Piper, Phoebe, and Paige were finally used to having a guest in the house. Leo's vacation was over and Piper was busy, as always, with Wyatt, glad that another Halliwell is in the house to help out. Pri had magically expanded the house's interior without it showing on the exterior. She used this extra space in the manor to build herself a bedroom. She would have expanded the house some more to build an extra bathroom, but after hearing of her mom's own experience with personal gain, she decided not to.
"Pri, are you sure that the expanding spell you cast to expand the house hasn't been expanding Wyatt as well?" Piper said jokingly as Pri walked into the kitchen. "I swear he is growing every day."
"Good morning to you too," Pri replied, a sarcastic smile on her face.
"You still didn't answer my question,"
"You still didn't say good morning," Pri continued.
"Fine, good morning. Now will you answer me?" Piper added half serious.
"Oh you got me. April fools," Pri said in mock surrender. "I thought that if he was taller maybe he'd be the youngest NBA star in history. Of course it's not affecting him." Kind of laughing she added, "you should ask Mom if any of her potions got into the baby food, although it would be unlikely for her to spike Wyatt's food…but you never know." Pri added quickly, "She would never put my big cousin in danger, and neither would I."
"Ok until Wyatt is actually older than you don't call him your "big" cousin. It's kinda creepy." Piper suggested.
"You got it Auntie," Pri said this knowing that it annoyed Piper to be called "Auntie."
"And when we have guests or are in public please don't call us "Aunt" or "Mom". We look too young to be your aunts, and Paige looks too young to be your mom. To people who don't know about us you should just be a cousin of our," Pri realized that Piper was right. Suddenly the doorbell rang, and taking the opportunity to get away before more suggestions were made, Pri orbed to the door to answer it.
When Pri arrived at the door she saw it being opened by a tall black man in a trench coat. He appeared to be very anxious, and when he saw Pri orb in front of him a look of calm surprise showed on his face. "Uh, sir, I can expl-," Pri then recognized the man as a younger detective Darryl and gave him an excited hug. "Darryl it's great to see you…oh hehe. You don't know me yet but you will in a couple of years when I'm born...and after you…forget it" She let him go and called for Piper. "Aunt-I mean-Piper, Darryl is here!"
"Oh I get it now. You're one of those future kid thingies like Chris. Which one is your mom? No, wait it's too obvious. You're Paige's kid aren't you?" Darryl smiled and relaxed. "I'm guessing by the strength of that hug that the two of us are close in the future. Either that or we're close and then I die, and that hug was because you haven't seen me for, like, forever…or something."
"Pri? You hugged Darryl? Why honey?" Piper had walked in hearing the conversation.
"I shouldn't say but I guess you'd force it out of me with a truth spell if I don't." Pri sighed, knowing Darryl would not take it very well. "You die when I am ten and Chris is twelve. Actually you die before that but the first time you come back as a whitelighter. But there is good news."
"I die. You call that good news?" Darryl asked, less surprised than Pri thought he would be.
"Like I said. You come back. When you do the doctors believe it is because they did CPR. In reality you become a whitelighter. In the moment you die your spirit rises "up there." Because of the good you do the Elders give back your life and reward you with powers that help you to help other people do more good. To answer your question, yes, we are close in the future. Mainly because the Halliwell line of witches becomes so large that we need two whitelighters. You are one of them." She smiled as she said the next words that came out of her mouth, "The Elders allow you to stay with your wife and kids."
"Kids? As in plural?" Darryl was shocked, yet a large smile appeared on his face.
"Yes. At the time this happens you will have more than one." Pri glanced at Piper, and, knowing what Piper will say, Pri added, "Any information on the other whitelighter that is given to you now may interfere with the future. So I will say nothing on that subject."
Darryl's face grew serious as he remembered why he came. "I'd hate to bring this up if it weren't important but…Piper, Phoebe, it is important to one of my cases," he hesitated, wondering how he should say it. "You obviously remember how Prue's death was caused."
All sisters said yes except for Paige who looked down at her feet. "I don't. I mean I would remember if I knew. All I know is that it was that demon who attacked me when I discovered that I was a witch." Paige began to feel less like part of the family and Piper sensed it, as they shared a bond as sisters.
"Paige, honey. You're just as much a part of this family as Phoebe and I are. If you ever have any doubts or anything is bothering you we can talk any time you need or want to." Piper tried her best to comfort her and Paige thanked her, feeling much better than before.
Phoebe spoke up after her long silence, wanting to hear what Darryl has to say. "Please Darryl, continue."
"Right. There have been a series of murders here in San Francisco in the last week. They all seem related or connected…or at least they did until yesterday. I noticed that one stood out from the others. Did you know that there was no wind yesterday?" The sisters and Pri nodded their heads, confused, wondering why he was asking this. "The most recent killing was yesterday-and was only an attempt. The victim and the furniture around him appeared to be thrown by a strong wind. Luckily the man was not killed. He is currently at Bay General Hospital and I was hoping you could come and ask some questions."
Again the three sisters nodded and Piper asked, "You're not saying that you think it was the same moron who killed Prue, are you? I mean we vanquished his sorry demon butt three years ago."
"Uh, Aunt Piper. Whoever-I mean-whatever killed Prue-er-Aunt Prue is-I mean was-a demon right? It's possible that it came back like Barbus did." They all nodded in agreement except Darryl who was confused.
"Wait…how do you know about Barbus?" Phoebe asked with an eyebrow raised.
"Oh, it's all very complicated. Basically in five years the book will update itself. It will show every demon, if it came back after it's first vanquish, how it was vanquished each time, and if it still needs to be vanquished." Pri smiled, glad that she knew things that the others didn't.
Paige finally spoke up. "So let's go and find out if this bad boy lives. The only thing I find strange is that a demon would let a victim live."
"And knowing that the power that Shax has been able to kill a Charmed One with one hit-if it is Shax-I'm surprised that the one hit on this man did not kill him." Piper stood up indicating that she wanted to go. "And Pri, remember that to people who don't "know" us you're our cousin."
"I know, I know…" Pri's voice trailed off as she walked to the car.
They arrived at the hospital pulling into the parking lot, and as the tires screeched to a halt Darryl, Paige, Phoebe, and Pri jumped out of the car. Halfway there Darryl had gotten a call, the attack victim was dying fast. The detective and the Halliwells had to hurry in case they got there too late. Upon entering the building they ran past the front desk and security, Darryl in the lead with his badge held out, and Piper taking the back, constantly turning with her hands ready looking for the demon in question, should he show at the hospital.
"Glad you got here this year Detective." Captain Cortez said with obvious sarcasm, showing his annoyance. "I see that there is a new Halliwell helping out. Is she like the others?" He raised an eyebrow and winked.
"Uh…yes. You might say that. There's no reason why she wouldn't be, being Paige's daughter and all that. We have reason to believe that their…um…profession is linked to this case." Darryl stepped aside and signaled for the other officers to leave the room, allowing the sisters and Pri to question the victim.
Phoebe slowly walked over to the bedside, her heart filling with anger and sorrow as she sensed his pain, seeing the air tubes going into his nose, his chest slowly rising and falling with each painful breath that he struggled to take, despite the help of the tubes. "I am sorry about what has happened to you and I know you need your rest if there is any hope that you will live, but we need to ask some questions. If my sisters, niece, and I are right, then whoever-"
"Or what," Piper interrupted.
Phoebe rolled her eyes at Piper as she continued. "Or whatever did this to you…it killed our sister a few years ago. Did who or whatever did this to you appear human in any way?"
The man answered in a voice that was barely a whisper. "It did look like a man at first…" His voice trailed off.
Piper spoke next. "Was it gray skinned and shirtless with longish hair, deep voice, talk kind of lazyish, and shoot wind out of its hands?" She was obviously anxious and wanted to do this with as few questions as possible.
"Yes, you describe him perfectly" the man said, his voice even weaker than before.
"That's him, it's Shax…although we killed him. Inspector, you remember Leo right?" Paige asked.
"Yes, I do. It's not every day you meet someone who heals you when his hands glow," Cortez smiled remembering the day Leo saved his life.
"Okay good. LEO!" Paige shouted. Leo orbed in.
"Paige! Why do we need him?" Phoebe said confused.
Pri answered knowing what Paige would say. "This man is an innocent," She looked at Leo. "Heal him enough to save him but not enough to make the doctors suspicious."
"Oh that's right. We can't let him die. Leo, heal away. Good call, both of you. We almost forgot one of our most important duties as Charmed Ones," Piper smiled at Pri and Paige not surprised that they are mother and daughter. They are so alike, Piper thought, knowing that Pri will one day be a great addition to the family.
"Okay, we saved the innocent, let's celebrate at P3," Phoebe said, eyes bright and happy.
"Phoebe we still have a demon to vanquish," Paige said startled that Phoebe would forget. During all this time Leo had healed the man and left to answer a jingle. "You should start on the spell."
The man, now well enough to sit up, did so while speaking. "Demon? Spell? Vanquish? Are you saying that magic is real?"
Cortez spoke next, "Trust me, it's more than you can handle right now."
"Hey the spell is done, listen to this: Evil wind once died returned, go now and forever burn. To hell you now will go, your evil wind no more will blow," Phoebe grinned anxious to go demon hunting.
"You haven't come up with a spell that fast since the Melody thing. "Alright, now let's go after this bad boy."
The victim had just removed the tubes and air mask from his face not wanting to wait for the doctor to do so, an now his appearance was quite different, with his face now healthier looking, cuts and scars faded to thin lines. Phoebe turned and recognized him. The man now recognized her as well. "Oh my god Jason!" The others, who were just leaving, turned to face Phoebe.
"What about him…oh my god!" Paige too noticed to whom they had just been talking.
"Phoebe? Is all this witch stuff true? Is magic real?" Jason nearly stuttered, half in shock, and half in his still apparent weakness.
"Um, yes, honey. But please, it has to remain a secret. The last time we were exposed Piper was shot. Me and Cole got a demon to set back time to bring her back to life, but then we lost Prue…forever. I-we can't risk losing someone else." Phoebe was about to cry as she prayed that Jason would do the right thing.
Jason knew what he must do. "Pheebs. You know I would never give up a chance to print a story like this." Everyone in the room stared at him unable to believe this, and Piper fought to keep her hands down. "Unless, of course, it would hurt you or your family. From what I've heard, you're the good guys and I wouldn't want your good work to end." They sighed and Piper glared at him.
"Jokes like that are not funny. Especially at a time like this." Piper looked at Phoebe.
"Jason, why aren't you in Hong Kong…oh wait let me guess. You called my voice mail." He nodded. "Haven't checked it all week. Sorry hon. Look we got some demon-ass kicking to do. I'll be back soon." Phoebe kissed him good-bye and they walked out of the hospital and got in the car.
As they drove Pri started telling more of the future. "When you mentioned the "Melody thing"…if you meant our old muse…" She hesitated wondering if what she is about to say would affect the future. "At some point in the future all of the muses are threatened again. Melody becomes human. She stays in my room until she finally settles into a job at P3 and gets an apartment. She's a huge help sometimes. And speaking of the future…isn't it kind of bad for Wyatt's future if you aren't with him to protect him and feed him? Bathe him? Change his diaper?" Pri raised an eyebrow.
"Oh don't worry, Chris has Wyatt." Piper smiled. "But thanks for caring."
"He's my future evil cousin why wouldn't I care? And does Chris know I'm here? He's never around when I am." Pri thought for a few minutes and came to a decision. "I'm gonna orb ahead and say hi to him."
"Okay…though I'm not sure he'll like that." Piper glanced in the rearview mirror only to see a cloud of blue and white orbs. "Why do whitelighters always do that?"
"Don't look at me. I kinda got lost at the future evil cousin part…and I don't want to know what that's about." Darryl picked up his cell phone and called the station. "Yes…I know…don't worry…I got it all under control…"
Pri orbed into Wyatt's room but found it empty. Next stop, the kitchen. She sighed as she orbed into the kitchen. She appeared behind Chris, who was feeding Wyatt, and put her finger to her mouth so that Wyatt would know not to make a sound. She snuck up, as close to Chris as possible, wondering how he'll react. "Hey cuz! What's up?"
Chris jumped at the sound of her voice and turned around. "Pri! What the hell? You look older. What are you doing here?" Chris was confused and it showed on his face.
"I've only been here for like five months, Chris, if not for the fact that you had no idea I was here I would have thought you were avoiding me. The reason why I look older is because I decided to come see what was taking so long. You've been here for two years when I've come from." She put her arm around his shoulder. "So, good ole buddy ole pal, what have you been doing?"
"I…um…trying to save Wyatt…I guess. Mom knows I'm her son...Dad doesn't though…" He looked down at his feet. He knew what was on Pri's mind, and she knew what was on his. Chris's face reddened when Pri lifted his face with two fingers under his chin.
"So that's all the welcome I get? Two years and all you got for me are questions?" Her heart pounded in her chest as their faces drew closer.
At that moment the others arrived in the kitchen and Piper looked around the room. "For some reason it feels like I've interrupted something."
"I was trying to tell him about Shax." Pri looked at Chris. "He's back. We have a spell but it might take more than the Power of Three this time."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Paige said. "I thought the Power of Three could do anything."
"Something-a good something-that Chris did after coming here, made Shax come back in the future, more powerful than before. He was hired by Wyatt to come here to the past-er-this time and kill Chris. To kill future-Shax Chris needs to find and kill the demon that turns Wyatt…or we need to combine the Power of Three with Chris's and my power. To do that there's a spell in the book but it rarely works." Pri took a deep breath and sighed. "Here I brought it with me from the future in case it didn't exist here. I say we do it. Now, I mean. We're all here…it's worth trying. The spell will make us kinda like the "Charmed Five." It will give us like a Power of Five. You get the point. If it works it should last long enough for us to vanquish this pain in the ass and get on with our pathetic lives."
"Our lives are anything but pathetic. And if this is the spell I think it is-didn't it kill the last witch who tried to use it?" Finally Chris said something.
"No that's a myth. Besides, if it did it would have killed the nine other witches who said it with him. Anyone whose power is to be combined must say the spell. So if it killed one it would kill them all." Pri smiled. "It's perfectly harmless to us. It would only hurt Shax when we say the vanquishing spell. The worst that it could do to us is not work at all."
"I say we do it. We are up against something stronger than us: Something that has broken the Power of Three, and has beaten the Charmed Ones once before. Not only that, it has killed a Charmed One." As usual Piper was fulfilling her role as the eldest sister. She was keeping her head straight in a situation and knew the right thing to do. It was at that moment that everyone was reminded that this is why Piper was the strongest Charmed One. "We can't lose anyone else." Everyone agreed.
"So I guess that this is the part where you tell me to go back to the station where it is safe." Darryl turned to go.
"No, stay. You might want to see this." Phoebe said.
They went upstairs to the attic and Pri held out the spell so that they all could see it, and they all began to chant. "Against this foe the Power of Three cannot stand alone, we need help to crush this evil's bones. For one more spell to get this done, the Power of Five will become one." All of a sudden a bright light emanated from the center of their circle and Darryl stepped back from where he was watching as they continued to chant. "Combine our power to increase our strength, we need this boost for no time at length. Just long enough to say one spell, to send this evil straight to hell." The light brightened to the point that it seemed as though it were going to explode, and then suddenly it vanished.
"If it worked than I guess this is the first time any of us has witnessed or taken part in a spell so powerful." Paige glanced at Darryl
"If it worked then it's time to kick Shax's ass." Piper, too, looked at Darryl. "Are you okay? You look like you've never seen magic before."
"I'm fine. It's just that I've never seen magic like that before. It feels weird." Darryl relaxed a bit and retreated to a corner.
"Let's summon him." Chris pushed anxiously. "I have a spell."
Once again they met in the center of the attic floor, Darryl continued to watch from his corner as they said the spell. "Evil wind blow to me, come in front of us three. We summon thee to our sight, to forever end your evil this night." The window suddenly blew open and the demon appeared in front of them. "You've killed your last meal, buddy!" Piper said.
Shax glared at her then moved his hands to prepare an attack. "Wrong witch! You have summoned your last vegetarian."
"And you thought I was corny? Let's go! We haven't got all day people." Piper got serious. "Bring it on veggie boy."
Everyone took those words as their cue and they said the final spell, the spell that would forever vanquish Shax. "Evil wind once died returned, go now and forever burn…" As this was happening Shax was forming an attack and the room filled with wind. "… To hell you now will go, your evil wind no more will blow!" Suddenly they were all thrown back by Shax's attack.
"What the hell happened Pri? That spell was supposed to make us stronger." Paige got up on her elbows and looked at Shax.
"Uh guys?" Darryl asked. "Am I supposed to be glowing?" They all turned their heads to see that he was indeed glowing.
"Uh oh. Our powers are inside Darryl. No! Darryl, keep your hands down." Pri said. "You don't wanna blow the place up. Mom you know what to do." Pri glanced at the crystals.
"Ok, crystals!" Paige said the word and the crystals moved around Shax, trapping him. "We don't have very long, so do what you have to. And how are my powers working if our powers are in Darryl?"
"I don't know," Chris said, getting up and orbing to Darryl. "I have mine also. Maybe only the Power of Three powers are in him…not our whitelighter powers." He tried to t.k. a book. "See my telekinesis is gone. Here Darryl read this aloud." Chris held out the paper to Darryl. "No! It's okay I'll hold it…just don't move your hands. At least not until the spell wears off." Chris added as Darryl moved to take the vanquishing spell.
"Wait lemme get this straight. You want me, a non-magical…uh…person, to vanquish this thing?" They all nodded their heads. "Are you out of your minds?" They nodded their heads again. "Well here goes nothing. Evil wind once died returned, go now and forever burn. To hell you now will go, your evil wind no more will blow." Shax blew up in a cloud of smoke and flames. "Did it work? Or is that just his way of makin' a flashy exit?"
"You can move your hands now. You did it! Darryl, maybe we should get you some full time powers, cuz you'd make a good witch." Piper gave him a hug.
"Well…I am gonna be one of those whitelighter things right?" Darryl asked, still shaken by the recent events. "I was pretty cool though." He smiled.