Truth and Consequences- Part 14-Updated 11/27/04

[oddball7]

Author: AJ1974


This story picks up about 2 months after the season 6 finale. Please let me know what you think. Only two chapters up so far but there will be more.

www.fanfiction.net/read.p...id=1907320

Edited by: AJ1974 at: 11/27/04 3:09 pm

Nightgirl
Posts: 345
(6/29/04 11:30 pm)
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Re: Truth and Consequences
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I like and want more

silvermoon8705
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 142
(6/29/04 11:39 pm)
Reply Re: Truth and Consequences
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Well hello! I read your story and tried to tell people about it here because it is truly a very, very good story! I could so see this all playing out on the show!



Edited by: silvermoon8705 at: 9/4/04 8:07 pm

SoulessFreaks
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 62
(6/30/04 5:54 am)
Reply Re: Truth and Consequences
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Rachaha! Hehe I'm one of your crazy fans *nods* hehe havn't reveiwed for a while i'm 'unwanted souless freak' do you remeber me

AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 96
(6/30/04 7:21 pm)
Reply Re: Truth and Consequences
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Hey all, thanks for reading. and thanks silvermoon for trying to spread the word about my story. I have a few charmed stories but don't usually post them here becuase the stories get bumped down the board before anyone knows they are there. It's quite a popular board with a lot of activity so I understand why it happens. But I thought I would give it a try again. I'll try and remeber to post a new link when I update.
I do remember you soulessfreaks...Thanks for reading my stories!

charmedone89
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 807
(6/30/04 8:07 pm)
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Re: Truth and Consequences
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wow, this is so good, I have read your other stories too, you are a really good writer, please update this story soon!!

silvermoon8705
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 148
(6/30/04 8:21 pm)
Reply Re: Truth and Consequences
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AJ...you should advertise it in the chatroom here!

AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 98
(7/2/04 10:12 pm)
Reply Re: Truth and Consequences
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Chapter is now up. Please let me know what you think...

www.fanfiction.net/read.p...&chapter=3

silvermoon8705
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 167
(7/2/04 11:30 pm)
Reply Re: Truth and Consequences
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Yay! The next chapter's up! Thanks so much for posting here!!! I love your story a lot! Thanks again!!!

*Maybe you could post the actual story in the Cafe? That'll be really great!!!

Edited by: silvermoon8705 at: 7/3/04 9:13 pm

charmedone89
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 817
(7/4/04 12:39 am)
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Re: Truth and Consequences
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that chapter was so good!! It was just wonderful. I cannot wait until you get the next chapter up!!

silvermoon8705
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 180
(7/4/04 12:44 am)
Reply Re: Truth and Consequences
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Yay!!! People here are reading it!!! That's great because this story is REALLY worth reading!!! Hope you update soon too!!!!

Edited by: silvermoon8705 at: 7/5/04 1:53 am

AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 101
(7/15/04 7:11 pm)
Reply Updated Truth and Consequences
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I've posted the next chapter for this fic on fanfiction.net. Please let me know if you want me to keep posting the updates here as well. Oh, and if you have time...please review.

www.fanfiction.net/s/1907320/4/

silvermoon8705
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 267
(7/15/04 8:08 pm)
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Re: Updated Truth and Consequences
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Yeah, you should definitely keep posting the updates here! I read the latest update and it was really good!!!

Prue21
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 335
(7/16/04 4:29 am)
Reply Re: Updated Truth and Consequences
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YAY! NEED MORE SOON! This is amazing! So glad I found this! Please please please post more soon!

AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 103
(7/25/04 5:12 pm)
Reply Part 5 now up
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www.fanfiction.net/s/1907320/5/

thanks for reading!

silvermoon8705
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 316
(7/28/04 1:44 am)
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Re: Part 5 now up
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Aw, you updated!!! Going off to read it now!





scififantasychic
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 789
(7/30/04 9:28 am)
Reply Re: Part 5 now up
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This is an amazing story! It makes perfect sense that this could be what happened to Big Chris...I so hope that the writers will eventually tell us something similar, because I do so want him back!

Your characterizations are just about as perfect as they come -- down to guests shots of Barbus and Daryll. Awesome job, and I'll definitely be looking for more updates on this!

BEST MATE
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 415
(7/30/04 1:03 pm)
Reply Re: Part 5 now up
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wow u have to right more im loving pipers reaction to finding out that chris died it seems so real


emma

wickedwms
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 26
(8/21/04 3:34 am)
Reply Re: Part 5 now up
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I was going to use this link to beg for another chapter, when I discovered chapter 6 had already gone up on the 14th. Well, now I guess I have to beg for chapter 7!
Though, now it just seems bratty of me since you did update fairly recently. I am loving your story, and I cannot wait until your next update.

Esmeralda
Posts: 1477
(8/21/04 4:37 am)
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Re: Truth and Consequences
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Man, since I really feel like I'm betraying the Cafe when I go elsewhere, I sure do wish you would copy and paste your updates here rather than just the link, coz I sure would like to read it!!

wickedwms
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 31
(8/22/04 5:28 pm)
Reply Re: Truth and Consequences
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Esmeralda, the only person you would be betraying is yourself if you don't follow the link to this awesome story. Chapter 7 just went up and it is GREAT. Follow the first link on this thread and it will take you directly to Chapter One. You might not get your "commercials" but you will get a very worthwhile read!

[oddball7]

AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 109
(8/22/04 8:32 pm)
Reply Re: Truth and Consequences
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I didn't even realize anyone here was still reading my story or I would have let you know about the updates. Sorry about that. but I really appreciate you guys checking for the updates on your own. I'll try posting the updates here...but they are kinda long...don't know if it will work. but if not, I will at least let you know when I update.

Esmeralda
Posts: 1501
(8/24/04 10:52 am)
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Re: Truth and Consequences
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Don't worry about the updates being long!!! We don't care what length they are, just so you post them!!! I'm *so* excited about getting to read this, because from what the others say, it sounds fantastic! I was going to wait until you posted that it was done and *then* read it, but if you post sections here...!!!

Edited by: Esmeralda at: 8/24/04 10:53 am

AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 110
(8/24/04 4:30 pm)
Reply Re: Truth and Consequences
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Well, if you haven't been reading it on FF.net then you will need to play catch up becuase I'm already up to chapter seven:

Here is the first chapter:

INT. MANOR NURSERY

LEO lifts his newborn son out of his bassinet and cradles the tiny boy in his arms. Leo smiles proudly as Chris coos and appears to smile back at him.

LEO:
There’s my big brave boy.

He settles into the rocking chair beside the bassinet and strokes his son’s soft brown hair. Leo was amazed at how much he looked like Piper. People often told Leo how much Wyatt looked like him…but they wouldn’t be saying that about Chris. Chris looked like his mother.

LEO:
I’m never going to leave you. Not ever…I promise.

Chris grabbed Leo’s finger with his tiny hand and squeezed as tightly as a tiny baby could, bringing a tear to Leo’s eyes. It was as though Chris had understood what he had said. Leo smiled again and continued to gently rock his son, when suddenly and without warning…the baby vanished from Leo’s arms.

LEO:
(panicked)
Chris?

Leo stared at his hands in disbelief. His son…his precious little boy… had just vanished for the second time.

LEO:
NO!!!!

INT. PIPER’S ROOM

Leo jolted upright in Piper’s bed and looked around. “It was just a dream” he told himself as he desperately tried to calm himself. “It was just a dream.”<br>
Leo settled back on the bed and brought his shaking hands to his head. It had been two months since Chris’ birth…two months since his death… and Leo was still haunted by the memories of that day.

Leo, Paige and Pheobe had all agreed that Piper would never know the truth about what happened that day. She believed her son had just gone back to his time – that he was safe and happy-and they didn’t see the point in telling her otherwise. She had been through enough already. And while Leo was glad that Piper didn’t have to suffer as he was…it only made coping that much more difficult.

Exhausted and emotionally drained, Leo closed his eyes and began to drift off once again when the sound of his newborn son screaming caused him to awaken in a panic.

LEO:
Chris?

INT. KITCHEN –CONTINUOUS

Wyatt sits in his highchair with his hands covering his ears as he tries to muffle the sound of his baby brother’s screams.

PHEOBE, with BABY CHRIS in her arms, paces in front of him, gently bouncing the baby as PIPER prepares his bottle.

LEO orbs into the room-panicked by the sounds of Chris’ screams

LEO:
What’s going on? What’s wrong?

PIPER:
(calmly)
Nothing’s wrong. He’s just hungry and apparently mommy isn’t moving fast enough for him.

PHEOBE:
Yeah. Can’t you tell. This is his, “I’m angry as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!” scream.

Leo, taking his screaming son from Pheobe, looks unconvinced…<br>
LEO:
Are you sure that’s all it is?

PIPER:
Positive.

Piper walks over and looks down at her son.

PIPER:
Hey! Hey! Mr. Cranky Pants! You need to settle down. You are freaking your daddy out. Yes you are!

Chris screams even louder – his little face practically turning purple.

Piper remains unfazed.

PIPER:
(walking back toward the stove)
I know. I know. I’m such a mean mommy. Here…<br>
She grabs the bottle from the pan of warm water, shakes it and tests it on her hand before handing it to Leo.

Leo tries to give the bottle to Chris but the boy has worked himself up into such a state…he won’t take it.

LEO:
See! He’s not hungry! I’m telling you something is wrong!

PIPER:
Leo, nothing is wrong. He’s just gotten himself all worked up. Here…give him to me.

Piper takes Chris in her arms and hugs him close.

PIPER:
Come here baby. I know…it’s so hard to be patient little guy when you got a hungry belly.

She reaches out and takes the bottle from Leo.

PIPER:
Look…Look…Look what mommy’s got.

She takes the bottle and gently traces the nipple around Chris’s lips as he continues to wail in protest. Piper continues until finally Chris finally realizes the bottle is there and stops crying long enough to take it.

Piper looks up at her husband and smiles.

PIPER:
See. Told ya.

Leo looks relieved as Piper hand the baby back to him.

PIPER:
Look Leo, I know you want to be there for Chris…and make sure his future is different and all but…if you freak out like this every time he pitches a fit it’s going to be a very stressful 22 years for you. You have to relax sweety.

Leo looks to Pheobe who smiles at him knowingly. He then turns back to Piper.

LEO:
I know. You’re right. It’s just hard sometimes.

PIPER:
I know.

Piper turns to Wyatt who is still holding his hands over his ears.

PIPER:
Wyatt honey, you can put your hands down now.

She walks over and taps on his highchair tray.

PIPER:
(continuing)
Finish your cereal.

Wyatt lowers his hands and scowls at his little brother.

WYATT:
Noisy baby!

PIPER:
(laughing)
Yeah well, you did your fair share of screaming yourself. Eat up.

She turns back to Leo.

PIPER:
Alrighty! You think you can handle feeding him while. I wanna get showered and changed before Sheila and Darryl get here.

PHEOBE:
(surprised)
Sheila and Darryl? Does that mean Darryl’s forgiven us?

PIPER:
I guess so. Sheila said it was his idea. He really wants to see the baby.

PHEOBE:
Well, I’m glad. I’ve missed them.

PIPER:
Me too.
(to Leo)
So, are you going to be alright?

Leo looks down at Chris who looks content as he sucks on his bottle.

LEO:
Yeah, we’ll be fine.

PIPER:
Good!

She starts to head out of the room and then turns back…<br>
PIPER:
Oh….and don’t forget to make him give you a good burp every couple ounces or else he’ll get really gassy and you’ve haven’t begun to hear screaming! OK?

LEO:
Got it.

PIPER:
Good! I’ll be upstairs if you need me.

PIPER hurries out of the room.

PHEOBE walks over and gently kisses Chris’ forehead. She then reaches up and kisses Leo’s cheek.

PHEOBE:
I know how hard this is for you honey. I just want you know…if you need someone to talk to…I’m here.

Leo smiles at here.

LEO:
Thanks Pheobe.

INT. PIPER’S ROOM – LATER

Piper emerges from her bathroom in her robe, her hair wrapped in a towel. Sitting down on her bed, she pulls the towel from her hair and gently starts to pat her damp hair. She looks down and sees one of Chris’ rattles sitting near her pillow and picks it up, looks at it a moment and then places it down. She then opens the drawer of her nightstand and retrieves picture she had put in there months before. It was a picture Pheobe had taken of Piper with adult Chris shortly after she learned she was pregnant. It was the only picture she had of her son as an adult and she remembered how happy he had been when the picture was taken…how happy she had been… and couldn’t help but smile.

She continues to stare at the picture, when she suddenly feels a chill rush through her body and hears a faint, desperate voice cry out… “Mom!”<br>
Piper whips around and realizes she is still alone in the room.

PIPER:
Chris?

She wasn’t sure who she was talking to. She knew it was impossible. It could not be Chris…not her adult son. He had gone back the future months ago. But she could have sworn somebody had called for her. And it definitely was not the voice of her two year old.

Leo enters carrying baby Chris and immediately notices Piper’s perplexed expression.

LEO:
Piper…what’s wrong?

PIPER:
What? Oh…nothing. I could have sworn I just heard….

Leo raises and eyebrow…waiting for Piper to finish.

PIPER:
(shaking her head)
Never mind. What are you doing?

LEO:
Oh, I thought it would be nice if Chris was wearing that outfit Sheila and Daryll bought him, when they came to visit.

PIPER:
Oh, that is a nice idea. It’s in the bottom drawer of Chris’ bureau.

Piper shivers and wraps arms around her herself.

PIPER:
Is it cold in here?

LEO:
No. Not really.

PIPER:
I just got a chill all of the sudden.

Leo shrugs and heads toward the nursery…<br>
LEO:
Maybe you’re coming down with something.

Piper looks down at the picture of Chris laying beside her before responding…<br>
PIPER:
Yeah…you’re probably right.

To be continued…<br>

[oddball7]

AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 111
(8/24/04 4:33 pm)
Reply Re: Truth and Consequences
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Here are parts 2 and 3. Be prepared...it's gonna be long

The sound of the doorbell brings PIPER rushing down the stairs, calling for her family…<br>
PIPER:
Guys! Sheila and Daryll are here!

She opens the door to find Sheila and Daryll standing there. Sheila, excited, throws her hands out.

SHEILA:
Hey Mama! How are you doing?

Piper embraces Sheila as Daryll stands cautiously behind - looking nervous.

PIPER:
I’m good! I’ve missed you!

Piper releases Sheila and turn her attention to Daryll who still looks quite nervous. He hadn’t seen the girls in over two months and he wasn’t sure how they would react to him. To say he hadn’t been very nice to them the last time he saw them would be an understatement. But after months of separation, Daryll realized-he loved the girls and… he missed them. No matter how hard he had tried to deny it, Sheila was right…they were family.

Sensing his apprehension, Piper smiles at her old friend.

PIPER:
What? No hug?

Daryll smiled and felt all of his tension subside. “That was Piper…” he thought to himself., “she knew how to make people feel comfortable even under the most awkward of circumstance.”<br>
He stepped forward and embraced her lovingly.

DARYLL:
God I’ve missed you guys.

PIPER:
Well, we missed you too.

PHEOBE and PAIGE, who’s carrying WYATT, enter the foyer from the kitchen.

Seeing Daryll, Pheobe rushes toward him with outstretched arms.

PHEOBE:
My turn! My turn!

Daryll laughs and happily obliges Pheobe with a warm hug.

PAIGE:
It’s been too long stranger. We missed you.

PHEOBE:
It sure has. We missed you so much.

DARYLL:
Well, I missed you guys too. I’m…I’m so sorry for the way I acted.

PHEOBE:
You don’t have to apologize honey. You were afraid…afraid for your family. We can all understand that.

Piper and Paige nod their head in agreement.

PIPER:
Well, what do you say we move this reunion out of the doorway and into the living room. Huh?

The group heads into…<br>
INT. LIVING ROOM-SAME

Paige puts Wyatt down on the floor and he immediately runs to Sheila’s open arms.

SHEILA:
(scooping him up)
Hey buddy! How’s my favorite little man? Huh?

DARYLL:
Speaking of the little man…how’s the new little guy doing?

Piper opens her mouth to respond but is cut off by Leo, who enters the room carrying the baby.

LEO:
Fed, changed and dressed to impress!

Daryll turns and sees Leo, with baby Chris nestled in a little ball on his chest.

DARYLL:
Oh wow! Would you look at him.

LEO:
(smiling)
You want to hold him?

DARYLL:
Do I wanna hold him? Of course I want to hold him.

He reaches out and gently starts to lift Chris out of Leo’s arms. The baby, who had been quite comfortable and content in his daddy’s arms, wrinkles his face and starts to whimper softly.

DARYLL:
Oh…Oh…<br>
Piper walks over to Daryll and reaches out to rub her sons back.

PIPER:
(to Chris)
You’re OK.
(to Daryll)
He’s OK. Just hold him close to your chest the way Leo had him. He likes that. I think he hears the heartbeat…it comforts him.

Daryll follows Piper’s instructions and Chris once again settles down and starts to fall asleep in Daryll’s arms.

DARYLL:
Wow…he is so tiny!

PHEOBE:
Tiny! That kid is growing like a weed!

SHEILA:
Yeah honey, you should have seen him a month ago when I first saw him. Now that was tiny!

PIPER:
He’s gonna be a big boy before you know it! I can’t believe this outfit you bought him already fits.

Piper refers to the green overalls and off-white shirt set, with matching green boots Chris is now wearing…a gift from his Aunt Sheila and Uncle Daryll.

PAIGE:
Yeah and doesn’t he look so handsome in it?

SHEILA:
Well, I couldn’t resist when I saw it. Green was always Chris’ color.

Leo cringes and looks away at the mention of his adult son…but the girls and Sheila don’t notice. They are too busy focusing on baby Chris.

Daryll notices however, and stares at Leo for a moment before Sheila’s voice grabs his attention.

SHEILA:
OK, my turn.

She puts Wyatt down and ground and reaches for Chris. Wyatt, looks up at her angrily as she take the baby into her arms. He had always been the center of attention when it came to his aunt Sheila and he did not like this one bit. He tugs on Sheila’s pant leg trying to get her attention…but she is too busy rocking and cooing at the new baby to notice.

Waytt glares upward at his little brother and Chris suddenly disappears in a swirl of orbs from Sheila’s arms.

Sheila gasps in horror.

SHEILA:
Oh my god! What just happened?

Leo rushes toward Wyatt.

LEO:
Wyatt! No!!

The sisters looked alarmed, but not really frightened.

DARYLL:
OK, what just happened.

Pheobe and Piper kneel down on either side of Wyatt as Pheobe, laughing almost manically, explains…<br>
PHEOBE:
Oh, I think Wyatt’s playing his little “game” again. See, sometimes….he likes to hide his brother and make us look for him. It’s his little way of getting attention.

LEO also kneels down in front of his son and with a firm, stern voice demands…<br>
LEO:
Wyatt! Where is Chris? What did I tell you? That is not OK!

PIPER:
Leo, don’t yell that’s not going to help!

DARYLL:
Wait a minute. He hides his brother? Isn’t that dangerous?

PHEOBE:
(with a forced smile)
Yeah…Yeah it is. But you know…we try not to make too big a deal out of it.

PAIGE:
Yeah, so far he’s only orbed him around the house. But we don’t want to push our luck.

Piper lifts Wyatt into her arms and get’s up.

PIPER:
OK, everyone spread out. He’s in the house somewhere.
(to Wyatt)
Right Wyatt?

Before the can all spread out to start their search, Chris’ can be heard crying from upstairs.

PHOEBE:
Oh, thank god!
(to Daryll)
See! Still in the house!

Daryll cocks and eyebrow and gives her an exaggerated “Oh yeah, that makes this all perfectly fine” look.

LEO:
I’ll get him.

Piper reaches out and grabs Leo’s arm.

PIPER:
No, you stay here and talk your son…<br>(she hands Wyatt to him)
…calmly! Remember, this is just a phase he’s going through. I’ll go get Chris.

She rushes out of the room and heads upstairs…<br>
INT. NURSERY – CONTINUOUS

CHRIS is now laying in his crib, where Wyatt had orbed him, screaming. PIPER rushes into the room and picks up her son.

PIPER:
Hey! Hey! You’re OK.

She holds Chris close to her chest and kisses his head softly.

PIPER:
Did Wyatt scare you? Huh? I’m sorry. Mommy’s here now. You’re OK.

She walks into her bedroom and starts a slow walk back and forth in front of the window…gently bouncing Chris and reassuring him softly…<br>
PIPER:
Mommy’s got you. You’re OK. I got you.

INT. PIPER’S ROOM-GHOSTLY PLANE

The room is empty and dark. But Piper’s voice can still be heard echoing throughout the room. “You’re OK…I got you. I won’t let anything happen to you. Mommy’s here.”<br>
Curled up in a fetal position on the floor, where Piper’s bed would normally be, lies CHRIS-ADULT CHRIS- still dressed in the same clothes he was wearing the day he disappeared from Leo’s grasp two months early. He’s deathly pale, and shakes uncontrollably as he rocks back and forth, with his hands over his ears as if trying to block out the sound of his mother’s voice.

[oddball7]

CHRIS:
(crying)
No! No! Stop! Please stop! No more!

Behind him, in the empty, dark doorway, BARABUS stands smiling wickedly, relishing every moment of Chris’ tortured existence…feeding off his fear as he had done so mercilessly for the past two months.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: A small portion of the dialogue in this next part of the story was taken from the season finale of charmed. It’s being used only as a starting point for my version of the events that take place immediately after…<br>
INT. PIPER’S ROOM – GHOSTLY PLANE

CHRIS, laying on the floor of the dark, empty room, opened his eyes and looked around. He had fallen asleep, although he wasn’t sure for how long. He had lost all concept of time since he arrived in this place…this Ghostly Plane. He figured that was where he must be…a realization that gave him some hope. His family had dealt with being trapped in this plane before…so there WAS a way out. He knew that much. But, why hadn’t they come for him yet? What was taking them so long?

“Maybe it hasn’t been that long?” he thought to himself. Although it certainly seemed like he had been there forever. “Maybe I’m just losing it” he thought. “Maybe I just imagined Mom’s voice and the cries of that newborn baby. Piper is probably still in the hospital in labor. And Leo…he’s probably still dealing with Gideon. Yes! That had to be it!” he figured. Why else would they have not heard his cries for help.

Even in the Ghostly plane Chris knew he could make a connection to his family if they were looking for him. That was how Phoebe was able to sense Piper when she and Leo were trapped there. All he had to do was be patient. Once his dad had dealt with Gideon, he would come for him. And oh how he wished he could be there when Leo vanquished Gideon’s sorry ass! Gideon was, after all, the reason he was in the hell hole.

FLASHBACK

INT. PIPER’S BEDROOM – TWO MONTHS EARLIER

LEO got up from beside the bed and looked down at his dying son…his heart breaking as he could see the pain in his son’s eyes.

LEO:
OK, But I’m not leaving you alone.

Chris, laying on the bed, looked up at his father and managed to ask…<br>
CHRIS:
Where are you going?

LEO:
To get one of your aunts to watch over you.

Chris took a deep breath and closed his eyes as a wave of pain rushed through his body.

Leo bent over and kissed his son’s head.

LEO:
You’re going to fine. OK? I promise.

LEO orbed out of the room.

Chris closed his eyes and tried to rest. He could feel himself growing weaker, and while he had tried to hide it from Leo…he was scared.

He had started to drift off when he heard the familiar sound of someone orbing into the room.

CHRIS:
(opening his eyes)
Paige? Is that you?

GIDEON:
Not quite.

Chris’ eyes grew wide with panic and he opened his mouth to call for his father. But before he could cry out, Gideon put his hand over the boys mouth.

GIDEON:
Uh…Uh…I wouldn’t do that if I were you. You’ve already lost your brother…you don’t want to be responsible for your father’s death too now do you?

Cautiously, Gideon slowly started to remove his hand from Chris’ mouth. Chris, fearing that his cries for help would cause Leo to orb in, be caught off guard, and killed, remained quiet as instructed.

Gideon smiled lowered his hand.

GIDEON:
That’s a good boy.

CHRIS:
You son of a @#%$! What did you do my brother?

GIDEON:
Unfortunately… nothing yet. But it’s only a matter of time. He will be sacrificed for the greater good.

Chris, fueled by his anger, raises himself up to face Gideon…<br>
CHRIS:
If you hurt him…<br>
Another wave of pain rushes through Chris’ body and he falls back on the bed, crying out in pain.

Gideon looks at him sympathetically and sits on the bed beside Chris

GIDEON:
I am truly sorry. You and the Charmed ones were not suppose to be harmed. It’s Wyatt that I am after…not you.
(looking away)
None of this has gone the way I had planned.

CHRIS:
Am I supposed to feel sorry for you?

Before Gideon can respond, BARABAS flames into the room beside him.

BARABAS:
What the hell is this? You’re supposed to be out tracking the baby brat’s orbs.

GIDEON
(getting to his feet)
And you’re supposed to be tracking his fears.

BARABAS:
Don’t change the subject.

Barabas looks down and see Chris laying there…his eyes wide with fear.

BARABAS:
Besides…I was sidetracked. By HIS fear.

Barabas reaches out and puts his hand beside Chris’ face as Chris closes his eyes tightly and tries to slide away.

BARABAS:
Oh yes! I can feel it! Such fear!

Gideon angrily reaches out and grabs Barabas’ hand away from Chris.

GIDEON:
DON’T…TOUCH HIM.

BARABAS:
My…My…aren’t we the protective elder! Ironic since you are the one who will be held responsible for his death.
(looking down at Chris)
From the looks of him…it won’t be long now.

GIDEON:
He is not going to die. Why do you think I am here you idiot? We need him alive.

BARABAS:
(annoyed)
What for?

GIDEON:
Because you fool!! We need him for leverage later. Do you really think the Charmed ones and Leo will let us just get away with killing Wyatt. They’ll hunt us down and won’t stop until they’ve killed us both!

Barabas shrugs.

BARABAS:
Eh…I’m used to it.

GIDEON:
Well, that may be so. But I’m not!

BARABAS:
Well, correct me if I’m wrong…but I thought the whole point of injuring the boy was to distract the elder! If you save him…Leo won’t be distracted any more and how exactly does that help us?

GIDEON:
Don’t worry. I have a plan.

INT. GHOSTLY PLANE – PRESENT

That was the last thing Chris remembered before he lost consciousness. When he awoke, he was in this horrible place-alone.

Chris closed his eyes again and tried to fall back asleep. His thoughts were just driving him crazy. At least when he was sleeping he was a peace. He had almost drifted off again when he heard a familiar voice beside him.

LEO:
Chris?

Chris opened his eyes and was surprised to see his father standing over him. He sat up quickly and backed himself against the wall…not believing his eyes.

CHRIS:
Dad? Is that really you?

Leo held out his hand to Chris,

LEO:
Of course it’s me. Hurry, we have to get you out of here!

CHRIS:
But…But how…<br>
Chris looked around the room. Everything looked the same…dark and cold. How did Leo get here?

LEO:
There’s no time to explain. We have to hurry.

Chris slowly rose to his feet, staring at his father incredulously.

Leo smiled at his son and reached out for him.

LEO:
It’s OK son. You’re safe now. I’m here to take you home.

Leo wrapped his arms around Chris, who finally gave in and sank into his father’s arms, sobbing.

LEO:
It’s OK. I’m here now.

Chris hugged his father, not wanting to let him go. For the first time, he felt safe in his father’s strong protective embrace.

But the moment was short lived. As Chris hugged his father, he felt his loving embrace turn into a tightly contrictive and threatening hold. And he heard the familiar voice of BARABAS taunt him as Leo morphed into the demon of fear…<br>
BARABAS:
Oh you foolish boy!! When are you going to learn?

Chris cried out in fear as he struggled to release himself from Barabas’ grasp.

[oddball7]

BARABAS:
They are not coming for you. Not now…not ever! They’re not even looking for you.

CHRIS
(still struggling)
No!

BARABAS:
Ah yes! It’s true! They think your dead. They’ve moved on.

CHRIS:
No!

Chris felt his legs weaken beneath him and he stopped struggling. Now, the only thing keeping him on his feet was Barabas, who lowered Chris to ground, still holding onto him tightly. He stroked the boys hair as he whispered in his ear menacingly…<br>
BARABAS:
Your greatest fear has come to pass…You are all alone.

To be continued…<br>
OK, I'll post the other chapters a little later...give you time to read these.







Esmeralda
Posts: 1506
(8/24/04 11:14 pm)
Reply
Re: Chapter 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have a "tradition" in this Forum that if you start reading a story late, you comment on each chapter as you read it, so that's what I'm going to do.

WOW! I can already see why everyone loves this story! That opening was so much like the teaser of a Charmed episode! It just pulled me straight in! When Baby Chris vanished, I literally screamed, so I'm glad I decided to wait until I got home before I started reading! (The fact that you mentioned the length was another factor.) And to find out it was a dream, I gave a sigh of relief!

Oh, how heart-breaking for Leo, Phoebe & Paige to know what happened to Big Chris, but to keep it from Piper! Wonderfully thoughtful and loving of them, but so tough *for* them! But it *does* sound like something they'd do, especially remembering Piper's reaction towards Prue's death and to losing Leo after OMG!

The bottle-scene was *so* well-written! I laughed with Piper, while feeling so sorry for Leo, and was glad to see that Phoebs agreed to be there for him, since she understands.

I love the idea that the loss of Big Chris and the birth of Baby Chris is enough to bring Darryl back, well, at least, enough to bring Sheila back!!!

I love the idea that Piper has one picture of her and her grown-up son, and that voice reminds me of Cole calling out to Phoebe after his vanquish as the Source, and makes me hope that means Big Chris will be back. But how do they explain it to Piper???

Lucky me!! I now get to go back and read the next part!!! And I don't care *how* long this thing is or how long it takes me to read it; I'm going to keep reading and keep commenting until I'm caught up!! I love it!!!

Esmeralda
Posts: 1507
(8/24/04 11:32 pm)
Reply
Re: Chapter 2 & Chapter 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OMG!!! OMG!!! Man, I can see why everyone loves this!! That was absolutely totally fantastic!! I can see I'm going to have to get out my thesaurus out to find words to say how tremendous this is!!

I *loved* the scene with the Morrises!! That would be *so* very much how everyone would react, esp. Piper making Darryl feel comfortable and Phoebes wanting her hug!

And Wyatt, mad coz he's not the center of Uncle Darryl's attention, orbing Chris elsewhere!! Yep, also typical. I'll bet Prue probably TKed Piper a few times and Piper probably froze Phoebe a few times when they were all kids!! I know I sure wanted to do that to my own younger brother when he was first born (I was a year and 3 months older than him!) If I could've orbed him away, I would've--far, *far* away!!!

And now to find out where Chris *really* is and to find out that our *old* buddy, Barbus, is behind all of this!! Man, I hate that demon! You could *almost* feel sorry for Gideon for being used by Barbus the way he is! And to think that Leo killed Gideon when it wasn't necessary--that Chris isn't truly dead--yet! And for Barbus to pretend he's Leo (I guessed that), using Chris' ultimate fear--having his dad, whom he's *finally* had a chance to grow close to--abandon him, and now for him to be totally alone!! Man, I hate Barbus!!

But, *man*, do I love this fanfic!!! I definitely see why everyone loves it!!

PLEASE post more *very*, *very* soon!!!



P.S. ALthough a *little* long, definitely not *too* long--in fact, I think each chapter is *just* the right length!!! Please post more soon!!

[oddball7]

AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 112
(8/25/04 4:52 pm)
Reply Re: Chapter 2 & Chapter 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Esmerelda,

thanks for your detailed response to my story. While it's always nice to get any response...it's especially nice when readers really let you know what they like or did not like. Thanks!

Here are the next two chapters:

INT. HALLIWELL KITCHEN – DAY

DARYLL enters the kitchen to find LEO sitting at the table nursing a beer. “Stange,” he thought. He had known Leo for five years and he had never been a big drinker and it was only eleven o’clock in the morning.

He cleared his throat to get Leo’s attention. It worked. Leo looked up and smiled at his friend.

LEO:
Hey Daryll. Where are the girls?

DARYLL:
Pheobe and Paige left for work and Piper and Sheila are upstairs changing Chris. He had a little…uh…diaper explosion.

Leo laughs.

LEO:
Yeah, he tends to do that a lot. I let Piper handle those.

DARYLL:
(smiling)
I don’t blame ya

Holding up his beer bottle Leo offers…<br>
LEO:
You want one?

Daryll shrugs.

DARYLL:
Yeah sure. What the hell.

As Leo gets up to get a beer from the fridge, Daryll continues…<br>
DARYLL:
You know, I’ve never known you to drink so early in the morning before.

LEO:
Yeah…well…there’s a lot of things I didn’t do before.

Daryll looks at him strangely…unsure what he meant by that.

Leo hands him a beer.

DARYLL:
Thanks. Can I ask you something?

LEO:
Yeah sure.

DARYLL:
What exactly happened the day that Chris was born? I mean…I know that we were all under some wacky spell…And I don’t really remember much. But…I don’t know…I just have a really bad feeling. Like something happened? Something bad.

Leo looks away and Daryll can tell that his suspicions are correct. Leo definitely looked upset.

DARYLL:
Chris didn’t go back to the future. Did he?

Leo looks up and his tear filled eyes meet Daryll’s. He doesn’t need to answer. The look on his face says it all.

Daryll sinks down into one of the kitchen chairs…devastated.

DARYLL:
Oh god. I was hoping I was wrong.

Leo takes a deep breath and tries to compose himself before responding.

LEO:
You can’t tell Piper. OK? Or Sheila. They think Chris went safely back to the future and…Let’s just let them believe that. OK?

DARYLL:
What about Paige and Pheobe? Do they know?

LEO nods.

LEO:
Paige was there when it happened.

Daryll pauses a moment…almost afraid to ask…<br>
DARYLL:
Leo, I didn’t…I mean, I know I was angry with you all at the time but…I didn’t do anything that contributed to…<br>
LEO:
No, of course not! Angry or not…spell or no spell…You would never hurt Chris. You were there but…there was nothing you could have done to save him.

DARYLL:
How then? How did this happen? I thought you were sending him back.

LEO:
We were. But then Gideon…<br>
Leo turns his back to Daryll so that he cannot see the pain in his eyes.

LEO:
(continuing)
…he stabbed Chris when Chris tried to prevent him from taking Wyatt. And I couldn’t heal him. I tried but…only Gideon had the power to save Chris.

Daryll gets up from the table and walks over to Leo and puts a friendly hand on his shoulder.

DARYLL:
I am so sorry Leo. He was such a good kid. He deserved better. It’s not right.

Leo turns to face him.

LEO:
You’re right. That’s why I am going to do everything I can to make sure that he never has to go through that again. He deserves to live a long life…have kids of his own…and be happy. I’m going to make sure he has that chance this time.

PIPER and SHEILA enter the room carrying CHRIS and WYATT.

PIPER:
What are you boys talking about?

LEO turns to the sink and pretends to rinse his beer bottle as he discreetly wipes the tears from his eyes. Turning back, he responds…<br>
LEO:
Oh, nothing much- Just sports and stuff. You know, typical guy talk.

SHEILA:
Well, it’s such a nice day outside… we thought it would be fun to take the boys to the park. You guys wanna come?

DARYLL:
Sure.

LEO:
Why not? Sounds like fun. I’ll just go and get the strollers out of the car.

LEO starts to walk out of the room, greatful to be able to get away for a moment and compose himself. But Piper reaches out and grabs his arm.

PIPER:
Honey? Is everything OK?
(she reaches up and touches his face)
You look upset?

Leo smiles and tries his best to look happy.

LEO:
I’m fine.

PIPER:
Are you sure?

LEO:
I’m positive.

He leans forward and gently kisses his wife’s forehead before adding…<br>
LEO:
I’m going to go get the strollers. I’ll meet you out front.

INT MANOR – NIGHT

PIPER hurried down the stairs on her way toward the living room. She had been in the nursery checking on the boys when she heard Paige’s terror filled scream. But as she hurried to get to her youngest sister, it was Pheobe’s voice the brought her to halt at the bottom of the staircase.

PHEOBE:
Paige…honey…you have calm down. You’ll wake Piper and the last thing we want is her down here asking questions.

“OK” Piper thought as she quietly edges closer to the doorway, “What the hell does that mean?”<br>
PAIGE:
I know. You’re right. I’m sorry.

Paige took a deep breath as Pheobe reached out and took her sisters shaking hands in her own.

PHEOBE:
It’s OK sweety. Just try to relax.
(beat)
Was it the same dream?

PAIGE:
You mean nightmare. And yes…it’s always the same.

Paige got up from the couch and started pacing nervously back in forth.

PAIGE:
(continuing)
I don’t know how much longer I can take this. It seems like every time I close my eyes I see him…I hear him.

“Him who?” Piper thought as she hugged the wall between the foyer and the living room…straining her ears to hear more, yet keep herself hidden at the same time.

PHEOBE:
I know this is hard on you. Just give it time…<br>
PAIGE:
Time? It’s been two months.

Paige sank down on the couch again as the tears started streaming down her face.

PAIGE:
I just want to forget that it ever happened but every time I go sleep it’s like my mind hits rewind and it just keeps playing over and over.

PHEOBE:
Listen to me Paige. We have got to keep it together. OK? For Piper and boys. She can never know what really happened.

In the foyer, Piper slowly started to back away from the doorway. Her mind racing…<br>
“What are they talking about? What is it that they don’t want me to know? Two months ago? That was when Chris was born…did this have to do with him?” Piper’s thoughts were racing. Whatever it was…she didn’t want her sisters to see her. She wasn’t ready to confront them with what she had heard just yet. She needed time to collect her thoughts. And she needed to talk to Leo.

She turned to head up the stairs when felt a sudden chill and a weird sensation…like something or someone had passed right through her. She was filled with an overwhelming sense of fear, so strong that it knocked the wind out of her causing her to fall to the ground, crying out as she did so.

Paige and Pheobe, hearing Piper’s cry raced into the foyer to find Piper on the ground…looking dazed and frightened. They rush to her side

PHEOBE:
Oh my god! Piper, are you alright? What happened?

PIPER:
I…I don’t know…<br>
Piper tries to quickly come up with an excuse for being downstairs to begin with. She didn’t want to tell them she had been listening to their conversation.

PIPER:
(continuing)
I was just coming downstairs because I heard you guys down here and…I don’t know what happened. I felt something.

PAIGE:
Felt something…?

PIPER:
Yeah. It was weird. It was like something or someone passed right through me.

PAIGE:
Someone like a demon…that kind of someone?

PIPER:
I don’t know. I don’t think so. Is it cold in here?

Piper looked around the room. Whatever it was…she had the strangest feeling that it wasn’t gone.

PHEOBE:
Not really.

Pheobe took Piper’s arm and helped her to her feet. It was at that moment that Piper heard it - A voice…a familiar voice…cry out, “Mom!”<br>
Piper whipped around.

PIPER:
Did you hear that?

Pheobe and Paige both look at her cluelessly.

PAIGE:
Hear what?

Piper hears the voice again, only louder and more desperate this time, “Mom! Help me!”<br>
PIPER:
There it is again! You heard that right?

PHEOBE:
OK Piper, you’re scaring me. What’s going on?

[oddball7]

PIPER:
(desperate)
You didn’t hear him?

PAIGE:
Hear who?

PIPER:
Chris!

PHEOBE:
Piper, the baby is asleep.

PIPER:
No! No! Not baby Chris. Big Chris! I just heard him. He’s here. He’s in the house.

Piper circles the foyer, desperately looking around for her son. She comes to a stop in front of her sisters who both look as though they have been punched in the gut.

PIPER:
(insistant)
I heard him.

PHEOBE:
(shaking her head)
Piper…that’s…that’s not possible.

Piper steps closer to Pheobe.

PIPER:
Why not? He went back to the future right? Who’s to say he didn’t come back here. Maybe something went wrong in the future. Maybe he needs our help.

Paige and Pheobe are speechless. What could they say? Chris could not have returned from the future because he never went back. But Piper didn’t know that. Not yet anyway.

PIPER:
What’s wrong with you two? Why are you looking at me like that?

Piper continued staring at her sisters. She could see the girls were convinced that Chris had not returned. And now… the way they were looking at her… so sympathetically like she was the most pathetic sight they had seen. It frightened her.

Her thoughts started racing again and slowly she started to put the pieces together. One moment, Paige was sobbing about some horrible event that happened two months ago. Something horrible that happened to “him.” And now, the girls were telling her that Chris could not have possibly returned from the future again. If Chris was smart enough to have returned once…surely he could do it again if he needed to. Unless…<br>
When the realization finally hit her…it hit like a ton of bricks.

PIPER:
Oh my God.

Piper covered her mouth with her shaking hands as the tears started to well up in her eyes. Pheobe reached out to her…<br>
PHEOBE:
Piper…honey…<br>
But Piper backed away.

PIPER:
Don’t you touch me!

Her anguish turning to anger, she looked up toward the ceiling and yelled…<br>
PIPER:
LEO! LEO!

Leo, who had been sound asleep upstairs, orbed in looking extremely panicked.

LEO:
What? What is it? What’s wrong?

He looked around the room, half expecting find a demon, but instead only came face to face with his devastated wife and her defeated sisters.

LEO:
Piper…what is it?

Piper took a deep breath and wiped the tears from her eyes before getting right into Leo’s face…<br>
PIPER:
Leo…I’m going to ask this only once and I want you tell me the truth.

Leo looks desperately at Pheobe and Paige still not quite sure what is happening. Piper grabs him by the arms and forces him to look at her.

PIPER:
No! Don’t you look at them. You look at me!

PHEOBE:
Piper…<br>
PIPER:
Pheobe! Be quiet!

LEO:
Piper…what? You’re scaring me.

PIPER:
Leo…Tell me the truth. Did you take our son safely back the future?

To be Continued…<br>
INT. MANOR ATTIC

PIPER storms into the room followed by LEO, PAIGE and PHEOBE.

LEO:
Piper stop! Would you please just listen to me!

PIPER:
(seething)
If you wanted me to listen to you, you should have told me two months ago that my son was dead!

She throws open the trunk and starts pulling out candles. Once she has all the candles in her arms, she heads toward the center of the room and starts creating a circle.

PIPER:
Move it!

…she spits at her sisters when she finds them standing in the path of her partially formed circle.

Paige and Pheobe quickly step aside.

PHEOBE:
(trying to sound obliging)
We’re moving! Sorry. We’ll be right over here if you need our help honey.

Paige gives Phoebe a puzzled looked before whispering…<br>
PAIGE:
Help her? What is she doing?

PHEOBE:
Haven’t a clue.

PAIGE:
So wouldn’t that make helping her kinda difficult.

PHEOBE:
(annoyed)
Oh Paige! Shush!

With her circle complete, Piper starts lighting the candles as Leo approaches her.

LEO:
Piper, what are you doing?

PIPER:
(crying)
I’m going to summon Chris’ spirit.

She walks over to the book of shadows as Leo, still standing in the circle tries to reason with her.

LEO:
Piper, you can’t…<br>
Piper slams her hands down on the Book of Shadows…<br>
PIPER:
@#%$ Leo! I heard him! I felt him! My son needs me and I am going to help him! Now get the hell out of my circle!

LEO:
But Piper…<br>
PHEOBE:
Leo…<br>(shaking her head)
Just let her try.

Pheobe knew that Leo was right. Summoning Chris’ spirit would not work and if Piper took a moment and thought about what she was trying to do, she would come to the same realization. But there was no convincing Piper…she was too distraught. Their only choice was to let her try and find out for herself.

Reluctantly, Leo stepped out of the circle as Piper began to recite the familiar spell.

PIPER:
Hear theses words. Hear my cry, spirit from the other side. Come to thee I summon thee. Cross now the great divide.

Piper closed her eyes and waited for her son to appear before her, but like Leo had predicted, it didn’t work.

Wiping the tears from her eyes, Piper managed to recite the spell one more time between sobs.

PIPER:
Hear these words. Hear my cry, spirit from the other side. Come to thee I summon thee. Cross now the great divide!

Still nothing

Seeing his wife in so much pain was too much for Leo, who rushed to Piper’s side before she could try the spell a third time.

LEO:
Piper, please listen to me! You can’t summon Chris’ spirit. It’s not possible!

PIPER:
(sobbing)
Why not!

LEO:
Because…He’s not a spirit. His soul still exists. It’s in our baby!

PIPER:
So what are you saying? Are you saying it’s as though the Chris we knew never existed?

Piper looks around at her family who all look down in an effort to avoid the pain in her eyes.

PIPER:
So what…he’s just gone?

Leo reaches out to Piper but she pulls away from him angrily…<br>
PIPER:
No! It’s not right! It’s not true @#%$!

She slams her fists down on the Book of Shadows before storming out to of the room.

Pheobe starts to follow her but Leo raises his hand and stops her.

LEO:
No Pheobe. Let me go.

INT. PIPER’S ROOM

Piper is laying across her bed, her face buried in the pillow as Leo enters the room and takes a seat on the bed beside her. He gently places his hand on her shoulder in an effort to console her, but she shrugs him off.

PIPER:
Leo, please leave me alone.

She doesn’t sound angry anymore, simply tired and emotionally drained.

LEO:
Piper, honey, please look at me.

Piper turns her head to face her husband and he is crushed to see her cheeks streaked with tears and the pain in her eyes.

PIPER:
(almost whispering)
This is all my fault.

LEO:
What? Piper… no it isn’t.

PIPER:
Yes! It is Leo. If I hadn’t let Barbus get to me…if I hadn’t cast that stupid spell on my sisters you never would never have had to leave our sons alone!

Leo shakes his head but before he can protest further, Piper continues…<br>
PIPER:
If it wasn’t for me, you would have been able to get Chris safely back to his own time. And he would be enjoying his life instead of…<br>
She trails off and pauses a moment before adding…<br>
PIPER:
I have to find him. I have to make this right.

LEO:
Find him? Piper…listen to me. You can’t…<br>
Piper sits up quickly and scoots closer to Leo. With almost a manic excitement about her she informs her husband…<br>
PIPER:
Leo…he is here! I can feel him! I don’t know how. But I KNOW he is here. Right now. I can feel him.

She reaches out and takes Leo’s hand.

PIPER:
(continuing)
Can’t you feel him honey?

Once again, Leo shakes his head – convinced his wife is slowly losing her mind.

LEO:
Piper…no.

PIPER:
Leo, please try! I know you can do it. You’re his father. You can feel him. Can’t you feel him?

Leo looks sympathetically at his wife – unsure of what else he can say to her.

Suddenly, he feels a chill and his thoughts are interrupted by the sound of his son’s voice. That cry…that familiar, desperate cry he heard two months ago that had brought him back to the attic only to find his son mortally wounded. “DAD!” He quickly pulls his hand out of Piper’s grasp.

PIPER:
You felt him. Didn’t you?

Leo shakes his head.

All he knew was that Piper was forcing him to relive the worst moment of his life. Yes, he had heard his son’s voice. But as far as he was concerned, that was only his memories coming back to haunt him – AGAIN. And at the moment…he was furious at Piper for making him relive it!

He got up quickly from the bed and turned to face his wife. The anger boiling within him…<br>
LEO:
PIPER! Stop it!

PIPER:
Stop what? Leo…you felt him! I know you did! I saw it in your eyes!

LEO:
No Piper! I didn’t! GOD!

He brings his hands to his head in frustration.

LEO:
(continuing)
Why are you doing this to me?

PIPER:
I’m not doing anything to you.

LEO:
Yes you are!! The Chris we knew is gone Piper! OK? He was murdered and there is NOTHING we can do to change that!

He starts pacing frantically back and forth in front of the bed as he continues…<br>
LEO:
I can’t do this Piper! OK? Losing Chris like that…that was the worst thing that has ever happened to me. You don’t understand…<br>
PIPER;
(angrily)
Oh…I don’t understand?

LEO:
NO! YOU DON’T!

Leo is crying now. He had tried to fight it…but the tears just came.

LEO:
(continuing)
You will NEVER know what I went through the day Chris died and I thank God for that! But he is gone Piper and he is NOT coming back. But our sons are still here and we have to move on for them. We have to make sure our new baby has the life he deserves or else everything Chris did… the sacrifice he made… was in vain. And I won’t let that happen! I won’t.

Unwilling to hear anymore of Piper’s protests, Leo orbs out leaving his wife alone…<br>

To be continued…<br>

[oddball7]

AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 113
(8/25/04 4:55 pm)
Reply Totally caught up now...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This should have you totally caught up now. Enjoy!

INT. MANOR- DAY

PIPER laid Chris down in his pack and play and stroked his cheek, smiling at her young son as he kicked his legs and waved his arms excitedly. She clicked the “on” button on his light and sound machine that was hanging on the side of the playpen and instantly the baby stopped kicking and stared wide eyed at the colorful display in front of him.

Piper laughed.

PIPER:
Oh buddy. You are so easily entertained.
(to herself)
Thank goodness!

She tapped his tiny nose with her finger before leaving him to entertain himself while she took a seat on the sofa. She pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs. Resting her head on her knees, she began reflecting on the days events.

Leo still had not returned and she was starting to worry. She wasn’t angry with him anymore. In fact, she was feeling very guilty for the way she had behaved. Not that she felt she was wrong…she still believed Chris was out there somewhere. She knew it. She could feel him. But she was so caught up with her own feelings, she hadn’t taken the time to realize how painful all of this must have been for Leo.

He was right. She would never know the pain he had endured when Chris died in his arms. But she could imagine. Just thinking about how Chris had suffered brought tears to her eyes and nearly took her breath away. And she wasn’t even there. But Leo was…<br>
Her thoughts were interrupted by Paige who entered the room and took a seat next to her on the sofa.

PAIGE:
Hey honey. How are you holding up?

Piper sighed.

PIPER:
I’m OK. You haven’t seen Leo. Have you?

Paige shook her head.

PAIGE:
Sorry.

PIPER:
This is all my fault.

PAIGE:
Piper, don’t blame yourself. You were emotional. You had just found out your son was murdered. I probably would have reacted the same way.

PIPER:
Why didn’t you tell me?

PAIGE:
I don’t know…It’s just…I saw what Chris’ death did to Leo and…I didn’t want you to have to go through that. None of us did. You’d been through enough.

PIPER:
Paige, what happened to Chris?

Paige shook her head.

PAIGE:
Piper, let’s not rehash it. OK? You don’t need to hear the details. It won’t do you or Leo any good.

PIPER:
No, but I do. I need to know exactly what happened if I’m going to figure out where Chris is.

PAIGE:
Honey, he died. He disappeared.

PIPER:
He’s still alive Paige. And I know you think I’m just being crazy and emotional but… I can feel him. He’s afraid and…

Piper suddenly stops and jumps up from the couch.

PIPER:
Oh my god. That’s it!

PAIGE:
(confused)
What’s it?

PIPER:
Fear!

Paige just give her the old, “I’m still clueless” look as Piper tries to elaborate…<br>
PIPER:
Barbas!

PAIGE:
What about Barbas?

PIPER:
Well, he was working with Gideon. Right?

PAIGE:
Yeah. So?

PIPER:
So…if anyone knows what really happened to Chris it would be him.

PAIGE:
Piper…<br>
Piper starts pacing back in forth in front of her sister as she continues…<br>
PIPER:
No Paige, just think about it! He attacks us by bringing our worst fears to life. And there’s nothing Leo fears more than losing a son! Maybe Chris’ death wasn’t real. Maybe it was just one of Barbas’ illusions used to distract Leo!

PAIGE:
Yeah but… I saw it too.

PIPER:
Yes. Because losing a nephew is one of YOUR greatest fears as well. He was killing two birds with one stone. Distracting you both with one of your greatest fears! A common fear!

Paige looks down and starts picking nervously at her fingers…not convinced that Piper is right. But not totally convinced she’s wrong anymore either.

PIPER:
He made me see you and Pheobe being vanquished by the elders. And that wasn’t real! We have to find Barbas! We can summon him!

PAIGE:
What? Are you crazy? You wanna summon one of our worst enemies here? To our home?

Before Piper can respond, baby Chris starts wailing from inside his playpen. Paige gets up from the couch, goes over to him and picks him up.

PAIGE:
Oh, what’s the matter little dude. Huh? You hungry…wet? What’s the deal?

PIPER:
No, he’s just tired.

She reaches out and takes Chris from Paige’s arms. For the moment, her plan to summon Barbas is forgotten as she focuses on her precious little boy.

PIPER:
Come here big guy. Are you tired? Huh? You want to snuggle with mommy for a little bit?

She takes a seat on the couch and holds Chris close to her chest-kissing his head softly. Chris instantly settles down.

Paige smiled at her sister. Piper was such a great mother and the bond she had with her boys was just amazing. She always seemed to know exactly what they needed or wanted just by the way they cried or the look in their eyes. And while this type of bond probably wasn’t unusual between a mother and her child, it just seemed to Paige, that Piper’s bond was above and beyond that of a normal mother. There were times that she didn’t even have to see her children to know that something was wrong. Like the time she raced into the nursery because she “just had a feeling” that something was wrong with Wyatt. And sure enough, she found a demon standing menacingly over the toddler who was sleeping in his crib.

The more Paige thought about it, it suddenly began to occur to her, that she should not doubt Piper’s instincts about Chris. They had never been wrong before. If she felt he was alive and needed their help – who was she to doubt her?

She slapped her hands on her legs and informed Piper…<br>
PAIGE:
I’m going to go get Pheobe.

Piper, who until this point had been focused on her sleeping son, looked up at Paige.

PIPER:
What for?

PAIGE:
Well, if we are going to summon Barbas, we are going to need the Power of Three.

INT. MANOR ATTIC – LATER

Piper gathered up the crystals in her hand before turning her attention to Pheobe who was busily searching the Book of Shadows for the summoning spell they would use to call Barbas.

PIPER:
You find that spell yet?

PHEOBE:
Yep.

Pheobe responded as she began scribbling it on a piece of notepaper.

PHEOBE:
(continuing)
It’s the one I used to summon Belthazor way back when. We’ll just substitute Belthazor’s name with Barabas’.

Paige enters the attic carrying a potion bottle.

PAIGE:
Alright, let’s get this show on the road.

PIPER:
Whoa! Whoa! Wait a sec. What is that?

She motions toward the bottle in Paige’s hand.

PAIGE:
Duh! It’s a vanquishing potion.

PIPER:
No, no! There will be no vanquishing. We need him alive.

PAIGE:
I know that silly. It’s just to scare him. You know…so he’ll cooperate.

PHEOBE:
We’re going to try to scare the Demon of Fear? Is that even possible?

PAIGE:
For Chris’ sake, I certainly hope so.

Piper hands two of the crystals to Pheobe.

PIPER:
Alright. Let’s do this.

PHEOBE:
Honey, don’t you think we should call Leo?

PIPER:
No, I don’t. He’ll just try to…<br>
Before she can finish her sentence, Leo orbs into the room.

PIPER:
…talk me out of it.

Leo looks around the room as Pheobe and Paige try to avert his eyes – the guilt written all over their faces.

LEO:
What’s going on?

He looks at Piper who sighs and folds her arms across her chest defiantly.

LEO:
(annoyed)
OK, I’ll ask one more time. Guys…What is going on?

PHEOBE:
Umm…well…<br>
PIPER:
We’re going to summon Barbas.

Piper finishes for her.

LEO:
You’re what? What on earth for?

PAIGE:
Well, Piper thinks he might know where Chris is. I mean… he WAS working with Gideon.

LEO:
(Exasperated)
Chris is dead Paige! You were there for cryin’ out loud! You saw him die!

PHEOBE:
Yeah, but honey, what if that was just another one of his tricks? Like the way he made you see Wyatt. Or the way he made Piper see our deaths?

LEO:
But…<br>
PIPER:
But nothing! We are going to do this Leo whether you like it or not. Now you can either stay here and help us or orb your elder ass someplace else! Your choice!

Leo remains silent, yet firmly planted in the attic. Piper takes that as a sign of his submission and tosses him a crystal.

PIPER:
Great! Now take a crystal and make yourself useful.

Pheobe hands one of her crystals to Paige and the four form a circle in the middle of the room.

PHEOBE:
Everybody ready?

PAIGE:
As ready as we’ll ever be.

PHEOBE:
Alrighty then. Let’s just hope this works.

PIPER:
It will work. It has too.

Pheobe begins to read the spell off the small piece of paper in her hand.

PHEOBE:
Magic forces black and white; Reaching out through space and light; Be he far or be he near; Bring us the demon Barbas here!

A swirl of wind and light appear in the middle of their circle as Piper cries out…<br>
PIPER:
Have your crystals ready!

The light materializes into Barbas.

PIPER:
Now!

The four quickly drop their crystals into place around the Demon and the familiar crystal cage forms around him.

Barbas, looking a bit disoriented, looks around the room. Realizing where he is, he sighs and rolls his eyes.

BARBAS:
Great! JUST GREAT!

To be continued…<br>
Chapter 7

INT. MANOR ATTIC

BARBAS rolled his eyes at the site of the CHARMED ONES standing before him as he stood trapped in their crystal cage

BARBAS:
Great. Just…GREAT.

Paige cocked her head to the side and folded her arms across her chest.

PAIGE:
Well what do you know? He’s not happy to see us.

BARBAS:
(sarcastically)
Ah Paige. You’re powers of observation never cease to amaze me!.

PIPER:
Shut up.

PAIGE:
Yeah. Shut up or I will shut you up!

She threatened, waving the potion vial she had been clutching in her hand.

BARBAS laughed.

[oddball7]

BARBAS:
No you won’t. If you had brought me here to vanquish me, there would be no need for this silly little cage. Now would there?

PHEOBE:
Wow, he’s not as dumb as he looks!

Barbas smiles.

BARBAS:
Well thank you!

PIPER:
(losing patience)
Alright! Enough with the small talk. Where is my son!?!

Barbas looks at the others and then back to Piper before responding…<br>
BARBAS:
You lost your baby?
(shaking his head)
You mean to tell me the all Powerful Charmed Ones can’t keep track of one teeny, tiny baby? Shame. Shame.

PIPER:
We’re not talking about my baby and you know it! Where is Chris?

BARBAS:
(playing dumb)
Didn’t he die?

PHEOBE:
You tell us?

BARBAS:
Well that’s certainly what I heard.
(turning to Leo)
Died at the hand of your old friend Gideon.

Leo cringes at the mention of Gideon’s name, bringing a devilish smile to Barbas’ face.

PAIGE:
Who you were helping.

BARBAS:
To help restore the balance of good and evil -Yes. But I had nothing to do with the death of your son. No…that was all Gideon. Who, if I might add, was not the brightest bulb on the elder chandelier. I mean, after all, if it wasn’t for Gideon’s own actions, Chris wouldn’t have even been an issue when he went after Wyatt. But…I don’t say a word. I just go with the flow!

PIPER:
Oh! Enough with the cryptic crap! Is Chris alive or not?

BARBAS:
Well, that is the million dollar question of the day. Isn’t it? But what makes you think I would tell you even if I knew. I’m kind of enjoying this. I mean the fear in the room…<br>
Barbas closes his eyes and draws in a deep breath then exhales.

BARBAS:
Ahh!!! It’s so strong. And yet…so conflicting.

He turns to Piper.

BARBAS:
You…<br>(he points a finger at her)
You fear that you may be wrong. And your beautiful boy is, in fact, dead. But you…<br>
He turns and points an accusing finger at Leo.

BARBAS:
You’re biggest fear is that your wife is correct.

The sisters all turn and look at Leo –shocked.

BARBAS:
Now, now, don’t get all judgmental ladies. After all it’s perfectly understandable. Because, if Piper here is correct, and Chris is, in fact, alive. Then where, oh where has he been for these three…long…months? And what kind of terrible things could possibly have happened to him in that time? It’s almost unbearable to even think about. Isn’t it-DAD?

Leo was now deathly pale. His thoughts immediately flashed back to three months ago… to the conversation he had with Chris. “Can you imaging being taken away from us for weeks…maybe months even?” He had asked his son. The look on Chris’ face at the time had said it all. It was a look of sheer horror. Leo had been talking about Wyatt. It had never occurred to him that Chris would end up being the child taken from them. But could it be true? Could Barbas have Chris somewhere…and if so…what was he doing to him? One thing was for sure… Leo was done playing games. He was determined to get some answers out of Barbas.

He took a step forward and before the sisters knew what was happening, Leo had kicked one of the crystals out of formation and the cage around Barabas disappeared.

LEO:
You son of a @#%$!

Leo rushed at Barbas, grabbed him by his shirt, and hurled him across the room.

LEO:
Where the hell is my son!

Pheobe rushed forward and grabbed Leo by his arms – afraid that he was going to vanquish Barbas before they could get the answers they needed from him.

PHEOBE:
Leo! Stop it!

Barbas took this moment of chaos as his opportunity to flame out of the room. He had made his escape.

Paige whipped around to face Leo. Rushing toward him, she asked…<br>
PAIGE:
What the hell is the matter with you? You let him get away!

LEO:
Oh my god. It’s true. He has Chris.

PAIGE:
Uh… yeah. But thanks to you…we don’t know where.

Piper who had been standing there is silence, suddenly spoke up.

PIPER:
I think I know where he is.

Leo rushes toward his wife.

LEO:
What? Where? How do you…<br>
PIPER:
It just came to me. Something Barbas said…<br>
PHEOBE:
Well….what? What did he say?

PIPER:
He said that if it weren’t for Gideon, Chris wouldn’t even have been an issue when he went after Wyatt.

LEO:
(shaking his head)
So?

PIPER:
So…the only reason Chris would not have been around was if I had never gotten pregnant. And the only reason I got pregnant was because you and I were together… attacked by that darklighter in…<br>
PHEOBE:
(finishing her sentence)
…the ghostly plane.

PIPER:
(getting excited)
Right! But how could Barbas have known that if Gideon hadn’t told him? And why would that have even come up in their conversation unless…<br>
PAIGE:
…That was where Gideon was planning on sending Chris. To get him out of the way.

PIPER:
Exactly.

PHEOBE:
Yeah but, Gideon had already mortally wounded Chris. If he wanted him out of the way. Why not just let him die?

LEO:
Because… he needed him as leverage. He knew we’d go after him for killing Wyatt.

It was all making sense to Leo now. Especially Gideon’s final words to him he died, “You have no idea what you’ve just done.” Gideon had died with the knowledge that Chris would now be at the mercy of the Charmed One’s most formidable enemy. The Demon of Fear.

Pheobe turned to Piper.

PHEOBE:
Oh my god Piper! That’s got to be be it! That’s why you have been able to sense him! Just like I was able to sense you.

LEO:
We’ve got to get him out of there.
(he turns to Pheobe and Paige)
Do you two remember the spell you used to open the portal?

PAIGE:
Yeah. We wrote it into the Book of Shadows!

PIPER is already one step ahead of her. Flipping through the book, she quickly finds the page she needs. Not even wanting to waste a minute writing it down, she simply rips the page from the book.

PIPER:
I got it!

PHEOBE:
Now all we have to do is figure out where in the house the portal is.

LEO:
It’s got to be in our bedroom. That’s where I left Chris after he was stabbed and that was the only time Gideon would have been able to get to him.

PIPER:
(already rushing toward the door)
Come on! We have to get to him before Barbas does!

INT. GHOSTLY PLANE:

A despondent Chris, lays on the floor of the dark cold room. Each minute that passed was beginning to feel like an hour…each hour like a day. He had no idea how long he had been here now, but he was beginning to give up hope of ever being reunited with his family.

He closed his eyes once again, hoping to fall asleep and free himself, albeit temporarily of this terrible sense of despair, when he suddenly heard voices…familiar voices that were now filling the room.

INT. PIPER’S BEDROOM - SAME

Suddenly, the darkness was gone and he was no longer laying on the floor but on a bed. He opened his eyes…squinting as he tried to adjust to the bright light… and realized he was on his parent’s bed… In his parent’s room. And when he looked up, he was surprised to see his entire family standing in front of him.

PIPER:
Oh my god…Chris!

Chris’ surprise immediately turned to fear. “It’s another trick.” He thought to himself. He quickly sat up on the bed and backed himself up against the headboard.

PIPER could sense the fear in her son and wanted to go to him…to hold him in her arms and tell him his nightmare was over. He was home now. He was safe. But she couldn’t get her feet to move.

It was Leo who made the first move toward Chris. He approached the bed and reached out for his son, but to everyone’s surprise, Chris quickly rolled away from him, causing himself to fall off the bed, and land in a heap on the floor.

As he had done for months, Chris protected himself the only way he knew how – He curled himself up into the fetal position, covered his ears with his hands, and closed his eyes tightly.


CHRIS:
You’re not real! You’re not real! You’re not real!

He repeated over and over again –convinced what he was seeing was just another cruel illusion.

Leo, Piper, Pheobe and Paige were horrified.

This was not the Chris they had known. No longer the fearless young man who had risked his very existence to save the world from evil. This was a sad, broken, young man who had clearly been abused for months.

And as they all stood watching him in momentary silence. One thought was going through all their minds… “Would Chris ever be the same again?”<br>
To be continued…<br>

[oddball7]

Esmeralda
Posts: 1516
(8/26/04 4:49 am)
Reply
Re: Chapter 4 & 5
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AJ, this fanfic just continues to absolutely totally fascinate me! I would've read it earlier, but my computer kept acting up. But when I woke up and couldn't sleep, I decided to give it a try, and here I am!!

I'll admit that i was so enthralled, that I couldn't even stop to comment when I was done with each post as I originally planned on doing; I had to keep reading!! As a matter of fact, I'm finding myself very, very grateful that you didn't start posting this story here until now, because I would've gone totally, completely bonkers wondering what was going to happen!! There's been other times I've PMed (sent a Private Message to another member's ezInbox) telling them that I can't stand it anymore, so please PM *me* letting me know that the worst is over so I could read the whole thing; well, had you just post this one bit by bit, I have a hunch that's exactly what I would've done! Thank you so much for posting the whole thing (as far as you've gotten, at any rate!) and not makng me wait!!

Now, onto the review:

I loved the scene between Leo & Darryl. Darryl's right--our favorite Elder/Whitelighter would never be drinking that early in the morning if he wasn't feeling guilty. I'm glad he was able to tell Darryl (my one and only complaint, and that's more of a very minor grumble than a complaint, is your misspelling of Darryl & Phoebe's names--bugs me each time I read them!), so he finally had a chance to unburden himself a little. Especially knowing what was about to happen, I'm glad he could do that before he did, or I honestly don't know if he would've been able to take it. I'm so glad that there's still a male friend around, who knows and understands about what's been going on, and that Leo can discuss this with--I'm just glad that Darryl *is* their friend again (thanks again, Sheila!!). And poor Darryl, afraid that his own actions may have caused Chris' death! My heart goes out to the whole family!!

I loved Piper overhearing her sisters' conversation. It's a ploy used often in Charmed, but it's *so* well used here!! Again, my heart goes out to Paige who had to suffer through Chris' death and probably feels like *she* let him down as much as everyone else.

And the chill, the sensation. It wasn't until farther down that I remembered Phoebe being able to feel Piper when *she* was in the ghostly plane (what a great way of picking up something from the show and using it in your story!!), and if she could pick up her sister's vibes/spirit/whatever-word-you-want-to-use, Piper should certainly be able to pick up her son's, even if she didn't have Phoebe's power of empathy! I also remember how Paige wasn't able to feel Piper (makes sense; she doesn't have as long of a connection, so as strong of one as Phoebe, besides her empathy thing), and now the other two sisters can't feel Chris (if Phoebs still had her empathy power, maybe she could, but...), so of course they think Piper is going nuts. How absolutely awful for all of them!

And when Piper finally realizes what has really happened (or more specifically, realizes what they *think* has really happened!), her reaction was *so* typical Piper--rather than getting upset, she just plain got pissed!!! And as always, she got pissed at the one she loves the most--Leo! I'm sure once she settled down, she realized that they did it for her own good, especially after her having so much problems with Chris' birth, but it doesn't stop from angering her now!! And her forcing Leo to tell her whether he took their son back to the future or not, what torture for Leo and what a perfect cliffhanger for us!! As I said, I'm *so* glad I get to keep reading!!!

Piper trying to summon Chris' spirit made me think of her trying to summon Prue's spirit after Prue's death, so again, this was all so perfectly Charmed!! I truly half-expected to see Grams, who would tell them what had happened. But Leo's explanation--the fact that Chris' spirit is now within the baby (aren't we glad we know better--after all, Prue was able to touch her own self's freckle when they went back to the seventies, so we know that more than one *version* of a person's spirit can exist in the same time frame, unlike some other sci-fi universes. I've been infuriated with Charmed whenever they try to change basic premises like that farther down the line!) makes sense, as does the fact that you can't summon his spirit if he's not dead!!

And again, after Piper storms out (again, typical Piper!) Leo shows the depth of his love for his wife by stopping Phoebe from going to her and going to her himself, even though the memories of Chris' "death" are torturing him so much as well and even though he knows she'll probably reject him, the way she rejected him after Prue's death. This is so much the Leo *I* love and who has been mostly missing in S6.

And now it's Piper's turn to feel guilty for everything that's happened. Of course, it's not true, but it's such a typical reaction to finding about a death. But Piper has hope the others don't, coz she's felt him. I'll bet you that if it wasn't for the guilt and the belief that his son is dead, that Leo would've felt him before, too. But Piper doesn't have three months of feeling that guilt and that belief stopping her, even if Leo does when he tries. So now it's *his* turn to get pissed, as he can't stand having to relive the memories of not being able to protect his son, and losing him.

And again, had I had to wait for the next update, *you* would've had a pissed Esmeralda on your hands, going nuts wanting to know what was going to happen next!!! I'm *so* glad I got to keep reading!!!

[oddball7]

Esmeralda
Posts: 1517
(8/26/04 5:57 am)
Reply
Re: Totally caught up now...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Again, AJ, thank you so much for getting me (and others who are reading and not replying; warning: we have our share of those around here! YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!) caught up in such a short period of time! For all of our sakes, thanks again for posting it here in the Cafe. Again, I shouldn't be so stubborn about not going out of it, but there's *so* many good fanfics going on here, that I'm afraid if I go out of it, I'll miss an update from one here. Speaking of, please do us a favor, and when you do update the story, go back and edit your original post (the one with the link) and change the subject to "Truth and Consequences, Updated 8/26" (I can dream, huh??) or even "Truth and Consequences, Chapter 8 added" or something like that. Whatever you use as a subject for that first post is what shows up on the Fan Fiction page, and that way we'll know you've updated--it will help you keep your readers and maybe attract more, believe me!! Thanks, much!!!

Now that I've got that out of the way, back to the review!!

I loved Piper playing with Baby Chris, and the fact that he's easily amused!! I also loved her realizing how much torture Leo's gone through, now that she's settled down somewhat. Again, typical Piper, and there's nothing I like better in fanfics that when the characters act just like their characters on TV!! And this could *so* easily be a spoiler for an eppi on the show!! Much like a few other fanfics here (The Trial of Leo Wyatt by Aurora Nightstar immediately comes to mind), you don't know how much I wish *this* was the spoiler for the S7 premiere, not the one posted in this site!!

I loved the conversation between Paige & Piper--Paige still trying to be concilatory, while Piper's determined to find out the truth, since she knows the *truth* will help set Chris free, the way the Power of Three always helps set the Charmed Ones free! And to finally connect fear with Barbas! I was yelling, "YES! YES! YES!" (at 3 in the morning, I'm glad I'm living alone, so I didn't wake anyone up!!) And Paige finally remembering the great bond Piper has with her kids and finally coming onboard! I was yelling "YES!" for that, too. And Chris' fading was both *so* similar to when Piper & Leo went into the Ghostly Plane *and* during one of Barbus' illusions, that this explanation is absolutely perfect!!! BRAVO!!!

I was with Paige--I didn't think summoning Barbas to the Manor was such a great idea either, but I could understand why Piper wanted to--and being on their own turf has always worked to the girls' advantage! And using the Belthazor spell, although that's got to be a little painful for Phoebs, is still the perfect one to use!!

I loved the bit with the potion--both the idea of using it to scare Barbus and the fact that it doesn't work and Paige's reaction--again, typical Charmed!!!

And again, perfectly Leo, still not able to see past his own pain to see that what the girls are trying may honestly work. And for Piper to tell him to either get onboard or get out of the way, oh, yes, that's our Piper!!

I absolutely totally love the way you write Barbas! Much as I hate the sneaky bastard, you have him down to a T! I could hear his nasty voice in my head the whole way straight through!! And the way he continued to manipulate them, so he could have even more fear to feed off! Man, I hated him, but, man, I admire you for writing the whole thing *so* very well!!! And Piper's "enough with the cryptic crap!" Man, did I laugh from that one! And that bit of humor was *exactly* what was needed right then!!

And Leo, who in S6 is a lot more emotional than he has ever been before, especially when it comes to his sons, almost does the same thing to Barbas as he did to Gideon, and in the same way, almost totally dooms Chris!! (Anyone else think that Leo is the most unElderly Elder ever--with the possible exception of Gideon, who at least was doing it for the greater good (or thought he was!)--and should definitely be busted back down to Whitelighter, if not all the way down to mortal? He's acting more like an overly-emotional mortal than a Whitelighter or an Elder, not like the Leo *I* love at all; part of the reason why S6 isn't amongst my favorite seasons. Yes, he's a father, but this is ridiculous! I can't see the Leo of S1-3 acting this way at all and you don't see Piper trying to kill anyone, and she *is* mortal and it's *her* sons, too! Maybe it's more dramatic this way, but it's *so* out of character! No way Leo should ever even consider killing for *any* reason Wrong things done for the right reason is still the wrong thing and he knows this in his very soul!!!!)

I'm starting to get sleepy again (and, no, it's not your story putting me to sleep, it's more because it's 4:40 in the stupid morning and I've been up since 3! I'm *so* glad I took the day off work to go to our State Fair, so I can sleep in!) so I'm going to make this shorter than I planned.

I *love* the way you had the girls figure out where Chris was--again, so perfectly Charmed!--and I also felt so bad for our Chris, having been tortured for so long and now unable to realize that he's safely home. How awful for him and how awful for the girls and Leo to see him like that! I just hope that their love can help heal him and bring back the Chris we know and love, *and* I just hope that eventually we get to see the Charmed Ones (and Leo and Chris, maybe even and Wyatt--they deserve to be part of it too!!!) all get to kick and then vanquish Barbus' sorry a$$!


Well, AJ, have I convinced you how much I love this fanfic and how much I hope you update again very, very, *very* soon?


:






:






AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 115
(8/26/04 4:27 pm)
Reply Re: Totally caught up now...
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Sorry, not another chapter just yet. I just wanted to thank you again Esmeralda for your detailed reviews. And during the wee hours of the morning to boot! My favorite line was when you referred to Leo as the "most unElderly Elder ever". Try saying that ten times fast!!!
Thanks for the tip about editing the title of the original post when I post new chapters. I was wondering how people were changing the titles that appeared on the board. I couldn't figure it out. I will definitely do that when I update next. Hopefully some time this weekend!

Milla Talyyn
Posts: 35
(8/27/04 8:13 am)
Reply Re: Truth and Consequences
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I originally saw this story on ff.net and I have to say that I it. I especially liked how you wrote Barbas, in many of the few charmed stories containing him he is usually written like this.

Barbas: Mwahahaha! I bring your greatest fears to life! Mwaha! *Proceeds to try and scare the bejeezers out of the charmed ones and/or any OC's hanging around. (add insane laughter here)* Usually fails in this.

You were able give Barbas that certain quality, which made him one of my favourite characters ever since I first saw him on charmed.

I'm adding you to my favourite author's list on FF.net as soon as possible.

Esmeralda
Posts: 1532
(8/27/04 10:16 pm)
Reply
Re: Truth and Consequences
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My pleasure, AJ; I also had to be told how to let other members know that I had updated, so I'm glad I was able to tell you!! I'm also glad you liked my review.

Please update sooooooooooooooooooon!!



scififantasychic
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 881
(8/29/04 1:55 pm)
Reply
Re: Truth and Consequences
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Oh, you’re such a tremendous writer! There are very few fan fics where I actually hear the characters’ voices inside my head as clearly as I hear your Barbas. I give you loads and loads of credit for that.

Poor Chris. That’s the new mantra in the world of fan fic, lol. We do love to pick on the poor guy. But seriously, it is so believable how he could become so broken, having been tortured for so long. Barbas has come a long way from the days of the instant death-by-fear; he’s gone from a fast food junky to a gourmet. Pardon the analogy, but I haven’t eaten in a while, and food’s on the brain!

[oddball7]

AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 119
(9/2/04 10:45 pm)
Reply Re: Truth and Consequences- Part 8
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Not really happy with how this chapter turned out. But here it is anyway:

INT. PIPER’S BEDROOM

PIPER:
Chris? Chris, please look at me!

PIPER was crouched on the floor beside CHRIS with her arms wrapped tightly around him as he frantically tried to free himself from her grip.

CHRIS:
No! No more! Please! Just stop already!

Leo watched desperately alongside Paige and Phoebe, as Piper continued pleading with their traumatized son. She was doing her best to get through to him, but Chris was not making it easy and as Leo continued to watch, he could see Piper’s cool demeanor starting to crumble. She was starting to panic and understandably so.

Chris was hysterical by this point –shaking uncontrollably-his breaths coming in short quick gasps. I didn’t take an MD to know that his body wouldn’t be able to sustain itself in this state for much longer. If they didn’t do something quickly, he would die of fright… and Barbas would win.

There was only one thing left to try and Leo knew he had to act quickly. He rushed forward and grabbed his wife’s arm.

LEO:
Piper, let go of him.

PIPER:
What? No, Leo! I can get through to him.
(turning back to Chris)
Chris…Honey…<br>
LEO:
Piper! Just do what I say!

Reluctantly, Piper let go of her son and before she knew what was happening, Leo had reached down, wrapped both arms around Chris, and the two disappeared in a swirl of orbs.

Piper gasped

PAIGE:
Where did they go?

PHEOBE:
That’s a very good question.

EXT. GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE – CONTINUOUS

LEO and CHRIS materialized on a cross beam of the bridge. Leo still had his arms wrapped tightly around Chris, who was still sobbing uncontrollably-his eyes tightly shut.

Leo gently released his son but stayed close to his side just in case Chris moved suddenly and started to fall.

LEO:
Chris…<br>
…he started softly.

CHRIS:
Leave me alone! You’re not real!

LEO:
Chris…open your eyes.

Leo slowly backed away, hoping that by doing so, Chris would calm down a bit and open his eyes.

LEO:
Chris…open your eyes and look at where you are. Come on buddy.

Chris, still crouched on the cross beam with his eyes screwed tightly shut, began rubbing his hands along the cold of the iron beam and slowly, he began to open his eyes. He stared down at his fingers as he gently rubbed them back and forth on the cold iron. Looking down, he could see the afternoon traffic racing along below him and felt the cool afternoon air blowing on his face. It was then that he realized where he was – the Golden Gate Bridge. “This is real.” He thought to himself as he looked up to meet his father’s gaze for the first time since he reappeared in the manor.

LEO:
That’s right…<br>
Leo reassured him.

LEO:
…This is real son.

He knelt down in front of him and placed his hand gently on Chris arm.

LEO:
Look, I know that Barbas has been messing with your head Chris, but this isn’t a trick. Barbas couldn’t take you here. You know that!

Tears streaming down his face now, Chris nods his head in agreement as Leo continues.

LEO:
This is our spot Chris! Barbas doesn’t even know about it. He can only feed off our fears! You’re home son. You’re safe.

Chris opened his mouth to speak…he wanted to tell his father that he believed him… that he loved him…and how scared he had been that he would never see him again. But at the moment, all he could manage was a weak…<br>
CHRIS:
Dad?

INT. PIPER’S BEDROOM – THAT NIGHT

PIPER lay on her bed next to CHRIS, who after hours of fighting it, finally succumbed to his exhaustion and had fallen asleep in his mother’s arms. Piper was pretty exhausted herself, but as hard as she tried, she couldn’t fall asleep. She was too afraid that if she closed her eyes, Chris wouldn’t be there when she woke up.

LEO must have been thinking the same thing as he too, was wide awake, sitting in an arm chair across the room just staring at his sleeping son.

PHOEBE and PAIGE had taken WYATT and baby CHRIS to the Morris’ for the night. Given Chris’ fragile state, they had figured it was in everyone’s best interest to get the babies’ out of the house until things calmed down a bit But they had been gone for a few hours now and Piper was beginning to wonder when they would return.

Fortunately, she didn’t have to wonder for long. There was a soft tap on the open bedroom door and Piper and Leo both look up to see Paige and Phoebe standing there. Not wanting to wake Chris up, Piper holds up a hand-indicating that they should stay out of the room.

PIPER:
(Whispering to her sisters)
I’ll be right out.

Phoebe and Paige nod their heads and retreat back into the hallway.

PIPER:
(to Leo-quietly)
Stay with him. OK? I’ll be right back.

LEO:
Yeah, sure. No problem.

Piper slowly started to slide herself away from Chris and off the bed. But no sooner did she release her hold on him, did he jolted awake in a panic.

CHRIS:
(disoriented/panicked)
Mom? Where…Where are you going? Don’t leave!

Leo jumped up from the chair and quickly rushed to the side of the bed, as Piper slid back over to Chris.

PIPER:
Shh…Chris, it’s alright.

CHRIS:
Don’t leave. Please don’t leave.

Piper and Leo exchange a concerned look.

PIPER:
Chris, I’m just going to be out in the hallway. OK? And your dad is right here.

LEO:
We’re not leaving you Chris. I promise.

No sooner did the words escape Leo’s mouth did he realized that those were the last words he had said to Chris before this whole nightmare began- I PROMISE. “You’re going to be fine. OK?” He had assured his son. “I promise.”

“ So much for his promises, “ Leo thought. Look at what had happened to him. He wondered if Chris wasn’t thinking the exact same thing as he stared drowsily at Leo through half opened eyes.

Leo sat down on the edge of the bed.

LEO:
Just try to go back to sleep. OK? We’ll be here when you wake up.

Chris looked at his mother and then his father before nodding his head and drifting back to sleep.

Confident that Chris was, for the moment, sleeping soundly once again, Piper scooted herself off the bed and went out to the hallway to talk with her sisters.

HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS

PIPER emerges from the bedroom and quietly shuts the door behind her.

PHEOBE:
Is everything OK? Is he alright?

PIPER:
No, he’s definitely not alright. But he is sleeping again. Thank God. Did you drop the boys off?

PHOEBE:
Yeah. Don’t worry. They’re fine.

PAIGE:
Uncle Daryll and Aunty Sheila however…they’re another story.

PIPER:
Oh no…did they totally freak out when you told them about Chris?

PHEOBE:
Well no, not totally. I mean… a total freak out for Daryll consists of banishing us from his life and sicking the Wicked Witch of the West after us…<br>
PAIGE:
You mean Inspector Sheridan.

PHEOBE:
Who else?

PAIGE:
Hey I’m not disagreeing with you. That’s a very accurate description.

PHEOBE:
I thought so.

PIPER:
OK…OK…<br>
Piper rolled her eyes.

PIPER:
Can we get back to Daryll and Sheila please.

PAIGE:
Oh right!

PHEOBE:
Sure. Yeah…well. They’re a tad bit freaked…but you know…in good way.

PAIGE:
Oh absolutely. You know how much they adore Chris.
(to Phoebe)
Poor Sheila…I thought she was going to cry when we told her…<br>
PHOEBE:
Oh, I know. She almost had me in tears. I could hardly stand it!

PAIGE:
Oh…me either. But you know…it’s been that kind of night.

PHOEBE:
I know…I know… I feel like I’m on this emotional rollercoaster and we just keep going and going….

PIPER:
Alright! Enough with the rambling already! I swear you two are about to drive me insane. And trust me…at this point it won’t take much!

Piper sighed, slid down the wall, and took a seat on the floor. She was beyond exhausted but as much as her body was begging for sleep…her mind at this point just wouldn’t allow it.

Phoebe and Paige looked at their sister sympathetically before taking a seat on either side of her.

PHOEBE:
Has he said anything…you know…about what happened to him?

PIPER:
No, not yet. And I really don’t want to push him at this point.

PHOEBE:
Of course you don’t. He’ll talk when he’s ready. And we’ll all be here for him when he is. Don’t worry sweety. He’s going to be fine.

PIPER:
You sure about that? Because I’m not so sure. I mean…did you see him? That is not the same kid that we knew a few months ago. Chris was so fearless and strong and now he’s…<br>(angrily)
I cannot believe that Barbas has had him this whole time…what the hell has he been doing to him? And why did it take me this long to realize he was out there? I’m his mother god @#%$!

PHOEBE:
Piper, you can’t blame yourself. This is definitely not your fault.

The sisters sat in silence for a moment before Piper finally spoke again…<br>
PIPER:
I am going to find Barbas. If it’s the last thing I do. I am going to find him and I am going to vanquish him. Then, I will resurrect his sorry ass so that I can vanquish him all over again.

To be continued…<br>

[oddball7]

Esmeralda
Posts: 1573
(9/4/04 1:05 am)
Reply
Re: Truth And Consequences, Part 8)
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You might not be happy with this update, AJ, but I thought it was fantastic! I love the scene with Chris & Leo on the bridge--yeah, a happy spot, something Barbus wouldn't know anything about!! Perfect!

I feel so bad for Piper & Leo, being stuck with trying to parent a kid that may be technically their son, but isn't really. AFter all, one of their sons is only a year old and the other one is only a few months old! That’s why I wasn’t that surprised that they couldn’t sense him. I hope eventually they figure that out.

I really felt bad for Leo, realizing that his promises just seem to be fated to be broken when it comes to Chris!

I loved the scene with Phoebe & Paige--just the sort of Charmed humor that was needed right then!

I absolutely *loved* the "sick the Wicked Witch of the West on us" line!! SO typical Phoebe!!

And Piper finally getting pissed! That's our girl!!!

You have these characters down *so* well! That's why I love it so much.

Please update soon!!!

scififantasychic
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 904
(9/6/04 8:59 am)
Reply
Re: Truth And Consequences, Part 8)
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So very well done! As much as I love the mother/son dynamic of Piper and Chris, I'm so glad that it was *Leo* who finally got through to him. It just seems really important that Leo be the one to do it. And, yes, poor Leo, to have his promises broken through no fault of his own.

Chris must be the resilient type, to have come from the future he did, but still, this is an awful lot to bounce back from. If anybody can do it, he can, especially if this family is there to help him.

And if anybody would vanquish Barbas, and resurrect him just to vanquish him again, that would be Piper!

[oddball7]

AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 122
(9/13/04 9:30 pm)
Reply Re: Truth And Consequences, Part 9
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Here is part 9. Sorry it took so long...

INT. PIPER’S BEDROOM

PIPER sighed and stirred as she started to started to awaken from what can only be described as a fitful night of sleep. She ran her hands though her hair and squinted her eyes as she tried to adjust them to the bright morning sunlight that now filled the room.

As the room slowly came into focus, she saw her husband, sleeping in the armchair across the room. He looked so uncomfortable and she smiled at him sympathetically. It was only when she realized that she had an unobstructed view of Leo, did it dawn on her that Chris was no longer in the bed. The realization sent her flying from the bed in a panic.

PIPER: Leo wake up!

Leo jolted upright looking startled and confused.

LEO: What? What is?

PIPER: Where’s Chris?

Piper asked…already heading out the bedroom door.

LEO: I don’t know.

Leo got up from the chair and quickly followed his wife out the door.

Piper raced out into the hallway and nearly ran over Phoebe who was on her way into the room.

PHOEBE: Hey, I was just coming to check on you guys.

PIPER: Have you seen Chris?

PHEOBE: (confused) No…<br>
Piper pushed past her and headed toward the stairs. Leo followed as Pheobe raced after them.

PHOEBE: I thought he was with you?

LEO: (stating the obvious) No…he’s not.

PHOEBE: Well, I’m sure he’s fine.

…Phoebe offered as she tried to keep pace with her sister and brother-in-law.

INT. KITCHEN-CONTINUOUS

CHRIS stood by the kitchen sink, a steaming cup of tea in his hand, staring out the window at morning traffic and the dedicated early morning joggers making their way down Prescott Street.

He couldn’t believe he was finally home. Part of him was still afraid it was all just a dream and he would wake up and be all alone again. But as he felt the warmth of the morning son beat down on his face through the window, he knew this was real.

The house was quiet…which, he realized, was probably because Pheobe and Paige had taken Wyatt and his “baby-self” to the Morris’ the night before. The whole night was a bit of blurr but he vaguely remembered hearing Phoebe suggesting that they get “the boys” out of the house for the night… a suggestion that Chris was grateful for. He was not ready to see himself. Not yet anyway. Just the thought of seeing himself gave him a chill and he wasn’t really sure why.

Probably, he figured, because it wasn’t natural. It wasn’t meant to be this way. He was suppose to be gone by now. Another thought that scared him. What would the future be like? Would he even fit in there anymore? Everything was going to be different. He was going to have to return to his time eventually, but the thought of leaving his family now terrified him.

PIPER: Oh Chris! There you are!

…Piper nearly screamed as she rushed into the room followed by Leo and Phoebe.

The sound of her voice startled Chris, causing him to drop the mug in his hand, which shattered on the floor at his feet.

CHRIS: @#%$.

…he muttered as he dropped to his knees and started picking up shards of glass off the floor.

CHRIS: Sorry.

PIPER: No…that’s OK.

She kneels down in front of him.

PIPER: It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have startled you like that.

She looked down and noticed Chris’ hands trembling as he picked pieces of glass from the wet mess on the floor.

She looked up at Phoebe and Leo who had noticed as well and shared Piper’s concern.

PHOEBE: Chris honey, just leave it. I’ll get the broom.

PIPER: Yeah…come on…<br>
She took his hand.

PIPER: Get up.

As phoebe shuffled off to get the broom, Chris looked nervously at his parents. They were staring at him like he was the most pathetic creature they had every seen and it was only making him more uncomfortable. He looked down and tugged nervously at the oversized t-shirt he was wearing. “I do look pretty pathetic” he thought to himself. The clothes he was now wearing were Leo’s and they were way…to big for him. But he couldn’t find any of his own stuff and he was desperate to get out of the clothes he had on. “Actually, it’s good this t-shirt is too big because these pants are about to slide right off my non-existant ass!” he thought as he tugged on the jeans.

Piper smiled.

PIPER: Yeah…you and Leo aren’t exactly the same size. Are ya? I’m sorry we got rid if your stuff.

CHRIS: (shrugging) That’s OK. You all thought I was dead. What were you supposed to do?

LEO: We’ll get you some new stuff.

Pheobe, who had finished sweeping up the last of the shattered glass walked over and wrapped her arms lovingly around her nephew.

PHEOBE: Yeah, anything you want. My credit cards are at your disposal kiddo. I’m just so happy to have you back.

PIPER: We all are.

Piper said as she reached up and brushed the hair back from Chris’ eyes and then kissed him on the cheek.

LEO: Yeah well, I think maybe your gonna have to pick out those clothes on your own Phoebe. I don’t think it’s a good idea for Chris to leave the house just yet.

PIPER: I agree. (to chris) Everyone thinks you’re dead. We still have to figure out how we are going to explain all this.

DARYLL enters the kitchen, having let himself in the front door.

DARYLL: Hey!

The sound of the unexpected visitor startles Chris once again. He he quickly wips around, instinctively throwing his arm out and telekinetically sends Daryll flying across the room. Daryll slams into the bakers rack and lands in the floor in a heap.

DARYLL: Ouch!

PIPER: Oh my god!

Piper, Phoebe and Leo all rush to Daryll’s aid as Chris looks horrified over what he has done.

CHRIS: (nearly in tears) I’m so sorry! I…I don’t know why I did that!

Leo helps Daryll to his feet.

LEO: Are you OK?

DARYLL: (still a bit stunned) Yeah…I think so.

CHRIS: I am so sorry!

PIPER: (to Chris) Sweety, it’s OK. Our powers are tied to our emotions and you’re just little high strung at the moment.

DARYLL: (brushing himself off) And after what you’ve been through it’s completely understandable. Paige filled me in.

Daryll walked over to Chris, stared at him a moment before reaching out and giving him a hug.

DARYLL: It’s good to see you kid.

CHRIS: It’s good to be seen.

…he replied as he returned the gesture.

PHEOBE: Where is Paige?

Phoebe asked no in particular.

DARYLL: She’s with Sheila and the boys at my house. Wyatt is a little cranky this morning so she figured it was a good idea for her to stay there for a while.

PHOEBE: He probably wants his mom.

PIPER: Yeah, well, one son at a time.

DARYLL: Which is why I’m here. I wanted to know if you guys had figured out what you’re gonna do? Everyone thinks Chris is dead - including Sheridan. If she finds out he’s not…<br>
LEO: Yeah, we were just discussing that.

DARYLL: Well, unless you plan of keeping Chris locked in the attic, you’d better think of something-fast. Because she will find out. Unless of course….you were planning on sending him back to the future.

Chris’ eyes grow wide at Daryll’s suggestion. As do Piper’s, who immediately snaps…<br>
PIPER: No we’re not sending him back! At least no yet anyway. He’s been through too much and we don’t even know what we’d be sending him back to.

Daryll throws his hands up as if to surrender.

DARYLL: Hey that’s fine! I was just saying…<br>
Piper scowls at him.

PIPER: Yeah…well…don’t.

LEO: Well Daryll’s right about one thing. If Chris is staying here for the time being, we have to figure out a way to explain the last couple months.

PHOEBE: We could call the Cleaners.

Piper shakes his head.

PIPER: No, I don’t think so. We aren’t exactly on their good side. And we’re already on thin ice with the Elders what with Leo killing Gideon and all.

CHRIS: (to Leo) You killed Gideon!?!

LEO: Well, yeah. I thought he murdered you!

CHRIS: Huh. Thanks Dad.

Leo smiles and pats his son on the back.

LEO: Hey…I’d do it again if anyone tried to hurt you.

PHOEBE: OK…well, we still need to figure out what we’re going to do. Getting The Cleaners to help has been ruled out…<br>
PIPER: …for now.

PHOEBE: Right! So aside from actually locking Chris in the attic…what are our other options?

PIPER: Well, I’ve been thinking about it and…I think maybe we should pay Inspector Sheridan a visit.

LEO, CHRIS and DARYLL: (in unison) What!?!

INT. POLICE INTERROGATION ROOM - LATER

DARYLL closes the door and crosses the room to LEO, PIPER and CHRIS. Chris looks more than a little nervous to be there.

DARYLL: OK, Sheridan should be here any minute. (to Chris) You sure you’re OK with this?

Chris takes a seat at the table.

CHRIS: Yeah, let’s just get this over with.

Daryll turns to Leo and Piper.

DARYLL: Are you guys sure this is a good idea. (lowering his voice and motioning to Chris who sits with his back them) You know…he doesn’t look so good and Sheridan may not react they way you want her too. What if she decides to lock him up again?

PIPER: We’re not going to let that happen. If she tries it, then we revert to plan B. But for now, we gotta try to play it straight.

LEO: Just stick to the story.

DARYLL: Yeah, about that story…<br>
Daryll does not get to finish his sentence before Sheridan comes into the room, shooting off her mouth.

[oddball7]

SHERIDAN: OK Lt. Morris. Make this quick. I’m a very busy woman and I…<br>
She stops when she sees Chris sitting at the table. Her mouth hangs open in disbelief. Leo steps closer to Chris and puts a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

SHERIDAN: What? Who…(to Daryll) Who is that?

Daryll quicky runs behind her and closes the door before responding…<br>
DARYLL: That would be Chris. Chris Perry. You know…the kid we arrested a few months back.

SHERIDAN: Yes, I do remember. I also seem to remember him breaking out of jail and then dying in the Halliwell manor a few weeks later.

PIPER: Yeah…well…actually he didn’t die. See, that’s just what we told everybody.

LEO: To protect him.

SHERIDAN: Protect him from what?

PIPER: (annoyed) Hello? From whoever tried to kill him in the first place!

Sheridan flashes Piper a look indicating that she doesn’t appreciate the sarcastic tone.

PIPER: Sorry.

SHERIDAN: You should be. Now, assuming that I’m buying this whole story so far…tell me… Why didn’t you come to us if Chris here needed protection?

LEO: Well, because you wanted to throw Chris in jail. We didn’t know who was after him…and he can’t remember. We just weren’t convinced that you would do everything in your power to protect him. So we took matters into our own hands. But now that Chris is better and whoever stabbed him is long gone…we hope…We’re here to set things right. So we can all move on. We know we went about this the wrong way and we’re here to cooperate to get this straightened out.

Sheridan looks at Chris, who nods his head and gives her his best wide-eyed innocent look.

SHERIDAN: Uh huh. (to Daryll) And you knew about this Lt. Morris?

DARYLL: No…I mean, not until last night.

SHERIDAN: Right.

Sheridan takes a seat across from Chris. Leaning back in the chair, she crosses her legs and takes a moment to stare at everyone else in the room one by one before informing them.

SHERIDAN:
Yeah…I’m not buying it.

Piper, Leo and Daryll let out a collective groan and roll their eyes as Sheridan continues…<br>
SHERIDAN: There are too many holes in this little story you’ve concocted. For starters…who is Chris Perry? We’ve been trying to find this out for month and you know what we’ve come up with?

She pauses for dramatic effect, knowing full well that no one will answer her.

SHERIDAN:
I’ll tell you what we’ve come up with. Nothing! Zero! Zilch! Nada. This kid does not exist.

Piper throws up her hands- clearly annoyed now.

PIPER: ‘Alright! That’s it. (to Daryll) You were right! This is never going to work. Looks like we’re going with plan B.

DARYLL: Oh god! Not plan B!

Daryll didn’t know exactly what “Plan B” was. But just the fact that “Plan B” wasn’t “Plan A” made him nervous.

SHERIDAN: (confused) What the hell are you people babbling about?

Piper takes a step closer to Chris so she is now standing beside him and puts a hand on his shoulder.

PIPER: (to Sheridan) Do you wanna know who Chris Perry is?

SHERIDAN: Yes! I do!

PIPER: You’re sure now?

SHERIDAN: What the…Yes! I’m sure!

PIPER: O…Kay! (to Daryll, Leo and Chris) Brace yourself boys. I don’t think she’s going to take this too well

DARYLL: Piper?

Piper ignores him and turns to face Sheridan once again.

PIPER: Chris is my son.

Sheridan’s jaw nearly drops to the floor.

PIPER: (nodding her head) That’s right. My son. See…he’s from the future and we (she points to herself and Chris) are witches.

Sheridan continues to look at Piper like she is crazy but Piper just continues.

PIPER: No really! We are. We have powers, cast spells, kill demons…the whole nine yards.

Sitting at the table, Chris shakes his head and buries his face in his hands as Piper continues.

PIPER: But we’re good witches of course - Protectors of the innocent. Which, you see, is why Chris came back from the future. Now, I don’t know all the details because that son of mine is pretty tight lipped about the whole thing but apparently San Francisco is one big mess in 2026. Innocents dying! Demons running amok! Horrible! But I digress. I’m getting ahead of myself here. Back to the introductions!

She turns to Leo.

PIPER: Now Leo over there (she points to Leo) is Chris’ father. He’s an Angel. And no, I don’t mean figuratively. He’s literally an Angel. We witches call them Whitelighters, but that might be a bit confusing so you can just call him an Angel. He doesn’t mind. (to Leo) Do ya honey?

LEO: Umm…no…I guess not.

PIPER: Great! (to Sheridan) Such a team player that husband of mine. Let me tell ya. OK! Moving right along we have Daryll…<br>
Daryll, who had been standing there dumbfounded by all of Piper’s declarations turned to Piper and gave her a look, wanting desperately for her to shut up while he still had some semblance of a career. But Piper continues…<br>
PIPER: …well…that’s just Daryll.

DARYLL: Gee…Thanks!

PIPER: No! No! I don’t mean it like that. I mean…he’s Daryll…Supercop…all around great guy. Just… you know…not a witch or anything.

Having hardly taken a breath throughout her entire speech, Piper sighs and turns her attention back to Sheridan. Flashing her a congenial smile, she asks…<br>
PIPER: So…did that answer all your questions?

There is silence as everyone stares at Sheridan-waiting to see how she will react. Sheridan doesn’t looked shocked anymore. Now she looks more annoyed as she folds her arms across her chest and glares at Piper.

SHERIDAN: Witches? Angels? (glancing at Daryll) SUPER cop?

Piper smiles again and nods her head.

SHERIDAN: I don’t think so. Nice try though. It was a very entertaining story.

PIPER: You don’t believe me.

SHERIDAN: (laughing) That surprises you?

PIPER: No…actually it doesn’t. Well, it looks like I’ll just have to prove it to you.

DARYLL: Piper…please don’t. Let just go. OK.

PIPER: (annoyed) Oh shush!

Piper looks around the room for something she can blow up. She spots a water cooler in the corner.

PIPER: That’ll work.

She flicks her hands and the water cooler instantly explodes, splashing water across the room.

Sheridan jumps up from her chair in shock.

SHERIDAN: How did you do that?

PIPER: With my powers! I told you – we’re witches. You wanna see that again?

SHERIDAN: No! (reaching for her gun) Don’t you move!

Chris, seeing Sheridan going for her gun, jumps up from his chair in a panic.

CHRIS: (holding his hand out) Gun!

..he shouts. And just as Sheridan’s hand reaches the holster by her side, the gun disappears in a swirl of orbs and reappears in Chris’ hand.

Chris stares down at the weapon in his hand as two uniformed officers, having heard the commotion, come barreling into the room.

Seeing Chris with a gun in his hand, the officers quickly draw their weapons, and before Piper or Leo can move to protect him, they take aim at Chris.

DARYLL: (to the Officers) No! Don’t shoot!

To be continued…<br>

[oddball7]

BrittaniasVision
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 1023
(9/14/04 11:12 am)
Reply Re: Truth And Consequences, Part 9
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AJ--I wish you were writing for Charmed. This story is great.

Esmeralda
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 1630
(9/14/04 1:01 pm)
Reply
Re: Truth And Consequences, Part 9
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I'm with BV--I truly wish you wrote for Charmed! That was fantastic! I could see everything in my head so well--just like a true eppi! As always, you do the characters *so* well!

I didn't know that Chris had Paige's summoning power--he's never used it on the TV show, but since he's half-Whitelighter like she is, it makes sense, and I was glad he did. I was a bit surprised at Plan B, and kept waiting for the Cleaners to show up, but I guess not quite yet. If they *do* show up, I can't wait to see what they decide to do--I trust them as much as I trust the Elders, which isn't much!!!

Can't wait to see what happens next--please update soon!!


AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 123
(9/14/04 4:27 pm)
Reply Re: Truth And Consequences, Part 9
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Thanks for your reviews. this chapter came a bit easier than the last one and I'm much happier with it. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

to Esmerelda: I didn't know chris could summon things using his orbing power either until the very last episode of last season. If you remember, Evil Chris summoned the gun from Darryll in the scene where he and Evil Leo were attacking Daryll. That's how I new he could do it. Before that, I thought he could only summon things using his telekenisis - like Prue.

Esmeralda
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 1634
(9/14/04 10:12 pm)
Reply
Truth And Consequences, Part 9
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Cool! I'll admit that for a bunch of reasons, I wasn't watching the season finale all that close, so I must've missed it. Good catch on your part and good way of using it!!!

Please update soon!

scififantasychic
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 940
(9/18/04 2:04 am)
Reply
Re: Truth And Consequences, Part 9
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Very effective way to bring Chris a little ways back to himself, but still with the post-trauma jitters. Nicely realistic.

Now, Piper, what are you doing?! And isn't it just the way they would be caught, Chris with a gun in his hand -- like the poor guy needs one more thing to go wrong in his life.

[oddball7]

AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 126
(9/18/04 11:17 pm)
Reply Re: Truth and Consequences-part 10
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INT. POLICE INTERROGATION ROOM - SAME

DARYLL: No! Don’t Shoot!

Piper heard Daryll’s panicked voice and turned to the door in time to see two police officer’s taking aim at her son.

PIPER: NO!

The officers fired simultaneously at Chris, who was frozen in place by fear.

Instinctively, Piper threw her hands up, freezing the room - stopping the bullets mere inches from Chris’ face.

Chris, pale as a ghost, let out an audible groan as Piper rushed to his side.

PIPER: Oh honey…<br>
…she said, as she knocked the bullets away from Chris’ face.

PIPER: …I am so… sorry. You so did not need that right now - Did you.

CHRIS: (practically whispering) Can we go home now. Please?

PIPER: Yeah…just a second.

She waves her hand in the direction of Daryll and Leo – unfreezing them.

Leo notices Chris, pale and visibly shaken, and rushes toward him.

LEO: (to Piper) Oh my god! Is he alright? (to Chris) Are you all right buddy?

PIPER: No, he is not all right! Those idiots over there (she points to the still frozen officers) just tried to shoot him!

DARYLL: Well what did you expect Piper? What were you thinking? You almost got your son killed! AGAIN!

Chris groans again and Leo guides him back to the table and into the closest chair.

DARYLL: And on top of that…you’ve exposed magic!

A VOICE FROM BEHIND: But of course, that was the whole idea. Wasn’t it Piper?

PIPER, LEO, CHRIS and DARYLL all turn to find the CLEANERS standing behind them.

PIPER: (annoyed) Well it took you long enough! What the hell does a witch have to do to get a little clean-up around here!

CLEANER #1: (sarcastically) Well, we’re so sorry to have inconvenienced you Miss Halliwell. However, contrary to popular belief, we’re not your personal cleaning crew.

PIPER: Yeah…Yeah…Whatever. Listen, this is what you need to do. You need to erase all evidence of Chris’ arrest 3 months ago and that whole stabbing incident and…<br>
CLEANER #2: Perhaps we haven’t made ourselves clear…<br>
PIPER: No! No! I heard you. But like Daryll said, magic has been exposed and the only way to fix it is to do what I say.

CLEANER #2: (turning to face Chris) But that won’t eliminate the exposure risk completely now will it?

CLEANER #1: Yes. To do a completely thorough job we should really…<br>
LEO: Don’t even think about it!

Leo warns as he takes a protective stance in front of Chris.

CLEANER #1: This isn’t his time! He doesn’t belong here and the longer he remains in this timeline the greater the risk of exposure!

DARYLL: (to the cleaners) Excuse me…fellas?

The Cleaners turn their attention to Daryll who takes a step closer to them and whispers…<br>
DARYLL: I don’t know where you guys are from or where you’ve been for the past few months but…you HAVE heard about what Leo did to the last guy who tried to eliminate his son. Right?

The cleaners just glare at him. Clearly his advice is unwanted and unappreciated. Daryll takes a step back.

DARYLL: OK, I’ll shut up now. I was just trying to help you guys out but hey…it’s your funeral.

LEO: Daryll’s right. If you think I’m just going to let stand by and take my son away, you’re sorely mistaken.

CLEANER #2: Is that a threat?

LEO: Yes. It was.

CLEANER #2: And do you really think the Elders will let you get away with vanquishing us? You’re lucky your soul hasn’t been recycled already after what you did to Gideon.

CLEANER #1: Very lucky.

PIPER: Lucky? Gideon tried to kill our sons!

CLEANER #1: That doesn’t matter.

LEO: Like hell it doesn’t!

Chris closed his eyes and shook his head. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His father, threatening to vanquish the Cleaners…The Cleaners threatening to have Leo recycled. It was all too much. . He slammed his hands down on the table and stood up.

CHRIS: OK…That’s enough!

Surprised by Chris’ outburst, everyone stopped arguing and turned their attention to him.

CHRIS: This is ridiculous! (turning to his parents) They are talking about having Leo’s soul recycled!! That can’t happen. That’s not suppose to happen! The whole purpose of me coming back from the future was to save my family not destroy it! Maybe they’re right. (he gestures to the Cleaners) I don’t belong here. Maybe we should just let them…<br>
PIPER: NO!

Piper takes a minute to compose herself before addressing her son further. Finally, she reaches out and takes his hands.

PIPER: Honey, listen to me. I know this all seems strange…but we’ll figure it out. And when and if the time is right and you want to go back, we’ll help you do that. But I know that’s not what you want. Not right now anyway.

She turns to the Cleaners.

PIPER: Please…I’m begging you. Just do what I ask. Give us time with our son. He deserves at least that much for the sacrifices he made.

There is silence as the Cleaners consider Piper’s request. Finally, after what seems like and eternity they respond.

CLEANER #1: OK. We’ll do as you ask.

CLEANER #2: But let there be no misunderstanding…this will be the last time we do it your way. Next time…<br>
LEO: There won’t be a next time.

CLEANER #1: Well, pardon us for not believing you. But we’ve heard that before.

PIPER: Yeah…whatever. Come on Leo. Let’s get Chris home. He’s been through enough for one day.

Chris gets up from the chair and stands between his mother and father as Piper turns to Daryll.

PIPER: Daryll, are you coming?

DARYLL: But what about…<br>
He points to Sheridan and the officers who are still frozen.

PIPER: Don’t worry about them. They’ll take care of it.

She responds, jerking her thumb toward the Cleaners.

PIPER: (continuing) Come on.

Daryll crosses the room and takes Piper’s hand.

PIPER: Now you know why this wasn’t plan A.

…she deadpans as the four orb out of the room.

To be continued.

[oddball7]

Esmeralda
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 1668
(9/19/04 4:26 pm)
Reply
Re: Truth and Consequences-part 10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very, very well done, AJ! I am *so* totally enjoying this! Poor Chris, he's really having himself a hellova day! It shows how traumatize he is that he wasn't able to orb out of the way of the bullets, but needed Piper to save him with her freezing power.

And the Cleaners. Hate to say it, but I'm with them. The way this whole thing's going, I think the Halliwells and the whole world would be better off if memory of Chris Perry was erased from them all!! No dead Gideon. No Leo-the-Elder. Nothing to explain to the police about his breakout or death. No Darryl-no-longer-their-friend-&-ally. No pain for all of TCO to endure from losing Chris. No horrendous agony for Chris himself to go through!! And, of course, no reveal of magic or chance of it. Granted, Wyatt would still become evil, but what's changed on that front? Nothing that I can tell. I'm also surprised that they actually agreed to give the Halliwells a *third* chance--just so they remember three strikes and they're out!! And I agree with the Cleaners on *that*--believing TCO's promises regarding not revealing magic--too!

But having said that, i'm still glad that they agreed to let Chris stay. It appears to be bringing the full family closer together, and should do that even more now that Chris knows what Leo did for him. I'm also hoping that somehow this whole episode *will* be what prevents Wyatt from becoming evil, so Chris *can* go back!!! That would show the do-do Cleaners (and the do-do Elders) a definite thing or two!!!

Please update soon.

Edited by: Esmeralda at: 10/11/04 11:13 pm

scififantasychic
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 957
(10/2/04 2:35 am)
Reply
Re: Truth and Consequences-part 10
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Piper really was pressing her luck there wasn't she. And poor Chris, to be so close to being shot. The traumas just won't end for him. Yes, I can definitely see why this wasn't plan A, lol! Awesome job!

Esmeralda
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 1710
(10/4/04 2:05 am)
Reply
TO AJ
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AJ, PLEASE UPDATE SOON!!! I'M GOING NUTS WANTING TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!!

[oddball7]

AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 131
(10/11/04 7:06 pm)
Reply part 11 now up
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sorry! sorry! sorry it took so long. I'll try to be quicker in the future.

INT. HALLIWELL KITCHEN – LATER

CHRIS, leaning against the sink, drank the last of the beer from the near empty bottle in his hand and stared across the room at LEO and DARYLL who were both sitting at the kitchen table in silence. He figured they both wanted to talk to him and stuff-but obviously neither of them wanted to initiate the conversation. So he just smiled at them before placing his empty bottle into the sink, then headed to the refrigerator to get another. He had just opened the door and grabbed the bottle when Piper entered the room.

PIPER: OK, I just got off the phone with Sheila and she and Paige are heading home with the boys…<br>
She spots Chris with the beer in his hand.

PIPER: Hey…What’s this? What are ya doin?

Chris looked down at the bottle, then up at is mother, and shrugs.

CHRIS: Oh, I’m sorry. Did you want one too?

…he offered as he opened the beer and downed nearly half the bottle without taking a breath.

Piper laughed.

PIPER: Actually, after what we just went through at the police station…I could use a few. But unfortunately…WE are still breastfeeding.

Chris closed his eyes and pretended to gag as Leo and Daryll smiled at the sight of Chris’ repulsion.

CHRIS: OK…A simple “no thank you” would have sufficed.

…He bemoaned as Piper wrapped her arms around him and gave him a friendly squeeze

PIPER: I know. But this is so much more fun!

DARYLL: Actually, I could use a beer.

Daryll got up from the table and headed toward the fridge.

DARYLL: Leo?

LEO: Yeah. Sure.

PIPER: (frowning) Thanks for the support guys.

As Daryll and Leo crack open their beers and settle back down at the table, Pheobe rushes into the kitchen carrying several large shopping bags.

PHEOBE: Oh good! You’re back. How did it…<br>
She notices the boys, all drinking, and drops her bags to the floor.

PHOEBE: …go? Oh no. This is not good. You’re all drinking.

PIPER: (sounding slightly disappointed) I’m not drinking.

…she sighs and takes a seat at the table with Leo and Daryll.

CHRIS: We…(he casually points to himself and Piper) are breastfeeding.

He informs his aunt as he finishes off his second beer and goes for his third.

Pheobe smiles and laughs nervously.

PHOEBE: Yeah…EW. See…now that is just so…not a picture I want in my head right now.

Chris smiled, satisfied that he was able to gross someone else out for a change.

Piper rolled her eyes.

PHEOBE: No…but seriously. I’m taking it didn’t go so well at the police station?

CHRIS: Oh, it went great. I was nearly killed…again. But hey, I’m used to it.

PHEOBE: OK…Well, I’m glad to see you have a sense of humor about all this. That’s good! That’s very…healthy. I guess.

She turns to Leo, Daryll and Piper and quietly asks…<br>
PHEOBE: Is he OK?

LEO: Well, seeing as we’ve only been home for 15 minutes…<br>
DARYLL: …that’s his third beer…<br>
PIPER: …And I haven’t been able to get a spec of food into his body all day. I’d say he’s feeling pretty good right about now.

They all turn to their attention back to Chris, who is, at the moment, clueless to the fact that everyone is talking about him, as he plays with some magnets on the refrigerator.

PHOEBE: Yeah…and you’re OK with this?

She directs her question to Piper.

PIPER: What are you looking at me for? I’m not the one encouraging this afternoon beer bash.

…she protests, motioning toward Leo and Daryll.

LEO: Hey, we’re not encouraging him. We’re… depleting his beer supply.

Leo and Daryll raise their bottles and clink them together.

DARYLL: Exactly.

LEO: Look Pheebs, there was only a six pack in there so…No worries.

PHOEBE: I’m not worried. I mean if you’re not worried… I’m not worried. Chris?

She turns around and walks over to Chris, who is crouched in front of the refrigerator looking for a magnet he has knocked on the floor.

PHOEBE: Chris? Honey, I got a surprise for you.

Chris gets up holding half of a magnet that apparently broke when it fell to the floor.

CHRIS: (inspecting the magnet) Hmm…I think I broke it. What the hell is this thing anyway?

Phoebe takes the magnet from him.

PHOEBE: It was a cat. Now… it’s a headless cat.

CHRIS: (laughing) Cool.

He takes the magnet back from her and puts it back up on the fridge before reaching inside for the last beer.

CHRIS: Uh oh… last beer.

LEO: Sorry buddy. It was only a six pack.

CHRIS: Can we go get more?

DARYLL, PIPER, LEO and PHOEBE: NO!

CHRIS: (frowning) Geez. Bite my head off why don’t you.

He whined as he slumped down in the chair beside Piper.

PIPER: Chris, are you hungry? Do you want me to make you something to eat. A sandwich…some soup maybe?

Chris wrinkled his nose and shook his head.

PIPER: Honey, I really think you should eat something…<br>
She pleaded with him as he gulped down more of his remaining beer.

PIPER: I really…really do.

Chris shook his head and started to get up from the table.

CHRIS: I’m not hungry. Actually…I’m kinda tired. I think I’m just going to go lay down for a bit.

Piper opened her mouth to object-determined to get him to eat something so he wouldn’t get sick-but Leo cut her off.

LEO: That’s fine buddy. Why don’t you lay down in our room and we’ll wake you for dinner if your not up.

CHRIS: Thanks.

Chris smiled meekly at his father before he turned and walked out the door. When he was gone, Piper reached across the table and smacked Leo in the arm.

PIPER: Thanks for the support – DAD!

INT. MANOR LIVING ROOM – LATER

PHEOBE is sitting in the arm chair holding Baby Chris as Paige sits on the couch across from her. The two talking quietly to avoid being heard by Piper who is in the kitchen getting a bottle for Chris.

PHEOBE: Yeah, I agree with you Paige…but I really don’t think now is the right time to bring it up.

PAIGE: Well, is there ever going to be a “right” time to bring it up. I mean REALLY. None of us want to even think about it…but that doesn’t change the fact that…<br>
She trails off when she sees Piper enter the room.

Piper gives her a suspicious look before turning to Pheobe and reaching for her child.

PIPER: (to Pheobe) Alright Aunty, give him here.

Phoebe hands her the baby and Piper settles down on the couch next to Paige.

[oddball7]

PIPER: (to the baby) Hey buddy. Whatcha doin? Huh? Are you ready for your bottle? I think you are. Yes I do. You’ve been waiting so patiently.

She smiles at him and proceeds to give him his bottle before turning her attention to her sisters.

PIPER: OK…so what were you two whispering about?

PAIGE: Whispering? We weren’t whispering?

PIPER: Yeah you were.

PHOEBE: No we weren’t. We were just talking quietly because we thought Chris here was about to fall asleep and we didn’t want to disturb him.

PIPER: (sarcastically) Right…because giving him his bottle is so much easier when he is ASLEEP.

She frowns at them before adding…<br>
PIPER: And for the record…”talking quietly” is sometimes referred to as “whispering”. So…what where you “talking quietly” about?

PAIGE: Umm…we were just saying what a shame it was the Big Chris was asleep when I got back with Sheila and the kids because Sheila was really looking forward to seeing him. That’s all.

PIPER: Oh…well there will be plenty of time for her to see him. I mean…he’s not going anywhere.

Paige looks to Phoebe, who looks down and starts picking at her fingers nervously.

PIPER: What?

PHOEBE: Paige please. Not now.
PAIGE: (to Pheobe) Look…we’re going to have to discuss sometime. And it’s not going to get any easier the longer we wait.

PIPER: Discuss what? What are you talking about?

PAIGE: Well…we were just wondering if you and Leo have…you know… given any thought to how long Chris is going to be here.

As Piper turns her head to avoid the question, Paige clarifies…<br>
PAIGE: Big Chris that is.

PIPER: I know who your talking about!

She snaps at her sister.

PIPER: And no, we haven’t discussed it yet. I mean we just got him back yesterday! But I can tell you it’s not going to be anytime real soon because in case you hadn’t noticed, Chris is…<br>
PHOEBE: Awake!

Pheobe interjected and motioned to Chris who was now standing in the doorway behind Piper and Paige.

PAIGE: Hey. How was your nap?

CHRIS: Fine. What were you guys talking about? I heard my name.

PIPER: That’s because we were talking about how excited we are to have you home. Come here (patting the couch with her free hand) have a seat.

Chris looks anxiously at the baby in Piper’s arms and remains in the doorway.

PIPER: It’s alright sweety. Come here.

Reluctantly, Chris walks over and takes a seat on the couch between Piper and Paige– never taking his eyes off the baby.

Paige wraps her arms around him and rests her chin on his shoulder before asking him…<br>
PAIGE: So…what do you think?

Chris shrugs.

CHRIS: Cute.
PIPER: Yes…you are.

Piper takes the bottle from the baby and sits him up on her lap to burp him. Supporting his chin between her thumb and forefinger, she leans him slightly forward and gently starts patting him on the back.

With the baby positioned this way, Chris can really see his younger self for the first time.

CHRIS: This is so weird. I can’t believe that’s really me.

The baby, not happy with Piper’s attempts to burp him, stretches out his arms and lets out a small cry. Chris smiles and extends his own hand toward the baby’s, but then has second thoughts and pulls his hand back.

PIPER: It’s OK Chris. You can touch him.

Chris still looks reluctant, so Phoebe tries to reassure him.

PHOEBE: Go ahead. It’s not going to hurt anything. I mean I’ve touched myself before.

Chris turns to her and starts laughing along with Paige and Piper, as Pheobe, realizing what she just said, turn scarlet with embarrassment.

PHOEBE: OK…that did not come out right.

PAIGE: I’ll say!

PHOEBE: What I meant to say was. Piper and I have both…(looking for an appropriate word this time) interacted with our past selves before and nothing bad happened. So don’t worry about it.

Baby Chris, who has still not given up a burp yet for his mom, starts fussing as Piper continues rubbing his back.

PIPER: Come on Peanut. Are you gonna burp for mommy or what?

CHRIS: (smiling) Huh…<br>
PIPER: What?

CHRIS: Nothing…it’s just…well, you call me that until I’m twelve.

PHOEBE: What…Peanut?

CHRIS: Yep.
PAIGE: Oh, you poor dear.

CHRIS: Yeah. Actually, the only reason she stopped was because you (he points to Paige) finally convinced her it probably wasn’t doing a whole lot for my self-esteem. Until I was around 15, I was a pretty tiny kid. Everyone thought I was going to be short like Mom. I was pretty self-conscious about it.

PIPER: Hey! I am not short! I’m petite.

PAIGE: Awe face it sister. We’re all short.

PHOEBE: Yeah, the boys definitely get their height from their dad. Well…at least we know Chris does. (turning to Chris) Will Wyatt be tall as well?

CHRIS: (rolling his eyes) Oh yeah. Wyatt’s taller than I am. Not to mention better looking…better built… more popular… and more powerful.

PIPER: Oh honey, I’m sure that’s not true.

CHRIS: Yeah it is. And believe me, he loved to rub my nose in it! He had a few choice nicknames for me as well. But they weren’t really said with a whole lotta love it you know what I mean.

Piper looked down sadly at her tiny son and stroked his soft brown hair before asking Big Chris…<br>
PIPER: Life with your brother has been really awful for you. Hasn’t it.

CHRIS: (stammering) Well…<br>
PIPER: I mean, was he EVER nice to you?

CHRIS: Yeah. Sure.

He lied. Chris really couldn’t remember a time when he and Wyatt got along. Not like Piper and her sisters. But he knew that telling his mother that would break her heart. So he lied.

But Piper wasn’t buying it. She knew her son and she knew he was trying to protect her. To confirm her theory, she decided to ask him for some specifics.

PIPER: How?

CHRIS: Huh?

PIPER: How was he nice to you? Give me an example of something nice he did for you.

CHRIS: OH…OK.

He turned to Phoebe and Paige who both looked at him as though to say, “Oh Please come up with something good!” He could feel himself starting to sweat under the pressure and could hear the seconds ticking away on the Grandfather clock like a jackhammer in his mind as Piper waited patiently for his response.

Finally, he blurted out the first incident that came to his mind.

CHRIS: Well, there was that time when I was fifteen and I fell down the steps at Grandpa’s condo and broke my leg. Wyatt healed me.

PHOEBE: (overly excited) How nice is that!

Chris, trying to build on Phoebe’s excitement, continues…<br>
CHRIS: Yeah…And it hurt like hell too. If Wyatt hadn’t been there, I would have had to suffer until Grandpa go back.

PAIGE: Wait just a second! Wyatt can heal in the future? No fair! I can’t heal.

CHRIS: Yeah, me either.

PIPER: How did you fall down the stairs?

“Damn.” Chris thought to himself. “Should have known that was coming. I knew that wasn’t a good example.” He paused a moment before responding.

CHRIS: I don’t really remember. I think I tripped or something. But the point is…Wyatt healed me and…<br>
PIPER: He pushed you didn’t he?

CHRIS: What? No! That’s ridiculous. Of course not…<br>
PIPER: Chris…honey…I say this with love. You really suck at lying.

CHRIS: (frustrated) OK fine! We were fighting and he used his powers against me and accidentally knocked me down the stairs. But he felt really bad about it after and healed me right away.

And that actually was the truth. Wyatt did feel badly and it was one of the only times Chris could remember that Wyatt had actually apologized for hurting him.

Unfortunately, this didn’t seem to console Piper at all and she had to turn away to hide the tears that were now filling her eyes.

Chris felt horrible.

CHRIS: Please don’t cry mom. It wasn’t that bad. Really.

Piper just scoffed at his comment as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

CHRIS: @#%$! I knew I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m so stupid!

PIPER: Hey!

She yelled at him.

PIPER: Don’t ever let me hear you say that again! You are not stupid!

INT. HALLWAY – SAME

LEO came down the stairs holding Wyatt, who had just woken up from his nap. When he got to the bottom of the stairs, he put the toddler down on the floor and Wyatt instantly ran toward the living room and the sound of his mother’s voice.

INT. LIVING ROOM - SAME

Wyatt ran into the room, saw his mother sitting on the couch, and ran to her excitedly. Like any toddler, excited to see his mommy, he didn’t pay much attention the baby she was holding in her arms, as he leapt for her lap.

Piper instantly reacted and caught the boy by the arm with one hand.

PIPER: (angry) Wyatt no!

Everyone was shocked that Piper would react in such a way. But Piper didn’t notice.

PIPER: How many times do I have to tell you - You have to be careful around your baby brother! You can’t be jumping around like that! You almost hurt him! Is that what you want? Do you want to hurt your little brother?

The tiny boy’s lip started to quiver and tears welled up in his eyes.

Chris was horrified.

CHRIS: Mom! What are you doing?

At the sound of Chris’ voice, Wyatt looked up and noticed Chris for the first time since he got back… and he was frightened. The last time he had seen Chris, he was writhing in pain on the floor of the attic after Gideon had stabbed him.

In tears, Wyatt turned and ran to his father, who immediately scooped him up.

LEO: It’s OK buddy. (to Piper) Piper! What the hell is wrong with you? Why would you yell at him like that?

Chris felt sick. His two year old brother was taumatized, his mother was in tears again and his father was pissed. And he knew it was all because of him. He didn’t belong here…in this time…and his presence was causing more harm now than good.

Chris stood up and looked around at his family-who were all speechless at this point.

CHRIS: I’m so sorry.

…was all he could manage to say before he orbed away.

To be continued…<br>