#2 The Halliwell Sons - My season One

[Tim]

Another one ...

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16. Saving Wyatt ...

STILL MANOR

Piper slowly crawled over to her sons. She couldn't believe it. How many times did the mother have to lose her children before the future was saved? Tears were falling down her cheeks. Last time it had been her youngest, now her eldest. Instinctively the woman laid her head on her son's chest and cried. Cried until her body gave out no more water anymore. The eldest Charmed One didn't notice what was happening around her. She was lost in grief.

Leo mourned as well, but then something in his head clicked and the man knew he had to act quickly. He crawled over to his boys as well but focused on his youngest who was only able to help him right now. With some effort the father managed to separate the boy from his older brother and let him continue cry on his chest. "It's okay, Chris. Everything is going to be fine, again. I promise," he said soothingly to the brunette.

"How do you know that, Dad?" Chris hiccuped. "I feel so lost without him."

"I do know. Firstly, because I'm older and wiser than you." His youngest smirked slightly. "Secondly, when you were dead some time ago Wyatt was able to save you. Now you can do the same for him, but you'll have to concentrate on your brotherly bond."

Green eyes looked up to the matching ones of his father with new hope. "Do you believe that? Did it really work?"

Leo smiled a bit. He knew he had to be strong – for his family. Encouragingly he said, "It did and yes, I believe that. And I'm sure you can do that. You've been through a lot more worse than this."

Chris smiled as well, again. "If you do then I can do, too. OK Dad, you won. I'll do anything to bring Wyatt back."

"Thanks son. Now let me take care of your mother. You got your task!" He turned to his wife and took her in a soothing embrace. "Piper, I swear he'll come back. Our sons are strong together. Their bond can endure that. You'll have to believe that!" With that being said the man kissed the woman on her temples.

Piper looked up hopefully. She saw Leo's eyes sparkling and both watched their youngest sitting cross-legged and deep in concentration on his task. To find his brother and complete their family. "Are you sure?" she whispered quietly and wiped her tears away. "Why would Wyatt need to be dead? Is there anything big going on?"

"I don't know, honey. But Wyatt was certain that he owes Chris his life – twice. So one's already returned."

Both mother and father looked at their son whose whole body was stiff as a poker when suddenly he turned expanctantly to them. But whatever the boy wanted to say was stopped by a flaming in in their house who turned out to be the Source.

UNDERWORLD – 10 MINUTES EARLIER

The Seer watched patiently how her master paced through the cave. She knew he must be planning something extraordinnaire. "Master, you killed the Twice-Blessed. You should be proud."

"I know, but the Halliwells are famous for spontaneous wonders. My gut feeling tells me something is going to happen to Wyatt. Something big and good."

"What makes you say that? Is there more behind your pacings?" she asked.

"I told you my gut feeling spoke to me and I want you to make a potion for young Christopher. He surely is devastated over the loss of his elder brother." The Source started pacing again. "I want you to make it fast. Real fast!"

"What purpose for?" the Seer asked, already making the potion with the basic ingredients.

"To make someone dead, yet alive. It should be dreadful for Piper and Leo. Loosing both children."

"I see," the woman said and added the remaining ingredients to the already bubbling potion bowl. It made the potion go 'puff' and she filled the substance in a vial before giving it over to her master.

The man evilly grinned and flamed out.

IN THE AFTERLIFE – AT THE SAME TIME

Wyatt woke up and found himself in a wonderful place. His eyes wandered around and landed on two women he knew. "Grams? Grandma? Why am I here?"

"Wyatt! What happened?" Penny asked concerned. "Why are you here?"

"Maybe it's his payback thing for Chris. You know how he felt about it, Mom!" Patty spoke calmly to calm her mother down.

"Oh yeah. I remember. His greater task and new power," Penny confirmed, oblivious of anything around her.

"Mom!" her daughter yelled.

The blond's gaze moved between the two women, certainly confused. He couldn't understand anything. Yet. So he asked, "What are you two talking about? Is there more behind this?"

Mother and daughter looked at each other before the younger woman walked away to let the matriarch handle this. She was better at this than anyone. Plus she loved the boys of Piper.

"Listen Wyatt," the elderly woman started. "We know about your guilt you feel that Chris saved your life twice. One you have already returned, but your family is in danger now. As we speak."

"What!" he yelled. "I'll have to go back!" He turned around and walked away when the Twice-Blessed suddenly realized he didn't know how. "Grams? What's going on?"

The matriarch sighed. She knew she had to tell him, so that he'll be prepared – to fight for his loved ones' lives. "Listen, my boy. You'll be given a new power – in a short time, better soon. It's to save Chris' life."

"Why? Is the Source going to hurt Chris? How?" asked the young man fearfully. "Oh, he's going to pay for that!" He made a fist to confirm his decision.

Penny smiled. Despite the situation. The bond between the two Halliwell brothers was strong. Stronger than anything else. "It's nearly time, Wyatt. You'll have to return to your family."

"Can you tell me my new power at least?" the blond asked shyly. He used his puppy dog eyes on her. This was one thing both young men had in common.

Penny melted under this look. "It's to resuscitate someone who's dead. It's just called resuscitation. You'll have to hurry up, son."

"Thanks Grams. You won't lose anybody of your family. You'll be proud of me and Chris!" he said before ghostly orbing away.

"I'm already proud of you boys," Penny said before going back to join her daughter and granddaughter.

MANOR – BEFORE

Leo, Piper and Chris faced the Source angrily. The boy used his powers to protect his parents and to attack the evil being. So far in vain.

"Little Christopher, you are no match for me without your elder brother. But for now I want to be alone with you," the man said and waved his hands at the parents.

Promptly both fell on the floor sleeping. Chris checked them to ensure himself they were alright. The half Elder sighed relieved that his parents were indeed only sleeping. "What do you want? My brother's dead, so you won over us."

"I don't think so, boy. Your Halliwells are known for wonder. In any way. Therefore I let a potion prepare, extra for you, son."

"Should I be touched?" he asked sarcastically. "I'm really not. So I'm an easy victim for you." Chris had lost his sense for fight, no matter what his father had said earlier.

The Source smiled and threw the potion at his victim who fell to the floor and couldn't move anymore. Right at that moment a ghost orbed in and looked incredulously at his family and the Source.

"What did you do?" he yelled.

"Oh Wyatt, welcome back! Well, your parents are only sleeping and your brother was hit by a potion made by my Seer and is feeling like a living statue right now," the Source explained.

Wyatt clenched his fists angrily. "Bastard! You'll pay for that, I swear. But at first ..."

"You are fighting with me, again. Are you sure you could win now? I defeated you last time, boy!" The Source smirked.

"We'll see about it!" the blond retorted and fought like never before. His family's lives depended only on him, especially the one of his baby brother.

Both men were equal in their powers. So much was obvious, but the Twice-Blessed had to protect his family for flying energy and fireballs so that he instinctively stepped closer to them and activated his forcefield. He didn't notice he was right in front of his little brother and touched slightly the stiffen body what gave him a power boost.

"Damn Halliwells!" the Source cursed, slightly wounded. With a fury expression he flamed out and lifted up the sleep of the parents.

Piper and Leo woke up and saw their eldest, fully recovered, bent over their youngest who seemed to be unconscious and not reacting to any attempts to bring him back to life. Immediately they ran over to help their sons.

"Wyatt, what happened? Where's the Source?" Leo asked while using his medical knowledge to revive the brunette but with no success. His wife was rather speechless and let everything happen with no comment at all.

"As Grams told me I've been given a new power but I don't know how to find the trigger. The Source is gone, slightly injured and not pleased with the result," Wyatt answered and looked a bit concerned at his mother.

Piper silently whispered to her baby boy, "Chris, come back to us. Wyatt already is. Please!" Tears ran down her cheeks and she looked hopefully to the other men in her life.

UNDERWORLD

As her master returned the Seer unconsciously stepped out of the way, because not a second later fireballs flew through the cave and destroyed everything that was in there. After ten minutes or so the cave sounded out in silence and slowly the woman came back and looked in fear around. "I take it didn't go the way you wanted," she stated and swallowed hard as her master sent her an angry stare. "I'm sorry."

"Wyatt returned and seemed to be stronger than before, but Chris is still unconscious I'm sure of. I think the Twice-Blessed just received a new power," the Source replied angrily.

"What's your decision now concerning the boys? I mean there'll be a final battle betweeen you two. When will it be?" the Seer asked and scrutinized the man.

He looked at her. "I'll give them time. I need it to recover and the boys do too. I'll want them both and I'll get what I want. That's a promise and I'll intend to hold it." The Source stared at the Seer. "Leave now!"

The woman bowed her head and left her master alone. The Source had to leak his wounds.

BACK AT THE MANOR

"Wait! A new power? And you need to find the trigger?" Leo requested and his son nodded. "Well, then hurry up!" He took his wife in an embrace and added, "What's your new power?"

"It's called resuscitation and now I need to concentrate!" Wyatt spoke firmly and returned to his task. Again nothing seemed to work, but then he remembered how a mortal had to revive an injured person. He moved his hands over Chris' mouth and heart and used his love to reanimate his baby brother.

Three pairs of eyes looked at Chris' body and waited impatiently for a result. Then, out of nowhere, the brunette inhaled sharply and jerked up in a sitting position and was met with six arms around him.

The half Elder noticed his elder brother beside him. "Wyatt, you're back! Thank god! I thought I'd lost you for good!" He cried now and felt his brother's arms around him.

"I give that right back at you, bro." He took Chris' head in his hands. "Hey, I'm here now. Back forever. Let it go!" And his baby brother's body shook violently and Wyatt just held him. Speaking soothing words to him. They were only brothers now.

Piper and Leo kissed each other long and lovingly. They just watched their sons and smiled.

[Tim]

Yoho ...

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17. . . . saves the future

BOYS' APARTMENT – ONE MONTH LATER

Wyatt and Chris had stayed with their parents for one week longer, because all needed time to comprehend. They had discussed the long suppressed topics concerning the other timeline and many tears had streamed down their cheeks. The younger boy had been more open now, because his older brother did truly understand him and confirmed many things. The boys had often smiled at each other what had sprung over to Piper and Leo as well. Their brotherly bond was now stronger than ever before.

One day later the boys had returned to their own apartment what they had abonded for a short time. It looked like that already, so they had cleaned it before going back to their normal routine. Chris was back at university and was greeted cheerfully by his other students but with incredulous looks from his teachers. It was if he'd never been away. Wyatt had taken over P3 some years ago and it was still a good-going nightclub but during the day he didn't know what to do with himself.

On an usual day where the older boy was up earlier as always and waited for his younger brother to appear when suddenly a ringing sounded in his head. It was so annoying. He saw a movement at the door and saw his baby brother with the same expression on his face.

"Hey sleepyhead. How you doing?" Wyatt asked. "You hear the same as me in your head, eh?"

Chris growled – loudly. "Yeah. It didn't let me sleep any longer. You know what it is?"

"Maybe," the blond said. "If I remember Dad correctly it comes from the Elders. It's an alarm or something. We should go to them."

"I'm busy. Don't they know that!" the brunette responded frustrated but a moment later he gave in. "OK, let's go. I wanna know what they want from us."

"Probably nothing special, but if we don't go we'll never find out."

Chris nodded and both young men initiated the orb directing them 'Up There'. As they rematerialized the brothers were greeted with grinning faces. This confused them even more.

UP THERE

"Hi Wyatt, Chris. So nice you could come," Kevin greeted them. "Why are you here?" In reality he did know why, but it was his secret.

"You don't know, do you?" Chris questioned incredulously. "That's so typical for you Elders! You don't have any information at all!"

Wyatt laughed a bit. "Tell us, Kevin! Why do you want us here?"

Gajus appeared and dismissed all what Kevin wanted to say. "You are here to have charges. We thought it was about time now. You both had proven yourself so many times, so we decided to do it now!"

"So what you say? You have also reached a very responsible age now," Kevin continued and looked at the Halliwell boys.

However, the boys looked briefly at each other. But the younger male had another way of thinking. "Oh, and that doesn't have an ulterior motive, does it? Who gave you the order?"

The older male agreed. "Dad wasn't here to tell you we should have girlfriends, was he? Why should we have suddenly charges?"

Kevin and Gajus looked rather nervously at each other. "What do you mean?" the younger Elder asked. "There's nothing behind this!"

"You are Elders. Pacifists. So you're not allowed to lie anyway." Wyatt spoke. "Shall I use my powers to make you speak?"

"He can do that, you know," Chris agreed. "Right now he has also the memories of his other self."

The older Elder gave in and fingered his collar with his forefinger nervously. "OK, your father came to us. Leo figured it was high time for his sons to become real whitelighters. We know you are also witches, so therefore you'll have to learn to split up between all your duties."

"Great. No pressure there," Chris answered sarcastically. "As if I don't have enough to do already! Really! When do we meet them and how?" His older brother nodded.

"They're just young witches who activated their powers a short time ago. Now they need guidance and we thought who could be better than whitelighters born as witches." Gajus looked at the brothers hopefully.

"Correction," Wyatt complained. "My brother is half Elder. He's more sensitive in these cases. No need for me."

"Au contraire Wyatt," Kevin disagreed. "You're older than Christopher and you do know how to take care of anyone. Your little brother should learn that, too."

Both boys growled a bit frustrated at that comment. Simultaneously. They should have known their family and the Elders. So they agreed to the plan the Elders gave them and orbed to their apartment. And waited for a sign.

BOYS' APARTMENT

"I can't believe that," Chris lashed out as soon as they were back. "How could he do that us? We're his sons!" He heard his older brother snicker. "That's not funny, Wy! If I don't have enough to do already."

Wyatt sighed. "Don't you think you exaggerate, Chris. Think about please how old Dad is, really is. Of course he does want to have grandchildren. For a long time now."

"Thanks Dad!" the young brunette answered sarcastically. "Anyway, I'll have to go back to university and visit some courses. Otherwise I'd be taken off the register. I'll go then." As the last words escaped his mouth the speaker turned and went away.

"Hey, do we have anything to eat?" the blond shouted afterwards. "What shall I do?"

"Be a man and do it yourself!" Chris shouted back. "What are you doing now, Wy? Cliff note version, please!"

"Looking for an accountant since you're out of question. I need help with that," Wyatt countered. "Go before you are too late!"

"Bye big brother!" And the half Elder ran to his place at university as fast as he could. He might be the best student ever, but he had to work for it as well. In his rush there were some collisions with other students, but he made it in time.

At the same time the Twice-Blessed had gone to his club, P3, once his mother's club, to interview some applicants for a desperately needed help here. Most of them were femals, of course. This could be fun and he looked forward mischievously to these talks.

AT UNIVERSITY

Chris was bored, though the lesson was interesting. He wanted to be a doctor like his dad, his idol. His gaze wandered lazily around and over his other students and stopped at a young woman who gave him little signs what made him smile. The young male gestured back and the woman snickered a bit.

This got the attention of the others who couldn't hold back the laughter anymore. All looked at them with knowing faces and laughed what embarrassed both 'lovebirds' even more.

A short time later everything was back to normal and Chris watched the girl one more time when he heard a ringing in his head, again. "You've got to be kidding me," he muttered, barely above a whisper. However, his brain slowly returned to the lesson and its contents.

"Okay, people. Time's over," Mr Lennard finished his lesson. "I want you to do your research, because in two weeks there'll be a test concerning all what we spoke about until now. Got it?"

All groaned simultaneously, but nodded. They made their way to the exit and as Chris was earlier out than the girl he waited for her and grabbed her arm while stepping through.

"We need to talk," he hissed a bit harshly. "In private. It's about who we are. Do you know a place where it's quiet for us?"

She nodded. "Follow me. What about rumors?"

"It's not important right now. Let them talk and we'll go. You lead!"

She grabbed his hand and started to run through the crowd with him close behind. Instantly the rumors began, but they ignored them. She found the room she wanted, let him in and locked the room smiling. The other students bawled loudly before disappearing.

In the room the girl looked the boy over and soon was lost in his green depths. "What do you want to talk about? Is it so strange to not speak about it in front of mortals?"

He nodded. "See, you're a witch and I'm your whitelighter from now on. Actually, I'm a witch, too. Mind telling me your name?"

"Sure. If you tell me yours as well." The brunette nodded. "My name's Catherine. Cat or Cathy for short. You're right I was born a witch from the Whitman family."

"It sounds so ordinary," Chris stated out. "Anyway, I'm Chris Halliwell and I guide you. You can ask me anything you want about witchcraft and all. Is there something?"

"Are you a single?" Cathy blurted out. "With your look you have a surely many girlfriends, don't you?"

Chris swallowed hard but shook his head, denying her last question. "Just call my name if you're in trouble with demons and other creatures. Understood?"

She nodded. For her the young man was the love of her life and Cathy could lose herself every time she looked into his green eyes. Obviously they completed each other perfectly. "I can't wait to see you again, Chris," she whispered.

"Hey, we're at the same university. Of course, we'll see each other anytime," Chris said smiling at her. He seemed to feel the same for her like she for him.

"Bye Chris." She reached up and kissed his cheek before leaving the room grinning.

In shock the half Elder touched his cheek absently and smiled. With it still on his face he walked out of the room and went to his next lesson. The rest of his day Chris spent like in trance what didn't go unnoticed by the others. They snickered around him but he didn't even notice it. He had fallen in love head over heels for Catherine.

The younger male of two needed to speak urgently either with his father or with his big brother who had at least a bit experience with this. He waited for his big brother and soon it was getting dark, so he fell asleep on the table. Little did he know that what had happened to him was happening to Wyatt as well.

P3 – DAYTIME & EVENING

Wyatt sighed. Sitting at the table with his head on his hands his gaze wandered over the leftover of applications. Were only five left; the rest he had dismissed, because they were too old for this kind of job. However, his eyes seemed to be glued on the application of Stephanie Whitman. Then he heard a ringing in his head. 'Wonderful', he thought dryly.

"Hey, you've been thinking of me," a voice broke in. There stood in flesh Stephanie Whitman. At his curious look she added, "I can read minds, you know."

"Okay, then you know who I am to you, Stephanie," Wyatt emphasized, taking charge. "By the way, my name's Wyatt Halliwell."

"The Twice-Blessed child, I know." Stephanie looked into his blue eyes intensely. "My sister called me before and she told me her whitelighter is Chris Halliwell. He isn't really your brother, is he?"

"How much Halliwell brothers have you known?" He chuckled amused. The woman was funny and certainly the kind he liked, but his brain warned him to be careful. "You see we Halliwells are known anywhere."

She shook her head and slowly walked closer to him. "Do you think it's a coincidence that the Elders managed to give young witches like my sister and me whitelighters who are brothers?" Stephanie had nearly reached the young man when he involuntarily made a step back.

"I'm sorry," Wyatt apologized. "Last time I was in love I was tricked by a demoness and lost my brother in the process."

"I understand," she said. "I'll give you time to think about all. So do I have the job now?"

"You do. Welcome Stephanie! To P3!" Wyatt held his hand out.

"Thanks Wyatt." She did the same gesture and was surprised as the Twice-Blessed suddenly and on impulse kissed her briefly.

Both looked at each other smiling and entwined their fingers. He kissed her temples while she did it on his cheek. Together they opened the club.

Later, at night, the older male of two returned to his apartment, only to find his baby brother sleeping on the table. Smiling he took the boy and put him into his bed. A while later the blond was in his bed as well and both slept peacefully through the night.

BOYS' APARTMENT – THE NEXT DAY

Opening his green eyes groggily Chris noticed he was in bed and saw his big brother sleeping in his own bed. However, his thoughts were drawn to Cathy and that made him smile. The young man stood up and walked to the kitchen, making breakfast for the two of them.

Wyatt woke up to smelling pancakes. Automatically the blond followed the smell and was definitely surprised to see his little brother already in the kitchen. "Hey, baby brother, why are you up so early? That's quite unusual for you." His blue eyes shone with mischief. "Are you in love, Christopher?"

The younger male blushed deeply as an answer. He stopped working for a moment. "Well, yes, if you want to know. But I can sense it from you as well."

"I've smitten." The Twice-Blessed started to eat what was already on the table. "You should know your charge is the younger sister of my charge."

The half Elder gave his older brother an incredulous look, but only nodded. "You've got to be kidding me! Have the Elders now found their humor?" He laughed a bit, but made his stuff ready for university.

"Apparently," Wyatt agreed. "Who would have thought of that? Anyway, Stephanie'll come to P3, because she is my accountant. Do you think our parents would love the girls?"

"You're already speaking about marriage? Wy, we just met them," Chris cried out. "I'll have to go now. Go to your own job!" With that he left and went to university, very pleased.

"Yes Dad!" Wyatt grinned. He shook his head, cleaned the table and washed the dishes. Then he also left the apartment and went to his work.

However, the days passed by fast if you're in love.

[Tim]

5 ...

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18. Family Get-Together

MANOR – SEVERAL WEEKS LATER

The table was ready for eight persons and their dinner. The parents were ready and looked at each other lovingly when behind them groans errupted what were coming from their sons. Turning around they saw two respectable, charming young men who just found the love of their lives. Though both didn't want to be reminded what the brothers had done after they had discovered their plot with the Elders.

FLASHBACK

Through sheer luck or good guessing the boys had discovered their parents were behind their sudden 'burden' with charges. Though it turned out to be good, but nevertheless they were angry. Really angry.

Wyatt and Chris had sensed their father at Magic School what was not unusual. He had to read new books from time to time. They had spied on the old man and had captured him by surprise, but never had given him to recover as they immediately had bounded.

"Boys, what are you doing?" Leo had cried out. "Let me go! I'm your father!"

"Dad, be patient. You'll find out soon enough," the blond spoke and turned to the brunette. "Go and get Mom. We need her as well." The younger boy grinned and orbed out.

The father hadn't like any of it what was happening, but had a slight idea WHY he was here. His thoughts had been confirmed as his wife had been orbed in in a similar state like himself.

"Chris, are you nuts? Remove these chains!" she had shouted. Looking around she had seen also her eldest – smirking and her husband – like herself. "Boys, what's going on?"

"Quiet!" Wyatt demanded and his parents obeyed. "We've discovered recently you were behind a plot against your own flesh and blood. US! You even worked with the Elders what was always strictly forbidden. What do you say?"

"We have no idea what you're talking about," Leo spoke calmly. "So enlighten us, please!" Piper nodded agreeing.

"You're lying, Dad!" Chris had spoken up. "I always thought you'd change after all what had happened. So your attempts to deny all are fruitless."

"Okay, okay, you won." Piper had looked down ashamed. Her husband had followed her example. "We plotted with the Elders to give you charges, but we never wanted you to fall in love with them."

"So it was just a coincidence?" the elder boy had questioned.

"Yes, just that." Both parents had looked pleadingly at their sons.

The boys had looked briefly at each other before freeing their parents and hugging them. The parents had only just smiled and had made thumbs at each other.

END OF FLASHBACK

However, all thoughts were interrupted as the doorbell rang. The parents smiled at their sons encouragingly what both shyly returned but were grateful the kids had found witches as partners as well.

"Hello Mr and Mrs Whitman, Steph and Cat," Piper greeted the entering family. "Take a seat and welcome to the Halliwell Manor!"

"Thank you, Mrs Halliwell and Mr Wyatt," Stephanie greeted back. "These are my parents and they are also witches."

"We've figured out that much," Leo said. "But please let's eat now before our children would want enough free time."

"Mr Wyatt, you mean love time," Mrs Whitman quipped and all laughed somehow politely, but somehow embarrassed.

The four young adults sat opposite each other while the older ones did across. Through their dinner they talked about the daily stuff, meaning about anything and nothing. Soon both sets of parents realized their children had only eyes for each other and forgot about that to eat.

Both parents' pairs snickered loudly and realized their children didn't even noticed that, so the four older adults withdrew discretly. Piper and Leo led the Whitmans to their sanctuary, the attic with the famous Book, but only as a copy. The original was in the hands of the boys. Their guests were totally impressed and looked at all in awe.

LIVING ROOM

Chris and Cat sat still at the table while the other couple had silently gone to the conservatory. Both were only smiling at each other and totally lost in thoughts. Love in all aspects.

"Where do you think our parents went? And your brother and my sister?" Cat asked curiously, leaning in her hand.

The brunette did the same while answering, "Our parents are probably in the attic where all our magical stuff is landed. Well, the rest of it. Wyatt and Stephanie are in the conservatory doing the same like we do."

Suddenly she took his hand in hers and stared into his green depths. "I find it strange we had fallen in love. Some ordinary witches like me just met some extraordinnaire witches like the Halliwells. I call it a lucky coincidence. What do you think?"

"Oh nothing was left to chance," the half Elder lazily contradicted. "The Elders and my parents happened. They only wanted to have grandchildren." He felt his hand being pressed firmly and the boy looked up. "Ooops. You didn't hear what I just said, did you?"

To his surprise, however, Cat led his hand to her lips and kissed it. The woman smiled at her boyfriend. "Well, then I now call it a parental plot, spiced with some Elders' help." Now it was Chris' turn to raise an eyebrow. "My parents wanted the same like yours."

"Oh," Chris mouthed surprised what made his girlfriend snicker. A second later the girl laughed loudly. "That's not funny, Cat. It's d**n serious." But against his will his lips formed a smile and soon joined the laughter.

The woman walked over to her man and sat beside him. Lying an arm over his shoulder she said, "Let's go to a comfortable chair and do the best thing we both love."

"What's this?" the boy inquired grinning.

The young couple stood up and went to the chair. Chris sat down again, so Cat followed to sit on his lap. Soon both were kissing deeply and investigated each parts of their bodies what they could do endlessly. But after an hour or two you could see the two of them sleeping with her head resting on his chest.

They never noticed their siblings looking at them smiling before going back to their own loving seat.

CONSERVATORY

"Let them sleep," Stephanie suggested. "We should go back to our own talk." She took Wyatt's hand and led him back to their 'talking area'. "What did they talk about? First, both were dead serious and then they laughed. I'm sure you know that. Through your brotherly bond."

Wyatt nodded. "They just discovered our parents plotted with the Elders, so we four could find each other and fell in love. It was a plot."

"Oh," she only said. "They're definitely tricky. Our parents. Or was it only coming from your side?"

"You're too curious, you know that," the Twice-Blessed complained. "Well, our father had been an Elder once and is still connected to them, even though he had retired long ago."

"I see," the woman stated and laid her head on his chest while he stroked through her hair. "I'm still happy we found each other. Your little brother and my little sister are in love and we are as well. Should we get engaged first or straight to the altar?" Her lips formed a smile, indicating it was a joke.

But her boyfriend shook his head. "You don't know who we are facing at the moment. You and your sister would be in danger and I have enough to worry about my baby brother."

Stephanie sat up and looked into his blue eyes. "What are you saying? I cannot protect myself? I'm a witch, too!"

"I love you, Steph and I don't want to lose you. But you'd be an easy target. To get to me! And it goes for my brother as well. I'd lost him one too many time," he cried out.

The woman scrutinized her man over and saw in his eyes unbearable pain and ... fear. For her, her sister and his little brother. The fear for loosing someone you love. Something he'd gone through already and was afraid of more loved ones. She and her sister. Taking a calming breath Steph walked back to him, wiped his tears away and laid her head on his chest, again. "I'm sorry."

Wyatt said nothing and just returned to his old task. Stroking through her hair while thinking. About all and nothing. The Source, his baby brother, his family and possible additions.

"As an older sibling I should understand. Feel the same way. I'm so sorry, Wy. For my outburst."

"Shsh, it's okay. I worry too much as my little brother would say." He snorted a bit at his own comment and his girlfriend snickered slightly.

"I wonder what both our parents are doing up there. They're too long there and definitely not only talking and showing. They're listening to our talks!"

"Don't you think you only imagine this. It sounds too strange." The Twice-Blessed frowned slightly at her remark.

"No," she said irritated. "Let's sleep like our siblings." Closing her eyes Stephanie soon was asleep on her man's chest what made him smile and followed her example.

The older siblings' couple were sleeping deeply. So the four young adults never saw their parents watched silently and lovingly their children. In love and in dreamland. A while later the four of them walked back to the sacred place for a long time.

ATTIC

"They look so cute. Sleeping on each other," Mrs Whitman said as they walked back to the attic. "They're meant for each other. Definitely."

"Yes," Piper agreed. "But my boys are following a little tradition in this family. Whitelighter and their charges. Did you hear of that?"

"A bit." Mr Whitman spoke again. "It's good for our daughters and your sons as well, but could you be more specific?"

"At first, maybe we should tell us our first names, so I guess our children will get married anytime soon. The Elders won't forbid it anymore, because they learnt," Leo explained and stretched his hand out. "I'm Leo."

"John Whitman and my wife Sarah," John said. "Welcome to the family!" He took Leo's hand and shook it. "What you just said was very confusing. I want an explanation, please."

"Of course. My name's Piper," the eldest Charmed One told them. "You see, my mother Patty was in love with her whitelighter Sam and she gave birth to Paige. My husband had been one as well a long time ago."

"And more," Leo added.

"I see," Sarah stated. "But what do you mean with 'and more'? A whitelighter and his charge is really a family tradition here."

Piper and Leo grinned. "I'm sure till our kids will stand in front of the altar you know all our family secrets," the woman said. "We should meet from time to time."

"That's a good idea," Sarah agreed. "Our kids will make sure of that, but I think it's better we go now. It's late already."

"And our daughters can sleep here," John said. "They already found their human pillow." All laughed. "We're leaving discretly your house. Let's go Sarah!"

"Okay. Bye then," Sarah whispered. "Till next time. Bye Leo and Piper!"

"Bye Leo, bye Piper," John whispered as well and led his wife quietly through the Manor and out of the house.

Leo and Piper took each's hand and went on tiptoe to their own bedroom. Both were smiling and seemed to be content with their lives. It was like anything they ever had dreamed of. But the day's events had taken its toll on them, because they were not as young as they still felt. With smiles and happy faces the couple fell asleep.

THE NEXT MORNING

Chris woke up as the sun shone through the window. He felt Cat on his chest and smiled. Ever so slowly he carefully moved her from his chest to the pillow on the chair and tiptoed to the kitchen. To make breakfast for everyone. To his surprise his big brother was waiting for him.

"Hey, baby brother. How did you sleep? Want to make breakfast?" Wyatt asked and made space for his brother. He observed him satisfied.

The brunette nodded. "Hey big bro. I slept well and so did you. I feel it." He grinned mischievously. "Where are the parents?"

"Awoke and have a craving for your meals," Piper said entering the kitchen with Leo who smiled. "Where are the girls?"

"Right behind you actually and starving," Steph said and Cat agreed nodding. Still tired. "Chris can cook?"

Four pairs of eyes turned to them grinning. "He can, took after his mother," Wyatt spoke proudly. He walked over to his girlfriend and whispered in her ear, "We can always orb to my little brother, so he'll cook for the four of us."

Stephanie snickered a bit and Cat did as well. They hid their laughs while Chris made breakfast for the whole family. "Where are our parents, by the way?"

"Gone home. Yesterday night," Leo spoke up. "Chris, you ready?" His youngest nodded and the parents, brother and girlfriends prepared the table as Chris brought the large meal.

The six of them ate all and the girls were stunned and pleased with the homemade breakfast. Made by a man as well. Steph and Cat looked at each other and came to a silent understanding: They could get used to it. Every day – till the end of their lives with two loving and charming men.

The brothers smiled as well at each other. Finally their lives had a new direction, but never would they forget the constant threats of the Source. Now Wyatt and Chris had to worry about their girlfriends as well. Hopefully they could manage all.

[Tim]

4 ...

---

19. Excalibur x 2?

BOYS' APARTMENT – TWO WEEKS LATER

Though they saw their girls day in, day out the brothers couldn't help but worry. Well, mostly the younger boy. And his worry affected the older one who couldn't help but be worried as well. The Source was too still for their liking. Something would happen the next time, because it was overdue. That they were sure of.

"Hey Chris. How's Cat?" Wyatt asked bluntly, but seeing his baby brother's worried face he added, "What's wrong? What are you thinking about?"

Chris sighed and went with his hand through his brown hair. "I don't know. Something tells me the Source will come back – soon. Can't say what it is, but we should open our eyes for any signs. And over our girls."

"Are you sure? He'd been quiet for a long time now. Why would he come back?" the blond asked confused, but then figured it out himself. "Cut the last question! I know he wants us dead. But what will he do?"

The brunette smirked as his big brother came to the solution on his own. "I don't know what he'll do but we have to be prepared. Such in case."

The Twice-Blessed smiled. He knew how his brother ticked. "What do you suggest?"

"Potions. Spells. The usual," the half Elder said. He looked up. "What's with your heritage?"

The older male looked confused. Then it clicked. "You mean the sword in the stone." His baby brother nodded. "It's here and I'm well trained with it. Don't worry. It's safe."

"I worry by nature." The younger male started the potions while his older brother wrote some spells.

"God, you're just like Mom!" The answer he got was an herb on his head. He laughed.

Both boys enjoyed their time together. Now they were the Halliwell brothers who were famous in the Underworld. It was time for another strike on the Source.

Little did they know that in the Underworld their enemy wanted to achieve the same goals – with them.

UNDERWORLD

"Seer," a voice demanded through the caves. "Come here. I need to know what's with the boys at the moment."

"Yes Master." The woman ran into the cave with her sphere. She waved her hand over it and both watched the events playing in front of them. Observing him she already knew what he was thinking as he saw the boys kissing their charges.

"Interesting, very interesting," the Source said with fire in his eyes. "How are they related to each other? What has happened so far?"

The Seer smiled. "The boys are the whitelighters of the girls. Ironically, it's brothers with sisters."

"So, you're telling me they're repeating history, aren't you? This could be fun, actually." He rubbed his hands in delight for the upcoming play or battle.

The woman looked at him and knew what he was planning with them. The four of them.

UP THERE

"We must do something! The Source got another plan for the boys," a calm voice said. "We're going to need the sword!"

"Yeah. Is there any chance to duplicate it? Both will need it. They're the sons of the eldest Charmed One who's the actual Lady of the Lake."

"So she's the only one who can help us," the first voice said again. "Kevin," he called. "We need you!"

The young Elder appeared in front of the group. In a great hurry they explained the situation to him and what the woman had to do. Kevin nodded eagerly and orbed away.

The other Elders hoped their precautions were enough to continue the Warren/ Halliwell line.

UNIVERSITY

As Chris entered the building it was as deserted as the Ghostly Plain. It reminded the young witch of it. Making his way through the rooms and halls he found no one what scared him. This could only mean someone demonic was behind it. He only knew one who was actually after him. The Source.

Swallowing the lump that formed in his throat the brunette followed his instincts. They led him to a room where he first had spoken with Cat. And surely there he found his girlfriend being held captive by a brute demon.

"Hello witch. So nice you'd join us," he greeted the half Elder. "You don't want her dead, do you?"

"Let her go! You want me," the witch pleaded. Facing the danger he added, "Don't hurt her or I'll hurt you!"

The demon snarled. "Your demands mean nothing to me. Better yet are you ready to fight for her life? It depends on you now!"

"As I'll ever be! Where are your little friends?"

The brute demon only snapped his fingers as all minions appeared, already with their weapons in hand and played with them. They snickered loudly. "Are you ready to lose, witch?" the leader spoke up giving the demand to attack the younger Halliwell.

"I won't lose," Chris said firmly but added silently, 'I hope'. Then he let his powers go. With them he nearly vanquished all of them, but to his surprise the more he killed, the more appeared on their place. Letting out a frustrated breath the brunette noticed he was getting on the loosing side of the battle.

Facing the witch who was slowly cornered the demons laughed. Finally they would win over the Halliwells, at least one of them. Seeing how he was loosing strength of his powers the demons let their fireballs dance and sent them towards their victim.

The young witch managed to avoid some but was hit as well. His body healed himself what infuriated his assailants even more. The fireballs were coming his way and soon he was bleeding. He couldn't get out, it seemed. Something appeared in front of him what made his mouth drop. Looking to the demons Chris saw they were surprised as well. Immediately taking advantage of the situation he grabbed the item out and it worked. He stopped for a second, because he knew it was only meant for his older brother.

"Now boys. Who's loosing now?" the young witch demanded smiling.

The demons stepped back afraid. This wasn't supposed to be happen. There was only one heir outside they knew. Looking fearfully at their master who could only shrug helplessly. What could they do?

MANOR – ABOUT 10 MINUTES BEFORE

Kevin appeared in front of a startled Piper and Leo who looked incredulously at him. "Sorry. I don't have time to explain. We need you, Piper, as the current Lady of the Lake."

"What for?" the woman wanted to know. "Something wrong? The boys?"

The Elder nodded. "The Source has started a new plan. Involving the boys and their girlfriends!"

"What does Piper have to do?" Leo asked afraid. Fear for his sons and soon-to-be daughters-in-law grew inside him.

"She needs to duplicate Excalibur. For Wyatt and Chris. They're both your sons and both can pull it out," Kevin explained in hurry. "You have to do it, Piper! Your sons' lives depend on it!"

Piper nodded eagerly and concentrated on the sword. Only the sword in the stone. She felt reassuring hands on her shoulders and knew it was her husband. Taking a deep breath she pictured the double sword in her mind. Then it also happened in reality and both swords immediately went to their rightful master. One to Wyatt, the other to Chris.

"You did it, Piper. Thank you!" Kevin said before orbing out.

"He's right. You saved your boys," Leo agreed. "I've never thought it was for both of them."

"So have I. I hope they'll get in time." Piper searched for the safety of Leo what he returned and gave her.

Both parents' thoughts were only on their sons as well as their girlfriends.

P3 – LATER

As Wyatt came into his club he knew straightaway something was wrong. He couldn't quite place it but decided to trust his instincts. Raising his forcefield the Twice-Blessed walked through the dark chambers, only to find his worst dream come true. His girlfriend Stephanie, being trapped by a brute demon who already waited for him.

"Hello Halliwell. So nice you join us," the demon welcomed him. "This woman is not your girlfriend, is she?"

"Let her go!" the blond demanded. "It's me you want!"

"Clever boy," the demon snarled. As he saw the witch wanting to call someone he continued, "Don't even think about calling your brother. He's facing the same siuation like you right now!"

'Damn!' he thought. But then it clicked. "The Source sent you. What does he want now?"

"Facing just a few minions of his if you want your girlfriend back." The brute demon snapped his fingers and the blond stood in the centre of a crowd of demons.

"Let's do it guys," Wyatt spoke firmly. "I'll have a brother to rescue as well." Gritting his teeth he called out for his heritage, "Exclibur!"

As soon as the weapon received its owner a huge battle started. Fireballs were deflected by the sword and vanquished all demons. To the surprise of the brute demon who grabbed the girl even harder. "One more move or she dies, witch," he threatened.

"I don't think so." With that he threw the demon who instantly was reduced to a pile of ash. He let out a sigh of relief and rushed over to Steph. "Stephanie, everything OK?"

"I'm fine. Don't worry," she said. "What's with Cat and Chris?"

"We'll orb them if you're ready!"

"Then go!" She took his hand and the Twice-Blessed orbed to university. A place where he'd never be.

BACK TO CHRIS

The young male, with the sword in his hand, countered every move the demons did. Letting the power wander through his body he let it go and surely vanquished all his opponents with a swift move. Seeing the brute demon in shock the brunette joked, "You were saying."

However, before the demon could reply orbs filled the air and revealed the older brother with his girlfriend of the young witch. "How is that possible?"

Wyatt only looked for his baby brother and saw Excalibur in his hands as well. His jaw dropped but at Chris' helping glare the blond immediately recovered and helped him to free the girlfriend of his.

With the combined powers of the two brothers the demon had already lost. Wanting to hurt his target the most he grabbed the girl and used her as a shield. "You don't want to hurt her, do you? So think about it, witches!"

Both brothers shared a look and each knew what to do. As the younger male went further in front of the demon the older one came up from behind. Their plan seemed to work but the demon was faster than anyone had expected.

Threwing the annoying, whining girl away the brute demon conjured himself a sword and hit its original target with it. Only a moment later he felt a sword in his stomach and was vanquished.

"Chris!" Wyatt shouted and held his hands out to heal him. "Come one, buddy! Come back!" Then he noticed how the body of his baby brother began to heal himself and the older male smiled. Looking at the two sisters he saw they were as happy as he.

"We should go to Mom and Dad," Chris said after sitting up and confirming himself he was fine. He sighed relieved. "They surely have the answer why are there now two Excaliburs? Agree?"

His older brother nodded and so did the girls. Each boy grabbed his respective woman, kissed their lips and orbed them to their former home.

MANOR

Piper and Leo paced back and forth. Forth and back to cover their worry. They would want to know if the plan had worked – successfully. As orbs finally shone both parents sighed relieved and walked over to the revealing forms what were their sons with girlfriends. And the boys held Excalibur in their hands.

"It worked. Leo, it worked," Piper said excited and hugged her sons. Leo did the same after his wife.

"Wait," Chris stated. "You know of that? How?"

"I thought Excalibur was only for me?" Wyatt added bewildered.

Stephanie and Catherine remained silent during the whole conversation. Knowing it was something between parents and their children. The thing with Excalibur was a speciality in the Halliwell family.

Leo came forward. "Kevin, an Elder, came to us in a hurry from the Elders. They knew what the Source has planned for you two, so the boy explained what your mother had to do – to help you."

His wife continued. "And that was to double the sword. As the sons of the eldest Charmed One you both are able to pull it out. But to help you in different buildings, I guess." Her sons nodded. "The way was to duplicate the sword."

The eldest boy seemed to be majorly confused about the statement, the younger one understood. He turned to his brother, "I'll explain all once again when we're home." His green eyes locked with the blue ones for any reaction.

The Twice-Blessed snorted in disbelief as he watched his parents and little brother more closely. He knew they waited for an answer of him. "OK, I let Chris it explain to me later, again. He's way too smart for me."

The half Elder laughed. "Finally, he admits it. I waited long enough!"

The rest was confused while the boy-in-question blushed and told his little brother telepathically what was in store for him.

The younger boy cringed physically. "It's better we'll go now. Mom, Dad, see you later."

Wyatt walked over to the girls. "I agree. Chris, come on. It's time. Bye Mom and Dad." The girls waved their hands to say good-bye as well.

The two young couples orbed away. Once Piper and Leo were alone. Until they were needed again. To help.

BOYS' APARTMENT

As soon as they reformed Wyatt grabbed his younger brother fiercely. "Why did you say that? You know I adore and admire you for all you did already. So why?"

Chris locked his eyes with his big brother. "Sorry. It slipped. I know how you once had been. Please, let me go. You know I love you."

The blond smiled as he dropped the boy. "I love you, too. You mean the world to me. Always."

"Can we cut the melancholy trip?" the brunette snapped but smiled widely at his big brother. To show him he loved what he'd said and meant the same.

To stop any further discussion between the brothers the sisters stepped in and laid their hands on the men's chests. Irritated the boys looked to them.

Stephanie took charge and spoke for all, "I agree with Chris. Cut that crap! It's time we celebrate our little victory over the Source."

The remaining three sighed helplessly and followed the order. Soon laughter was heard and all events of the day were forgotten. Love ruled the rest of the night.

UNDERWORLD

"They're too d**n good," a disappointed voice said. "But I'll find a way to kill them. No matter what it costs me."

The body to the voice flamed out.

[Tim]

3 ...

---

20. Decisions and Plans

STILL UNDERWORLD

The master of all demons was nervous and furious. Nervous, because he had to speak to all his minions about the Halliwell brothers – to catch and kill them at all. Furious, because the boys always escaped his clutches. Pacing was the only way to stop this before he spoke to all his minions.

The Seer, however, watched him rather amused but didn't let it see him. The Source was known for his short temper – almost the same like Piper Halliwell. "What are you going to do? The Halliwells always managed to escape you. So far."

The Source looked at her strangely. "I'll find a way to kill them. But the boys are working on my nerves. Too long for me. They'll lose now!"

"How will you do that? You know as well as I do they're strong together. Their brotherly bond is the strength where their powers come from."

"Don't tell something I don't already know. So what would you suggest, Seer?"

"Try to separate them when they're coming for you. If one falls, the other will break and be vulnerable to any attack from you."

"Mhmh. Interesting way of thinking. I'll consider it to my plan," the Source said. "Leave me for just a moment. Coming soon!"

The Seer left the man alone and gathered his minions in a big crowd around a large rock where the master would stand – soon. Chatting and discussing were the things they're doing while their impatience showed itself in tapping their foots. The woman sighed helplessly. Demons were absolutely not matured in these cases. Only a few didn't fit into any pattern. Unfortunately, she couldn't see any of them here. Her thoughts were interrupted as suddenly the Source appeared on the rock and demanded all attention to him.

"Silence guys," he demanded and all heads turned to him – expanctantly. "I ordered you here to finally kill the Halliwell boys!" Voices could be heard but he silenced them with a whistle. "I know that they always managed to escape and rescue each other. But this time I promise they won't have any chance to survive at all."

"How?" a warlock asked. "You promised a lot before, yet everything we did was useless against them." Whatever he was about to say more was stopped by a flame and the warlock ended as a pile of ash.

"More questions?" the Source asked suspiciously. "I won't reveal my plan to you. I only beg you to follow my instructions and you all will witness the downfall and death of the Halliwell brothers. Once and for all."

A lonely hand appeared out of a crowd. It was a darklighter. "I don't want to question you, master. What are your instructions to get them down to you? Will you attack their ladies?"

"No, the ladies will be out. The boys would make sure they're safe. Also they knew it's their fight now. We'll see if they win or fail. My instructions are coming as soon as they are settled. Give me about 30 minutes!" His minions bowed their heads and the Source disappeared.

Silence ruled. No one dared to speak against the Source anymore. He always demonstrated his powers and rebels died anyway. The Seer was pleased. It was all under control. Soon evil would rule again. Not the good – since a long time now.

After half an hour the Source returned and he was smiling. He looked up to his minions, "Darklighters, I want you to develop a special potion to reward anyone to heal himself." The darklighters wanted to protest, but he stopped it by adding, "I know it's a great task. I'm sure you'll manage it. I'll give you time, but not long enough." Finally the darklighters nodded and smiled.

The warlocks were not satisfied. The man held up his hand. "You warlocks are the ones who led the boys to me. Together. I'll lay a trap out for them. One they can't resist." The demons smiled, finally agreeing to the plan.

"When will we start?" the Seer asked.

"In about two weeks. Leave!"

All minions obeyed to the request and went away in their own ways. The Seer looked at him, but his looks gave him away. So she flamed out. Being alone the master of all evil worked on the trap for the brothers who wouldn't resist it. That he was sure of.

BOYS' APARTMENT

It was pitch dark. There alone sat a figure who waited for someone – impatiently. Recalling his own day he smiled. At university they had gotten their tests back and surprise, he was on the top. Cat had been the first to congratulate him and had kissed him passionately on the lips in front of all students who had bawled loudly around them. The younger pair said nothing and just laughed at all the attention they had awaken. Sighing, the figure suddenly noticed he wasn't alone anymore.

"Hey, did you wait for me?" the intruder asked. "There was no need for that!" He didn't get an answer straightaway what worried him. "Something wrong, Chris?"

The younger boy shook his head. "No Wyatt. Everything is fine. Yet I have the feeling the Source is planning something huge. Against us." His older brother nodded. "Therefore we need to talk."

"What about?" the blond questioned but then he noticed the serious look and it dawned on him. "The girls.Us. A strategy for the battle."

His younger brother nodded. His green eyes locked with the blue ones of the Twice-Blessed. "Let's start with our ladies before it's get depressing. So what do you say if we get engaged?"

Wyatt's jaw dropped. "Why are you suggesting that? Don't you think we won't come back? We're Halliwells. Of course we'll come back!"

"I know," the half Elder replied. "It's just a feeling what doesn't have to come true. So what'd you say?"

Sighing heavily he didn't know what to say. He loved Stephanie with all his heart and he wanted to marry her. Conflicting emotions were running through his body, because he feared for the life of his baby brother as well. The Source was known for unexpected twists in his way of thinking. However, his thoughts were interrupted by a soothing voice.

"I know how you feel. It's the same for me. With Cat like for you with Steph. So there's no other choice for us in that case. You agree?"

"I do." Wyatt looked at Chris. "When do we do it? Mom and Dad would be surprised that we'll get engaged after such a short notice."

The brunette laughed. "After we've sorted everything out. We'll invite our girls to the Manor where we do it in a classical manner and in front of Mom and Dad! What a picture!" He laughed so hard that tears were falling out of his eyes.

The elder hybrid joined the laughter but turned serious the next second again. "OK, first solved. What's next? Ah yes, us."

The younger raised an eyebrow. Yet it was something they should discuss. "Okay, us. What should we talk about?"

"Our powers. Our life. Or should we go straight to our strategy against the Source? So what'd you say?" Wyatt raised an eyebrow as well and waited for his little brother's reaction.

Tapping with his finger on his chin as if he was thinking Chris spoke up. "Okay, point taken. It's useless to discuss about us. It's better about the strategy. Any idea, big brother?"

"You're the one with the brain. You'll find a solution in any difficult situation, especially if it's desperate. Now we don't know what to expect. So there'd be no time to make some preparations at all."

"But we have to be careful. I'm sure he's laying traps out for us. You have your forcefield, but what shall I do?"

"Hey, don't be so pessimistic. You've got Elder powers and can heal yourself. I'm sure we'll win." Wyatt took his brother's hand and smiled encouragingly.

Chris' lips formed a forced smile. He wouldn't break his brother's heart if his gut feeling didn't tell him the truth. "I know, Wy. Nothing will happen to us. I'm sure of." His trick seemed to work on Wyatt.

The older brother knew all too well how his brother ticked and didn't want to bother him with his sorrows. Though he saw them as well, but he pushed these thoughts aside. For his and his little brother's sake. "Let's just talk over the night. We let the day be called off tomorrow. I can do that as my own boss and so can you. You're the best in all."

The younger boy smirked. Soon the brothers were talking about all and nothing at the same time. They only enjoyed their brotherly time anytime. So the boys chatted until they fell asleep. And Wyatt had made a call to his accountant as well as his girlfriend that he wouldn't come.

The brothers had a quiet night and ... day.

UNDERWORLD

The man was working hard on his traps. Smiling as he'd gotten into a sweat by doing his work. As a handyman and just like Leo. He knew he was observed but it didn't bother him at all. It was time to end the war betweem himself and the Halliwells.

"Master, how will you do it?" the Seer asked shyly. "The boys have managed to slip through your netting so far."

"I know. That's why I'm starting with the younger boy. Christopher is very tricky, smart and d**n deceitful. I can't understand that!" The Source clenched his fists angrily. "Therefore I'll start with him. The darklighters are nearly done with the potion for him. I'm sure it'll work." He smiled again.

"What about Wyatt? He'd help his brother in fighting against you."

"Bring me black crystals and I'll create a shield what will Wyatt never come through. He'll suffer."

The Seer smiled and went out of the cave. The master of all evil was again left alone, so he had time to think about all yet again. He needed a good distraction for the elder boy. What would be good enough for him? Then it seemed as if an idea had formed in his head.

The man only snipped his fingers as two shapeshifters appeared in front of him confused. "Why are we here? What's going on?" one asked. Then they noticed their master. Immediately they were on knees and bowed their heads. "Master?"

"I need your help. For Wyatt. You'll have to shapeshift into people he loves," the Source explained. He watched their reaction.

Both looked at each other nervously and swallowed a lump in their throats. The Twice-Blessed child. That's strong stuff! One found the courage to ask further, "Who shall we shapeshift into?" They looked at their master expectantly.

The Source grinned. His plan was well thought-out. "I want you to shapeshift into either the parents of his, one part or his evil self from another timeline. With shoulder-length blond hair and dressed from head to toe in black. It's your decision and depending on the situation."

Both nodded eagerly. "When will be our appearance? We're out to get the golden child!"

"I'm aware of that. You'll be waiting till it's time what would be soon, I'm sure of. I'll call you by snipping my fingers. Just like today."

The two shapeshifters again bowed their heads and shimmered away. Leaving the Source yet alone. First step was done and ready. Now he had to work on Chris again.

Right at that moment the Seer returned with the black crystals. "Here is what you wanted, Sir. I guess, you'll also play some psychic with your victim. How will this look like?"

"That's still my secret, but you're invited with this to watch and enjoy. Now leave! I'll have work to do!"

The Seer immediately obeyed and stepped backwards to the cave entrance. Her eyes were filled with mischief and longing. She really looked forward to this battle.

The Source, on the other hand, worked on his traps till he was satisfied. Then he tested his psychic abilities and the functions of the black crystal cage. The transparent shield was then darkened by a move of his hand, so no one could see through. That would bother Wyatt so much and make him helpless and vulnerable.

Now he only had to wait for the brothers who would follow his hints like a bear his honey and right fall into his trap. The Source smirked.

MANOR

The doorbell rang. Surprised Piper and Leo went to the door and opened it. There, outside, stood the two girlfriends of their sons. Both looked at each other confused. And worried. The parents were sure they're up to something.

"Girls, what are you doing here?" Piper asked. "The boys didn't say anything about you coming here today." Leo nodded to agree.

"Well, they called us some time ago and that we should come here," Steph said. She was just as confused as Piper and Leo.

"Yeah, they said we should go, once we arrived, to their old room. The one they shared as children, you know," Cat added. "Um, Mrs H and Mr W, can we come in?"

"Sorry." Piper let them in and led them first to the couch. "So you have no idea why you're here?" It was more a statement than actually a question.

"They were very secretive," Steph continued. This caused the parents to laugh. The sisters only shrugged but asked nonetheless, "Why are you laughing?"

Leo composed himself quicker. "It just reminds us of someone we love and know all too well, but I would never have thought it'd rub off on my other son as well."

"Ookkaayy," Cat drolled out. "Though I don't understand what you just said it's time to look for our boys. Don't you think, sis?"

Stephanie nodded. The parents stopped their joyful laughter and the four of them stood up and walked up there. It was quiet. Too quiet for their liking. So slowly the girls opened the door and found their boys on the knees with flowers and a ring in their hands.

Piper and Leo discretly stood back and observed the scene from behind.

Slowly the girls walked over to the boys who looked up to them. The brothers looked briefly at each other and barely nodded. The decision was made.

Wyatt took Stephanie's hand and asked, "Will you marry me, Steph? I want to spend my whole life with you. Be the mother of my children!" The ring was in his hand and he put it on her finger.

The woman didn't know what to say. So she only engulfed him in a tight hug and accepted with this the propose.

Chris followed his older brother's example and did the same with Cat. "Catherine, I fell in love with you at the first sight. And I ask you the same: Will you marry me? Spend the rest of your life with me and give birth to our children?" Shyly he took her hand and put the ring on her finger.

The younger sister kissed him on his lips and whispered, "Yes!" to accept the propose.

The parents of the boys made them known to the now engaged couples. They hugged their boys and soon-to-be daughters-in-law. Somehow they had the feeling this would happen and the parents smiled.

Wyatt stood up and searched for Chris' agreement in the next issue. The younger boy did and so the older one spoke, "We want you to stay here and bring your parents to the Manor as well."

"Why?" the mother wanted to know.

"Our battle with the Source. It's more safer here and you'll protect the house with crystals. No matter what happens!" The brothers looked at their family with begging eyes.

"We do. Don't worry, boys!" Leo said to stop any further arguments. "But be careful!"

The boys only hugged their parents and the girls of them. Reluctantly they orbed away to the apartment.

BOYS' APARTMENT

Wyatt and Chris grabbed as many potions as possible. They had prepared them for all eventualities.

"Are we ready?" the brunette asked.

"We are. Don't worry so much," the blond replied.

Both brothers orbed to the Underworld.

[Tim]

2 ...

---

21. Fighting with all weapons

UNDERWORLD – FOR THE WHOLE EPISODE

ELSEWHERE

Blue and white lights lightened the dark caves in the Underworld. The Halliwell brothers reformed and took a look around. Where they landed in nobody was there and not seen. That was so unusual for this place and the boys looked scareful at each other.

"OK, we're here. Where do we go next?" Chris asked, a bit sarcastic.

"I'd say we'll follow the lights," Wyatt spoke and pointed to the neon signs which directed the way for them.

The younger boy was surprised. "Wow, that's a surprise. It's too easy and why is he doing this?"

"Don't ask me," the older boy snapped back. "Let's just follow them and see where they'll lead us."

The blond took the brunette's hand and led him through the tunnels, following the signs. Though the Twice-Blessed knew there were traps waiting for them, but truth to be told they had no idea where to find the Source.

The half Elder was reluctantly led through the caves. Still his gut feeling was active and didn't tell him anything good. Something big would happen and ... soon.

As both boys entered the a cave where the first track ended and were surprised to see meals waiting for them on a table. While the younger boy was suspicious and stood where he was, the elder one took a seat and began to eat.

"Wy, this is not a fairy tale. You're not Hansel in the gingerbread house!" the brunette said furious. "Where's your mistrust of anything?"

The blond stopped and looked up. "What am I thinking? This isn't how I am normally." He looked at his younger brother. "You were right. As always."

Chris only smiled. "Thank god, you came back to your senses." Then he noticed new signs at the door. "Let's follow these!"

Wyatt looked to the signs. "You'll lead now and I'll follow you. It's better this way!"

The half Elder shook his head helplessly and tried not to laugh out loud. However, he now took his brother's hand and both followed the hints they were given.

THE SOURCE'S LAIR

"Damn Christopher!" the man cursed. "He's way too smart for his own good. Wyatt was almost there!"

The Seer cleared her throat. "Why did you use a fairy tale as the first trap? It was clever, yet obvious. They grew up with these tales!"

The Source shot her a sour look. "Don't question me, Seer, if you want to live longer. But don't worry! There are more traps waiting for them. At least nine still!"

"You created ten traps exactly?" the woman asked surprised. "Why ten?"

"You do know I'm ancient, don't you?" His Seer nodded. "And I was always impressed by the gods, especially the Greek ones and I love Hercules. With his tasks to become a semi-god."

"I see." The woman looked at the man. "Would they be interesting and painful for the boys?"

The Source nodded and directed the attention back to the brothers who followed his signs into the traps like lambs to the slaughter.

BACK TO THE BOYS

"OK, here we go again," Wyatt said as the brothers entered a new, bigger cave. "It looks like an arena though. What'd you think, baby brother?"

"How the hell shall I know?" Chris snapped back. "Do I know how the Source ticks in his psychic ways?"

The elder brother snorted his response. However, the boys were distracted as a big gate opened. Looking fearfully at each other they swallowed the lumps in their throats. Both mouths gasped as a brute demon stepped out and smiled.

"Hello boys!" he greeted them. "Ready to fight?"

Wyatt and Chris tried to flee but as they turned around the cave was closed. That could only mean they were trapped. Instantly both tried their powers and they didn't work as well.

"Wy, what do we do now?" the younger boy asked quietly. "The cave is magically sealed. Any ideas?"

Wyatt shook his head. "We can only fight hand-to-hand. But that'd be painful. For us!"

"Sorry to interrupt you guys," the brute demon cut in. "I'll only fight with one of you two." With that he waved his hand at the brunette who flew through the cave and hit his head hard on the wall.

"Chris!" the blond yelled and wanted to run to his younger brother but was stopped by the demon who waved his finger teasingly. The older boy could see his baby brother was bleeding. A trail run from to spot to where he lay and he was unconscious. So the Twice-Blessed was alone.

"Now, are you ready, golden child?" the brute demon asked as he clenched his fists jokingly.

"As ready as I'll ever be!" The elder boy ran to his enemy but his attempt was simply stopped by a hand of the demon who smiled.

"You can't win, witch," the demon replied. "I'm stronger than anyone else you know."

'That might be true,' Wyatt thought. 'OK Wyatt. Think! What can you do? The only way to save Chris and survive this is to trick this dumb demon!' Looking his counterpart over he searched for weak points which he'll eventually find. Now it was time to test it out.

The brute demon laughed cocksure as he watched the boy running towards him, but to his surprise he ran through his legs and jumped suddenly on him and tried to knock him out. He just grabbed the boy and threw him over his shoulder.

That was what Wyatt in truth wanted. In a hurry he jumped on his feet and took a large rock. Threwing it at the demon with his might he saw how the demon fall and threw more and more rocks at him till he was bleeding and totally unconscious. Now the Twice-Blessed let out a sigh of relief.

A door opened and the older brother took the younger one over his shoulder to walk out of the cave. He laid him down and healed his baby brother. In a passage the blond looked at his awakening brother and the already new shining neon signs. "Hey Chris, back to life again?" he smirked.

"Yeah, I'm here. Thanks for healing me though. Did you win the fight? For me?" the younger boy stated questioning.

Wyatt smiled. "I did. Yes, for you, my brother. Ready for a new round?"

Chris grinned and took his older brother's hand what was in front of him. The Halliwell brothers followed the signs, yet again.

THE SOURCE'S LAIR

"They're really testing my patience," the man said. "First Christopher, now Wyatt. They're working hand-in-hand."

"Just like brothers," the woman confirmed. "So eight traps left? What else can we expect?"

"Serious, but also funny things I think. We should only watch and enjoy now!"

"They're clever, aren't they?"

"I know they'd overcome my traps. At the end I'll be waiting for them! Let's watch!" He directed the attention back to the brothers who already walked to the next trap.

THE THIRD TRAP

They came into another cave. Nobody was in sight what made them nervous. Looking around the boys were waiting for something to happen.

"Hello boys!" came a deep female voice up suddenly.

Turning around Wyatt and Chris saw in a matter of seconds how the cave was filled with women. All kind. Both brothers looked rather nervously around and touched their collar afraid and were definitely embarrassed.

"Aren't you interested in us?" a woman said. "We love you boys!"

"Hm, rather not," Wyatt spoke up. "We're accounted for and we love our girls."

"Too bad they aren't here. So we are here and we want to please you." One woman touched Wyatt's cheek lovingly.

Chris grabbed his older brother's hand. "Don't you understand? We're not any longer on the wedding market!"

"Oh, but you are so cute! You both!" Another woman tried to touch Chris, but he stepped away.

"There's only one possibility left!" the brunette said.

"Which is?" the blond wanted to know. He snapped some hands away.

"Off you go!"

With that the brothers ran through the crowd of women, avoiding all hands which wanted to touch and grab them. To hold them back. As they were finally out the brothers fell into the next trap already.

THE FOURTH ONE

In the next cave the boys let themselves fall on the floor. Letting out sighs of relief Wyatt and Chris laughed. They had managed yet again another trap of the Source. Suddenly they heard a whistling sound and looked above. There on the ceiling were seated hundreds or thousands of bats.

"Halliwells! So nice to see you again," a woman said. The boys were on their feet immediately.

"Do we know you?" Wyatt asked and grabbed his brother's hand firmly. To held him by his side anytime.

"I'm the Vampire Queen and got once your Aunt Paige," the woman replied. "And now I got the offspring as well."

"I don't think so," Chris said firmly.

A briefly nod at each other and the Halliwell brothers let go of their common explosion power to vanquish all bats, along hopefully with their Queen.

"My babies," she cried out. "Bastards!" The Queen attacked the boys but was stopped by a forcefield. Caused by the elder boy.

"Eheh, don't think so, woman," Wyatt countered and looked at his younger brother. "Chris, the Queen!"

Once again they directed their powers towards the woman and slowly she was vanquished. The boys took each's hand smiling and ran out of the cave when out of nowhere the brunette was grabbed out of his brother's firm hold and thrown yet into another cave.

"Chris!" Wyatt yelled afraid. "Where are you?" He looked around and clenched his fists angrily. "Don't worry baby brother. I'll save you. I swear!" With that he tried to break in and free his little brother.

THE FIFTH TRAP

As Chris came to he was facing his worst nightmare, again. His evil brother. The last thing he remembered was that someone had thrown something into his face knocking him out. Looking into the cold blue eyes he was all of a sudden reminded of his other life.

"Hello traitor! Welcome back to the real world," the blond hissed. "Ready to fight?"

"What are you doing here? This timeline doesn't exist anymore. I know that for sure," Chris said afraid as he suddenly was thrown against the wall. Again and again.

"That doesn't matter right now. I'm here to play with you and make you pay." Wyatt laughed hard as he began his little brother tossing around. "Wanna be a rag doll, baby boy?" he mocked.

Chris said nothing. He felt vulnerable and alone and let himself be tossed around. The one thing that was annoying was the constant knocking from outside. There was a bond what bonded him to someone.

Outside Wyatt could hear the tossing and knew it was his baby brother. He had to come inside somehow, to help him. "Chris, listen! Whatever you're seeing it's not true! I'm here and good!" The tossing stopped. "Chris?" he whispered afraid.

Inside Chris was relieved that the tossing had stopped. His ribs were broken and he was coughing blood. His self-healing power seemed to be not working. Fearfully he looked up and saw someone with his brother he didn't expect.

"Hey, baby brother! I'm your only family left," evil Wyatt pointed out. He directed at the person beside him. "Besides of him, actually. So what'd you say?"

"Dad?" Chris asked in disbelief. This couldn't be real or true.

"Christopher!" he yelled. "How could you have let your mother and aunts die? I lost my wife, my charges and the Power of Three! How could you?" Leo whacked his youngest son painfully time and again.

Chris felt alone. So alone.

His older brother felt helpless outside. Repeatedly he punched his fists angrily at the wall. "Chris, I'm here and I want to help you!" he cried. Then the solution hit him. Wiping his tears away the blond shouted in, "Concentrate on our bond! Chris, it's the only way! Our brotherly bond!"

Chris heard it and tried to concentrate on the bond that existed between his big brother and himself.

The Twice-Blessed noticed how the wall slowly was shone with light. He had reached his baby brother and in a last attempt to break in he blasted the door. And was successful. Immediately he ran in.

The half Elder felt strong arms around him and relaxed in the offered embrace. He was safe. Finally.

"Chris? Are you alright? Need anything?"

"I'm fine, Wy," the younger boy replied. "But I'd need your healing power. Mine wouldn't work today."

"Okay." Wyatt healed his little brother and hugged him yet again. Slowly he helped him up. "Ready to face another trap?"

"I am. Let's finish this circus, shall we?"

Blue and green eyes locked in understanding. In absolute trust. The brothers grabbed each's hand and ran into other challenges.

THE SOURCE'S LAIR

The master of all evil looked pleased. Finally he had a weak point. From Christopher. "I learned something useful. When we'll face each other it'd be interesting."

"I see," the Seer confirmed. She looked at the man and saw his excitement. The woman wanted to see more.

"Let's see how the boys will overcome the next half of traps." The Source looked into the sphere with fiery eyes.

ELSEWHERE

The next generation of the Halliwells had found their strength back. It was like in old times when they had been children and had discovered new powers. Or their first trip to the Underworld. Together with their mom and aunts.

"So what's next, genius?" Wyatt asked smiling.

His brother snorted in retort. "I'd say we skip the next traps."

"And how? There always are neon signs out there to lead the way."

"I know, big bro. I'm sure he observes us, so it wouldn't matter anyway. My guess is the last ones will be the hardest."

"Thanks for me I've got the smartest brother ever. I've always known that."

Chris smirked. "Ready to run through at least two caves without looking around?"

"I'd love to."

With that the brothers stormed through two caves. They didn't notice anything. Only the boys opened their eyes as they were in a hallway leading to a new trap. At least now Wyatt and Chris caught their breath and walked in slowly.

"Good suggestion, little brother. What would I do without you?" the blond said proudly while laying a hand on his brother's shoulder.

"Probably dead or better lost. But I need you as much as you need me. As Grams had said our destinies are linked, so ..."

"OK, okay, I got the picture. Come on, it's time."

"I know."

THE EIGHTH TRAP

As the boys entered the cave it was quiet. Too quiet and pitch dark. They couldn't see anyone. If there was anyone in there, so both swallowed hard.

"Hello?" Wyatt asked in the dark and grabbed his brother's hand to hold him close by.

"Who asks for me?" a deep voice boomed out of nowhere.

"The Halliwell brothers. Wyatt and Christopher. We want to fight the Source," the Twice-Blessed replied.

"Ah, I see. A fight between good and evil," the voice continued. "Why are you here?"

"We just want to walk through your cave to get yet to another one," Chris said firmly and looked at his brother.

"That's true," he confirmed his brother's little speech.

"Mmhh." The creature whatever it was seemed to be thinking about it. There was a long silence in the room. It was rightaway frightened. "Then walk through. I don't want to fight. You're too powerful for me."

The brothers gasped as out of the dark a hand appeared and guided them to a new neon hallway.

"Thank you," the brothers said together and waved good-bye to the creature.

"Anytime. Good luck!" And it was quiet and dark again.

The boys let out a sigh of relief.

THE NINTH TRAP

As they came into the next cave surprise was written all over their features. Nothing was there what could harm them. Except an old house and a demon who waited boringly at a barrier. Wyatt and Chris walked to it and wanted through but were surprised as it closed before them.

"No walking through, guys," the demon said. "Only with a paper it's possible."

"And what kind of paper?" the older male asked impatiently.

"You need pass A 38 to walk through."

"And where do we get it?" the younger male questioned now.

The demon only pointed lazily to the old house while the brothers shrugged and went there. "Don't worry. It only makes you crazy."

The boys walked in and came to a reception where they politely asked for the pass A 38. The man told them they need to walk to queue No I where they went. There Wyatt and Chris were told they needed a blue form as well as more from other queues. They asked for all and slowly it made the blond crazy what he expressed by playing with his lips and walking like a hen.

The brunette smirked and laughed at his brother's actions. He walked over and grabbed him, "Wyatt, calm down! I've got an idea to get what we need."

Wyatt took deep breaths to calm himself. "And how? I know you're smart. Tell me!"

Chris whispered his plan into his older brother's ear what made him at first look incredulously and then laugh.

"Okay, let's do it. This could be fun!"

The Halliwells started their trick and walked to the queue No I again asking for pass A 39 what was settled in circular letter B65. The people in the old house were getting nervous and excited, because they've never heard of that. Asking all other members who were as clueless as they were. The brothers looked satisfied as the people were starting to going to be crazy.

Finally the boss came. "What's going here? People, calm down."

Chris decided to jump in. "We only want pass A 38."

"Here. And leave. I'm busy."

"Thank you," the brothers spoke and walked out.

Too late the boss realized his mistake and did the same like all his people. All were crazy at the end. Doing things they never did.

Triumphantly the boys walked to the demon and showed him the needed pass. His jaw dropped but let them walk through as he'd promised.

THE LAST ONE

"I'm tired. Let's sleep. It was a long day after all," Chris said and yawned deeply.

"So am I," Wyatt agreed. He waved his hand and conjured two mattresses for them. He was yawning as well.

The brothers laid down and fell instantly asleep. The day had taken its toll on them and they had fought tooth and nail to keep their brotherly bond active and themselves alive.

It was dark and the only sound was the snoring of the two brothers. Then footsteps could be heard and ghosts walked around them. They made all possible noises to wake the boys up but so far with no success. The noises were becoming louder and finally one snapped.

"Let us sleep. We had a rough day and sometimes were nearly killed!"

"But ...," one ghost tried to explain.

"No! Go away and leave us! Now!!" the one brother yelled.

Reluctantly the ghosts sighed and vanished into thin air leaving the brothers alone in their sleep. Both slept so long they never noticed how their surroundings changed.

THE SOURCE'S LAIR

As they awoke the Halliwells were greeted with clapping hands. Immediately they stood up and saw their enemy waiting for them.

"Good work, boys! You've managed all my traps I laid out," the Source said calmly looking at them. "You were so full of surprises."

"What did you learn about us?" Wyatt asked, a bit afraid.

"Enough," he only replied.

"What will you do with us?" Chris contiued to ask. "I'd say nothing good."

"Clever boy. Wyatt was right after all. You're so much smarter than him," the man confirmed.

"Tell us what you're going to do!" Wyatt yelled, loosing his patience.

"You'll see in time. Now sleep," the man said in a calming and soothing voice. He smirked as the boys fell down asleep on his floor.

The Seer walked in. "What's your wish, master?" She bowed on front of him, knowing what's in his mind already.

"Separate them," he said. "Bring the younger boy in the prepared crystal cage whereas the older one will be in the other one. He shall face the two shapeshifters." He snapped his fingers and the two men-in-question appeared.

"Master?" they questioned.

"Shapeshift into Leo and Piper and make the boy's life a living hell!" The two of them nodded and bowed. "Let's bring it to the end! Once and for all!"

[Tim]

1 ...

---

22. The final battle

STILL UNDERWORLD

THE SOURCE'S CAGE

His impatience was very thin as his victim still slept on the floor. The master of all evil conjured a glass of water and spit it out over the boy's face who immediately awoke and dried his face and hair by shaking his head.

"Where am I? What's going on?" the boy asked coming onto his feet. "Where's my brother?"

"Trapped by someone you know," the Source replied and indicated outside the cage.

Chris' gaze followed and saw his older brother facing ... their parents. 'No,' he thought. 'They're at home. Safe. So ...' "These are shapeshifters, aren't they?"

"You really are smart. Maybe your brother can also look through it, but now ..."

The brunette turned around. Afraid. "What are you going to do with me?" he demanded to know.

"Let's just say you are your mother's son and what I did to her a long time ago I'll do to you as well." With that he grabbed the boy and threw him on the floor. The Source put his hands on the boy's head and let him endure the same like his mother.

The boy was forced into a nightmare where he couldn't get out. Even if he would the deadly darklighter poison was waiting for him.

WYATT'S TRAP

As the older boy awoke he saw two figures who shouldn't be here. The Twice-Blessed faced his two angry parents. They were closing the distance to him what made him stumble backwards.

"Wyatt, where's your little brother?" 'Piper' wanted to know with her hands on the hips.

"Did anything happen to him? Again?" 'Leo' added, looking straight into his son's blue eyes.

"I ... I don't know, Dad," the blond stuttered. "We were together and then we lost each other."

"You ... You don't know!" his mother yelled. "You're his big brother! You should look after him!"

"I know that, Mom! You told me since forever!"

"Yet you about to fail once again, Wyatt! What are you thinking?" his father shouted angrily and furiously.

"I'm old enough and responsible. I know what I'm doing!" the son retorted, even angrily. He couldn't believe it! Never did his parents yell at him. Okay, only when he was a little boy and tricked his brother in so many things.

"Well, what happened in the other timeline? Didn't you want to kill your little brother? By using his fianceé?" 'Leo' continued his questioning.

Wyatt was in shock. Literally. He couldn't move. Though he knew he had been evil and used his brother's girlfriend to get him home, but never would he have thought his parents would hold a grudge.

"Have you lost your voice now, Wyatt?" 'Piper' demanded.

Something was wrong here. Definitely wrong. He knew for sure he'd spoken with his parents about all what had happened in the other timeline and it'd been clear it wasn't him. "You're not real! You're not real!" he shouted.

"We are your parents! How could you think of anything else, Wyatt?" 'Leo' asked confused.

"You're not them! You're not them," he shouted again. "My parents never held a grudge against that. So show me who you really are!!"

"Clever," one commented and both shapeshifted back into their real form.

"Where's my little brother?"

"Facing the Source alone. In his worst nightmare!" One shapeshifter indicated to the cage behind them.

In fear Wyatt turned around and saw his little brother struggling in the Source's hold. He wanted to help him but couldn't break in the cage. Tears started to blur his vision and his anger rose. Against all and everything.

"So, Twice-Blessed, ready to fall?" the shapeshifter threatened. "We are so ready to bring you down!" With that they started throwing fireballs at their victim.

The blond witch roared furiously. While turning back he activated his firepulse and vanquished those two dumb demons. Satisfied he turned back to the crystal cage where his little brother was in and threw his fists against it.

"Chris!" he whispered. "Come back to me! How can I come in?" Tears fell down his cheeks and he watched helplessly how his brother was tortured.

THE SOURCE'S CAGE

The being of all evil looked satisfied as the older boy tried desperately to get in. To save his little brother. How pathetic! Humans are so predictable, really. But he had to concentrate on his task for the younger boy. This could be fun, actually.

CHRIS' DREAM

As the brunette opened his eyes again he was ... in his room. Apparently he'd been sleeping. Throwing back the covers the young man walked out of the room and downstairs. Only to be met by his family.

"Hi sweetie! How are you doing?" his mother asked and kissed his cheeks.

"Fine. No need to worry," he answered. A bit confused he looked at his father and brother. "Dad, why aren't you gray anymore? And why can't I feel any powers here?"

Leo laughed a bit. "Son, why should I be gray? I'm an Elder. You do know we'll meet in an hour at Magic School, don't you?"

"With Aunt Paige?"

"No. Gideon, silly," Wyatt replied smiling. "He wants to talk to us about something important."

Chris was frozen suddenly. 'Gideon?,' he thought. 'He was dead already. Twice!' "Why's that? And what's so d**n important?"

"Language!" Piper scolded. "We don't know, peanut. But you're going to find out." She kissed her baby again and left the three men alone.

"Why can't I feel any powers?" Chris wanted to know. This was getting really confusing.

"They're bound. Since we were children," his older brother responded. He smiled at him.

"Why?" was his only question. Again.

"Gideon persuaded me, your Mom and Aunts, to bind them. He said you both were too powerful." Leo went with his hand through his hair. "Anyway, we need to go now, boys!"

Wyatt nodded and followed his father on the spot while the half Elder was glued to the spot. He couldn't follow them. Something was wrong here.

"Aren't you coming, son?" his father asked. He told his eldest to stay where he were while he took Chris' hand to lead him to Magic School through a magical door.

MAGIC SCHOOL

As the three men entered Gideon's office the man greeted them warmly. "Leo, Wyatt, Chris. So nice you could come." He looked at the three but saw the youngest stare at him. "Something wrong, Chris?" His smile was encouraging, nonetheless.

The boy couldn't speak. His ability to speak was gone. He knew his Dad was a mortal and all had their powers. Still. However, his gaze was only focused on Gideon. The man of his nightmares.

"Chris?" "Christopher?" his brother and father questioned at the same time. They didn't know what was wrong with the youngest boy of their family.

"Leo, Wyatt. I think you should leave. It's better I'll speak with Christopher alone." Father and son reluctantly nodded and left. "So Chris, what's bothering you?"

This snapped the boy back to reality. "Actually you, Gideon. You're not real. Nothing is real here."

"I think you've gotten crazy." Gideon shook his head. "Come on. Let's sit down and talk!"

"No!" Chris denied. He refused all what was being said. "What's going on?" He looked Gideon over and saw to his surprise an evil smile on his face. Unconsciously he took a step back.

"Afraid?" asked the evil man. "Well, you should be. This is your end, Halliwell!"

"You're the Source, aren't you?"

The Source, posed as Gideon, only smirked and pulled a darklighter arrow out. A poisoned one. Deadly poisoned. And he pushed it violently into his victim's abdomen. Smiling.

END OF DREAM

What had happened in the dream was happening in reality as well. Chris looked at his abdomen stunned and touched it. His hand came back in blood. Then he felt the poison's work and fell to the floor in pain.

"Well, Christopher. You should know that the poison is deadly. Developed by my darklighters. And you can't heal yourself," the Source said to his victim. Still smirking.

"Why?" Chris whispered. He was dying. Again.

"I wanted you dead. Finally I won over you. You've always helped your brother and you're way too smart. Your family shall suffer. Especially your mother!" The Source went away but was suddenly thrown to the wall. Telekinatically. "Wyatt!"

"Bastard!" the blond yelled in tears. "You'll pay for that what you did to my little brother!" He ran to the brunette and tried to heal him. With no success.

"You won't win, Twice-Blessed!" the man spat out. "It's the end. For both of you! If one falls, the other one will fall as well!" Again, he smirked.

Wyatt cried helplessly. He couldn't lose his baby brother. Again. This was just wrong. He was the elder brother and should die first.

Chris coughed. He tucked on his brother's shirt to get his attention what worked. Their eyes locked and spoke through their telepathic connection.

'Wy. Let's combine our powers. It's the only way.'

'How? You're almost ...' The older boy sobbed and wiped his tears frantically away.

'I know. Time is running out, Wyatt. Let's do it!' He begged and pleaded. He coughed again. Blood.

Blue eyes searched for the green ones of his baby brother. Finally the Twice-Blessed found his strength and took the boy's hand. To kill their enemy once and for all.
We call upon the ancient power
To vanquish the Source of all time
Help us, Power of Two of the Warren line
To end this being with all our power
Wyatt held out one hand and saw his brother weakly doing the same. Firepulse and elder bolts were flying towards the Source while the blond repeated the spell three times.

Then came a great explosion and the Twice-Blessed covered the half Elder's body to avoid more hits and little injuries. During the chaos the boy forgot to raise his forcefield, because his focus was on his little brother. So he never noticed a darklighter orb in who smiled and aimed his arrow directly at the boy.

Right at that moment Wyatt looked up and saw the arrow heading to him. Furiously he sent an energy ball towards the darklighter who was vanquished instantly but the rest happen. Without his baby brother he would always feel alone and useless. The arrow hit him in the shoulder.

Tears ran down his cheeks as he took the younger boy in his arms and laid his head on his chest. Gently Wyatt stroked through the brown hair, touched the pale face and kissed Chris' forehead. "Please, don't die, Chris. I can't live and function without you," he sobbed. "Stay with me, baby brother." Wyatt totally ignored his own growing pain.

There was no reaction from Chris and the older brother feared for the worst. His little brother's death – for the third time. How could that happen, anyway? He looked to the ceiling and cried out in anguish, "Please, help me! He can't die again. For all and especially me he's done too much good in this world. Please! Don't let him die!" Wyatt was sobbing and cradled his brother closer to him.

At first it was silent as the grave. Then there was a bright light what was so bright what made the older boy cover his eyes and holding onto his little brother for dear life.

"Wyatt?" "Chris?" came voices out of the light which belonged to deceased Halliwell women.

"Grams? Grandma?" Wyatt asked afraid and was relieved to see his great-grandmother, grandmother and a woman who he recognized as his Aunt Prue. "Aunt Prue?"

"Wyatt, what happened?" Penny demanded to know, looking over her second great-grandson in fear and worry.

"The Source happened. He prepared something special what he and I couldn't heal." He began to sob again. "Please, help me to get him back."

"That's why we're here, son. Don't worry," the matriarch said again.

"Wait," Prue interrupted her grandmother. "The Source was vanquished by Piper, Phoebe and Paige after I died. What's his problem now?"

"Prue!" Patty scolded. "That doesn't matter right now. We are here to help and save them!"

"It's okay, Grandma," Wyatt said slowly. "The Source returned for us. Chris and me. To kill us." He shivered as the poison wandered through his body. "But in the end we won." Then he fall backwards and would have hit the floor if Patty hadn't caught him in time.

"Okay, we should hurry. Time is running out for them," Penny took charge. "Patty, take Wyatt over your shoulders and bring him to the place." Her daughter nodded and took her first grandson.

"What's with Chris?" she asked worried.

"Prue will help me. We'll follow you instantly." Grandmother and granddaughter took the younger boy between them. Anxious looks wandered between the three Halliwell generation and the five of them walked towards the light.

The four Halliwell generations vanished into the nothingness.

MANOR

Piper stood in the opened door in her house. She was waiting for her boys, to come home. Fear gripped her heart and tears started to blur her vision. Her sixth sense told the mother her husband knew more than he let her know.

Leo had locked himself in the boys' room. The one they had shared as children. He knew what was happening. His boys had told him what might be their end by getting engaged with Cat and Steph. He couldn't speak with his wife about this. She would kill him immediately. So he remained where he was. Without letting anyone in the room.

Behind the woman the Whitman family sat at the table in the dining room. Sarah had made meals for everyone and the girls were saddened.

"Piper. Come on. Sit down and eat something," Sarah begged. The girls looked over to Piper as well.

"Will Leo come?" John asked. Though he knew the answer already. He'd feel the same if his girls were in danger.

"I don't think so," Piper replied without bothering to turn around.

"It will be good. You'll see," Sarah wrapped her arms her friend and smiled encouragingly.

"Thanks," Piper said. She smiled a bit. "I'm coming. I want to thank you for everything."

"No problem. Eat something." Again Sarah smiled.

Both women walked to the table and sat down. The Whitmans and Piper Halliwell began to eat. It was a well-needed distraction and helped the worried mother. Silence ruled.

Nobody noticed how a wind went through the house. To look around. Leo, Piper, the Whitmans. Going out it telekinatically closed the front door.

THE END ... FOR NOW!?

P.S. The rest will follow suit. I'll do my best and since this is tiring as well, I'll try to copy and paste one by one and day by day. Hopefully all stories then over here as well.