#3 The Halliwell Sons - My season Two

[Tim]

16. Searching for the truth

A CHAMBER IN HELL

As he entered the room Lucifer watched the boy over. The brunette was handsome and surely some girls would kill to have him as their boyfriend. Still sleeping the Prince felt the immense powers the boy held, also the Avatar powers deep down. The Hollow had done a good work. Yes, he knew about it and was certainly impressed.

Suddenly Chris Halliwell began to stir and yawned deeply. He felt warm in a hot place and his senses were on overload what only meant to be careful. "Where am I and where's my family?"

"You're in hell and your family is still alive as well as above. In a world where don't exist anymore," a deep voice answered. Then it revealed, "I'm Lucifer, by the way."

"WHAT?" the boy requested. "You can't be serious."

"I am," the man confirmed. "I've heard a lot about you, Christopher Perry Halliwell. From different sources with good and bad experiences. You did a good damage to the underworld, my young friend."

"Did that pique your interest in me? Or why am I here? And what the hell did you mean with 'the world doesn't know of me anymore'?"

"Such good questions. It seemed to be right to say: You're the brain of the family. To answer your questions: 1) Partly. The Avatars did that. 2) I want to get to know my enemies or as whatever you and your brother to me are. And 3) Again, the Avatars. They changed the memories and all," Lucifer explained and looked at the boy for his reply.

The half Elder stared incredulously at the man and then at his hands which rested in his lap. "I don't understand," he whispered. "And the link between me and my brother?"

"No idea." The Prince saw the boy yawn again. "Wanna sleep some more? We'll talk later, because I have some business to attend to.

"Yeah, thanks." He turned in the bed, ready for sleep. "What business?"

"You don't need to know. Just sleep, my young friend." He waved his hand and the boy slept. Turning around Lucifer left the chamber deep in thought and called for Alpha and Barbas who immediately appeared in front of him. One as it seemed as a dependent follower, the other one totally afraid. The Prince smiled.

"What are we needed for?" the Avatar asked curiously. He saw no reason to be here, anyway.

"Information. Anything about the Halliwells, especially the brothers. Tell me all you know." He gestured to a table with three chairs for all to sit. Instantly three cups of coffee appeared. "Speak, my friends."

Alpha turned to the demon. "You know them longer. I'd say you start."

"You've got more experience, my friend. Plus, you know the father, Leo and the youngest boy, Chris. So? And you lived longer," Barbas countered.

"Guys!" The Prince stopped with that the starting battle between both men. "We're here to talk, not to fight. Otherwise, I'll speak to each of you alone."

Both men were silenced. The man in black took the hint to start. "We've got Leo as he'd just lost his youngest son to Gideon. He felt guilty and still does. His need to keep his sons alive was stronger than anything else, so we got him. But our intended target has always been the youngest son. His time-travel to save his older brother made him interesting for us."

Lucifer was confused. "Time-travel? And did the boy die once in the past?" He looked at Barbas for confirmation.

"He's speaking the truth, my friend. I saw him before he was born in the world as Piper was pregnant with him. Chris' fears would have been interesting, but I couldn't read him and now I've got a deal with the family."

Once again the devil spoke up. "So, the present we're living in is a changed future, isn't it? This boy is really good. Never had imagined that. I'll need to talk with the boy, again." The man stood up and left his two companions alone.

Both men stared at each other long before vanishing and flaming away without any words. Their 'master' was back in the chamber where the boy slept. Looking the not so strong young man over the Prince of Darkness was impressed at what the Halliwell had accomplished in the past, yet he was still alive in a new way. "You're an interesting boy, young man."

The boy began to stir. "How long have I been asleep?" He noticed the devil beside him. "Oh, you're here. Everything okay?"

"Yes, I've learned a lot about you. Time-travel and all. It seemed you're a dark horse and your brother is more open, right?"

"Maybe," he answered. "I won't tell you anything about us and our link."

"I can always look into the past to get to know either of you. You've got an interesting past. Both of you," Lucifer explained.

The brunette sat up and looked grudgingly at the dark man. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Fire away. If I can answer …"

"Okay. I had a dream or better premonition some time ago with four horsemen. It seemed like the apocalypse. Was it you who had sent me it?"

"These are your powers and they'll know what might happen to the world. If I tell you all my secrets, where would be all the fun in the future."

The boy hmphed. "Fine. Then let me go! My family needs me right now – to remember me!"

"I can't do that. They'll have to remember you on their own. Your link to your brother might be strong but if he remembers you and can find you, I'll pay tribute to both of you and your link."

"And what shall I do till then?"

"You might want to see what your family does without you or anything else. It's your choice, my young friend."

Green eyes searched for the dark ones of his opposite. "I believe in my family, especially my brother. He'll find me as well as my Dad."

"What about your Mom? Some anger?"

"No, but last time she risked a lot to save me and now she might have problems to believe all what Wyatt and Dad will discover, concerning me."

"You know your family well," the Prince said agreeing. "We'll see, my friend." He looked at the young man. "Until then you can accompany me. Got any girlfriends?"

The boy nodded. "Two girls for Wyatt and me. That's all I tell you and now I wanna see your home."

Lucifer agreed and showed the young Halliwell his place, explaining all and anything with its back. To his surprise Chris listened and showed interest as well. Then it came to the creatures and their changing appearances.

MANOR – A FEW DAYS LATER

Wyatt was sitting in his child's room. There was nothing unusual in it, but he was missing someone or something. A link existed, yet he didn't know who the partner in it was. What confused him as well was that in his sleep his one arm moved on its accord and laid itself on an imaginary body.

This time he tried to ask his parents in the morning if they would talk to him. Most of the time the old couple were silent as if both knew more than him.

"Wyatt, want something special for breakfast, darling? I can cook you anything you want," Piper said happily but in a sad tone. She knew deep down who was missing in her family but daren't say it.

"Cooking," the son mumbled distractedly. "Why does no one cook in the family? Beside you, Mom, I mean. It'd be helpful with the restaurant and all."

"Sure. Seemed strange. What'd you say, Leo?" the wife asked her husband.

"Well, it did. For some strange reason my father's name Christopher always is in my head, trying to tell me something but what I don't know," the man replied sadly as well.

"Christopher," the blond repeated. "Cooking …" Then was a long silence and in Wyatt's head images appeared, leaving him in shock.

FLASHBACKS

They were at a hospital. He was being held in his aunt's arms whereas his Daddy held a baby in his arms with a sad yet happy smile.

"Oh, he's so cute. Our baby Christopher," Phoebe said and then turned to Wyatt. "That's your baby brother."

Sadly Paige added, "Looks like we didn't lose him after all."

Leo smiled at his sisters-in-law and eldest son before looking even more proudly at the baby. His second son, his baby boy and youngest. Christopher.

CLICK

He felt jealousy – toward the baby who got all attention in the family. To get it back he orbed his brother around and mostly to his Grandpa's. Everyone scolded him for that but it did the trick. Then he realized something important: The longer he was around the baby, the more he was comforted with his presence.

CLICK

"Wy...net, Wy...net," a little voice called. Then a young brunette toddler came running out of a room.

"Kwis, Chris, what did you say?" the blond said as he caught his baby brother mid-running.

"Wy...net, Wy …," he repeated. "Love ya." The young boy snuggled deep into his chest.

"Love you too, Chris," he said proudly.

CLICK

"Wanna cook, Mommy," Chris said to his Mom in the kitchen during breakfast.

"Really?" his Mommy requested. The boy nodded heavily to agree. "Starting next year, my baby boy." She kissed him on his head.

END OF FLASHBACKS

"Oh my God! Oh my freakin' God!" Wyatt blurted out, looking at his parents. "I've got a baby brother named Chris! Where the hell is he?"

Both looked confused when a deep voice came from behind, "Such good intuitive questions, young man!"

Three heads whipped around. "Barbas?"

"Yeah, in person. I'm needed here, I think," the demon said smiling. "I know where Chris is. Good guess, Wyatt. He's in hell – with Lucifer."

"What … what?" both parents stuttered. Piper and Leo stared long at each other, then at their son and slowly their memories of Chris returned.

"Oh my God! What have we done?" Piper asked. "Where is he?"

"In hell?" Leo requested from Barbas who nodded. "How did he get there?" He looked at the demon and it dawned on him. "You and the Avatars did that, right? Don't lie to us or I swear …"

"I'm with you, Dad," Wyatt agreed. "So Barbas, either you tell us everything and bring us there or our deal is off and you're fair game again. I think a lot of beings has still a grudge against you."

The demon looked at the three Halliwells and saw their determination to save the boy. He really didn't have any other choice as to follow their order. He just nodded to agree.

The family orbed out when the demon flamed out after them. To show the way.

BACK IN HELL

In shock the brunette turned to the devil. "You are able to do it! I'd say you follow Alpha's order to get me for the Avatars. I will lose them now for good!"

"That can only happen if you fall from the grace. Just like your Dad," Lucifer explained knowingly. "Ready, my young friend, for that?"

"Anytime. Now that I know what I'll have to do!" Chris tried to orb out, again. "Why do my powers not work here?"

"I blocked them," came the simple reply.

"Great," he said sarcastically. "How can I get out now?"

"Family power. But I don't see it happen anytime soon. They still don't remember you at all," the devil answered in truth.

"I wouldn't believe that, devil, because the family is already here," a strong voice came. "And now: Let my brother go!"

He turned around and grabbed the surprised boy in his hold. "You want him? Then fight with me! How did you get here, anyway?"

"Oh, I helped," Barbas replied, revealing himself. "I couldn't see Chris suffer anymore. I like him!"

Five heads turned to him in disbelief.

The demon just shrugged. "It's the truth! But if I'm not needed here anymore, I'll go again. You're on your own!" And he was gone.

All growled simultaneously. That was so typical for this demon who always looked for the best – for himself. Then they turned back to the task.

"Let him go! He belongs to us," Leo said in fury. "I'm sure he didn't want to be here and didn't get here on his own will, did he? And now: Let him go!"

Piper couldn't say anything. She let her men do it gratefully and once again they had been right as father and brother immediately had noticed someone was missing in their family. The mother felt guilt.

The Prince of Darkness just stared at the men who had only a fighting stance. His lips formed a smile as he shoved the boy toward his family. He just said at the end, "We'll see each again. Sooner or later! I won't forget you, Halliwells."

Then he waved his hand and sent the family back home. Hell was his refugium.

MANOR

Three hesitant Halliwells walked in awkward toward their youngest member. As he gave them the permission they hugged him tightly.

"Really want to do the fall, son?" Leo asked in fear.

His son nodded. "I want to lose these powers. For good."

"We're always with you, Chris."

The Halliwells had a quiet night and enjoyed the evening. Normal as any other family on Earth.

[Tim]

17. A fallen Angel?

DECISIONS

The boys were having their 'house' to get to their own apartment. They decided to walk or take the bus there and not to orb, just because maybe they'd visit their girls.

Wyatt looked at his younger brother. "You really want to do this, don't you? What about your 'normal' powers? And all, you know."

Chris sighed. "That's the big question, Wy. Please, don't be mad, but to answer these questions I need to ask our 'friends' the Elders and Dad who's had an experience with this."

"I'm not mad, Chris. I do fully understand why you want to ask both these parties. Wanna tell the girls?"

"I don't know … yet. Maybe later, but I need some time for myself. To think everything over … and what might follow …"

The blond swung an arm around his brother's neck. "Hey, don't worry. We all are here to help and support you, whatever you do. Got it?"

The brunette smiled. "Yeah, got it. Come on, let's go home, Wy."

Now both brothers created a competition at who might be the first one at their home. As it had always been: the baby brother entered as first before the older one who only grinned mischievously. That earned him, most of the time, a very decent meal.

What followed then was very hard for Wyatt. Okay, breakfast to make was his great forte, but the rest of the day's meals was nothing he could do. So, two long days the Twice-Blessed suffered from hunger. He didn't show it, full knowing his baby brother did know of that.

After these days of solitude the half Elder came out into his freedom. Cat had sent him everytime their work from university, but it was nearly easy as a piece of cake with a former doctor like his Dad. Catching up with all other things around Chris went back to his multitasking jobs: study, work, whitelighter, boyfriend and chef for his older brother who was really grateful to have him back at this particular job.

Another day later Chris had invited the girls to them – without Wyatt asking, so the younger boy prepared a special dinner for the four of them and waited for the other three at the table. At first, as usual, the older brother came home.

"Hey," the blond entered the room. He saw the table with the dinner and candle light, so the natural question came. "What's going on? What's the reason?"

"Wait for the girls," was the reply, rather cryptic.

Raising an eyebrow and saying nothing more the Twice-Blessed took his usual seat at the table and waited for the … doorbell. It took half an hour in which neither of them spoke any word. Then it rang – finally and Wyatt opened the door politely – to let the girls in.

"Hey girls, come in," he said to them while Steph kissed him and Cat walked over to Chris to do the same.

"What we're needed for?" Catherine asked behind her lover.

"First sit down and then I explain," the starter of all calmly answered and gestured to the seats where his best friends sat down. "I called you in to tell you my decision towards the fall of the grace."

Wyatt swallowed hard. "And what did you decide? It's shocking or something else we don't wanna know," he joked after that.

Chris smiled. "It's okay. I just want you to know that nothing, what might happen after that, would change our relationship. That means the one with my brother, my girlfriend and charge as well as my sister-in-law."

The sisters smiled. Stephanie wanted to know this time, "Just tell us what you decided, Chris. We're dying to know with such a big meal ahead. Which is getting cold, by the way."

Wyatt whispered his girlfriend into the ear, "I'm so used to it by now. You don't know how much I suffered these two days before that." The woman chuckled.

"I know, Steph." Chris smiled at the couple. "I decided to take the fall. The Avatar powers are very tempting for me and I only want to lose them. The longer they are in me, the better I can understand Dad who was in the same situation years ago."

"Sorry, what did you say, little brother? Wasn't really listening," the older brother asked bluntly, just after a deep kiss with his woman.

Snorting, Chris just shook his head at his sibling but before he could open his mouth to reply his girlfriend captured his lips and kissed him deeply.

The meal was abonded as you can imagine what followed after this opening. Both men led their women to the bedrooms where typical young activities were heard during the night. At least all four youths were raised without any limitations. They were free.

TALKING WITH THE ELDERS …

After such a lovingly spent night Chris hurried down his breakfast, his hours at university, his temp work and then he orbed 'Up There' to talk with his bosses. It was better to speak with them first before it'll get personal with his Dad. His brother would enjoy his day, just without him but with Steph.

Smiling, the young man walked through the white marbles of this world, yet exited. But his smile vanished as he saw four Elders waiting for him and one of them was … Odin. A man he never liked to begin with.

"Hello Chris," Sandra greeted him friendly, along with Gajus and Kevin. "What you're here for? Did anything happen at home, with the charges?"

"No, no. All is fine. It's me why I'm here. To get rid of these Avatar powers what are very tempting for me. The longer I have them, the better I can understand Dad who felt the same years ago," Chris explained, half nervously.

"What does it matter," Odin interjected. "It was a mistake to let Leo those powers and now it's the same with you. You and your brother should have never been …"

Chris stared at the man and before he knew what he was doing the half Elder choked the Elder. "Don't ever say that again! Or I do more." He let go. "I thought that issue was gone with Gideon but obviously not. So what you're saying, concerning my problem."

Odin remained silent, so Gajus took over speaking. "I guess, you want to fall from the grace." The boy nodded. "There's nothing to worry about. Your natural powers will stay with you, because you were born with them."

"Are you sure? I mean, you've been tricky recently and all," the brunette declared.

"No," Kevin said. "Everything will be fine. With you and your family. Don't worry. We're all with you this time. You believe me, don't you?"

Chris locked his gaze with the young Elder and then he agreed.

"And now go to Leo," Sandra added at least. "He's already waiting for you. Go, son."

And the young man orbed away to the Manor, leaving three self-confident and one furious Elders behind.

… AND WITH DAD

As a clouding orb formed in her kitchen, Piper looked up and saw her baby boy emerging what made her smile. "Hey son, what you're doing here? Need anything?" She hugged him as much as her small frame allowed it.

"Hi Mom." He kissed her on the hair before taking her in an embrace. "You know where Dad is? I need to speak with him urgently."

"About your fall?" The young man nodded. "He's in the conservatory, reading some books about time-travel."

"Why's that?"

"You'll never know." Again, the mother smiled. "And now go! Want anything to eat and drink?"

"Maybe later." He kissed her again. "Thanks Mom." With that he walked over to his father who still read and sat beside him. "Hey Dad, got any time for me? We have something to talk about."

Leo looked up from his book and greeted his youngest with a hug. "Hey son, what purpose for?" He smiled before it dawned on him. "The fall, right? And any experience with it, but our situations are different."

"I know. I already spoke with the Elders where Odin still hates Wyatt and me. He's starting to get more and more like Gideon," Chris told him.

"Don't remind me," the father only said. "But therefore I'm on time-travel. Just in case as you always said back in the past. So you'll never know what might happen."

"Strange," Chris announced. "Mom said the same before. Anyway, how was your fall?"

"Freeing, but you at least will still need your wiccan and whitelighter abilities. The Avatar powers will leave you the moment you fall from the bridge."

"Would they leave me alone then? These guys are so annoying on many levels. God, did you feel the same years ago?" the son asked in a rush.

Leo took him in an embrace. "Hey, don't worry. We're all here to support you, no matter what. My guess is that they would leave for good, but you don't know if they return for the next generation. The one after you and Wyatt."

The half Elder sighed. "How can we make sure of that?"

"I don't know … yet. Maybe a deal, like with Barbas, but it's your choice."

"Great," he replied sarcastically. "Then I have to go back in solitude. To think all over, but then again Wyatt suffers – with missing meals."

The former Elder chuckled. "That might be true, but he'll understand. You know he's your big brother who always protects you. Wyatt is the man, because you saved him before. So, rely on him, just like he's on you."

"Thanks Dad. For everything and all you're going to do for us," Chris said. "I should go now. Tomorrow is a working day again, but soon my study will end and then I'll be a doctor, just like my old man."

"I'm looking forward to it, son." Leo hugged him tightly before letting go. "Say good-bye to your Mom. And for the rest: Good luck!"

Chris laughed openly before he turned to his mother, hugged her good-bye and left the Manor the way he came in. His parents smiled and kissed each other deeply before returning to their previous task.

However, what followed then was daily routine for everyone. The brothers worked on everything they could while at night the younger boy chose his solitude to make the right decision. The Twice-Blessed supported silently, because he knew the fall would still come in a few days. He was afraid but hoped to not show it. Then the day finally arrived.

FALLING FROM THE GRACE

It was time. Everyone felt it but tried not to show it. But the most nervous person was the one doing it, because well, at the end it might be a hard fall. So at anytime he would look up at his Dad, seeking for answers, but the old man didn't say anything, just smiled.

In the late afternoon this day as it was getting dark, the family was gathered around the Golden Gate Bridge where the women of the Halliwell / Wyatt family waited for the boy while the men were on the top pillar.

"Are you alright, Chris?" Leo asked. "Don't worry. The Avatars are not here, so they will let you go. They have to if these guys don't want to interfere with destiny or fate."

"You're sure about that? Dad, you know they would never give up on me, because of my powers and heritage," Chris said.

"Hey, baby bro. If they come, I'll put up my forcefield, so they would never get you again. You weren't the same with them," Wyatt spoke up encouragingly. After Chris' look he added, "I know this worked as we were children, but it'll now. You're my world, you know."

The brunette smiled at that. "Okay, if you say so, I'll do it right now. I think, Mom and the girls would be angry with me if I'm not doing it. This would be the joke of the day."

"Yeah, and Mom would hit the roof if she knows about that," the blond joked. This resulted in both boys' laughing.

"Boys!" the father scolded but it ended up more than a chuckle. Then he became himself again and really scolded his sons, "Chris, if you don't do it the next moment, it'll get harder with time!"

The boys put themselves together before the half Elder slowly walked to the edge. "OK, I'm ready."

"Good luck, son," Leo only said, putting a hand on his son's shoulder before going back.

"I'll see you down on earth, bro," Wyatt agreed. He looked around and sensed if someone was close by his 'women' before orbing down.

"Hey, what's with me?" the old man cried out angrily.

"Dad, when I'm down I'll send Wyatt back to get you. Promise."

"No, I'll call him right now! You do your fall."

Chris smiled and opened his arms and saw just in time his father being orbed down before falling down. He felt the Avatar powers leave him, so before he hit the ground he orbed to safety. Finally, he was free of them – for good.

As the family waited anxiously for the boy, he surprised them by coming up behind them and booed.

"Christopher!" everyone shouted. They hugged and kissed him afterwards. Lovingly and deeply.

At the end both green eyes of father and son locked and there were no words needed. Their bond was deep and strong. It was something both could rely on – anytime.

THE LIFE FOLLOWING

Chris seemed to be happy or at least fine, yet something was different. He saw danger anywhere, in any corner when he was outside, but inside the apartment, at home, the younger brother acted like himself. For anyone it was clear as a day: the half Elder became the neurotic whitelighter.

"Chris? Everything okay? You seemed different," Wyatt said one day to his brother. After breakfast he still got a bit of time since Stephanie was always first at the club. "If you wanna talk maybe …"

"There's nothing to talk about, Wy. I'm fine," the little brother protested.

"You might be, here at home," the older brother contradicted. "But when you're out, you act different. For me, you're just like Chris Perry, the little brother who came back to save the world. My other self recognizes the signs in you."

Green eyes looked in shock at his big brother who waited for a reply. He should have known it, because in this time the brothers' bond was strong. Extremely strong. The brunette sighed. "I don't know what to do. Yet I know something is happening … to me." Here he stopped and swallowed hard before he continued. "I hate to admit I'm still afraid of the Avatars and because of that I intend to see danger anywhere." Then came something Wyatt didn't expect. "Help me, Wy!"

Now the Twice-Blessed swallowed. He was not known for miracles and yet the blue-eyed man doubted he could help his little brother. "I'll do everything I can, Chris. I promise. We sort this out together. Just like brothers."

The young boy weighed the words of his brother. Long and carefully. "OK, what will you do? Should we sit somewhere and talk? Or anything else in mind?"

The blond sighed. "It'd be a good start. Want to get the girls involved?"

"No," Chris answered. "Let it be just under our wings, shall we? Time for a brotherly weekend and more." He smiled at the end.

The older boy laughed. As a response he pulled out his mobile and called Steph, telling her that'd be no date for her and her little sister this weekend, because the brothers needed some time for themselves.

Starting the following day both boys always came together and talked about that what's bothering them and it was always a long talk.

"Tell me why are the Avatars still on your mind? They're gone. For good. You have nothing to be afraid of," Wyatt said, hopefully to get his brother speak.

"I don't know, Wy," Chris whispered. "Call it a sixth sense or anything. They are after me since forever, that's why I'm sure of the Avatars are still out there. Waiting for an opportunity to strike again."

"We have the Hollow on our side. Don't worry, he'll protect us and he's an ancient power, so his ways would be effective."

"You believe that?" The blond nodded. The brunette considered this. "Then I believe you. Our cat is my protector." He looked stunned. "Wow, that sounded strange."

The Twice-Blessed shook his head laughing. He was grateful that his little brother confided in him. The last time this happened had been when they were kids and mostly relied on each other. There it'd been when their brotherly bond developed itself and strengthened. Over the years it grew more and more, so at the end their telepathic link was established.

It was a long and silent weekend for both boys.

[Tim]

18. A first warning

SIGNS ANYWHERE

The boys were on their way to their parents. Three weeks had passed by since both had solved the identity crisis of Chris. They had talked long and at one point both had agreed to let their ladies know what was going on. Of course, they had been furious at first but had listened intensely to the story. Now all was solved and it was time for something new.

"How's it at university going? I think, you're near the end, aren't you?" Wyatt asked curiously. His work at P3 was easier than his brother's, he thought.

"You're right, Wy. I just need to find a traineeship at a hospital, so I can become a doctor. Just like our old man," Chris replied. "Cat said she'll follow a year later."

"Why's that? You're both together anytime," the blond wanted to know.

As a reaction the brunette blushed in a deep form of scarlet what made his brother laugh. In return he got a deathly glare from the boy.

"Okay, okay. What'd you think is going on the magical world? You're more sensitive in this case than me," the older sibling explained. He slowly got a bad feeling in his gut.

"I don't know and that disturbs me. It's too quiet for my liking," the younger one said and wrapped his arms around himself.

"At least we've got the girls involved this time. I still can't believe we're going to get married soon," the Twice-Blessed spoke.

"Yeah. Weird, but you wanted it at first if I remember correctly," the half Elder agreed. That earned him a playful shove on his upper arm.

Both laughed and continued their childish play. They ran always a few and then walked again as if nothing had happened. As they turned into their old street both were still laughing and side by side. Then, out of nowhere, the young men heard kicks. Like from a horse and the Halliwells turned in that direction. Then it was silent, again.

"You heard that, didn't you?" Chris asked after another moment of silence.

"I did," Wyatt confirmed. "What does that mean?"

"No idea."

Both brothers continued their walk as suddenly the kicks were heard again. On instinct they looked in that direction and saw a horseman coming towards them. They froze the street, yet the man didn't.

"Okay, what is he?" the blond asked.

"One out of my dream, remember?" the brunette answered. "What we're doing?"

"Fight?"

"Okay."

And then all hell broke loose but with no effect on the horseman. He didn't stop or had a sign on his clothes but still galloped towards them.

Both brothers were frozen in place and let happen whatever came.

HELL – 20 MINUTES EARLIER

Lucifer was pissed. Really pissed and that meant a lot, because his new companions bored him to no end. The Avatars and their endless litany about Utopia and how they needed the young Halliwell. The fallen Angel cursed loudly and had sent these annoying brats away some time ago. He needed to speak with the Halliwell boy, again.

"War, I need you," the man called out and a horseman appeared. "I've got some work for you."

"What'd you need, Master? Me and the other three are very nervous to finally battle with these Halliwells as well."

"I know, but still give them some peace. You'll know when it's time. I've been planning something big for them and their family."

The horseman nodded. "What shall I do?"

"Go above and bring me the youngest son. He was such a good companion last time, remember? I need to talk with this boy."

"Okay. They'll be together. What then?" he asked.

"Hurt them if necessary and separate them, but bring me the boy!" Lucifer snapped at least. "And now go! Time is running!"

The horseman bowed, let his horse jump and then disappeared quickly and without any noise.

The Prince sighed. "It's so hard to find good staff." He shook his head and waited for his 'guest'.

BACK TO PRESCOTT STR.

The horseman, War as now identified, galloped faster towards the boys who were paralyzed. That made it so much easier for him as he recognized his target in the brunette. He pulled out his sword and hit the boy in the chest.

A cry of pain and an incredulous look at the horseman made Chris fall. "Why?" he whispered before loosing consciousness.

The cry and the falling woke the older boy up. He called for his sword, Excalibur and fought with all his might against the horseman. It was a good battle.

"Impressive, young man," the horseman said. "But I've got seriously more experience than you. You're still learning and lost without your younger brother."

"No, I'm the Twice-Blessed," Wyatt yelled. "And you'll leave my brother alone! He only belongs to my side."

"I'm sorry, my young friend, but I have an order which I have to obey." The horseman moved closer to the blond and hit him with his pommel on the head. He fell onto the street unconscious.

Calling for the boy and laughing the horseman disappeared. His goal was accomplished and his master would be pleased. He already looked forward to the next fight.

Another cry and two worried parents ran to their eldest and tried helplessly to wake him up but for now in vain. With some effort they put him on his feet and between them. Piper and Leo walked him back to the Manor but both cried silently. It seemed that only their youngest had to suffer.

"What are we going to do, Leo?" the mother asked as soon as they entered the house. "Chris is gone, again."

"First, we lay Wyatt down on the couch and then call for the Hollow and Cole. We need their help now. As well as the Elders, I guess," Leo replied. He took his wife in his arms after they had put Wyatt down. "I promise, we'll get him back!"

"Are you sure? We don't even know who took him?"

"Don't worry," the father supplied helpfully. "We've got great and strong supporters with the Hollow and Cole. We'll get him back! Chris belongs to his family!"

His wife nodded and called for the demon and the Hollow who immediately appeared. Both told them what they had seen what left the two without any words. All sat down beside Wyatt and waited for an inspiration.

HELL AGAIN

As Chris came around, he noticed it was hot, very hot and that he was back in hell. 'OK, how lucky I am,' he thought. His hands searched for the wound he'd received earlier but found nothing. He was confused.

"Oh, I healed you, young Christopher," a voice said. "Wouldn't you in a bad condition, now would I?" And the body to the voice came into the boy's view.

"Lucifer?" the boy said stunned. "What did I do for such an honor to be here? Again!"

The Prince of Darkness smirked. "You were such a great guest last time. Plus, I wanted to talk you again. Ah, I see you've got rid of these Avatar powers. How are you?"

"Fine, but who was this guy who brought me here? I think one of four horsemen, out of my vision," Chris replied, a bit angry.

"You're good. It was War and yes, he's one of four. How do you know that?"

"Powers. What's with Wyatt and my parents?"

"They are absolutely fine and your brother will come around, only with a headache as a result. But we should talk now, because I'm sure you wanna go home, right?"

The boy only nodded. "What's the issue?"

"I know you and your brother fought the Source and won. Your dream had shown you that you both will fight against four horsemen. These are the men of the Apocalypse and they will judge the mankind," Lucifer explained.

"I know. Two of them revealed that in my vision. So what's your subject?" the brunette asked, a bit annoyed.

The Prince smiled. "I'm here to help you and your brother in this fight. Though, I'm aware your family is very powerful and so are you and your big brother. But this fight would be huge and could mean your end."

"We'll live with this thought since we were in diapers. But I cannot believe you are here to help us, because you sent this warrior above to get me. How should I believe you? Tell me!" The half Elder only wanted to go home.

"You're a good speaker. You learnt well over the years, but you're right." His counterpart looked up and into his eyes. "I'm working always for my own pleasure. You see the Avatars came to me and bored me, so I came back to you."

"Oh let me guess. I should be now your companion. For good."

The fallen Angel clapped his hands. He walked closer to the boy. "As you've had so much experience with time-travel, you could be very useful for me. In many aspects. So much could be changed."

"What if I don't agree," Chris challenged. He knew he was playing in a dangerous game.

"You'll fear the consequences."

The boy was shocked and tried to orb out, in what he succeeded. It was a long way home. He surely feared this man and would need his big brother and all his family ancestors.

Lucifer, on the other hand, was pleased. It was all going like he wanted. His plan was in fact changing any minute, but it didn't matter. At one point in time this boy would be on his side, because the Avatars had been right with this boy. He was a powerful ally, though his older brother was as well, but the younger boy was a totally different caliber.

TALKS AND NEW SIGNS

As Wyatt came to, he was met with a loving hand caressing his face. He knew it was his mother and his father stood close by. Waking finally up and bolting immediately into a sitting position, the blond asked, "Where's Chris? I know, he's been hurt! Where is he?" Then he grabbed his head. "Ow. My head."

The parents exchanged briefly concerned looks before Piper spoke up, "We don't know, but this scenario reminded me and your father of something."

Leo continued, "Yeah, of the horsemen of the Apocalypse. But you should call the Hollow and Cole. We might need them."

The Twice-Blessed agreed but before he could form any words an orb came through the ceiling, revealing a distraught looking Chris. The younger boy immediately collapsed on the floor.

The father was by his side in an instant. "Chris, what happened? Where were you? Is everything okay with you?" He took his youngest in a strong embrace.

Sobbing the half Elder clung to his father for dear life. "I just don't understand why everyone's after me. What did I do? Shall I now become an evil ruler?" His sobs intensified.

Leo shushed him crying. Deep inside he could imagine why anyone was after his little boy. It was because of his time-travel and all he'd gone through during this. The old man only comforted his youngest.

The woman cried. "No, Chris. You're not an evil ruler. Never! You hear me. Who's after you this time. We all saw the horseman."

Wyatt, for the first time, reacted. "Are you still hurt? Chris?" Green eyes looked to the blue ones. "The horseman was out off our vision and please, tell us where you were!" He laid a comforting hand on his younger brother's shoulder.

The brunette found his confidence again. "I was literally in hell and the Prince of Darkness healed me. He only wanted to talk with me. Really strange. Anyway, Lucifer threatened me and said he's after me as well now."

Three stunned Halliwells stared at the young man. This was so hard to believe, even now that Lucifer was involved. Their youngest member seemed to be now the target for all kind of beings.

"Aren't you guys going to say anything, again?" Chris asked as his family was locked in their own hell.

"We're fine," Leo snapped back. "How you're feeling, buddy? This horseman incident just reminded us of something years ago."

"I know. The one with Aunt Prue and these four demons, but this is different. I can feel it."

Wyatt took his baby brother in an embrace. "Wanna go home, Chris? We're going to sort this out, together. Like always. I can see you want to. We're loading you with pressure, aren't we? Am I right?"

The younger sibling only nodded. He didn't need to say anything at all, because his big brother always understood him, no matter what crisis they were in.

The parents smiled despite the conditions. Oh, how much they loved their boys and their really strong brotherly bond. Hugging them and tearfully they let them go.

Back on the streets the older sibling still held close to his younger brother who still cried silently and looked absolutely shaken. Wyatt couldn't understand this, because the younger boy was normally the level-headed of the two. Now he only looked like a broken child, searching for help.

"Wy, I'm fine," the voice of Chris broke through his thoughts. With his hand he wiped the tears away. "Just let's go home."

The blond smiled a bit. "Okay." He looked around and noticed that something was strange here, but he ignored it for the sake of his brother.

"I'm really scared, Wy. This time the threat is really frightening, even for you and me. The Avatars were a lot easier, believe me. I can't say if we both would be able to defeat him. I mean, this is the devil."

"Hey, calm down. Like Grams said, we're stuck together – for good," Wyatt said cheerfully. "Don't you think, there's something strange around here?"

The brunette took also a look around. They were close to their apartment, but it was awfully quiet. Too quiet for his liking. "You're right, but who's behind this?"

As an answer both heard kicks, again. They knew it had to be a horseman, but which? Looking around the brothers searched for the man and when they found him both noticed he was different. In clothes and all.

Wyatt immediately moved in front of his baby brother, to protect him if necessary. "Who are you and what'd you want?" he threatened the man.

He smiled in return. The horseman galloped closer to the boys and waved one of his hands in front of them what propelled them backwards painfully. "I'm the Death. My colleagues and me are very eager to fight with you."

Chris recovered faster. "On whose order? Who's standing behind you four?" He felt his brother's hand on his, just to let him know he wasn't alone in this fight.

Death smiled at him. "You know him already, young Christopher. He wants you by his side. Like all others." Another wave came towards the boys and with a loud bang everything was back to normal.

The half Elder inhaled sharply. "OK, what are we going to do now? I really don't want to be Lucifer's apprentice. What's weird, even for me." He looked to the blond. "Wy, what we're doing?"

The Twice-Blessed found his voice. "Going to get married. I want to live my life to the fullest, with children, a wife and a dog."

Stunned the younger boy looked at him in disbelief. "You're joking, right? Picket fences and all? You of all people?" He shook his head smiling and started to laugh.

"Once I am deadly serious and you find this funny? Sometimes I really don't understand you anymore," the older man said but couldn't suppress his own laughter anymore.

Earning some weird glances the brothers stood up and continued their walk to the apartment both shared. There Wyatt and Chris could talk freely and came to the solution, to marry as fast as possible. It was time finally.

[Tim]

19. A time of peace

WEDDING PREPARATIONS

The brothers collected their girlfriends and the four of them walked to the Manor. It was clear that the two young couples were meant for each other as they walked side by side.

"Okay, explain me again, why should your Grams bless our weddings? I don't understand. We're both powerful and our family as well," Cat asked her boyfriend.

"Yeah, why is our family not so much involved like yours?" Steph continued and turned to her man.

Both men sighed simultaneously. The younger brother started first, because he knew that better. "OK, listen. As our fiancées you both are an easy target for the underworld, because we're feared down there. The demons would torture you only to get to us, but you know that, right?"

"Plus, our family is used to this threats. We all want to start a new generation of Halliwells, so our girls need to be fine. Though we both can heal, it doesn't change the threat," Wyatt added.

"Okay, okay. We get the picture," Stephanie finished the argument, smiling. "No one is stronger than the almighty Halliwell brothers. Right, Cat?"

The younger sister agreed nodding. "Yeah. The almighty Halliwells! Nothing would separate you two, except us." She smiled mischievously and kissed Chris on his cheek.

The brothers snickered a bit, because Stephanie had done the same with Wyatt. In response they grabbed their girls and kissed them heatedly on the lips in public. That earned them some gleeful and knowable glances from the people passing by.

"Boys!" both women said, grinning and breaking the kisses. "We're in the public!"

Snorting, Wyatt and Chris reluctantly broke their kiss. But before they finally did, the men whispered into the women's ear, "There's more in store for you this evening!" And then they walked again side by side.

Both young couples continued their walk to the Manor giggling and snickering. Still in that mood the four of them entered the Manor where Leo and Piper came from the conservatory as they heard the giggling but stayed in the back and only watched them. Though thinking they were alone, the Twice-Blessed and half Elder immediately started to kiss their girls, again.

After a while the parents cleared their throats, to get the kids' attention but it didn't work. Sighing, both tried it again, only louder and now it did. But still, they couldn't stop their giggling at the embarrassed and shocked faces of the young couples.

"Hi," Chris began helplessly. "What are you doing here? I … We thought we'd be alone, you know." The last words he only stuttered, deep in red.

"Son," Leo replied smiling. He had to hide his own laughter, "We live here, still. You both moved out, remember. Your mother and I know what you want to do here …"

Piper giggled, still. "Tell us the reason why you're really here! Except for the other reason You want."

The brothers looked at each other, stunned and in shock. Both were silent, so their girlfriends took over to explain the reason for being here.

"You see, Piper, Leo," Stephanie started. "We wanted to discuss our preparations for the weddings. Normal and magical. And our now silent men suggested to contact Grams for help."

"After all, she's the matriarch," Catherine added. "The dead one, I mean, Piper. You're the living one."

"I understand, honey. I fully do," the old woman told the younger one, taking her in the arms. "Could you lead my babies to the conservatory where we can talk? I think, they still are in their own world."

"Sure." "No problem." Both young women said at the same and led their men to the ordered place where they sat them down and themselves beside them.

"OK. You could please wake them up, because we should summon Grams soon! One of them can do it," Leo suggested while taking a seat on a chair and his wife on the opposite.

The girls nodded and did as told. In return they slapped their men on their cheeks, waking them up instantly. Looking confused, Steph and Cat kissed the red signs away and stopped with that the brothers' questions.

"Mhmh. What was that for?" Wyatt questioned, after recovering and quickly scanning the room. He and his brother were in the conservatory with their girlfriends and parents. But the reason was unknown to him.

"For you both to wake up and summon Grams … NOW," Piper explained her sons who nodded. "As we already know why you're here. I'm so glad you're doing that now."

"OK, I understand. I'll summon Grams now, though I did it once as an embryo." He grinned and wanted to close his eyes for the summoning as he noticed a hand beside him. "What is it, Chris? We need Grams as you remember."

"Yeah, I do," Chris said. He switched his gaze from his parents to his brother and back. Then he stopped at his mother. "Was that one thing 'with the powers from the womb'? When I did feel this inferiority complex as we dealt with the Spider-demon?" His mother nodded to confirm. "OK. Go on, Wy!"

Shaking his head smiling, the Twice-Blessed closed his eyes and waved his hand. In swirling lights Penny Halliwell appeared with her hands on her hips. "Why am I needed here? I've been busy, you know."

All chuckled. "Well, Grams," Piper began. "You are here to prepare and later also bless your great-grandsons' wedding. A double wedding, we mean. Got it? So no need for bad words." She smiled.

The Halliwell men did the same, hopefully in a winning manner. Though the Whitman witches had to suppress their laughter at the behavior of the whole family toward Penny 'Grams' Halliwell.

Immediately the woman's features softened. "Of course, I'll help you. I was married four times, so I've had enough experience in that case, don't you think?" Dumbly all nodded. "OK. So, when's the date? I need to invite your grandmother and aunt." Now she smiled.

"And of course Grandpa, the other aunts, uncles and cousins. You agree?" Chris asked.

The old ghostly matriarch nodded for confirmation. "Victor as well, okay!" She hmphed a bit sour.

After sharing a brief kiss with Cat Chris stood up and walked over to his great-grandmother. He put an arm around her, flashing his puppy dog eyes and perfect smile. "Grams, please. You know, Grandpa means a lot to me. In both timelines. Here he took care of me and Wyatt whenever Mom and the aunties were fighting demons. And before that he looked after me when Mom died and we've always been close. Please Grams." Once again, he flashed his puppy dog eyes.

The woman melted under the boy's look. She knew he'd perfected this look at the age of four. Penny could only sigh. "Okay, you won. I won't say anything against him on your wedding day. I do know how close you both are. And so is Wyatt. He can come."

"Thanks Grams." The half Elder kissed Grams on her cheek. "That's all I ask for. Can we sit down now and discuss the details, okay?"

The old matriarch nodded and sat down on the table in front of the young couples while Piper and Leo exchanged knowing looks. They had already experienced their son's perfect melting gaze what actually both of them could. They smiled before turning back to the still normal discussion.

SEVERAL HOURS LATER

"OK, so we're clear? You are preparing everything and I'll come to bless you four. Such lovely girls," Penny said and hugged the Whitman witches lovingly. "You did choose good, boys."

"Actually," Piper interjected. "It was the idea of us and John and Sarah's, the girls' parents. Totally unexpected and not knowing from each other we contacted the Elders, to get the boys some charges and maybe lovers. For the Whitmans it was the opposite."

"I see," the old woman only replied. "Anyway, I'll need to go now! Otherwise you wouldn't be able to summon me, again. You guys knew the Elders!" All just groaned simultaneously and Penny snickered. "Bye guys!" And she went 'Up There' in white lights.

As she was gone the whole family and their soon close relatives let out breaths of relief. "I heard that" came the old woman's voice suddenly in the room what startled all occupants. Immediately they looked around to may find the woman but found nothing. This caused the ghostly woman to laugh.

"Grams!" the living matriarch shouted to the heavens. "You do remember you want to come down, again – to the wedding. If you don't stop now, you'll know what happens."

The sound stopped.

"Now that all is cleared we should go back to our apartment," Chris said standing. "After all we've got a lot to do." He held out a list in his hand. From Grams. "You guys ready or you want to set your stone in here?" The younger brother grinned mischievously.

"Christopher!" Wyatt yelled and launched forward to grab his baby brother but failed as the boy jumped away in time. "Okay, okay. You won. We should go back. Mom, Dad, you okay with that?"

"Of course," Leo responded before his wife could. "You do what Penny told you and we do the other half. Go!" His sons nodded and orbed with their girlfriends to the door. The four of them opened it and ran home giggling.

"Why'd you let them go? I wasn't finished to talk to them," Piper announced, a bit angry as she crossed her arms over the chest.

"I bet you'll see them soon enough, again," the husband replied, kissing her.

Both shared a deep kiss before they sat down in the conservatory and smiled. Yes, they liked the way their family had grown and survived over the years. It was all like they had dreamed about it years ago.

BACK TO THE BOYS

"Wow, your Grams is such an … interesting woman. Was she always that way?" Stephanie said frowning and looked at the brothers. "She's so intimidating."

"Yeah," Catherine agreed. "How did she react when you guys were born? All in the magical community know that Penny doesn't like men, especially witches, male witches."

Both brothers gulped hard. Wyatt recovered first. "How do you know that? We thought that was a family secret!"

The girls shook their heads laughing. "We all are witches, you know!" Steph noticed.

"You can tell us," Cat added. "After all we're your future wives." She raised an eyebrow.

"Well, when we're at home. Not now," Chris said, not really fond with this turn of their discussion.

"Then hurry!" Both girls urged. "You have the ability!"

Wyatt and Chris groaned simultaneously before grabbing the hands of their girlfriends and running to an alley and orbing back to their apartment. Oh man, how they hated when they had to explain everything around them. In mere seconds the four of them were home.

As soon as they reformed the women broke the hold and sat down on the couch, holding a questioning gaze and tapping their feet impatiently. "OK, spill. How did the great Penny Halliwell react as men were born in her family? She had to be very fed up with that fact," the older sister repeated the question from earlier. The younger one agreed nodding.

You could hear two simultaneous groans and sighs. As the older one Wyatt told his story first. "As you'd heard: When I was born, the whole magic stopped. Being Twice-Blessed means to fulfill some prophecies, but for me only to be a good big brother. Anyway, as my parents had told me when it was time for my wiccaning the sisters summoned Grams. When they showed me to her, she felt disgusted. Men in her family and then a witch as well."

"We can imagine." The girls giggled what caused Wyatt to blush.

"But for my luck she was kidnapped by an old lover of hers and he opened her eyes toward men in general. So after she returned Grams blessed me finally and welcomed me in the family."

"Oh, my cutie," Stephanie said lovingly and kissed her boyfriend on his lips. Then she turned to Chris. "Now your story with Grams."

The brunette witch sighed once more. "Grams got to know me as the Charmed Ones' whitelighter as I returned back in time. Of course, she thought I was a newbie and she was not fond of my working style to save my older brother. All I can say many heated words were exchanged before she accepted me."

"How?" came three indignant voices.

"Well, during this adventure she was turned back to a hippie and Grams really wanted to talk with demons and drink tea with them. However, she was grabbed by a slime demon and Dad and me were busy to keep him at bay until the Charmed Ones would return from the past. It ended well, so Grams finally greeted me with respect."

"And your wiccaning?" Cat asked curiously.

"From what I heard Aunt Paige told her my story, though at first she was confused to see a baby named after the whitelighter. So both my aunts explained it to her and she welcomed me with open arms, I guess."

Cat only kissed him and took him in her arms. "So Grams accepted men finally in the Halliwell family."

They nodded and remained silent. Both just let themselves being held by their girlfriends and enjoyed their evening together. Soon this romantic and silent atmosphere led to more and both young couples were in the boys' respective bedrooms and well, you can imagine what happened after that.

DEEP IN HELL

On his throne the Prince of Darkness smiled at the picture playing out in front of him. Oh, how innocent these boys still are. He'd get the younger boy on his side, no matter what he had to do.

"Oh my young friends, how naïve you are. My time will come and Christopher will be by my side," he said to no one particular.

"Master, do you need us for something?" one of his minions said and bowed.

Lucifer turned to the man. And smiled. "I want you to go above and give this special ingredient to the brunette witch. He's working at the restaurant his mother owned or something similar where he's drinking or eating. That fact doesn't matter."

"Mind if I ask why and what it is?" the minion questioned shyly.

"I only allow it now. This ingredient is similar to a seed what grows with time. Sometimes slow, sometimes fast. It will lead him to me, to become my ally – for good."

"I see," the minion said. But in truth he understood nothing but would obey.

"Now go and see what you can achieve, but consider that I watch over you anytime. And if you fail, fear the consequences!"

The man swallowed hard before he dressed himself like an ordinary man and went to the people's world. To achieve his master's order and maybe to enjoy a bit this fresh and light world.

His master just watched all and waited for his turn. The brothers wouldn't know what hit them. Literally.

A FEW DAYS LATER

Chris and Cat were on a date in a fine restaurant. The one of Piper Halliwell. They had ordered a nice meal and a great wine, chosen by the expert. A waiter had brought them all but was totally ignored by the lovebirds.

The minion saw his chance as the waiter passed by him and he made the world stop for a minute. This was all he needed to pour the liquid both in the meal and in the drink but directed the waiter and the poisoned meal to the right person. And then all was back to normal.

However, the young couple enjoyed their meal and wine, unaware of the seed planted into the young Halliwell.

"So Cat, are you ready to become a Halliwell? That means trouble and demons all the time," Chris asked his wife-to-be.

"Of course. Steph and I learned a lot during your fights and your history as well," she answered. "We both are ready to fight finally with you." The young girl kissed him on his nose over the table.

Again, the world disappeared around them. They enjoyed just their time together while the minion smiled from a distance and searched for an alley, to go back to hell. His master would be pleased.

[Tim]

20. A change and a warning

RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS

Whenever Wyatt was at home, he observed his baby brother. Since a few days the half Elder was acting sometimes strange, sometimes normal. Making his dinner the Twice-Blessed noticed how the cat snuggled up to his legs, to get his attention. Slowly he bent down and picked the cat up.

"So, you feel it, too, Hollow. There's something wrong with Chris, yet I don't know what it is, but it's inside," Wyatt said to the cat, caressing it.

The cat nodded. "I do, but my sixth sense tells me it has to do something with our new enemy and that's not the Avatars. They went to this person as well and awoke his interest in Christopher."

"What can I do?" Wyatt asked. "I don't want him to lose to evil or anything else. He's done and suffered enough already."

"I know, son. What'd you say if I stay close to him from now on? Try to figure out what's going on with him? He wouldn't notice and see me. I'm good at that."

"OK. Do your best, because I want my baby brother back. Right now," Wyatt threatened before going back to his task.

The cat jumped out of his one owner's arms and searched for his other owner in the boys' apartment. Looking into every room he finally found the boy in his office, or at least what it used to be. Out of all rooms, only this mirrored that something was wrong with Chris, because one side was still as always and the other one was slowly going to black.

"Chris?" the Hollow questioned, slowly. No answer. "Christopher?" he tried again. This seemed to work as the young man turned to him – confused.

"Hollow? Is something wrong?" the brunette asked. "Why are you here? I need to do something very important."

The cat moved closer. "What is so important? Your brother is worried. And so am I. You're acting a bit strange lately, you know. Mind telling me, what's wrong with you?"

Green eyes stared long at the cat. "I don't know exactly, Hollow. Most of the time I feel like myself but when I'm alone, something in me tries to tear me up and draw closer to something I don't want."

"When did it start? You were always such a nice boy and this," he pointed to the black side of the room, "is nothing like you. This is more a reminder of your evil brother Wyatt, you know."

The half Elder sighed. He looked around his own office and back to the Hollow. "After I ate a lovely dinner with Cat at a restaurant, but it goes sometimes slow, sometimes fast. And I know what my evil brother once did." He grabbed his head between his palms. "Oh god! Can't you help me, Hollow? I can't fight him, hell I'd rather die before I turn evil and work with Satan!"

The cat turned abruptly to his owner. "Did you just say Satan? As in Lucifer, the Prince of Darkness and fallen Angel? Wow, this is huge. When he's after you, we've got a big problem at hand."

"What can I do?" the boy whispered. "You know my opinion, but please don't say anything to Wyatt! He shouldn't be bothered with that."

"He should. Wyatt is your big brother. The one person you can rely on your whole life. Besides, he already knows that something is wrong. You can talk to him. I'll stay in the back," the Hollow suggested.

Considering this and looking once again at the cat the younger of two nodded, accepting the suggestion. "Can you go to him and tell him to come? I'll be waiting here for him. We really should talk."

The cat stood up and started to walk to Wyatt. "You did the right choice. All are out to help you, especially your older brother and your family." A look of Chris said all. "Okay, I'll go now and send Wyatt to you. Everything would be fine at least." In the end the Hollow practically fled from the room.

Just a minute later running feet could be heard and then they slowed down. Without any hurry the older brother walked in and sat beside his baby brother. He wanted rather him talk than he spoke and questioned all.

BROTHERLY TALK

A few minutes of silence passed between the two brothers before the blond wrapped an arm the younger brother's body, to draw him closer to him and led his head to his own shoulder.

Chris smiled. "You did the same when we were teenagers. Anyway, I know that you know that something is wrong me. I can tell you you're right."

"I was afraid of that," Wyatt admitted. "Do you have an idea who's behind this 'attack'?"

The brunette nodded. He smirked a bit. "Even the Hollow was in shock as I told him a few moments ago. Ha! How are you standing to God and the bible?"

The Twice-Blessed looked confused and then lost his patience. "Chris, tell me now! Or is it a start of your premonition some time ago? As we both had seen it?"

Looking into his brother's blue eyes the half Elder nodded. "I guess so, but you didn't answer my question about the bible and God."

"You know as well as I do how Mom raised us. Okay, that premonition of yours was about the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse. Are you saying we're facing some men of the bible?"

"Only me, but my wild guess it's the Avatar's fault or someone else's in their near who brought them to the Prince of Darkness, Lucifer. I really don't know why he's suddenly interested in me." He stopped, because the hold on him tightened slightly.

Wyatt couldn't say anything. "You're kidding me, right? Why would he be interested in you and would turn you evil, but I won't let it happen! I swear to you, Chris. You already did so much for me, even dying! Please Chris."

In fear the green-eyed man turned to his big brother. "I would you to ask for something, just in case, you know. Now I'm afraid to ask."

"What is it? I'd do anything for you. I still owe you too much. Your debts on me are still too high for me to repay. Ever."

"I know," he whispered back. "Don't judge me for what I have to say now. Please Wyatt, promise me to kill me before I turn evil. I couldn't live with myself if I would. Please Wyatt. I beg you to do it! Promise me!"

In total disbelief Wyatt shook his head furiously. "You can't beg me to do that! Chris, you are my little brother! The one person I swore to protect since you were born and after you all did before, you cannot suggest me that!" He stood up and walked to the window in silence. His shaking body indicated he was crying.

Chris knew what he begged for was a lot to take in. But he didn't want that fate Wyatt had suffered before. "Wyatt, I can imagine that's a lot to ask for. But promise me to do it if anything else failed."

The older brother turned around and watched his baby brother over. His heart told him not to, but his mind had already made the decision. "Okay, I'll do it," he said quietly. "At least go to Dad for another advice. You always did as a child. I'll go to the Elders as well and ask them. Okay?"

The younger male accepted the deal. Both brothers always shared a close bond, even still now. Casting a last look at his brother he orbed away to Magic School or home wherever his Dad was at the moment.

A few seconds later the Hollow walked in and turned the older male's attention to him while going through his legs purring. "How did it go? At least some progress?"

"He went to Dad. His second confidant beside me since forever. He'll know what to do and say it better than me, but I've got a task as well. My turn is it now to go the Elders and ask them for an advice. Hopefully good this time," Wyatt answered, half in absence.

The cat looked up and considered this option. "Okay, go! But come back with good news. Otherwise the Elders will have to face me. Threaten them with that and say it's from me!"

For the first time today the Twice-Blessed started to laugh. "I'll do that." Then he became serious again. "Look after Mom, please while we three men are … busy." Wyatt orbed away and the cat shimmered to Piper.

FATHER & SON CONVERSATION

Directing his orbs at first to the Manor Chris was met by his mother who greeted him lovingly and asked where he wanted to go. The younger son of the couple told her his wish and she guided him to the open door to Magic School where his father was working on something special in the library.

Confused he did as been told but saw at least the cat shimmer in, to protect his mother while he and his brother were busy. Following the long corridors through the school the half Elder soon was lost in his thoughts as he knew his way by heart. Within the last few weeks he wasn't allowed to go in, by whatever reason but now he'd find out.

Walking in and looking for his Dad he saw his old man working on a shelf and putting some books in there. On the side of the shelf was a signpost for within the library saying:

TIME TRAVEL
IN MEMORIAM OF CHRIS PERRY
2003 – 2004
BELOVED SON & BROTHER

In shock he swayed on his spot. "Dad!" he said. "I can't believe that! All for me?"

"Chris, buddy, what you're doing here?" The father saw where his son looked at and was silent a second as well. Then he found his voice. "Yes, buddy. All for you! You changed a lot and now you earn the credit for it. Happy?"

The son just nodded and wiped his tears with a sleeve of his shirt. "Thanks Dad. That means a lot to me, but why are the aunts missing on the plate?"

"Well, we talked and they agreed to let us only be on it. As you saved your brother and mother mostly." The old man looked his youngest son over and saw instantly that something was bothering him. "Chris, what's wrong? I'm sure you're here to talk with me and not to read anything." He smiled encouragingly.

Again, the young male only nodded and sat down on a chair and waited for his father to do the same. Both pair of jade green eyes locked before the older male took his baby boy in a soothing embrace.

"Dad, I know you expect a lot of me, because of my other self, but this directs now many persons to me," the son carefully started.

"So I noticed. That's not what's bothering you, but I can see there's more behind it, isn't it?" Leo asked knowingly.

The boy looked up to his father. "A man is after me and I think the Avatars gave him the idea, so he's after me now. I'd say he planted some seed into me."

Leo looked confused. "You know this was more cryptic than ever, but please tell me now what's going on?"

Chris smiled a bit. "I'll tell you. Lucifer is after me and he wants to turn me evil. Like Wyatt before, you know."

The former Elder froze unintentionally. In his mind played only the vision Alpha had shown him months ago. "No," he whispered. "No. This can't be true. It can't be happening. No!" Furiously the old man stood up and started to pace.

Now the half Elder was confused and watched his father closely. To mention this seemed to upset his Dad to a level he never knew existed. "Dad, what vision did Alpha show you? Was it another one of the future? I need to know if it affects me directly," the son pleaded.

Turning around the father was given a hard choice. He knew his son well enough to know what he'd do if he knew this vision. "OK, son, listen. If I tell you this, promise me not to do anything reckless after!" As Chris was about to argue, Leo stopped him by holding up his hand. "I know you, son. Longer than you think, so please do as I ask for."

The son reluctantly agreed. "Okay, Dad. You won, but tell me! I can see that's bothering you. Otherwise we wouldn't be here!" He indicated to the shelf behind them – with the 'Time travel'-section.

With a heavy heart the older man sat beside his baby boy again. "Alpha showed me a possible future, but a close one. In about two years most of the family is dead and you blame yourself for it. Actually you're the last one standing and you apologize to me and Wyatt mostly. Well, in the end you cut yourself in the wrists and then … die." He lay one hand on his son's arm and put the boy into a premonition.

CHRIS' PREMONITION

He saw himself in the family's mausoleum. Standing in front of the plates where the names of all his family were written on it, including the boys' fiancées, Stephanie and Catherine.

Chris heard some mumbling before his future self took a knife and cut himself deep into his wrists. Instantly paling and then falling down the youngest Halliwell man died.

END OF PREMONITION

"Oh god! I think I'm going to be sick," the son said and turned to his Dad. "Dad, I'm so sorry for doing this! I'm not worth the Halliwell name anymore!" Tears started to fall down his cheeks, but his inner fight had taken its toll on his body and he was exhausted.

Catching his son as the body slowly started to fall down on his chair, Leo moved the younger male's body onto his chest while kissing his head. "No, son. I'm sorry for showing you this. You've already suffered enough, but I'll make sure you get your happy future and life." A shimmer appeared in front of him. "Hollow, what are you doing here? And how did you get in, anyway?" The father stroked through his son's hair.

The Hollow placed as a cat looked at the father and son pair. "I felt his exhaustion, because he's my young padawan. And I could get in, because I'm a lot older than Magic School itself."

"Where's Wyatt?" Leo noticed the absence of his oldest, but he didn't mind. He had a close relationship to both his sons but the closest one was to his youngest.

"He went 'Up There' to ask the Elders for help. They should help him if not lose him to evil – for good."

"Did something happen between the boys?" The cat suddenly found his paws interesting. "Hollow!" Leo bellowed quietly while his son was still lost in dreamland.

"Well, Chris begged me at first and then Wyatt later to kill him if he'd turn evil. This led to a bit heated discussion." The cat noticed the sudden silence. "Leo?"

"I'm okay. Okay," Leo answered like in trance. "I'd never have thought he'd beg for it, because he never could do it on Wyatt."

The Hollow decided to say something useful. "I'm sure we all find a way to help him and nothing of this would come true."

"Thanks Hollow."

"Anytime."

The father and the cat talked still long in silence, to not disturb the sleeping young man. The library of Magic School gave them the peace and quiet they needed before an almighty storm might throw all their hopes away. The storm that may come from the youngest member of the Halliwells.

UP THERE

As the Twice-Blessed witch orbed in, it seemed to be he'd been expected. Looking around the older brother saw no Odin what he was grateful for. Smiling the young male greeted the three Elders waiting for him: Gajus, Sandra and Kevin.

"Hi Wyatt, we've been waiting for you," the youngest Elder greeted him. "We know what's going on with Christopher."

"The Avatars had been led to Lucifer who get the interest in Chris from them," Sandra continued and led the young witch to a room close by. Her other colleagues followed.

"That's why you should vanquish Barbas now once and for all," Gajus added. "Sure, he'd helped Chris but he always works for his own. Most of the time. Now he's missing."

"Wait. Come again," Wyatt said perplexed. "What does Barbas have to do this? I don't understand at all." He rubbed his head effectively, showing that he had no idea.

The three Elders sighed simultaneously. Oh how they wished the younger brother were here. He'd been and was always smarter than the Twice-Blessed witch. Sure, the now half Elder had already proven himself years ago as all had been suspicious of the future whitelighter. Now all was solved but they were terrified if the younger male would turn evil. But back to the problem at hand.

However, Wyatt could read the Elders' features well. "I know you want Chris here, because he's very clever and smart. But I'm not him. Never will be, so please do explain the Barbas problem to me. Now you'll settle for me!"

"We understand, Wyatt. We really do," Kevin started and turned to his older colleagues. "It's better I'll talk to him from now on since we're close by age. We're friends, so I beg you both to leave. I'll explain everything later to you."

Gajus and Sandra looked briefly at each other and then back to the young men. A short nod signaled their agreement before both man and woman walked away.

"Thanks Kevin," the Twice-Blessed witch replied. "So explain me again the issue with Barbas!"

The young Elder smiled. "You remember Chris brought the demon of Fear back to the Manor, because he knew to defeat the Avatars he'd need the help of a demon."

"Like the Charmed Ones did with Zankou years ago?"

"Exactly, but now both came to an agreement what worked shortly. Still he found time to help both sides, good and evil. Barbas gave information to you but mostly used everything to his advantage. So the demon led in full consciousness the men in black to Lucifer who became suddenly interested in Christopher. Thanks to his time-travel adventure."

Wyatt's behavior went somber. "I know. My baby brother already begged me to kill him if he turns what I'd promised him. Please help me to prevent this, because I don't want to kill him."

Kevin could understand what the young man felt. "I see, but now it's time to vanquish the demon of Fear. You might do that with Chris if you explain it to him. All what he's done. It'd be better to do it together if you wanna succeed."

The blond witch found his strength again. "Okay, we'll do it since Barbas is our arch enemy. You can cross him of the demon list!" The young man orbed away.

The young Elder grinned and went to his colleagues who were waiting for him, hoping with good news for their side. The Elders just wished Chris Halliwell would stay alive and on their side.

BARBAS VS. THE BROTHERS

As Wyatt returned to the Manor his father and brother just came back from Magic School with the Hollow in tow.

"Hey Wy. How did it go 'Up There'?" Then he noticed the look. "What's wrong?"

The older brother swallowed hard. "Well, the Elders want us to vanquish Barbas as he worked for both sides. He's responsible for Lucifer knowing you and wanting you." He looked up and waited for his brother's reaction.

Piper and Leo exchanged worried looks but remained silent. They had learned their lesson but knew it was their sons' fight now. The Hollow, however, moved between the boys and waited as well. He'd stand behind every decision they both made.

Chris' brain was working and then it clicked. "Of course. Now it makes sense why Lucifer knew so much about me." There was a pause. "We can go, Wy. I want to fry his ass!"

The blond grinned and turned to the cat. "That's our fight as Barbas is the family's arch enemy. You'll be in when it comes to the last battle with Satan."

The cat nodded and moved close to the parents. "End this demon! I never liked him as well since he's always a lone wolf!"

All snickered at that statement and enjoyed a quick meal before the boys orbed to the underworld, in search for Barbas.

In the dark caves of the underworld the brothers didn't have to search for long as Barbas always enjoyed his read of fears on others. As they found him he was busy with a darklighter who was terrified.

"Oh some friends of mine are here," the demon of Fear suddenly said. "The Halliwell brothers. I still can read some there."

The darklighter gulped hard. "I'm gone!" And with that he black orbed out.

"Hello Wyatt, Christopher. Long time, no see," the demon continued. "Why are you here so suddenly?"

"You tell us," Chris challenged. "I've heard you worked for both sides, but yet I thought we had an agreement. So what'd you say?"

"Shame on me," Barbas snorted. "But you know my history with you guys!" He turned around and faced Wyatt. "You fear to lose your baby brother. To kill him as you already promised."

Wyatt grew angry. "You won't win over me since my hope is bigger than my fear." He whispered to his brother. "A spell would be nice, you know."

Instead of chanting Chris was confused and looked at both his companions – with black eyes. Barbas and Wyatt noticed but said nothing. A second later the eyes of his were green, again.

"Oh, what are you now, young Christopher?" the demon grinned satisfied. "I'll be glad to read that fear!" He walked closer to the younger male.

In that moment the brunette started to chant and Wyatt soon joined and both spoke three times:
Let our hopes overcome our fears,
To vanquish Barbas, the demon of Fear.
So that our future beyond
Might be free of him without no doubt.

The demon was engulfed in flames and exploded finally. Barbas was gone and the brothers let out sighs of relief. All of a sudden the ground began to shake and some debris fell onto them if Wyatt hadn't raised his blue forcefield.

"Chris, calm down. I'm here. Nothing will happen to you," Wyatt said calmly and walked closer to his baby brother, hugging him. "I'm here. Let it out. Nothing is going to happen to you. As long as I live."

The whole cave shook harder until it subsided and stopped. Catching his brother as he fell straight into his arms, Wyatt's face showed a worry and fear beyond his age. With a last fearful look Wyatt orbed both of them home.

[Tim]

21. A look into the Future

GATHERING THE FAMILY

As the Twice-Blessed reformed he called out for the cat who immediately appeared in front of the brothers. "Call the family and some ancestors of us! We've got a huge problem," he demanded while laying his baby brother on the couch.

"Who exactly?" the Hollow requested.

"Melinda Warren, the former lives of all four Charmed Ones, Grams, Grandma, the four Charmed Ones," Wyatt explained as he stroked through his brother's hair.

The cat obeyed and sat on his hind paws, only to clap his front paws with all his strength and right in that moment all requested persons came in as swirling and orbing lights. They were sat in a circle around the Twice-Blessed and his half Elder brother.

"Wyatt, what's going on? Why did you call us?" his mother wanted to know. She looked around and saw to her astonishment and shock her big sister. "Prue?"

"Hi Piper!" she only said. "I'd say we don't have so much time as your son gathered us all for a certain purpose, didn't you?" The woman turned to her nephew.

He nodded to confirm. "You got it, Aunt Prue." The blond swallowed hard. "However, I called you all, because my baby brother is changing. Something is in him I don't recognize. Still to see what he's fighting with I'd need the whole Warren power."

There was some silence before the woman who started it all spoke up. "Wyatt, right?" Again, he nodded. "You did right calling all of us. You two are worth to be a Halliwell, but anyway. Your baby brother is strong."

"I know that already, but still I fear for him and now that's something more evil I don't know yet how to fight," he admitted. He furiously wiped his tears away.

Leo came in and took in his surroundings. "Whoa. So many people here!" He saw his sons. "Wyatt? Chris?"

The older sibling looked up. "Dad!" He hugged the old man. "It seems you already know what's wrong with Chris. Since you're his confidant."

Some feet were impatiently tapping and these only belonged to Piper. "Wyatt, we're waiting here. But first tell us the story behind Chris' strange behavior in the last time." Wyatt looked at his mother incredulously. "I know my children well enough to see changes."

Swallowing and holding his still unconscious brother's hand the blond gathered his thoughts. "As far as I know Chris had a dinner with his girlfriend Catherine. It went well until the night his woman told me after. He began to toss and trash in his sleep, so Cat woke up and tried to sooth him." His tears ran down the cheeks and he caressed his brother's face lovingly. "But Chris in return laid a hand on her throat and threatened her violently. Only a few seconds later he was himself again and apologized in tears. Catherine said nothing but cried as well. They only held each other."

"Okay, that was then, but what's with now?" Paige asked as she'd seen her oldest dead sister wanted to ask as well. Both women grinned at each knowingly.

"Well, it seems that over such a short notice Chris' temper was normal some time but on the other side the same one acted out by running through the underworld and vanquished more and more demons. That helped us but quite often my little brother came home exhausted most of the time, so he fell asleep instantly."

"And he never acts this way towards you," Penny supplied helpfully and her great grandson confirmed nodding. She walked over to both young men and kissed them on their heads lovingly. "I fully understand, son. I really do."

"Thanks Grams. I know we mean a lot to you," the boy said. "But this is never Chris' destiny as you'd said ours is linked."

"If I understand this right and from what I gathered around you'd been evil in another timeline and now Chris could be," Piper's past life summed up.

"Yeah, that's why I called you all or let you be called." He'd received an annoyed glare from the cat, so he changed his words. "Anyway, with all power around I see if I can tap into Chris' power of premonition and try to project this, so we all could see what's bothering him."

Leo cleared his throat. "Alpha showed me a vision of the future where all of us are dead and Chris is in the end killed himself as well. Last time we met I told him about it and he saw it as well with his power."

Piper became furious. "Why did you never tell me? I thought we were a couple!"

"Now it's not the time, Mom!" Wyatt yelled. "Chris is our main concern! You promised us something some time ago."

The mother looked at her son in shock and then nodded. Her ancestors and some dead family members had given her a deathly glare. But she knew what was at the risk.

Right at that moment Chris began to toss and trash in his sleep and Wyatt slipped underneath him, to hold under control. Laying one hand on his little brother's forehead the older sibling concentrated on their bond and the vision the younger boy seemed to have. Nodding and indicating to what he wanted and to the closest family members who were Aunt Prue and his father Wyatt tapped into the premonition power and projected the vision to all.

VISION – FUTURE 2029

It's been more than one year since the double wedding by the Halliwells, but San Francisco was never the same. Within the still beautiful city some dark points were established and these were controlled by Chris. Smirking and satisfied with the result the young man waited for his rebellious and stubborn older brother.

"I see, you've learned well," a voice said behind him. "Only my world had been darker already."

"Working on it." He turned around and faced Wyatt with crossed arms over his chest. "You were always my role model. Why are you here, Wy?"

"My wife is missing her baby sister, your wife! Do you know where she is?"

"Should I?" The younger sibling started to circle the Twice-Blessed. "You know for an all powerful witch you don't seem to get anything around you."

The blond clenched his fists beside him angrily. "Just answer my question, dammit!"

"You're a whitelighter. Sense her!" The brunette challenged and sat finally down on a chair behind a large table. He crossed one leg over the other and waited for a reaction.

Wyatt did as been told and spread out his senses, to find his sister-in-law. He couldn't find her at first, but then there was a little glimmer … in the underworld. "Why is she down there?" He searched for the green pair of eyes. "What do you hope to achieve by that?"

"You'll see soon enough, dear brother." Green and blue eyes locked shortly. "Just a hint: Look into our family history." He stood up. "Leave! I've got work to do."

With a heavy heart and sigh the Twice-Blessed orbed reluctantly away, to his wife in his own apartment. Yes, his brother had left and now lived in a luxurious one. In the highest building in town, but now everything has changed. In a very drastic way. Seeing no other choice the husband collected his wife and orbed both of them to the Manor.

In the old Victorian house the parents held each other tightly while the woman sobbed openly. Both couldn't understand how their baby boy would and could act out like that. Never would they have imagined this timeline would end up with Chris being evil and Wyatt now fighting him. As if on cue an orb cloud formed in front of them and revealed Wyatt and his wife Stephanie.

Leo looked tearfully up. "How did it go? Find anything at all?"

His eldest half shook, half nodded his head. "Well, it seems he's worse than me, I admit. Anyway, I found a glimmer of Cat in the underworld."

"Why did you orb here?" Steph asked as her mother-in-law seemed to be lost in her own world.

"Chris said something that made me direct my orb here. I should look into our family history to find out what he has in mind with Cat."

"What does that mean?" the mother muttered and failed in being strong. She looked at her husband for help before it dawned in both of them, but only Piper spoke it out. "Oh my God! Phoebe and Cole!"

Leo buried his head in his hands, now sobbing.

The young couple stared at each other confused. Steph just leaned on Wyatt to show him he should do the talking. The young wife felt a kiss on her head and smiled.

"Wait. The story of Aunt Pheebs and Cole I remember, but with the child I still don't get," the son explained bewildered.

As the father was lost, the mother started to tell the Source's plan to create an evil child – with immense power. More as it went on and lately in a changed timeline. However, all fates were somehow tied together. Especially both their sons.

Meanwhile, the younger son of Piper and Leo was rather nervous and paced back and forth in his new apartment. His older brother had said some things what worked on his mind. His wife was gone since several months, yet without any signs.

"Hey, young friend. What's bothering you? Your pacing I even could hear in hell," the Prince greeted his young padawan. All other signs that he'd been once a Halliwell were gone and the young man represented a new form of evil.

"Have you seen my wife recently? Wyatt and Steph weren't that worried before, you know."

"What if I have? You're serving me, not the other way around!" Lucifer saw a quick conflict in the green eyes, but it was gone as quick as it'd been there. "If you wanna know, why don't you find out yourself? I've always thought of you as the smarter boy of the two."

In the young man it seemed to bubble. His green eyes reflected the inner conflict, because deep down in his nature he always would be good. "Okay, you don't mind if I follow you right now, do you?"

"And the world?"

"My wife's family is worried. I think once I can be suspicious of you."

The fallen Angel smirked. "If it helps, but I thought they were also your family, you know."

"That's under discussion right now." He looked to the man. "Can we go now?"

"Of course."

Both men transported in their way back to hell. Unfortunately, there was a huge surprise waiting for the younger of the two. It could only come more worse.

Back at the Manor Wyatt couldn't believe his ears. He already knew that everything was linked but never expected that it'd go over generations. "I don't understand how this is possible. I mean we vanquished the Source already! Why would Lucifer want the same? It doesn't make any sense for me. And why Chris?"

Leo looked at his eldest and spoke after a long time of silence. "We know what you did. But apparently Satan now starts to act like any other evil being and as for Chris, we can only guess that it has to do with his time-travel experience. He knows everything about it … well."

"Yeah, that makes sense," Stephanie agreed. "But what's with my little sister?"

"Either he's eavesdropping them when they make … hmhm. Anyway, or he wants to create an offspring of his own," the blond suggested embarrassed. That was so wrong in many ways. Ew.

All snickered a bit but whatever they wanted to say was interrupted as an angry and very furious Chris orbed in. With black eyes and ready to attack.

In hell, around 20 minutes earlier, Chris was confronted with a sight that shocked him – to the core. His wife was hanging in chains and with a naked womb area on the rocks. She looked like she'd been raped – repeatedly. In fury he looked at his companion.

"Yes, use that fury to destroy the ones responsible for it. Like the Halliwells," the Prince said satisfied.

"Why them?" the brunette asked bewildered. "I'm one of them, still. And so is my wife. Why?"

"They're holding you back. You can't live to your full potential. Okay, you already have such great power but you'll gain more. And these are useful."

"Whom for?" His body began to shake suddenly and it was violent. The boy tried hard to fight it but in the end he lost. The evil in him won.

"Now orb to your little family and kill them! No Halliwell should live anymore," he whispered into the boy's ear. "Now go!"

Promptly the young witch orbed to the Manor while the Prince turned to the wife of the boy. "And now to you! We don't come to any solution soon and so … Good bye Catherine!" With a simple wave of his hand he killed the woman and waited for his pupil's return.

Meanwhile at the Manor all hell broke loose. Nothing and no one could escape their son, brother and nephew's path. To his luck all family members had come in between and so all ended up dead.

Too late Chris realized what he'd done. His body began to shake with no control of him and he cried. Sobbed. The shaking increased.

END OF VISION

Wyatt had problems to control the shaking of his baby brother. He'd lost contact with his closest member and he used his powers to get his brother sleep. Kissing him on his forehead Wyatt cried and sobbed. 'This is not be happening,' he swore to himself. This was cruel.

The father found his voice first. "After that he'll commit suicide, because he blames himself what in itself reveals it now as true. Oh God! I can't believe that!" Leo put his head on his hands. And sobbed heavily and out of control.

Piper walked over to her boys. Crying she put her baby boy's head in her lap and stroked over his face and through his hair. "No, we must prevent this future. I don't want him to end like this. As if he hasn't suffered enough already!" The mother turned to her eldest. "Can't you orb this essence out of him?"

The Twice-Blessed whacked his head in a classical H.S. Manner. "Why didn't I think of it?" His mother gave him her patented glare. "Okay, worth a shot!" He held out his hand and called, "Dark essence!" but got only a hard zap back and fell hard on the floor. "Ow! That was unexpected!"

"Everything okay, son?" Leo asked.

"Yeah Dad, I'm fine. Beside, we should more worry about Chris. This is harder tobac, even for me." He looked to his dead and other living relatives. "Thank you for helping, though."

"That means we're no longer needed," Grams spoke up. She waved her hand and all dead relatives vanished smiling, a bit sad with a kissing hand. Penny walked over and kissed her great-grandsons on their heads. "Good luck, Wy!" Then she was gone.

Patty did almost the same but without saying a word. Her eyes, face and gestures did that for her and a second later she'd left. Now the aunts Phoebe and Paige came over and said nothing, just cried.

"Don't worry, guys. We'll win this! This is not going to happen," Phoebe said determined before she bolted out of the Manor, in her car and drove home.

"Yeah," Paige agreed. She wiped her tears away but failed to stop her crying. "I mean, we're the Charmed Ones, the force of all Good, along with the Twice-Blessed witch. We've rarely lost a battle over the years!" Then it became too much for her. She orbed home in a hurry and left Piper and her men alone.

"What can we do now?" the eldest Charmed One questioned after everyone had left. "I don't want him to fight the essence anymore. It's exhausting him."

"Good thinking, Piper!" the cat interjected. It spoke again after a long time. "Wyatt and I should be able to suppress it – for the time being, anyway."

"I agree." Wyatt caught the cat and sat the Hollow in his lap. Both held their hands and claws respectively over Chris' body.

The boy calmed down finally and slept peacefully in his mother's lap while his older brother and their animal guardian let out a breath they didn't know they were holding.

Leo, a moment later, joined his family, because he needed to be close to the son he'd once lost. In this timeline he wouldn't lose him to evil. His youngest was a strong person and both would fought evil tooth and nail to let it win. Now he sat with his wife, eldest son and the boys' guardian named the Hollow to discuss strategies and possible worst case scenarios. They wouldn't want to think of it but it was needed. The night again was long.

ONE DAY LATER

Chris woke up, surrounded by his family. He felt calm like for a long time and so snuggled deeper into his mother. Now he looked forward to the near future when he and his older brother would make their double wedding. Hopefully without any interruption from the evil side.

"Hey peanut," Piper greeted, kissing his head. "How are you feeling? Everything okay?"

The brunette nodded. "I'm fine, Mom. But definitely better. What did you do to achieve that?" he asked curiously.

"Wyatt and the Hollow combined their powers and in an effect you instantly calmed down and slept peacefully through the night. And now you're here." Again, she kissed her son on his head.

"Why are Dad and Wyatt still sleeping? And the Hollow as well?"

"We discussed a lot of things over the night and evening. It was almost morning when we finally fell asleep. So you see why we all are around you." Piper just held her son as right at that moment. Leo woke up and Wyatt as well.

"Hi son. How'd you feel?" Leo asked and took his youngest son in a strong embrace. He just needed to feel him and to held him close by.

"It's okay, Dad. I'm okay." His father tightened his grip. "Dad, you're suffocating me and I want to hug Wyatt as well," he joked smiling.

"Sorry son. I'm just glad you're back and feel well." The old man moved to his wife and kissed her lovingly. They were glad to have such wonderful sons.

"Hey Chrissie. Welcome back," Wyatt greeted and kissed him on his forehead. "I'd be lost without you, you know. Don't scare me please like that ever again!"

"I do and try but can't promise anything, you know." Chris now laid his head on his brother's chest. They were close, very close.

The youngest son wanted to know what's going on and the older people around him told him, except the details of the night talk. They refused to tell him about that. All enjoyed their time together.

[Tim]

22. Double wedding with a sacrifice

TWO DAYS BEFORE

"Oh god, I hate tuxes! Why do I have to wear it again?" the younger brother asked his older sibling who stood behind him wearing the same.

The blond chuckled. "Because you're going to get married. Much in the same way like Dad ages ago." His baby brother snorted in return. That amused him only more. "Where are our girls, by the way?"

"Either with their parents at their home or with ours at the Manor. Why?"

"Just out of curiosity. And I know the rules. No sight of the bride before the wedding!" He held out his finger, just like a teacher.

Both young men laughed as a response. Their close bond and strong connection had pulled the brothers together like any other normal siblings. The only difference was that they were witches. Powerful witches. And with girlfriends who were like them. Plus, they followed a tradition in their family what the parents of them had started. Though it was their Grandma but never officially. It was time now to follow that tradition.

Wyatt looked at his little brother with a bit of concern. He feared for him, because of that what was in him. "Hey, are you feeling okay? I'm a bit worried about the threat of Lucifer and that premonition of yours."

Chris' gaze turned to him. "I'm fine. Don't worry, Wy. Besides, I've got the feeling the Prince will strike when the wedding is."

"Your sixth sense?"

The brunette nodded. Then his eyes turned to the door. "Oh shit. Dad's coming to bring us to the official stuff! The one thing he didn't have."

As the blond was about to answer, the door opened and revealed a similar looking Leo Wyatt. "OK, boys. Time to go! Your girls and both families are already waiting there. The registrar will not wait forever, you know."

The boys shrugged and followed their father down the stairs and outside their apartment where a limousine stood. The three men jumped in and sat down as the driver started the engine and drove to their destination in the city.

"OK Dad, tell us again why we should do this normal stuff with the registry office? You and Mom never did that," Wyatt pointed out. His younger brother had laid his head on his shoulder. Ready to sleep.

The former whitelighter sighed. "You were born here and are registered officially in the city files. Your ladies as well, so we'll make it this way! Clear?"

"Crystal, Dad."

The older sibling thumbed agreeing. "You don't know the program of tomorrow, do you? What will happen then, we know. Grams is going to make it magically official." He stopped a second. "Wow, that sounded weird."

"I'm with ya, bro."

The limousine stopped and Leo looked outside. "OK, we're here. Are you ready?"

"As we'll ever be," they answered in unison.

The father obviously chuckled and shook his head. He opened the door and went out. His sons closely followed and … sighed but were embraced by their mother a second later. Better to say they were hugged one by one by their petite mother.

"My boys. All grown up and now ready to start a family on their own," Piper said with tears in her eyes. "Let's go now before the registrar decides to leave his office without his job done, now shall we?"

Both brothers sighed, so the parents saw no other choice than each to grab one son and led them up the stairs to the registry office where everybody was waiting impatiently for them. On their way the four of them remained silent when all of a sudden they stood in front of a huge double door. Piper and Leo opened the door and shoved their sons in.

"Finally," the registrar said as he saw the little family.

"Well, you know …," Piper apologized looking around. "Men."

"Hey," came several protests from the men being here. But then all laughed freely since the tension had been broken with that.

As soon as Wyatt and Chris saw their girlfriends in their wedding dresses, they flew immediately to their respective places by their women. Stephanie and Catherine gave them a scolding look before turning back to the registrar and becoming serious again. The young men just swallowed hard.

"As we came here together," the registrar began to speak. "To unite the Halliwell brothers with the Whitman sisters." He stopped for a second. "Oh man, that sounded weird." The guests had to hide their laughter. "Anyway, is it okay with you to start with the older brother and sister?"

"Of course. We're friends and we both are okay with that," Chris answered and whispered then, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." He blinked mischievously. "And well, I'm the better-looking brother of us two."

'I heard that,' Wyatt replied telepathically. 'Be aware of the consequences when this is over!'

'Ouch!' came Chris' answer. 'Would it help to say I'm sorry?'

Wyatt's laughter could be heard and all guests turned confused to him, because this was loud. As he noticed this, the young man put his hand to his mouth and tried to stop his laughter – with some effort. He cleared his throat and became serious again.

The registrar raised an eyebrow and shook his head smiling. "Now that all is cleared, I should continue the ceremony." He cleared his throat and turned to the older couple. "So I ask you, Wyatt Matthew Halliwell, do you take Stephanie Maria Whitman as your wife? Do you want to love and honor her until death divorces you? Be her partner in good and bad times, in illness and health? Be forever by her side in whatever obstacles lie ahead for you? So answer now with 'Yes' if no one disagrees or shall they be silent for good."

"Yes, I do," the blond Halliwell replied smiling. He couldn't hide his happiness any longer.

The registrar nodded and turned now to the woman. "So I ask you, Stephanie Maria Whitman, do you take Wyatt Matthew Halliwell as your husband? Do you want to love and honor him till death divorces you? Be his partner in good and bad times, in illness and health? Be forever by his side in whatever obstacles lie ahead for you? So answer now with 'Yes' if no one disagrees or shall they be silent for good."

Steph smiled happily. "Yes, I do," she answered.

"So I ask now for the rings?" the man asked. To his surprise Chris came over and gave them the new couple. Nodding he demanded, "Put them over." They did as told and he lay his hand over their united ones. "As we finish now, shall we receive the new couple Wyatt and Stephanie Halliwell. You may now kiss the bride!"

The young man smiled and kissed his wife passionately as all guests clapped their hands happily and laughing.

"Thank you," the registrar interjected. "But we have another couple waiting to be united as well." A few minutes later the room and the guests were silent again. He cleared his throat and turned to the man, "So I ask you, Christopher Perry Halliwell, do you take Catherine Anne Whitman as your wife? Do you want to love and honor her till death divorces you? Be her partner in good and bad times, in illness and health? Be forever by her side in whatever obstacles lie ahead for you? So answer now with 'Yes' if no one disagrees or shall they be silent for good."

"Yes, I do," Chris responded smiling. The brunette was happy beyond happiness.

The man nodded and turned to the woman. "So I ask you, Catherine Anne Whitman, do you take Christopher Perry Halliwell as your husband? Do you want to love and honor him till death divorces you? Be his partner in good and bad times, in illness and health? Be forever by his side in whatever obstacles lie ahead for you? So answer now with 'Yes' if no one disagrees or shall they be silent for good."

Cat's smile grew wider. "Yes, I do," she answered. Finally she was a wife.

"Where are the rings?" Now Wyatt handed him the items. Grinning he asked of the couple, "Put them over." Again, they did as told and he lay his hand over their united ones. "As we finish now, shall we receive the new couple Christopher and Catherine Halliwell. You may now kiss the bride!"

Immediately the younger Halliwell did as been told and kissed his wife fully and everybody clapped their hands.

For a last time the registrar tried to interrupt. "As a last service I request a signature of both newlyweds to hand them at least their family albums."

The four young people managed to untie themselves from their families and did as the registrar wanted. Then he finally let the young couples go. Instantly both families vanished from the registry office. As they were out, the man from the city laughed out loud. These young couples were something fresh in his daily stress and so funny. It was clear that both sets of siblings shared a close bond.

Outside, both young couples were greeted with confetti as well as bread and salt. After that the four of them were seated in two old bangers while the rest of the two families followed them in cars. Their next meeting point was the Manor where Wyatt and Chris carried their wives Steph and Cat over the threshold. But in four minds were only kissing, so the parents had some trouble to lead their children to Piper's restaurant.

There, finally, Piper and Leo as well as John and Sarah welcomed their new in-laws with open arms, though they knew each other already well.

Sarah caught Piper once right in the middle. "The magical ceremony is in two days, right? I'm so eager to get to know the famous Penny Halliwell!"

Piper grinned. "Your daughters were also scared of her as she is still a demanding person, but don't worry. Nowadays Grams is rather amenable. In contrast to the past, I mean, but she was softened by two little boys who now have become men."

The two mother-in-laws shared this brief sentimental moment before the women were forced back to the joyful celebration. Nothing could disturb that peace. Little did they know that their happy and peaceful days were already counted.

ONE DAY BEFORE

Somewhere, deep beneath the surface of Earth, the Prince of Darkness was busy. His goal to make the younger Halliwell boy his apprentice was nearly done, caused by a seed planted in some time ago. He rubbed his hands gleefully and called for four of his minions.

"Master, we serve you. What can we do for you?" the leader spoke up after a confirming nod from the other three.

"You see, Chris Halliwell will be mine and it's nearly time though. Tomorrow is the day, because I can feel it and they'll be working with magic. A lot of magic."

"What purpose are we for?"

Lucifer snapped his fingers and four horses appeared. "Change into the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse! We want to make the boy's premonition come true and show him a way he can't resist. He'd be mine."

Instantly the four minions changed into the requested persons and their master gave them the needed powers. Now they were the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and they were ready to face their target.

"Not yet, my friends. I want you to test out your powers within a little setting, because we don't want to alert the powers above, now do we?" The four remained silent. "I thought so. Now go and do as you've been told. Report me tonight and no harm at all. We need to be careful."

The four minions as Death, Hunger, Disease and War nodded and accepted before they disappeared. Lucifer sat down and observed his group over the world as well as the preparations at the Manor.

"No more longer and you are mine, Christopher. Though I know you have a strong will and might resist my pull, but in the end I'll win. Always."

His horsemen did well and so far hadn't alerted the Elders and his former colleagues. Smiling the devil watched over his intended target who was still in bed with his wife. Just like his older brother and his wife. Too bad it wouldn't last any longer. Tomorrow would the Halliwells know the meaning of loss.

At the Manor, on the surface, mother and son were busy preparing the meal for the magical wedding. Between their legs a cat walked through, searching for attention from his owner but it didn't work. The cat miaowed loudly, though neither of the two reacted.

"So peanut, how do you feel as a husband? Are you happy now?" Piper asked as she placed a kiss on his cheek. "I'm so glad, you both found women for your whole life."

"Yeah Mom. I'm really happy for once. Cat and Steph are Wyatt's and my soulmates, just like Dad is for you. I've never imagined what a drastic change my being in the past would make. You are alive, Wyatt's good and Dad had always been there. And now we both are married, officially in mortal terms," Chris replied happily. Then he noticed the cat's whining and caught it and caressed over its skin.

The Charmed One walked over. "I take it the Hollow isn't pleased with no being in the center, but it's clear who is now important."

"I heard that, woman," the cat protested heavily. "I'm here to make sure your son …"

The half Elder laid one hand over the cat's mouth and whispered in its ear, "That's our secret! We don't want to worry her more than already, along with Dad. Understood?" He felt how the cat nodded his head and released it again. "So what now, Mom?" the son asked innocently.

She raised an eyebrow at her son and at the Hollow but decided to let go. For now. After all she was his mother and would get the information out of him in a classical mother-son talk. "I think we're ready. Thank you for helping me, peanut since you're also busy with your exams at university." The mother kissed him again, this time on his head. "I'm so proud of you. Now get your father and brother back here, so we can lunch."

Chris handed the cat over. "Thanks Mom." He kissed her on the cheek. "See you soon!" And with that he was gone in blue lights.

Piper put the animal on eye level and told seriously, "You tell me everything you know about my boys and what they are hiding from their parents or your cat's lives are reduced to eight, clear?"

The Hollow swallowed hard and considered the threat. He knew the woman well enough and decided to tell her all, because she did what she said. The story about Chris' premonition and the four Horsemen was told within three minutes and the cat looked curiously at the woman.

The eldest Charmed One had to sit down after hearing it immediately. The family had been through this once or twice, but she never thought it could be Chris now. He was the paragon of good. However, her thoughts were interrupted as orbs filled the air and revealed her sons and husband.

Leo noticed his wife's look. "Piper, is something wrong? You don't look so good. Besides, you said we could eat now."

"Of course. I'm sorry," she quickly apologized and kissed her spouse. In his ear she whispered, "We need to talk when the boys are gone. Okay?"

He looked confused but accepted. Together they turned to their sons smiling and walked to the kitchen while the boys just shrugged their shoulders and went after them.

The meal was eaten in silence, only with concerning looks flowing around. From one family member to the other, but they were concentrated on Chris who didn't like to be scrutinized – by all, even the cat. The young man searched for the eyes of his big brother and both boys guessed that one of their parents might know their secret, so they not so friendly went instantly to the cat, their confidant since some time.

'You are so dead,' both Halliwell sons threatened the Hollow who shrunk back in fear as it heard his guardians' voices.

'What did you spill?' Wyatt asked further.

'They are your parents! They need to know,' the cat defended itself in hope. There was a long silence.

'Okay, you are forgiven – for now,' Chris said and finished their telepathic conversation.

"What's wrong?" Leo wanted to know. Looking around he noticed that no one said anything the man began to explode. "Okay, I know my sons are hiding something from me. As well as my wife, I think. You all know how I hate to be left in the dark if it concerns my family!"

Again silence. Then all of a sudden the boys stood up and bolted away as they knew their father's rather 'pacifist' nature. "We better go now," Chris said as he noticed his father's look. "I think Mom already knows what's behind all this." They caught the cat in the last moment and were gone in the next second.

Expectantly the man turned to his wife who sighed in return. "What do you know? If this is about my sons, I need to know!"

Again a sigh. "The Hollow told me what the three of them are hiding. We know about Lucifer's seed but before that they'd had a premonition about four horsemen. Yes, Leo, the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse who threatened them."

Leo buried his head in his hands. "What else?" he whispered. "I think I can't take anything anymore. And always Chris! Hasn't he suffered enough already in the other timeline?" By now the former Elder was crying.

Piper took her soulmate in a strong embrace. "I do feel the same, Leo. It's not fair to him after all he's done back in the past, but we need to be strong. For both our boys, because I think Wyatt wants to prevent it. At any cost, you know."

"I can understand – fully. Still I think Chris adores his big brother and Wyatt always looks after his baby brother, no matter what. They are strong together and besides, the Halliwell sons were born from the strongest witch ever," Leo said with tears in his eyes.

The woman blushed. "I always knew I married the right man years ago and we've got two wonderful boys." She kissed him fully on his lips what he returned lovingly.

Both parents used the evening to talk about the magical wedding which Grams would lead, though Chris' destiny worried them to no end. Piper and Leo knew that they had to let it happen, because their sons' destinies were linked whatever might happen the boys had to solve it themselves. Now it was Wyatt's turn to save Chris. Wow, what a change and role reversal.

THE DAY

Once again, Chris was in a suit. What he hated, though his brother was calm and helped him where he could. That was the difference between them, even though in the magical world it was the other way around. In the normal one he sometimes envied his big brother for that.

"How can you be so calm?" the younger brother asked all of a sudden. "This is a big step, though we already did it in public. But now again for the magical community?"

Wyatt smiled and threw his arm around his little brother's neck. "I'm not calm. I just do so!" The half Elder raised an eyebrow. "Just kidding. I think I've got it from Dad. As a matter of fact we both have, only in me it's stronger marked."

Chris smirked, an idea forming in his head. "Well, if that's true, my dear 'pumpkin', why are you still sometimes so far behind if I say something?"

The older brother looked shocked for a second before recovering. "Well, then 'peanut', you'll ask for it!" With that he chased after his baby brother.

Both brothers were running through the room in their suits. Though they used no powers but were sweating … and laughing. That scene greeted the father as he stepped in, to get them to the attic. As he saw this the old man couldn't help but smile.

"How old are you again?" Leo asked, entering the room. "I thought I had two adults sons, not little boys who are chasing themselves."

"Hey Dad," both said at once and were covered in sweat.

"What's the matter?" his eldest asked. The sons raised to their normal height.

"Your Mom and aunts want you to come to the attic as you should summon Grams, Grandma and some other matriarchs."

"What about the Whitman's ghosts?" his youngest continued to ask.

"I think you should let Grams handle this! You know how she is when it comes to family, especially if there's a wedding coming ahead."

The three men smirked at this prospect. All had got to know Penny Halliwell's temper – more than once, in more than one timeline. There was no need for further explanation.

"Anyway, we should go now. Or your mother kills us – in many ways," Leo said and urged his sons to go above.

"We'll get the picture," Wyatt said smirking and went to the attic. His younger brother followed obediently.

Their father shook his head and went up the stairs, to the attic where his family waited – impatiently what he recognized as his wife tapped her feet.

"Finally," Piper said as she saw her husband and sons in the attic. "I just was about to start a search party. Grams would be mad if we summon her too late. You all know how she is."

"We know, we know," the three men intoned knowingly and sighing.

"Okay, who wants to do it? Your wives are as impatient as we are as they'll want this ceremony to be over," the mother explained smirking.

For a moment Chris' green eyes turned black what didn't go unnoticed by Wyatt. Before anyone would notice, the blond decided to jump in. "I'll do it as Grams knows me longer." He called five candles and lit them up with a finger snip. He raised his voice:
Hear these words, hear my cry,
Spirit from the other side.
Come to me, I summon thee,
Cross now the great divide.

Swirling lights entered the room and revealed the one and only Penny Halliwell, better known as 'Grams'. However, Leo's attention was distracted as the cat walked through his legs, searching for his nearness. He picked it up and crawled it.

"You feel it as well, don't you? Something is wrong with my baby boy and we all know what might happen if Lucifer returns," the old man whispered.

"I know, Leo. And I'm still here to protect him."

After Penny came, Patty appeared as well as some ghosts no one had ever seen, but Grams explained these were the ghosts of the Whitman family who were allowed to come here after a heated argument by herself. All Halliwells was clear what that meant.

"Okay, I take it we're here to lead the High Priestess wedding ceremony for my lovely great-grandsons," Penny said and looked around. "Where's Chris, by the way?"

All looked around and now they finally saw that Chris was absent, though he'd been here once. But no one knew where he was. Immediately Wyatt closed his eyes and sensed for his baby brother who he found to his surprise … with Cat almost in bed.

'Christopher!' he shouted telepathically. 'Are you nuts? We'll want to start the ceremony!'

'Hey, calm down. I'm only doing what any young man does. You know that!'

'Then I'll tell you right now that our Great-Grams is here, along with Grandma and some ghosts of the Whitmans! So?'

'WHAT? O shit, we're coming!'

Wyatt sighed loudly and shook his head. At the end he couldn't help but laugh what led all heads turn toward him. "I'm sorry, but Chris did something with his girl what's so typical for him. Even though we summoned Grams and more ghosts right at that moment."

"Hey, I heard that!" Chris shouted as he entered the attic, again. Though all could see the younger man was still struggling with his jeans. "Hi Grams, Grandma!" he greeted the ghostly women who had to hide their laugh. To their shock Chris' wife appeared in a similar way.

"Oh," she only said blushing. "Grandma?"

The so revealed person turned to the matriarch of the Halliwells. "Penny, I think it's better we start the ceremony. As you already have experience with it, we all had agreed for you to do it."

"I'm honored," Penny said and hugged the woman. "Let's go!"

The two women led all living and non-living people to the conservatory where Stephanie was already waiting. There were also standing four chairs, some bouquets and more chairs around the first four. For the two families. As the older sister saw her baby one and brother-in-law, she narrowed her eyes dangerously before she started to laugh.

"Like her man," Chris only said, shaking his head.

Penny clapped her hands together and drew all attention back to her as she stood in front of the two young couples. Smiling she was happy to be their High Priestess. As she was about to ask if it was okay for Chris to start with Wyatt first, her oldest great-grandson said something what irritated her.

"Don't even think about it! Your 'beauty' argument doesn't work here and you already caused enough trouble back in the registrar office!"

The ghostly matriarch saw how Chris closed his mouth abruptly and then snorted while the rest of both families had to hide their smiles. They knew too well what he was referring to.

"Okay, I don't want to know what this incident was, but it'll about time we start this ceremony right now," the old matriarch said.

Immediately all people sat up straight and looked at the woman expectantly as Penny turned to the older of the two couples. Piper and Leo were reminded of their own wedding years ago.

Penny begged her eldest great-grandson and his wife to stand. Now there would be also the unit for the magical world. She cleared her voice and started to speak, "We are gathered here today to unite two souls as one. Do you, Wyatt and Stephanie, join us here of your own free will, to acknowledge the eternal bond shared between you?"

Wyatt's blue eyes shone with happiness. "I love you, Stephanie Whitman, and you are my soulmate. I've never thought to find someone special for me, the Twice-Blessed child. My future is yours and my children are yours."

The matriarch smiled and turned now to the young woman. Her own blue-green eyes held the same happiness. "I love you, Wyatt Halliwell. And to me it doesn't matter who you are. You are special in your own way and my soulmate. My future and my children belong only to you."

Grams was silent for a minute before she noticed it was time to continue. "Here before witnesses Wyatt and Stephanie have sworn their vows to each other. With this cord I bind them to those vows. However, this binding is not tied, so that neither partner is restricted by the other. Because the only true enforcement of love is the will to love."

Wyatt and Stephanie held hands as one when Grams lay the cord over them, so they spoke as one:
"Heart to thee, body to thee.
Forever so mote it be."

Now the entire party repeated, "So mote it be!"

"How pathetic," the younger man suddenly whispered.

All turned to him in confusion, but only Wyatt, the women of the boys, Leo and the Hollow read more in it. Hopefully, it wouldn't happen today but it seemed to be the case.

Penny now turned to the younger couple and believed for a second her great-grandson's green eyes had been black. She smiled again and started the ceremony, "We are gathered here today to unite two souls as one. Do you, Christopher and Catherine, join us here of your own free will, to acknowledge the eternal bond shared between you?"

Chris knew he had to speak now but inside the black essence fought back control. Time was running out, so he started, "I love you, Catherine Whitman. You are special to me, my soulmate, my woman, my wife. My future is dedicated to you and my children are yours."

Catherine took the hint from the old woman and said, "I love you, Chris Halliwell. You are special to me in your own way, my soulmate, my man and husband. Our children and my future is only yours."

The half Elder was in pain what Grams made to hurry, "Here before witnesses Christopher and Catherine have sworn their vows to each other. With this cord I bind them to those vows. However, this binding is not tied, so that neither partner is restricted by the other. Because the only true enforcement of love is the will to love."

Chris and Catherine took each hands as one where the matriarch lay the cord over them, so the couple spoke as one, "Heart to thee, body to thee. Forever and so mote it be."

Again both families repeated, "So mote it be." And then all pricked their ears as they listened to what seemed to be horse clattering. It seemed to be come closer. However, their eyes were glued to Chris who cried out in pain and let Wyatt raise his forcefield.

"What's going on?" Piper asked afraid. "Leo?"

From four directions the clattering came and suddenly four Horsemen appeared, along with Lucifer behind one of them. They were the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Death, Hunger, Disease and War. And then the Prince of Darkness.

"It's time to come with me, young Christopher," Lucifer said.

Chris' cry intensified and he changed in front of the whole family to a man in black. Like his older brother had been in an other timeline. The nightmare for all Halliwells.

"Come with me, my young apprentice," the Prince repeated.

Immediately the young man obeyed and stepped out of the forcefield. His eyes black, his clothes black. And then he got on behind a horseman.

"No Chris! Fight this! Come back!" Wyatt cried out and ran after his baby brother but was stopped by a sword.

"Your parents wouldn't want to lose both of their sons, now would they?" Lucifer threatened the Twice-Blessed knowingly.

The oldest son remained silent but cried. His tears fell down his cheeks.

"Oh, poor boy. Your baby brother is now evil, just like you once had been."

"We'll get him back, I swear! Do you hear me?" Piper cried out. Leo had to hold her back, but his face was in pain. Both parents had aged suddenly.

Stephanie had to support her baby sister as she broke down. Nothing could describe her pain as her world was falling apart. The older sister looked around for more support but found none. All were just too shocked.

"All my luck, Mylady," the Prince replied. He bowed his head and then called out to the four riders. "It's time to go!" He magically opened the front door of the Manor. "Our work here is done."

One galloped forward and another one closely did the same. They were out of the Manor before the third one with Chris behind him started. They were on the half way as the younger brother turned around for a last time and his eyes were green. This set locked with the blue eyes of his older brother, signaling him hope. Then they were black again and the third horseman had galloped out. Now the fourth one started to galopp out, but Lucifer held him back.

"I'm so sorry, but I had no other choice. He's so valuable with his knowledge of time-travel which I intend to use."

Again, he bowed his head and told his horseman to ride. Leaving a shocked family, actually two, behind. As they were in between the doors, the Prince let the doors magically be closing.

The End – For Now?