Chapter 3
All things that should not be
Episode 9.05
The jeep was quiet for the most part as Piper, Kara and Chris rode along the busy highway while Chris hummed a child's lullaby. Kara was staring out the window locked in deep thought as Piper kept her eyes on the busy rode. "How the hell am I supposed to pull on a power, if I don't even know what it is?" Kara said to herself as the blur of cars zoomed by. "Seth didn't ever tell me what it was." She finished her thought and decided to try forgetting that other people were around her. It was something she was not used too as for the most part she lived alone in a small apartment. Without thinking she closed her fist and closed her eyes tightly as her face showed signs of strain.
"Do you have to go potty Kara? Chris asks from the back seat.
Piper was thinking of how this could happen?" I just got my husband back, Phoebe and Paige are pregnant and now we have to do this all over again," Piper was lost in her own thoughts until she heard her son and glanced over to Kara who was straining.
"Kara what are you doing, because I can pull over?"
"No I don't have to go potty, I was trying to use my power," Kara replied as she stopped straining.
Piper took her eyes off the road for a second to give Kara a very pissed off look but promptly put them back were they should be as the beep of cars reminded her of the drivers job. "Don't do it in the car!
"It doesn't matter, I can't do it anyway," Kara replied and her shoulders slumped while her head lowered.
"I'm sure you'll get it soon enough," Piper said as she turned on the air.
"Why do I need to go grocery shopping with you anyway, because if you haven't noticed I have issues?"
"Because you are going to be staying at the house and I need food. We have been stuck in there since the attack for two days trying to prepare for the next one."
"Yeah but you're a chef."
"So?"
"So, you will take forever," Kara replied as she fussed with her seatbelt.
"Leave it on Kara, god your worse than my kids."
"What mommy?
"Nothing honey," Piper said not wanting Chris to go into question mode. He was very curious about everything and wanted to understand everything, something he must have gotten from his Aunt Paige.
Chris went back to humming as Kara stopped fiddling with her seatbelt. "I feel bad for Seth," Kara said as she put her elbow on the door and used her hand to hold her head.
"Well he will need to be patient, but if it is true love you guys will connect again."
Kara turned her head as her eyebrows raised a little. "OK, DR. Phil." Kara replied as they pulled off the highway.
Back at the Manor, a dirty blond haired boy ran around the couch as one of his Aunt's gave chase.
"You'll never catch me Aunt Phoebe," Wyatt said while looking over his shoulder.
"I'm going to get you," Phoebe replied as she ran after the hyper child, "I'm going to…" was the last thing she said before ramming straight into the wall, using her head as the stopper.
"Looks like the wall got you, "Paige said with a smile as she helped up her older embarrassed sister.
"Ouch," Phoebe said reacting to the slight bump on her head.
"Do you need healing? Wyatt asks softly.
"No honey I just bruised my pride, and you can't heal that," Phoebe replied to the worried six year old as she sat down.
"Ok," Wyatt said after a pause as he was unsure what pride was," Hi Ileru, by Ileru," He said as he ran by the older man and up the stairs.
"By," Ileru replied as he walked into the living room.
"Ileru people knock here," Phoebe said as she stood up surprised to see him.
"People knock where I'm from two," He answered as though it was a question and not a correction.
"Okay, I thought you and Seth were not coming until tonight? Paige asks.
Phoebe studied Ileru for a moment, "He really does not understand human behavior at all, I get just happiness from him. But with this family, it's nice to feel that on occasion instead of panic, nervousness or just plain anger," Phoebe thought as she sat back down.
"He is looking for the portal."
"Wait don't you guys know where it is? Paige asks.
"No it moves all the time, but it seems to have a pattern," He answered.
"Hay, you never did tell us what Kara's power is? Phoebe asks as she rubbed her head.
"Well it's complicated."
"We invented complicated, so spill," Paige demanded as she put her hands on her hips.
"Spill what? Ileru replied looking around for some kind of glass of something to spill.
"Just tell us what it is," Paige said as she rolled her eyes.
"Ok but it may scare you."
Meanwhile at the grocery store, Piper is pushing the half full grocery cart as one wheel squeaked while Chris walked in the middle of them. Kara was obviously board as she let out many heavy sighs when Piper stopped to look at items on the shelf's as Chris played with his G.I. Joe. Piper was not oblivious to Kara's boredom and made sure she took more time then usual just to irritate her.
"Kara I have to go potty," Chris said looking up at her while he rocked from on foot to the other.
"Ok, your mom will take you while I watch the cart," Kara replied looking at Piper wide eyed.
"Here honey, you ready?" Piper said as she reached for his hand.
"No I want Kara to take me," Chris answered as he held out his hand for hers.
"What?
"Well at least you won't be bored," Piper said with a smile.
"But I."
"Kara please I have to go," Chris said rocking more vigorously now.
"Kara take him before he."
"Ok, Ok," Kara replied as she grabbed his small hand but her body language showed signs of being very uncomfortable.
"Hay and no funny business, If."
"God Piper I'm not a pervert!
"Kara little ears, and that's not what I meant, if anything happens just run out." Piper promptly said hoping her son did not hear.
"Kara what's a per-bert? Chris asks as he said the word wrong while tilting his head.
"Your mother will tell you when we get back," Kara answered and gave Piper a wide smile as she grabbed his tiny hand and walked away.
Piper slammed the palm of her hand to her forehead as she watched them leave her view. "Great just great, and why didn't he want me to take him? She asks herself as she put a can of beans in the cart. She laughed a little knowing how much he hated them and then a sense of worry came over her. She thought back to future Chris and how he died from someone they trusted, and she closed her eyes tight and took a deep breath trying to fight the urge to scream or break down. "He is fine, he is right here and not dead," but that idea seemed to not suppress her anger towards the elders anymore. "Maybe I should go check on them? Piper thought but the vibrating in her pocket pulled her away from that idea.
Back at the Manor Paige stood there with her mouth wide open as Phoebe was on her cell phone.
"Why the hell wouldn't he have told us that sooner? Paige finally let her mouth move with her thoughts.
"Because we were not sure how you would react," Ileru answered.
"Do you have any idea what that kind of power could do, if she can't control it? Phoebe's voice rose as she waited for Piper to answer the phone.
"Seth is going to help her tap into it and control it, so it will be fine," Ileru answered but his voice betrayed him.
Back at the grocery store Kara and Chris made their way into the woman's restroom. Kara took him to the open stall and stood there.
"Kara you have to help me," Chris said as he tried to unbutton his jeans while rocking.
"OK, um here you go," Kara replied as she unbuttoned him and let him do the rest. But Chris put his hands on his hips and for a brief moment he looked just like Piper.
"Lift me up," Chris said as he outstretched his arms.
"Geez, can't you kids do anything for yourself," Kara said as she placed him on the toilet." There you go," She finished and stood there not moving. Chris pointed out of the stall to tell her to get out.
"Fine," She said and left the stall.
"Close the door," he requested and gave a slight sigh.
"OK,"
The door closed and Kara walked over to the sink folding her arms as she waited for Chris to finish.
"I'm a little Tea…..Pot short and….stout," Chris sang the song as he grunted before some of the lyrics. "This isssssssssss my handle Thissssssssssss is my sppppppppout."
Kara rubbed her eyes trying not to laugh as he grunted and sang through his bowel movement.
"I'm done."
"Ok, can I come in?" Kara asks nervously.
"Yep."
She opened the door to see a smiling boy looking back at her as he kicked his feet as she grabbed a hand full of toilet paper and gave it to him.
"No, you have to do it," Chris said as he handed it back.
"Why?
"Because I don't what sticky but."
"Fine," Kara replied and did what she was told. "Well it can't be that bad you're just. "Oh my god, that's more than your body mass," Kara said as she lifted him off after making sure he was clean.
"I said I had to go potty," Chris replied in way of defending himself.
"Ok, let me zip you up and then we will," Kara stopped in mid-sentence as she clearly zipped a little something else. Chris's eye's widened and Kara did not move as she wrinkled her face awaiting the scream.
"AWWWWWWWWW," Chris cried out.
"It's ok, it's ok," The now panicked woman said as she rubbed his back. It only took Chris a minute to calm down as it was mostly the shock than anything else.
"See you're ok," Kara said and finished getting Chris dressed.
"I'm ok," He replied as he wiped his face.
"Now let's go clean your hands."
"OK."
Piper was trying to listen to Phoebe over the phone as her reception was cutting in and out, and for the most part herd bits and pieces. Her power is, could take out a lot, and need to get home. The need to get home was all she needed to hear as Kara and a red eyed Chris came around the corner.
"Chris why are your eyes red sweetie? Piper asks as she picked him up and put him in the cart's seat.
"We almost had a something about Mary moment," Kara said as she looked away.
"What! Piper said in a raised voice.
"Its ok mommy it just scared me," The little man said as he patted Piper's arm.
"Have you never been around kids? Piper asks as she took a look at her son's possible injury but there was not even a mark.
"No I haven't been around kids, sorry," Kara replied now raising her voice.
"Mommy what's a perbert?
"We need to go anyway and your daddy will tell you honey," Piper replied with a little smile as she and Kara with Chris made their way to the checkout.
Piper, Kara and Chris came through the double stained glass doors carrying brown grocery bags, Chris carried a small one, as he loved to be mommy's little helper. Piper walked past the others briskly making her way to the kitchen. Kara and Chris lagged behind as they both were not in any hurry to start putting them away.
Chris struggled with his little bag as Paige ran over to help her little nephew. "Hi Aunt Paige," He said while looking up at the dark red haired woman. Paige took the bag out of his hands and made her way to the kitchen with Kara and Phoebe, leaving Ileru to entertain a four-year-old.
Piper's pace was smooth and seemed effortless as she took the contents out of the bags and placed them on the counter. Phoebe stopped at the door way suddenly," God Piper calm down, you're going to kill me," She said to herself as she took a deep breath and entered the kitchen.
"Piper we need to talk," Paige said as she put her bag on the table, but the oldest just kept working trying not to blow up a toaster.
"Ok, what is wrong with you? Paige asks getting angry at her oldest sisters demeanor and the fact she was ignoring them.
"What is wrong with me? She replied slamming the palms of her hands on the kitchen island. Piper was fuming at the fact she even asks that question. "A new source, new powers and a woman who can take out a lot and you ask what's wrong." Piper thought while looking hard at her baby sister as Kara walked in.
"How are those anger management classes going Piper?" the middle sister chimed in trying to defuse the argument before it started.
But Paige would have nothing of it, she hasn't seen Henry in day's and Coop is no were to be found. "Did you guys have a fight or something on the way back?" Paige asks now standing her ground in front of Piper.
"No, I'm just," Pipers face softened as she could see Paige's anger and Phoebe's un-comfortableness." I'm just scared and where is Chris? Piper replied now looking around the room.
"He is talking to Ileru, and Piper we are all scared I have no idea where Coop is. I have been calling him for two day's and he has not answered."
"Oh god Phoebe I'm sorry," Piper's voiced cracked a little as she hugged her.
Phoebe welcomed the hug and could feel Piper's guilt which made her squeeze harder in hopes to subdue it. "It's ok honey maybe the elders have him doing something." Phoebe said while rubbing Piper's back.
"I'm going to the living room," Kara finely said something and started leaving the kitchen trying to avoid getting caught up in the middle of whatever was going on.
Piper relinquishes her hold on Phoebe and now focused her sites on Kara. "The hell you are, get back here."
Kara stopped her grand exit and turned around facing her new so called friends. "What, I told you I was sorry, what else do you want from me? The dark short heard woman said raising her voice.
"It's not about that Kara, just wait a second ok," Piper replied as she made her way to the chair.
Phoebe took Kara's arm and led her to the other chair and sat her down." Kara it's about your Alda power."
"Yeah I know but I can't tap into it, I'm sorry," Kara replied as her eyes lowered trying not to look into anyone else's.
"It's not that, we found out what you can do," Paige's voice was much calmer as she sat down next to Kara.
"Do you remember that part in your dream when those things came out of your back?" Phoebe asks.
"Yeah but I thought that was just my very active Imagination."
"It Wasn't."
"Wait those things are real?
Kara felt her chest tinged and her breathing quicken as she looked away from everyone, and had the incredible urge to run. "What am I a freak? She asks now standing up and facing Phoebe.
"No you're not a freak; you're just really, really powerful."
Paige's cell phone rings and with a roll of her eyes she answered it," Hello?" was all she got out as the person of the other side was Darryl. Everyone was focused on Kara that they did not see Paige emotions go from frustration to fear mostly because she had her back turned to them. All they saw was Paige unmoving body when her phone hit the ground.
"Paige? Phoebe asks as a slew of emotions hit her hard and put her hand to her chest while backing away.
"Paige! Piper yelled as she saw her baby sister go down to her knees. "Paige what's wrong?" She asks as her shaking hands cradled Paige's face forcing her to look into her worried eyes. "Paige."
The once strong woman looked lost and helpless back into Piper's eyes.
"Henry, he was, he was shot in the head," Paige replied as tears streamed down her face.
"Oh god, Paige is he? Piper asks while holding her shaking sister.
"No he is in a coma but they don't know if he's going to make it," Paige replied.
Phoebe got her bearings and was able to separate her emotions from Paige's and everyone else's in the room, and made her way to Piper and Paige as Kara just stood there trying to find something to say.
"Ok let's go, you can heal him honey it will be fine," Piper's voice grew in confidence as she picked up her baby sister from the floor. Paige's face rose at the thought, "that's right I can heal him and you can use your bubble thing," Paige's voice now getting stronger as she stood up.
"That's right honey, Kara, Kara," Piper had to say her name twice to snap her out of it." I need you to watch the kids and call Leo, do you understand? Piper asks the young woman who was now paying attention.
"Sure you guys go, I got this," Kara replied.
Phoebe looked up to the ceiling with pleading eyes, "Coop where are you?" she thought to herself as they orbed away.
Paige and her other sisters orbed into a deserted part of the hospital as the clock on the wall locked into six PM. They quickly made their way to the receptionist not saying a word to each other. "God please don't take him, please," Paige thought as she was first in line.
"Ma'am, ma'am please my husband was brought in for a gunshot wound," Paige said trying to get the nurses attention.
"Yes, what is his name honey," The nurse replied in a comforting tone.
"Henry, Henry Mitchell."
"He is in I.C.U right now and just got out of surgery, would you like to see him?
"Yes."
"I'm sorry but I can only allow one at a time for right now," The nurse said as she came around the corner.
Phoebe rubbed Paige's back," Honey you go we will be right here."
"This way," The nurse said as she pointed down the hall way.
Once Paige was out of site, Phoebe broke down from all the emotions in the building including her own. "Piper we need to find someplace to talk," She said through tears.
"Ok honey, come on," Piper answered and guided her to an empty room, shutting the door once they were inside.
The middle sister was clearly dysphonic about the current situation and her worry about Coop was making it all worse. "Dammit!" She yelled out.
"Phoebe honey is there something I can do? Piper asks trying to keep her emotional state calm.
"Not unless you can turn yourself into a robot," Phoebe replied trying to laugh but it came out more like a whimper.
Piper was unsure what to say, so she relied on what usually helped her; she pulled Phoebe in for a hug and stroked the back of her head. Phoebe relaxed but continued to cry in her sisters arms.
Paige stood in front of the window looking at her husband, tubes and wires seem to come out of him in every direction as monitors did their only work of beeping and ringing. He seemed so vulnerable and week but most of all unmoving as the nurses took his temperature and made sure everything was in order and checked his bandage on his head, that wrapped completely around it. "I'm sorry Henry I should have known you were hurt, I should have felt it," Paige thought as she walked around the window to the large white door.
Screw your rules
Paige stood over Henry as the ventilator breathed in and out for him. She picked up his hand gently and held it close to her chest as she closed her hurting eyes. "Please work," She begged the powers to be that her healing would kick in but was at a loss when nothing happened, not even a glow, and "NO!" She shouted out not caring who heard her as her head fell on his moving chest. Five minutes went by before Paige moved, but when she did she raised with purpose as her dark eyes seemed black against the white walls. "NO I WANT LET YOU TAKE HIM," Her eyes narrowed and the last tear could have turned to ice from the coldness of her face and she orbed away.
Back at the Manor the little four-year-old looked up at Ileru wide-eyed into space a little wrinkled. "What's a perbert?" Chris asks the older man.
"Um, Um maybe you should ask your mother," Ileru replied.
"I did and, and she said to ask daddy," Chris answered with his hands on his little hips.
"Chris why don't you go play with your brother? Kara asks as she hung up the phone.
"OK," a very reluctant Chris answered and ran upstairs.
"Leo is on his way home," Kara told Ileru as she made her way to the couch.
Back at the hospital Piper and Phoebe were in the waiting room silent as they looked down at the white tiled floor. "How could this have happened," Piper thought as she put her hands to her face to cover the water works. Phoebe cringed and stood up moving further away from her crying sister," God I hate this power," She thought as she made her way to some magazines.
Paige orbed amongst the cumulus clouds and looked for any one, any elder with her fist locked in place. A woman wearing the familiar robes approached Paige cautiously. "Paige what are you doing here, you know the."
"Screw your rules," Paige shot back. "Why the hell can't I heal him?
"Because it was not daemonic," The woman answers backing away from a very irate red haired woman.
"It's not right, he is a good man."
"Paige I'm sorry I wish there was something we could do."
"If he dies if he has anything wrong with him what so ever, I will come up here and kill all of you," Paige replied while moving in front of the elder's face, to make sure there was no confusion on her sincerity.
The elder backed away in shock," Paige you don't know what you're saying."
"Yes I do," Paige said through her teeth and orbed away.
Back at the Hospital Phoebe took the magazines and sat down on the far end of the room. She could not deal with Pipers emotions at the moment. "It's one thing when it happens to us, but not Henry he's mortal and demonic or not he should not have to go through this." she thought to herself while looking through the magazine.
Paige orbed in and Phoebe grabbed her stomach as the rage from her sister swarmed through her. "Awww." Piper removed her hands suddenly and saw a very angry Paige while Phoebe leaned against the wall trying to get her breath.
"They want let me hear them," Paige said still clinching her fist.
"What? Piper replied now standing up confused.
"Piper you need to try your bubble thing," Paige asks and without a word to Phoebe orbed Piper orbed of the room. They materialized into an empty room with Henry still motionless and Paige backed away to let Piper work. "Watched the door," Piper requested as she put her hand out but nothing happened. She lowered her hand and hesitated on turning around not wanting to see the disappointment on Paige's face, but before she could do so, she felt her self being materialized and was now back in the waiting room with Phoebe.
"We need to summon Death," Paige said and locked the door.
"Paige I'm sorry it didn't work," Piper's voice was raspy as she walked over to Phoebe.
"Help me summon death now!
"Paige I don't know what he," Phoebe tried to say something but Paige gave her a hard look and she went silent.
"Ok honey," Piper replied remembering how she felt when Leo was going to die. They all grabbed each other's hand and began to summoned death. It only took a few moments for death to make his entrance in the form of black smoke.
"You again," He said with a slight roll of his eyes."
"Yes us again, Paige replied very irritated at death's response to them.
"Fine what do you want now? He asks while folding his arms.
"Is Henry on the list," Paige asks as she moved in front of her sisters.
Death hesitated for a moment squinting a bit trying to read Paige but then produced his list. "That's odd."
"What's odd? Phoebe asks as she stepped forward.
"It's gray."
"What do you mean gray? Piper chimed in while she put her hand on Paige's tensed shoulder.
"It happened once before, when you were in a coma," Death replied looking directly at Piper.
"So what the hell does that mean? Paige asks.
"It means it's up to Henry on whether or not he lives or dies, he hasn't to what to live and come back to reality."
"It's not that easy," Piper said now turning away from the others.
"Piper do you remember anything when you were in your coma? Phoebe asks.
"It was a blur Phoebe I just remember being very confused and lost, I could hear mumbling but really could not make out who was talking," Piper answered while rubbing her head.
"Thank you," Paige said and grabbed her sister's arms and orbed out.
Death watches them go a little taken back at Paige's actions." I really need to get off their call list." He said and smoked away.
The three sisters orbed into the attic and Paige immediately went for the book.
"Paige honey what are you doing?" Phoebe asks but stayed on the other side of the room.
"Do you remember when the source had Piper, we went into her mind? The baby sister replied not removing her eyes off the book as she ripped through the pages.
"Yes but."
Paige looked up and if looks could kill Phoebe would have dropped dead on the spot. "It's the only way to save him," She said and continued her objective.
"It might work," Piper said as she made her way next to Paige.
"Here it is," Paige said while pointing to the spell in the book.
"Ok if you're going to do this, you need to understand that your powers are probably not going to work. And you have no idea which are walking into," Phoebe said now making her way to her other sister's.
"I know I've done this before."
"Not like this, he is a coma and the mind does weird things not to mention he probably has brain damage," Phoebe said as the last part made her close her eyes at the thought.
"Nothing is going to be wrong with him and even if there is, I'm never leaving his side," Paige replied as she stepped in the middle of the attic.
Piper was gathering the candles with the crystals, and placed them in a circle around Paige, who was sitting with her legs crossed on the floor. "These crystals should protect you from any demonic attack, and hopefully Kara can take care of any Shadow- Dells that might show up."
"Don't trust the truce sis? Phoebe said as she lit the candles.
"Do I need to answer that," Piper replied as she lit some on her side.
"Guys, Thank you," Paige said as she looked at both of them.
"Just make sure you come back safely and if anything goes wrong say the spell to come home," Phoebe replied as she stood next to Piper.
Paige closed her eyes and began to say the spell, "Life to life and mind to mind, our spirits now will intertwine; We meld our souls and journey to, the one whose thoughts We wish we knew." She collapsed on the floor unconscious.
Leo walked into the attic seeing Paige on the floor. "Oh god Paige."
"It's ok Leo she is going into Henry's mind, "Phoebe replied stopping Leo in his tracks before he got to Paige.
"What, is that going to be ok? Leo asks as she walked around the crystal cage.
"It should be she can always get back," Piper chimed in as she kneeled down next to her asleep sisters.
"LEO GET THE BOYS TO MAGIC SCHOOL NOW! Kara yelled from down stairs.
Inside Henry's mind Paige materialized in, it took her a moment to get her bearings in the darkness but Noticed trees, lots and lots of trees.
"What the hell? Paige said but the sound of something large and not human busting through the tree line made her turn in its direction. "Shit," was all she got out before she took off running.
"Leo go!" Piper yelled out as she stood up.
Leo took off out of the attic as sounds of things braking down stairs filled the once quiet house. Phoebe tried to step out of the crystal cage but fell unconscious before she could with her right leg sticking out slightly. "Phoebe! Piper said and tried to make her way to her middle sister but fell unmoving next to them.
Leo already had the boys and orbed to magic school unknowing that his wife and her sister were now unconscious in the crystal cage, as the sound of sharp claws digging into wood made its way upstairs with a low growl.
The crashing of tree limbs and rumbling was now only feet away from Paige as she ran towards the other side of the tree line, as she looked around her shoulder and terror made its home on her face. It looked like a T. Rex but smaller, only about 8 feet in height and had long arms and two very strong legs. Ahead of them Piper and Phoebe materialized in wide eyed and alarmed at what was coming straight at them.
"Paige what the hell?
"Run!" Paige answered Piper's question as she ran past them.
"Why didn't you say the spell to get out? Phoebe asks as she kept apace with the others.
"I did," Paige answered while pushing tree limps out of her way.
"Then how? Piper yelled and let out a yelp as one of the tree limps hit her in the head that Paige forced out of her way, "Dammit Paige."
"Don't know just run!" The baby sister replied quickly but stopped suddenly throwing her arms out to her side trying to keep herself from falling over the edge of a Clift. Pieces of rock and foliage took her place as they cascaded down the deep abyss. "Hit!"
Phoebe and Piper were being held in place by Paige's outstretched arms. "Wow that was close." Piper said as she regrettably looked behind her as the rumbling of the ground was getting more thunderous. "Guys we still have a problem." Piper said now facing her new enemy.
"Piper try to blow it up!" Phoebe yelled but knew it wouldn't work.
"Yeah I got nothing," Piper replied flicking her wrist frantically.
The beast was now almost on top of them and they were backed to the edge as he smiled at his food. "Guys not to freak you out anymore then we already are, but something is pulling on my leg," Phoebe said not taking her eye off the beast.
"No there isn't," Paige said as she looked at Phoebe's Intruder free leg.
"Then it's not here, its back at the house," Phoebe replied as her face showed distress.
The Shadow-Dell approached the crystal cage methodically but was in astonishment when he got shocked by the magic cage. He saw someone's leg sticking out just enough to get a grip on it and with one swift movement he used his teeth filled mouth to grab Phoebe's foot and through her across the room.
Phoebe's eye's forced them self-shut and she fell over the edge," Phoebe!" Piper cried out and managed to grab her middles sister's ankles and landed hard on her chest. The momentum of Phoebe's fall made Piper skid on the dirt ground towards the edge and was now hanging halfway over herself." Paige!" she called out in a panic.
"I got you," Paige said while grabbing Piper's leg and used her legs to latch onto a border that protruded out of the ground close to them. Phoebe hung like deadweight and Piper held her sisters ankles for dear life while Paige held onto Piper's. The strain was becoming too much for both of them.
"Piper I'm losing my grip!" Paige said through raspy breaths.
"Try to pull us up, Phoebe is unconscious!" Piper also said through hard breaths.
The Shadow-Dell looked at his new victim and smiled evilly when Leo orbed in."Oh god," was all he got out when the creature shot out one of his spikes directly at him. Leo ducked but was hit by the spikes recoil in the head, knocking him out cold. Shondeas went back to his earlier task of trying to kill Phoebe.
"Dammit," Piper yelled as she could feel her grip loosen," Phoebe wake the hell up!" to make matters worse Paige could feel a hot breath on her body as the beast opened its mouth wide to swallow its lunch whole.
"PIPER!" the Red-haired sister cried out with her eyes closed tightly.
Bang Bang
Gunshots shattered the still air and the beast was now focused on the man that ran out from behind the trees firing his pistol.
Meanwhile back at the Manor Phoebe's motionless body was ready for the picking as shodeas made his approach, opening his mouth wide near her head. "Hay!" Kara screamed out holding herself up in-between the door frame to keep herself from falling over as blood dripped from her eyebrow. The Shadow-dell wasted no time in meaningless conversation and used his spikes to do is talking. Kara lifted up her arms to protect herself from the onslaught of sharp spikes. Her breath was held as she lowered them and felt a sharp pain in her shoulder, abdomen and left leg as she clearly froze the creature but he managed to get the last word in before he was stuck in place. "Ouch," the stabbed woman cried out and with all her might pull herself off what was inflicting her at the moment using the door frame as leverage.
Back in Henrys mind, Paige held onto Piper for dear life as Piper held onto Phoebe. They were slipping as the sound of more gunshots and rumbling filled the void around them. "Phoebe wake up!" Piper yelled out again but only got a swinging sister in response. "Someone help!" Paige cryed out as her grip was becoming too much of a birdied. Everything went silent and Paige could feel strong hands on her leg's but did not have the energy to turn her head to see who or what it was. It only took a couple of minutes for Paige and Piper to be pulled to safety and with one last grunt from all of them, Phoebe was lifted out of her current danger. "Henry," Paige asks while looking at her exhausted husband, his eyes look lost but focused at the same time. The once strong man was now standing before them with a shaking body; he said nothing just stared at them like he was trying to remember a name of a long lost friend. "Henry can you hear us? Paige asks as she approached him. Piper was too busy trying to wake up her other sister to notice her brother-in-law but was quickly forced out of that by the sounds of feet running away. "Paige!" Piper yelled to her fleeing sister as she stood up. Paige was running after Henry who took off in a start. "I'm sorry Piper; say the spell to get out!" The baby sister answered back as she ran into the dark tree line. "Are you kidding me," Piper said as she turned to a still unconscious Phoebe.
Kara finally managed to pull herself free from the Interlopers hold and went right to her knees. The crimson colored fluid from her wounds now flowed freely as she looked up. Phoebe, and Leo were unconscious and she was about to meet their condition if she did not move fast. "Who needs enemies when your friends with this family," She thought as she lifted herself up using the blood covered spikes to assist her. Her first target that her eyes sat on was Phoebe and with all her might lifted her up from her under arms and pulled her to the safety of the crystal cage. The idea of getting Leo was exhausting to her, but she took a deep raspy breath and did the same with Leo. Once she felt safe she too collapsed next to the rest as blood began to puddle around her.
"Phoebe wake up kiddo, please," Piper pleaded as she stroked her sister's hair. "What if the spell brings someone else here?" She thought "What if something is attacking the manor, oh god the boys?" The last thought sent shivers down her spine. "Kara is there and Leo can orb them to school," The oldest sister closed her eyes tightly as salty liquid escaped the corners. " If any one hurts my boy's, I'll kill them," The once closed eyes now opened making two very small slits as she stared into the darkness around her. There was no moon, no stars that she could see as she looked up with widening eyes. No wind, no sounds but death piercing silence. Even the dirt seemed surreal as it looked like Playto and gave slightly with any pressure. She took a hand full and let the oozy substance slip through her fingers," And I thought I was psychotic?" Piper said out loud while tilting her head. But where was the light coming from, even though it was minute, like a night light she gave Chris, it had to be coming from somewhere. She stood up and looked in all directions until finely the source of the illumination was seen high on a mountain top far away from her. She then remembered her coma and how there was a small light that she was drawn too but was afraid of. " Ok I need to get to Paige and you need to wake up now Phoebe," Piper's mind was now focused on saving them and herself as she slapped Phoebe's face in hope to wake her.
The Shadow-Dell unfroze and it only took a moment to build up his anger as he looked at the crystal cage. Kara and the others were now safe from his advance but it did not stop him from trying to enter the barrier. His spikes bounced off it, as a red misty arch rose from the floor and Seth stepped out. He saw Shodeas trying to get to the quiescent body's and pulled out a large caller from a bag that hung off his side. The collar had white crystals all around it and hummed as it seemed to recognize the creature. The familiar sound made Shondeas turned to face its origins. "You," Shondeas said as he backed up looking once at Seth and then the caller and without another word the Shadow-Dell jumped out the window into the night.
"Kara," Seth cried out and ran to her bleeding body but was stopped once inside the cage as the collar did not want to enter. He dropped it and pulled out a syringe from his bag that had a bluish liquid in it, and with one swift movement stabbed Kara in the chest emptying the syringes contents into her body.
Paige ran after her husband," Henry!" she called out but he did not turn. It wasn't until they got to a clearing that he stopped his movement. He didn't know why he stopped but had the urge to turn around and face the woman who was running after him. All he could see was her mouth moving but no sound came out, she was yelling and her eyes were filled with worry. "Who is she, what does she want, who am I, where the hell am I? The barrage of questions clouded his mind as the woman just kept mouthing something. His eyes moved beyond her to the light high on the mountain, the light he was drown too like an Invisible force pulling at his will. "That dam light, I need to get to it," Henry said as he pushed past the talking woman and dashed for the dark tree line once again.
"Dammit Henry wait! Paige yelled out again and ran after him. She could see what he was running too, the light on the hill, "NO Henry don't," She said while giving chase because she knew what it was, his end.
Paige ran and ran until finely she was stopped by a large body of water; that had a metallic shine on it as Henry stood unmoving at its shore."Henry, Please talk to me, please say something," She was crying unable to hold it in anymore as she walked up to her soul mate. Her eyes met his face; it was hard and cold while his eyes looked down at the metallic surface.
"Henry," Paige asks softly.
"I failed, I can't get to it."
"What honey?
Henry pointed his finger to the light on top of the hill that was clearly blocked by the large lake. His eyes were lost and disappointed as he pointed to his foreseen failure.
"Henry you need to wake up now, you're not dead your just lost," Paige replied and put her hand on his face, forcing him to look at her. As he turned Paige forced back the water works and stayed strong but the swelling in the pit of her stomach was making it harder and harder by the minute. "I love you, please I love you," Paige's voice began to break down.
Piper slapped Phoebe again and she could feel the sting on her hand as Phoebe began to wake.
"Phoebe!"
"Piper? Phoebe said as she blinked her squinting eyes and rubbed her red cheek. "Did you hit me?"
"Yes now get up, we need to safe Paige and Henry, and why did you pass out? Piper asks while helping her younger sister to her feet.
"I don't know," Phoebe replied as she brushed herself off.
"Listen something must be attacking the house and I tried the spell to get back but it did not work, so I guess we need to stay and help, so let's go."
"Can't even rest in this family," Phoebe replied and followed Piper into the forest.
Back at the Manor Leo and Kara are waking up as Ileru walks into the attic with a wet towel over his forehead.
"I don't like being human if it means pain," Ileru said as he sat down on the red antique couch.
"Kara are you ok? Seth asks while helping her up.
"Yeah, where is that thing," Kara replied nervously while looking around.
"I took off out the window," Seth answered her and as he walked out of the crystal cage, picked up the collar.
"What is that?" Leo asks while kneeling next to Piper and looking at the collar.
"It is used to send Shadow-Dells back to their realm," Seth replied as he puts the collar back in his bag.
"Wait, it couldn't get through the crystal cage, and that collar looks like the same crystals," Kara said as she pointed to the glowing white stones on the ground.
Seth pulled out the collar again and examined it next to the other crystals on the ground. "Your right, maybe do the same."
Leo put his hand under Piper's head and lifted it slightly so that he could put her head on his lap. "God I hate this, I used to be able to heal her and now I just have to watch her suffer," Leo's thoughts were broken when he came to a realization. "Hay, can that stuff you gave Kara help Piper and Phoebe?" Leo asks as he stroked his wife's hair.
"It only works on Alda, so I don't know," Seth replied pulling out another syringe filled with a bluish liquid.
"We could try it on Ileru," Kara suggested as she adjusted her dark blue T-shirt.
"Try what on Ileru? The older man asks with a worried tone in his voice.
"We can, but I think Henry needs it more," Seth said as he approached the unwilling test subject.
"Your right, Piper seems to be breathing okay and so does Phoebe, but she was thrown against the wall and I'm worried about her unborn baby," Leo said now looking at his fallen sister-in-law.
"Piper wait!" a very exhausted Phoebe yelled at her older sister's charge into the unknown.
"What? Piper asks as she turned around a little out of breath but very irritated.
"We don't even know which way she went."
"Yes I do, I saw her run this way."
"Piper I know you're…"
"Phoebe I'm going with or without you, I'm sorry it's not just Paige that is at stake, look," Piper cut off her younger sister as she pointed to a dim light on the mountaintop.
"What is that?
"The way out, but not the way out we want. I recognize it from when I was in my coma." Piper replied but her face gave away how she felt, her eyes were watering and her hand was shaking.
"Oh god, Piper you never talked about it," Phoebe said noticing her sisters disposition.
"It's okay we will talk about it later, we need to stop him from getting there," Piper said and continue to run into the forest. Phoebe followed but took a moment to look at the tall lifeless trees. It was then that she notice the leafs were made of pieces of paper that had writing on them. "Piper wait."
"Phoebe we don't have time for."
"I know but look at this," Phoebe replied showing her a piece of the paper as she tore it off a tree limb.
How can I protect my children was written on the little white piece of paper in Henry's handwriting. She pulled off another, I will be a horrible father I know nothing about magic. Phoebe could feel his pain and fear as she took off another piece. I can't protect my wife the last piece read as it fell from Phoebe's shaky grasp.
Henry said nothing as he turned back to the water and then without hesitation jumped in.
"NO! Paige yelled out and jumps in after him. It felt like she hit a brick wall when she entered the metallic liquid and then noticed that she was sinking like a lead weight, she could see Henry's body in front of her, sinking fast and he gave no effort to rise to the surface. "Henry please don't do this, don't give up please," her mind was at a loss as the weight of the water seemed to push her down away from him. She could feel her lungs ache for air but she continued her pursuit towards Henry.
"What was that? Piper said now looking in the direction of the scream she heard and took off without waiting for an answer. Phoebe did not hesitate as she followed Piper.
Leo stood up and watched as Seth gave Ileru the shot. It took only a few moments for the bruise on his head to fade away.
"How do you feel? Leo asks hopefully.
"Fine, better it doesn't hurt anymore," Ileru answered smiling wide at the results.
"Ok, Seth and I will go to the hospital, Kara you and Ileru stay here and protect them," Leo said as he started walking out the door.
Kara did not have time to respond to the request as she watched them leave. She took a deep breath and stepped into the safety of the crystal cage and sat down. Ileru kept on eye on her as she was looking at an unconscious Piper, Phoebe and Paige. "She has no idea what she can do," Ileru thought as he smiled. Kara sat in silence not noticing the older man looking at her. "What the hell do they want from me? She thought while bringing her legs up to her chest. The events of the last couple of weeks have been beyond anything she knew and wanted desperately to leave, to run away from all of this. "I am not a leader of anything; I'm just a woman who doesn't even know who she is. And they what me to protect powerful witches and their children?" She closed her eyes at the last thought feeling completely helpless.
Piper and Phoebe arrived at the metallic lake and could see a small ripple near it shore. Phoebe could feel Paige's panic and new immediately what occurred, so she began to take off her shoes and ran for the shoreline.
"Phoebe! Piper yelled out but was too late as Phoebe jumped in.
Under the surface of the lake Phoebe also felt like she was sinking fast, but she was a strong swimmer and use that ability to find her sister. It took only a few moments when Paige came into focus through the murky water." Paige." Phoebe thought and swam with all her strength towards a sister that seemed to be struggling to reach something. All Piper could do was wait helplessly as her two sisters were in peril, Piper was not a good swimmer because she hated the water and the lake reminded her too much of how her mother died when she was a child. There was no sound at all as the water when calm again, "Don't take them from me, I can't survive it," Piper said as she waited for some sign of life but the sign she got was not what she wanted. In the distance something was approaching that seemed to be gliding on the water's surface and moved like a snake, but was too far away to make out what it was, or if it was friend or foe.
Leo and Seth ran out of the red arch that rose in an empty room at the hospital. It was late and it was a skeleton staff for the most part as they ran through the hallways looking for Henry's room. After a few moments they arrived at their destination.
"Now Seth, do it now, I don't know why but he is not going to make it if we don't," Leo demanded as he looked at Henry's body.
Seth took out his syringe and with a hard thrust stabbed it into Henry's chest emptying the contents quickly.
Piper was in a quandary as she watched the beast approach, its long body rose off the water shiny surface about 10 feet right where Phoebe would probably come up for air with Paige. She had No choice but to get it away from them and without much thought to a plan just screamed out.
"HAY, over here!" Piper yelled and backed up when the large silver colored serpent focused its gaze on her. "OH shit," she said and started to run keeping an eye on it while looking over her shoulder. Phoebe broke through the surface with a struggling Paige under her arm.
"NO I need to get Henry," Paige cried out trying to free herself from Phoebe's grasp.
"Paige dammit stop it, I'm trying to save you," Phoebe replied as she swam towards the shore. She could hear Piper yelling but she was too far away from them to make it out.
Piper stopped when she saw her two sisters swimming to the shore and a moment of relief came over her, but was reminded of her predicament when the creature towered over her. She backed up trying to get her lungs to take in air but tripped over a large branch. Phoebe dragged Paige out of the water and could see the sea creature making its approach to Piper. "Paige Henry will be fine but Piper will not, we need to help her," Phoebe said as she grabbed her sisters shoulder trying hard to get her sister to focus.
Leo saw the monitors over Henry's head begin to change; the once very inactive brain monitor lines began to move up and down as his heart rate became normal.
"What now?" Seth asks Leo as he put the syringe back in is bag.
Leo walked over to Henry and looked under his bandaged head. "It's working, we can go now."
Paige snapped out of whatever funk she was in and looked where her other sister was facing.
"What the hell is that?" Paige asks.
"I don't know but we need to get it away from Piper."
The creature reared back its head and opened his mouth to reveal thousands of sharp perfect teeth. Piper's hart stopped its fast pace and skipped as she was about to become fish food. She was trying to stand when she heard Phoebe yelling and running towards her. "Phoebe no, stay back!" Piper yelled out in response trying to get them to run away and not to their deaths. The beast was ready for its meal as its head came crashing down but Piper picked up the large branch, and using a boulder for leverage pinned one end of the sharp branch under it while holding the sharper end towards her foe. It was taken completely by surprise as the pointy object entered it's soft skin.
"Piper get out of there!" Paige yelled out as she ran towards Piper.
The oldest sister turned and took her sisters advice without argument but the thrashing of the beast slammed her body hard, throwing her into a tree. The sound of something braking made the others sister stop dead in their tracks while the injured beast went back into the water.
Kara stood up quickly as she heard something like a bone brake around her. She looked down and Piper had blood coming out of her mouth and she was convulsing. "Oh Ileru we need help," Kara said as she kneeled down next to Piper. Ileru grabbed his tablet and a red misty arch rose from the ground," I will get Seth," He said and ran through.
Phoebe was the first to reach her sisters shaking body as little pieces of paper were freed from the force that hit the tree.
"Piper," Phoebe said trying not to show the panic in her voice.
Paige walked past a stunned and very worried Phoebe to get to the injured sister. Piper was on her stomach and looked like she was struggling to breathe, so Paige turned her over gently. Blood was coming out of her mouth and she was shaking hard.
"I…..can't. Move," Piper said through rough and gargling breaths.
"It's ok honey you'll be okay," Paige replied trying to comfort a very scared and in pain Piper.
Leo and Seth came through the arch and Leo ran to his wife," NO, Seth give her the shot!" he demanded as he cradled her head trying to keep her from hitting it. Seth stood there motionless as his eyes fell to the ground. "Seth now!" Leo asks again.
"I can't I don't have anymore," Seth replied trying not to look at Leo.
"Then go get some."
"I can't the portal keeps moving and I don't know where it is right now," He answered.
"No please Piper you need to fight honey, please fight." Leo said now completely understanding the absolute nightmare he was in.
Phoebe's head was buried into Piper's shaking shoulder as Paige looked from them to the water. "I can't do this, I can't" Paige's mind let loose on her soul, she was being ripped between two people she loved dearly.
"Get….Out," Piper said between what air she could get.
"NO! I'm not leaving you," Phoebe said back into her dyeing sister's ear.
Piper used her only means of movement and pressed her cheek against Phoebe's wet one. She hoped someone would save her, hoped someone would pull her free. But time was going and she could feel the familiar grips of death. "I….Love…..you," Was her last words as her last breath escaped her.
"NO DAMMIT PIPER, YOU CAN'T YOU HAVE TWO SONS, YOU CAN'T" Phoebe yelled and started the routine she has done so many times before. "1…..2…..3…..4….5," She counted as she pushed down on her oldest sisters chest. "Breathe the pleading Phoebe said as she gave Piper her own breath of life. Piper's eyes began to fade; the once dark eyes were glazing over as a white film took the place of tears, love and strength.
Paige started backing up as the sound of pieces of paper crumbled under her feet. "This is my fault, my fault," Paige said as she shook her head back and forth.
"1…2…3….4…..5," Leo's voiced said through his teeth as he pushed hard on his wife's chest. The others were backing away unsure what to do. "Dammit Piper breathe." Leo looked up to the Heavens and with one last plea and hope called to his oldest son. "Wyatt Mommy needs you!" he yelled at the top of his lungs while he continued his attempt to bring her back from the undiscovered country. It took only a second for a very frightened blond haired boy to orb in.
"Daddy," He said not moving as he looked at his dead mother.
"Wyatt come on buddy you have to try," Leo pleaded while filling her lungs with his oxygen.
The boy ran to their side and kneeled down next to them. It was the first time he has seen her not breathing, not moving and now it was up to him to safe her, to bring her back to the living.
"Just one breath Piper, that's all we need," Phoebe begged again as she continued her CPR while Paige was still backing up. The trees were falling around them and the light on the hill was fading away, as darkness surrounded them. Even the water was evaporating as a white mist rose off the lake as the sounds of animals moaning and dying was filling the once silent air. But there was a light, small at first but began to grow around Piper. It started at the center of her chest and as it grew the darkness retreated back to distant places. The trees grew back and where the leafs that once held pieces of Henry's thoughts were replaced with small hearts.
"Paige," A voice said from behind her.
Paige turned slowly for the voice was Henry's, his eyes were filled with love and hope as he put his hands on her shoulders."Henry," Paige replied in a whisper but her body trembled at his touch.
"It's time to go Paige," He said as he smiled at her.
"Piper she's."
"She will be just fine and so will I, look," Henry answered her and pointed to were Phoebe was now standing beside Piper's glowing body. The once small light has now engulfed her completely as she arched her back and took a large breath in.
"Thank god," Phoebe said as she bent down to help Piper up.
As she rose, everything around them brightened. The metallic filled lake turned to a clear blue that reflected the opening sky of magenta, cyan and Crimson as Cumulus clouds rolled by. A gently breeze moved across the green landscape picking up petals of roses and tulips, Paige's favorite flowers. She watched in astonishment as the pedal past her by and the wind lifted her long dark red hear off her shoulders.
Wyatt's eyes were tightly closed but opened them as he could hear his mother take a deep breath. Leo could not hold back his joy as he lifted her up and held her tight in his arms. The once silent room was filled with sighs of relief as Wyatt joined his father's hold on her.
"What just happened?" Piper asks as Phoebe helped her up.
"I don't know but you're alive and that is all the matters," Phoebe replied while hugging her sister.
"Paige say the spell honey, it's time to go," Henry asks.
Paige looked at him questionably for a moment," I don't understand."
"You came to safe me, you and your sisters, even risk your life for me, I thought I would never understand magic but it wasn't magic I needed to understand, it was how much you and your sister love others even if their human." Henry replied and kissed Paige on the lips." It is the same love I can give my children and you. Someone once said the greatest treasure of all was to give someone a piece of your hart, thank you and thank Piper for me."
Paige smiled wide and felt the breeze get warm as it caressed her body." I love you," She said as she walked away from him towards her sisters. Paige hugged Piper and Phoebe and with that done she recanted the spell.
Phoebe woke first and grabbed her back," Ouch what happened here," She said while trying to lift herself up as Kara ran to her to help. Piper was the second and returned the hug her husband and son was giving her. Paige was the last to rise from the hard wood floor of the attic. Henry orbed into the attic still in his hospital attire with the bandage on his head as he looked around a little stunned at first, but then unravel the white cloth.
"Henry wait," Paige said as she ran to him.
Henry did not stop and the once deformed and battered head was now whole showing no signs of injury. "It's ok Paige, see."
Paige placed her hand on his hair and ran her hand through his dark strands. "How?" She asks a little bewildered.
"Asks Seth," He replied pointing at the young man.
"The serum it worked," Seth replied a little taken back that it did.
"You healed him? Paige asks standing strong next to Henry.
"I guess."
"Thank you, but how did you orb?" Phoebe said as Wyatt healed her back.
"Don't know."
"I can answer that," A voice said as blue and white orbs filled the room.
"Kevin? Piper said as she stood up with the help of Leo.
"Yep," Kevin replied smiling back at her." I took care of any memory issues at the Hospital, Henry was never there."
"That is so against the rules," Leo said with a smile.
"Screw the rules," Kevin answered back and orbed away.
"Well I need a dam drink," Kara chimed in and flopped on the couch.
"I think we all do," Piper replied and kissed her son on the cheek as she picked him up. "By the way how did you? Piper asks her oldest son.
"Love, absolute love," Henry said while putting his hand into Paige's," I could feel it, and you were fighting hard I think it was that combination that did it."
"It's all Greek to me," Kara said while putting her hands to her face," you guys are going to give me a Coronary."
"Oh buck up little witch where'd just getting started," Paige said and patted Kara on the head.
The big bright orb in the sky shined its rays evenly on Henry and Paige as they ate breakfast on the balcony. A purple and red butterfly landed on her arm while she took a sip of coffee, and gave a smile at the little creature that seemed perfectly safe on Paige's forearm. Her pink thin strapped pajama top must have caught the little critters eye. Henry smiled as well, but not at the clueless butterfly but at his wife who hours ago jumped into a lake to safe him.
"What are you smiling at?" Paige asks as she put her coffee down.
"Just a beautiful creature."
"It's just a butterfly Henry," she replied as her winged friend flew away.
"Not that Paige."
"Oh thanks," She said with a blushing face.
"I thought you were to get off the coffee."
"Today's the day, I hope."
"Hay let's take the day off and go to the park, it's a beautiful day," Henry suggested as he leaned forward putting his arms out on the round glass top table.
"I would like that." She answered and placed her hand on his bear arm.
"Wait don't we need to look for Coop today? He asks looking down at his bagel.
"Nope I can sense him somehow, he will be coming home soon," Paige answered.
Paige stared into his eyes and felt herself warm, and not just by the sun but by his look back at her. If looks can kill then they can do the opposite with love. "Where have you been my whole life," Paige thought while her face went back to its normal color. Henry did not have to say anything as he could feel hers through her touch. It was not that long ago when they met, she was Insufferable, stubborn, opinionated and always had to win an argument. Now she was everything he needed and desired he thought while placing his hand on hers.
"Maybe we can get Piper to make us a picnic lunch," Paige said as she looked sideways contemplating the idea.
"That would be awesome," Henry replied excitedly, mostly because even though his wife was a charmed one, and soon to be mother of the next generation of good power to save the world, she was a horrible cook.
"I will call her later and asks."
"Sounds good, I will call work and take off."
"Hay, do they know about what happened to you?" Paige asks nervously.
"Nope not at all."
"What about the man who shot you," Her voice was hardening as she said it and for a brief moment Henry could see rage behind those loving eye's.
"I don't know who he was; I never saw him and don't worry about it."
"Don't worry about it?"
"Paige please let's not ruin this day talking about that, ok?
"Fine, but we will need to talk about it later."
Henry sighed in relief that he won this battle for now and took a drink of his cup of hot Joe.
Phoebe was awake in her king-sized bed and if it wasn't for her red matching pajamas tops and bottom would have seemed like a large pillow. She was rubbing her belly trying to let her concern for being pregnant and the truce that already seemed to end. "How I'm I going to do this, I don't have a shield to protect her; I could have lost her yesterday." Her mind took over her rubbing as she felt overwhelmed at the moment. "And where are you Coop?" Phoebe said looking up at the ceiling. Today they were going to look for him, she wanted to look last night but all of them were so exhausted and needed rest. She closed her eyes and pulled the dark brown sheets up to her neck as tears rolled down her cheek. A reddish light filled the room and a tall dark-haired man in red robes was standing at the end of the bed. His smile turned to worry as he saw his wife crying with her eyes firmly shut. "Phoebe?" he said softly and walked around to the other side.
"Coop?" Phoebe replied but kept her eyes in their position, afraid it was a dream.
"Yes honey are you ok?"
Phoebe decided to take the chance and opened one eye but her tears made the image standing before her fuzzy and had no choice but to open both fully.
"Coop?" she said now sitting up almost falling out of the bed to get to him.
"Phoebe are you ok?
"Am I ok, where the hell have you been?" All the days without him had made her angry, somewhat at him but mostly at the elders or demons that kept him from her.
"What? Coop asks as he backed up away from a very confrontational wife. On one hand she was pissed on the other terrified.
"Coop you have been gone for 3 days and I didn't know where you ware or if someone was hurting you," Phoebe answered as she sobbed into her hands.
"Oh god Phoebe I'm sorry, time is different up there and I forget sometimes about that," He answered and put his arms around her trembling body, pulling her in close to his chest.
"I can't do this on my own," She said while bringing her head into the soft red robe.
"I'm sorry baby, but there is something I need to tell you," Coop said as he closed his eyes awaiting the lash out.
"What, are they making you an elder oh god, are they?" Phoebe's voice broke as she looked at his robe.
"No honey, I am in training and I will not be home for a while," He answered trying to calm her but the last part will probably make her more mad at him then before.
"Training?
"Yes and I can't tell you what it's about, I'm sorry," Coop said as a tear fell from his eye. "But the elders will tell me if anything happens to you."
"There doing a bang up job so far," Phoebe replied as she opened the curtains to let something bright into the room.
"What do you mean?"
"Coop I've died like 3 times already," She answered putting her hands on her hips.
"What!"
"Piper has a new power; she can put a bubble around us and rewind time, that's how I survived it"
"They were supposed to tell me if anything happened to you!"
"Coop how long will you be in training?" Phoebe asks as she could see rage build up in her husband and it was not something she was used too, and tried to change the subject.
Coop looked up and his gaze could have burnt a hole through the ceiling right to the heavens if she didn't touch him. Her small hand on his shoulder broke him out of his mental rant.
"Coop?" Phoebe said with a soft voice.
"I'm sorry honey, I'm sorry I wasn't here," Coop replied and pulled her into a hug again.
"I'm just glad you're ok."
"They said I have a day off, so what would you like to do?" Coop asks.
Phoebe took in a deep breath and smiled wide," Oh I can think of something," She replied while raising her head, "So what do you have under the robe?" her voice was low as she ran her hand down his front.
"Absolutely nothing," He answered and kissed her red awaiting lips.
Piper was rocking pink flowered onesie as she made her way to the kitchen. With a flip of the switch the room illuminated and revealed why she took her time getting out of the bed this morning. Plates, empty and half-filled glasses with dirty silverware cluttered the table and sink. She sighed loudly and rolled her eyes at the mess but the sounds of small footsteps running past her snapped her out of self-loathing.
"Chris give me back Wuvey," the 6 year old yelled as he followed his little brother into the kitchen.
"Boys it's too early for that," Leo said as he stepped behind his wife.
He always got a good laugh when she wears an Onesie, but he loved taking it off. Something about unzipping it from the neck all the way down her chest and finely to her what she laughingly called the loading zone or delivery dock was a huge turn on for him, and he knew Piper didn't mind it as well.
"Daddy he took Wuvey," Wyatt said while pointing at Chris who was preoccupied with trying to clime the kitchen chair with a raggedy old teddy bear in his hand.
"Wyatt you don't play with it anymore, so let Chris have it." Piper said as she put her hands on her husband's arms that wrapped around her waist.
Wyatt was too hungry to argue and sat on the other side of the table but eyed his little brother down, fighting the urge to orb his teddy away but knew it would get him in trouble, so he withheld.
"God this is one loud family," A very red eyed Kara said as she walked past them, but stopped as she looked Piper up and down while trying to adjust her vision to the light. "Is that an Onesie?"
"Yes, so." Piper replied defensively.
"K," Kara said after a few moments of thought of way a grown person would were one of those.
"What would you like for breakfast Kara?" Piper asks as she walked into kitchen towards the sink.
"Why are you asking me?"
"Let's see, you pulled Phoebe and Leo into the crystal cage while you were bleeding to death, it's a small way of saying thank you," Piper replied while stacking dirty dishes.
"Oh, but don't get to gushy, I don't really remember doing it," Kara replied sitting down at the table while both the kids looked at her with smiles.
"Hi Kara," Chris said as he put the teddy on the table trying to make it sit up.
"Hi Chris."
"Kara what is your power? Wyatt asks while playing with a fork.
"Boys let's not pester her, she just woke up," Leo said as he helped Piper with the dishes.
Kara was grateful for the help as she was not sure what her power was besides shape shifting and tried not to look at the small children who were focused completely on her. She has never felt so uncomfortable in her life, she was not at her apartment, she had no clothes beside the pajamas that Piper loaned her and everyone was waiting for her to go, shazam I know who I'm am and what I can do. She was getting frustrated at all the pressure but she was for the most part a laid-back person and used humor to subdue any negative feelings.
Leo stopped his dish stacking and looked at his wife. Just hours ago she was dying, or dead the jury is still out on that and he could not help but get lost for a moment in his thoughts," I don't know what I would do without her, she is my world, my friend, my lover and my soul mate." Piper did not notice her husband's gaze as she was lost in her own mind," God we need a dishwasher, he is looking at me again I can feel it, I think he watched me sleep all night, how can I love him so much and my sons, I almost never held them again," Piper stopped her mindless task as the last thought almost made her sick and she closed her eyes tight but as always she felt her husband's hand on her back supporting her as she steadied herself. They did not have to speak; his touch was all she needs to bring her back. She opened her dark brown eye's to meet his bright green ones; they just smiled at each other as they continued their cleaning.