Here we go again. Sorry for the long delay, yet I'm always busy. Working, biking and so on.
Thanks to Tim and Katherine for reviewing. And yeah, I couldn't resist with the ABBA reference here.
21. A Demonic Reality Show
BEHIND THE SCENESAs Chris woke up again, he was once again tied to a chair. Looking around, he noticed that he seemed to be in a production studio and two demons were looking at him curiously. "Okay, is there something on my face, or what? What's going on here and where am I?" he asked annoyed but his attempt to orb away didn't work. "Damn it!"
"Well, this is a demonic show called 'Witch Wars' which is very established here in the underworld," Corr explained calmly while pacing around. "You see, we thought we were the first ones with reality shows but you humans have beaten us here. Anyway, I thought you knew, hence with you being from the future."
Chris rolled his eyes. "I'm not Jesus, you know. And for your information, I've never heard of your show. So why am I here? Just curious."
Corr looked at Clea who rolled her eyes but offered smiling, "You're going to be a part of our show. We were told you're very clever and also a quick learner. The demons are really looking forward fighting you. It'd definitely be a good and high rated episode."
"And what kind of demons would I deal with?"
"Any kind," Corr said smiling as well. "They're very eager to fight with you. When will there ever be a chance to fight the son of a Charmed One? Only in the future, but with you being here – well, you get the picture."
Chris swallowed hard. "I think I understand." He looked at the two demons. "What about my family? They will find out and do anything to get me back. This show will end, I promise you that. Now let me free!"
"Ah … no," the male demon continued and started to pace. "You see we already sent a messenger with special crystals to your family, and so they will know for sure. Besides, we're expecting this, because it'll bring us even more higher rates for our show."
"You're crazy. Both of you." He glared at them. "Anyway, out of curiosity: Who was the messenger?"
"Barbas," Clea said smirking. She paced as well around him.
"Oh. Clever. My family might have killed him on the spot but with me missing, he's their only link to me." He looked up now. "So when will this episode air? I'm sure to provide you a good show. Knowing my future and all."
"What do you mean?" Corr and Clea asked curiously at the same time.
"Oh. You weren't told? Then I won't tell you. It's better you don't know. There are already too many confidants. You may not live long enough to see this." Chris smirked now too, knowing their curiosity had piqued for sure.
Corr and Clea nodded at each other. Clea vanished into a different studio whereas Corr pulled the young man up, roughly. "Now, let's face your reality! It's time you fight for your life!" He shoved him forward to another studio where the demons were already waiting. "Start the show!" he yelled at Clea.
The demons simply smiled at the boy and just wanted to fight with him. Chris swallowed hard but said nothing. He knew when he was beaten.
MEANWHILE AT THE MANORPaige had opened the box curiously and had done her research as well. "Okay, let's see. We're dealing with ruby crystals and they're used as a demonic viewing screen. And to our luck, they can be activated with a spell."
"Well, then cast it!" Phoebe said and watched her older sister too. She could see that she was nervous and looked curiously at anyone. "Just do it, please."
"Not that easy, Phoebs. Obviously we need a little Elder magic as well." She looked at her brother-in-law. "Leo, would you help us here?"
The Elder slowly stepped forward, looking equally concerned like his wife. "Sure. Anything for the family. Whenever you're ready, Paige."
"Okay." She nodded and took a deep breath. "Let's get started then. Mallock cormon alli-tas." Behind her back, Leo waved his hand and the crystal came to life.
"Okay, what's that?" Piper asked in the room but no one had an answer.
'Welcome to WITCH WARS. A show where all kind of demons fight witches, to gain their powers,' Corr explained smiling to the camera. 'Today though we can provide a special episode – with a special guest in our midst. The future son of a Charmed One!'
There was applause coming from the back.
'Thank you. Now let's get started!' He clapped his hands happily. 'Let the boy run!' Chris immediately did this and had a good distance, he thought. 'And now the demons! Let's see who wins.' And he slowly stepped back.
'Have fun!'"What? How is that possible? And how did Chris end up in that show?" Piper asked in the round. "Leo? Anyone here?"
"Calm and deep breaths," Phoebe said and rubbed her sister's belly. "You don't want to hurt the baby, do you? It's not good for both of you." Her sister glared at her. "Sorry, but it's true."
Leo turned to his wife. "She's right, Piper." He took a deep breath. "Remember, Chris said he was going to the underworld. Maybe he's found his wanted men and well, got caught."
"You mean, Gideon, Zankou and Barbas?" Paige requested knowingly and Leo nodded. "If he got caught, that'd mean he was handed over to this show. Means we need to free him."
Piper stood up. "And I'm coming with!" she said determined. "No words. Of anyone! This is my baby we're talking about! I don't want to lose him earlier than expected!" She began to sob and tears ran down her cheeks.
Leo walked over and hugged his wife to him. Turning to the other two sisters, he said, "Paige, you prepare everything we need." She nodded and went to the attic. "Phoebe, it's better you call your father, to come here and watch over Piper while we're gone. Later you can help Paige." She nodded and did so. "I'll speak with Piper meanwhile."
Piper shook her head. "No, Leo, you can't forbid me to go! This is Chris we're talking about! Our baby has been through enough already and now this! I can't let that happen. Please, Leo."
He kissed her forehead. "I know and I understand you. But if you go, you also put the baby into an unknown danger. A darklighter could hurt you and with that we could lose both versions. You know that."
Piper nodded slowly and whispered, "Okay. I'll stay here – with Dad but put crystals around. To protect us, just in case."
"Thanks. I'm glad that you decided to listen to me – once," Leo concluded calmly and yelled for the other two sisters, "Phoebe! Paige! We can go when you're ready!"
Two pairs of running footsteps were heard and the two sisters looked curiously at their brother-in-law. Phoebe spoke up, "You convinced her? I'm impressed, I think. Anyway, Dad's on the way. He should be here soon."
"I'm nearly done as well," Paige added quickly. "I brought the crystals with. We should wait until Victor is here. Then we can go, I guess. Any news on the TV front?"
Leo shook his head sadly. "No, we didn't watch further but we have to have faith in Chris. With his future and our past, he's a fighter. I believe in him."
"We all do," Phoebe said and rubbed her sister's back lovingly. "It's going to be okay, we promise." The doorbell rang. "Paige, would you, please?"
Paige scowled slightly but obeyed. Opening the door, she greeted the older man happily, "Hello Victor. So nice you came here, to help us. Come in!" She guided him to the rest of the family. "You talk while I'll place the crystals around the house." And she started her walk.
Victor nodded thankfully. "Alright, I'm here. From what I could understand from Phoebe's babbling, I'm here to protect Piper while you three rescue Chris from a demonic show, right?"
"Yeah, that's it," Leo agreed and patted the man's shoulder. "Thank you again, Victor, for helping us. We're going to save your grandson. You can entertain your daughter and other grandson. It's going to be interesting, I promise."
"What do you mean?" Victor requested confused and looked at Piper and Leo irritated.
"You'll see," the parents only offered smiling.
Victor only sighed as a response, having his own experience with his kids just as Paige returned from her round. "Okay, the house is secured. Nothing should happen to you. All our stuff I brought with to rescue our little nephew. Ready to go?"
"Speaking of little nephew, what about Wyatt?" Phoebe requested confused and took some potions from her sister.
"I'll speak with him, then we can go," Leo said determined and called out for his older son. "Wyatt, come to Daddy, it's important!" An orb came down and the father caught his son in his arms. "Good boy. Listen, buddy. Daddy and your aunties need to save your brother from bad guys but you need to protect Mommy, her baby and Grandpa. Can you do that for me?"
His son looked nervously around but then nodded determined. Kwiss had explained it to him and he'd promised to do the same for his version. Wyatt nodded again at his Daddy.
"Good boy," Leo said again and looked at Phoebe and Paige, giving Wyatt over to his mother. "All right, let's go! Be careful." The three of them orbed away.
"It's going to be okay," Victor assured his daughter and grandson. "Chris is nothing but a fighter. He'll survive this, I think."
Piper said nothing and tried her best to hide her tears. Holding Wyatt in her arms helped her a bit but the baby squirmed a bit as well as if it felt his older version. She touched her belly in sorrows … and hoped no one would notice.
MEANWHILE – AT THE SHOWChris was running as if his life depended on it which it did, anyway. Quite literally. He'd avoided some demons already but this was nuts! For once, he was glad that his brother had established something similar in the future. Typical tyrant! Plus, his best skill was the run.
"You can't run away, witch," a brute demon called after him. "We'll get you – one way or another!"
"Well, let me decide that, would you?" Chris yelled back and continued his run. His body had already several scratches and little wounds. He'd fight.
"Little bitch!" the other demons screamed after him and started the catch. "Besides, we have an endless supply, you don't."
"Let surprise you, man." Chris had a little extra bag with him, full of potions and an athame. He just hoped his bag would hold until his family would come. Hopefully.
"Don't get too cocky with us, witch!" a darklighter yelled as well. His crossbow was shining in the dark. "Little whitelighter! You won't survive my little arrow and you know that. You can't run from us!"
Chris swallowed hard, knowing all too well that to be true. He continued his run and made it faster than ever. It was only a matter of time till the demons would have him, because he'd get tired one time – they not. He wished he could orb out of here. Several weapons flew in his direction and Chris could send some back to its owner, others he simply ducked out of the way and went flying somewhere else. Time to speed up, again!
Chris ran away but this time, when he turned around the corner, the young man found himself in a dead end. "Damn," he whispered annoyed and wished for once he could turn invisible. To his shock, it seemed to work and he was not seen anymore.
The demons came … and didn't find their target. Yet they knew their way through the tunnels and their target followed them slowly. However, some demons seemed to have a sixth sense – and turned around, knowing that there was someone behind them.
"Uh, guys," one demon stated nervously and all other demons turned to him expectantly. "I think we're being followed. And I'm not crazy!"
"By whom?" the brute demon requested half laughing. "You are crazy, man. I can't see anyone, or anything, behind us. Nuts!"
"Why not?" the demon questioned again angrily. "Maybe this witch has developed new powers, or something different. We shouldn't forget that the boy is the son of a Charmed One! He knows things!"
"Fine. Let's test this out." The brute demon grabbed into thin air – until his hands grabbed a throat out of nowhere. He turned to the other one. "I'm sorry, my friend. You were right. We have a guest. Show yourself!"
Chris turned visible again and gasped a bit for air. "Hi guys. Did you miss me?" he asked with some sarcasm. He patted the demon's arm, in hope. "You know you can let go of me. You got me, guys." The brute demon did as wanted. "Thanks. And what now? We can't play hide and seek forever."
"True," the other demon agreed quickly and crossed his arms over the chest. "We can kill you right now, and no one will ever know. Or we can play a bit more? What do you suggest, boy?"
"You're asking me?" Chris scoffed incredulously. "I'm just the mouse in this cat and mouse game! I think we need to play on."
"Yeah, right," came Corr's voice over speakers. "You should hunt each other and not have a coffee party! It's not good for the show either! Act!"
"My key word," Chris said smirking and started to orb away. "Bye bye!" Unfortunately, the demons didn't let him go and stopped his orbing. "Ouch. Where is your family when you need them?"
The brute demon just smiled at the young witch. "You know this gave me an idea. You run and our darklighter friend here sends some arrows after you. We'll see then if you can avoid being hit forever."
"Uh oh, quite a challenge. I like a challenge." Chris sighed and started to run away, knowing there was a dead end close by. He hoped he could trick them in a way. Making himself invisible wouldn't work again, he thought.
The brute demon went to the darklighter. "I think you can shoot now! Our little witch should be so far away that he can avoid you, don't you think? Hope you have enough arrows with you."
"Always," the darklighter replied smiling and started to walk after his target. "Hey little witch! Time to die!" Several arrows flew through the tunnel and you could hear some hit. "Got you." He called the others forward. "We can end this now!"
All demons laughed happily and stepped in front of their wounded target, smirking. Chris was sweating and he coughed from time to time. As they came one step ahead, there came an orb in between, startling the demons. "Who are you?" they asked at once.
"Your end," the three persons answered and flew many potions at them, killing them instantly. "Phew, that was close," one woman stated relieved.
"Indeed," the man agreed but then saw his son. "Oh my God! Chris, hold on. I'll save you." He held his hands over the wounds, hoping for the best.
The women stood behind him and also waited anxiously for a good result. Time was ticking.
AT THE MANOR"Okay, what is your secret, Piper? What does it have to do with the boys?" Victor asked curiously as both sat down and Wyatt was sitting on their lap. "You shouldn't forget I had magical kids too. You three, and you had powers as kids, you know."
"Sorry, Dad," Piper said smiling. "Yeah, you're right. Sometimes I forget about this fact, though we'd seen it on our own. Never mind." She saw how her older son went to her belly, touching it slightly. "See, it's happening again."
Victor just watched fascinated as his grandson seemed to speak with the baby in the belly. It was weird and cool at the same time. "What kind of power is that?" he asked stunned. "Your future looks troubled, I guess."
"You guess?" Piper requested smirking. "Anyway, this power is called telepathy, and yes, there's trouble ahead. The boys can plan a lot without us knowing or noticing. It's worse than we ever were."
"Could be true," Victor agreed laughing but stopped when his daughter glared at him. "Anyway, you should be happy though. Does Penny know about Chris?"
"She does. Chris had called the entire family for help at one time, dead and alive. All cool with her. Don't worry, Dad. Chris is nothing but a fighter."
"I know." Victor sighed and watched his grandson still fascinated. Looking at Piper's belly, he offered confused, "Still weird to think that he's in there but also there as an adult. Man, I've got a headache now."
Piper laughed good naturally but stopped when her Dad glared at her. She touched her son and belly. "It's okay, Dad. I understand it though, because when I think about it, it is weird." She began to sob quietly. "I'm afraid for Chris now. He's kinda a trouble magnet."
"Hey, hey, calm down. It's going to be okay, you'll see. Leo would do anything for his boys, you know that. They will be back soon." Victor looked to the ceiling, hoping for an answer from above but nothing happened.
Wyatt watched his Mommy and Grandpa sadly, yet he wanted his Daddy and Kwiss back. Even his aunties. He missed them dearly and just wanted them back. Period.
BACK AT THE SHOW"Leo, is he going to be okay?" Phoebe asked anxiously as she could see bands of sweats on his forehead. "You're healing long by now."
"She's right," Paige added fast. "Shall I help you? Maybe it's better. Chris seems to be very close to … . Okay?"
Leo just nodded and Paige knelt down next to him. Her hands started to glow, just like Leo's did, and the healing glow intensified more and more. Then something seemed to break and all was back to normal.
Chris gasped for air and his Dad hugged him fiercely and in relief. "Whoa," he said and hugged his Dad back. "I'm glad you're here. I was that close to death?" He shuddered at that thought.
"Yeah, be glad we came on time," Phoebe said and hugged him as well. "But that's a story for later – when we're back at home. Now we should cancel this show."
"Agreed," both father and son said at once. Leo helped his son slowly up. "We should end this for good. The watchers should also be killed," Leo continued angrily. His powers were acting to his feelings.
"Okay, let's go then," Paige said determined and took her sister's hand. "You two are okay? Piper is worried. Do you think one of you should return briefly and tell her what's going on?"
"No, it's better we'll deal with those cretins first," Chris answered bitterly. "Zankou and Gideon handed me over to them with a purpose, and these two have to die. I'll help with my powers." He turned to his Dad. "I can be invisible now, you know."
"That's great, Chris," Leo said smiling. "It seems that your powers are growing now. Or is it a change because I'm an Elder this time?" He grinned then even more. "Besides, it seems that you and your brother are going to have telepathy soon. You already talk with each other, you know."
"Cool. Really cool," Chris commented happily.
Phoebe and Paige looked at each other while walking ahead of the guys. They knew it was necessary but they still had a task in front of them. Killing those two demons who had shown them the way to their relative.
"Are we there?" Leo whispered all of a sudden as he noticed that the two sisters had stopped. "Do you still have some potions to vanquish them? Or do we have to use other methods?"
Paige watched through her bag. "Well," she said quietly. "Good news: There are still some potions left but not my strongest. So we could use your extra powers as well!" She looked at the two guys. "Ready? Phoebe and I distract them while you start to attack. Okay?"
Leo and Chris agreed nodding as Paige gave them her bag. After all, there was still a story to tell and Piper with Wyatt and Victor was waiting for them at the Manor.
THE STUDIOCorr and Clea were speaking with each other furiously, full knowing that their time was running out. They had seen how their 'players' were killed and now they were afraid. The show would be off soon.
"Hi guys, we're back," Phoebe greeted them, waving her hand at them. "Thanks for the help earlier, but you know what follows now. This has to end."
The two demons immediately turned around. Corr spoke up, "Ah yeah, we expected this. We're not dumb." He looked at them directly. "I don't see any potions or anything similar on you. How will you vanquish us, by the way?"
"We have great secret weapons," Paige offered knowingly. "You hurt our relative hard and you have to pay for this! Guys!"
Leo and Chris stepped in and used their powers to kill Corr and Clea who struggled at first and fought back. But as the boys intensified their powers, the demons were lost and what was only left was ash. Two small pile of ashes.
"Okay, that's done," Phoebe concluded sighing. "Leo, can you also destroy the studio? For good? I mean, after we're gone naturally. Paige or Chris can orb me back home. Agreed?"
Leo just nodded and sent with a wave of his hand all of his family home. He'd deal with it alone, no matter what the Elders would say in the end. Letting his anger and fury out, the studio and all other stuff was demolished. Nothing remained the same. Sighing, he finally orbed back home.
BACK AT THE MANORVictor just held his daughter while his grandson still mumbled to the belly. Smiling, he waited with his family for the rest of it and he could feel that Piper was getting rather impatient. They should come back, the father wished only.
Then, out of nowhere, a group formed in front of them. It was Phoebe, Paige and Chris who looked a bit shocked but Piper was up immediately, hugging them in relief.
"Where do you come from? You didn't orb on your own?" she asked her sisters and son who shook their heads. "And where's Leo, by the way?"
"Uh, I think Dad orbed us," Chris explained confused and sat down next to his Grandpa. Sighing, he went on, "He wants to destroy all of 'Witch Wars' himself, I guess." He stretched himself and yawned a bit. "I feel tired, though I wanna know how you found me so quickly. Paige, Phoebe?"
"Well, we'll have to wait until your Dad is back. It shouldn't take long, knowing his anger and all. Anyway, you gave us quite a shock as well, remember?" Paige told him firmly and crossed her arms over the chest. "It needed Leo and me to save you! It was very close, you know."
Piper was shocked and walked over to her son, sitting down next to him. "What does she mean? What has happened at the show? Tell me!" She looked between her sister and son but at that moment, her husband orbed in. "Leo! What's going on here?"
"Huh? What did I miss?" Leo requested confused and scratched his head. "What were you talking about?"
Victor decided to take over at seeing his daughter close to panic. "Paige just told us that Chris was close to death at this show or wherever you were. It took yours and her healing powers to save him. Obviously. We only want to hear the complete story, you know."
"Yeah," Chris added fast as his little brother crawled into his lap. "And I still wanna know how you found me. Please!" He used his eldest weapon on his family: puppy dog eyes.
Leo sighed, not happily but smirked at his son. "Okay, one story at a time." He looked at his wife. "Yeah, our little boy was very close to death as he was hit with two darklighter arrows. Paige, Phoebe and I had killed the demons Chris had fought with. After that, I turned to heal him but it wouldn't work, so Paige decided to help me. Only together, we could save him. Finally."
"Oh god," Piper said half crying but turned to her baby boy. "Were you nuts?! You could have died – before you should. Not again, Chris! Promise?"
Chris rolled his eyes. "Okay, Mom but Dad and Paige saved me on time. Just how they found me too." He kissed her briefly on the cheek. "Can I hear this story now? I'm tired and just wanna sleep."
Phoebe stepped up now and briefly kissed his forehead lovingly. "When we watched the show and saw you there being hunted by a lot of demons, we had to act quickly. We could convince your Mom to stay behind but it was hard. You know this, don't you?" Her nephew nodded grinning but yawned again. "I know, I know. Anyway, we could find you so fast, because we could use some old strings in the underworld. Remember me being Queen of the Underworld?" Her nephew nodded again. "See, some low level demons didn't know about my being a witch and return. Well, the demons helped us and guided us to the studio where Corr and Clea showed us the direction to you. And well, here we are."
"Ah okay," Chris said nodding. "That makes sense, in a way. Still, I'm going to bed now but all is good." Standing up, he leaned down and whispered something in Victor's ear. "Okay folks, I'm going to sleep now. Wake me up when needed." He took his brother with him and finally walked upstairs.
Leo only held his wife who was crying now. His curiosity won over and asked Victor, "What did he tell you?"
"That's my secret," Victor replied smiling and stood up. "You'll find out soon enough, I guess. Anyway, I should get going back to my loft. Just call me when you need me, again." He quickly walked to the door, waved goodbye to his family and drove back to his own home.
"I think we call it a night," Leo suggested and looked at all sisters who agreed nodding. "It's been a long day and we've been through a lot. We all need time to recover, okay?"
Phoebe and Paige nodded eagerly and walked fast upstairs to their own rooms, ready to fall asleep standing. Meanwhile, Leo helped his wife up and guided her to their bedroom. He laid her down and simply did the same but his hands were on her belly, to feel his baby boy. Both were sobbing quietly.
IN A CAVE SOMEWHERE"Ah, damn it! They destroyed everything but the show was good," Zankou complained while eating his popcorn. "But Chris was nearly gone for some minutes." He turned to the Elder at his side. "I think it's time for your showdown, isn't it?"
Gideon sighed and became serious. "Yeah, unfortunately. And it means, I should go back above. My fellow Elders might have missed me, or not." He finally stood up and looked at the two demons. "You will continue my work, won't you? Chris might be just as powerful as his brother."
Zankou nodded quickly, knowing his task in the close future. Smirking, he looked forward to it. Yet Barbas still complained, "And what shall I do?"
"You challenge the Halliwells now! It's your favorite task. Have fun! I need to go!" Gideon finally orbed away.
Zankou and Barbas looked at each other but enjoyed their boredom for the time being.
AT VICTOR'S LOFTComing home, Victor watched the lone letter on his desk. Soon, it'd be time. One word stood there: DAD.
TBC ...
Hope you'll like this new version of "Witch Wars" and we're slowly reaching the end. Only two chapters left.
COMMENTS ANYONE?Next time: The End of a Journey, Pt.1