Little Brother, Big Brother - Sequel to JPK

[Tim]

Written by Jana AKA WyattChris and copied here by me.

This is the sequel to my Just Pure Knowledge.
Covers mainly S6 with "elements" from S7 borrowed. lol

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Summary:
Wyatt's sending his best assassin back in time, yet Zankou then starts his own plan – with the brothers. Meanwhile Chris has to face a lot which leads him into trouble. There are some close calls over time.

Chris' revelation story – second cut!!

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1. The Task To Kill

MANOR, 2026

Wyatt Matthew Halliwell was at home, his former home. He'd turned it into a museum to show the people the power he was born from, yet his little brother had been against it from day one. Today the tours had been canceled since he'd arranged a special meeting here. Now he was standing at the Book of Shadows, waiting impatiently for his assassin to arrive. Wyatt had a particular page opened and then saw his minion come.

"What took you so long, Zankou? I gave you an order to come immediately!" he snapped annoyed.

"Sorry, I was distracted by the new sight of San Francisco. Well, why am I wanted here, Master?" Zankou asked, bowing his head slightly.

"I want you to go back in time and kill the leader of the Resistance! He's gone back to the past, to 'save' me as if I need be. So, what'd you say?"

Zankou blinked several times. "Isn't he your brother?" There was a long pause. "I take it he's standing in your way for so long." He swallowed hard and waited for his reaction. It was no secret what kind of relationship Wyatt and Chris Halliwell had.

Wyatt finally looked up. "I know who he is, Zankou. All you need to know is that I want him gone! He's meddling with my plans and I don't want to be saved, clear?" His hand touched the Book. "If you want to, I could provide you with a spell."

"I'll think about it. When should I go, Master?"

"In a few days. An important event still has to happen in the past before you'd be able to step in. I know it happens soon but in the meantime stay close by. Listen and learn everything about the Charmed Ones and their lives around the time you're going to."

"As you wish, M'lord." Zankou took a look around smirking and pointed out, "Should I take a tour for this?"

Wyatt smirked back and suddenly stood up straighter, looking up incredulously. He felt an incoming orb. "Leave now! Be back right after this talk!"

Zankou bowed and shimmered away, to his own lair in the underworld. He was glad to be free, yet for him a demon should rule, not a witch! Even if his Master was the Twice-Blessed!

Wyatt watched the forming orb a bit fascinated since it'd been so long seeing this person. Well, it should be interesting and he smiled as a greeting.

"Hey Dad!"

ZANKOU'S LAIR

Zankou arrived into his lair totally confused. He walked like in trance to his 'throne' and sat down, thinking about his given task. Sure, the little brat was annoying and had killed many demons as the leader, yet he couldn't understand why Wyatt want to kill his little brother. Besides, Chris was his only family left. Their father didn't count.

A low level demon approached slowly the throne. "Hey Zankou, what's up? What's bothering you, my friend? How can I help?"

Zankou turned to him with a sharp gaze. "Leygan, my friend. I've been given a task from Wyatt which I don't understand but I'll do it."

"What is the task if you don't mind my question," Leygan asked shyly. He was only a little light in the hierarchy and Zankou was a good ally.

"To kill Chris, the leader of the Resistance, his own brother. I should return to the past and kill him there."

"Oh," Leygan only said.

"Oh," Zankou echoed sighing. "I will go back in time and do as asked, yet I have to get to know the Charmed Ones and their lives then. Maybe I can do more."

"What would you do if you could?" Leygan asked curiously. "Kill Wyatt as well?"

Zankou stared at his minion for a long time. The idea was tempting, he had to admit, yet to fight Wyatt was a ridiculous idea since being the Twice-Blessed and all. But back in time he'd be a vulnerable, helpless child. Seeing how his minion waited for an answer, he only offered, "Maybe."

"Anything else, Zankou?"

The upper level demon watched his minion carefully. "Well, what would you do if you could change the past? I mean if you had the chance."

Leygan put his hand to the chin, thinking. "Good question. If I could, I'd bring myself into a better position or just like that this little brother of our Lord, in general, change everything. But with the most outcome for me!"

"Not bad, Leygan. Now go! I still need time to think and wait for Wyatt's back call." Zankou dismissed his minion with a wave of his hand. What would he do back in time?

Leygan vanished as smoothly as he came. Leaving his 'Master' alone to think. He'd help him in any way he could and offer to go to his past self. Time would work more for them than the witches.

MEANWHILE AT THE MANOR

Leo Wyatt was standing in the Manor's attic, facing his eldest son and he was here for a reason. He knew what his once 'golden' child had become, yet he now had lost the signal of his youngest son. His reason for being here.

"Well, son. How are you? How's life?" he asked.

Wyatt watched his father with a smirk. This man was just a pathetic Elder, a hypocrite who believed in Good vs. Evil when he only thought about power. "I'm fine, Dad. I'm just dealing with a traitor right now."

Leo raised an eyebrow at his tone. "I see. Anyway, have you seen Chris recently? I can't sense him anymore. Do you know anything maybe?"

"Why should I? Aren't you his father? You should be watching over him, not me. I'm just his big brother."

Leo folded his arms over his chest. "You know how he stands to me, especially after your Mom died. Can I ask who the traitor is you're dealing with?"

Wyatt laughed now what scared Leo even more. "Well, Leo, Chris is the traitor as he's gone to the past. As he's said to 'save' me and change this future, I think. Now what?"

Leo gasped shocked. Didn't Chris know how many damages he could do to this timeline, yet again, looking at Wyatt, it'd be good if the timeline changed. "When did he go?" he wanted to know.

"I don't know. Been told he summoned the Book and as you can see it's still on its old podium. Why do you want to know, Leo? Are you concerned for once about him?" Wyatt demanded pacing. He watched fascinated how his father exploded.

Leo looked now concerned and alarmed at his son. Not son, the Lord of this world. "What are you planning, Wyatt? Are you trying to kill him? He's your little brother, damn it! Leave him alone!"

Wyatt walked to his father and grabbed him by the throat. "What I'm going to do with him shouldn't bother you. He's my only concern but he'd betrayed me one too many times. Always saving innocents who don't care about us! My way is so much better now!"

"You call this living safely?" Leo yelled despite the situation he was in. "Have you looked at the city for once? All magical beings are in hiding, only demons are now free! How do you explain this? Even mortals are afraid of you and your demons. They hide as well!"

"I don't have to answer you, Leo! This is my world now," he threatened while pacing again.

Leo growled but knew to take this threat seriously. "I'll keep a close eye on you, Wyatt! I'll find out what you're planning with Chris and find a way to help him!"

"He doesn't want your help and you know it! Leave him to me," Wyatt threatened now openly. He made a fist and Leo choked suddenly. Quickly he opened it again. "That's what you have to fear if you side against me. Clear, 'Dad'?"

Leo said nothing but looked up as a faint jingle was heard. Scowling he hissed at his son, "This isn't over yet, Wyatt! If you kill my son, I'll kill you!" He orbed away.

Wyatt snorted at the low threat his father had made but there was someone waiting for his order. "Zankou!" he bellowed and the demon appeared immediately. "I want you to be gone in a week! Do whatever you need to do! Don't free your past self if you want to live in the future still, clear?"

"Crystal, M'lord."

"Hurt him, torture him as much as possible! I want him to suffer so that at the end he'll beg me to help and join me, because this would be his only chance to survive;" Wyatt said in a demanding tone, clearly saying what'd happen if he failed.

"Don't mind my question now, M'lord," Zankou started a bit nervous, yet self conscious. "You did order me to kill him, yet now I should torment him like there's no tomorrow. Why this?"

"The torture would only be a prelude to more when he'll be back here. I want him to be broken!" Wyatt whirled around angrily. "By the way, do you know how to go back? I could provide you with a spell if need be."

"No thanks," Zankou answered. "I'd need a witch to say it, though you are one, I know, yet I'm sure to find some demons with the same ability. When shall I go now?"

"Five days to the maximum left. But remember: hurt him as much as you can, wound him as well. If he refuses, threat him with the life of his lover who is still in my hands, you know. Now go!"

Zankou was still confused. "And the order to kill …"

"… is your absolute last resort. And now leave! I need to be alone. Be ready in five days!" Wyatt gestured the demon to leave while he slipped through the pages of the sacred Book.

Zankou bowed slightly and shimmered away to the underworld where he'd find a way to go back in time. He was given an order which he'd fulfill. Either to please his Master or … himself, because his own minion had given him something to think over as well. He'd decide in the past, of what he'd do.

MANOR'S ATTIC, 2003

For several days Leo had tried to catch his youngest son alone but he was gone anytime. Leo didn't know what to do anymore, yet he couldn't tell his wife or her sisters this secret. Frustrated he walked up to the stairs since the girls had gone out with Wyatt and to his surprise, Leo found his other son over the Book of Shadows, flipping through it.

"Hey Leo, what's up?" Chris asked, not even looking up from the Book. "Where are the sisters and Wy?"

"Out. Shopping, I guess," Leo replied, sounding suddenly nervous. "Can I ask you something or two?"

"Sure, but no future info! You know too much already. It wasn't planned you'd find out. Or Grams," Chris offered, still not looking up.

Leo sighed. His son seemed to have so many issues with him but deep inside, he still had hope to get through his stubborn kid. "Right okay. What I want to know is the Event you mentioned to step in. It's clear it happens soon. What is it?"

Chris finally looked up and scowled. "Why do you want to know all of a sudden? You never took care of me before, so why now?"

"Chris, I know you're my son and I'd do anything for you. Whatever I did in your future, it hasn't happened yet and I'm not that person, will never be, I promise. Please Chris, I need to be prepared of what's to come! Let me help you," he offered with pleading eyes.

His youngest son stared at him for long as if to consider his words but already knew those words to be true. Chris sighed. "Fine. The Titans will be freed by a demon and they are out for revenge. Make an educated guess who they'd be after."

Leo stayed silent for a moment, thinking and looking at his son. Then it dawned on him. "The Elders? Why would they be after the Elders?" He grabbed his head as if to prove his point.

"Don't you read history books or been into museums recently?" Chris asked sarcastically. "The Elders had turned mortals into Gods ages ago and those Gods became the ancient ones we all know so well."

Leo stuttered nervously. "You mean … oh. That means they'd be after whitelighters to get access to 'Up There'. I'll have to warn them!"

"I'm aware of that fact." Chris looked suddenly shy. "Could you promise me something?"

"Anything, buddy."

Chris' head shot up at the last word and tears were seen in his eyes. He shook his head to think clearly again. "Anyway, what I want to say is that my gut feeling tells me either one of the sisters could be the victim of them or …"

"… you," Leo continued with sudden fear. "Because you'd be staying with the sisters while I'll be 'Up There'. What do we do?"

"You asking me?" Chris asked incredulously and in shock.

Leo grinned. "Well, you've got the future knowledge, buddy, not me." His son glared at him but smiled slightly. They heard the door and female voices. A sudden orb and a loud shriek startled them. Chris caught the orb quickly while Leo called out, "It's okay, Piper! Wyatt's here and safe." He turned to Chris smirking. "He loves you already."

And indeed, Wyatt snuggled into Chris' chest, knowing on instinct to trust him fully. Chris only shook his head smiling and adjusted the baby in his arms. "This is so weird," he stated with a smirk. "I haven't been born yet if you haven't forgotten, Dad!"

Before Leo could answer, the door opened and three women appeared. A quick glare from Chris told him to stay quiet and he nodded slightly. "So Piper, what has happened in the normal world?" he asked to distract, hopefully.

The eldest Charmed One looked suspicious at him and their new 'friend'. "Normal," she answered. "Something I dream of, you know." Chris chuckled at her words which made her look at him directly. "Do you know something I don't, young man? You could let me in."

"With time, Piper. With time," Chris answered her, still in good mood. "Do you mind if I lay him down? You know he wouldn't let me go so easily."

Piper looked at her husband who agreed smiling. "Okay, lay him down but return quickly! I want answers!" Seeing Chris walk away, she turned to Leo who she knew had the wanted answers. "Now Leo, what are you hiding from us?"

Phoebe and Paige nodded. The older one spoke up, "You and Grams know something about our new guest what you won't share with us!"

"It's not right," Paige agreed. "By the way, do you maybe know what event he meant to come in? It would be good to be prepared, you know."

Leo chuckled at her. "Yeah, I know but you have to trust me and him in this. There are some things you'll have to find out on your own."

The three sisters snorted at him but they were distracted as Chris returned running. Piper repeated her demand, "I want some answers, young man!"

Chris sighed. "I can't. Some things you'll have to find out on your own." All three groaned. "What?" he asked confused.

Phoebe now answered. "Leo said the exact same words only minutes ago. Have you learned from him maybe?" She looked between those two. "You do have some things in common, you know."

Leo and Chris looked at each other rather nervously but the younger one shook his head slightly, if not to reveal anything. "Okay ladies," Leo said at the end and shoved all out, his son included. "We have a child to take care of and be aware of demons all the time!"

"We know that," Piper said annoyed. "Tell us what you know, damn it!"

"No later!" Leo insisted, also annoyed. "Come on, it's late. We all are tired right now. It's been a long day. By the way, where does Chris sleep?"

"Guest room, you know that." Piper rolled her eyes at him but went into the bathroom, to make herself ready for bed.

Within this time Leo quickly checked on his sons. Both were sleeping in peace and he kissed them on their foreheads and then returned to his wife. Laid down, the love of his life came onto his chest and Leo thought about his new life, with two boys. He smiled at this and stroked through his wife's hair, the same color like Chris'. He realized their baby boy was a good combination of him and Piper. What a wonderful life!

[Tim]

2. The Tantrum Of The Titans

SOMEWHERE IN THE ARCTIC

A mid-level demon had found some old papers where it was written down how to free the Titans from their frozen prison. He had finally found the place where two of them were. With his fire he made a male and female seen. The demon was impressed and hoped with them to take revenge on the world above.

The demon swallowed hard and recited the enchantment he'd found. To his luck, shock and relief it worked and those two were freed. "My God," he only murmured.

"Right," the male only said and vanquished the demon without hesitation. He turned to the woman on his side. "Meta, my dear. You know as well as I do that we need Cronus. Our revenge should be at its fullest."

"I know," Meta agreed but looked sad. "He can be so furious after such a long time we've been in." She looked at him. "Demetrius, what do we do?"

"You'll catch us the needed powers, to have access to the world and the Elders while I'll try to find and free Cronus," Demetrius offered, kissing the woman's forehead.

"I'll try to find us enough power in time," Meta said in a hopeful voice. "So that we all three can take our revenge on the Elders." She vanished by whirling around.

Demetrius watched her leaving and then vanished himself into the clouds above, looking for their leader, Cronus. As an unit, the Elders would have to fear them and their revenge would be gruesome. Luckily, this time there were no Gods to stop them.

UP THERE

Leo was again in Heaven and paced now through the white halls. He'd had a talk with his son a day ago and their last talk had been two days prior, yet now all Elders were nervous what increased his own as well. Closing his eyes for another second, he sensed once again for his complete family and found to his relief all of them in the Manor.

"Leo, what brings you here?" Roland greeted him. "Gideon isn't here. He's back at Magic School. You look nervous."

"Well," he started. "I've been informed that the Titans have been freed and they'll want revenge on you. But why are you so in panic?"

"Two whitelighters are missing," Cecil informed him. "I take it our future guest informed you." Leo nodded. Cecil looked at Roland. "What do you want us to do?"

"Flee. Stay in hidden places until the danger is over. Chris gave me some instructions of how to act here and what I'll have to do."

"Okay, we'll leave but a few will stay behind. If to pretend." Cecil showed him huge doors. "There are hidden powers, to make mortals to Gods." He turned to Leo. "You have Chris on your radar, do you? Leo!"

Leo got a flashback but then realized the question. "Yeah, I have him. Why?"

"Nothing," Roland said. "Are you going to be okay here, Leo? We're going now. I'm sure you'll have everything under control, right? Good luck, Leo. You're going to need it." He orbed away.

The majority of the Elders followed while Cecil stayed behind. He patted Leo on the back. "Everything will be fine. Believe in you, in Chris and in the Charmed Ones."

Leo sighed. "I know but I still have a bad feeling. You don't mind if I want to be alone for a sec, do you?" Cecil shook his head. "Okay." Leo walked a few inches and sat down on a white stone. His mind had another thing in it.

FLASHBACK

A day before Chris had grabbed his father to Wyatt's room, because he wanted to clear more things out and that Leo'd be prepared for anything. Quickly he shut off the baby monitor.

Leo was shocked. "What Chris? What is it?"

"Can you tell Piper not to be afraid? We men just need some privacy," Chris said quietly and took his brother out of his crib. "There's something you still need to know."

Leo nodded and opened the door a bit. "Piper! Wyatt's fine. We just need some privacy." He waited a second before 'Okay' came up. "Okay, buddy. What's up?"

"Listen. Beg the Elders to flee and they'll tell you a few would stay behind. Anyway, what important is that there are huge doors with hidden powers to make mortals to Gods," Chris explained while playing with Wyatt who giggled.

"Wait a sec. You mean I should release those powers to the sisters?" Leo asked bewildered. "Oh. I could be made an Elder then, right?" His son looked away. "Where will you be?"

"Here. At the Manor. To make sure Paige doesn't orb." Chris made a pause. "They need to stay complete."

"Chris, what are you not telling me?" Leo wanted to know in fear. The way his son spoke made him even more afraid of what's to come.

"Tell me you have me on your radar." Leo nodded and Chris sighed in relief. "Okay. Do whatever you'll need to do. Leave the sisters to me! And if something does happen to me, concentrate on your task!"

Leo nodded briefly and watched his two boys in amazement. Already now they shared a close bond what made him grin. He'd do anything to earn his son's trust back and to change the future. For good.

END OF FLASHBACK

Some noises startled Leo out of his memories. There were some attacks but obviously they failed, yet he saw some men battle and hid in golden robes behind a column. He was invisible and wondered at the moment what happened at the Manor.

AT THE SAME TIME AT THE MANOR

The sisters were troubled. Some magical creatures had come to them and said that they'd have to fight the Titans. For now they wanted to speak with Chris.

"Chris! Come here," Piper yelled. "Here's something going on and you know it!"

"Chris!" Phoebe continued. "We have trouble here." She saw someone forming. "Chris!"

An orb came and Chris quickly opened his arms to cover the sisters' eyes up. "Don't look into her eyes," he only said while doing this. Within seconds he was in stone.

"Chris?" Paige asked shocked. "Piper, what now? We can't leave him here."

"Yeah," she agreed in trance. To their shock Wyatt orbed in and touched the statue crying. Piper took him. "Baby, what's wrong? You miss Chris, don't you?"

"Then we should free him. Otherwise, Leo or Grams might kill us," Paige said sarcastically. "We should use our little guests for this, right?"

"Yeah." Piper sat down and watched her son and the statue confused. "You and Phoebe do this. I'll stay here if anyone shows up."

"Okay," Phoebe said and took her little sister with her. "We'll be back soon."

The younger sisters walked down the stairs and saw that a lot more magical guests had arrived. It'd be getting cramped in their home if it continued this way. Both knew they had to act soon, either with Leo's help or Chris's!

"Hey guys!" Phoebe shouted. "We could use your help! Someone is stoned."

"That doesn't bother us," a dwarf said angrily. "Besides, why should we help you?"

"Well," Paige commented. "You want to stay in our good graces, don't you? And our future guest is in stone."

The dwarf, a leprechaun and a fairy looked at each other shocked. All had heard about Chris Perry and his mission. "We'll help you," the three intoned at once and ran past the sisters.

"Wow, that was quick," Phoebe announced and walked back to the attic. "How come?"

"Don't ask me," Paige stated in surrender. "Though it looks like they know him in a way and would help him anytime." She spotted her eldest sister. "Piper, anything anew?"

"No, only that my baby cried with no end and our little friends still haven't found the right dose," she answered with a smile and soothed her baby. "Hey Wy, Chris will be fine, you'll see."

"Hey lady, we'll do our best," the dwarf recommended and kept working with his friends.

"Should we call Leo?" Paige asked all of a sudden, still switching her gaze between her nephew and the stranger. "I wonder why Wyatt cries," she let her sisters know.

"Dunno," Piper answered. "But worth a shot. Leo! Leo! We need your help! Chris needs you!"

There was a longer silence. "Busy?" Phoebe said shrugging.

"We'll keep waiting … and shouting," Piper determined and her sisters nodded, keeping shouting for Leo.

SHORT CUT TO UP THERE

Leo was in hiding but also conflicted. He'd lost his signal of Chris some time ago and that worried him, though at first he had to get the hidden powers. Quietly he made his way to the huge doors, slipped in unnoticed and finally found the urn he was looking for. Within this place, Leo orbed as fast as he could home. Unnoticed hopefully.

BACK AT THE MANOR

Leo reformed in a silent attic and right in front of the statue that his youngest son. "What happened?" he asked shocked. "What's with Wyatt? Why aren't you freeing him?" His concern took over now.

"Hey Mister," the leprechaun announced from behind and Leo looked at the three stunned. "We're on it … Elder?" His other two companions agreed nodding.

"Sorry?" Leo smiled at them and then turned to his wife and other son. "Hey Wy," he whispered quietly. "Chris will be fine, I promise." He felt a tug on his robe. "What?"

"Could we borrow the little guy while you do your other thing," the dwarf gestured to the urn. "We'll give him back as soon as he's freed."

"Okay," Leo agreed quickly and handed his son over. Before the sisters could protest, he shoved them out but added quietly, "Please save my son!"

The three magical creatures and … Wyatt thumbed up while Leo smiled and went out. The four of them continued their work.

MEANWHILE WITH THE TITANS

Meta whirled up in Heaven where Cronus and Demetrius were already fighting, because they had taken the powers she had caught earlier. Now she was waiting for her judgment by Cronus.

"My leader, I'm sorry to have failed you," the woman apologized with bowed head. "Do I still have your loyalty?"

"You've failed us again and again, Meta," Cronus bellowed angrily and in fury. "Not only in this time but also before. You're a failure!"

Demetrius stepped in. "Cronus, calm yourself. We're going to need her."

"You mean you," Cronus fired back, even more furious now. "In case you hadn't noticed the Elders have fled and someone has helped them. They will fight back with Gods!"

"I know," Demetrius agreed, also with bowed head.

Driven by fury Cronus killed Meta with a fireball and then held out his hands, to feel for magic. "I'm sorry, my friend but she was useless. I can feel something is going on down there."

"I know," Demetrius said sadly. "What do we do now?"

"We'll wait," Cronus answered and continued his search by walking around.

BACK AT THE MANOR

Leo had led the sisters to the living room and held the urn in his arm. Sitting down for a moment, he wondered when the questions would start, because, well, they were women. Just seconds later, they came.

"Leo, not that I mind, but why are you so protective of Chris? And what's in this urn you're carrying?" Phoebe asked curiously.

Leo sighed. "This urn holds a great power. I was told to make you to goddesses, to defeat the Titans. Please trust me in this one!"

"I take it Chris told you," Piper suggested on instinct. "Why Leo? Why do you trust him? Believe him even?"

Another sigh. "I can't. I made a promise but we don't have time for this! I'll have to make you to Gods and you'll have to believe in the Power of Three!"

Piper, Phoebe and Paige looked at each other before they agreed to the plan. Leo nodded and opened the urn with an old chant. The powers were released and turned the women into goddesses. Piper was made the Goddess of Earth, Phoebe the one of Love and Paige the one of War.

"Wow," Phoebe stated. "What are we? I love Love. Why do I, Leo?"

"I love War and to battle. How come?" Paige continued. "Piper, what'd you say?"

"I just found all of this ridiculous," the eldest sister snapped. "Leo, what now? Whose bright idea was this? Chris? Really clever, really."

"Piper!" Leo yelled, standing up finally. "Listen to me! All three of you! Phoebe, you've even found love in the darkest places and persons. Paige, you have to believe in yourself, because you're a good witch! You two have to trust in this." He turned to his wife. "Piper, you're the strongest person I've ever met. We started a family, with a son. I love you more than anything, you know that."

The sisters looked at each other and nodded. There was a loud crumble and the two younger sisters went away. "We'll take care of this," Phoebe said and dragged her baby sister to the conservatory.

Unnoticed by all, Chris was standing on the stairs with Wyatt in his arms and listening to the speech. After he'd been freed, he'd thanked the three little creatures and was astonished that they acted like they knew him. Now he was playing with brother who giggled happily. Their attention was drawn to their family.

Leo suddenly began to glow from inside and he stared in wonder at his hands. He knew what was going on. He became an Elder.

"Leo?" Piper asked confused. "Phoebe! Paige! Leo … glows?!" She'd heard giggling and footsteps. Her two sisters stood in the other door frame while the young man stood on the stairs, playing with her son. Angrily she turned to him. "You! That's all your fault! Only yours!"

Chris stood shocked there. Quietly he sent his brother to their father before a powerful blast hit him, coming from Piper who was in shock. Chris was thrown to the wall behind and through the barriers before falling to the floor, unconscious.

Leo said nothing at seeing what happened to his baby boy. His crying son in his arms took all his attention, yet now he needed to speak with his wife. "Piper, you've found your power. Now go and fight the Titans! Defeat them!"

She only looked at him before joining her sisters. Together they battled and easily killed the Titans. Leo meanwhile had orbed Chris to the attic and healed him but Chris didn't wake up what scared the hell out of him. "C'mon buddy. Wake up!" He heard crashes and wondered what was going on. "Listen Wy, protect your brother while I speak with your Mommy and aunts. Raise your forcefield until I'm back, okay?" Wyatt's forcefield came up and Leo nodded satisfied.

Walking down the stairs, he yelled for the women of the house, "Piper! Phoebe! Paige! Where are you guys? Everything okay with you?"

"In here," Phoebe shrieked. "Leo, your wife's getting mad …, I think."

Leo ran in quickly and found his wife staring at him angrily before leaving with the wind. He knew what was wrong. "I'll talk with her," he said determined. "But could you at first give those powers back?"

"With pleasure," Paige said and let go. She was herself again and sighed relieved. A look at her brother-in-law told her, he had a lot of concerns right now. "What's with Wyatt and Chris?"

Leo repeated the same process with Phoebe and answered, "They're upstairs. I healed Chris and Wyatt protects him with his forcefield until I'm back."

Phoebe watched him closer. "I can feel that you're hiding something from us." Leo was nervous suddenly. "Don't worry," she continued smiling. "I won't push you, because you must have your reason for not telling us. Paige and I'll look after the boys while you speak with your wife."

Leo nodded his thanks and started to orb. "Don't forget, Wyatt won't let you in until I return." Finally he left in blue orbs.

"We'll keep him busy then," Paige shouted after the orbs. Hearing laughter she asked, "What?"

Phoebe just shook her head still smiling before grabbing her sister's hand and walking with her to the attic where Wyatt and Chris were. They found it how Leo had described it and both sisters would entertain their little nephew while Chris slept in peace.

MEANWHILE WITH PIPER & LEO

Piper was standing on the top hill of San Francisco and let the weather play after her mood. There was thunder, storm and a lot of rain but she didn't care. The life as she knew it had been destroyed by the stranger, Chris, because it was his fault that Leo was an Elder now. Elders didn't have families! An orb came. She expected her sisters but it was her husband.

"Piper, please! You have to let go," Leo begged pleading. "I promise to stay close by. You'll get sick if you let it rain this way."

"Have you forgotten already that you're an Elder?" she yelled back and saw the urn still in his hands. "Am I now too powerful for you? And I still think it's Chris' fault! He destroys us!" She winded to Heaven.

Leo followed her up immediately and barely noticed that all Elders were gone. "Piper, listen to reason! Chris has his reason for being here and I trust him, believe him. He'd never hurt you, I swear!"

Piper gazed at him crying. "Why are you so protective of him? Why? Let me know, please."

Leo took her in his embrace. "Believe me. I wish I could tell you but I gave him a promise which I won't break." He felt her powers vanished, along with the urn. "With time I'll tell you my secret."

"Okay," she whispered into his chest. A few minutes later she felt him tense. "Leo, what's wrong?"

"Paige's calling me. We've been gone for a long time and obviously, Chris still hasn't woken up yet," he explained concerned.

"I didn't hurt him that much, did I?" Piper asked afraid, now of their familiar stranger. "C'mon, let's go home. I need to see for myself if he's alright."

Leo only nodded and orbed both of them back to the Manor. The concern for his youngest son took control and the orb hurried to the earth.

BACK AT THE MANOR

Paige and Phoebe were concerned about their boys and the youngest of the two had called for Leo, because Wyatt had started crying again and Chris had started tossing. What made them afraid, but they tried to calm Wyatt down while Phoebe listened closely to what Chris was saying.

Finally the wanted orbs came and revealed Piper and Leo, afraid as well. Leo ran to his boys and started to heal Chris again – with no success, again.

Piper asked, "What's going on with Chris? Hasn't he said anything?"

"Only Wy he'd mumbled," Phoebe said.

"Does he mean Wyatt?" Piper directed her question to Leo who had their son in his arms. "Do they share a bond?"

Leo said nothing but held his son over his other one and whispered very quietly into his ear, "Heal your baby brother, Wy! He needs you."

Wyatt's golden glow washed over Chris' body and the little boy tipped Chris several times. The adults waited anxiously for the result. "Cwis," he mumbled.

Chris shot up. "What?" he stated confused and looked around. "Thanks for healing, Wy and Leo." He noticed that the three sisters were looking at him. "Did I miss anything here?"

"No, we're just happy you're back. You scared us a bit," Piper explained for all of them. "I'm sorry for hurting you in my fury before."

"That's okay, Piper. I understand really. I do," Chris said to her, a bit embarrassed. "You only protect your family."

Leo took a seat next to him, still with Wyatt who crawled into Chris' lap. "It's okay, Chris. The Titans and the powers-to-be are gone. Your future is saved."

The three sisters looked at each other stunned. "What do you mean?" they asked at once.

"It's complicated," Chris only offered. "If you don't mind, I need to think about new strategies and more demons to hunt." Giving Wyatt back to his father, he orbed away, to his own sanctuary.

"I'm tired," Paige announced. "G'night, sisters and Leo!" She walked away.

"Me too," Phoebe agreed. "G'night, Piper and Leo."

"Good night," they intoned to the leaving girls. The mother took her son from his father. "I think I'm going to and he needs his sleep as well. C'mon baby." Piper kissed Leo briefly. "Night baby."

"Night honey," Leo replied in trance. His thoughts were by his youngest son who always gave him more to wonder about. He hoped to mend their relationship over time but now he was tired too. Yet he'd wait for his son.

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

Chris reformed, not knowing what to think of this day. It'd gone with the original plan, even if Leo already knew who he was. Still, he'd become an Elder and he wondered what this would do to his parents' relationship.

"Damn you, Wyatt! Why did you turn evil?" he yelled into the wind angrily. "I just want my big brother back," he added silently, crying.

It was getting cold and he was freezing fast. Chris orbed home.

MANOR'S ATTIC

The son found his father asleep on the couch what made him smile. Quietly he touched the body and orbed him to his parents' bedroom. Yawning now he made it himself comfortable on the couch and the young man fell asleep within seconds.

[Tim]

3. Future Allies And Enemies

UNDERWORLD, 2003

Zankou emerged from the time portal confused but relieved to have landed where he wanted to. A day ago, back in the future, he'd been violently reminded by Wyatt to go to the past and what would happen if he failed. Sighing, the demon decided to find a seer for seeing on the Halliwells.

He shimmered to the cave where he knew Kira would be. "Hello my Lady," he greeted her smiling. "Did you miss me?"

"What?" Kira stuttered perplexed. "Shouldn't you be still prisoned, I mean, are you? Oh god, I need to sit down … if I could."

Zankou grinned. "You're right, I'm still in prison since I am from the future, being sent by someone very powerful."

"You mean, the little Lord who's now only a baby. But why? There was some special magic some time ago. Does it have to do anything with this?"

"You're good, Kira. Really good. Too bad I'll kill you in two years time." Zankou groaned. "Big mistake then."

"Well, then you could spare me that fate still if you like," Kira offered with not as much sarcasm. "Well, you're not here for nothing, are you? What do you want to know?"

"I'm here to gather some info's about the Halliwells and their lifestyle this time. Our Lord has shown me all in the museum he'd opened, yet nothing like the present if you gather my meaning," Zankou said while playing with his fingers. "Now what?"

"I'm not as dumb as I may look like, Zankou. You want to know about the Halliwells, here's a little recap: A stranger named Chris stepped in whose identity only is known by Leo and the little Lord. Oh, and their Grams. Lately they fought the Titans and won and because of this, Leo's now an Elder."

"Wait a sec. What about the Elders? Do they suspect already Chris' true identity? I mean, if Leo knows …," Zankou suggested insecure, but only a bit.

"I don't exactly know what they do but I've got some hints that some Elders are already suspicious, yet Leo's trying his best to hide that secret, from all of them," Kira offered.

"Are there some names?" Zankou wanted to know.

"Not yet but I'll intend to find out if you'd let me," Kira explained. "By the way, do you want to stay here for the time being?"

"Is this an invitation?"

"Depends on your own decision, my friend."

Zankou smirked and the Seer did the same. Both came to a temporary agreement, to work together until Zankou could make his move on Chris.

ANYWHERE ON AN ISLAND

Two orb clouds reformed on a beautiful island where the younger man led the older through the forest. One of them didn't even bother to look at it while the other one was just amazed. Smiling Chris wondered when they'd be surrounded by the warrior women.

"Hey Chris," Leo said, still stunned. "Where are we? Do the sisters know that we left?"

"Valhalla, Dad and I've left a note to the sisters that if they want us to return, they should send Wyatt. He always finds me and you," Chris explained walking.

Leo stopped and so did Chris. "Wait, Valhalla? As in the Valhalla, the great hall where all dead warriors would wait and be trained for the final battle?" His son nodded. "Why is this then an island?"

"Don't ask me! This was a lesson I didn't listen very well to. I had other interests." Chris blushed at this admission but continued his walk.

Leo grinned only and quickly he followed his son again. It seemed Chris already knew who they'd meet and Leo was getting curious about the island and its inhabitants. If this was Valhalla, then this would mean warrior women and a God. The father felt like a little child, again.

All of a sudden, they were surrounded by women, with gears in their hands and ready to attack them. "Whoa," Chris said shocked and took a step back. "We only want to meet Freya. I know her from the future. Please ladies, lead the way!" Chris swallowed hard.

One of them walked closer to Leo. "He's an Elder. Elders don't have access to Valhalla. What's he doing here?"

"He's with me," Chris interjected quickly before Leo could. "Please, lead us to Freya! I'll explain all there."

"Um … Chris," Leo stuttered nervously. "Did you say you know them?" His son nodded. "Is this then normal?"

"Believe me. Promise me to let me do the talking, okay?" Chris asked and his father looked at him briefly shocked but accepted. "Ladies, please. Only lead us to Freya."

"Follow me," one woman demanded. The rest of the group took the men in their midst and walked with them to their leader who was sitting on a throne, in a way like a temple. "Excuse me, Freya," she said, kneeling down. "These men want to speak with you."

"Who are they?" Freya wanted to know, not really interested in.

"Well, one is an Elder." Freya looked up now. "The other one claims to know you, from the future." The woman looked even more interested. "For me, they look like father and son," the still kneeling woman explained.

"I see," Freya stated and stood up, walking over to them. "Leave us," she demanded and all women instantly vanished. "You two certainly got my interest. That rarely happens. So what's your purpose for coming to me?"

Chris and Leo looked at each other before the younger man started to tell his story which Freya listened intently to.

MEANWHILE AT THE MANOR

Piper, Phoebe and Paige had been outside with Wyatt in a park but for half an hour the little boy had cried for some time and Phoebe had acted growing – weird. These both elements forced them to go home where they wanted to talk with Leo, their all-knowing source.

As they entered the house, it was quiet. Too quiet for Piper's looking who had her son at her hips. "Leo! Chris! We could need your help, you know."

"Where are they?" Phoebe requested while the youngest sister made her way to the kitchen. "Paige?"

"I've found a note, Piper," she said, holding it in her hand. "Chris wrote it and I think he knows you very well."

"What does it say?" the oldest one only wanted to know. Her son kept her busy.

"Well, it says that if we wanted him and Leo back, we should send them Wyatt as he'd always know where he is." Paige looked at her sisters. "I don't understand this sentence."

"Me neither," Piper confirmed. "Oh, when I'll get my hands on this little …" Her words were cut off by her own baby who didn't like her tone about his baby brother. "Wyatt?" Confused she turned to Phoebe.

"Piper, you know Wyatt likes Chris very much and maybe he doesn't like the way you wanted to speak about him," Phoebe explained. "My little nephew knows whom to trust. And obviously, Chris is one of them."

"Oh, that's great," Piper said exasperated. "He comes from the future, Grams and Leo know him from the first second and now they're gone to God knows where."

"I'm sure they'll return as soon as they've spoken to whomever they need to," Paige offered. "Chris and Leo are strong."

"So what do we do?" Piper asked insecure.

"We'll wait," Phoebe said and took her sister in an embrace. Paige followed and the three sisters decided to entertain Wyatt now. Until the other two missed men were back.

BACK ON VALHALLA

"You're not serious, are you?" Freya stated after she'd heard Chris' story. It was hard to believe, yet Chris' body language confirmed this. "Okay, I believe you." Both men sighed relieved. "Chris, you said you know me. How come?"

"Well, in the future I'm the leader of the Resistance, against my own brother," Chris whispered. "Anyway, to be prepared and trained well, I was looking for the Valkyries and found you. You tested me and after a long fight I was accepted in your midst, as the only man ever."

"I see," the woman said. "Leo, I can see you have some questions. You can ask them and I'd love to answer them."

"Okay. I was wondering why there's no male God, except of the warriors, I mean," Leo stuttered and looked at his son who grinned at him. "I might have a silly question after."

"We're on an island, because Odin has decided some time ago, to divide the tasks. He only watches over the best ones who have already proven their quality. I'm here to train the fresh killed warriors what you can see here. What is your question, Leo?"

"Well, if you don't mind, I'd like to train here as well." Leo looked at his son. "To be prepared for the future and whatever may come. To us as a family."

Chris looked shocked but Freya accepted the wish. "You can do that, Leo. As I've heard you'd been in a war yourself. Your knowledge could be useful." Leo bowed his head but all looked to a woman who came running towards them. "Leysa?"

"Excuse me, Freya" The honey-skinned woman bowed slightly. "We've found another Elder here. He has a heavy British accent and wears school robes, I think. Anyway, he claims to be looking for him." Leysa gestured to Leo.

Freya stood up and looked at both men – long. Making a decision. "You two stay here. I'll deal with him. One advice: Leave with him. You can sense this, right?" Leo nodded. "Well then. And Leo, please return soon!" He only grinned at her before Freya walked away.

"And how shall I return?" Leo asked stunned, long after the woman was gone. He heard silent laughter – and turned to the source. "Chris, you know something I don't?"

"I do," Chris said smirking. "But we should clear this at home, with Mom and the aunts. I mean, the sisters." His father chuckled what made him glare. "Anyway, Mom would have a fit if I'd sent you here. Neither would you. Is he leaving?"

"No, not yet." Leo laid a hand on his son's shoulder. "You know you worry too much, don't you? Make yourself ready. He's on his way." For now, father and son could only wait.

Meanwhile, Freya was led to a group of her soldiers which had surrounded a strange dressed man who looked only annoyed. "Who are you and why are you here? Elders, in general, have no access to Valhalla. Anyone in the magical world knows that."

"I'm sorry, Mylady," the man apologized with a bowed head. "My name's Gideon. I run Magic School and I came here by accident. You see, I was only following an orb trail to this island." The women with their spears came closer, making him swallow hard. "Ladies?"

Freya spoke with all her inherited authority. "No one's here! You must be wrong, Gideon. If there had been one, we'd have noticed and captured them."

"What for?" Gideon swallowed harder.

"Take a wild guess, wise Elder," Freya stated with a smirk. She liked how this Elder feared. "And now leave! And never come back!" Quickly Gideon orbed away and all women sighed relieved.

Leysa had gone and now returned. She nodded. "The other two are gone as well. It worked," Leysa confirmed.

Freya said nothing. The leader walked back to her throne and … waited.

BACK AT THE MANOR

As the orbing sound was heard, three, or better four heads looked up and were happy to see their wanted men reform. The three sisters gave them only a look what made Leo and Chris squirm, especially the one from Piper.

"Now, where have you been? We've been worried," the eldest sister demanded, with her son in her arms but Wyatt only wanted to his brother. "Okay, baby. Here, take him!"

Chris just nodded and took him. Slightly, he gave Leo a signal to explain all while he took care of his brother. He walked away.

Leo sighed, not happy with this given task. "Okay, we've been on an island called Valhalla. Chris knows this place from the future, I think. What you all should know, I'll want to be trained there – of my own free will. In my absence, Chris will be your whitelighter."

"What?" Piper shouted furiously but was stopped by a hand and an equally furious glare. "What Leo?"

"I trust him and so does our son. It'd be best if you start to do this as well. I'll be gone for a while and you're going to accept it! And now excuse me, I need to speak with Chris!" With that he was gone.

Piper turned to her sisters, in shock. Phoebe gave her a smile. "If Leo wants this, we should support him and accept his wish. Chris can't be bad as you may want to see him. He's helped us, don't forget this."

"I agree," Paige added quickly. "If Wyatt likes him, we can do as well." She nodded to Phoebe.

The two younger sisters also left the room and went to the three men of their home. Being alone with the thoughts, Piper just sat there, thinking about all being said. There was more behind Leo's attitude, she was sure of but for the time being, Piper would accept.

UNDERWORLD AGAIN

"So, what did you decide, Zankou?" Kira wanted to know as she played with her pool. "Soon, you could have your chance with Chris."

This got Zankou's attention. "I'd like to stay here if you don't mind. And what do you mean, Kira?"

She accepted his decision nodding and then offered rather cryptically, "There's a time when all is forgotten, yet the key to all this is hidden."

The future demon was totally confused. "Huh, run that by me again? I don't understand what this could mean." He grabbed his head to prove this fact. "Another hint, Kira?"

"No. Sorry but you'll have to figure it out yourself." Kira smirked at him. "I thought you were smart, Zankou. You've known for that."

"Clever girl." Zankou smirked back. "I'll think about your riddle but what else can I do in this time? Any suggestions, woman?"

"Well, isn't your specialty glamor?" The man nodded. "Then use it to your advantage. Chris is still a young man with normal wishes. Do you understand?" Zankou smiled and Kira continued still, "By the way, how loyal are you really to Lord Wyatt? Don't you have any own wishes?"

Zankou grabbed Kira in an embrace all of a sudden. "You're really clever, Kira. I might spare your fate if I could free myself, you know but it's forbidden. By my Lord. So, my woman, what do you suggest I do now?"

Kira put her hands on Zankou's chest before saying, "You could play with Chrissie first. For several times before you could move onto Wyatt as well. They're brothers and share a bond. Plus, they're only human."

Zankou kissed Kira after this but the woman couldn't say anything. "This was for the good plan you've given me. From now on, you'll work only for me. If I speak to my present self anytime, I'll give him the advice not to kill you."

Kira just smiled and continued her work. Zankou tried to solve the riddle and thought about how to trick Chris. As he'd learned, Piper owned a club, P3, now and he was sure, Chris would go there. For sleep or work. Oh yes, this was an opportunity for him. He smiled at the woman and just waited. Kira did the same.

---

A/N: The Odin mentioned here is, of course, the Nordic God and not the Elder. lol

[Tim]

4. Cleaning Effect

FIVE WEEKS LATER

Leo returned home after a long training session with the Valkyries. Looking into his hands, he saw a pendant which he'd been given by Freya. The leader of Valhalla had said that now he'd earned free access to the island, as only Elder, because he was the same noble person like his son. Touching the one under his shirt, the father smiled but only now Leo realized how quiet the house was. Too quiet.

"Piper? Phoebe? Paige? Where are you, guys?" Leo shouted nervously through the Manor. "What is going on here?"

"Living room, honey. Welcome back!" Phoebe called back for Piper. Obviously, there was a new power involved. Walking into the room, Leo just stood there – shocked. "Wow, Leo. You look good. How was it?"

"Fine. What are you doing?" the Elder asked confused as seeing all sisters watching TV. "Where's Wyatt? And Chris?"

"Who's Wyatt?" Piper asked confused, looking at her husband now fully. "Your name is Wyatt but other than that, there's no one with this name. And Chris is sleeping at P3 for some time already. He's helping me there. Why do you ask?"

Leo's jaw dropped in disbelief as he tried to get his mind around about what he'd just been told. "What? Run that by me again? What has happened in the time I was gone?"

"Well, the first few weeks were normal. Or as normal as they could be with a neurotic whitelighter who had sent us after many demons in these days. At one point, I lost count how many it were," Piper explained while rolling her eyes.

"Yeah, sometimes even on three to five vanquishes per day," Paige added sighing. "Oh, and Phoebe got empathy! Really gets on our nerves."

Phoebe gave her little sister a playful slap. "Well, I need to speak my mind. Anyway, back to Chris. I think he always forgets that we have jobs. He's really neurotic about whatever evil is in his future. Neurotic, stubborn and damn determined."

Leo chuckled at her words, knowing how true they were about his youngest son. "Why is he now at P3? How come?"

The three sisters looked at each other, not knowing how to explain this. The younger two gave their older sister a pleading look and Piper nodded. "Well, obviously something must have happened then, because after this Chris volunteered to help me at P3 anytime and he made a room to his own. Saying he has already experience in this."

"What else?"

"I think, lately he's met a girl and they meet from time to time there. I don't want to know what they're doing," Piper finished. "But who is this mysterious Wyatt you mentioned?"

"Our son, your nephew!" Leo exploded at least, startling the sisters. "How can you all forget a baby? It doesn't make any sense. You were never this way."

Three jaws dropped in disbelief but Piper walked closer to her husband, touching him. "If what you're saying is true, then who's powerful enough to even erase our memories? You know anyone, don't you?"

Leo sighed. "I only know of the Cleaners to have this power. From what I've heard 'Up There', the Cleaners are watching over you since you've received your powers, yet they were powerless at Prue's death. They couldn't have done anything this day."

"So, how do we get our baby back?" Phoebe asked shocked.

"You'll have to get your memories back and find out what Wyatt did to get erased while I'll look after Chris. I need to know what he's doing."

"Wait, Leo," Piper stopped him and he turned to her. "Let's say it works. What do we do if it happens again? I'm afraid, you know."

Leo kissed her briefly on her lips. "Piper, you're a great mother and I believe in you. You'll have to believe in yourself and in your power. You three are the Charmed Ones. And now excuse me." Quickly he orbed away.

Wiping her tears away, the eldest sister turned to her younger ones. "You've heard the man. We need to remember a baby, my baby. Think about something, please! I need some time for myself. To take this all in."

"Okay," Phoebe agreed quietly and guided Paige to the stairs whereas Piper stayed in the conservatory. "We'll call you when we're ready."

Piper just nodded and looked out of the large window. Inside, she berated herself. How could she forget her baby? This was something she couldn't forgive herself and she wanted to know the secret of Leo. Piper heard a call from her sisters and sighing, she walked to the attic.

MEANWHILE AT P3

Leo orbed into the backroom and found to his surprise, Chris still asleep on the couch. It was a rare sight, yet the father needed some answers. A greater shock hit him as he saw some empty bottles of beer beside the bed. That was definitely not Chris' way.

"Hey buddy, wake up!" the father said while shaking his son's body. He saw some other bottles of alcohols at the bed's side as well. "Chris, wake up! It's me, Leo!"

"What?" the young man stated confused. Green eyes opened up, blinked and Chris hugged his father. "Hey Dad. How was Valhalla? Have you learned well and enough? Hmm, tell me."

Leo was irritated by this display of emotion from his youngest but he'd go with it. For now. "Valhalla was great and I've learned many things." He reached for the pendants under his shirt. "Here. You can have it back. I've got one of my own."

"Great Dad. You did well then if you got one." Chris looked closer at his Dad and saw something was wrong. "Dad, is something wrong? You look confused."

"Well, Piper mentioned you've met a girl. How did you two meet and for how long?"

"Not long. Just a few days and we're meeting only here. In public. Her name's Natalie and she said, I think, you know her. Do you?"

"The name's ringing a bell, yet can I ask you something? It's important." His son nodded and Leo took a seat next to him, just in case. "Do you remember anyone named Wyatt? He's your brother." Silence. "Chris?"

Chris' eyes shut down, against his will and his body fell forward. Right into Leo's lap. His mind had a flashback which was terrible.

FLASHBACK

He saw himself chained to a wall. Bruised, broken and a lot of dried blood on his body. In front of him paced a tall, blond man who he assumed to be this ominous Wyatt. He was dressed completely in black and acted like he owned him what he didn't.

"See, little brother. Your morals aren't helping you now," Wyatt announced in triumph. "I know what you are but you are also family. Any wishes?"

Chris had to hold back his tears and not to show any weakness. "The only thing I want is my big brother back. The one who protected me from harm. And you are now that what our family had always fought against! I hate you."

"Well, Chris. Don't you know what this thinking and where it had brought them? They're six feet under." Wyatt saw how his baby brother turned his head away, still in grief. Smiling, he put his hand under Chris' chin, forcing him to look at him. "You'll join me. One day. We're brothers."

"Never," Chris spat out. "Never!"

"Fine. Then have it your way," Wyatt said only and walked out but hurled a fireball at his brother. "My present. Have fun!"

Chris tried hard to suppress his screams but his mind blacked out. He fell unconscious and didn't notice another presence in his jail. Leo Wyatt had come to free his youngest from his eldest. "Wake up, son. Wake up!"

END OF FLASHBACK

"Chris, wake up! Buddy!" Leo shook his son's body as seeing him passed out. "Chris! What's wrong? Wake up! Damn it!"

"Whoa," the son stated and looked at his Dad, in a new light. "I think I saw Wyatt, torturing me and asking me to join him but …" He stopped.

"But what? Did you find out anything?"

"Yeah." Chris swallowed hard. "You saved me. Better, rescued me, yet I have no memory of it." He looked down ashamed. "Sorry."

Leo embraced his son in a tight hug. "Hey, at least you're saved. That's all what matters. You found the strength and courage to come back in time and change all for the better. I'm proud of you."

Chris had tears in his eyes at this proclamation. "Thanks Dad." He snuggled into his father's chest. "I don't know what to say. I always wanted to hear this from you, you know."

Leo smiled. "Now, what do we do? It's obvious that we need to get Wyatt back. Any ideas?"

"Well, it's better you guide the sisters. I can look after myself. Besides, Natalie will come soon, so you don't need to worry about me. I'll be fine."

"Okay, but under protest," Leo said, kissing Chris' forehead. "If anything happens, call me! I love you, son." Leo orbed back to the Manor.

Chris was happy for once and made himself ready for the day finally. Sighing, he cleared his backroom and put all empty bottles back in the box which he put in the storage room. Soon, the young man was ready and heard footsteps coming down the stairs. It was his date, Natalie. With a smile, he greeted her.

SHORT CUT TO THE UNDERWORLD

Zankou, posing as Natalie, was back in Kira's lair. "Woman, is it time? I know, there's something off but I can't place it. Kira!"

"Yes," the demonic woman came in. "What you can't place is that your 'baby' Master has exposed magic, obviously. The Cleaners have erased him and all have forgotten him. Except Leo … and now Chris." Kira looked at Zankou and waited for his reaction.

"Then I'll have to hurry. Chris trusts me. Until then." Zankou kissed Kira quickly and shimmered off.

"Men," Kira only said and busied herself again. She had also other clients.

BACK AT THE MANOR

Leo orbed in and saw 'his' women deep in their work. Finding a spell to remember their son and nephew, yet the father couldn't understand what Wyatt had done to be erased. He sighed. "Need any help?" he asked bluntly.

"No, honey. We have everything under control," Piper answered smiling. "What happens to you if we recall this day? I'm just worried about you."

"Don't worry, I'm an Elder." Before his wife could protest, Leo added, "The rules don't work for me and you."

The Charmed Ones only smirked at him before they recited their written spell:
Moments lost make witches wonder,
Warlock's plot or demon's plunder?
If this is not a prank,
Help us fill in the blanks.

It looked like a rewind button was on and the day started again. Soon a wailing sound was heard and all sighed relieved. Immediately the parents ran down the stairs and Phoebe and Paige followed.

"Okay, Wyatt's back. What now?" Paige asked curiously.

"We'll wait," Phoebe spoke determined.

Over the day it was quiet. Too quiet for everyone and it made them nervous. Phoebe had gone to her work and returned home in the early evening without any news. Paige had done the same with her temp and had come back also without any signs of anything happening. At this, Piper looked at Leo for help but he had no answer.

"Well, the day's nearly over and still nothing has happened," Paige said annoyed, looking at all. "What now?"

Her answer came as Wyatt, all of a sudden, started to cry and orbed away. Looking at Leo, she saw him in pain and him orbing away as well. Confused Paige turned to her sisters.

Piper took charge and Paige's hand while Phoebe did the same on Paige's other side. "What are you waiting for?" she ordered firmly. "Follow them!"

The youngest sister nodded and did as told. As the three Charmed Ones reformed, they gasped and were shocked at what they saw. They just stood there and couldn't do or say anything.

MEANWHILE AT THE CLUB

Chris had just made a table for his dinner as he heard footsteps behind him. "You're early, Nat," he said smiling and turning around. "What's up?"

"Uh … nothing. I was only exited," Natalie greeted him and walked constantly closer to Chris. "You know you really live up to your reputation. But I thought you had a girl. A fiancee named Bianca."

Shocked Chris said nothing at first. Then he stuttered out, "How do you know that? Why do I have the feeling you are not who you pretend to be?"

"Clever boy," Natalie agreed and still walked closer to Chris while slowly changing back to his true form. Zankou conjured a knife. "I've learned a lot in that museum of yours." Chris looked up finally. "And from your brother."

"Zankou. I should have known as you being Wyatt's best assassin, besides the Phoenixes. So, what's your purpose?"

"This." Zankou pushed the knife deep into Chris' stomach and watched satisfied as Chris broke down. An orb distracted him and he saw how little Wyatt materialized. "Interesting. Really."

Wyatt saw his baby brother hurt and assumed the other man was responsible for it. Quickly he conjured look-a-likes of Chris to confused the man what only made the man smirk. Confusing the little boy now.

Leo reformed and was followed by the sisters fast. He was shocked at what he saw and barely noticed how the sisters gasped. Leo only saw Chris bleeding. Too many Chris! "Wyatt?" he asked.

A door clicked and all turned to look at the stairs where the footsteps came. To their shock, it was Piper's bar manager, Dennis who just stood there for a moment. "Oh my God!" he stated shocked. "I'll call for help!" And he was gone. Again.

Zankou bowed to the stunned Halliwells and shimmered away. When he was gone, Wyatt reversed his doubles and looked sheepishly at anyone in the room. Leo was about to run to his son as Dennis returned with an ambulance. Quickly, Leo gave them all a signal to orb back to the Manor, not daring about magic exposure anymore. The six of them orbed away.

BACK AT THE MANOR

The moment the whole family reformed, though the sisters didn't know that yet, they were met with two men, totally dressed in white. "The Cleaners," Leo whispered and identified them for all. Piper took her son in her arms, ready to protect him if need be.

"You have a choice, Charmed Ones," one man offered. "Your son or your whitelighter. You can decide."

"How do you mean?" Phoebe asked for her shocked family. Out of her eyes, she saw how Leo slowly healed Chris.

"Both created this mess," the second one continued. "One of them has to go. We fear for your future if it goes this way."

After being healed and having thanked his father, Chris stood up and took charge. "You don't have to erase him, take me instead as you said: I'm also responsible for it. Take me. I'm not standing in your way."

The Cleaners looked at each other stunned and back to the young man in front of them. They knew who he were and why he were here. The Halliwells, either in past, present or future, were someone to be reckoned with. The young man was a proof for the future.

"Now. What are you waiting for? This was practically an invitation," Chris continued with open arms. "I'm no threat to you, so take me!"

"Chris?" Piper asked, impressed at his actions. "What are you doing and why?"

"Piper, I have no other choice. Please, believe me that all I'm doing is for your own good. For all of you."

"No," Leo whispered time and again. He was afraid now for his youngest son. "No, don't do this, Chris."

Chris made a step closer to the Cleaners before Paige suddenly cried out, "STOP! I have a crazy idea for you to confirm."

"Tell us," the first Cleaner said while both Cleaners waited for her theory.

Paige looked at her older sisters for help but they only nodded to let her do it. "Okay, listen," she began nervously. "What would happen if we, as the Charmed Ones, start a magic party for you to give you more work? If you leave Chris and Wyatt alone but clean this mess up!"

The Cleaners looked at the Charmed Ones for confirmation what they did by nodding. Both sighed and the first Cleaner spoke again, "Okay but only this once. If this happens again, you'll have to take care of it on your own." He waved his hand and all was back to normal. "Good luck, Halliwells. You're going to need it." And they were gone.

All sighed relieved but Chris hugged Paige thankfully. "Thanks Paige. You have great ideas, really."

The sisters grinned at each other at this strange display of emotion of the normally stoic whitelighter. "Chris, you alright?" Phoebe asked curiously. She'd felt something off of him but only short.

"Never been better," he replied. "But I need to speak with Leo alone for some time. It's urgent!"

"Should we know about this?" Piper asked, also curiously. "You two are hiding something from us. Care to share?"

Father and son looked at each other but shook their heads at the same time. "No," Leo said determined. "I'll promise you'll find out in time but now it's only between Chris and me."

"Okay," Phoebe said and stood up finally. "Jason comes back soon from Hongkong. I'll need to be prepared and get my empathy under control. For his and my own sake." She went to her own room.

Paige continued in the same manner. "Yeah, well, I need to go back to my temp agency. If they have a job for me, finally. Maybe also I'll get a look for my other jobs." She followed Phoebe. "Good luck!"

Piper turned to the men who were ready to flee in the next seconds. She nodded and they orbed away. As they were gone, the mother turned to her son, "How about we play a bit? Was an eventful day but with a happy end. You're lucky to have Chris, huh." She held up a block. "Do we play?"

Wyatt giggled happily and orbed his blocks around him while his Mommy played with him. He understood most of what she'd said, yet the important thing was Chris was his hero. His brother.

AT THE CLUB

"Chris, what's wrong? What's so urgent you need to speak with me about?" Leo asked the moment they materialized and he grabbed him by the shoulders. "What's going on?"

"We have a problem, Dad," Chris replied pacing. "Zankou's here. He's Wyatt's best assassin and here to kill me. We'll need to be more careful now."

"So, you're saying he's from the future, right?" His son nodded. "Okay. What about his past self?"

"Still in prison, I guess. Somewhere in the underworld. I can promise you'll get to know him personally. One time," Chris offered smiling. "What do you suggest we do now?"

Leo ran with a hand through his hair. "I believe you, son. I'd suggest you tell me everything you know about this Zankou. We'll need to be prepared if he strikes at you again."

Chris accepted and both men sat down. The younger man shared his future knowledge about Zankou. They talked long about all and nothing. They were forming a bond.

[Tim]

5. Blond Or Brown: Who can tell?

PRETEND TO BE?

The sisters entered the attic and they looked terrified. As if they were afraid of the demon and would leave the innocents alone, but then again, all looked, in a way, annoyed at this display of events.

"Oh god, this was so awful," Phoebe stated. "Their fear was so amazing. I could so feel it."

"Yeah, and this demon threw out spikes," Paige continued in the same way. "It was really awful. This poor family."

"STOP!" Piper shouted, clearly frustrated. "This is just too much! Don't get completely involved into being the Charmed Ones." She walked closer to the podium. "Now let's find out what kind of demon that is."

As she was about to touch it, the Book of Shadows closed itself. As she tried again, the Book flew itself from them what made Piper curse loudly.

"Damn," she said and changed back to her normal self, being blond. The woman was Mabel Stillman. "I knew this was a bad idea. We may look like them but we can't be."

The other two did the same and revealed to be blond as well. They were Mabel's sisters, Margo and Mitzy. "What do we do now?" Margo asked.

"They rely on their bond as sisters but we are sisters too," Mabel determined. "We'll just wait."

"Phoebe? Paige?" Piper's voice was heard.

"Okay, time to go," Mabel said smiling. She used her finger. "Per formage." She was gone and so were her sisters.

Right after that, Piper walked in and looked confused around at seeing the Book on the floor. The eldest Charmed One picked it up and put her heritage on its podium and wondered what had happened.

P3, THE NEXT DAY

Piper was speaking on the phone while her young bartender, Ray, was working around her though she noticed he shot her some interested looks. She ignored it since she was married still and now, as the door opened, Piper looked up, thinking it was her sister but to her surprise, and utter shock, it was Darryl.

"Hey Piper," he greeted her smiling. "What's up? You looked shocked to see me. Did I surprise you?"

"Well, you did," she answered bluntly. "Why are you here? Not that I mind you being here but I'm confused. I was expecting Phoebe, you know."

"Oh. She's coming soon, I'm sure. Though I was invited by Leo, to come here as he wanted to speak with me about something important."

"I see." Piper continued her work, oblivious to anything around her but was distracted by a loud squeal. "That's Phoebe."

Behind them, a door opened and Leo came out, followed shyly by Chris. "Hi Darryl, so nice you could come." He turned to his wife. "Piper, you don't mind if we use the club for our meeting, do you? Or better the backroom."

"Nah, it's okay," she said and spotted Chris finally. "Chris, I need to speak with you for a sec. It's important."

"Hey guys," Phoebe greeted all of them smiling. "What's going on?" she asked, looking around but was ignored. She groaned frustrated.

Looking at him, the eldest sister continued her speech, "I need to know if you were in the attic yesterday? I found the Book on the floor and that wonders me, though I know you have crazy ideas to achieve your goal here."

Now Chris groaned but was irritated. "The Book was on the floor?" he requested again and Piper nodded. "You should be careful. I vaguely remember that someone was after the Book."

"Who isn't?" Phoebe put in but received glares from Piper and Chris. She was confused at how similar they looked but remained silent. "Weird," she only whispered quietly.

"No, I beg you to be careful. This could end not good," Chris insisted and then turned back to Leo and Darryl. "And now excuse me, we men need to talk with." They walked in the backroom together.

Piper watched the men walked back to the room before her younger sister grabbed and directed her away. "I think we should call them if we need them, right?" Phoebe rolled her eyes and Piper sighed. "Anyway, what brings you here?"

"Oh, Jason's coming back in town but I fear what my new power might do on our relationship, you know. We could end up making love in front of anyone. Ugh."

Piper smirked. "Why don't you meet then in public? It'd be safe for you." Both women walked up the stairs and out of the club. "By the way, what was Paige's new temp job again?"

"To sort oranges out. Crazy if you must know," Phoebe offered and the sisters' voices faded away from the building.

A FACTORY ANYWHERE

Paige was working with the oranges but it wasn't going the way she wanted. Her back gave her already signals and so did her ears. Looking up, she saw two gremlins who were pushing some cardboard boxes down.

"Watch out!" she shouted and pushed her companion out of the way.

Their boss came and the Mexican woman explained quickly, "She saved me. I'm fine but I think this whole place is maldito, cursed."

"No," Paige said and looked at the gremlins with an evil eye. "I think I'm maldito."

The workers were given a break by their boss but all were chatting about that incident. It was time for Paige to end those gremlins and she'd have to contact the Book.

P3, BACKROOM

Darryl Morris looked at his friend and the young man who were both sitting on the couch, yet this Chris was watching him as if he knew him already. He wasn't feeling well with this look and concentrated instead on Leo. "Why did you call me, Leo? You were very … discreet about this meeting?"

Leo looked at his son and back to Darryl. "You see it's complicated." Darryl raised an eyebrow at his choice of words. "Well, before I'll explain I'd beg you to promise not to tell anything to the sisters or your family. This is important!"

"I'm confused," Darryl admitted and sighed. "Okay, I promise. What are you hiding?"

"It has to do with me, Uncle Darryl," said the young man, Chris, suddenly.

Leo smiled but Darryl's jaw dropped. "Wait. Uncle?" he requested and Chris nodded. "Do I know you or you me?"

Leo took charge before Chris could. "Darryl, listen. Chris is my son, my youngest son and he's from the future. To save Wyatt."

"Future? How?" Darryl asked shocked. "I mean, I've heard about time travel but only from movies and also about being witches and all but this is crazy." Darryl looked closer at Chris. "Though you look a lot like a Halliwell, especially Piper."

Chris blushed a bit. "Well, you're right. Piper's my Mom. Anyway, to answer your questions honestly: I used a spell to come here and yes, I am. It'd be around 20 years from now on since I'm nearly 22."

"Wow," Darryl exclaimed stunned. "That's unexpected but I believe you. I don't want to know any details of your purpose being here but be careful around the police!" he scolded amused.

Chris smirked but then looked at the ceiling confused, frowning. "The sisters are calling me. I'll check on them." He looked at his Dad and Darryl. "You two can talk more without me." He orbed away.

Darryl looked at Leo for confirmation. "This is not a joke, is it? Wow. This is something I need to think about long and alone. You don't mind, do you?"

"Take your time, Darryl. I was shocked as well but then accepted the truth. Let me know if there's more you want to know," Leo said smiling and led his friend out of the club.

The moment he was gone, Leo wondered what his family was doing.

MEANWHILE WITH THE SISTERS

Phoebe was nervous as she was on the way to her job at the Bay Mirror. Her new power was just too new still and she was afraid of Jason's desire for her. Carefully she walked to her office where Jason and the others were.

Jason spotted her. "Hi Phoebe. What brings you here? I was going to phone you in a matter of minutes." He smiled at her. "Did you read my mind?"

She smiled back. "No, just my sixth sense." Phoebe felt then something what she was here for to prevent. "Oh no," she whispered but said out loud, "How about dinner? In public?"

"Huh?" Jason asked bewildered.

"How about a dinner in a nice restaurant? Tonight at 7?" Phoebe asked hopefully. She prayed that he'd agree. Otherwise her plan was down.

"Okay, I'll stop by," Jason agreed quickly and kissed her long and lovingly. "Until tonight."

"Until tonight," Phoebe confirmed and slowly the two of them separated. The middle sister decided to go home and help her sisters in any way she could. She drove back to the Manor.

Across the red Victorian house in Prescott Street, three blond sisters were waiting impatiently for all three Halliwells to be in their home. Their plan had to work if they didn't want to be known as 'stealing witches' for good.

"Oh man, how long is this going to take?" Mitzy complained while she was eating some food she'd found earlier in this house.

"Patience," Mabel ordered annoyed. "We need all three sisters at home for our little spell to work and then all will think we are the Charmed Ones."

"Yeah, we'll look better than them," Margo said grinning and then asked, "What about Piper's baby?"

"In time. Maybe we can give him Leo for distraction." Mabel then smiled. "Showtime, ladies. Phoebe's back." She produced her identity stealing spell and her sisters stood around her, reading the spell with her:
Blinking faces, blank ho-hum,
We are they, and they are no one.
Grant to us the Power of Three,
And turn them into nobody.

"Did it work?" Mitzy wanted to know.

"Let's find out and call our whitelighter," Mabel spoke up grinning. "Chris!" she called out and to their surprise, a young reformed in front of them.

"What's going on?" Chris asked and stared at the Charmed Ones who smiled at him triumphantly.

A while later, the real Charmed Ones were confronted with consequences of their 'new' actions. Paige had been busy with a potion for her Gremlins problem while Phoebe had been making herself ready for her date. Piper had just entertained her son who would rather be in another place but the mother could distract. Seconds later several ringtones were heard and each sister answered her phone.

"What?" Piper asked incredulously. "I didn't order that. Of course is the band playing. Hello?"

"What?" Phoebe requested shocked. "I didn't write this. To have sex with more partners what is not my opinion! Hello?"

"What?" Paige yelled. "Yeah, I am for equal treatment of all and payment as well but not with strike! Hello?"

The three sisters looked at each other and all had a confused look on their faces. "Okay, this is weird," they intoned at once.

Phoebe turned to Piper. "Didn't Chris warn us about this going to happen?" Piper nodded. "What do we do now?"

Paige looked at the Book where she had found her potion and was about to touch it, yet the Book closed itself and fled from her. "Alright, this is the proof. Something has happened here. Piper?"

The eldest of them looked at her son and then at her sisters. "I think Wyatt can help, because we need to contact either Chris or Leo. They are our only hope."

Phoebe and Paige nodded and led Piper take charge in this situation as Wyatt was their link to their familiar whitelighter and Elder.

AN ENCOUNTER?

"Nothing," Margo blinked happily and ensnared her whitelighter. "We've just wanted to see our angel. Is that wrong?"

Chris was now irritated. "Did you just call me angel, Paige?" From the other side came Mitzy also steadily closer. "Whoa, Phoebe! By the way, shouldn't you three be at work? And where's Wyatt?"

The younger sisters sent a desperate look to their older sister who rolled her eyes. Mabel invented quickly a cover story and explained, "Wyatt's with Leo. We already did our work by using fax, phone and other things, you know. There isn't anything wrong with that, is there?"

"No." Chris started to pace, because Piper had said something what made him suspicious. His mother rarely lied and definitely never about Wyatt. Then he looked around. "Why are we not at the Manor?"

"Eh...," Mitzy started nervously while stroking over Chris' cheek. "You know we were on our way back home."

"Oh. Why are we here now?"

"We all just met here by accident," Mabel said finally and pushed Chris out of her sisters' arms. She directed him to the door. "Let's go home then!" The other two followed quickly.

As the four of them entered the house, Chris and the Stillman sisters were met with the original Three who held Wyatt in their arms. The little boy immediately orbed to his brother who now looked even more confused and irritated between the two sets of sisters.

"Oh, thank God Chris, you're here," Piper breathed out relieved and ready to hug him but was stopped by a hand. Confused she looked at him but confirmed, "We admit shamefully you were right this morning!"

Chris shifted his brother in his arms. "Whoa, hold it. Who are you three?" He turned to the woman who had spoken to him. "How do you know what I told about?"

"Because we are the real ones," Phoebe insisted and looked at him hopefully. "You told us!"

Chris sighed and realized that there was only one choice left as Wyatt was slowly falling asleep in his arms and the boy was heavy. "LEO!" he yelled and surprised anyone. "I need your help!"

Nervously the Stillman sisters looked at each other and Mabel stuttered, "This isn't necessary, Chris. We can handle this alone."

"No!" Chris intoned sharply at the Charmed Ones while the other set of Three smiled. "I'm your whitelighter and I decide what to do!" Orbs flittered through the ceiling and revealed Leo. "About time."

"Hey. What's up?" Leo asked confused as being called. He did a double take as he looked at his wife. "Piper, what are you wearing? These clothes are definitely not your style and not high heels at this time of the day!!"

"Ha!" Piper, Phoebe and Paige intoned at once in triumph.

Chris ignored the strangers and followed his father's example. Looking at the sisters, he realized for the first time that their clothes and attitude were not the way he was used to. Irritated and confused the young man looked back at the other three, seeing them more as his family than the blondes. He knew by heart to trust his instincts.

"Chris?" Leo questioned afraid. Unfortunately, a jingle was heard and the father looked up confused. He cursed silently as he realized who the jingle was coming from. "Chris, I need to go! Is there anything else?"

"Yeah, take Wyatt with you." The young man handed the baby over, yet Wyatt was not happy but a few chosen words from Leo did the trick. "I think I can solve this little problem!"

"Okay," Leo agreed smiling but the jingling increased and he scolded at his mentor. "Right, I'm going. Be careful!" He orbed away with his son.

Chris rolled his eyes at his father's words and decided to help more the brown haired women, though one of them was now blond as well. He knew his family by heart and their secrets.

UP THERE

Leo was not happy about being called by his mentor as he rematerialized in the Heaven and Gideon paced. Wyatt squirmed in his arms and the father had some time to calm him down.

"Leo, what took you so long? You are an Elder now and you should act like one what means your responsibility lies here and not on Earth," Gideon scolded and stopped in front of the duo. His looks went more to the son than the father from time to time.

Leo saw the looks and decided to ask his son about this. If there was more behind it. "Well, I've made myself an Elder, by own free will! Besides, I have a family to take care of. My family needs me more than the Elders."

"It was a mistake to let you marry Piper and have a family but now it's too late for that. Anyway, where's Chris?"

"Busy. He's solving something with the Charmed Ones as their whitelighter." Leo looked around. "If it weren't for him, we'd have lost many Elders as the Titans attacked."

Roland spotted the three and ran to them. "Hello Leo, Gideon and little Wyatt, of course." He smiled at the little boy who smiled back. "What brings you here?"

"Well," Leo spat out angrily and gestured to his mentor. "Gideon here thinks he needs to control me and my being of an Elder. What's your opinion, Roland?"

"It's true we have to thank you and Chris a lot and I know your priority is your family, all of them," Roland explained with his hand under his chin. "Still, I think, in general, it's your decision what you do."

"Thank you, my friend." Leo hugged him shortly and even Wyatt clapped his hands happily. "See, Wyatt agrees as well." Roland laughed but Gideon was not amused.

"This is ridiculous," he shouted furiously, startling anyone. "I can't believe this! How low have we sunken! Leo, you should know I have a guess who Chris is to you."

Leo paled visibly. "Leave him alone if you know what's good for you!" He made fists and Wyatt felt like his Daddy and had an angry face.

"Is this a threat?" Gideon asked while Roland just stood here.

"It's a promise." Leo looked up as another jingle was heard. It came from his wife. "I need to go." Without any words he orbed away.

Roland crossed his arms over the chest and shook his head at Gideon. "You'll never learn, Gideon. The family is our core what we protect." He looked directly at him. "You should return to Magic School." He walked away.

Gideon made a face and mumbled, "One day I'll prove who's right and then we'll see." He orbed away.

MEANWHILE AT THE MANOR

"Well, if you three are the Charmed Ones, then prove it!" Piper threatened. "Show us your powers!"

"Piper?" the younger sisters questioned her. Phoebe continued, "What are you doing?"

Chris looked at her and had to agree. "She's right." He looked to the blond ones who were more nervous than ever. So they had stolen only the identity which would be easy and Chris turned to the youngest sister, "Paige, how about you orb?"

Margo began to sweat. "Orb?" she stuttered. "Aren't you our cosmic taxi, Chris?"

The young man raised an eyebrow. "You're kidding me, right? It's in your genes as you're half whitelighter."

"I know. It slipped my mind. Hehe."

Chris turned to the other two sisters. "How about you levitate, Phoebe? And you freeze something, Piper?" Then he turned to the brown-haired trio. "You should come up with an identity spell to clear this once and for all."

"Oh funny," Phoebe said, rolling her eyes at him. "Do you have one ready?"

Chris rolled his eyes and whispered knowingly into Phoebe's ear, "And I thought you were a good spell writer, Phoebe?"

Phoebe jumped slightly at his words and surprised, looking at him directly. She knew there was more behind but it didn't matter at the moment. Quickly she spoke with her sisters who also agreed. Phoebe wrote something and then nodded at Chris.

The young man circled the blond Stillman sisters. "I think, ladies, the game's over." He looked at the other three women. "Phoebe, the spell, please."

Piper and Paige stood around Phoebe and read with her the spell,
We call back the Power of Three,
To the original Three.
Grant the others their old life,
And let them be high.

Chris raised an eyebrow at the chosen words but indeed, the Stillman sisters acted crazy. "You should bind their powers. Just in case."

Paige called the Book of Shadows to them and all sighed relieved as it came. Quickly they found the entry, made it and hit the Stillmans with it. "Okay, that's done," the youngest Charmed One said. "What now?"

"I'll bring them to their home and you'll call Leo back," Chris offered, guiding the Stillmans the way he wanted. "I'll be back soon." He orbed with the blond witches away.

"Leo!" Piper yelled, startling the others. "You can come back. Problem solved!"

The orb came and revealed Leo who quickly kissed his wife and handed her their son. "Thank God. I take it, Chris helped?" All three nodded. "Where is he?"

Another orb was heard. Phoebe gestured behind him. "Right behind you. He brought the Stillmans home, without any powers. Is everything okay, Leo?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," the father said absently. "I need to speak with Chris about something. You three can handle the rest alone?" Again a nod. "Right then, we're gone." Leo only grabbed Chris and orbed them away.

At the end of the day, Piper could reorder the band who agreed and it was a great night. Phoebe had a great date with Jason who only loved her too much. And Paige could convince the Gremlins to move onto a scrapyard. There were happy and enjoyed their new place. For the three Charmed Ones all went back to normal.

---

A/N: The first spell is from the show, the second one is mine.

[Tim]

6. New Distractions

UNDERWORLD, KIRA'S LAIR

Zankou was back and definitely not happy. Some of his steam he'd let out by killing other low level demons. "I can't believe this," he said, entering the lair frustrated. "They already share a bond! Chris would tell Leo about me and he's prepared from now on." He looked at the woman. "What do I do, Kira?"

"Well," Kira answered and laid her hand on the man's chest. "If you could distract the Charmed Ones with an Innocent, you could try another attack on Chris. He'd be vulnerable when the others are busy and though the brothers are already close." She smiled at him. "I don't think your Master didn't consider this in."

Zankou smiled back. "You're right. Though I wonder when he comes himself."

"Soon. As he's still working on something special for Chris."

Zankou smirked at her, knowing perfectly well who she was talking about. "You mean his girl. Bianca, the traitorous Phoenix who fell in love with him. Yikes! Yet she was doubling Wyatt. Not my style."

"So I've heard," Kira confirmed and had still a question, "What about their Daddy in the future?" Then she turned to her pool, looking for some distractions for them.

"No idea. Wyatt's very reserved about this issue and so is Chris. A tragedy in the family, I guess." He walked closer to her and her pool. "Did you find anything, my girl?"

"Yep. Found a little magical feud for you. It's between the Calloways and Montanas." Her finger came over a young man. "I think Paige might be interested in him, being a witch as well. His name is Richard Montana."

"Thanks, my Lady. I'll be back soon. I need something special, Kira!" She thumbed up as he flamed away.

P3, BACKROOM

As Leo and Chris rematerialized, the father led his son immediately to a table where both sat down. "Chris, I need to speak with you about Gideon. He's very suspicious of us but what is more important." He looked at his youngest son directly. "When I was in Heaven, with Wyatt, Gideon sent some weird glares at Wyatt."

"How weird, Dad?" Chris asked bewildered. "I know from gossip that the Elders would love to see me 'Up There' rather sooner than later! My ass."

"I see you share the same love for them like your Mom," Leo said with heavy sarcasm and Chris rolled his eyes. "Anyway, these looks were very weird. As if he was afraid of him or didn't like him. It's hard to describe." There was silence. "Chris?"

"If Gideon is the one I'm here for," Chris observed in concern. "It'd explain a lot of Wyatt had said in the future."

"What do you mean?" Leo wanted to know.

"For him, all that matters is power."

"What else do you know?"

"Well," Chris offered, a bit ashamed. "Grandpa only offered me as he was dying that someone took Wyatt while I was born. My birth was not easy for Mom. It was an opportunity for anyone who was after my brother and it changed his opinion on some important things we were taught."

A jingle was heard and both men grabbed at their heads. "Paige," they intoned together. Both men sighed and orbed out.

ON A STREET, SOME TIME AGO

Richard Montana was on his way home. The feud between his family and their neighbors, the Calloways, yet he had no interest in it anymore. Not after he'd lost his fiancee in a fight last year. A flame was heard and got his attention. "Who's there?" he asked suddenly.

"Just a friend," Zankou answered and stepped out from his hidden place. "You don't know me and it doesn't matter to you. All I want is to introduce to someone."

"Who?" Richard wanted to know.

"A Charmed One. Paige is her name, I believe and she might come this way soon. I'm going to give you an opportunity."

"And how if you don't mind?"

"By hurting you." Both men heard footsteps. "Oh, here she comes. It'll be only a low level one." Zankou conjured a fireball and let it loose at his victim. "Well then. Good luck, my friend!" Zankou flamed out.

Richard fell on the street, injured and certainly, soon a young woman was over him. "Wow, heaven has nice angels. You look like one."

Paige took care of the wound and the young man. "Don't worry. I know someone who can heal you. And I'm only half angel, by birth! Who are you?"

"A witch like you. My name's Richard Montana and I was on my way home as a demon attacked me. I'd like to see your healer now, by the way," Richard said slowly.

"Oh." Paige looked around nervously and saw no one in their nearness. "Okay, we're gone." She touched him and orbed with him away.

AT THE MANOR

Phoebe was talking to Piper. "I know you don't want to hear it but I think you should date again."

"That's ridiculous. Leo's still around and he takes care of his family. Despite being an Elder and I think we have to thank Chris for that fact," Piper replied, looking at her younger sister.

"Did you just thank Chris?" Phoebe asked shocked but her older sister only glared. "Anyway, you should know that you and Chris have similar glares."

Piper glared again. "What? You think now he could be related to us, because of one glare? That's also ridiculous." They heard orbs and noises. "Was that Paige?"

"Phoebe! Piper! Help!" Paige's voice yelled through the house. And as an after thought. "Leo! Chris!"

"It was," both older sisters said at the same time and headed up to the attic. They were met with a hysterical baby sister and an injured man.

"Hey," Paige greeted them crying. "This is Richard, also a witch. He was hurt by an unknown demon and now in need of healing. Leo! Chris!"

"Hey, we're not deaf," Leo and Chris replied at once, rubbing their ears. The baby of the house immediately orbed to his brother while Leo took over and healed the Innocent. "What happened?"

"Thanks," Richard said, sitting up. "Only that an unknown high level demon had found some pleasure in hurting me. That's all," he offered and looked shyly at Paige who did the same.

"I think we should take care of this upper level demon," Paige insisted, obviously in love.

"No, I'll do it," Chris quickly announced, startling anyone around him. "I need to do some research, anyway." Before anyone could say anything, the young man orbed with Wyatt away. "I'll send him back if you just call," were the last words the family heard.

"A strange young man," Richard let them know.

"You have no idea," the three sisters muttered and Leo smiled behind them amused.

"Anyway," Piper declared after this statement. "You really can't describe this demon, can you? It'd be helpful for our research." She walked to the Book. "Any hints, Richard?"

"Well, if you ask this way, I think he did know all of you well enough." Leo looked up at this what Richard noticed. "It was as if he studied you. Are you known in the future? Silly question, of course, you are."

Paige smirked and Phoebe laughed while Leo and Piper remained silent. Phoebe asked, "Piper? Leo? What's going on?"

Piper stuttered out nervously, "If he's from the future as well, would he know Chris? He is from the future what we all know for sure and Chris is here to save Wyatt." She turned to her husband. "Leo?"

"I need to go!" he only said and orbed away.

"I hate that power," Piper announced sharply. "Why, in God's name, did I marry a whitelighter? It's clear that Leo knows something. It has to do with Chris, this demon and the future."

"Good speech, sis. What now?" Paige asked brightly. "If you don't mind, I'd like to show Richard our house."

"But don't end up in your room, in your bed," Phoebe called after them, full knowing it'd end there as she could see her baby sister was in love. Now back to the other sister she had. "Piper, are you okay?"

"I don't know. Wyatt always wants to stay near Chris as soon as he's close by what I can't understand, yet I want to. It's nearly the same with Leo. And since Chris is here, I blame him for anything. But deep down, I should trust him." She looked down. "Does that make sense?"

"I think it does. Yet I think we should wait until Leo, or Grams, is ready to share their secret with us. Or we'll find out on our own," Phoebe said, holding her sister tight. "How about you make some food? Cooking is your distraction."

"Fine," Piper agreed and went straight to the kitchen. Soon, the smell of cookies, muffins and other sweets were in the house.

Phoebe smiled at herself. Now she only had to divide her attention between the two of them. What made her sigh.

MEANWHILE AT THE CLUB

Chris orbed into the backroom with his brother who he sat on the couch. What Richard had said led only to one explanation. Zankou had done this but what for? The sisters cared less about him and this made him pace.

Wyatt watched his brother pace and was confused. He liked him but all this was just a big mess in his eyes. "Iss?" he asked.

"It's okay, Wy. I just need some time to think. It's so confusing." Suddenly Wyatt raised his forcefield. "Wyatt? Who's there?"

"Oh. Don't you remember me anymore?" a voice said by flaming in. "How is Richard, by the way? He's healed, isn't he?"

"So it was you."

"So my distraction went well enough. And now I got you alone and I want you to come with me," Zankou said smiling.

"Why do you think I'd come?" Chris asked and then gestured to his brother. "I'm not alone. Wyatt's with me."

"You are very naïve to think this way, Chris. Maybe this version of your brother protects you but the other one wants you dead!" Zankou looked directly at him. "You know you have no other choice."

"Not without a fight," Chris said, shaking his head.

"Fine. Have it your way." Zankou conjured an energy ball and let it go at Chris who ducked it easily. "Alright, then a fight!"

Both men fought with all their weapons and it soon left scorched marks on the walls. Wyatt cried in his bubble and the younger man was soon getting tired. His supply of energy was not endless.

"Problems, Chris?" Zankou said smirking. More energy balls went flying Chris' way and they hit. "See, you are so naïve."

Chris felt so drained, knowing he was powerful, yet not powerful enough for Zankou. His exhaustion caught up with him and he desperately looked at Wyatt. "I'm sorry, Wy," he muttered and collapsed to the floor.

"Iss?" the little boy asked afraid, crying to no end. "Dada!"

Zankou took his chance and quickly walked over to Chris, grabbing him. "Sorry, Master but it's your wish," he replied smirking and shimmered with his victim away.

Only seconds later, orbs came through the ceiling and revealed a distraught looking Leo who immediately grabbed his crying son and looked frantically for his other son. "Chris? Chris? Where are you?" No answer. "Chris?"

Wyatt's wailing was loud and Leo knew the only person who could calm him was his brother. The father sighed and decided to quickly orb home. Only his mother could do that now.

BACK AT THE MANOR

Leo orbed in and frantically called for the women of the house, "Piper! Phoebe! Paige! I need your help! Shsh, Wyatt. Everything will be okay. Girls!" he shouted furiously.

The older sisters came from the kitchen and Piper immediately took her wailing son in her arms, soothing him with words while Phoebe asked, "Leo, what's wrong?"

"Chris is gone! Paige!"

"Coming!" the youngest sister shouted back and orbed to the others. "What's with Chris?"

"Gone! I couldn't find him at the club, only Wyatt was there and cried forever. He was afraid and the last I could sense was his exhaustion," Leo explained. "I need to find him!"

"Leo, calm down," Phoebe suggested, now afraid for their whitelighter as well. "He was at the club, right? How bad was it there?" She could see that Piper was close to a breakdown.

"Leo?" Piper asked as she finally had calmed down their son. "Leo, how bad?"

"There were some scorch marks on the walls and some things were broken," Leo offered quietly but then admitted as seeing no other choice now. "Chris mentioned a name to me and I think he's the one responsible for this. And also for the incident with Richard."

"What?" Paige asked in disbelief. "What do you mean, Leo?"

He looked directly at her. "I think it was no accident that you have met Richard today. Zankou arranged this as a distraction and used us for coming to Chris and taking him God knows where!" Leo started to pace. "We'll have to find him!"

Phoebe couldn't help but ask, "What kind of name is Zankou? Can the underworld not come up with better names?" She looked at her sisters who glared at her. "What? Anyway, what do we do?"

"We need a plan as Chris told me, Zankou knows our family well enough," Leo told them. "I'll go 'Up There' and ask the Elders for help. I'll be back soon!" He orbed away.

"Okay, ladies," Piper said after he was gone. "You heard the man. We'll have to rescue Chris. For Leo's, Wyatt's and our sakes!!"

The sisters nodded and started their work. Paige had sent Richard home but not before saying they'd meet again. Phoebe wrote some spells and Piper created potions with her son in the kitchen. All their thoughts were by Chris.

UNDERWORLD, KIRA'S LAIR

"Are you nuts to bring him here?!" Kira shouted furiously at her partner. "What if the Charmed Ones are searching for him! Are you crazy?" She really questioned the sanity of Zankou. To their luck, Chris was unconscious and didn't hear anything.

"I'm going to distract them again," Zankou answered calmly. "Wyatt had given me enough info to play with them. All I need to know is their desires." He gestured to Chris. "And he's going to tell me them."

"Why are you sure he would?" the woman challenged. "We're talking about his family here. The very people who mean the world to him." Kira became furious again. "This is crazy! I should never have agreed to this. You've totally lost your mind, Zankou!"

Said demon rolled his eyes. "Woman, calm down. My patience is not very long, you know." Kira swallowed hard and both turned around as some groaning could be heard. Immediately Zankou's face lit up. "Ah, sleeping beauty wakes up. Time to act!"

Chris groaned once more and slowly sat up with his hand touching his head. It came back bloody and he finally looked at his two companions. "Wow, Kira and Zankou – together. I've heard another story. Anyway, you two bicker like an old married couple. Did I miss anything here?" he questioned them sarcastically.

"Smart ass," Zankou agreed smiling. "That's why I was always more fond of you." Chris smirked only. "Anyway, what does your family most desire? They have wishes, I'm sure and you know them."

Chris' eyes became heavy. "I thought my brother had shown you anything you need to know?" He looked at the demon. "Why would I help you, by the way?"

"Don't you want to live and save your idol? I know, you were always looking up more to Wyatt than Daddy dearest." Chris tried to fight but failed. "See, you're weak. And now tell me."

With some effort, he told him and was not happy about this. He only knew one demon who could do this. "You are going to go to Gith, aren't you? He's the only one who has this kind of power."

"I knew you were clever." Zankou looked at the paper and kissed it. "Thank you, my friend. Kira, I'll be gone for a while, so don't do anything stupid!" He flamed away.

Chris looked at the woman. "What are you going to do, Kira? I'd never have thought you working with him." He tried hard to stay conscious. "It is not right and you know that."

Kira walked over to him and helped him up, guiding him to her bed. "I know who and what you are, Chris Halliwell. Zankou came to me unexpected as I saw me already dead by his hand." She laid the young man slowly down. "I know you don't trust me but I only want to survive." She kissed him briefly on his forehead. "I have no other choice."

Sleepily Chris looked at her. "There is always a choice, Kira," he whispered before the darkness finally engulfed him. The last thing he saw was the sad eyes of the Seer.

[Tim]

7. Wishes & Desires

UP THERE

Leo was concerned and it was shown in his pacing through the white place. Some of the Elders frowned at him but he ignored them. Now that his youngest son was gone and in the hand of a future demon who knew him well enough as well. This made him worried for their future.

"Leo!" Roland ran to him. "What brings you up here? Did something happen?"

"It did, Roland," Leo said worried. "Chris is gone! I don't know where, yet he told me it'd be a demon from the future. Being sent back by Wyatt."

"WHAT?" Roland shouted and drew all attention to them. "Sorry," he apologized and guided Leo to a room close by. "Do you know the name of the demon, by the way?"

"I do," Leo replied, sitting down defeated and crying. "His name is Zankou and still trapped in this time. Chris told me he's very resourceful and knows the family well enough too. Caused by some event he won't tell me about yet."

Roland looked like a ghost. "You remember Kevin?" Leo nodded. "He'd drawn a picture some time ago what showed us the future. It was awful." He saw his friend wanted to ask. "No, Leo. I can't tell you anything about this. You'll need to find out on your own."

"Okay," Leo agreed. He looked at his friend. "How can I help Chris now? He's doing so much good and is going to do more in this time. I just need to."

Roland sighed. "I know but I'd be grateful if you would stay with the sisters. I don't want you to do anything stupid."

"I just can't sit by and watch from aside! This isn't my way!"

"I do understand but it could be that Zankou uses this situation for his own advantage. Doing something with the sisters to distract you and he has Chris for info, you know."

"I see." Leo was silent for a moment and then stood up all of a sudden. "I need to go. See if the sisters had found out anything and if I could help them."

"You should." Roland stood up as well and shook Leo's hand before both went their separated ways.

UNDERWORLD, GITH'S LAIR

Gith was bored to no end as demonic desires weren't really a challenge. They were always about the same but human ones were different. Thinking about a good challenge was making him pace in his cave. A flame caught his attention and it was as if his own desires were granted. "Who are you and how did you find my cave?" he asked curiously.

"Well," the stranger replied smiling. "Who I am doesn't matter. Know only I'm from the future and would find you anywhere, Gith." He stepped into the light. "See. No need to be afraid. I just want to help you."

Gith gasped. "Really? Anyway, I've heard about you, Zankou but you … Future?" The demon ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "So, what do you want?"

Zankou smirked and held up a folded paper. "I know you live from desires, though I can't see how and why."

"You have no idea how much energy is in desires but its lost if they are not fulfilled," Gith defended himself but his curiosity got him. "What's with this paper you're holding?"

Again a smirk. "You were looking for a challenge, Gith and here is one. On this paper, the desires of the Charmed Ones are written, given by their closest person ever." His opposite raised an eyebrow. "Anyway, you should be careful as well. You're dealing with the Charmed Ones."

"Right. Give me the paper, please."

"Fine." Zankou handed the paper over and slowly withdrew from the other demon. "Don't forget. They are powerful! And now excuse me, I need to go." Zankou flamed away, already full knowing Gith wouldn't bother in the future. He'd be dead but Chris was more of an interesting target.

Gith ignored all this and just read the paper quickly. If he'd thought the demons were stupid, the humans were it even more. Shaking his head, he concentrated on each Charmed One which appeared in his pool.

"A life without magic. Easy and granted," he said fulfilled Piper's wish by holding out his hand.

"To see a life with Jason or not. Silly," he commented and then. "Ah better, our future. As you wish." Gith did the same as before, now with Phoebe.

"Use magic anytime. Feel free, Mylady," he said and repeated the process with Paige. And now he would only watch and observe of how the sisters were dealing with it.

AT THE MANOR – A BIT EARLIER

The three sisters had done anything they could do at the moment but it appeared to be fruitless. So, Piper had decided to send her younger sisters to their work. It'd be better if they were distracted for now. For the mother, Wyatt was her first priority and the little boy was still quietly sobbing.

"Hey Piper," Leo greeted, orbing in. "Where are Phoebe and Paige? Have you found anything yet?"

The woman shook her head. "I sent them to their work. All our attempts have failed so far but we're not giving up!" She was holding her son. "Would you like to take him?"

"Sure." The father took his eldest son in his arms but worried about his youngest one still. "What can we do now?"

"I don't know, Leo." Piper looked at him sadly. "I know you care a lot about Chris, yet we need to work together." Suddenly a strange light washed over her. "What the …? Would you help me with the cookies, Leo? Some friends are coming." She said and walked to the kitchen.

"Piper, are you alright? You seem different and what was that light?" Leo wanted to know and followed his wife. "Piper?"

No reaction and the Elder got worried even more. Was this what Roland had warned him about? Seeing he had no other choice, Leo orbed to his sisters-in-law but he couldn't find them all of a sudden. Something was wrong here. Finally, Leo materialized on the Golden Gate Bridge and sat there to think this situation over.

BAY MIRROR – SAME TIME

Phoebe was working on her column but her thoughts had another direction. She would hardly admit but she loved the young man deeply. He was strong, smart and knew them too well for her liking.

"Phoebe, we need your column!" her co-worker shouted. "We're due!"

"On it," she shouted back. A white light washed over her and suddenly all was gone. "What the …? Okay, it's too quiet for the Mirror." Looking out of the window, the woman was shocked and gasped. "Oh my God! What happened here?"

Quickly she ran out of the building and was confronted only with destruction. It was as if she were in a future where it all had gone wrong. Chris' future.

"This is not true. Who rules here?" she questioned in disbelief. Her answer came on a big screen, showing a man in black and looking a lot like … Leo.

"Wyatt?"

AN OLD PEOPLE'S HOME

Paige was working as an helper for an elderly couple of conjurers but the man was very confused. In front of the three, some other elderly people were sitting and were amused about their little disaster. Paige smiled nervously.

Stan was searching for something in his old top hat. "Where's the rabbit?" he asked his wife perplexed.

"It's dead for a long time already," Mary replied annoyed as this question had come too often for her.

A strange light came over the entire group and Stan had to grab at his heart all of a sudden and broke down. The whole crowd gasped and stood up afraid. The director and Mary, on the other hand, had other plans and the old woman said it.

"Use your powers, Paige! You're the only one who can save him now."

"Excuse me?" the Charmed One asked bewildered. "How do you know about my powers?"

"Don't ask so much," Mary continued annoyed. "Orb us to the hospital now! Hurry up!"

"Okay, but don't tell anyone!" The other elderly people quickly agreed before she, Mary and Stan orbed to the hospital.

WITH GITH

The demon of Desires was pleased. All sisters were trapped in their own desires and they had no idea about it. If they're trapped in there for long, they'd die.

He smiled at the three bubbles in his pool. "Oh dear. I think Zankou was wrong. This is easy but his source was very good. Wonder who it is."

Looking back at his bubbles, Gith waited patiently until his desires bubbles would kill his victims. And the Power of Three would be gone which would be, again, a better world for the demons. Zankou should then now accept him for his work.

WITH LEO & WYATT

Leo couldn't find peace at his normally calming bridge and his son's quietly sobbing was not helping. Now he had two tasks: To find at first the sisters and free them and to find Chris. His youngest son was constantly in his mind but at this very moment, he needed to find his wife and sisters-in-law.

"Come on, Chris. Give me a sign to find the sisters!"

To his surprise, and shock, the answer came from Wyatt who created the sign P3 with his orbs. The little boy giggled happily in his father's arms before falling back into his quietly sobs.

Leo was confused for a moment and then realized what his son was telling him. As fast as he could, the father orbed with his eldest son to the backroom of the club where his son had been sleeping lately. Maybe he'd left some hints somewhere.

Out of nowhere, a notebook flew in the Elder's hand. Confused, again, Leo turned to Wyatt who only grinned at him. "Okay, let's see what's in it," he said and opened it curiously. Impressed and shocked he read some. "Wow, your little brother is really neurotic. Just like your Mom. He's really covered all up. Let's see if we can find our little friend in here."

It took Leo some time to find the right entry and read it quickly. His son knew a lot about demons and used his future knowledge to his advantage what impressed the father even more. Having found what he was looking for, Leo orbed with his son back to the Manor's attic and prepared all he needed.

PIPER'S WORLD

The eldest Charmed One felt happy here as her friends ate her homemade cookies, yet she missed her life. And her two men. It was nice to have not worry about demons, still their boring issue let Piper think about Chris who, indeed, looked a lot like them, she admitted now. But she'd like to see her sisters again.

PHOEBE'S WORLD

The middle Charmed One was shocked beyond words. If this were their future, she was now convinced to help Chris in any way she can. This was too much as she noticed some weird objects, scanning for witches. Phoebe was terrified what was intensified as demons were walking freely above. Desperately she wanted to be with her sisters at the moment and she hoped they had the same desires.

PAIGE'S WORLD

The youngest Charmed One thought she was going to be crazy. Anyone here knew about her powers and she had to help a lot of Innocents after she'd rescued Stan and Mary. But the rest? It was silly, really as if someone knew her deepest wishes. Paige was only tired and wanted to be with her sisters again.

UNDERWORLD, GITH'S LAIR

Gith watched satisfied as the Charmed Ones struggled in their own worlds, created by their own desires but he could see the three sisters were on their way to come together and he had to prevent this. A distant noise made him turn around. "Who are you and how did you find my cave?" he asked stunned.

"I'm not about to tell you my source," the stranger explained and held up a vial. "If you play nice, this won't be needed and now tell me who gave you the info!"

"Why should I tell you? You're only a whitelighter." Gith let appear a darklighter crossbow. "Put it down or do you want to die, man?"

Leo quickly considered his options. "I take it Zankou helped you but you fear him, by the way. Did Zankou maybe tell you who gave him the desires of the sisters?"

Gith's jaw dropped. "How do you know about Zankou? Anyway, he only told me about someone who knows the Charmed Ones very well."

"That's what I thought," Leo muttered quickly but said aloud, "Thanks. You've been a great help!" Before the demon knew what came, Leo threw the vial and Gith was vanquished what freed the sisters as well. "Thank God! You all are fine!" Leo hugged his wife.

"Leo?" Piper questioned in disbelief but happy. "How did you find us?"

"Yeah," Paige agreed. "Not that I mind but I'm still impressed. For you to vanquish a demon." Then she noticed how her older sister was shaken up. "Phoebe? What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing," she quickly replied what made the others suspicious. "It's just … I'd rather discuss this at home, so could we please leave this place?"

The middle sister gave Paige the signal to orb home while Piper and Leo looked at each other but followed seconds later. Gith was gone and all was nearly back to normal.

MANOR

As the four adults reformed, little Wyatt immediately orbed to his Mommy, happy but still his baby brother was missing. The younger sisters sat down on the couch while the eldest one and her husband did on chairs. The mother played with her child but still she had questions.

"Leo, how did you find us? I'm happy you found us but how could you?"

"Well," the father began nervously and orbed a little black notebook to him. "In this I've found the needed information. It's Chris' one and it shows he knows the demons very well and also the way to vanquish them."

"Wow. And also the places where they lived?" Paige asked shocked. "Definitely wow. Slowly Chris impresses me more and more."

Leo smirked at her words but Piper hadn't forgotten about Phoebe and her world. "Phoebe, what world were you in? You seem shaken up and afraid. You've never acted this way. Now, fill us in, please."

The middle sister closed her eyes briefly and swallowed hard. "Well, I think I was in Chris' future. Or at least, the future he came from." Phoebe set her gaze onto Leo but looked also at her sisters. "It was awful, guys. Really awful and Wyatt's evil in this future."

"What?" Piper shrieked but Leo looked away. "What makes you say that? Our little whitelighter never says anything about his future, so why you think it's his?"

"Piper, believe it or not, but my empathy tells me it's his! No wonder he wants to change it, because the city is basically destroyed and magic is a known fact there. I think it's time we'll help him."

"No," the eldest sister disagreed furiously. "He shouldn't have come to the past to begin with since time travel is not a game! I can't believe Wyatt would ever be evil. He's born from two powers of Good."

"Piper," Leo cut in angrily. "You should listen to her. I can't tell you what I know but please, believe her! It's important for our future!"

"Leo!"

"No, I'm going to the underworld and look for Chris. If anything happens, just call me!" Leo had to flee before he might start to cry in front of his family. How they treated Chris was beyond his imagination but there was a glimmer of hope. Phoebe. He orbed.

After Leo was gone, the younger two turned to their older sister a bit angry but Paige laid a calming hand on Phoebe's arm and spoke to Piper. "I believe her and I thought you were about to trust Chris. What happened now?"

"Phoebe saying Wyatt's going to be evil," Piper countered and stroked through her baby's hair. "I know Chris hasn't said anything about this but still, he should have told us from the start."

"Remember our trips, Piper," Phoebe said for the first time. Suddenly something exploded. "Okay, Piper. We all need time to recuperate … and definitely sleep." She stood up and left the room.

Paige followed her while Piper did think about their words. She knew they were right but it was hard to believe her little angel as an evil overlord. Little did she know there would be a proof soon.

UNDERWORLD, KIRA'S LAIR

Zankou shimmered back into the cave where Kira took care of Chris and she looked at him. "Gith's gone and the sisters are free. What would come next?"

Kira stood up and walked to her pool. "Does Wyatt have a symbol of his reign? I mean, you name him Master and now he's only a vulnerable baby."

"Lady, he'd kill me if I'm doing this." He gestured to the sleeping boy. "And he as well. They have a strong bond. Yes, Kira, he has a symbol. Excalibur."

Kira gasped. "Excalibur? Wow. Isn't he already the Twice-Blessed and powerful?" She looked at Chris as well. "What if he is the King, Zankou?"

"That's crazy, woman," the demon disagreed laughing. "Chris was always vulnerable compared to his older brother, though he's leading a lot of people in the future." Zankou turned to the Seer. "What about the sword now?"

"Oh. I saw it's about to come to the Charmed Ones soon and we could see if our theory is right about the future King," Kira offered smiling and played with Zankou's chest. "Now what are you doing until then?"

Zankou smirked and gestured to the boy. "Play with him, threaten him and see if he shares some knowledge with me." The demon walked over and slowly began to shake the boy, waking him up – for his torture.

Kira said nothing and watched all this horrified. She'd seen the truth of who would be the future King Arthur in her pool. Soon, all horror of the future would be revealed.

[Tim]

8. A Legend Coming True

A FEW WEEKS LATER

Piper was working under the sink in the kitchen since one week, all of a sudden, all machines had been against her. Sighing, she knew it gave her time to think and yet her husband was nowhere to be seen. Obviously, he was still searching for Chris and her baby was still wailing from time to time. Sudden footsteps distracted her and she was about to look up when she was quickly met with the eyes of her baby sister.

"Paige?"

"Oh hi, Piper," the youngest sister said blushing and looked at Richard close by. "What are you doing?"

Both sisters stood up and the older one answered, holding up her tool. "Don't you see? Since Leo's gone, I'll have to do anything on my own. Very funny, by the way. And this includes I repair here."

"Nice work," Paige quipped. "What about the sink upstairs?"

"My next stop." Only then Piper noticed Richard was also in the room. "Uh hi. What are you doing here?" She turned back to her sister stunned. "Oh, I see. You two had a good night, didn't you?"

Richard blushed. "Well, if it's okay with you? I mean, we all are witches and know what we do, don't we?"

Piper laughed shortly. "Don't be silly. We're grown up and Paige is a big girl. Not that she brings a lot of men home with …"

"Stop it, Mom!" Paige cut in fast. "What's with Phoebe, by the way?"

"With Wyatt. She wants to find out if she'd seen the truth in that pocket realm. About Wyatt being evil and all."

"Leo still looking for Chris?"

"Yeah," Piper said sadly before slowly walking out of the room. "And now excuse me. I'll have to repair the sink upstairs."

While the lovers went into the kitchen, the eldest Charmed One walked up the stairs and to the sink. "Well, a little magic shouldn't help," she said determined and was about to use it as a watery woman appeared out of the water.

"Help me!" she only offered before leaving the way she came.

Frantically Piper called for her sisters who immediately came and told them what had happened. After they had scried for the woman, they landed in a park with a lake where a Lady showed up. With a sword in her hands.

"Take and protect it!" the Lady of the Lake said and threw the sword toward the Charmed Ones before she was hit with a sword herself. "You're the new one. It's for …"

The younger sisters took care of some black masked demons who came with an equally dressed man while Piper did the same with the Lady. Phoebe and Paige had quickly vanquished their opposites and the other man shimmered away.

"What is it, Lady?" Piper asked. "What's with the sword?"

The Lady stuttered, "Just look after it. It's for a boy, a boy of y..." Her last words before turning into a puddle of water.

Piper looked at her sisters nervously. "What's with the sword? Where is it?"

Phoebe gestured to the shores. "It's in the stone."

Paige smiled at both. "The sword in the stone. Where do I know it from?"

"You're kidding me," Piper said, rolling her eyes. "We should return home. With it. Paige!" All three vanished with the artifact in blue orbs.

MEANWHILE IN THE UNDERWORLD

Leo was walking through the long caves aimlessly as he didn't know where to look anymore. He knew he was about to neglect his wife and son, yet he had to find Chris. He was at fault, because he couldn't read the signs. Oh god, he only hoped his son was still in a good shape.

A demon appeared in front of the Elders. "Hey man, you need help?" He smelled at him and only felt good. "An Elder? How low have you fallen, friend?"

Leo just looked up and said nothing. He'd already met a lot of demons in his search for his youngest son, so this was only another low level demon. The father only held out his hands and vanquished his opposite. Then he was alone again and continued his hunt.

In a very different lair, in the same place, Zankou was satisfied with his work on Chris. Standing up, he walked over to Kira who was playing with her pool. "Anything anew at the Manor, woman? It'd be time to test out our theory about the real heir."

"We should, Zankou. The former Lady of the Lake had nearly spilled." She looked over to the tortured but still unconscious boy. "When do you want to bring him above?"

Zankou grinned. "I'm sure, the moment Excalibur is at the Manor, many magical creatures would show up and then I'll shimmer him to his home."

Kira said nothing but nodded silently to agree, already knowing the whole truth about Chris' destiny. If Wyatt should really come back in time, Zankou and she would be dead if you looked at the way Chris had been treated by them. Only time could tell.

BACK AT THE MANOR

Some time later the sisters were back at home with their historical artifact in tow what crashed on the table, causing Richard to run in with Wyatt in his arms. The four adults looked at each other and watched at the sword fascinated.

"Whoa. Everything okay here?" Richard asked curiously and held Piper's son tightly.

Piper grabbed a broom close by and began to clean up. "Well done, Paige. How could you maybe miss the table?"

The youngest sister apologized, rolling her eyes. "Sorry. I've never orbed anything that heavy or historic. Where's Phoebe?"

"Looking for the bad guys." Piper looked at the two lovers, finished her cleaning spree and took her son from Richard finally. "You really think that's Excalibur, right?"

"Wait," Richard cut in. "You've met the Lady of the Lake who gave you the sword?"

"Indeed," Phoebe said, entering the room with the Book. "Found only the Executioner demons, low level asses, and their paladin, the Dark Knight."

Piper closed her eyes. To absorb all this and she hoped she'd make the right decision. "Alright," the eldest sister spoke and looked at her sisters. "You two are coming with me in the kitchen. We'll need to make some potions. To be prepared."

"Piper!" the younger sisters protested but were fully ignored by her.

"Don't!" she continued and turned to Richard. "Could you please look after Wyatt while we're in there?"

Richard nodded but offered knowingly, "There could be other events happening soon. Now that Excalibur is in the open. They will show up soon. All magical creatures and they'll try to pull it out."

"Great, just great," Piper muttered.

Phoebe sighed. "Okay, you've won. We're staying here." Her baby sister sighed as well but agreed.

The mother watched them leave and followed closely. Richard looked after them and then concentrated on his given task. Playing with Wyatt but the little boy was not easy to entertain as he still missed his friend, the ominous Chris anyone had gossiped around. He'd really get to know this mysterious man.

An hour later a hard slap on his leg startled Richard out of his daydream. Looking after Wyatt, he saw the boy had only leaned onto him. "What?" he asked bewildered.

"We could need an authority figure here," the dwarf suggested. "I'm getting pushed around here. Just lost my place in the line."

"I was afraid of that," Richard whispered but yelled then, "Girls! We've got company! You're needed."

Running footsteps could be heard and the three Charmed Ones appeared shocked. "Wow," they intoned together and looked at each other.

"Okay, what is this?" Piper wanted to know.

"Natural selection," the dwarf supplied. "Though I hope the sword chooses me. Would me get some respect here."

The other creatures laughed and continued their selection while the sisters, Richard and little Wyatt just could stand by and watch. For the time being, they were unable to react.

SHORT CUT TO THE UNDERWORLD

"It's time," Kira announced and turned to Zankou who walked over to the bruised boy. "Don't you think you hit him a bit too much? The sisters, and especially Leo, would want revenge."

Zankou smirked. "I'm aware of that fact. I'm counting on it, yet I'd like to surface when Wyatt arrives." The demon stroked over Chris' body and let him shimmer away. "Go home, buddy. We'll see each other soon again."

Kira only watched the leaving body but remained silent as her partner of time came over to the pool. Both of them just looked into her pool.

BACK TO THE HALLIWELLS

The three Charmed Ones, Richard and the little boy watched with mild amusement how all kind of magical creatures tried in vain to pull the sword out. If they only knew whom Excalibur belonged to, it'd be helpful right now. Yet Piper was growing impatient and she began to pace.

"How long is this going to take?" she asked no one especially.

"As long as needed," Paige replied sighing. "Piper, calm down. Otherwise, Wyatt will pick it up. You know that."

Piper nodded. "I do but I need to do something!" Gasps and loud noises distracted her. "What's wrong?"

Directly in the middle of the line and crowd a shimmer came and revealed a very bruised, still unconscious Chris. Looking at each other, the magical creatures didn't know what to do and they started to chat heatedly. After several long minutes the dwarf took charge and silenced them with a whistle. Earning some hateful looks which he ignored, the dwarf gestured to the body and the sisters.

"It's your whitelighter, ladies," he offered smiling.

"WHAT?" the three women shrieked and ran over. Shocked they knelt down and slowly rolled the body over.

"Oh my God!" Piper said and demanded then firmly. "Okay. Paige, Phoebe, you two will send all those creatures home. I don't need them right now! C'mon Chris, wake up! I need you to walk to the couch."

While the younger sisters were busy with getting the magical creatures out, orbs suddenly engulfed Chris' body and were directed to the couch. "Mama, tay?" the boy asked.

Piper could only nod and went to the couch, stroking over Chris' dark hair and bruised body. "Leo!" she yelled. "Leo! It's Chris! He's back! Leo!"

"Dada," Wyatt added quietly and looked with concerned eyes at his baby brother. "Dada!"

Orbs flittered through the ceiling and revealed an annoyed looking Leo. This turned quickly into shock. "What's happened?" he asked anyone in the room. Quickly he began to heal his son. "What's going on here?"

"Well," Richard started, causing both parents to look up and smiled to give them hope. "The sisters were given Excalibur by the Lady of the Lake this morning when a short time later all magical creatures showed up. Claiming to have a right to try the pull."

"What's with Chris?" Leo wanted to know.

"He appeared out of nowhere in the crowd of those creatures," Piper continued. "But we're still on the rail in finding out who Excalibur belongs to."

"I'd love to go but I don't want to leave Chris' side right now," Leo replied afraid. The wounds were healing, yet he could feel Chris was just exhausted. "Send Paige!"

Piper nodded and stood up, took Wyatt from Richard and handed him to his father. "You are free to go now, Richard. If you like but otherwise, help us!"

The man accepted and joined the younger sisters around the sword. The eldest sister followed shortly to give her baby sister a firm, direct order to orb 'Up There' and ask them about that damn sword in their midst.

"Right," Paige agreed. "But let me know if anything happens here." She gestured to the silent men at the loveseat before orbing away.

Phoebe, Piper and Richard watched the little group, trying to find out what Leo was saying to Chris … and Wyatt, yet they didn't want to disturb their privacy.

UP THERE

Paige reformed in the white halls and looked around nervously. She didn't like this place somehow and the Elders ignored her completely but she felt the same way. "Um … hello? I just have some questions."

An Elder came to her. "Hello Paige. Nice to see you again. You might not remember but what brings you here?" That earned him a quizzical look. "My name's Roland, by the way."

"Okay. Well, we have some mystical artifact in our home which should only be a legend and we'd like to know whom it belongs to."

"Hi Paige," a young Elder greeted them. "What's up?"

"Hey Kevin. What I said was that some real old artifact is in the Manor right now and Piper really wants to know what to do with it," Paige explained once again.

Before Roland could answer, another voice interrupted their discussion. "Paige. What's going on at the Manor and where's Leo? He should be here and not always on Earth."

"Excuse me? Do I know you?" Paige requested shocked and looked at the others for help.

"Not yet but soon, I can assure you. So what's Leo doing?"

"Don't answer," Kevin advised quickly. "We'll deal with him." The youngest sister nodded and he turned to the other man. "Gideon. I thought Leo had established his role among us and we've agreed to it since he became an Elder on his own. Besides, don't you have a school to lead?"

The Elder in black robes growled and cursed under his breath. Looking at the small group, Gideon remained silent before promptly orbing away.

Roland and Kevin sighed in relief and turned back to Paige who quipped knowingly, "I take it he's not very popular in your world. Why?"

"You'll find out soon enough, Paige." Roland looked now directly at her. "Anyway, I believe you talk about Excalibur which the Lady of the Lake gave you this morning. You should be warned about a man named Mordaunt. He's after the sword."

"And who's the heir now?"

Kevin continued for his friend. "It belongs to a son of a Charmed One but not the son you already know."

"You couldn't be more cryptic, could you?" Paige sighed. "Well, I think I should go home now and give this message to my sisters and Leo."

"Oh, I'm sure he can read it," Kevin commented and as fast as he could, he ran away from them.

Paige looked confused at Roland who only smiled at her. "Go home, Paige! All will come to you in time." The youngest Charmed One nodded and orbed home while Roland just knew what future lay in front of the Halliwells.

BACK TO PIPER & CO.

As she returned, Paige found the others gathered around a still sleeping Chris. Walking over she looked at the boy and cleared her throat to get their attention. They turned to her and she offered quietly, "I've spoken with the Elders and I think we should do this in private."

Piper, Phoebe and Richard followed suit while Leo stayed behind. "I'm coming. Don't worry," he said and then whispered into Wyatt's ear. "Watch over your brother. I'll be back soon."

Little Wyatt nodded eagerly and watched over his brother with concerned eyes. This glowing 'thing' in their home didn't interest him, yet mostly his brother for now.

Leo walked to his wife, sisters-in-law and Richard. "So what did my dear colleagues offer you about Excalibur? Were they even opened up?"

"More cryptic than ever," the youngest sister complained, making her older sisters snort. "Anyway, they've warned us about a guy named Mordaunt who's after the sword."

"He hasn't appeared yet. What else?" Piper wanted to know.

"Well, this may sound weird," Paige replied, looking at the two boys. "According to our lovely Elders, Excalibur belongs to the son of a Charmed One but not the son we already know."

"What?" Leo looked up at these words and made a quick decision. "Phoebe, Paige, Richard, I want you out of the house for a while. I need to speak with Piper for a moment. Alone. As a couple and parents."

The younger sisters were shocked for a second but obeyed then. Richard led them out while offering, "How about I'll invite you to a nice coffee in the city?" Phoebe and Paige looked at him and nodded. They dressed up and quickly left the house.

THE TRUTH

Piper looked confused at her husband who had run back to their son and Chris. Obviously he knew what Paige had been talking about and she wanted to know what his secret was. "Do you know what she means?" she asked as she came to the males.

"I do," Leo responded but was distracted by a soft moaning, coming from his youngest son. "Hey buddy. Welcome back."

"Hey. What happened?" Chris asked bewildered.

"You appeared out of nowhere, unconscious and directly in the middle of a line of magical creatures who are interested in Excalibur," Piper explained smiling.

"Huh? Run that by me again?"

Piper and Leo gestured to the sword. "The Lady of the Lake came to us and she was talking about a boy before she died," the woman offered.

"And Paige had found out from my colleagues that someone named Mordaunt would be after Excalibur and that the heir is the son of a Charmed One but not the son we know," Leo continued and gave his son some hints.

"Wait. You don't think that I am the one, do you?" Chris stuttered out. "That's crazy. It's a sign of Wyatt's reign."

Before anyone could question this, there was a swirl of air and revealed a stunned looking man. Confused, he turned to the little family. "Why is the sword not out of the stone?"

Leo stood up and told his youngest son. "Well, I take it you're Mordaunt. And Chris, here's your chance to prove your heritage. Pull out the sword and kill him!"

Chris looked bewildered at his father but did as told. To his utter shock, it worked and he quickly gained control over Excalibur and stepped over to Mordaunt who conjured a sword of his own. They battled like there was no tomorrow.

"So, you're King Wyatt's baby brother. I must say I'm impressed," Mordaunt said in slight awe.

"Well, too bad then you won't tell anyone about it," Chris countered and prepared himself for a last strike. Grabbing the sword tightly, Wyatt's younger brother hit his enemy hard into the chest and vanquished him. "Wow," he only said.

Slowly the mother walked over to her baby boy, not the baby in Leo's arms, rather the adult son in front of her. "I can't believe this," Piper whispered shocked and touched Chris slowly. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I was afraid," Chris admitted and felt being hugged by his father and brother. "When I came to the past, I was astonished and shocked as Grams and Dad had figured me out." There was a little wailing protest. "Oh. Along with my big brother." The little brother stroked over his big brother's blond curls.

Now Piper turned a bit angry to her husband. "You knew and didn't tell me? How come? Normally we always tell us anything."

Leo looked at his youngest son who nodded smiling. "I made a promise to Chris which I didn't want to break. I've disappointed him enough in his future."

Piper slowly accepted the explanation and let her men tell her everything and all she needed to know, except her death what even Leo didn't know. Yet. After some time, Leo and Chris made also Piper promise not to tell anything to her sisters. What she did with pleasure.

[Tim]

9. A Friend For Life

TROUBLE IN PARADISE?

Phoebe was fuming, yet she had to calm herself as being called by Jason lately, saying they'd meet in a short time. Her anger was caused by her older sister who had refused to talk with her about Chris. That could only mean she now knew as well his secret. And her baby sister wouldn't help her.

"God, if only I could prove my theory," the middle sister complained while dressing herself. "With time, with time," she promised.

In another room Leo had been arguing with Chris if they both should go 'Up There' and talk with the Elders as it'd been their wish from the start. After some hesitation Chris had agreed and immediately both of them had orbed, leaving the sisters to their own business, yet they'd had to promise Piper to be called if need be.

Now Phoebe was sitting in a nice restaurant, waiting for Jason to arrive. Her anger was suppressed and she'd enjoy her time with her lover. But he was a bit overdue.

"Hey," Jason Dean greeted her, kissing her on the lips. "You look troubled. Problems at home?"

"I wish I could tell you. Believe me," Phoebe replied, looking at him totally in love. "By the way, we should focus more on you than me. You called me, remember?"

He leaned back and explained, "I know. You see I've got an amazing call from Italy where I can buy now the winery of my Grandpa. I've always wanted that."

"That's great, Jason. Really."

"This is an opportunity I can't waste, Phoebe." Jason returned to his old position and leaned closer to his woman. "Well, flying around the world is nothing compared with the love of a woman."

Phoebe looked him directly into his eyes. "I know. I love you too."

"What?" Jason asked bewildered. "I love you too?"

Phoebe couldn't say anything. Way to put her foot in it. "Yeah, well," she started nervously but then suddenly a shadow was over them. "Paige?"

Paige smiled at them. "Hi. Hello Jason." She grabbed her older sister by the hand. "I'm sorry but I need to take Phoebe with me. She's needed. Our other sister needs us."

"Right," Jason only stated and looked after the fleeing sisters.

"Thank God, you've saved me," Phoebe said to her baby sister. "What's up with Piper?"

"When we're there," Paige only offered and orbed both of them to a power station where their older sister was in hiding and watched a weird demon eating another one.

MEANWHILE UP THERE

As father and son reformed, they were met with two separated groups of Elders who seemed to be in a deep argument over something. Looking at each other, Leo and Chris waited for anybody to notice them. What didn't happen. Chris just crossed his arms over his chest as this was so typical for the Elders.

Leo cleared his throat what made the others turn to him. "Excuse me? I thought we'd have a normal discussion here about me and Chris, not without us."

Roland walked over quickly and offered them quietly, "Be careful! Gideon is on a hunt and he's out on you as if knowing who you are. I don't want to disturb the timeline too much."

Leo eyed the trio of Elders suspiciously and turned to his friend. "I know, Roland. Though I have some suspicions of my own. Toward Gideon but I have no proof yet."

"You should confront him if necessary," Roland suggested. He saw how the others walked into the room where their meeting was. "I'll leave now. Just be careful!" And he was gone.

Father and son made their way confidently in the room as they were confronted with Gideon, Odin and Sigmund who sat at the opposite table. Smiling what gave them a bad feeling.

All of a sudden Chris looked up. "The sisters are calling me. Can you hold them at bay?" His father nodded. "Don't worry. I'll be back." Chris orbed away.

"Leo? What's going on?" Gideon wanted to know. "Where did Chris orb to?"

"The Charmed Ones need him but he'll be back. So, give him some time," Leo offered with a glare. "I'm sure you can wait a bit longer until he returns."

"Okay," Odin agreed and gave his other colleagues a signal to stay quiet and wait.

Leo put his hands on the table and tried to read the others' faces as if he'd find out what they were up to.

BACK TO THE SISTERS

After having watched how the unknown creature had eaten, the three sisters were disgusted at the behavior. All three gasped what turned the demon's attention to them.

"Ugh, what now?" Paige asked.

"Still," Phoebe put in. "This was awful."

"I don't care. At least, if one demon eats another, it's fine with me," Piper agreed.

As the creature came closer and Piper's powers didn't work, the three sisters stepped back afraid. Not knowing what else to do, Paige called for the mains over them.

"Mains!" And those immediately electrocuted the demon and made him to ash. "Wow. That was weird and a strong demon."

"Now that's done, we should go home," the eldest suggested. Then they heard a whimper. "What's that?"

All three sisters walked back and found a bundle. Piper slowly drew the blanket and they saw a baby who had a split tongue what startled the three women.

"That's something anew," Paige commented dryly.

Piper only grabbed the bundle and gave her baby sisters the signal to orb back to the Manor where she immediately put the baby to Wyatt in the playpen and called for Chris.

"What's up?" he asked. "I'll need to hurry. The Elders are totally insane."

"I agree," Piper said. "But we have a slight problem. We've vanquished the wanted demon but found a baby left." She gestured to the playpen behind him.

Phoebe and Paige watched him curiously as Chris turned around and then suddenly smiled. "I take it you know the baby well?" Phoebe suggested while her baby sister nodded.

"Indeed," Chris agreed, still smiling. "He's harmless and one of my best friends in the future."

"Can you give us some information?" his mother asked, smiling as well. "We'd like to help the baby as well and know what we're dealing with."

Chris ran his hand through his hair and sighed. "Alright but only this once." He winced as a jingle was heard. "The Elders. Okay, cliff note version. The baby is half manticore. His relatives are very hungry and they have a loud scream what they hear anywhere. His father, Derek, has experimented with some potions and now looks like a beast." The jingle increased.

"How can we help him?" Phoebe asked horrified.

"Help him with his son!" Chris only offered before quickly orbing away.

Piper clapped her hands. "Okay, you heard the man. We've got work to do. Wyatt will protect his new friend." The younger sisters groaned at those words. "No excuses allowed! Vanamos!" She grinned at her sisters, knowing more than they did and hoping, her men could solve their problem 'Up There'.

IN HEAVEN

While Leo waited patiently, Gideon wanted to create facts and called the boy back. "Chris! Come back!" he yelled, startling Leo who looked angry at him. "Chris!" No answer. "Chris! Right now!"

Before Leo could protest, orbs came and Chris put his one hand in his ear. "I've heard you the first time, you know. I'm not deaf," Chris replied with heavy sarcasm. "The sisters just asked for my guidance with a half demonic baby."

"I see." Odin looked at his two colleagues. "I take it they won't call you again, will they?"

Chris shrugged and sat beside his father. "I don't know if they call, though it might happen if they find Derek. But we're here for a different reason, aren't we?"

"Agreed," Gideon spoke up. He went through some papers. "So, young man, what's your purpose for going back in time? It seems to me you have forgotten that there are rules to follow."

"And here I thought the Elders were all-knowing," Chris spit back. "Well, if you need to know, it's Wyatt I came back to save from turning evil. Happy?"

"Why did he turn?" Odin continued the questions. "Can you answer this question maybe? Would be helpful for our own research."

Leo looked suspiciously at his colleagues, not trusting them one a bit. He had to help his son. "I'm sure if he knew, he'd be gone already back to the future. Why are you so interested in this if you don't mind?"

"That doesn't matter, Leo," Gideon interjected and redirected the attention to Chris. "Now answer the questions Odin had asked."

Chris sighed. "Leo's right. As he'd said, if I knew, I'd be gone already." He looked now directly at them. "The only thing I know is that whatever happened to Wyatt happens during my birth."

"Right. What else?" Gideon continued. It seemed to the others, Sigmund was only a listener here. "Answer!" he demanded furiously.

Chris swallowed hard but felt a warm hand on his back. It was Leo's. "Well," he began nervously. "After an Event what I won't explain to you, Wyatt changed slowly. Grandpa helped me during this time, yet for Wyatt the most important thing is power!" Chris started to sob.

"Power?" Odin requested shocked and looked at Gideon.

"I don't know where he got it from." With tears in his eyes, his anger rose. "Should I maybe ask you, Gideon, for an answer? Answer me, damn it!"

The three Elders remained silent and without any more words spoken, they left the room. For an outsider, it looked like those three men were guilty in that obvious case.

Leo had seen it but at the moment, his baby boy needed him more. Tears were rolling down Chris' cheek. "Hey buddy, it's okay. Shsh." He drew Chris' head to his chest. "I promise we'll get them. They'll pay for hurting you and Wyatt. Shsh, buddy."

"You really promise?" his youngest son requested afraid.

Leo kissed his son's head. "I promise. I really do, because from now on you'll have my support. As well as Piper's." He looked at his son. "Should we return home?"

Chris shook his head. "Not yet." He wiped his tears away but stayed close to his Dad. "Still need some time to recover. You be here?"

"Of course," Leo immediately agreed and just gave his son a silent support. He'd wait for him. All the time if wanted. For the father, it was clear that his boys and family would always come first. No matter what.

MEANWHILE AT THE MANOR

The two babies were playing together in the playpen happily as the three sisters were fighting with the ugly relatives of the manticore baby. Half manticore. Unfortunately, those creatures were in the majority and their potions didn't work yet, because they weren't strong enough.

"Guys? Any ideas?" Piper wanted to know as her powers wouldn't work on them. "I'm open for any suggestions."

"If we had any, Piper, we'd let you know," Phoebe yelled back as she hid behind the couch.

"If only we could find this Derek Chris had mentioned," Paige put in. "Could we get the baby to scream once?"

"I don't know," Piper continued like in trance and turned her gaze to the kids. As if reading her mind, the little boy turned to her and … screamed. A short time later, another creature appeared what looked really like a beast. "This must be Derek," she let her sisters know.

"Freeze him?" Phoebe suggested.

"Eh … guys," Paige said, gesturing to the fighting demons. "I think we shouldn't intervene as they're solving it alone."

All three sisters watched a bit fascinated the fight in their attic where it seemed that the manticores had the upper hand against Derek who fought back as hard as he could. Yet they could see he was losing it as he fell, the sisters gasped.

"Oh my God!" Piper shrieked and held the hands before her mouth. Seeing the manticores shimmer away, the eldest took charge and demanded, "You two! Work on the potions!"

"Piper?" Phoebe asked bewildered whereas Paige did as told. The middle sister wanted to help but had still the problem with Jason ahead for her.

"Just do it!" the eldest sister demanded angrily and Phoebe reacted finally. She ran while Piper called for her men, "Leo! Chris! It's Derek. He needs healing!"

SHORT CUT TO HEAVEN

"Piper's calling," Leo announced, feeling Chris nod against his chest. "You heard it too, huh? Anyway, who's Derek?"

"The father of a very good friend of mine and Wyatt's. Derek is mortal but his son is actually half manticore. I'll explain later," Chris offered. "We should go!"

"If you say so," Leo said smiling and orbed, knowing his son would follow.

BACK AT THE MANOR

As father and son reformed, they heard a relieved sigh what made the younger man shove his father immediately to the injured man while he himself turned towards the playpen where Wyatt and the baby sat playing.

"Oh, thank God," Piper exclaimed while Leo healed the man. "Chris, am I right that that is Derek? You said the baby is your best friend, right?"

"Yes," Chris agreed, standing at the playpen. "Yet I think you should make a strike against the manticores, just in case."

"Agreed," Derek said after being healed. "The manticores are pairing with humans. To live under them unnoticed, so my son means no harm."

"I know. We've been informed by Chris," Piper said and gestured to her baby boy. "Do you need some baby clothes maybe?"

A slight panic gripped Chris by those words but only Derek laughed. "Well, if you need to know, it'd be only a few clothes and a stroller." Derek gestured to the young man behind him. "I don't think he likes it. Care to share why?"

Chris was shaking his head and so Leo offered, "If we tell you, you wouldn't believe it! It involves time travel and in this family, this is normal!"

"Piper, we're ready!" Phoebe's voice came from upstairs.

"Okay, we'll make it short." Piper gave Leo a quick kiss before joining her sisters. "And you two will give Derek his wanted clothes and the stroller!"

The three men looked awkwardly at each other before Leo did what his wife had wanted while Derek and Chris watched the playing boys.

"So you know my son?" Derek asked casually and looked at the young man. "Do you think we can separate them?"

"Don't worry, Derek. You're a close friend to this family," Chris offered and heard Leo coming back. "Ah, here comes your stuff. Enjoy!" Chris walked away.

Leo and Derek exchanged the stuff and Derek's son immediately shimmered into the stroller, smiling at his Dad. Saying good-bye, Derek left the house with his son. Leo looked after his youngest son who seemed to think about something and he'd let him, so the father took care of his eldest.

WITH THE SISTERS

In the underworld, the three Charmed Ones had quickly found the lair of the manticores where those creatures were already eating another demon again what disgusted the three sisters terribly. The women gasped.

The gasp got the attention of the manticores who turned to them and were about to fight, yet they didn't come far. The moment they stood up, they were hit with the strongest potion the witches had made.

As the explosive spectacle was over, all three witches sighed relieved. Phoebe dusted herself off and spoke to her sisters, "Okay, I'll need to leave now. Jason may fly to Italy before I could solve my dilemma."

"Okay," Piper agreed. "Paige, please back home!" She grabbed her baby sister's hand and all three returned.

AT THE MANOR

When they were back, Phoebe immediately left the house to speak with Jason while Paige decided to phone Richard and just talk with him about their life. Piper, instead, looked for her husband and babies.

"Leo? Wyatt? Chris?" she called out.

"In here," Leo's voice came from the conservatory where she found him with their son. "Hi. How did it go?"

"Very good." She walked over to him. "Where's Chris?"

"I think he needs some alone time. Thinking about the future, Zankou and Wyatt. Though he has us but we're not his known family yet." Leo kissed his wife. "Give him some time."

"Okay," Piper agreed hesitantly. "I don't like it but I'll wait. Let's play with Wyatt." And mother and father entertained their elder son.

AT THE BAY MIRROR

As Phoebe entered the main office, she saw Jason standing there. Shyly and looking absolutely adorable. She smiled at him. "I thought you were already in Italy? Buying the winery?"

"It's still there tomorrow but I thought you'd be gone then, Phoebe," Jason replied shyly. "I know we men don't like to talk about our feelings but I'd like to say them myself."

"I know and I'm sorry. I didn't want to corner you." Phoebe walked closer and into his offered embrace. "So what'd you say?"

"I love you too." And Jason kissed his beloved woman.

MEANWHILE IN THE FUTURE

Wyatt was satisfied as he walked down to his deepest jail where his latest victim was. Oh, he looked forward to torture her if only to satisfy himself or to let his brother know. Reaching his goal, the Twice-Blessed kicked the Phoenix.

"Hello Wyatt," Bianca greeted her 'guest' glaring. "What do you want from me?"

"I take it you know that I know where my dear brother is. In the past, trying to 'save' me from turning evil. Like I need to be saved," Wyatt spat out, smiling.

"Have you maybe looked outside your building? Your demons are ramping around and the normal people, who belong in this world more than we do, are in hiding! You want to explain this to me?" Bianca yelled. Still her opposite stayed calm what she didn't like. "What do you have in mind?"

"You are right, Bianca. I do have something in mind what, unfortunately, doesn't involve you. You're going to lend me your powers though as I know, you're engaged to my baby brother."

"No! Whatever you're planning, I'm not helping you in any way! Never!" Bianca yelled and turned away.

"We'll see, woman. We'll see," Wyatt said and started to leave the jail. He turned around once more. "It'll be over very soon. For you." The leader of the world left the jail and planned his new steps: For himself, Bianca and his baby brother.

[Tim]

10. The Harsh Truth

STILL FUTURE, 2026

One day later, Wyatt walked back to his cells where a lot of people were, yet his 'supposed' sister-in-law was in his hands and would break if he played with her love for his little brother. Yikes, if they just had never met under his eyes. An athame was in his other hand and Wyatt smirked at this thought.

Standing in her cell finally, the woman glared at him. "Hello Wyatt, what do you want today?" Bianca saw the athame. "Kill me only to torture Chris? He'll kill you himself if you do that!"

"I can live with that but not with you anymore close by! You switched sides one too many times and I have enough of this!" Wyatt yelled but then said calmly, "Now Bianca, how do you defend yourself?"

"Well, I've seen the truth. Saw what you did to the city, mere innocents, the world and your family!" She gestured to the other cells around them. "I've been given the truth by Chris and I knew what I had to do! So, this is my defense. Satisfied?"

Wyatt began to pace. "That means you actually believed what my little brother told you, didn't you? Oh, you both are so naïve. I don't need saving! By the way, do you think Chris will feel your pain if I kill you?" Again a smirk.

Bianca paled. "You wouldn't."

Wyatt circled around her and closed while walking their distance. "You really don't know me, Bianca, do you? Zankou's already in the past and he knows what he has to do. If he's clever, he found himself some help."

"Like a Seer?"

"I see you've learned something from my brother. Regardless of what you were, are or will be to me or my baby brother doesn't matter anymore." He was close enough now and without any emotional reaction in his face, he stabbed her in the heart. The woman looked at him shocked. "Good bye, Bianca!"

The Phoenix witch fell to the floor, choking on words but slowly dying. It was over soon.

Wyatt watched the process fascinated. "You've been a nuisance for too long, Bianca," he only said to the body before finally leaving the cell. He wanted to face Chris himself now. If Zankou didn't report him, then he'd go to the past himself! Wyatt would do anything to get his brother back.

MEANWHILE IN 2003

In the conservatory, Chris was pacing in front of his parents who watched him rather amused. His baby big brother only giggled at seeing him pace but that didn't bother Chris. To his luck, Phoebe and Paige were out today – with Jason and Richard but Chris knew, his lucky days were counted.

A sudden pain rushed through his body and he nearly fell if his father hadn't caught him in time. "Chris?" Leo asked concerned and led him to the couch where his wife still was. Kneeling in front of him, Leo asked once more, "Chris, buddy? What's wrong?"

A faint whisper came over Chris' lips. "Bianca," he said crying and led his head to his Mom's shoulder. "I felt her death. Wyatt killed her," he continued.

Piper looked at her husband confused but horrified. On instinct, she caressed her son's hair. "Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry. You really did love her, didn't you?" She kissed him on his head. "I'm so sorry."

Chris sniffed. "Yeah but I fear now that Wyatt might come back to this time as well."

Leo nodded and wiped gently his son's tears away. "I take it he'll come soon. We'll need to be prepared if he comes."

"He might trick the others and tell my Aunties the truth about me."

The Elder smiled at his baby boy. "Then we'll have to be cryptic to them. Don't worry, son." He kissed him on his head. "We'll take care of everything from now on."

"But you don't know him as well as I do."

Little Wyatt orbed to his brother, sensing his distress. "See," Piper offered smiling. "Even he knows you already. Wants to help you. You're not alone, peanut."

Chris swallowed hard, trying to suppress his growing fear and also his grief over his fiancee Bianca. If Wyatt was really coming, he had to fear for the worst. For the moment, he had to rely on his family.

UNDERWORLD, KIRA'S LAIR

Zankou was pacing nervously in the lair. He could feel it in his bones that his Master was on his way. "I didn't do anything Wyatt would have wanted," Zankou said. "I only captured him once and hurt him. Kira, what do I do?"

The Seer looked stunned up. "You asking me? I don't even know him the way you do but I could look into my pool for more information."

"Do please. I'd like to be prepared." Zankou walked over to his woman. "If I do now anything against him or his little brother, he'll kill me and I'd like to stay alive."

"What about your past self and his wish to kill me?" Kira questioned amused yet afraid. She'd chosen a side already if Wyatt would ask.

"Show me first what the sisters do at the moment and then Wyatt. Hurry, because I know my Master." The Seer did her magic and Zankou watched intensely at the images in the pool. Anything he could use to his advantage.

FUTURE MANOR, 2026

Wyatt was standing at the Book of Shadows which still lay on its podium and read the time travel spell over and over again. Knowing he had to write one himself for coming back, he grabbed a piece of paper and a pen and tried his best. Wyatt would never admit it but Chris was better here and the sudden orbs in front of him, he fully ignored.

Leo watched his eldest son curiously and suspiciously. Seeing the spell, the father wondered what was going on. "Wyatt, what are you planning? Does it involve Chris?"

The son didn't bother to look up. "And here I thought you didn't care about him. Never mind, because you were never concerned while we were growing up. Especially after we'd lost Mom. At least, Chris had Grandpa."

"Wyatt!" Leo shouted angrily. Calming himself, he sighed and continued, "I know I made mistakes during your childhood. But now I'm here and let me be!"

Wyatt finally looked up. "Fine. You apologized but to the wrong person. I don't care what you think. But now excuse me, I'm ready."

"For what?"

"Shouldn't interest you. Chris IS my only family left, not yours." The younger man slowly made a fist, cutting off Leo's oxygen before opening it quickly again. "I hope you remember, Leo."

"I do but I hope you remember that I'll keep a close eye on you," Leo threatened in the same tone like his son. "The moment you're back, I'll be as well." He orbed away.

"Pathetic, really pathetic," Wyatt only grumbled. He looked at both spells, one copied from the Book and the other written by himself. Sighing, he looked at the still chalked triquetra on the wall. "Well, then let's get the show on the road!"

Reading the spell, the triquetra flashed blue and Wyatt knew Chris would sense his presence immediately but he could rely on Zankou. His assassin already being there. Now he stepped through the portal.

MANOR, 2003

All of a sudden Chris jumped up, sensing someone familiar in the attic and startling the others around him. "Wyatt," he only offered to them. Quickly he turned to Leo. "Dad, go and get Phoebe and Paige. We're going to need them."

Leo kissed his son on the forehead once more before orbing away. Piper took over and led her shocked son to the attic, knowing there her sons would then become Cain and Abel. She only feared for who would die first.

As mother and son entered, they were greeted with, "See, I was right. You always know where I am." A tall, blond man revealed himself, completely dressed in black.

"Yet the same goes for you as well, Wy," Chris spoke up calmly but heard the shocked gasp coming from his mother. "Besides, I knew you'd come. Sooner or later."

Wyatt just smirked, waiting for something. As an orb was forming, he offered, "I see you called in the cavalry. Well, I hope you don't mind if I call mine, do you?" The three persons reformed. "Ah, a family reunion. Hey Dad, Aunts Phoebe and Paige."

Two jaws dropped. "Wyatt?" Phoebe requested and the stranger nodded. Angrily she turned to her older sister and brother-in-law. "You knew?"

"We guessed," Piper said through clenched teeth. "Where's your cavalry, son?"

"On the way but I think, Phoebe and Paige should know first about Chris as it seems to me, you and Dad already know," Wyatt offered.

"And Grams," Paige cut in, getting an irritated glare from anyone. "What?"

"Anyway," Wyatt continued, turning the attention back to him. "You've won. At first, my cavalry. Zankou!" he shouted.

A shimmer came and revealed a good looking man who bowed. "Mylord, you're early," he said and after a gestured of his Lord he stood up. "Wow, the whole family united. How can I be of service?"

The Lord used his telekinesis and pushed Chris from their mother to his minion. "Hold him. We're going back. Daddy dearest wants to see his son."

"What?" Chris asked bewildered. "And if I refuse?"

"You'd like to share the same destiny like Bianca?" Wyatt questioned, full knowing his little brother would. His brother swallowed hard.

"Wyatt!" Piper said outraged. "Don't you dare! He's your baby brother!" She ignored all other noises around her. "You're not taking him back! He belongs to us."

Laughing the eldest son walked over to his mother, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, mother. You've been quite a help but now it's time for us to leave. You can discuss anything after we're gone." He recited the spell forward, not giving anyone a chance to reply. "Good bye, family!" And the three of them were gone.

Phoebe and Paige turned to Piper and Leo angrily. They wanted answers and wouldn't go until they had them. In all details, though they could see the parents were with their thoughts elsewhere.

FUTURE MANOR, 2026

As the three men emerged from the portal, Wyatt grabbed his little brother by the throat and said very calmly, "You've been quite a nuisance, Chris but you are family. Yet you're trying my patience with your stupid mission to 'save' me. I don't need it!"

"That's what you say," Chris retorted back in the same tone. "You live here in your big castle but have you once looked outside your window? Everyone is in hiding and only your demons run free. How do you explain this?"

"That doesn't matter. What is that I have the power to rule and nowadays I do that. Only you believe in that Good vs. Evil moral crap! That's so antique!"

Zankou watched the fight rather amused, though it was more a battle of well-chosen words. It seemed they had forgotten about him but he wouldn't dare to leave or he was dead meat. However, an orb made him smirk. 'This should be interesting,' he thought.

The brothers were still glaring at each other before a whistle drew the attention to the intruder. "What?" they turned to him.

"You're acting like children, not grown up at all," Leo stated smiling, looking at his sons. "Now what's going on?"

"I thought you knew, almighty Elder," Chris spat out, his anger now directed at his father. "By the way, why do you care all of a sudden about me?"

Seeing how Wyatt waited for his answer, Leo searched for a good one. "You're my son, Chris and I love you. I know I made mistakes when you were little but now I care! Let me help you – with him!" He gestured to Wyatt.

The older boy grabbed his little brother tighter and conjured a knife at Chris' throat. "One step closer, Leo and I'll kill him! Let him be related or not."

"You wouldn't."

"Try me, Dad. You know nothing about us anymore. It's too late for being Daddy dearest." Wyatt brought the knife closer to Chris' throat, drawing blood. "Zankou!"

"Yes, M'lord."

"Kill the Elder! Make it slow and painfully. He should suffer the way we did as children! Clear?"

Zankou swallowed hard. "Are you sure, M'lord? I mean, this sounds a bit … drastic, after such a long time?!"

"Do you question me?"

"Not exactly," Zankou corrected amused. "But I'd say this is a family problem. I'm not getting involved in this."

"Do it or you'll be history yourself!" Wyatt threatened in a low tone, because his brother struggled against his hold. "Do it!"

Leo smirked despite the situation. "What Wyatt? Problems with the lower help?" Both Zankou and Wyatt turned their furious gazes onto him. "What? Did I say anything wrong?"

Wyatt became furious. "This is getting ridiculous," he yelled but then earned a hard hit in his stomach. By his brother. "What the …?"

"Dad now!" Chris yelled as well and ducked quickly out of the way. Elder bolts were flying around but his goal was the Book of Shadows.

Leo helped his son as best as he could. "It's better you'll take the spell with you. All of them. Wyatt has written one himself!" The Elder let his powers loose, to distract the other two. "Hurry!"

"Okay," the younger son whispered as his words and voice choked. Chris hadn't noticed that the cut on his throat had ran deeper as he'd fled from Wyatt. "Dad, help!" He fell onto the Book unconscious, bleeding heavily.

Wyatt cut in quickly, "So Daddy, now you'll have to choose. To fight me and Zankou or rescue Chris? You can't do both. I know you, Leo!"

Leo was, indeed, torn but only for a few minutes. Making a quick and shocking decision for anyone, he blasted Wyatt and Zankou away and ran to Chris. "Spells," he called out. He tore the page out and begged to anyone above, "Come on, help me out here." A light came and Leo recited the spell,
Hear these words, hear the rhyme,
Heed the hope within my mind.
Send me back to where I'll find,
What I wish in place and time.

The triquetra flashed blue and Leo took his son by the arm, leading them to the portal quickly. But Wyatt wouldn't give up so easily and conjured an energy ball which he directed at the flying pair. The blond could only see it hit home but not whom. Taking control over again, he demanded fast, "Zankou, follow! Before the portal closes!"

Looking at the portal, Zankou nodded and hurried after the others. He made it through before it closed for good. Wyatt cursed now openly and let his powers loose but not in the direction of the Book. He'd need some time for himself but knew his father couldn't stay long in the past if he didn't want to destroy Chris' already achieved goals.

PAST MANOR, 2003 – 20 MINUTES EARLIER

"Okay," Phoebe demanded after a several length of time. "How long have you guys known about Chris being your son and our nephew? I admit to have it guessed for some time now but you?"

Leo sighed. "I've known from the beginning. Since he's here as Chris being the name of my father."

"Okay, that's logic," Paige admitted and turned to her eldest sister. "How did you find out? And Grams?"

Piper looked at Leo for help. She offered, "I only know since Excalibur as you said it belonged to a son of a Charmed One but not the son we knew. After this, Leo and Chris came to me and explained all. With Grams, I'd guess she saw myself in him."

"Yeah," Phoebe agreed. "Totally like you. We should have seen it. Talk about blind here."

Paige snorted to agree. "Yep. Stubborn and determined like Mommy. Anyway, does anyone else know already? I think we're the last ones, Pheebs."

"Yeah. Darryl," Leo said. "Chris had wanted it but until now I've never heard from him anymore. I'd like to know what he's thinking about it."

"I'm sure we'll hear from him soon," Paige assured. "Besides, what do we do now?"

Before anyone could answer, there was a flashing sign and two people fell through the portal. Actually, there were three but one was not moving. There was blood everywhere under the body.

"Oh my God!" Piper shrieked shocked. "Chris? Leo, heal him!" She ran over to her baby with Leo hot on her tracks. "Peanut?"

"Wow, I'm seeing double," Phoebe commented and her younger sister nodded.

Future Leo ignored them. "Zankou," he hissed angrily. "Paige, call for the crystals, please!" His sister-in-law did as told and the Elder circled the demon furiously. "What do you have to say for your defense?"

"Shouldn't you be more concerned about your son now, Leo?" Zankou asked curiously.

"I'm sure my past self can manage but I'm more interested in what you're doing here, Zankou?"

"Shouldn't bother you. Anyway, I'd beg to let me leave now as we'll meet soon enough. You agree?"

"Which would be when?" Phoebe wanted to know.

"A year or two." Zankou shrugged. "So can I?"

"Wonderful," Piper commented from aside, yet she only stroked through her son's hair while Leo healed and healed.

"True. Okay, let him go," Future Leo replied and Paige orbed the crystals away, letting Zankou go. The demon bowed and shimmered away. "We should concentrate more on Chris, anyway. Does he heal?"

"Not really and that worries me," Past Leo explained afraid. "I don't know what's wrong." Then his face lit up. "Wyatt!"

Blue orbs appeared by Leo's side and the little boy held his hands out to heal. It was getting better and the throat healed. Father and son worked now on the side and back where the energy ball had hit.

"He'd rescued me from Wyatt's energy ball. I didn't notice at first," Future Leo said sadly and looked at his youngest son. "I'll have to make up for a lot."

The younger sisters remained silent and just listened to the story. Some tears were rolling down their cheeks.

"So what's going on here? What has changed already?" Future Leo wanted to know.

"Well, you're an Elder but still stay close to us. We all know about Chris now, Grams and Darryl included. Excalibur belongs to Chris instead of Wyatt," Piper explained and caressed Chris' cheek now.

"And we both suspect Odin, Sigmund and Gideon to be the ones after Wyatt. Turning him," Leo continued.

"Whoa, hold it," Future Leo protested. "Excalibur is for Chris?" All nodded. "That will change a lot. And the thing with Gideon I can confirm."

Coughing drew the attention to the waking man. "Hi guys," Chris said. Looking around, his green eyes grew wide. "Wow, double take!" Then he became sheepish and looked at his future Dad. "I wanted to thank you for saving me out of Wyatt's cells once. Just never realized it was you. Sorry."

Future Leo smiled. "It's okay. At least now you know and you're welcome. I love you, son."

"I love you too … Dads," Chris said blushing and both Leos smiled at him.

"How long can you stay?" Piper asked curiously.

"Long enough to give you more information about Gideon & Co.," Future Leo replied and the whole family created a circle while telling them everything he knew.

---

A/N: Spell again from the show.

[Tim]

11. Love, Hippies & Shocks

AN IMPOSSIBLE PHOTO?

Three long days Future Leo had told his family everything he knew about Gideon, his plot for Wyatt, Chris' birth and gave them a stern warning for Zankou who'd kick their asses in about two years time. Then he'd returned to his own time, facing his eldest son once again, yet seeing how Chris didn't react to him and had hidden behind his Mom, had Future Leo made sad and happy at the same time. Quickly he'd then left his past home and had gone to the future.

Piper and Leo had tried to console their baby boy who was crying his heart out. The parents had just silently supported him before one day later little Wyatt had decided to make his brother smile again. So he'd created some orbs what had made Chris hug the little tyke like there's no tomorrow. Piper and Leo had been glad that their boys knew each other well enough.

Again a day later, the doorbell rang and insisted ringing. Phoebe turned around to look at the happy family and answered the door. "Darryl?" she asked shocked. "What brings you here?"

"Well, I don't know if you know him already," the Lieutenant offered smiling.

Paige came up behind her older sister. "Oh Darryl, hi," she greeted him. "I've heard it and yes, we do. Chris is our second nephew."

"How did you …?" he asked stunned.

"Long story." Paige rolled her eyes. "Piper knows too. Anyway, what brings you here today?"

"An odd photo. What I'd rather discuss inside to begin with. It's about Chris, because I'd seen him before."

"Huh?" the younger Charmed Ones intoned at once.

Darryl sighed. "Can I come in? I'll explain everything inside as knowing you to be curious." Phoebe blushed and opened the door more, to let him in. "Thank you," he said, walking in and going instantly to the little family. "Hey guys!"

"Darryl?" Leo asked shocked. "What a surprise to see you again, my friend! What are you doing here? Not that I mind."

The Lieutenant smirked. "You see as I told Sheila about Chris, what I shouldn't have done, I know, and described him, her first reaction was 'Piper' before suddenly standing up and looking through our photo albums."

"What was she looking for?" Piper wanted to know. She could see how her younger sisters listened intensely to the story, curious as always, especially Phoebe. The oldest sister smirked.

"She looked for an old photo album of my Dad. Got it from him after he'd died. Anyway, she gave me two interesting photos which shows my Dad in the Hippie era with his best friend. Looking exactly like you, Chris."

"What?" Chris asked shocked, looking up at Darryl for the first time. "You're kidding me, right? That's not possible!"

"Son, you do know we all have past lives, don't you? Why not you as well?" Leo questioned his baby boy. "You're a witch."

"But this sounds crazy!" the son protested harshly, startling his brother but shushing him immediately. "Okay, let's say it's true. What was my name back then?"

"Hmm," Darryl thought aloud. "I think his name was Christian Johns. My Dad was his best friend, along with another one who I didn't get the name of. They were a troublesome trio from what I heard." He grinned at Chris. "By the way, he was very secretive."

Paige and Phoebe had to hide their laughter while the mother offered snorting, "So nothing has changed then."

"Mom!" came Chris' protest immediately. "Anyway, how do we find out how my life was before, who I met and all?"

Phoebe spoke now. "We could use the Past Life spell I've been through before."

"And summon Mom for help," Paige added. "She'd recognize him if she'd seen him before, right? Would Grams follow?"

"Probably," Leo replied. "I'm sure she's on tenter-hooks 'Up There' and gets on the Elders' nerves. To get back down here!"

"And that makes me so special," Chris blurted out, standing up with Wyatt. "Okay, then let's face the music!" He walked with his brother to the attic.

The sisters, Leo and Darryl followed. The latter just couldn't contain his curiosity about this event. After all, he was part of it. In a way.

A FRIEND TO REMEMBER?

As the family and their friend entered, Chris was already going through the Book with his telekinesis, looking for the spell. His brother having seated on the couch with a toy in his hands for his fun while they were occupied with this. "So, who calls Grandma?" he asked.

"You don't want to do it, do you?" Piper requested and her son nodded. "Okay then. If Grams comes along, …"

"I'll be fine, Mom. She'd be happy to see me again after such a long time. Go ahead and summon her! Them." He grinned at them before going through the Book again. Past life spell.

Piper looked still a bit fascinated at her baby before Phoebe gently dragged her away while Paige had called on the candles and lit them already.

"Who wants?" the youngest sister asked smiling.

Phoebe sighed. "Let's see who comes first," she offered and then recited the spell, known by heart,
Hear these words, hear my cry,
Spirit from the other side.
Come to me, I summon thee,
Cross now the great divide.

Swirling lights came and revealed a very happy Penny. "About time you've summoned me again," she said and immediately walked over to hug Chris, "And you, my darling?"

Before the boy could answer but smiling, his mother cut in, "Actually, Grams, we were aiming for Mom if you don't mind us. Darryl came with an interesting picture which would go more to Mom's time, you see."

"Can I have a look at it, please?" Grams asked, still hugging her great-grandson. Darryl gave it over and Penny gasped. "Oh my God! That's not possible." Without thinking she called her daughter.

The swirling form of Patty materialized and looked bewildered at her family but her eyes stopped on the young man in her mother's hug. Slowly she walked closer to them and touched the boy, asking, "Christian? Christian Johns?"

Chris looked at her confused. "Grandma, your grandson I am, not him. A past life maybe. Though my name's Chris but short for Chris..."

"...topher, after my father," Leo finished for his son smiling. His mother-in-law looked still troubled. "Patty?"

"This is weird," Patty commented and hugged her grandson lovingly before doing the same with her daughters.

"My saying," Chris said, rolling his eyes. "What do we do now? I'd rather be not a hippie. This is just so … unhygienic. Ugh!" He shivered, making all laugh.

"But you enjoyed it. Along with Darryl's and Andy's Dad, being rookies of the SFPD," Patty explained still laughing.

Chris looked at his Grandma rather disgusted but said nothing. He shivered still but snuggled deeper into Penny's chest.

Phoebe cut in. "Well, you could experience it like I did. See what you'd been and had done. If you knew us before."

"Oh, he did," Penny explained and looked at anyone. "We let Victor take a photo of him and I added him to the family tree. Secretly and not seen. The photo I hid very well and let's face it: Male witches were not known yet … until today."

"Wait a second," Darryl cut in shocked and stunned. "You are saying, Christian knew my Dad and Andy's and all three were rookies at SFPD?" Patty and Penny nodded. "I agree, that is crazy. Anyway, all I know is that he died in a shooting."

Patty looked sad all of a sudden. "Yeah, we heard it as well and did some research. Christian was killed by demons who posed as criminals. He had a power but it wasn't enough."

The three sisters and Leo listened carefully but were shocked to hear, this Christian had been part of their family. Still, curiosity was in human's nature.

This went for Chris as well. After hearing all this, he really wanted to get to know his past life. It sounded so interesting and if he knew his family back then, well. He grinned like a Cheshire cat.

"So buddy," Leo started, seeing his son's face. "What have you decided? Go for it or ignore it?"

"We'll go for it," the son said, still grinning but then his face turned serious. "What about Zankou? We shouldn't forget about him."

"Peanut," Piper cut in smiling. "We'll deal with him if he comes. You concentrate on your thing." She grinned at her playing baby. "Besides, we have Wyatt and his forcefield."

"Thank you. Just rub this fact under my nose!"

"Oh oh. Someone's got an inferiority complex," Paige teased her nephew who just hmphed in reply. "You ready? We've found the other spell for you."

Chris orbed from his seat, copied the spell quickly and orbed back, making himself comfortable between his father and great-grandmother. Clearing his throat, he began to recite the spell,
Remove the chains of time and space
And make my spirit soar.
Let this mortal arms embrace
The life that haunts before.
Chris' eyes closed and his head landed on Penny's chest while his soul traveled back in time.

Leo was afraid but hoped to not show it. The others were also anxious, especially Piper. Penny and Patty exchanged a look which didn't go unnoticed by Leo but he'd ask later. Suddenly Wyatt orbed into his family's midst, startling them but raised his forcefield. All eyes turned toward a flame.

"Zankou," Piper said only. And the demon smiled.

MEANWHILE IN THE PAST, 1969

As Chris opened his eyes again, he was confronted with loud music. Obviously he was in a musical with his two friends, Luther and Jeffrey, both being the Dads of Darryl and Andy. Looking around, he tried to find out what musical they were in. It sounded like 'Hair'. Great, hippie in pure culture!

"Hey Christian, you okay?" Luther asked concerned, looking at him directly. "You look troubled. Just tell me, you enjoy it." He twinkled his eye.

"I do. It's really cool," he confirmed grinning. "What are we up to after it?"

"Up to you, my friend," Jeffrey spoke quietly and continued in the same tone. "Beers, ladies, free love and all. We're only young once."

Chris groaned at the picture and then, out of nowhere, something came flying towards them and on pure instinct, he held out his hands out, freezing it. Standing up and looking around, Chris quickly took and hid it. "Way too close," he muttered and sank back into his chair.

Unseen by him, a woman had observed him. She intended to ask the young man after the show. If she could catch him, because he looked a lot like her dead father. If the boy were a witch and maybe related to her family, he should be warned ahead of demons. Making up her mind, she'd invite him to the Manor. Victor could be helpful in that case.

BACK IN THE FUTURE, JAN 2004

"What do you want?" Leo demanded furiously, standing up to protect his family. "Why are you here, Zankou?"

"Well, I see, future you has gone back to his future but you know, I like Chris and his family," Zankou offered pacing and then noticed the boy was sleeping. "What's going on?"

"Not your business," Piper cut in, equally furious but saw him smirking. That gave her an idea. "By the way, where do you get your information from?"

"Not your damn business," Zankou retorted but his eyes rested on the sleeping boy shortly and then only said, "We'll meet again. Some day." He flamed out.

The other side sighed relieved. Penny declared finally, "Well, when Chris is back, we should grill the boy about what he knows in general about all this."

"In that case, Leo and I can help," Piper said. "Chris had told us anything about Zankou but the rest, you'll have to ask your great-grandson."

"Okay then, explain," the matriarch demanded while stroking over Chris' head lovingly.

Nodding at each other briefly, Piper and Leo told their family what their son had offered from the future. The knowledge was shared but the horror made them gasp from time to time. In worry and grief, they all looked at their youngest member who was in another world at the moment.

BACK IN THE PAST, 1969

Walking out of the musical, the three rookies of the SFPD were laughing with a bottle of beer in their hands. It was a cool night and this trio was known to be troublesome. Now they were joking with each other as a young couple stopped them.

"Excuse me, can we help you?" Jeffrey asked politely.

"Yeah, well," Patty stuttered nervously. "I'd like to speak with the brunette of your trio. We have something in common, you know."

Victor helped his wife out. "It's better you both speak alone! I'll entertain the other two meanwhile."

"Right," Patty agreed and grabbed Christian out of their midst. She directed him to an alley close by and said, "I saw what you did in there! Who are you?"

Christian looked bewildered at her. "You did?" The woman nodded. "Anyway, my name's Christian Johns and I really don't know where this comes from."

"Maybe I can help," the woman explained. "My name's Patty Halliwell and I'm a witch. What, I think, you are as well. Johns sounds similar to my Mom's birth name: Johnson. Have you ever heard of the name Gordon Johnson?"

"The name was mentioned but I can't remember how, when and who. Sorry." Christian looked at the woman who resembled him. A bit. "You think we are related?"

"Far related." She touched him slowly. "You should visit us one day if you found time in your schedule. You could be in danger."

"Okay."

The duo walked back to the other three who talked very heatedly but friendly. Patty grabbed her husband and smiled at Christian who joined his friends again. Together they walked back to their station while the couple walked back to the Manor.

SHORT CUT TO THE PRESENT

"Should we be worried?" Phoebe asked after a longer while of silence. "I mean I always returned after some time."

"Maybe he has to experience his whole past life. To understand this life better," Leo explained in Elder wisdom but more concerned than ever. "Still. Patty and Penny, do you know something we don't?"

Patty looked away and her mother laid a hand on her shoulder. Knowing what they asked for. Penny offered, "He was killed at a very young age. At 23, we think. Just after he'd become an officer. Or a year or two later."

Piper gasped shocked. "Are you saying that my baby will die at the same age? No, no, this can't be true." Leo had to help and support his wife now but said nothing to this revelation.

The rest of the clan and Darryl were shocked too but also remained silent. They were damned to wait until Chris would return to the present, his past. Oh great. Headache.

IN THE PAST, 1969

Only two weeks later, after this strange meeting, Christian found the time to honor the request. In awe he watched the huge, large red Victorian Manor and without his notice, he walked toward it. Ringing the bell, Christian was met with Patty and smiled. "Hi. You wanted me to come?"

"Yeah, come on in." She opened the door fully and let the young man in. "Christian Johns. My mother Penny and my husband you'd already met, Victor Bennett. You okay?"

He could only nod. "So, what do you want to share with me?"

Patty shared a look with her mother and both women sat down on either side of him. Then the younger woman gave Victor a signal to secretly take a photo of all of them. In tandem with Penny who was not happy but helped with the explanation.

Irritated Christian stood up. "You're kidding me, right? I'm a witch? And demons exist?" The women nodded and as if to prove this point, they shimmered in. "What the …?"

The Halliwell women reacted immediately and vanquished the demons with telekinesis, little weird bottles and freezing. The demons exploded but one survived and quickly shimmered away. Hearing the door, Patty and Penny only saw a fleeing figure. Both women looked afraid at each other but they were helpless now. They feared for the worst.

Running as fast as his legs could carry him, Christian was on his way to his best friend. Knocking at Luther's door, he just wanted to speak his mind and in this, he trusted Luther more. That thing was … way too much, even for him and he was horrified.

"Christian, what brings you here? Are you okay?" Luther questioned worried. "Come on in at first."

The young man walked in. "Thanks. I need to tell you something but it should be our secret only! Do you promise?"

Luther nodded but saw his wife and son. "Honey, could you make us some coffee? We'll take care of Darryl meanwhile."

"Sure," she agreed and put the little boy in the young man's lap. Grinning she took a photo quickly and made the wanted coffee. After 20 minutes she returned with two large cups and took her baby again. "Have fun!" She left them alone.

"Okay Christian, tell me what's happened and why are you so upset? That is a rare sight of you," Luther stated drinking.

"Funny. Anyway, do you remember the woman I met?" Christian asked and his friend nodded. "She's just told me I'm a witch with powers. Her name's Patty Halliwell, born from a witch's family. Ah, and I'm a far relative of them."

Luther said nothing at first. "I always thought you were … different but not this special but I promise, your secret is safe with me. As long as I live. No one will ever find out. I promise."

"Thank you." Christian smirked at his friend. "Soon we could hunt our old gang. They'll be thrilled." He laughed and his friend soon joined him. It was a wonderful night and then something weird happened. He was switching.

IN THE PRESENT, JAN 2004

All of a sudden, Chris' body began to toss and to sweat, startling his family. His great-grandmother held him close and feared for the worst. His youngest aunt orbed for water and towel and gave it to the boy's mother who switched places with her husband and treated her baby.

"What's going on?" Phoebe asked, worried to no end and all emotions were killing her slowly but they were ignored by her. "Why is he tossing?"

"As Leo said," Patty started. "He's going through all stages in this past life. Though it's short but now we may reach the end." She started to cry and touched lovingly her younger grandson. "I can't believe it's happening again."

"We'll save him, Mom. Here and in the future," Paige assured and her older sisters confirmed nodding.

Anxiously the whole clan watched at their tossing youngest member, fearing the worst.

STILL PAST – FIVE YEARS LATER

In 1974, Christian was a cop and had arrested a lot of bad people. His two friends, Luther and Jeffrey, were also cops but all three had gotten different partners after their graduation. Nowadays the three friends saw each other rarely.

With his new partner Christian was running to a crime scene. Weird enough they got separated what made him suspicious and took out his gun. "Who's there?"

"Just old friends," a voice said, playing with a fireball. He smirked at seeing their target didn't know how to react to the threat. So the demons had an easy play and killed the young man – with no regret!

Only seconds later, his partner came and found only a body. Calling for help, he already knew it was useless. Christian Johns' friends came and all were crying. Luther Morris and Jeffrey Trudeau grieved but they had to move on after some time.

BACK IN THE PRESENT, 2004

Chris awoke and jerked up, startling all. He stumbled through the people and felt hurt, bleeding and bruised. Looking around his eyes landed on Patty and Penny. "You are here. Are we ghosts?"

"Christian?" Patty requested afraid. He nodded. "It's okay. You're safe here but you're in the wrong body. You are the past life of my future grandson."

"Right." He looked shyly at her. "Can I go to my peace then?"

"Sure," Piper said lovingly. "We'll help you, so don't be afraid. We're part of your family and you can trust us." The boy nodded slowly. "Thank you. I'll recite the spell then:
Help my son be himself again,
Christian's life was not in vain.
Yet my son is in his past,
Let Chris return to his own task.

The soul left Chris' body and the boy fell to the floor, exhausted. Leo ran to his son quickly and healed the boy. Gently he helped his youngest son up and asked, "Are you okay, buddy? Have you learned anything?" He kissed him on his temples.

"Thanks Dad," Chris replied and hugged his father lovingly. "Anyway, it was interesting to be a cop." He grinned at Darryl. "You were cute as a toddler."

Darryl smacked him on his head. "Very funny. Good for you this trip was helpful! To make fun of me. Anyway, my Dad helped you and he never mentioned you, because this photo is the only proof I have."

"Yeah, my early death saved me. And I'm afraid now." Leo and Piper quickly hugged him and Wyatt did the same.

Patty and Penny smiled and slowly vanished back to the afterlife. Phoebe, Paige and Darryl just talked then about all what Chris had gone through in his past. The hippie era was all new to them, except Leo who only now offered this little detail.

This caused some laughter and also irritation but Leo quickly turned all back to Chris who was not happy about this. Still, this day was good and had a calming effect. Soon, Piper's birthday came and Chris planned something special.

---

A/N: First two spells from the show, other one is mine.

[Tim]

12. Demonic Cult & A Mr Right?

UNDERWORLD

Zankou had been kicked out of Kira's lair for the moment what would give him some time to look for his past self. Fuck Wyatt and his stupid order! If he'd had the power, he'd free his past self and change the future to his advantage. Chris was right! Zankou smirked. Kira had said to also have other clients and so she'd need some spare time now. For her normal work – what gave him exactly also time to go after his own agenda from now on.

Walking around now and looking for his own cell, the demon came across a lair where a demonic cult was chanting and obviously waiting for something. An image appeared and showed little Wyatt who they thought to be their reborn leader. Zankou smiled. What an opportunity for him.

The Dark Priest enchanted to his followers, showing them the image, "He led us long ago, and once He returns, He will lead us again. And He will reward you for your long trusted faith."

His acolytes confirmed, "Denando y sentio."

Their leader continued, "Help us cleanse Him of the poison that corrupted Him. Turn Him so that may lower his guard, so that we may return Him to the fold, to His destiny."

The closest acolyte tried to touch the model but was vanquished instantly. Which did happen to others as well what caused the Dark Priest to get angry.

"He's very hard to turn," came a voice from the side. All turned to the source. "Maybe I could be of service with this case if you don't mind."

"Who are you?" the Dark Priest asked curiously.

"Well, since I know your destiny already, it doesn't matter. I'm Zankou but the one from the future. What I'm doing back here shouldn't interest you," Zankou explained smiling. He gestured to the image, "I know the family well enough."

"If I believe you, how would you help us?" the Dark Priest asked suspiciously. He wasn't sure yet if he should really believe this man.

Zankou walked over and patted the Dark Priest on his back. "Let's talk and you'll see." Both men walked around the cave and talked long over their plan. It'd surprise their enemies and Zankou was known for this. The Order would be a great help.

MANOR

Each family member was working very hard on the surprise party for Piper. Her younger sisters, Phoebe and Paige, had consulted their friends for help which Darryl, Sheila and Victor, their father had agreed to quickly. Leo was on his own hunt and his sons had also their own plans and were locked in the attic. For whatever reason. Only an explosion gave away that someone was there.

"Boy, what are they doing?" Victor questioned, looking up. "I hope nothing bad."

"Don't worry, Dad. You're talking about your grandsons here," Phoebe explained smiling. Her baby sister didn't know how to react to her father, yet he didn't notice.

Victor nodded, smiled at Paige and then turned to Darryl. "It's really true that this Chris and Christian Johns are the same person? That's weird." He got a headache just by thinking about it.

"Yeah, I was also surprised," Darryl confirmed laughing. "We should concentrate on our task here. I bet Piper will be thrilled." He felt a calming hand on his back and smiled at Sheila.

"Right." Victor sighed. "Where are Piper and Leo?"

"Leo's looking for something special," Paige replied and looked at all. "Piper's still sleeping but after this explosion she might wake up and would like to find out what's going on."

"Well, then we should hurry!" Phoebe concluded and hurried the others to work harder and quicker. All in all, they just made it in time as then footsteps could be heard. "Uh oh."

Piper was walking down the stairs and was very happy on her birthday. Seeing her whole family made her always happy. "Hey Dad," she greeted her father hugging. "How come you're here? Not that I mind, you know."

Victor smiled and hugged his daughter. "Well, I've had some ghostly pushes to come here. Anyway, what brings you here?"

"The great explosion coming from the attic. So where are my men?"

"Your young ones are above, causing the explosion but where Leo is, no idea," Paige said, hugging her oldest sister. "Happy birthday, Piper! May all your wishes come true. Though some already have." She indicated to the ceiling. "You look forward to be pregnant again, aren't you?" She twinkled her eye.

Piper was about to slap her playfully but right at that moment anyone wanted to hug her and wish her all the best. It was getting on her nerves, making her wish the birthday would be already over.

"I know but you have to get through this," Phoebe said all knowingly. "But now it's time to celebrate! Take a seat and just enjoy." She looked up at the ceiling. "Leo! Wyatt! Chris! We want to eat!"

All took their seats as three orbs were forming. One was directed to Piper's lap and the other two formed at either side of her, kissing the woman on her cheeks, startling the others.

"Whoa," Piper said surprised. "What are you guys up to? Hmm"

"Nothing," Leo and Chris chorused and then sat down, with Chris taking Wyatt into his lap. Leo spoke for his sons, "You'll just enjoy your day and then you'll see."

"That's right," Chris confirmed. "Wy and I created a surprise party for you in the attic. But only if you and Dad go together in. Otherwise it won't work." He twinkled his eye and then began to feed his brother as if nothing had happened.

Piper was about to ask what he meant but a hand on her arm stopped her. It was Leo's who shook his head, saying to stay quiet for the time being. The others only giggled at the family's banter. That was normal and the one thing Piper always longed for.

UNDERWORLD

The talk between the Dark Priest and Zankou was heavy and heated as neither wanted to give their point of view up. However, the demon could point out with knowing the family best but the Priest still had doubts, yet deep inside he knew to trust the demon.

"So how do we step in?" the Dark Priest wanted to know. "We've been observing them for a long time now and we know all people who regularly come to their home."

"I see you already covered all up," Zankou admitted, patting the Priest's back. "You should know Wyatt does trust Chris mostly and we'll attack them when they'll go separate ways in the evening. Now they celebrate Piper's birthday. Yikes!"

"How do you know all that?" the Priest wondered stunned. "We've never come this far."

"Well, I'd done some research before I came here. You know I'm from the future." The Dark Priest gasped and turned shocked at his 'guest'. "Don't worry, I work on my own and you're a step on my way back to the top. Anyway, you guys can glamor?"

"They can. What's in your mind if I can ask?"

"You can, my friend. As I said, Wyatt trusts Chris mostly, so one of you could go as Chris while I'll distract the real one. The rest of the clan shouldn't bother you if you send your fellows after them. You get the picture?"

The Dark Priest nodded and walked back to his acolytes and explained them their new plan. Zankou watched satisfied that the changed plan was carried out and the Halliwells wouldn't know what hit them. Except Chris, maybe. After this little adventure he'd look for his past self and free himself. Carry out his own plan.

BACK AT THE MANOR

As they were eating, Victor couldn't take his eyes off of his new grandson who looked exactly like the stranger he met years ago. Yet secretly looking at the boy, he saw an exact copy of his second daughter with Leo's eyes.

"Grandpa, is there something on my face or why do you stare at me all the time?" Chris asked annoyed but smiled still at him.

"Oh sorry," Victor replied blushing. "I didn't mean to but you look exactly …"

"Yeah, we know. It's cleared already. Christian Johns is my past life what Grams and Great-Grams had clarified. So?"

Victor smirked. "Smart ass. What I had in mind was that you look like your Mom and do many things like her. An exact copy."

Chris rolled his eyes. "I've been told. Hey Grandpa!"

"Hmm."

"In some time I'd like to come to you. Only to speak with you about some things, you know," Chris said, blushing a bit. There were some secrets he'd only share with his Gramps.

"Sure, son. Anytime you want to," Victor agreed smiling and smiled even more as his grandson turned away shyly. He was so much like his mother. Victor was looking forward to his birth and baby self.

The rest of the clan with their friends had stayed quiet during their talk, full knowing how much this must mean for Chris though they didn't know the full extent of it.

Unfortunately, the time had gone by so fast and it was slowly getting dark outside. Anyone hugged good bye and the Morrises walked along with Victor for a while before going separated ways. At the Manor, all looked at Chris as if he knew what to do next and he was in charge. Still.

Chris hesitated for a moment but then grinned at his family. "Well, Mom and Dad, you both go to the attic. Now! Vianmos!!" Piper and Leo grinned but obeyed and walked up the stairs. Then he turned to his aunts who had to hide their laughter. "You two, clean up this mess! I'll take care of Wyatt meanwhile." Phoebe and Paige were about to protest but their nephew stopped them, "Eheh. No arguments!" He grabbed his brother and walked to his nursery, ignoring his aunts.

The younger sisters scowled but knew they'd obey their nephew, no matter what. After such a beautiful day, especially with it being Piper's birthday, Phoebe was happy for once for her older sister and brother-in-law – with their boys, though she wanted to know what surprise was waiting for them.

"What are you thinking about?" Paige asked, waving her hand in front of Phoebe's face. "Huhu, Phoebe!"

"What? Oh sorry," the older sister apologized. "I just wonder what Chris has planned for his parents. If we'll get to see that surprise as well." She grabbed some plates and walked to the kitchen.

Paige had seen Phoebe's sad face and grabbed some cups and plates as well and followed her. "I'm sure we will," she assured smiling. "Besides, what a day without demons. They haven't attacked yet, have they? This is a day when something like this is about to happen, you know."

Phoebe laughed at her baby sister's humor. She was right, in a way, yet this could still happen if no one bothered to look after those. For now, she hoped they wouldn't attack. The middle sister sighed.

ATTIC

As Piper slowly opened the door, she found nothing unusual. "Alright, all looks normal in my eyes. I don't see anything unusual here. Do you?" She turned to her husband hopefully.

"Well," Leo smiled at her. "Remember, our baby boy said it only works if we two are together in the attic. Though now I wonder what our boys have planned for you, us."

"Me too," Piper agreed and then heard how Leo closed the door and a sudden bright light engulfed the room. "What the …," the woman started but as she opened her eyes, Piper gasped.

Leo nearly did the same but found his voice first. "Prue? I mean, how is that possible? Not that I mind," the man half stuttered through the questions. 'How the hell had Chris pulled this off?' he thought but now he was only shocked.

Prue laughed and gestured to the table with candles and meals. "Sit down and just enjoy." The shocked couple did as told. "I am your boys' birthday present, Piper. Chris knows very well how much you miss me, so the thought to summon me would be pleased. Now smile." Piper's lips formed a smile. "I take it you wanna hear the whole story, right?"

The couple could only nod while eating their meal as they listened to Prue's story. She'd told them how their son had argued with the Elders to let her come down and had had also Patty and Penny on his side what had shocked even Prue. In the end they had won and the Elders had agreed to let her down for 48 hours. Then Prue had continued grinning how Chris had told her briefly how close they were in the future because of having similar powers.

Piper smiled happily at her older sister, for once glad to have her back and even if only briefly, yet as she was about to ask who had cooked this fantastic meal, she noticed how her husband seemed to be in pain. "Leo? What's wrong?" she asked concerned.

"The boys," the man could only whisper.

"What's with them?" Prue wanted to know as her sister had lost her voice for the moment.

"Chris is hurt and Wyatt's crying in my head. And he's not here anymore. I just hear him," Leo offered pained.

Piper gasped, so Prue took over. "Alright. Let's find them, shall we?" The parents nodded and slowly stood up. "Leo? Where are they?"

"Wyatt's nursery."

Prue grabbed Piper's and Leo's hands and opened the door with her telekinesis via eyes. On the way to the nursery, she met also Phoebe and Paige who looked at her baffled. With a firm tone, the oldest sister told them to follow her what they did. What the four girls and Leo saw made them silent for a moment before taking action.

WYATT'S NURSERY – TEN MINUTES EARLIER

Wyatt's head was laying on Chris' shoulder and his face showed a smile. Having had his whole family today here had given the little boy a happiness and now he was getting tired. He yawned more and more.

Chris patted his brother's back smiling while walking to his crib. "Tired, big brother?" he teased. "But no, you're going to bed." He lay the boy down and pulled up the cover. Chris kissed his finger and lay it on Wyatt's lips. "Good night, Wy. Sleep well."

Neither boy was aware of how close danger was as the Order and Zankou were waiting in the shadows. One of the acolytes changed silently into Chris as well and when the real Chris left the room, switching off the light for the night.

The other Chris stepped out and took the sleeping boy out of his crib, holding him out to the Dark Priest who held the scepter to the closed eyes. Still, the boy's morality was changed but then the baby started to cry, startling them. Quickly the group shimmered off.

Outside, Chris was still in a good mood as he was, all of a sudden, stabbed in the back with an athame, poised with darklighter poison. Looking up he saw, "Zankou? What's going on?"

"See, the Order came across my way and we worked together. Then a stranger helped me with the athame, you see and now I'll get the pleasure to see you die," Zankou offered smirking.

"I take it you didn't see this stranger well enough," Chris spat out. Deep inside he knew he was dying. Great, just great. His parents would kill him again if he'd turn into a ghost.

"As if I tell you, boy," Zankou smirked and knelt down. "And now we'll wait for your family, buddy while I remember this strange meeting."

FLASHBACK

Zankou and the Dark Priest had come to their final attack as the future demon noticed a shadow in a dark corner. How funny as it cliched for demons. "Excuse me for a moment, Priest. I'll be back soon."

The Dark Priest looked irritated but then nodded. So Zankou walked over to the shadow and was greeted with, "I see you've noticed me. I'm impressed, demon."

"Why are you here and who are you? Why did you call me over?" Zankou asked quickly and the stranger rolled his eyes.

"Who I am doesn't matter at the moment. Just know I'm here to help you." He produced an arrow, from a darklighter. "Push your athame in that poison and it'll be helpful for your fight."

Zankou did as told. "Thanks. By the way, will we meet again, maybe?"

"Maybe. If you could be useful for me. In the future. I think you're called." Zankou turned away and the stranger vanished. Silently in purple orbs.

The demon turned back and found nothing. He shrugged and walked back to the Order. Only minutes later, Zankou and the Order shimmered off to their task.

END OF FLASHBACK

"You see I've gotten great help," Zankou continued and then listened closely. "I think I can hear running feet. Your family comes and their babies are lost! Life's wonderful, isn't it?"

"Funny if you say that. It sounds so …" Chris coughed more and more. The young man was getting weaker – with any minute passing by. "You are a hypocrite, aren't you?"

Zankou was about to slap the boy just as the four sisters and Leo arrived on the second floor. "Oops," he said grinning. "And see you." He shimmered away.

"Leo, heal!" Piper demanded afraid, kneeling down and taking her baby in her lap. She caressed him, like any loving mother would. "Leo."

"Turn him around. The wound's on his back." Both parents did it slowly and Leo spoke to the other three while healing his baby boy, "You three go to the attic and scry for Wyatt! We'll follow then fast!"

"Okay," Prue agreed and grabbed her two younger sisters' hands, dragging them away. They needed a distraction and looking for Wyatt would definitely help.

It took five long minutes of Leo to heal before Chris began to stir ever so slowly. Noticing where he was, the young man smiled at his mother. "Hey," he greeted her sleepily. "What did I miss?"

Piper, however, was only half amused and slapped her baby playfully on his chest. "Just don't scare me like that again. Ever! Besides, we'll still have to rescue Wyatt."

"With my help," Chris quickly put in. "Don't argue, Mom! Wyatt's been tricked with me by Zankou. With me we'll win, I'm sure."

Before Piper could protest, Leo helped his son. "He's right. I felt Wyatt's confusion but maybe he's turned evil already at the moment."

"Fine," she agreed with crossed arms over her chest while her men rolled their eyes at her action.

"Piper! Leo, Chris? Guys, we've found Wyatt in the underworld and could use some fire power," came Phoebe's voice from the attic.

All three stood up and walked to the stairs but Piper grabbed her son, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks for that birthday present, peanut! We'll talk later and now we join your aunts."

Chris blushed a bit and ran to the attic, followed by his parents. Hand in hand. There they were given and loaded with potions what caused some sighing and irritated looks. All in all, each person with an orbing power grabbed one or two without any to orb the whole group to the underworld.

UNDERWORLD, ORDER'S LAIR

The Dark Priest, holding Wyatt in his arms, chanted, "Nihil curo de ista tua sulta …" He didn't want to know where his partner had gone as it'd been clear from the start: Zankou was a sole worker.

His acolytes continued, "Radix lecti …"

The Dark Priest now continued his chant, "Behold, He has returned to us, to His rightful place, to one day lead us to …" He was cut off by several explosions, coming from the intruders.

Quickly he ran with the boy to an altar but he was protected by a forcefield. "See, he protects me now, not you." He held the scepter firmly in his hand.

"We'll see if we can reverse this," Chris quickly countered, giving his family a signal to let him do it. They nodded but vanquished the rest of the acolytes.

"Right," the young man continued. "First of all: Scepter!" The object left the Priest's hand and Chris quickly used it in reverse. "See." He grinned like a Cheshire cat.

"Iss," Wyatt said happily and orbed to his brother. Putting his arms around Chris' neck, he activated his forcefield again, now to protect the Good. "Iss."

"I know I've missed you too, Wy." The young man kissed the little boy on his forehead. "Mom, would you?" He gestured to the shocked Dark Priest.

"With pleasure," Piper said angrily and flicked her wrists. The Dark Priest exploded and was vanquished, making the eldest sister satisfied. "What now?"

"Home," came the chorus from all. Piper smiled.

The whole family were orbed and orbed back to the place called home.

BACK AT THE MANOR

As they reformed, Prue was hugged by her younger sisters. Paige not knowing her at all and Phoebe, well. She was Phoebe. "Oh Prue. I'm so happy you're here. Even if it's short. How come?"

"You'll have to thank our nephew for that," Prue offered smiling at the boy. "Yet I think he'll be the ban of my afterlife. In the future." She twinkled her eye at him.

Chris blushed and was hugged by Phoebe now. "Well, I won't say anything to you, because you'll have to find out on your own. Besides, the only thing I can offer you is you'll be around more." He returned the gesture.

"Haven't I told you that I hate cryptic talk?" Prue turned to her brother-in-law. "Leo, did you teach him maybe?"

"Not that I know of but he shares my genes," Leo said grinning at his baby boy. "Should we know anything, son?"

"Soon, but we should enjoy this time, shouldn't we?" All nodded. "Thought so. Paige."

Paige nodded and recited quickly:
On Piper's day, set this table,
With all the food you are able.

All sat down and Chris had put Wyatt onto his lap. The whole family was chatting and it was a good day. The eldest sister couldn't be happier than today.

---

A/N: Prue was a surprise here and she'll return. Spells and otherwise, from the show.

[Tim]

13. Karma Always Bites You In The Ass

MANOR, A FEW WEEKS LATER

After Prue had returned to the afterlife, yet not before making them promise to summon her if she were needed. No matter what the lovely Elders would say. Then she was gone and Chris had sent the sisters after some demons, hunting just in case as he'd said. Leo had visited the Heaven again but had avoided Gideon like the plague but well, they were doomed to meet. Anytime.

Now Leo wandered through the house in search of his family. The only thing he knew was that his wife was with their eldest son and Phoebe prepared herself for her 'special' date with Jason. Paige had invited Richard as well, to make it easier for her sister.

Chris was sitting on the stairs, thinking about what he'd do today since he surely wouldn't stay here. Then he spotted his father. "Hey Dad, what's up?"

"Just looking for you," Leo said, sitting down as well. "Do you want to stay or flee? Looking at you, I'd say flee."

His youngest son smirked. "Right, I was about to go to Grandpa – with Wyatt if you don't mind. Jason's only an episode in Phoebe's life. Anyway, what's Mom doing?"

"I'd rather know when we'll need to conceive you, son."

Chris blushed. "It happened naturally last time. So, why not here again?"

"You changed some things." Leo looked at his son hopefully but just received a glare. "What was your question again, buddy?" he asked innocently.

The young man rolled his eyes and glared once more at his father. "I wanted to know what Mom's doing with Wyatt upstairs. So?"

Leo sighed. "She's playing classic music to him, for wanting Wyatt to be good and also had gotten him a new blue blanket. Anything to keep him away from evil."

"What?" Chris shouted furiously and orbed to his brother's nursery quickly, leaving his father alone.

Leo smiled after his son's orbs and was curious about the fun argument between mother and son. The father knew he would spy but decided to look after Phoebe at the moment. Paige would come when needed.

NURSERY

As Chris orbed in, he was met with Mozart and his not so happy brother. Quickly he switched the music off and played with his big brother who was now smiling and wanted to be picked up by Chris. What he did.

"Hey, why has the music stopped? It's for Wyatt's own good," Piper scolded, entering the room but stopped dead in her tracks at seeing her two boys. "Oh Chris, I didn't hear you coming up. Did you?"

"No, I didn't, I orbed. Anyway, what are you thinking about this measures? This is useless," he now scolded his mother. "By the way, do you mind if I go with Wy to Grandpa? I don't want to be here when Phoebe breaks up, you know."

"Sure, you can go but would you tell me when we'll need to conceive you? It'd be important to know – for me and your Dad." Piper looked at him with hopeful eyes but got only a glare. She crossed her arms over the chest.

"I gave Dad a hint. If it's time, you'll feel it, I'm sure. So, can we orb over?" Chris asked with Wyatt still in his arms but the boy clapped his hands happily to agree. "See, Wyatt wants to."

Piper smiled at her boys. "Okay. Should I phone him so that he's warned you'll come?" Her son nodded and she quickly grabbed it, calling her father. "Hi Dad, it's me, Piper. You see, your grandsons want to come over. Can they? They can. Thanks Dad." She then smiled at the boys. "You can orb."

Chris kissed his mother on the cheek before orbing away. Piper touched her cheek smiling and walked down the stairs to join her family and wondered if Phoebe would do it right with Jason and if Paige could really help. As the doorbell rang, she sighed and went to open the door.

UNDERWORLD, ANYWHERE

Zankou had been with Kira for a while but the moment he'd asked her about his past self and where he'd find him, the woman had kicked him out once more, because she wouldn't help him in this case. Now he wandered through the long caves again, looking for his past self.

"Maybe I could be of service," a familiar voice stated and slowly revealed himself. He wore long black robes and had a heavy British accent. "I'm an Elder and lead Magic School."

"Oh. So, why do you want to help me? I can't see that we have anything in common," Zankou said, totally cool and leaning against a wall. "So?"

"Let me guess, your original plan has changed by now and you want to change the future to your own advantage, right?" His opposite smirked. "That's the one thing we have in common. The offspring of the Halliwells."

"I can see, you're very well informed, my friend. Can you tell me your name if I should trust you?"

"If the same goes for you, my friend," the Elder spat out, all too friendly. His opposite just waved his hand to agree. "Okay, my name's Gideon, Leo's mentor."

"Wow. I'm Zankou, from the future, sent by Wyatt to kill his baby brother who you may know already."

"Young Chris, I assume. Now let's put our heads together and create a plan to get rid of the boys, shall we?" Gideon offered, holding out a hand.

"Fine," Zankou agreed, taking it. "If I see problems for me, I'm gone, okay?"

The Elder barely nodded and the odd couple walked through the long dark caves, talking. After several hours, both had reached a general opinion and had agreed to meet again if need be. Gideon must return to his school now and the Elder gave him a direction for Zankou, to find his past self.

VICTOR'S LOFT

As Victor looked up, orbs were forming and the man smiled. His grandsons were coming and that fact alone made him happy, obviously being a great support for them in the future. "Hey boys, needed to flee from Mommy and Daddy for a while, eh?" Victor asked, grinning at them.

Chris did the same in return while Wyatt clapped his hands happily together. "See. Anyway, thanks for taking us on such a short notice. I just didn't want to be at home when Phoebe breaks up with Jason, telling him she's a witch."

"So, another love of her down." Victor looked at his grandson concerned. "You look exhausted, son. You should sleep for a moment. Couch or my bed?" he offered, showing it.

"I prefer the couch, Grandpa." Chris immediately sat down and pulled his legs up, holding his brother always close by. "I'm just tired after all this hunting, though Dad and I have a theory about Wyatt's turning." His voice became distant as the sleep finally caught up with him.

Victor smiled and his first grandson giggled at him. "You'll protect him, eh? We don't need crystals, do we?"

"Dada," Wyatt offered smiling.

"Yeah, when Dada comes to check on you both," Victor agreed, ruffling Wyatt's hair and walking to the kitchen. After drinking some coffee and around 20 minutes later, Victor heard some noises coming from the other room. Walking back, he couldn't help to be curious and listened to Chris' mumbling.

Chris was slightly tossing on the couch, reliving obviously something of his past. His worried Grandpa knelt down but only heard bits and pieces, "Mom … no. No, don't go, don't leave … me." Silent tears ran down Chris' cheeks. "Mom, please. Don't go."

Little Wyatt patted his brother very sadly on his chest, lying his head on the young man's chest. "Dada," the boy said and looked at his Grandpa hopefully.

Victor nodded but whispered into Chris' ear, "Shsh, my boy. Everything will be fine, I promise. It'll be okay. It'll be okay." The man stroked through Chris' hair and the young man calmed down – slowly. "Wyatt, protect him, will ya?" His little grandson nodded firmly. "Good, I'll be back soon." He quietly closed the door and walked off.

Back in the kitchen, Victor was lost in his thoughts and made more coffee for himself … and his son-in-law. After he'd composed himself, Victor called him. "Leo, Leo! Please come quickly and bring crystals with!" He waited until an orb formed.

MEANWHILE AT THE MANOR

Jason had been welcomed by Piper lovingly, yet he could feel already something big was going on. This he could read in their faces. "Hey, what's going on here?" he wondered.

"Nothing," Phoebe quickly cut in, kissing him. "I'm just glad you came. It had been on a short notice."

"That's okay and you know that I love you, no matter what." Somehow, all women looked suddenly nervous. "What did I say?"

"That's something Phoebe should explain you," Paige replied, smiling like a Cheshire cat and being very nervous.

"I think we all should sit down and talk in peace about anything, right?" Leo said firmly and was the first to sit at the table. The others followed. "Good."

All three couples, Piper and Leo, Phoebe and Jason as well as Paige and Richard were now sitting at the table, eating the eldest sister's homemade meal. All the while, Piper and Paige gave their sister slight push to finally admit the truth.

Just as the middle sister was about to open her mouth, a faint jingle was heard and Leo looked up irritated. He ignored the sisters' angry glares at him, put his fork on the plate and stood up. "I need to go," Leo only said and bolted upstairs to the attic.

"And I need to know," Piper said, standing up as well and following her husband.

Jason turned confused to Phoebe. "What was that … noise? Never heard that kind before. Is there anything I need to know about you?"

Phoebe looked nervously at her baby sister who simply nodded. Sighing, she began, "Actually there is. I'm hiding a part of my life from you what I can't deny any longer." She took a deep breath. "You see, Jason. I'm a … witch."

Jason said nothing. At first before he recovered. "Wait a moment. You are saying you're a witch like in the fairy tales we've been told as children?" he requested slowly in disbelief.

Phoebe nodded. "Well, in our family the witches are mostly females and we all have powers. My sisters and I are the Charmed Ones, the most powerful witches on Earth. We are good witches and protect the Innocents. Like you, you know." She smiled at him shyly. "So not exactly like in the fairy tales."

"Oh." Jason looked at the three people in front of him. "Would you explain this whole thing again to me?" he asked sheepishly.

Paige and Richard grinned while Phoebe groaned. Still, the three witches did as requested and explained the whole magic for him again. It cost them a lot of patience but they were finished just as Piper returned from the attic.

AT THE SAME TIME – ATTIC

Leo was looking for the crystals but couldn't find them anywhere. It was as if there were moved by a ghostly hand what made him sigh frustrated and curse silently. He was deepened in his searching that he didn't even hear his wife coming in.

She cleared her throat, getting his attention. "What are you looking for, Leo and why are you in such a hurry?" Piper asked curiously.

"For the crystals. Victor's called me and I should be quick he requested," Leo offered while looking around still.

Piper walked to a table and grabbed a small box. "Here, take them," she said, kissing him on his lips fully. "If my Dad for once really wants you, why should I complain? Besides, if he finds out more about our secretive son."

"Thanks." He kissed her on the forehead. "You'll be the first to know if there was more." Leo orbed away.

Piper sighed but smiled a bit to herself. If her father called for Leo, it must have been a huge step for him but if it were about her boys? Slowly she walked back to the others and hoped that her little sister had already told Jason Dean their secret. What was obviously the way as she walked back in.

VICTOR'S LOFT

Victor was already slurping on his coffee as an orb finally formed. "About time," he commented only and gestured to a seat at the other side of the table.

"Sorry," his son-in-law apologized sheepishly. "Your daughter was a bit too curious. Anyway, I'll place the crystals first before we talk."

"Sure. Check on the boys as well," the man agreed smiling behind his cup.

Leo returned the gesture and placed the crystals around the loft but checked a bit longer on his sleeping sons. Then he made his way back to his father-in-law. "So, what's up? Why did you call me?"

"Well, how much do you know about Chris' future? I know he needs his secrets but what in general? His family," Victor wanted to know.

Leo sighed. "We don't know much. Just that Wyatt's evil and the future is a mess. For him, it's important to find the one responsible for Wyatt's turning. Though Penny might know more as she talked longer with him than me when he arrived."

Victor groaned, not happy at the mention of the famous Penny Halliwell. "Anyway, you're saying you know nothing about Chris' family in the future, except Wyatt, of course."

Leo nodded. "Yeah. Did you find out anything maybe? Could be helpful. In the future and here." He saw Victor's sad look. "Is it bad? Then how?"

Victor sighed desperately. "I don't know how you'll react to it what I have to tell you, because I can see how much you love my daughter. And your boys."

"Victor?" Leo requested in concern.

"After Chris had fallen asleep, I'd been here as well, drinking coffee but then I heard him tossing and mumbling. Curious as any man, I leaned down and listened closely." He looked directly at the younger man, technically. "Chris whispered anytime that his Mom shouldn't leave him. She shouldn't go. With some soothing words I could calm him down." Victor breathed out. "You see now why I called you, Leo."

There was silence. Leo swallowed hard and grabbed his cup more tighter than needed. Slowly he began, "I was afraid of that. I'd observed my boy silently whenever he was around the girls, especially Piper. Only after his secret was known to her, Chris began to relax but this he'd never offered, you know."

Victor only nodded and both men fell silent after this. They slurped on their coffee and for once, Victor and Leo enjoyed each others company. Some time later shuffled footsteps could be heard and both men smiled, full knowing who it'd be and as both looked to the door, a very sleepily Chris stood there with a still sleeping Wyatt in his arms.

"Hey Dad, Grandpa, what's up?" he greeted them, deeply yawning before his mind and eyes slowly adjusted. "Oh coffee! You don't mind, do you?" Chris just grabbed his Dad's cup and drank.

Leo stared a bit incredulously at his now empty hand but smiled. "I see you've got a lot of Paige in you. No work without coffee, eh?"

Chris only gave him a not so friendly look. "Anyway, has Phoebe already told Jason the big secret? Would be helpful, you know." Then he noticed his father's rather amused look and the cup in his hand. "Oh. Sorry," he offered only and gave the cup back.

Leo sighed and refilled the cup but Victor was curious now. "Wait. You mean the secret about them being witches, right?" Now he earned some looks. "Just asking. You know I'm only a mere mortal."

"But you know the secret, Grandpa," Chris countered softly. "You'd been informed by Grandma and Grams and you were a part of this world. Even if only shortly but you know."

"He's right," Leo agreed nodding. Then he looked confused up. Like his son. "Weird," he only said.

"What's up?" Victor wanted to know.

"The sisters are calling," Chris informed him. "But why?"

"Well, you'll never find out if you don't orb over," Victor suggested grinning. "And before you ask more, these crystals are staying here. For future cases!" He gave his son-in-law a look which the man guessed right and barely nodded. "And now hurry!"

Father and son chuckled and orbed with the still sleeping Wyatt back home whereas Victor sighed and returned back to his coffee. His thoughts still drifted to what he'd discovered by listening to Chris' muttered words. Yet he feared to lose a daughter once again to evil but hoped, deep down, that Chris could change his mother's fate. For the whole family's sake.

BACK AT THE MANOR

After Piper had taken her seat again, she silently observed Jason and his reaction to their family secret but looking at her sisters, they were obviously repeating things at looking very annoyed at the moment. She was too focused on Jason to realize she'd been asked something. "What?" she requested.

Phoebe sighed. "I wanted you to explain the thing with whitelighters and angels since you're in love and married with one, you know. Also the thing with Wyatt and Chris. Would you please?"

"Wait? You told them about Chris? Are you crazy?"

"Not in details," Paige quickly cut in and laid a calming hand on Piper's arm. "So, would you?"

Jason looked between the sisters rather irritated and cleared his throat to get their attention. What worked. "Ehm … girls, I'd rather know about the stories which were printed not so long ago if you still remember."

Shocked Phoebe looked at her other two sisters for help, trying to recall the events he'd meant. "Oh," she said. "Well, these creatures are part of a real magical world that exists in secret around us. If I remember correctly, it was a dwarf and a nymph."

"Don't you mean goblin?" Piper requested smiling – and the middle sister shot her a look.

"Wait a moment," Jason cut in confused. "There are really seven dwarfs out there?" All nodded. "Wow. Double wow!"

"What?" all three sisters wanted to know but Jason just gestured to a door which had suddenly appeared on the stairs.

"Where does this door come from?" Jason questioned curiously. The three Charmed Ones shook their hands, saying also they had no idea. "Oh."

"Leo! Chris!" Piper yelled to the ceiling, startling all. "You're needed here!"

Two orb clouds formed and revealed the wanted persons with a sleeping Wyatt in Chris' arms. "What?" Leo questioned and Jason fainted. "Oh. Phoebe, would you please?"

Phoebe obeyed and seeked Paige for help who did as wanted. The younger sisters orbed to Jason's office at the Bay Mirror while Richard slipped out as well. There they explained once more about this part of magic and made him promise, to not reveal anything! Jason Dean looked at the women and nodded, seeing that there was more behind the normal world. He promised this solemnly and happily, Phoebe and Paige orbed back to the Manor.

Leo saw how the other two returned and sat with Chris on the stairs. The sisters grabbed chairs and sat around the men with Wyatt sleeping now in Leo's arms. The Elder sighed and offered, "This is a door leading to Magic School where magical kids are educated by teachers. Elders."

Piper, being a bookworm, asked incredulously, "You mean a school like in the books of Harry Potter? Like JK Rowling described?" She saw how her younger son smirked, making her curious. "Chris?"

"Uh … nothing. It's fine. Normally Paige would bring in those books," he offered grinning but turned serious then. "We should be careful in there. Gideon's leading it and he could be responsible for Wyatt's turning."

Leo agreed nodding and told the sisters about all he and his son had found out so far, yet it was hard to detect the Elder. The sisters tried hard to suppress the fear and anger but decided to play with as long as it'd help them to find out more.

[Tim]

14. Entering A Complete New World

MANOR

An hour later, the whole family was still sitting on their places, not knowing what to do – with an awakened Wyatt now in their midst. The little tyke was playing with Chris' shirt and had spotted something shiny around his brother's neck. All looked at the playing brothers, so no one noticed as the door then finally opened. It revealed an Elder in school robes.

Leo and the Charmed Ones stood immediately up and formed a protective circle in front of Chris and Wyatt. The Elder spoke for all, knowing the other Elder best. "Sigmund, what brings you here? What's going on?"

Sigmund smiled nervously, "Well, Gideon wants to speak with you. You know what about." He saw how Leo clenched his fists. "The sisters are invited as well. I'll be their guide if they want to. So?"

"Give us a minute," Leo pleaded. He turned and whispered, "We should go. I'm sure Gideon has his own plans with all of us. Chris will stay behind to look after Wyatt, would you, buddy?"

Chris nodded. "I'd rather not go into it again. Makes me shiver until today. This place is creepy."

"What? Too bad memories, dear nephew of mine?" Paige requested smiling, making the others slightly laugh and Chris blush.

Behind them, not seen, Sigmund smiled. An evil smile as the Halliwells were exactly reacting the way it was planned and Chris would stay behind. Whatever Gideon had planned, Sigmund hoped it'd work.

When Leo turned back, the man's face was neutral again. "Alright, we're ready to go now," he said smiling and grabbed Piper's hand, ready to walk through. They were followed by Phoebe and Paige.

Chris, however, seemed to remember something and sprinted forward, grabbing Leo's arm. "Wait," he said and all looked at him. "What if it's a trap? Sigmund is part of this!"

Sigmund spoke up, in a strange sweet voice. "There's no need to be worried, Chris. If need be, you'll call Leo and Paige. We'll leave the door opened."

Chris glared at the Elder and let go of Leo's arm. "Fine but I don't like it. Like all Elders, by the way."

Leo barely nodded. "You'll need to be careful too, Chris. Anything can happen when we're gone."

"I have Wyatt."

"We'll need to go now," Sigmund interrupted impatiently. This was so nasty and against anything he believed in. "Finished?"

The Charmed Ones and Leo gave their relative a hopeful but sad look. They knew what was at stake but hoped to find out more in Magic School. I mean, they were at the source of the problem. With a heavy heart, Leo, Piper, Phoebe and Paige left the Manor to enter a complete, unknown world to them.

Chris watched his family leave, yet he couldn't help to be suspicious of Gideon and Sigmund. Something was up. That he was sure of. Sighing, he then realized that his little big brother was playing with his necklace and he laughed. For the moment he let him and walked slowly to the nursery.

MAGIC SCHOOL

The four people walked amazed and stunned through the long halls while Sigmund just led them stoically as being used to it. However, the Charmed Ones and Leo were different and they looked at all in awe. However, the hallway the five of them were walking through seemed to be endless to anyone anew in these halls.

"Wow, this is an amazing place," Phoebe spoke up for the first time since they'd entered. "How long is that hallway?"

"No one knows," Sigmund offered. "But be aware to see things you are meant to see, yet it can be different for anyone."

"Oh," all three sisters said impressed.

After a longer while walking, Sigmund stopped and conjured for Paige a teacher's robe. The youngest Charmed One looked at him incredulously and shocked but the man just gestured to the door. "There's a chance for you to teach some students. Maybe you'll find some inspiration."

Paige glared at him. "You're kidding me, right? What would I need inspiration for?"

"For the future?" the man suggested annoyed. The other three Halliwells gave Paige some looks which she read right.

"Okay, I'm going," she gave in and walked into her class frustrated and cursing.

The other three and Sigmund continued their walk but the tension had grown definitely, yet silence ruled. After a while, out of nowhere, a wolf had appeared at Phoebe's side and trotted with her. Some time later, the animal growled loudly to get the woman's attention what seemed to work.

"Eh … guys, there's a wolf beside me," Phoebe blurred out nervously. "And it seems to want me."

"Then you should follow him," Sigmund offered smiling but inside annoyed. "There could be help for your power. It didn't work well recently, did it?" He gave her a look.

Yet Phoebe's gaze lingered on Piper and Leo as well as the wolf. She made her decision. "Right, okay. I'm going." The woman turned to the animal. "C'mon, let's go back to your cave." The wolf looked at her weird, nodded and walked off with Phoebe following him.

Piper and Leo looked at each other briefly before Sigmund simply gestured for them to walk on. What they did. After going through huge doors into a great hall when Sigmund once again stopped.

"Let me guess," the eldest sister said. "It's my turn now. Where to?" She was beyond annoyed but didn't let it see. This were about her boys.

"Our preschool section. Where Wyatt could be himself and also your future offspring."

"I see." Piper looked at the man with clear suspicions but went then into the offered direction. Maybe she could find out some information about Gideon and Sigmund here.

Leo looked after his wife with sad, yet hopeful eyes. With Sigmund in lead, he walked to Gideon's office in the school, not really happy about this turn of events. Leaving his boys alone at home gave him a bad feeling, not after everything they'd discovered so far.

"Here you go, Leo," Sigmund said. "Gideon expects you already." And the man was gone as fast as he could.

Sighing, the Elder entered the office and took a seat in front of the table. His mentor smiled at him before his door magically closed. Still, the uneasy feeling remained.

"Leo, so nice you could come. There's something we need to talk about," Gideon spoke up smirking. "I take it you wonder why you're here. You're going to find out."

BACK AT THE MANOR

Chris was trying to put his little big brother down again for a nap in his crib but the boy protested whining. Sighing, the young man still laid the baby down but gave him the necklace he'd played with. "Okay, you can play with it," he offered smiling. "But I want it back. It's important for me."

The little boy's blue eyes turned curiously to green ones, as if asking 'Why?'. Wyatt knew there was more behind the saying but he could only bubble the words. Wyatt trusted Chris more than anyone, beside his parents.

Chris leaned over and opened the heart, showing a picture of their family. "You see, that's us with Mom. Dad hadn't been there but I can feel he'll change. With time." Chris kissed Wyatt's forehead. "Sleep well, Wy. I'm going to eat something, okay?"

Wyatt followed his brother's leaving form and watched the necklace curiously, playing with it but against his will, his eyes were closing. Sleeping, he vowed silently to protect his baby brother – always.

Chris was walking into the kitchen, making himself something to eat. While doing it, he wondered about his life here in the past if none of his family had known who he was. Well, it'd have been different. Shaking his head, Chris ate his meal and cleaned up. Only to come face-to-face with three people, dressed completely in black.

"So, you are young Chris," the obvious leader stated, looking him over. "You may look weak but I can feel strong powers in you."

"Excuse me? Do I know you?"

"Not yet." The leader pushed Chris slightly back but the boy tripped over his own shoes and fell down, hitting his head on a chair. Chris was unconscious. "Right, let us show him the future."

"Wait, isn't he already from the future? That's what Gideon said," another offered confused.

"True. I'm sure the Elder hasn't realized that with his plan he's playing Leo right into our hands." The leader smirked. "And now I'm giving the boy a glimpse of the near future." He vanished from view.

Sudden orbs made the other two turn around and face Wyatt who still held the necklace in his hand. "Iss?" he asked but only saw his fallen brother. Quickly Wyatt orbed to Magic School, knowing to be in need of his family to rescue his brother.

The other two people in black said nothing and just waited for their leader to return. A lot of it depended on this maneuver.

INSIDE MAGIC SCHOOL AT THE SAME TIME

PAIGE'S LESSON

As the youngest Charmed One entered the class, all eyes turned to her. There were some low whistles which she ignored. Taking a deep breath, Paige steeled herself. "Hi, I'm Paige and your teacher for the day. So, what are you learning at the moment?"

"We should be more interested in you," a young man said. "I'm Herman and these guys are Quentin, Slick and Zach."

"I see." Paige looked around nervously before an idea formed. "Well, how about you'll tell more about Gideon and his role here?"

All four adults looked at each other stunned before nodding. Slick spoke now, "Okay, we're helping you. You see if one of us has a problem, he's always invisible."

"Yeah, and he doesn't listen to anything we have to offer for making the school better," Zach said annoyed.

Quentin added wisely nodding, "Yeah, way too British educated for the new modern life, you understand?"

Paige laughed. "Yeah, I do. Been a rebel myself in school." Suddenly she looked up. "Weird. Sorry guys, I'll need to go. Was only a short lesson though."

"We'll look forward to the next one," all four chorused as their teacher walked out. The boys grinned like idiots.

Paige smiled, waved her hand and then ran to the source of the calling.

PHOEBE'S WOLF DANCE

The middle sister followed the wolf curiously but was shocked to find herself in a dark cave where the wolf changed into a young woman. "Oh," Phoebe said. "That's cool."

"Hello Phoebe. My name's Enola and I'm here to help you with your vision and the future," she offered knowingly. "There's a potion you'll need to drink to find out more."

"Right. Will it hurt? I mean, we're talking about the future here. Anyway, what future will I see?" Phoebe continued her babbling.

Enola smiled. "It won't hurt since it depends on your vision. If you learn well, it won't happen. So, are you ready?"

Phoebe swallowed hard. This was about her future. Hopefully a better one than the one Chris came from. "I'm ready. I hope it works already the first time."

Enola just nodded and handed Phoebe the cup who drank the potion and found herself in her own vision. Her guide watched and observed her in fear of anyone coming in.

PHOEBE'S VISION

The middle sister found herself in the Manor, again. It was a bright, normal day what was unusual in her eyes. Curious as any women, Phoebe walked to the living room where two boys were playing together. Easily she recognized her nephews.

"Hi Aunt Phoebs, what's up?" Wyatt asked as he noticed his Aunt staring at them. "Shouldn't you be at the doc's?"

"What?" Phoebe asked bewildered and looked at her light swollen belly. "Wow." Then she looked at her nephews again and saw how Wyatt had moved in front of Chris, in a protective way. "Wyatt?"

"You'll need to save him, Aunt Phoebs."

"Who?" she requested afraid.

"ISS!" came a childish voice from the attic and Phoebe found herself running to it. It was locked and no matter how hard she tried, the Charmed One couldn't open it. "ISS!" came the cry again.

There was a thump and from the noise coming from inside, a hard terrible fight was going on. It increased Phoebe's anxiety as some electricity was heard. An Elder?

END OF VISION

Phoebe gasped, coming out of her vision and looked at Enola. "What was that?" she asked confused. "It was good at the beginning but then … . I don't know."

"The first picture was from the far future but the last," Enola swallowed hard. "Was from the near one."

"Does that mean Chris is in danger? From an Elder – like Gideon?" Phoebe asked bewildered and shocked.

Enola barely nodded but a far cry from Piper could be heard. "I think you're needed," she only offered, giving Phoebe space to decide.

Phoebe hugged her thankfully before going to her older sister who was calling the whole family.

PIPER'S CHECK

The eldest sister and mother looked rather skeptically at the preschool section in Magic School. True, Wyatt could be himself still, yet she thought it wouldn't hurt to normalize her child. Children, she had to remind herself. She smiled a bit by just thinking about her baby.

"Hello Piper, I'm sorry for being late. My name's Sandy and I work here," the young woman said smiling and then noticed her look. "There's no need to worry about anyone or anything here."

"Well, that depends on the look. Anyway, what do you know about Gideon?" Piper asked curiously.

"Stiff and very British. Too old-fashioned for this whole bunch of kids here, you understand? Lately, he seemed to be possessed about power and it goes especially about Wyatt but that's just rumor. You didn't hear that from me, did you?"

Piper smirked at her and nodded. "I promise it remains between us." Sudden orbs startled her and she grabbed the bundle. "Wyatt, what are you doing here? Is anything wrong at home?"

"Iss," the baby only stated and wanted nothing more than to return home.

Piper knew what her son was saying to her and reacted immediately, "Phoebe! Paige! You're needed! Phoebe! Paige!" She turned to the young woman. "I'm sorry, Sandy but this is important for my family."

Sandy nodded and turned back to the playing children while Piper ran with her son to the endless hallway where all three sisters met anxiously.

"Piper, what's going on? Why did you call?" Paige asked afraid but then. "Wait. Why's Wyatt here?"

"Did anything happen with Chris?" Phoebe added, equally afraid.

"I don't know," Piper stuttered nervously. "I have a bad feeling, yet we'd need Leo to go home. Can we?"

The younger two took their eldest sister in their midst and hurried then Gideon's office. To get Leo out.

MEANWHILE WITH CHRIS

The two Avatars were watching the unconscious body and wondered what their leader would show the young man, though they could only wait until whoever returned.

INSIDE CHRIS' HEAD

As Chris came around, all was dark. Too dark for his liking and it reminded him too much of his future. Anyway, he could hear voices and well, he was a normal human being. Curiosity got the best of him and he listened shocked.

"You see, Leo, the future Chris didn't tell you that all the people you love died," the man in black offered and revealed a grave. Written on the stone were all names from Penny to … him.

Chris swallowed hard but his Dad spoke now, "But death is part of life. It lies within it."

The Avatar continued, still smiling. "But they all died before their time. Because this endless fight between Good and Evil only leads into Nothing." And then all was black.

Chris watched concerned how his father became one of them, hid his secret from the Elders and the family. Still, they were opened for this idea of Utopia after all the losses but Utopia had flaws. Still, Leo got punished for his traitorous act from the Elders but the outcome was good: Leo became a mortal in the end and would be there for them. For good.

"You see now where your death leads your father to. Straight into our arms," the man explained. "I'm an Avatar and go by the name Alpha."

"I always knew my trip could end up badly," Chris countered. "What do you achieve by that?"

"Power," Alpha said smiling. "We'll create Utopia."

Chris said nothing at first but came to some conclusions. "You asked Wyatt as well but he refused. He created his Utopia instead. You gave him some ideas."

"Clever but I'll leave now. You're going to find your own way out," Alpha said and vanished from view.

"Dad! Dad!" Chris yelled and hoped his family could come to save him.

OUTSIDE

"Okay, our work for now is done. We'll withdraw for the moment but watch on standby what's going on." Alpha looked at the body. "We'll then see who we might be interested in. Go!" The other two vanished.

"Dad, Dad," Chris whispered and tossed slightly.

Alpha smiled and then slowly vanished into thin air.

LEO'S SCOLDING – A BIT EARLIER

Leo sighed. "I know what you want to talk about. It's about my staying on Earth and my family, right? I can't leave them."

Gideon smirked. "I know and I can understand you, Leo. Really I do but we all grow with losses. You're an Elder and your responsibility lies 'Up There' and not on Earth."

"Haven't we had this discussion already?" Leo sighed annoyed. "Why do you insist so much on me to leave? Plans for Wyatt and Chris?"

"Maybe." And Gideon recalled with pleasure his brief meeting with the Avatars and seeing Leo's reaction.

FLASHBACK

"Why did you call us, Elder? We're not some toys to play around with," Alpha threatened annoyed at being called.

"Oh. I'll just want you to distract Chris while I'll work on Leo," Gideon explained, pacing around.

Alpha raised an eyebrow but considered the spoken words. "Okay, we'll do as you want." The Avatars were gone in the next seconds.

Gideon smirked and went back to his normal work.

END OF FLASHBACK

Leo looked at his mentor with hate and got the feeling he'd be betrayed by him and that it'd end badly. Some constant knocking saved him from exploding and standing up, Leo revealed his wife and her sisters. With Wyatt. "Piper?"

"Sorry Leo," Piper just said and grabbed her husband out of the office, ignoring Gideon's protests. "Wyatt orbed to me suddenly and I think something might be wrong with Chris, you know." She was nervous and the worry about Chris didn't help here either.

Leo narrowed his eyes at her confused but then he heard a call. 'Dad!' "Chris?" Leo questioned aloud.

"What?" Phoebe spoke up. "Did you just say Chris?" She looked at her sisters for help but all seemed just confused as well.

'Dad!' There it was again and Leo made a quick decision. "We're going!" he said determined and turned to Gideon. "Don't you dare to come near me or I'll bring you in the presence of the Tribunal!" He left the office.

Leo linked hands with Piper and nodded to Phoebe and Paige. The complete family orbed back to the Manor and were shocked at what they saw.

BACK AT THE MANOR

The moment they rematerialized, the family was shocked at the view. Piper immediately pushed the chairs away, to get to her baby. "Leo heal!" she demanded concerned while her other baby had orbed to his aunt. "Leo," she repeated afraid.

Leo took his son's upper body close to his chest and healed his head wound. "Hey buddy, I'm here. It's okay, it's okay. I'm here."

"Dad," came Chris' faint whisper again, making everyone around him even more scared.

Piper cried, because she didn't know what to do. Her baby boy seemed to be caught in a world where he couldn't return from. For her, it looked like anything was going wrong for Chris and the way all went it'd go worse until he'd go back.

Leo kissed his son's temple, hoping to rouse with this action and letting him know he was there. "C'mon Chris, wake up! It's me, Dad."

There was a soft moaning. "Dad?" Chris requested in disbelief.

"Yeah, I'm here. C'mon, open your eyes and see for yourself!"

Slowly the young man opened his eyes and hugged his Dad for dear life, shocking his whole family. "Dad! I'm glad you're here. Please Dad, don't believe them whatever they offer." Chris cried on his father's shoulder. "Please Dad, don't listen!"

"Shsh, it's okay. I won't do that," Leo promised and gestured to the girls to leave the room what they did with a heavy heart, especially Piper. Still, they could see, Leo would achieve more at the moment than they would. Piper took Wyatt from Phoebe and all Charmed Ones took a seat in the conservatory.

"Dad, I'm sorry," Chris continued his rant. "I'm so sorry. Please, don't listen to them. Please, don't do this!" He sobbed a bit before taking one step back all of a sudden. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize what I'm doing."

Leo smiled at his son's red cheeks. "That's okay, Chris. Even you can have a family moment once in a while. So what did happen here?"

Chris looked away. "I'd rather not talk about it." He looked at his father directly. "If you don't mind, I'd go to Grandpa. I need to get it out in a neutral area for me."

Leo accepted quickly. "How long would you need? Should we call him to be warned?"

Chris shrugged. "A day or two. Do as you like." He began to orb. "Thanks Dad." His orbs left the house.

Leo stood up sighing. Walking to the sisters and his son, he quickly explained the situation to them. They nodded and Phoebe took the phone to call her Dad, letting him know his grandson was there. Leo took Piper's hand and stroked over Wyatt's hair. He hated waiting and could see his family shared this feeling. This made him smile a bit, despite the situation.

VICTOR'S LOFT

Just as Victor entered his apartment, he heard the chime of orbs as well as the phone ringing. The old man answered the phone first but could only nod at his daughter's fast speech. He ended it with, "Yeah, Phoebe, it's okay. Don't worry, I'll take care of him." He put the receiver down and went in search for his grandson.

The boy was in his study, writing a letter it seemed. "Hi Grandpa. Hope you don't mind." He smiled sadly. "This is a letter for Dad which I beg you to keep until I'm born, I think." He blushed a bit but inside was shaken up after the experience.

"Chris?" Victor questioned afraid but saw immediately the boy was shaken up. He just walked over and took the young man into an embrace. "I promise to keep the letter. You want to stay here?" The boy nodded against his shoulder. "Okay. Lay down and sleep a bit."

Victor didn't ask and just silently supported Chris. For this Chris was grateful and loved his Grandpa with all his heart. He slept in peace and would return two days later.

---

A/N: The mentioned letter will be explained in the sequel.

[Tim]

15. Arabian Nights

A WEIRD BOTTLE

When Chris had returned, he'd begged his family to not question his 'flight' to his Grandpa what the sisters and Leo had done, yet they could see their nephew and son had needed it. However, Chris had had other plans and had sent his family on a killing spree in the underworld. After that, he'd given them spare time what had irritated them at first but then quickly had agreed to.

Now Chris was sitting with the Book of Shadows in his lap in the living room and was making notes for future killings. Also in hope to find some answers of how to kill an Elder. As the doorbell rang, he was startled for a moment but opened it, anyway.

"Oh hi, Chris," Darryl greeted the young man. "Can I come in, because there's something I need to speak about?" He held up a bag and the boy let him in. Looking around, he saw no one else. "Where's the family?"

"Out. I gave them a free day," Chris said shrugging. "I needed it quiet to work on the Book. Besides, I hope my parents read the hint outside with Wy. What Phoebe and Paige are doing, I'd rather not know." He blushed a bit.

"I see. Anyway, I'm here, because of this really strange bottle I found on a market." The older man reached into his bag and produced a bottle. "Here. I don't know what it is but the seller had insisted and given the bottle to me for free."

"Weird," Chris commented and grabbed the bottle out of Darryl's hand. "Why would the seller insist so much? That doesn't make sense."

Darryl held his hands up in surrender. "Don't ask me! I'm just a mere mortal." His beeper suddenly came to life. "Damn! Sorry, work's calling me back. You okay here alone?"

"Sure. Remember I grew up in this house. Have fun, Uncle Darryl." Chris waved at his uncle, yet his interest seemed to lie in the bottle. "Hmm, if only I could tap into that whitelighter speech thingy."

Darryl smiled at his future godson before finally leaving the Manor to his work. He smiled at this new aspect of his life. Only his family knew about it and it'd stay this way if he had a saying in it. Quickly he drove to his new crime scene.

Inside the Manor, the young man was desperately trying to find out what was written on the bottle and with that he also rubbed on it, making some smoke coming off of the bottle. "Oh great," Chris stated. "This can't be true. How dumb am I?"

"Hello Master," the genie greeted his new shocked Master. "By the way, my name's Al and I'm just here to serve you. Any wishes, Sir?"

"Not really," Chris said, shaking his head. "Though maybe only for you to vanish again. I've got work to do." He sighed and whispered more to himself, "I wish it were done already."

Yet his genie had good ears and clapped his hands together. "Your wish is my command, Master. Anything else?"

Chris groaned but Al continued to talk, "You know there's a wild rumor going on, the magical way, about a great demonic city named Zanbar. Great power there."

"I know that speech well enough. Thank you and now back off!" Chris walked to the kitchen, ready to make himself something to eat, yet the genie followed. "What did I tell you just before?"

"Sorry," Al apologized but then again. "If you'd wish for your meal, it'd go faster." A deep growl stopped his tirade. "Anyway, you should spare one wish also for Zanbar, because the city is very well hidden." Al looked at his Master. "Don't you have any more wishes?"

Chris' face became all of a sudden sad and the young man sighed. "Maybe there's something you can fulfill for me." He took a deep breath. "I wish to see my Mom again. The one from the future."

Al nodded and clapped his hands just as a ghostly Piper materialized in the room. Looking bewildered around, the woman's gaze landed on her son who ran to her and cried his eyes out. "Chris, what have you done? What'd you wish for? Chris, what's going on?"

"Mom," Chris choked out, still crying. "I just wanted to see you once more. Was a bit desperate here, though I'm liked here but I miss you so much."

Future Piper held her baby close and swallowed hard at his admission. "Okay, I understand but you know genies are tricksters and you have to be careful." She stroked over her son's hair. "I missed you too but I'd beg you to send the genie in his bottle again. For the time being, anyway."

"Right." Chris took the bottle and turned to the genie. "Al, I command you in." He snuggled onto Piper.

"But Zanbar …" were his words before Al turned into smoke again and vanished into the bottle in Chris' hand what stood now on the table.

"So, baby, any success yet?" Future Piper wanted to know. "Does my past version treat you well? And the others, especially Leo?"

"Well," the son began nervously. "You see Dad figured me out from my entry here, along with Grams and Wy but the others only found out bit by bit. It was great this way since Dad helped me a lot here."

"That's good to hear," the mother said smiling. "Yet you know I can't stay here for long, even though it's been a wish."

Chris nodded. Unfortunately, when something was going right, evil stepped in. Meaning demons who wanted revenge on Chris. The young man fought with his telekinesis and vanquished some demons, yet more and more were coming in what irritated Chris. Seeing how his mother vanished from view, Chris was getting desperate but heard also the door click at the moment.

"Al, I wish you free," Chris said and was engulfed in smoke.

"Finally," Al said and looked at the shocked family. "See you later."

The genie bottle rolled in front of Leo's feet out of nowhere. The father picked it up and could see how his wife and son wondered only about one thing.

"Where's Chris?" Piper asked afraid.

A RIDICULOUS SITUATION

Wyatt squirmed in mother's arms, wanting to grab the bottle but his mother was having none of it. "Come on, son, stay calm. Leo, can you sense Chris still?"

"I know he's around," Leo confirmed but his gaze was focused on the bottle in his hand. "I really don't sense him exactly. Just a feeling, you know."

Piper nodded and handed their son to his father. "Here, go up to the attic and find out what Wyatt means and you feel while I call for my sisters for help. Maybe they've got an idea as well." Leo nodded and walked up the stairs and Piper, well, yelled. "Paige, Paige!"

"You called?" the youngest sister asked bewildered and confused. "You know I have a life with Richard."

The eldest one smiled a bit. "Chris just vanished in front of our eyes and now we're looking for him. Could you go and get Phoebe? She might be helpful."

Paige quickly nodded after hearing the situation and orbed away to get her older sister. Wherever she was. It took only a few minutes to convince Phoebe but as they rematerialized, Piper had already joined Leo and Wyatt in the attic where on a table a strange bottle sat.

"Alright," Piper spoke up after seeing her younger sisters had arrived. "What have you found out, Leo?"

The Elder grinned at the women and Wyatt giggled but meant the same. "Well, some cursing inside this bottle helped to find our baby boy. Plus, I read the warning on the bottle, saying whoever frees the genie will switch place with him."

"Thank you very much," came Chris' voice out sarcastically and clearly in a sulking tone. "Would you let me out of here, Dad?"

"Who am I to you?" Leo requested amused and Wyatt's giggling increased even more.

The women looked at each other even more confused. "Leo, are you okay?" Piper asked and slowly walked over to her men, touching their forehead. "Leo?"

"This is not funny," came Chris' voice again. "Okay then, Master!" A pause. "Happy now?"

Leo smiled. "Yes. Alright, I command you to come out of your bottle."

Green smoke emerged from the bottle and revealed an absurd looking Chris. All started to laugh while Chris stood there sulking before crossing over to the mirror, looking at himself. He was dressed in a green Pantaloon with a vest in the same color and a little fez upon his head. Totally Arabian flair.

"You look good," Phoebe commented dryly and had to hide her laughter. Her nephew glared at her what she ignored while turning to Leo. "You're his Master? Cool."

"Don't even think about it!" the genie Chris protested.

"Why not?" Paige cut in, laughing too and received also a glare. "This is our revenge for what you did to us. A chance we can't lose."

Piper, however, was plagued with other thoughts. Like her son's birthday. "Not what you both think about though it may be a good idea. Anyway, I have other problems like when my son has to be conceived."

Chris blushed but then turned to her angrily. "Why do you need to know this? I thought I'd said to Dad that it happened naturally last time and today was a hint too!"

"Chris, zip it!" Leo said and moved to his mouth to close his lips. His sisters-in-law laughed behind him and he was always smiling too. "Would you answer."

His younger son growled but offered, "Fine. Okay, from my not so secretly aunt Wyatt had found out and told me that our parents had been in a good mood on his first birthday. Satisfied?"

Leo and Piper looked at each other, shocked whereas Paige and Phoebe went out to eat now. The parents recovered by Wyatt's laughter but then the mother had still some questions.

"Why does our living room look like a group of teenagers have been running through?"

Chris stuffed his feet. "Well, some demons decided to carry out their revenge on me but they were too many. Leaving me no other choice to wish the genie free."

Leo shared a look with his wife, knowing what she'd wish for. "Alright. Chris, I command you to clean up the living room. And then come back to us!"

The young man glared at his father and cursed under his breath but did as told. His task was quicker done than before and he didn't even use Paige's favorite spell. Satisfied he made his way back to his parents who played with his big brother.

"Alright, the cleaning is done but that was no wish," he explained, dusting his hands. "What's next?"

"We want to spare you with wishes, though your aunts …" Piper trailed off and smirked at her son who crossed his arms over his chest in return.

As if on cue, Phoebe and Paige returned and smiled brightly at their nephew who didn't like their looks. "Oh hi Chris," Phoebe began, still smiling like a Cheshire cat. "Your cleaning was so well danced. But anyway, you know women have wishes, a lot of wishes. You could fulfill some of them."

Leo interjected quickly, "We should be more concerned about getting him back to his usual neurotic self."

"I am not neurotic!" Chris protested and all laughed.

WISHES & GHOSTS

Leo chuckled before saying seriously, "Yes, you are but in a good way. After all, you take after your mother." That earned him a friendly hard slap on his upper arm from his wife. "Ouch. I said it was good. Anyway, did the genie mention anything he wanted you to wish for?"

Chris started to pace. "He did. Zanbar, an obvious demonic city and somewhere in the Near East but no other information what he wants to do with it."

"I see."

Phoebe, however, couldn't help but insist, "What's with our wishes? I mean, I need to find my future husband to get children on my own and my dear nephew knows about him, don't you?"

"Phoebe!" Piper scolded angrily. "We should concentrate on freeing him instead of finding your husband! I won't allow it and I'm the oldest here, clear?"

"Crystal," Paige agreed for Phoebe. "So Leo, where could we look for Zanbar? Magic School or Elder land?"

"Actually, I was going for both but you two on separated ways. One to the library of Magic School, the other one 'Up There' to ask my colleagues," Leo explained.

Paige nodded but her older sister couldn't let go. "You know it wouldn't do any harm if I knew my future husband. I won't waste so much time by finding him on my own."

Before the other four could say anything, another voice boomed in. "Phoebe Halliwell!" Grams materialized out of nowhere. "You do as told or fear my hand again. Clear?"

Phoebe nodded ashamed. Yes, she still feared Grams before taking Paige's hand to let her orb into the library of Magic School and her baby sister continued her way to 'Up There'.

Penny looked satisfied and then turned to the little family. "Though it's a good look for you, Chris, we should make back to normal. If need be, you can call Prue to wish this genie back. She's very eager to get a little revenge on genies. I think you know what she means."

"Thanks Grams," Chris said, kissing the older woman on the cheeks. "Thank you so much."

The Great-Grams smiled and then vanished from view while Piper and Leo also smiled at their son who couldn't wait to be normal again. And for his aunts.

UP THERE

As Paige reformed, she saw some Elders running around. "Hello, I'm looking for Kevin or Roland. I need some information about a city named Zanbar. Hello?"

"You called?" Kevin joked as he orbed in front of her. "About Zanbar? Well, it's a lost but evil city, yet whoever controls it is very powerful. Even a bit too much for the Power of Three. So be careful."

Paige nodded and orbed back to home while Kevin looked after her sadly, knowing from his drawn pictures how bad the near future looked for all Halliwells. Chris included.

MAGIC SCHOOL LIBRARY

Phoebe was cursing under her breath as she was looking for her needed books about Zanbar. It was true she'd acted a bit selfish recently but who could blame her? But her nephew was just too good looking in his genie outfit. Both her nephews would. That she was sure of.

"Oh hi Phoebe. I didn't realize you were here," Gideon said, walking closer to her place. "What's up at the Manor? Leo rarely comes to me now since he's a Dad and an Elder on his own, you know."

The middle sister gave him a dazzling smile. "Ah. I was orbed here by Paige, looking for something we're dealing with. Nothing unusual, you know. By the way, do you maybe know the location of the evil city Zanbar?"

"Ah yes, a very powerful evil city. You should be careful," Gideon advised knowingly. By mistake, his hand landed on Phoebe's shoulder and he said, "You see Zanbar was located close to the today's Baghdad, a desert in that area. Phoebe?"

Phoebe had gone rigid the moment Gideon's hand was on her shoulder. She saw a glimpse.

VISION

She was in the attic and saw both of her nephews there. Chris at the Book of the Shadows and Wyatt in his playpen. There were footsteps and all of a sudden, the attic's door closed. And locked.

Chris was guarded and more footsteps were heard. The young man walked to his brother, standing in a protective manner in front of Wyatt. "Alright, time to get you out of here." As he was about to grab Wyatt, Chris was thrown into a table, crashing it.

"Don't make me sacrifice you both," said Gideon and pushed Phoebe out.

END OF VISION

"Whoa," the woman said shocked. Quickly Phoebe stood up and hurried away. At the door she stopped and made sure, "Zanbar, a desert near Baghdad?"

Gideon just nodded, watched her run away to the house and wondered what she'd seen as he'd touched her.

QUICK REGROUP AT THE MANOR

As Paige returned, she immediately offered, "We'll need to hurry, because whoever controls it would be very powerful. Very powerful!"

Phoebe came back just as quickly. "Gideon says Zanbar is near Baghdad today, a desert close by." She turned to Leo. "We'll need to talk about him when this is over!"

Leo and his genie son turned to Phoebe confused but let it go for now. The complete family made their way over to the Near East.

CLOSE TO BAGHDAD, ZANBAR

Al was waiting for the Halliwells already as they finally rematerialized in his cave. "About time you came," he announced annoyed. "And thanks for bringing me the bottle. Now I can wish for my city."

"No chance," Piper said determined. "Prue!"

A ghostly form appeared in front of Al. "Hey, I'm Prue." She went into him. "He's fighting but I've got him. Leo, the bottle."

Leo handed the bottle over, gave his son a look which he vanished into. The Elder embraced his wife and their son lovingly, knowing what his son had meant today.

"Alright," Prue said. "Chris, I wish you free." The transfer was made and Chris was back to his normal self.

"Wow, thanks Aunt Prue."

The dead aunt smiled at him when he walked toward his Dad who could read Chris very well. "Yeah, I'm going to destroy it the moment we're back." Then he whispered into Chris' ear. "You're sure going to be born, Chris. I promise."

Chris smiled shyly back at his Dad before sitting down on the sand. Wyatt immediately orb to his lap, grinning at his brother and giving him the necklace back. Secretly. Chris smiled and stroked through Wyatt's blond curls and then saw to his utter amazement how his whole family sat beside him, to enjoy the day here in the desert. For this short time, all was forgotten.