling an old memory. "I'll never forget those first few days after I found out. 'Surreal' is a very good word to describe it."
Emily nodded in understanding and glanced over at her daughter. At least she hadn't had to give Jenny up…she didn't want to think about how heartbreaking it must have been for Paige's mother and father...
And Paige too had been faced with the sudden shock of discovering her true identity… Emily wished for the hundredth time that night that Jenny hadn't found out this way…she could only imagine what her daughter was going through. At least there was Chris…and Paige…people just like Jenny who could help her come to terms with what she was.
"Yes, so I really do know the feeling." Paige finished, flashing the girl one last reassuring smile.
"Right, so now that you've met Aunt Paige." Chris stepped in, looking over at Jenny and her mother. "That-" he said, pointing over in the second youngest Halliwell's direction, "Is Wyatt, my brother and another, er- witch/angel. And then there is my mother-she's a witch. And my father- he's an angel."
Jenny nodded. "It's very nice to meet you all." She said politely.
"It's wonderful to meet you too." Piper replied, her wide grin returning once again as she saw the girl discreetly grab onto to Chris' hand. They were simply too adorable for words.
"Would you like me to take you home?" Leo asked, glancing between mother and daughter. "Unfortunately we have a bit of a situation we still need to sort out…but with any luck we'll have the spell reversed by morning."
Emily shook her head stubbornly and locked eyes with the whitelighter. "Thanks for the offer, but it's alright. We've already discussed this with Chris; we want to stay and help."
Piper, Leo, Wyatt and Paige all exchanged worried glances. "I don't know if that's a good idea…" Piper began. "We do this all the time, we'll be alright…"
"No, mom, we won't be." Chris cut in, his face set with determination. "We're one witch short…and if Emily and Jenny stay then well have the extra power we need…almost…"
The eldest charmed one frowned as she contemplated the situation. Sure, they were witches, but Emily was out of practice from years of hiding, and Jenny had just come into her powers tonight…it really didn't seem safe.
"Chris-" she began to protest, but her youngest son did not allow her to finish.
"I know what you're thinking." He cut in. "But Mrs. Hughes's used to do a lot of demon fighting…she'll be fine. And if we're just gonna summon the demon and vanquish him with a spell or potion, Jenny can be useful too…the more witches the better, right?"
Piper sighed. "I suppose…" she said quietly. "But if anything goes wrong, you're responsible for orbing them out. Immediately. It that absolutely clear Christopher?"
"Got it, Mom." The boy replied as he began to lead Jenny across the room to the attic's couch. "Everything will be fine."
"So." Emily said, her eyes flashing with excitement and anticipation. "Lets get going here…it's been far too log since my last vanquish."
Piper could not suppress her smile- the woman's sudden enthusiasm was quite a contrast to her rather intimidating moodiness downstairs.
She liked this side of Emily much better.
"Alright then-" Piper began "You help Paige with the vanquishing potion. Wyatt- you keeping looking in the book for that demon you saw in the underworld. Leo and I will tweak the spell. Chris…" She trailed off as she caught sight of her youngest son now thoroughly engrossed in a quiet conversation with Jenny on the couch. The feelings of motherly pride returned as she watched her little angel's tender interaction with the girl he cared for so deeply. She really didn't want to disturb them if she didn't have too…
"Alright everyone," she began again. "Lets get to work."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"I thank you humbly." Demetrius said with a slight bow as he took the last satchel of poison tipped arrows from the darklighter. It had been quite lucky that he, along with the three that now aligned themselves with him, had stumbled across a particularly productive darklighter apothecary which had willingly provided them with the rest of the supplies they would need.
His first major victory was so near now, he could feel it.
He hoped that it was only one of many to come.
"Are we all ready then?" he asked, turning to his companions.
Mel and Phoebe were strapping their own supplies of arrows securely to their backs, and Cole looked down at his new cross bow in admiration.
"Yes." The young female demon replied as she tightened the last strap. "Let's get this over with."
Demetrius gave a cold laugh which caused Mel to glare in his direction. "Patience my sweet." The demon cooed, locking eyes with the girl and taking a few slow steps towards her. "A good kill must not be rushed…it must be savoured. You must not be hasty, or you may risk defeat…and it would be such a shame to loose that pretty little head of yours now, wouldn't it?"
"Hey!" Cole cut in gruffly, stepping between the demon and his daughter. "Speak to her like that again, and this arrow will be sent straight through your heart."
Demetrius gave a toothy smile. "Your daughter should feel honoured to have my admiration."
Eyes flashing, Cole gave a roar of anger and was about to send the other demon crashing into the nearest cave wall when the arrival of another figure distracted them both away from their fight.
The newly arrived demon instantly dashed over to Demetrius, his bulgy yellow eyes wide with worry.
"Master, there are several demons in your lair," he began, slightly out of breath. "They are all wishing to discuss important matters with you. I think they want to join…"
Demetrius smiled at the lower level demon. "Tell them to late a little longer, Cronous. I'm off to kill a few Hallwell's…I'll be back shortly."
"But sir-"
"This is not my main concern now." Demetrius barked, his eyes flashing red with annoyance. "You have done so much for me already tonight; I think you can handle this one last simple task. Now go."
Cronous nodded timidly, before shimmering back out to meet his master's demands.
Plastering his sickeningly false smile back across his face, Demetrius turned towards Cole, Phoebe and Mel.
It was finally time for his victory.
It was finally time to do what many had dreamt of since the Charmed ones had come to be.
Soon, the power of three would be broken, and all of those infected with whitelighter blood would get what they deserved…
"Let's get to work…" the demon said, his face set with fierce determination.
And with that, they shimmered out…
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"What do you call the blue thing again?" Jenny asked, her brow furrowed slightly as she tried to remember.
Chris smiled, more than happy to provide another explanation. He was quite enjoying his talk with Jenny…aside from the fact that it meant being close to her, he felt a strange sense of importance as he patiently answered all of her questions about magic.
"It's called orbing." He replied. "It's a whitelighters most basic power. You'll definitely be able to do it."
Her eyes widened slightly and she shifted excitedly on the couch that she and Chris were now sitting on. "Are you sure?"
"Pretty sure." He paused and held out his hand for her to take. "Here, I'll help you."
She gingerly placed her petite hand in his and watched in awe as a swirl of electric blue lights slowly engulfed both of their arms.
"I'm just orbing part of us- so you can get used to the feeling." He explained as he too looked down at the sight.
She felt the warmth of the lights on her arm and she smiled at both the overwhelming beauty and revitalisation it brought about. It felt so strange, and yet, at the same time it felt so natural…
"I'm going to let go." Chris said quietly, breaking her away from her thoughts. "Try to concentrate on keeping it going after I do."
She nodded and focused all of her energy to the area as Chris slowly drew away. She managed to keep it going on her own for a few brief seconds before the lights faded and her arm was solid once more.
"Wow." She whispered, proud of her small achievement.
Chris smiled. "See, you can do it. You just need practice."
"When did you first start doing it?" Jenny asked, eager to know how long it would be before she could transport herself anywhere she wanted to go... "Does it take awhile to learn?"
"Not really…I've been doing it for as long as I can remember. When I was really little my dad did the orbing, but I think I got the hang of it myself before I was one. According to my mom when I was eleven months old I orbed out in a shopping mall and she had to freeze everyone there so we wouldn't be exposed- that's her power-freezing time."
Jenny giggled quietly as she tried to picture the scenario. "I imagine that was rather stressful." She said, still smiling. "So…how exactly does the orbing think work anyway?"
There was a slight pause as the boy contemplated his answer. "I don't really know." He admitted somewhat sheepishly. "I think it has something to do with being partially composed of light…which is what allows us into the heavenly realm...because…ummm." he paused again. "You know, I haven't really given it that much thought. It's magic…it doesn't need an explanation…"
Jenny laughed again, this time blushing ever so slightly as she stared straight into his captivating green eyes. Her mind was still completely overwhelmed from the night's events, but she couldn't suppress the happiness that always filled her when she was around Chris.
She had always been drawn to him…enjoyed his company over anyone else's…now, she knew why.
They shared a very special bond. They were meant to be…
At that moment, as she continued to look silently into his eyes, she felt like the luckiest girl alive. The boy she had been in love with for so many years was, quite literally, an angel. A very very attractive angel…
And best of all, he seemed to like her back.
His gaze contained just as much love as hers.
They had finally shared a kiss…
Despite everything that was going on around them, this filled her with almost unimaginable joy.
"So…" she began, glancing back down at the attics wooden floor. "If we do manage to break the spell and everything…are we still on for Saturday?"
A look of confusion crossed the boys face for a second before the realization hit.
Just before the chaos at the dance…when they had been outside… he had asked her out. On their first official date. In all of the stress of this night, he had almost forgotten…but, he was more than happy to be reminded.
Chris smiled his trademark lopsided smile. "Of course," he replied. "And we will break the spell." His smile turned to a look of determination as he spoke. "There is no way I am going to spend the rest of my life looking like an angel. I'm enough of a freak without the wings."
"Oh, I dunno" Jenny said playfully, lacing her arm around his back and brushing the soft feathers. "Like I said before, they suit you."
He smiled once again as his mind wondered back to earlier that evening. She had said exactly that- at the dance- only then, the wings had been a costume.
Now…they were real…
It was rather ironic really, that the night he and Mel had decided to dress up as 'themselves' they had been forced to actually become 'themselves'. Somehow, their little Halloween joke didn't seem so funny anymore…
He wondered where Mel was now- what she was doing…
The thought made him hope even more that they managed to reverse the spell…and soon. It gave him chills to think that his cousin- the girl he had always considered a sister- could possibly spend the rest of her life as a demon. Deep down, he knew that Mel wasn't evil…no matter what this spell had done to her. She didn't deserve to be bound to this horrible fate…
"We're going to break the spell." He said again, this time with even more determination than before. "We have too."
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Piper forced herself to look away from Chris and Jenny on the couch. She didn't want to look like she was eavesdropping …even though she technically was. They were still deep in discussion, and from what she could over hear Chris was attempting to explain whitelighter powers the best he could. He was so patient and gentle as he spoke, and Piper knew, as she watched their interaction, that she had raised her son well. She had taught her boys from a young age how to treat a lady…it was important to her that they grow up to be respectful young men. She had wanted to prove to herself, and others, that having men lead the Hallwell line would not be the disaster Grams had made it out to be. She was proud to say that, thanks to her, both Chris and Wyatt courteous, caring, honourable boys...well, maybe she couldn't take all of the credit…having an angel as a father may have helped with these matters too…
Whatever the reason, she couldn't have been more pleased.
"The potion's ready." Paige said suddenly, breaking Piper away from her thoughts with a start. "How's the spell coming?"
The youngest charmed one walked over to the table, followed closely by Emily.
"Alright." Leo replied, glancing down at the sheet of paper he and Piper had been making revisions on. "We're just fixing up the last line…we want to make sure it's really specific."
Piper nodded in agreement. "Yes, we have to summon the demon that cast this spell…not any other spell."
Looking thoughtful, Paige studied the sheet to see if she could be of any help. "Sounds okay to me." She stated after a few seconds. "It should work…" she paused and looked back up at her sister and brother and law. "But, I've been thinking, after we deal with the demon, how are we gonna get Mel, Cole, and Phoebe back? Do we have another plan? What if killing the demon doesn't reverse the spell?"
Piper and Leo exchanged a worried glance, but before either one could say anything, Emily spoke.
"Mel, Cole and Phoebe?" she asked with curiosity. "Who are they?"
"Err…" Piper began, unsure of how she could explain the situation. "Our family is even more complicated than it appears…"
Paige and Leo nodded in agreement, causing only more confusion for the new witch.
"Basically." Paige said, picking up where Piper had left off. "Phoebe is our other sister…but she's not here right now because her husband- Cole, and daughter- Melinda, were turned into demons by the spell…"
The oldest charmed one sighed as she was forced to think of the other terrible situation that had arisen that night. "Yep. They turned evil and somehow managed to bring Phoebe down into the underworld too…"
"But not before she said some really nasty things." Paige added bitterly.
Paige, I'm sure she didn't mean it- she was probably being influenced by Cole and Mel already…" Piper retorted, still feeling the need to defend Phoebe, even after what she had said to the rest of her family.
It hadn't really been Phoebe talking…she knew that…
At least, she hoped she did.
"Wouldn't be too sure…" Paige muttered darkly under her breath.
But before the sisters could debate the issue any further, Emily cut in again. "Let me get this straight…" she began, her eyes wide as she tried to comprehend what she had been told. "You married a whitelighter and your sister married a demon." Piper nodded in affirmation. "Wow…" Emily whispered. "This family really is strange…"
Piper smiled slightly. "Yep. It's pretty strange from our point of view too. But Cole is a reformed demon- he hasn't done anything evil in years. And this is a first time for Mel…it's all because of the spell, and THAT is why we must reverse it." She paused and refocused her attention, not wanting to discuss the other half of the family anymore. "Wyatt? Are you having any luck with the book?"
Her oldest son shook his head. "Not yet. The guy I saw was pretty typical…I wasn't close enough to see any distinguishing features."
"Maybe he should just give up." Leo said, looking down at his wife. "We might be better just to get this over with as soon as possible."
Reluctantly, the oldest charmed one gave in. "Alright. We have a really strong potion and a spell, that should be enough to go on. Paige, go get the crystals…lets just summon this demon and vanquish his sorry ass."
They all nodded in agreement, but before Paige could take more than two steps she gave a cry of pain as an arrow suddenly lodged itself deeply into her shoulder.
Piper turned in panic to the dark corner the arrow had come from…
"No need to summon me." A cool voice said from the shadows. "I'm already here."
The demon stepped into the light and it was soon clear that he was not alone.
He had companions.
Three companions…
Cole, Phoebe and Mel were with him, and they were all equipped to kill…
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
A/N There ya go. Sorry for a looooooong wait. Like I said, I have way too much actual work. I'm not actually done that either- I shouldn't have even taken time to do this, but your reviews were all so wonderful…I couldn't help myself. Sadly, it will be another while before I update again
Miss Poisonous-Yes. It's in agreement. Wyatt is yours, Chris is mine;) (hahaha, if only) Glad you enjoyed the last chapter!
ilovedrew88-yep, I'm really going for the cuteness in this one. So glad you like it!
FreshAir- Thanks for the wonderful review! I was trying to be original with this one…you're right, a lot of Chris stories are the same (but I must admit, I am guilty of working on a typical Chris-future story too, lol. Oops.) And oh yes, Chris is totally mine. Muahaha. I can't believe you're a 19 year old university student in Toronto too! (or that you read my bio, lol. Yay!) I have lived here all my life- and I was kinda hoping to go elsewhere for university- but UofT is a good school, so I stayed. And sadly I too am addicted to fan fiction, it's horrible, I waste soooo much time. (I blame it on Chris though…if his character hadn't come along on Charmed, I wouldn't be writing/reading stories. Aww, but I can't stay mad at him long, he's much too cute.)
chattypandagurl- Thanks for the review! So happy you like it!
EosHeliosSelene- As I've said, I was going for a rather off beat idea with this story. Happy to hear that you're enjoying it so far. (BUT before you give me too much credit for my originality, I must say that I am also writing a "Chris is 16, tries to save Wyatt from turning evil, things get messed up in the prossess" story too, lol.) Thanks again!
C.Charmed
Phoenix5143- Thaks for your rather interesting review:) I'm glad my story makes to resort to using an English accent;) 'tis simply marvellous
C.Charmed24/7- Thanks. Sorry for the long wait.
bunk64- Sorry for the wait, thanks for reviewing!
The-Cheese-Fairy- Yes, I too like both types of cheese, lol. You will soon see what happens with Melinda! Thanks again.
phoebe turner- Thanks again.
Alyssa Halliwell- Merci! (lol, I'm tired of using the word thanks) Glad you like it. Yes, sweet is the right word to describe the last one, lol.
IcantthinkofaFnick- Thanks! You'll see what happens with Mel in the next chapter…