Heaven's Mistaken Gift
by: Piper Chris Melinda Halliwell
Co-written by: That70sShoLova
Chapter 18: First Meeting—Hugs, Tears and Burns
Phoebe walked in the kitchen, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. She blindly walked towards the coffee maker, nodding in acknowledgment to her sisters. She dragged her fuzzy-slippered feet across the hard linoleum.
Piper chuckled at her younger sister. "And how was your night?"
Paige winked jokingly. "Yeah, don't pretend we didn't know what you were doing last night."
Phoebe looked up, the lethargy making her mind hazy. "W-What? How did you know Cole came last night?" She straightened up from her hunched pose. "Did you hurt him?"
"No," Piper scoffed and scowled. "Leo wouldn't let me."
As if he were called, Leo Orbed into the kitchen. "What about me?"
Piper grinned and got up to peck Leo on the cheek. "Oh nothing."
Paige looked back at Phoebe, placing a hand on her arm to calm her rising panic. "Cole didn't come in with any scratches, did he? Don't worry, plus, as Piper said, Leo made sure he was okay."
Leo raised an eyebrow. "Cole?" Phoebe nodded. "It was pretty brave of him to come to the front door and ask if he could see you. Piper almost blew him to bits."
Phoebe relaxed. "That's right. He came through the door..."
Leo paused in his movement to kiss Piper on the head. He tilted his head to the side and sighed. "Do I have to? I just got here, and I've been there all night!" A jingle came in response. He looked down at Piper apologetically. "I—"
Piper glared up at the ceiling. "Can't I have one freaking day with my husband without you interrupting?" she looked to Leo. "Don't be long."
He kissed her cheek. "I'll try not to be."
Piper leaned back down on the island and looked at Phoebe quizzically. "Are you okay, sweetie? You seem more out of it that usual...usual being every other morning."
Paige nodded. "Yeah, you're definitely not a morning person, but you're acting really weird. What happened last night?"
"I just stayed up talking to Cole night," she grinned brightly. "She wants to meet me!"
Piper snorted. "Can't be that bad!"
Paige laughed. "Yeah. Nobody can get worse than Piper, when it's delivered by you-know-who, you-know-when."
"I'm not talking about a menstrual cycle. For heaven's sake, she's ten!" Phoebe said, slightly incredulous, "It's the type where if she were human, she'd need treatment. She's dangerous, so dangerous that Cole had to warn me. He said she has this sweet childish side, but then a side where she's merciless. She'll kill without a blink of the eye, no guilt."
Piper swallowed down the irrational fear that she might hurt Phoebe and Paige. "It's probably just the demon powers she has from Jared. We'll get the out of her."
Phoebe shook her head. "That's the thing, Piper. Cole took her witch side out of her. She's full blooded demon...and she wants to stay that way."
Paige cocked a brow. "And…you're okay with that? She could kill you, you know."
"It's not my place to tell her what to be, no matter how old she is, Paige. She's grown up without me for the past 10 years. I know everyone in the family will be against her, but I'll love her. I'll just have to be on guard."
Piper smiled. "Then so will we."
Paige nodded in agreement.
A few hours later, Phoebe sat anxiously in the living room. Paige insisted that if Melinda was really dangerous they should have a knock-out potion, or at least some crystals poised and ready. Phoebe rolled her eyes and stated that she was over reacting. Piper said they would be fine, but she obviously didn't believe it by the way she stored potions in her pocket.
Phoebe gripped her sister's hands in anticipation as the air quivered. The ripples stopped and formed into Cole, and an adorable little girl. She was everything Phoebe imagined, and saw in her dream. Her curly blond hair was upheld by a black silk ribbon. She wore black, which was typical for a demon, but when she caught her mother's eye, her grin grew and the dimple in her cheek became more pronounced.
Phoebe teared up. "M-Melinda?"
The blond girl nodded silently. She looked up at Cole. "Can I...?"
He nodded and pushed her forward with a grin on his face. Melinda ran up to Phoebe and the older woman sobbed with joy.
Melinda buried her head in Phoebe's shoulder. She reached her hand out and little tiny ripples appeared in her palm. A silver, shiny dagger appeared in her hand. Melinda grinned wickedly as she thrust the blade into her mother's back.
Phoebe gasped and pulled back as every nerve in her body screamed. She collapsed to the ground as the blood gushed out.
Melinda didn't know why, she told herself she would disobey all natural instincts in her, but they overpowered her. As soon as she was in distance of the Charmed Ones, the legendary witches, she wanted to kill them. She wanted to murder them in cold blood, have their crimson blood on her hands. She'd go down in history and nobody would be able to stop her.
The child side of her screamed to stop, telling her it wasn't right to kill her family, but the demonic side was too powerful. She threw fire and electricity balls at her aunts. She probably shouldn't have left Cole alone, but even her demonic side had a soft spot for Balthazar.
She shimmered out of the room, leaving the witches bleeding. She knew Cole wouldn't follow her, too worried about the precious Charmed Ones, or one in particular.
That attack was nothing and she was not foolish like many other demons. The Charmed Ones were powerful, the fireballs and sharp metal would do nothing to them. That's why she had a plan.
"My Liege," she bowed at the hooded figure's throne.
He chuckled darkly. "No need for that, little Melinda. What have you come for?"
She grinned sweetly as she stood up, "I have a plan and a good one indeed."
He laughed at her, so young, so naïve, "And what would that be?"
She grabbed the blade that was strapped inside her combat boots, a blade identical to the one she mercilessly stabbed her mother with. "It is quite good, if I do say so myself." She twirled the blade in her hand and he raised an unseen eyebrow. "You see, My Liege. I am going to kill you." She grinned. "And then, I'm going to kill the Charmed One's Whitelighter, so no one will be able to heal the Charmed Ones when I wound them."
His smile disappeared and he got up, not afraid to hurt the child. "Oh really?"
She smiled happily. "Yes," she kicked the back of his knees, causing him to buckle. With swiftness and grace, she stabbed his heart and then slit his neck. "And after that, I shall be Queen."
She sat on the thrown, a chill going through her. It felt right, she felt his power flow through her and it was a feeling she couldn't explain, a pleasure so great.
Phoebe clawed at her back with tears stinging her eyes. How could she think this was possible? Her daughter was evil, evil and good just don't mix.
"LEO!" Piper screamed, on her knees, clutching her bleeding stomach and trying to stanch Phoebe's at the same time. By the sheer force, Paige was unconscious.
"Here, let me—" Cole tried, but Piper pulled Phoebe to her.
"No! Get the hell away from us!" she cringed as she tried to stand, feeling her legs were water.
"No Piper, whether you believe it or not, I did not order this. I would never hurt Phoebe. And I promised her I'd protect you." Piper looked at him with worry. "After everything she went through, I protected her and loved her, how can you think I'd do this? You guys forgot, not me. Please let me help," he pleaded.
Begrudgingly, Piper handed Phoebe to Cole, who walked over to lay her on the couch.
"Me-Melinda?" Phoebe cried.
Cole dropped to his knees beside her. "I know Phoebe, I'm so sorry! I-I never thought she would—"
"LEO, GET YOUR ASS DOWN HERE, NOW!" Piper screamed, sitting a semi-conscious Paige against the mantle.
"LEO!" Paige yelled.
"I-I don't understand. Where is he?" Phoebe gasped.
Cole stood, his face set. He walked over and grabbed Paige, laying her in a chair with her feet up.
He was about to help Piper, but she insisted she could walk. Which she did, though she stumbled once.
"I'll go find him," Cole said. as he lifted Phoebe up to tie her jacket tightly around her.
"What?" Piper croaked. "And leave us here with Little Miss two sides?"
Pi-per," Phoebe whispered. Piper looked at her. "She-she was scared. Thought y-you would k-kill her. Th-that w-was wh—" With that, she passed out.
"Phoebe! Phoebe!" Piper called.
"I'll go."
"But what if she comes back?" Paige asked.
"You have no other choice." Cole disappeared up to the Heavens. It was forbidden for a demon to be up there, impossible. Cole was a strong, and determined demon. He pushed through the swirling fog and called Leo's name.
"I have to go!" Leo argued, "She's calling me, it sounds important! Do you not even care? I'm her Whitelighter, she's my charge. I am supposed to come to her, but you won't let me because you think it's something trivial. You're just saying that because she's my wife."
Cole followed the voice blindly and came across a golden door. He pushed it open and the fog disappeared, standing in the room was a desperate, pleading Leo and an angry looking Elder.
"Odin, please! She needs me!"
Cole stomped defiantly up to the Elder. He pushed him up against the wall and growled, "The Charmed Ones are in danger. You really wanna threaten the side of good?"
"B-Balthazar?" Odin stuttered. "That isn't possible. You're not allowed up here!"
He smirked. "I broke some rules." He pushed the shaking Elder to the floor and grabbed Leo's arm, "Come on, let's go. Phoebe's stabbed in the back and Piper and Paige have some pretty nasty looking wounds."
Leo wrenched his arm free and Orbed down back to Earth. Cole followed him quickly, both worried about the ones they loved.
Seconds later, Cole shimmered in. "Found him."
Leo formed beside him. "What hap—"
"Less talking, more healing," Paige said.
Leo whipped his head around and started walking toward her, but she shook her head. "Phoebe's worse. I-I can wait."
"Okay," he walked over to the couch, untying the blood-drenched jacket from her. He saw Piper holding her hand which was white as a sheet from blood loss.
His hands hovered above her stomach, taking a bit longer than usual to heal the wound. Five minutes, then ten, finally after fifteen minutes Phoebe took a solid breath and sat up.
"Feeling better?" Leo asked.
"Uh huh," was all she could manage in her shocked state.
Leo dropped down beside Piper and healed her as well and then went to heal Paige, then he left.
"What the hell was that?" Paige asked. "Not evil, huh, Phoebe?" she asked walking over.
"What I was trying to say was that she was scared and probably felt really insecure about meeting me anyway and you two being here just made her worse," Phoebe explained.
"Not saying she wouldn't have done that if we weren't here," Piper said.
"Piper, come on! She was expecting just me. She wanted to meet me."
"That doesn't mean much," Paige said.
"Yes it does! I know she's different, not exactly how much different until now, but—"
"Phoebe, she tried—"
"No Piper, No! Get out! Go! I'll be fine."
"Fine? FINE! You were skewered."
She took a breath. "I want to stay, but if you do, she might do this again and—"
"All the more reason we should stay."
"No, Paige, take Piper and go home. I'll be back tonight, I promise."
Piper sighed, looking to Paige. "And you say I'm the stubborn one?" She hugged Phoebe.
Paige shrugged hugging her as well. Then she grabbed Piper's hand and left in blue lights.
After they left, Cole shimmered in with Melinda, he ushered her forward, a hand gripping her arm. Melinda's eyes were red rimmed and stung with unshed tears. She ran to Phoebe and collapsed in sobs.
"I-I'm so sorry, Mommy!"
Phoebe gripped her tightly. "It's okay, sweetheart. I forgive you. It's not your fault!"
Melinda was overtaken by the ten-year-old and part of her was disgusted. She wanted to take Phoebe by the shoulders and claw her heart out. The child blocked that out as she had a heart wrenching moment with her mother.
"D-Do you hate me?" she asked.
Phoebe fought the tears as she lifted her into her lap on the couch. "Never," she whispered into her golden locks. "I could never hate you, baby girl."
She pulled back. "Bu-but look at what I did!" she cried, unable to hold her head up.
She pulled her close again. "Ssshh, it's okay. I know you didn't want to hurt me or your aunts."
"Daddy said it would just be you. But when I saw them I got scared. They looked mean, Mommy! They wanted to hurt me!"
"Oh no, sweetie! They were just protecting me. They didn't want to hurt you. I promise," she said as Melinda pulled back.
"Are you sure?" she asked, tears spilling down her cheeks.
Phoebe reached up and wiped them away with her thumb. "I'm positive." Then she got an idea. She looked to Cole, who walked over and sat beside them.
"Mel, I think your mommy wants to talk to your other side," he said wiping her eyes. Phoebe nodded. "Is that okay?"
"Bu—but what if she tries to hurt you, Mommy? Please don't do it!" Melinda begged, throwing herself into her arms again.
Feeling her shake, Phoebe wrapped her arms around her again. "Okay, okay. I won't do it. Now anyway, but sometime I would like to—"
Cole cut in. "Melinda, Mommy really needs to talk to her if you want to see her again. I know you're scared, but you know she wouldn't hurt you, right?"
The little girl nodded.
Phoebe stroked her face. "You know I love you, right?"
She grabbed her hand. "You just met me. How can you love me?"
"I've always loved you. And I know your daddy has too. Just trust me, please?" she asked.
Sucking back a sob, she agreed. "O-okay."
Melinda gulped deeply. It was hard to switch personalities on purpose. Sure, it was like there were two people inside one body, but it was spontaneous when they switched over who had control. The ten year old didn't want to give up control, but the demon practically pushed her in the passenger seat.
A shudder went through her, as she became menacing, evil. Melinda looked up with her big eyes blinking innocently. "I-I can't do it, Mommy!"
Phoebe shook her head and gave her a hug. "Oh it's okay, sweetie!"
Cole looked at Melinda critically. "She's lying."
Phoebe let go of Melinda and stumbled backwards. "Oh."
Melinda rounded on Cole. "Balthazar," she tsked, "That wasn't very nice." She looked at the fumbling, nervous woman. "Hello, Phoebe."
"M-Melinda, I forgive you, okay? I want you to know that," Phoebe said unsteadily.
The blond girl rolled her eyes. "You're just saying that because you're scared." She circled her and conjured a dagger, tossing it casually. "You never know when I'm going to strike, do you, witch? I could easily attack anyone you love." She ran towards Cole and jumped on his back, holding the knife to his jugular. "Sure, I love Balthazar like a Father, but I'm a demon. I do what I want, when I want to. There are no consequences for me."
She shimmered to Phoebe and pushed her to the ground, the blade pointed at her heart. "I could easily kill anyone you love. Even you." She dug the point in Phoebe's chest, making sure it was light enough not to make her bleed. "Watch your back, 'cause I'm ruthless."
She stepped back and threw the Athame towards the wall, letting it stick in the wood. A shiver passed through her as the ten-year-old took control. Melinda ran towards the wall and shoved the dagger in her boot before running to Phoebe.
"Mommy! Are you okay?"
Phoebe nodded and hugged her. "Yes, yes."
Author's note: So what do you think? Yes, this is a fast update. That70sshowlova and I were working all day yesterday. It's better when she can help me out. Easier to write and come up with ideas. I don't know when the next update on this story wil but I can tell you that we are working on it.
S-I-D-E N-O-T-E: For those of you reading my other stories, those will take a backseat to this, I'm just really into this story right now. I wom't completely abandon any story, but I just love writing this one soo much. Its so much fun.
Reviews are much appreciated. Please?
Review thanks to: That70sshowlova, HalliwellMB
Piper Chris Melinda Halliwell & That70sShowLova