All We Have is Now- A Chris fic

[CanadianHalliwell]

Hi Leigh,

I have been away for a few days and I am in the middle of catching up with all the fics. Your story is very well written. Although I knew Robert didn't like Chris, I never thought he would betray the cause just to get back at him Tsk Tsk. Anyway keep it up and as they say in ficdom. Update soon!

[leigh19]

**Chapter 30**

As soon as Leo heard the call, he orbed the witches back to magic school. Even before they arrived, he could tell that they had not freed the others…it would have taken more effort to orb the group if they had.

He knew that they had failed.

Something must have gone seriously wrong.

When the finial orbs dissipated, revealing the group, he instantly began to look around for Chris. He needed to see his son right now- he needed to know what had happened. His eyes scanned the crowd…Chris. Where was Chris?

A cold fear rushed over him as he was struck by a sudden realization…<br>
Chris was no where in sight…<br>
He couldn’t sense him…<br>
Or Katie.

Shaking, he turned to one of the witches closest to him. “What…what happened?” He asked, his voice weak. He wasn’t sure if he really wanted to know.

He had planned it so well…how could this have happened?

There was a slight pause as many in the room gave the elder sympathetic glances. “Wyatt came.” The witch answered, glancing down at the floor. “Just as we were about to open the prison door. He knew about the plan…”

“No.” Leo breathed, steadying himself on the nearest table. “No…”

“He orbed in.” the witch continued quietly. “And then Chris told us all to run…”

Leo’s head began to spin.

Chris.

Chris was still down there- facing off with Wyatt- willing to sacrifice himself for the good of everyone else.

Chris was gone.

Leo tried to hold back the tears burning in his eyes. “How did Wyatt know?” he asked, summoning enough strength to look back up at the crowd.

There was another pause.

“Robert.” Another witch a few feet away stated sadly. “One of our witches…he told Wyatt…I heard some of the conversation as I left…he hit Chris with a potion and Wyatt told him that he had done a good job.”<br>
They had been betrayed…<br>
That was how Wyatt had known exactly where they would be…and when.

He should not have been so trusting…he should have forced every witch to take a truth potion to prove their dedication to the cause…<br>
But he hadn’t

And now Chris was gone…<br>
This was his fault. He had sent his son down to the underworld- insisted that he lead the mission. Chris hadn’t wanted to do it…he had been reluctant…but Leo had forced him. What kind of father did that to their own son? What kind of father would send his baby boy into danger…?

“We’re sorry, Leo.” Another witch said quietly, hanging his head in sadness. Many had learned to like Chris as he helped them prepare for the mission. They admired his strength and courage…all felt sad for the loss.

“Katie…” The elder choked, not caring about the tears that had begun to stream down his face. “What about Katie?”<br>
There was another pause and several people exchanged nervous glances. No one wanted to break it to him…<br>
“She stayed down there too.” Someone answered finally. “She wouldn’t leave him.”<br>
Leo brought a hand to his aching head. He was shaking in a combination of grief and rage- overcome with emotion.

“No.” He muttered again, not noticing the blue energy cracking in his hands. Chris was gone…Katie was gone…they had all lost. “NO!”<br>
The energy in his hands exploded, blasting a huge hole in the nearest wall. Several witches jumped back in shock; none had ever seen the peacefully natured elder in such an enraged state. But it was understandable…he had just sacrificed so much…for nothing.

Silence hung heavy in the air as no one knew what to say next.

Unable to stand it any longer, Leo turned and tore down the hallway, closing the door to his room with an echoing slam.

Sobs racked his tired body and his eyes stung with hot tears.

He did not want to believe it…<br>
But he knew that it was true.

He had lost them.

Chris was gone…<br>
Suffering at the hands of Wyatt…the son he had lost long ago.

He would never see his son again…never look into the green eyes that mirrored his own…<br>
Leo had known the risks when he had under taken the mission, but he had never really let himself think about the possibility of loosing so much. But it had happened. The worst had come.

The future was lost, and so were the last two people he had cared about.

“I’m so sorry, Piper.” He choked, looking up towards the ceiling. He knew that she could hear him, and he knew that she was sharing in his tears. He had let her down once again…she could never forgive him now…he could never forgive himself. “I’m so sorry that I lost our little boy.”<br>
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[leigh19]

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Katie awoke on the hard stone floor, the coppery taste of blood still in her mouth. For a few blissful seconds she did not know where she was- but then, it hit her.

She was in the underworld.

The mission had failed.

Wyatt had come…Wyatt had won.

“Ah, finally awake I see.” Wyatt’s cool voice drawled from behind her.

Katie abruptly tried to stand up, only to realize that her legs had been chained down to the floor. There would be no escape.

She was trapped.

“It was noble- what you did for my brother.” Wyatt continued, slowing walking towards her, a confidant swagger in his step. “You could have run, but you didn’t. You stayed. You care about him…”

Katie narrowed her eyes and turned her head to face the young man who had been the cause of so much grief. This was the first time that she had been able to take a good long look at him and she could see the strong resemblance he had to Leo…the thought still brought conflicting feelings into her mind. How could this monster possibly be related to the elder she had come to admire?

It must have taken a significant about of trauma to lead the young man so far astray…<br>
“Yes.” Katie replied, her voice confidant to match Wyatt’s. “I do care about him. Unlike you…”

Wyatt scowled and with a lazy flick of his hand sent her back a few inches into the cave wall. She hit with a painful crunch.

“It is not your place to decide where my interests lie, witch.” He said coolly, looking down at her with disgust. “I care for my brother more than anyone.”<br>
Forcing her self to ignore the pain, Katie gave a loud scoff. “Sure…you care about him so much that you have one of your lackey’s hit him with poison.”<br>
She knew that it was stupid to aggravate him, but she also knew that there was no chance that she would be saved…making Wyatt angry hardly made a difference now. She knew that she would die either way.

“I did what was necessary to bring Christopher to my side.” Wyatt snapped, his patience already wearing thin. “Soon he will see how foolish he has been. I simply needed him unconscious so that I could bring him to his room…I had no intention of letting him die. He is healed now, and resting comfortably.”<br>
“You’re the fool Wyatt!” the young witch shot back defiantly. “Chris isn’t like you…you can never have him on your side!”<br>
“Enough!” Wyatt roared, flinging her back into the wall several times.

She could tell from his violent reaction that she had hit a sore spot…he too had doubts about turning Chris…he too knew that it was nearly impossible.

The pain was so over whelming now that her body soon grew numb. Katie knew that she had broken several bones and she could feel the blood seeping through her shirt. After this, death would be a relief.

She didn’t want to live on in pain.

She didn’t want to live on in a world that Wyatt controlled.

She had tired all that she could to put an end to it, but last night it had become clear that no one could stop Wyatt now. It was too late. He was too powerful. She knew that this was the end for her…she would finally see her family again. She missed them so much…they would be united at last.

The only thing she regretted was leaving Chris and Leo behind to bear the burden alone. She could only hope that somehow, Chris was freed…that somehow, he and Bianca would find at least some happiness in this terrible new world.

“This is the end, witch.” Wyatt hissed and he swooped down and grabbed a hold of her bruised shoulder.

As soon as the young man touched her skin, she felt a familiar tug…she was having a premonition…the last she would ever have…<br>
She saw herself, tied roughly to a wooden steak. Tears ran down her face and crimson blood covered her ragged clothes. People crowded the streets below…watching…waiting.

She could see the fire slowly build at her feet…the heat over coming her…her screams echoing in the clear winter air.

The flames enveloped her body.

She burned…

When she opened her eyes again, she saw Wyatt’s smirking face just inches from her own.

Yes.

This was it.

This was how it ended.

“Come.” Wyatt said, his dead blue eyes starring straight into hers. “It’s time to burn the first witch of the new year…the humans will be very pleased to see you die.”<br>
And with that, he orbed them away…<br>
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"What does it feel like, mommy?” Little Bianca asked worriedly, looking up into her mothers blue eyes.

The woman sighed and took her daughters hand in her own. The girl was only ten, but the coven had decided that it was time…<br>
Time for Bianca to receive her fist mission…time for her to kill…<br>
“Nothing.” She replied quietly, looking down at the ground. “You don’t feel a thing…”

The vision faded and Bianca snapped back to the cave….back to her dismal prison.

“She lied…didn’t she?” Barbas said with a smirk as he slowly circled her chair. “She didn’t want you to know the truth…maybe…she didn’t care about you enough to tell you.”<br>
The young woman turned her head towards the floor. It had been so long since she had been taken down there. She hardly responded anymore…she was tired…worn…<br>
The hope she had once had was almost entirely lost.

“You do feel something, don’t you Bianca? When you kill…” The sound of the demons steps echoed off the walls, pounding in her head.

She was weak; she could feel the baby fading inside of her. If she wasn’t rescued soon, then he wouldn’t survive…and neither would she.

Shouldn’t Chris have come by now?

“You feel good.” Barbas continued, leaning down towards her ear. “You feel good when you kill, don’t you? It’s in your nature…”

She tried to block out his words, but she couldn’t.

He was right; her mother had lied to her that day…<br>
“Not good.” She croaked her throat dry from lack of water. “I’m not a killer.”<br>
Barbas gave several slow nods, and continued to circle her like a vulture circling his prey. “Oh Bianca…” he said with mock exasperation. “You’re ever so stubborn. Most witches would have cracked by now…but not you. I’m not worried though…your time will come…” He paused. “You can’t deny that deep down, you’ve always liked the feel of warm blood as it runs down your arm…it’s satisfying, isn’t it? You like it when your victim draws his last breath…you can’t deny it…”

She said nothing.

“See…” the demon whispered. “You know that I’m right. I’m always right…”

“Barbas.” A third voice said suddenly, breaking the demon away from his work. “You are dismissed for the remainder of the morning…I wish to have a few words with her.”<br>
Wyatt entered the cave and gestured for the demon to leave.

Barbas left, a slight frown on his face. He had been on a roll, and Wyatt had broken it…but it was not his place to question the new leader of the underworld.

“Happy New Year, Bianca.” Wyatt said with a fake smile as he stepped in front of the young woman. “I hope that you’re having as wonderful a day as I am…I’ve already killed one witch. The screams were so satisfying…”

As he spoke, Bianca could tell that what she had been dreading had indeed come true. Wyatt had managed to stop Chris’ attack…there truly was no more hope.

She had suspected it last night…she had heard it last night…but she hadn’t let herself believe it….not until now.

Regularly, she would have allowed herself to shed tears in a situation like this, but she was too weak even for that.

“I just thought I should let you know that I have captured my brother.” Wyatt continued, his cold eyes dancing with twisted joy. “With your help, he will soon be at my side.”<br>
Bianca felt sick.

“I won’t help you.” She whispered, not bothering to look up. But there was no conviction behind her words. Was there any point resisting anymore? I seemed like Wyatt had already won…<br>
Wyatt merely shrugged. “Oh, You will.” He said confidently. “You’re getting weaker everyday.”<br>
With a wave of his hand, Wyatt summoned a pitcher of crystal clear water and placed it on the cave floor several feet away from her.

“Looks good doesn’t it?” he asked, raising a light eyebrow. “You can have it, Bianca. And all the food you can eat.” He paused and took a few steps towards her. “I may even let my little nephew live…if you agree to join my side.”<br>
It was tempting…she was hungry, thirsty, exhausted…she wanted her freedom back…but, joining Wyatt was too high of a price to pay. She knew that she couldn’t trust him…he would never spare the child…she knew that.

She had to keep fighting. For Chris…<br>
Even if she died, at least she could go out knowing that she had not betrayed the man she loved.

“Think about it.” Wyatt added with another shrug as he turned to leave the room. “I have other matters to attend to…I’ll be back later…”

And with that, he walked out of the room, leaving Bianca in the silent cave with nothing but her own dark thoughts…<br>
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[leigh19]

Chris stared ahead into the darkness, feeling disoriented and afraid. He had woken up here a few minutes ago…but he had no idea where ‘here’ was. It was safe to assume that he was still in the underworld- Wyatt would want to keep him near.

He was on a surprisingly comfortable surface at the moment- if he didn’t know better then he would have thought that it was a bed. His body was still weakened from the poison that had hit him yesterday, but he could tell that he had been healed soon after his collapse. Wyatt never had any intention to let him die- no, that would be too easy- in a way, that was what Chris had wanted. Wyatt just wanted him imprisoned…so that he could spend endless hours torturing him until agreed to turn.

But Chris would never agree to that. He wasn’t like Wyatt…he could never be evil.

A million thoughts raced through his mind as he continued to look into the darkness.

What had happened to Katie?

Had the other’s escaped?

Was Bianca still all right?

He could answer none of these questions. He was trapped. Alone. He had no way of finding out if those he cared about were okay.

Groaning in frustration, he forced himself to roll over and he waved his hand through the darkness, hoping to find something that would help him escape or at least tell him where he was. He had already tried his powers but they were of no use.

His hand hit a metal object and as he felt it he realized that it was a lamp. Suddenly excited, he searched for the switch. Being able to see was defiantly a good start.

He flicked it on, and, after adjusting to the sudden brightness his eyes widened in confusion.

The room was familiar.

Very familiar.

It was his room…the room he had had for years at the manor…or, at least, a copy of it.

This must have been one of Wyatt’s twisted jokes. He knew that this wasn’t his actual room; it may have appeared the same, but the feeling of it was much different.

It was an illusion.

Why was Wyatt doing this? It didn’t make sense. He had been expecting torture, not this. Was his brother trying to bring about certain feelings…certain memories?

Everything was there.

Every detail had been copied.

A family portrait hung on the left wall next to photographs of old friends. His bed, his books, his old toys…all just as he remembered them.

Everything was in its exact place…<br>
And the only thing missing, was the door.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A/N. Phew. That was a hard one. But I’m so proud of myself; I updated both of my stories in one day! In case it wasn’t too clear (and so you don’t ask) Yes, Wyatt has killed Katie. I’m not actually describing it; the premonition was my round about way of showing it. The next couple chapters are going to be pretty Chris- Bianca centered and rather intense if I do them correctly. A few of the things I have mentioned earlier are going to become very important…Chapter 22 is particularly important. I warn you that my updates may be even slower, I have to do a few essay’s I’ve been putting off and I want to make sure that the next chapters are good…please don’t hate me!

Canadian Halliwell- So glad that you still like it- thanks for the review!

[leigh19]

Note: I'm really really stupid and I just noticed that I left out chapter 28 when I posted the story. I have gone back and added it now, and I suggest going back to read it. Sorry about that.

[leigh19]

CHAPTER 31 (updated feb 15th)

Victor placed the newspaper down on the kitchen table with a shaking hand.

He had grown slightly worried when he had found neither Chris or Bianca in their apartment the previous morning…but he had not suspected this.

He hadn’t considered the possibility that things could go so terribly wrong.

Witch Burned- “Sign of Hope For the New Year” Says Lord Wyatt

The headline of the Bay Mirror read in thick black letters.

The words were bad enough…but it was the picture that had caused the lump to build in his throat.

It was Katie.

The young witch his Grandson had befriended was tied to a wooden steak…her eyes full of fear as the flames brushed against her body.

She was the witch that Wyatt had killed.

She had been a wonderful young woman.

She certainly did not deserve such a grisly fate…<br>
Victor didn’t understand how anyone could stand by and watch such brutality. Everyone had been so diluted by Wyatt that they had lost all sense of right and wrong. They watched as witches were burned- and all they felt was relief. They had no idea that it was witches who had protected them from evil for so many years…witches, like his daughters, that had kept them all safe.

They watched as their last hope for the future crumbled before their very eyes.

Hope…<br>
That was something that had died inside him as he had read the paper that morning. Katie’s death- although tragic in itself- signified something even worse. If Katie had been captured by Wyatt, then the mission had failed…<br>
Wyatt had won.

And Chris and Bianca were both gone…<br>
Not dead, perhaps…but there was little chance he would ever see them again.

…and the baby…the ray of hope that had once kept him so optimistic…<br>
Wyatt would never let such a powerful child live.

The witches had not been rescued.

Chances were even more had been captured.

The future was lost…<br>
Victor slowly opened one of the orange pill bottles his doctor had prescribed him and placed two in his aged hand. He hesitated for a second before swallowing them both down with a gulp of water.

‘Maybe it would be better not to take the pills…’ his mind pondered. ‘Maybe then, it would all end sooner.’<br>
He wasn’t sure if he wanted to live anymore…<br>
It would be easier just to let himself go…<br>
Things couldn’t get better now…<br>
They could only get worse.

The people he cared for most were gone. Wyatt was gaining more support everyday. Witches everywhere were being slaughtered. There was nothing left to hold on for. There was no hope…<br>
Yes.

Death would be a welcomed escape.

A relief…<br>
Closing the bottle of pills and pushing it to the side, Victor Bennet did something that he hadn’t done in a very long time…<br>
He buried his face in his hands, and cried.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Wyatt sat in his chambers waiting for Robert- the young witch that had informed him of his brother’s mission- to arrive.

He had been sitting there for a long time, consumed with his many thoughts.

He had almost lost the other day… but he had barley made it in time. It had been close…too close for his liking. In the future he would ensure that he was more prepared. The next rebellion his idiot father decided to lead would be crushed before any witch could even set foot in the underworld.

“My Lord.” Robert said with a slight bow as he entered the chamber.

Wyatt looked up abruptly and noted with displeasure that there was a smug look on the young witch’s pale face…it was obvious that he thought he was being summoned to receive some sort of reward…<br>
He was a fool.

With a dramatic sigh, Wyatt stood up and slowly made his way across the room. His blue eyes scanned the Robert, their cool appearance causing the young man to grow somewhat nervous.

“Thank you for coming so quickly.” Wyatt said, his gaze intensely focused. “We have important matters to discuss…”

He paused for effect.

“Ye...yes, my Lord.” Robert stuttered, becoming increasingly uncomfortable as the seconds passed by.

Wyatt smiled slightly. It gave him such joy to see others intimidated by his presence. It was a true testament to his power.

“I would like to give you what you deserve for telling me of my father’s plans.” Wyatt continued. “What do you think youdeserve, Robert?”<br>
Drawing a deep breath, Robert put the smug look back on his face. “I don’t know.” He began thoughtfully. “An important place among your followers, perhaps.”<br>
He looked relieved now…<br>
…but it was a relief that was premature.

After a brief second of silence, Wyatt burst out into laughter.

A fool indeed.

“I don’t think that that would be a wise decision on my part.” He said, placing a hand on Robert’s shoulder and looking him directly in the eye. “You see, I only allow those I deem trustworthy into my legion…you are not trustworthy.”<br>
Robert paled and his eyes grew wide…this was not the response he had been expecting…<br>
“You’re a traitor, Robert.” Wyatt continued, tightening his hold on the witches shoulder. “You betrayed my father and brother by coming to me. You went behind their backs…you made a deal with the enemy…you are nothing but a coward.”<br>
He paused for a moment to enjoy the look of terror on the young man’s face. He knew what was coming next…<br>
“I have now use for a traitor and a coward.” He stated, his voice taking on an even darker tone. “I am truly sorry.”<br>
And, without a moment’s hesitation, Wyatt flung an energy ball into the witch’s stomach.

Robert cried out in pain and surprise before crumpling to the dirty floor of the cavern.

Dead.

“That, is what you deserve.” Wyatt muttered, feeling no remorse for his act of violence as he looked down at the charred body.

He never had pity for those he killed…<br>
And Robert really did deserve it- not only had he proven himself to be a traitor, but Wyatt remembered all of the pain this boy had caused his brother during their years at magic school.

Robert had always been smug…<br>
An annoying little brat…<br>
And a pathetic excuse for a person.

Wyatt took great pleasure in this revenge. Chris would thank him for doing it…he was proving to his brother that he did care.

Smirking, Wyatt bent down and ripped off the gold chain the young man had been wearing around his neck.

“Perfect” he said as he admired the object. “This will work.” And with that, he orbed out of the room in a flurry of lights.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chris landed painfully back on the bed and clutched his head in pain.

He had tried orbing out of the room once again only to be forced right back down. He knew that it was foolish to continue his attempts, but he had nothing else to try.

He was trapped in a strange room…an eerie illusion that brought back images of years past…<br>
He needed to get out.

Chris still didn’t know why Wyatt was doing this. He didn’t know what his brother was hoping to achieve. Why was he here? Why wasn’t he chained up in a dirty cavern somewhere with only the darkness for company? He had been under the impression that that was how Wyatt liked to keep his prisoners.

He glanced around the room once again and could not suppress the small smile that formed as his eye caught sight of a small wooden horse on the desk.

His father had given him that…<br>
When he was five. It was the only Christmas present he had ever received from Leo, and despite all of the contempt he had built up for the man over the years, he had always kept it. It had reminded that sometimes, his father did care…and that maybe…one day…his father would love him.

Chris realized now how wrongly he had judged Leo. The past few months he had gotten to know his father more then he had in the previous twenty years combined, and he had discovered that he wasn’t such a bad guy after all…<br>
He had loved him.

He did love him…<br>
The thought filled him with such satisfaction, even in this desperate time. Chris wondered what his father was doing now. He had been trapped for awhile and he knew that Leo was probably getting frantic. Maybe he was organizing some sort of rescue…<br>
He wished that he could send him some sort of message, just to let him know that he was okay…that he was alive.

It must be horrible for Leo…not knowing…<br>
Chris knew the feeling all to well. He didn’t know if Bianca- the woman he loved- was okay. It was hard to sense for her now…he had tried, as he lay in bed, to pick up some sort of definite signal…but his weakness combined with the magical barrier Wyatt had placed on the room made that a difficult task.

All he could do was hope.

Hope that she and the baby were still alive…<br>
Hope that somehow, everything would be okay.

Sighing with frustration, Chris slowly moved off the bed. He had not ventured from it since he had woken up here- fearful of what might happen if he did. But he had waited long enough…maybe he could find something that would help him escape…if he could get out, and get to Bianca, things would be okay.

They may have lost the first battle against Wyatt…but Chris wasn’t ready to give up yet.

He could go back to magic school and he, Leo, and Katie could organize the witches again.

Katie…<br>
After being hit by the poison the world had gone fuzzy…he wasn’t sure if she had made it out. She should have left with the others…she shouldn’t have stayed behind…<br>
She was far too stubborn for her own good sometimes.

She had to be safe…somehow…he wouldn’t let himself believe other wise.

She would have had enough sense to run once he was down…<br>
Sighing again, Chris examined the left wall for any sings of an opening. That was where the door was supposed to be…<br>
But he found nothing. It was a completely smooth surface…no cracks, no door, nothing…<br>

[leigh19]

“I don’t know what you’re doing, Wyatt!” he shouted up at the ceiling, hoping that his brother would hear. “But you had better let me out of here! I mean it! You’ll be sorry…” he trailed off. There was no conviction in his words. They were empty threats. He was no match for Wyatt.

If Wyatt wanted him kept here forever, then here was where he would stay.

Powerless.

Alone.

Chris tried to fight back the lump forming in his throat and he turned slowly towards the desk. He could remember doing his homework there for hours as a kid. He had never really liked school…but he had been determined to succeed. He had always wanted to prove himself. Prove that he was worth something.

He reached out towards the wooden horse he had noticed a few minutes ago. It was old and worn…he had loved to play with it as a child. It had come from his father and, if he wasn’t mistaken, it had once belonged to his father too…a long, long time ago. Tenderly, Chris placed his hand on the smoothly carved back; enjoying the familiar feeling of the beaten wood beneath his fingers…he could remember it so well…<br>
Suddenly, he felt a strong tug in his stomach.

The room blurred before him. Everything became dark before, just as suddenly, everything solidified again…only now, he was in the manor’s living room…<br>
The lights on the Christmas tree sparkled in the dimming room. Torn wrapping paper covered the floor beneath it and a little boy sat playing with a brand new truck.

Blue orbs formed slowly next to the tree, causing the child to look up.

The child was Chris…<br>
“Daddy, Daddy!” the five year old shouted as the form solidified into Leo. He tore across the room and jumped into his fathers arms. “You came!”<br>
Leo smiled.

“There’s my little guy.” He said, hugging him tight and placing a kiss atop his dark hair. “Merry Christmas! Have you been a good boy for mommy?”<br>
The child nodded enthusiastically. “Yep! Wyatt and I helped mommy cook today. We made a cake for dinner. A chocolate one!”<br>
“That’s great.” Leo replied, placing Chris back down on the ground. “Have you and Wyatt been getting along?”<br>
Chris smiled. “Yep. Wyatt’s the bestest big brother ever!”<br>
“Good.” Leo chuckled slightly before leaning down to look directly at his son. “I brought you something special.” He said, grinning.

The boy’s green eyes grew wide with excitement.

“It was mine, when I was your age.” Leo continued, handing a gold package to his son.

Chris instantly tore back the paper and smiled as he saw the little wooden horse inside. It may not have been fancy, or do any cool tricks, but it was better than all of his other toys…<br>
His daddy had given it to him.

“Thank you.” Chris said, still smiling as he gave Leo another hug. “I love it.”<br>
For that one moment, he was happy…<br>
The scene faded and Chris found himself suddenly back in the room. His head was spinning and his heart was beating rapidly in his chest. He had just relived one of his distant memories…he had been there…it had felt so real…<br>
He quickly took his hand off the horse and looked down at it, wide eyed. He had almost forgotten that day…but it had all come back…<br>
It was almost like a premonition…he had never had one himself, but he had seen his Aunt Phoebe go all strange after touching certain objects.

But he didn’t have that power…<br>
The vision must have had something to do with the objects in this room.

Maybe this was part of Wyatt’s plan.

Maybe this was why he was trapped here with all of his old things…<br>
“Was that fun, Chris?” a cool voice asked from behind him.

Chris knew instantly who it was and he quickly turned around. Sure enough, Wyatt stood a few feet away, a satisfied smirk across his face.

“You bastard!” he exclaimed, the fury instantly growing inside of him.

Wyatt was the reason that every thing was so horrible…<br>
Wyatt was the reason that his life lay in ruins…<br>
Wyatt was the reason he was trapped…<br>
He wanted nothing more than to pound him into the wall until there was nothing left to pound...he wanted him to pay for what he had done.

“Where’s Bianca? What have you done to her?” he demanded angrily.

Wyatt shrugged. “Nothing …yet. She is very much alive. So is your child.” He paused, obviously not wanting to pursue the topic. “Have you been enjoying your room?” he asked.

“What the hell are you trying to do?” Chris spat back, looking at his older brother with contempt. He knew that he was up to something.

“I’m not doing anything, Chris.” Wyatt replied nonchalantly as he glanced around the room. “I am merely reminding you of what you have forgotten….the good….and the bad. One day soon, brother, you will remember why we should work as one. Why you need me…”

Chris scoffed and folded his arms across his chest. “I don’t need you Wyatt. I never have. Get over yourself.”<br>
The older brother arched an eyebrow. “Don’t you, Chris?” he questioned, obviously sure that he was right. “You’ve always been weaker…I’ve always protected you…stood up for you…”

There was a long pause before Wyatt continued. “Like I said…you’ve just forgotten…”

Taking a few brusque steps forward, Wyatt pulled a gold chain out of his pocket and tossed it at his brother. Acting on instinct, Chris grabbed the item before it fell to the ground…<br>
The room faded once again…he was pulled into another vision…another memory…<br>
A group of noisy first grade boys ran down an empty hall way of the magic school.

“Tag, you’re it!” One cried as he tagged seven year old Chris on the shoulder.

Chris groaned before tearing off down the hallway after the rest. He was always the first to get tagged…he hated being ‘it’.

“Na na, you can’t get me!” The tallest of the boys mocked as he used his power to levitate above the others.

Chris glared- he didn’t like Robert much- he never had. The boy was so cocky, thinking that he had the best power in the class.

Robert stuck out his tongue at Chris as he looked down from his position six feet up in the air.

Chris had had enough…he would show the boy whose powers were the best…

Concentrating on his target, he did something that, amazingly, he had never done at school before…

He orbed.

He orbed right to Robert and then orbed them both back down to the ground.

‘Tag, you’re it!’ he declared happily as they materialized.

But the others stopped paying attention to the game. They were looking at him, starring… he was confused. Had he done something wrong?

“I thought you were a witch.” One of the boys stated, his expression shocked.

It suddenly made sense.

Witches didn’t orb…<br>
“That’s so gross!” Robert said with disgust. “You’re dead!”<br>
“I’m not dead!” Chris defended. “And I am a witch. My mom’s a witch.”<br>
The boys simply continued to stare…<br>
He knew just then that he was different.

He always would be.

Robert refused to leave him alone…‘Only dead people can orb.’ The boy insisted, taking pleasure out of Chris’ discomfort.

‘My…my dad is an elder.’ Chris had replied, trying to sound proud of that fact even though he felt a sudden resentment towards Leo- he was the reason that Chris wasn’t like the other kids.

‘Fine, then you’re half dead.’ Robert drawled.

Chris looked back at the other boy, his green eyes beginning to well with tears…<br>
Bam.

Chris snapped back to reality, his heart beating rapidly.

That was a day he had tried hard to forget…<br>
It had been the end of his carefree childhood.

From then on, he had been ostracized by his class mates.

From then on, he had been an out cast.

And the only person who had defended him- the only person left to turn to- was Wyatt…<br>
“What did you see, Chris?” Wyatt asked, looking at his brother intently. “Do you remember what that boy did to you? How Robert made your life horrible…”

Shaking slightly, Chris steadied himself on the bed. “The day…” he whispered to himself, looking down at the floor. “I orbed at school…”

Looking back, it seemed almost unbelievable that he had never done it in front of the other kids before…it had been his first power…it had always been so easy…instinctual…<br>
But he had never done it at school.

Not until that day.

He could remember the day so well, and he wished desperately that he could take it back…do it over again.

[leigh19]

Wyatt nodded. “And I was there for you, wasn’t I?” he said quietly. “I was always there for you Chris…and I always will be.”<br>
Chris hesitated before answering.

“No.” he replied, looking up at Wyatt with a cool expression. “You were different then…you’re not the brother I used to know anymore. You may have been there to ease the pain when we were little, but now, you’re the cause of everything that’s wrong in my life. I hate you.”<br>
An expression that looked almost hurt crossed Wyatt’s face. “You don’t mean that.” He said, his voice low.

Chris glared.

He did mean it.

He had never hated another person more than he hated Wyatt right now.

Glancing down at the gold chain that he still held in his hand, he felt a new wave of fear over come him. “How did you get this?” he asked, his eyes locked on Wyatt.

Wyatt smirked. “I think that’s fairly obvious Chris.” He replied, taking another step towards the younger Halliwell. “I needed something from Robert to bring up those particular memories in you…anything you touch while in this room will bring what you need to remember back to you…”

“How did you get it?” Chris asked again, dreading the answer.

There was a long pause.

“I took it.” Wyatt stated, looking pleased with himself. “I killed Robert…and I took it…”

Chris’ heart sunk as Wyatt confirmed his suspicion.

“I did it for you, brother.” Wyatt continued. “He deserved it after all he did to you…after he betrayed you…”

“This is exactly what I mean, Wyatt!” Chris exclaimed, hot tears burning his eyes. “You can’t just go around killing people…the Wyatt I knew wouldn’t do this. He was good, you are evil…”

Wyatt looked taken aback and- if possible- slightly upset. “But, I did it for you. I thought you would want…”

“I don’t want anyone dead!” Chris exclaimed, enraged. “No one deserves that!”<br>
“He did.”<br>
“No.” Chris shot back. “He didn’t. No matter what he did to me, he did not deserve that fate. That’s the difference between us Wyatt…you don’t feel anymore, you care for no one…”

“I care for you!”<br>
Wyatt’s words echoed off the walls of the small room and the two brothers locked eyes.

Wyatt wanted his brother to believe him…it was the truth…he still cared. That was why he was trying so hard to get Chris at his side.

They were brothers.

Bound by blood.

Their bond was deeper than any other.

“You don’t care about me Wyatt.” Chris said, his voice considerably weaker now. He was tired of arguing…tired of fighting a loosing battle. “If you cared about me then you wouldn’t have taken my girlfriend away from me. You wouldn’t have trapped me here.” He paused. “You may think you care about me. But deep down, the only person you really care about is yourself.”<br>
Wyatt said nothing for almost a minute. He simply stared at his brother…thinking…<br>
“I do care.” He said suddenly, his voice barely above a whisper. “I always have…”

He hesitated…wanting to say more…wanting to make him see…<br>
But that would take time…<br>
He just needed to be patient…let Chris come to the realization in his own time.

There was nothing he could say to convince him now.

Sighing, Wyatt gave his brother one final glance before orbing out of the room.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[leigh19]

CHAPTER 32 (Updated feb 15th)

Wyatt sat alone in his chambers, still thinking about his most recent conversation with his little brother. He had not expected Chris to embrace him with open arms…but he had still be rather taken aback by the excessively cool reception he had received.

The boy was more stubborn than he thought. More like their idiot of a father.

He had spent far too much time around the whitelighters and he had been brainwashed into believing all of those stupid ideas about ‘good’ ‘evil’ and ‘morality’.

It made no sense to Wyatt…how could Chris still feel remorse for the death of a boy who had tortured him for years. Robert had made Chris’ life hell…so that was where Wyatt had sent him. He had been expecting some thanks for that. He had done Chris a favour after all…and yet, his brother had continued to react with anger.

He had said that he hated him…<br>
Wyatt still refused to believe that that was true.

Chris had just been trying to appear strong…to demonstrate his annoyance. Wyatt still cared for Chris, and he knew that his brother felt the same…even if he didn’t realize it at the moment.

He would.

Soon.

Even sooner if he managed to convince Bianca to join his side. The girl was his brother’s greatest weakness. He had known that for months. Even if the memories and the ‘brotherly chats’ didn’t manage to sway Chris, she would.

With a sigh, Wyatt orbed from the chamber, eager to move his plan ahead as quickly as possible…<br>
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“Leo? Sir? Are you okay?” A voice asked from the other side of the wooden door.

It was yet another witch, coming to check on the devastated elder.

“Yes.” He replied gruffly, his voice suggesting that he did not want to be asked again.

He hadn’t left his room in two days…he could understand why the witches were worried…but he didn’t care anymore. He wanted to be left alone, to wallow in his self pity until he finally faded away…<br>
Chris was gone…<br>
Katie was dead…<br>
He was a failure. He was a failure as a father…a failure as a leader…and a failure as an elder. He had let everyone down. The hopes of all those who had looked to him for guidance had been shattered along with his own in only an instant.

Nothing mattered now. Everything that had once given meaning to his life had been taken away.

Taken away by Wyatt…<br>
His son.

The thought still brought forth a wave of nausea within him. He had known of Wyatt’s turning for quite some time now- he had seen first hand what horrible acts his oldest child had committed- and yet, a part of him still did not want to accept it. Wyatt had been born the most powerful being of good the world had ever seen…how could he have turned so far down the wrong path?

How could he have turned to evil?

It was pointless to ponder this question…he knew that…<br>
He would never find the simple explanation he so desired. A person did not turn as a result of one specific event. It took a life time of pain, confusion and devastation to lead them astray.

The death of his mother…the childhood full of demons…<br>
A father that was never there…<br>
A father that had never shown how much he cared…<br>
Maybe these things could begin to explain why Wyatt had lost all sense of right and wrong. Maybe, it was Leo that was primarily to blame…<br>
Maybe if he had spent time with his son, then none of this would have happened.

But it was no good to deliberate the ‘maybes’.

The past was gone…there was nothing that he, or anyone else could do to change it now.

All he could do accept his horrible fate. Accept that Wyatt was evil…accept that Chris was gone…<br>
He didn’t want to accept it.

Not yet.

Leo stared down at the picture frame; the only decorative object that remained in his dreary room. Things had been so much simpler when this photo had been taken. His beautiful wife, his innocent children…they stared back at him with hope etched in their faces. If only they had known what a horrible fate awaited them all…<br>
They wouldn't have been smiling…<br>
He lifted a shaking finger and ran slowly it down the side of the picture.

“I love you.” He whispered, looking at the perfect family he had lost. “I love you all.”<br>
But the words were useless now and they fell to deaf ears.

He should have been there when it mattered…he should have been with his family…<br>
Maybe then, his words would have made a difference.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[leigh19]

The room was dark.

A single candle to her left was the only source of light, and the weak flame provided only minimal illumination.

But Bianca didn’t need the light to find her victim.

All she needed, were her instincts.

They had been trained for situations such as these…<br>
The cool metal of the dagger gave her a reassuring sense of familiarity as she slowly circled the room.

She could sense her prey now…the person was coming closer by the second.

Soon, she would plunge her dagger directly into their heart and complete her mission. It would be another job well done. Her coven would be proud of her…her mother would be proud of her…and she would be proud of herself.

She couldn’t deny it…nothing was more exhilarating then a successful kill. She could see it now…<br>
The warm blood of her victim pooling slowly on the thick carpet…<br>
The final sparks of life fading from his eyes…<br>
Just the thought of it brought a smile to her lips.

What her mother had told her as a child had been wrong…she did feel something when she killed…<br>
She felt joy.

Pride.

Satisfaction…<br>
This was what she had been born to do.

A slight movement caught her eye, putting her suddenly on high alert. She was close now- very close. Her movements were fluid, her steps were silent. She was like a deadly cat…stalking its prey…ready to pounce…<br>
She could hear the heart beat of her victim now. He was afraid…he knew that she was here…<br>
It was time.

In the blink of an eye she drew back her dagger and drove it into his chest.

Into his beating heart…<br>
He cried out in agony, but she did not relent. She forced him to the floor and stabbed again. And again. She could feel a warm splash of blood trickle down her arm. She could hear his breathing grow ragged and slow.

He was dying…he was in excruciating pain…<br>
She had done her job well.

Standing up, Bianca roughly flung his weak body into the small glow of the candle…<br>
She had always liked to see the expressions of terror she caused…but this time, as she looked down at the dying man, she was the one who was filled with terror…<br>
Her victim…<br>
The one she had stabbed with such brutality…<br>
Was Chris.

Overwhelming grief welled up inside of her as she flung her self down at his side. Even in the dim light she was stuck by his handsome features…his perfection.

He had been the only man she had ever loved…<br>
Bianca gave a cry of agony as she stared down at his blood soaked form.

She had given into her instincts- her desires- and she had paid dearly. He was dying…and she was the cause…<br>
She had done this.

She was to blame.

“Why?” Chris gasped, the life quickly fading from his voice. His eyes were clouded over in confusion and pain “Why, Bianca? All I did was love you…”

She reached down with a shaking hand and touched the side of his face…he was dying…her angel was dying…<br>
It was all her fault.

“I’m so sorry.” She sobbed, the tears streaming down her cheeks as she watched his green eyes close for the last time. “I’m so sorry Chris…”

But she could not be forgiven.

Not by him.

Not by her self.

Not by anyone.

She was a monster. A cold blooded killer…

Chris had been right…all he had ever done was love her…despite all that she was…and in the end, it had brought only death.

They had been fools to ever believe that they could ignore their natures…ignore their true selves.

An angel and a demon were not meant to be.

Good and evil were not meant to be.

A love like that, could only end in tragedy…<br>
Her body still shook as the images faded and she was slowly brought back into her prison. It had been so real…so vivid…<br>
She looked down at her hands, expecting to see his blood still covering them…<br>
Her heart beat calmed slightly as she realized that they were clean…that it had not actually happened. But she still felt the fear strong inside of her.

She knew that she was a killer. She knew that that was the reason she had been brought into the world.

She had spent so long trying to convince herself that she was the only one that could determine her own destiny…that no one was born with a predetermined fate…<br>
But she had been a fool.

“That.” Barbas’ voice whispered suddenly in her ear. “Is your greatest fear. Isn’t it Bianca?”<br>
He paused and let his hot breath flow down her neck.

“You fear that one day, you will loose control…let your true nature out…”

She shivered involuntarily.

“And that maybe, Chris, will be the one to receive your wrath.” The demon slowly moved forward so that his cool grey eyes could look directly into her brown. “You can’t keep your desires locked in forever, Bianca. One day, you will let them out…and if your little whitelighter happens to be unlucky victim, that would be quite sad indeed…wouldn’t it?”<br>
His words filled her with a fresh wave of horror. He was right; she couldn’t control herself forever…she couldn’t deny her nature…<br>
“It doesn’t have to be that way, Bianca.” Another voice said suddenly from behind her.

Her heart rate quickened.

Wyatt had arrived…<br>
She had known that he would be coming back soon…to tempt her again…<br>
She didn’t know if she had the strength to resist him anymore…<br>

[leigh19]

“You don’t have to live with that fear…” he continued as he slowly stepped into view and signalled for the demon to leave them alone. “I have a way that you could avoid all of that pain.”<br>
The two locked eyes and the sound of Barbas’ fading footsteps were all that could be heard for several long seconds.

She wanted to know…she had to know…<br>
“How?” Bianca croaked, speaking aloud for the first time in a long while.

With a wide grin, Wyatt took a few steps towards the worn young woman and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. He could sense his victory. He had managed to break her…<br>
“It’s simple.” He replied, his eyes not leaving hers. “It’s what I’ve been saying all along. Join me…and all of your problems will be solved.”<br>
Bianca looked down at the cave floor- the thought of giving up filled her with such pain, but she was beginning to believe that there was no other way. Maybe Wyatt was right. Maybe this would be for the best.

It was her only chance to save the baby…<br>
To save her own life…<br>
“Join me, Bianca.” Wyatt began again. “And I will make sure that you receive all that you yearn for. You can go on missions for me. Missions that will fill your darkest desires…and avoid your darkest fears…” he paused. “You know that you still long to kill, Bianca. This is the only way that you can put your skills to good use and ensure that you do not harm those you love…ensure that you do not harm Chris…”

He trailed off and allowed her several quiet seconds to think over what he had said.

She had just seen her greatest fear…she had just felt pain like no other…and she knew that she would do anything to avoid it…<br>
Bianca drew a shaky breath. “Do I get to be with Chris?” she asked. “Will you let us stay together…with the child?”<br>
“Of course.” He replied, a smile across his lips. “I want my brother to be happy, and you make him happy. I would never keep you apart. But, you will have to help me convince him that joining me really is for the best. I know that you see it now…see that this is the only way. We will need to help him see it too.”<br>
She hesitated slightly before nodding. “I…I can try.” She replied, her voice barely a whisper. “But I don’t know if he ever will.”<br>
“He must.” Wyatt said, finally lifting his hand off of Bianca’s shoulder and taking a few quick steps across the room. He paused, as if in thought, before continuing. “I know that you will convince him Bianca…you have to make him see that this is the only way you can be together. He wants that…more than anything…I know he does…”

“Does he really?” she asked, a lump slowly beginning to form in her throat.

After all that she had seen over the course of her imprisonment, she now found it hard to believe that Chris could love her. How could he? How could anyone?

She found satisfaction in death. She had been born with a destructive purpose…<br>
The self doubt that had always bubbled inside of her had been subdued since that night, many months ago, when he had orbed into her apartment. She had been sure that their love was not meant to be…but he had held her in his arms and convinced her that things would be okay…that they could over come any thing.

She had believed him…she had let herself get carried away with her dreams of the perfect life with the perfect man.

Fantasy had always been easier to believe than reality.

Reality hurt.

Reality was cruel.

Her imprisonment had proven that…<br>
And her doubts had returned, stronger than ever before.

She knew that even if her body recovered from this ordeal, she would never be able to go back to the way she had been. She could never let herself be carried away by her blissful fantasy ever again. She couldn’t go back to the imaginary self she had created.

Her only hope for any shred of happiness now was to accept Wyatt’s offer. She would have Chris…and she would be able satisfy her predetermined purpose.

Wyatt was right…this was the only way…<br>
“He wants you, Bianca, and you want him.” Wyatt said suddenly, breaking her away from her dark thoughts. “I’m willing to let you both have what you want. All you have to do is get him on my side…on our side. If you don’t, then he will leave you…he will realize that you are not as reformed as he once thought…he will be lured away by my father…he will abandon you…”

Bianca’s head spun with a thousand thoughts.

Wyatt was right. He had won…he would always win…<br>
She needed Chris.

She loved him.

This was her only way to get what she wanted most…<br>
“Take my hand.” Wyatt whispered, extending towards her. “Take my hand and all of your pain will end.”<br>
Her body shook and her mind filled with the one image that had kept her alive through all of this…Chris…<br>
She would do anything to be with him…<br>
Even this…<br>
She was weak.

Tired.

Sick.

Dying.

This was the way out…<br>
Summoning the last of her strength, Bianca slowly raised her arm and reached out for the hand in front of her. She moved towards it, full of both fear and hope. It felt so right, and so wrong at the same time. But she was too beaten to care anymore. Too beaten to pay attention to her doubts.

All she wanted now, was for this pain to end.

Her hand closed on his and she looked slowly up into his cool dead eyes. He smiled ever so slightly, and the entire world plunged into darkness…<br>
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A/N Sorry guys, but you knew it was gonna happen. Don’t judge her…I think most people would to that in that extreme situation. And don’t worry; she hasn’t necessarily turned for good. And sorry that Leo hasn't taken any action yet. I still think it's a bit early for that...

Sorry about the wait. Major writers block on this one. I started quite a few times before I managed to actually get going. Don’t expect an update for a while…I have A LOT of school work to catch up on…but I swear that after I write my three essays, I’ll get right back into this

REVIEW

[DrewFullerFan4Life]

*Falls off Chair*

WoW! I am amazed. This story is incredible. Of all the fan fiction on Chris this is by far the greatest I have ever EVER read! Keep up the great work.

[leigh19]

*CHAPTER 33*
(Updated 14 March 2005)

“It’s about time you woke up.”<br>
The sound of a cool voice jolted Bianca out of her groggy state and she realized suddenly that she was no longer chained up in the dark cave. The luxuriously soft feeling of silk sheets covered her body and, for the first time in many days, the gnawing hunger in her stomach was gone.

She felt warm, full and content…<br>
As she slowly opened her eyes she could see that she was now lying in a rather large four poster bad, which was draped with rich red fabrics and covered in an array of soft pillows. The only source of light was several bright candles, but they illuminated the room far more than she had become accustomed to during her imprisonment.

“Would you like something to eat?” the same voice asked again.

She wasn’t alone, she realized. There was some one else there…<br>
Wyatt.

She would know that voice anywhere.

Forcing herself into a sitting position, she blinked several times to focus her vision. She could see his form across the room, sitting on a large oak chair as he watched her intently. At first she was confused. She didn’t know where she was, and she certainly didn’t know why Wyatt would be watching her sleep. But then, it hit her.

Last night came rushing back all at once and she suddenly found it hard to keep her breathing steady.

She had given in.

Given up.

She had agreed to Wyatt’s terms…agreed to work for him…agreed to help turn Chris…<br>
Her brown eyes began to burn with tears and she hardly noticed that Wyatt was now walking over to her bed.

She felt sick…afraid…unsure…<br>
But most of all she felt guilt. She knew that there had been no choice- if she hadn’t done this, then she and her unborn child would probably be dead- but that didn’t change the fact that she had betrayed the man she loved…turned her back on everything they had hoped for.

“Here.” Wyatt said, giving his hand a slight wave and summoning a tray of decadent waffles in front of her. “Eat up- you’ve got to look after my little nephew.”<br>
Bianca could have sworn that she saw a slight smirk cross his face with that last remark, but the smell of the food invading her senses distracted her away from all else.

She was less hungry then she had been in the cave, but her stomach still growled for more. It had been so long since she had seen anything so good…greedily she grabbed the fork and began shovelling the food into her mouth, overwhelmed with the sudden relief it brought.

Wyatt gave a quiet laugh. “I cast a nourishment spell on you last night, but I guess the real thing is just better, huh?” he asked in amusement.

She took another large bite before nodding.

“I’m sorry you had to live in such a horrid state these past few days Bianca, truly I am.” He paused. “But I had no choice. I’m so glad that you finally saw the light. You can be with Chris soon, I promise.”<br>
The sound of his name distracted her away from her meal, and she allowed her fork to clatter down onto the metal tray as all of the feelings of guilt came rushing back.

“Chris…” she whispered, her voice still hoarse from her ordeal.

“Chris is fine.” Wyatt said firmly, his blue eyes locked on the girl as he slowly sat down at the edge of her bed. “And he’ll be better soon, once we both make him see the truth.”<br>
Bianca shivered slightly as he spoke- his voice was so hollow and cold, but as she looked up at him, she was suddenly struck by something in his eyes…<br>
There was something about them- they still contained a slight glimmer of something almost human. Despite everything he had done, all of the evil, she knew that there were still traces of compassion left.

And, she knew why…<br>
Chris.

That was the one word- one person- which meant so much to them both. It was amazing to think that this lanky, gentle, half whitelighter had managed to evoke love in two dark beings. She was a phoenix…Wyatt was the overlord of all evil…and yet thoughts of Chris had kept a grain of goodness alive in them both….

“You made the right choice, Bianca.” Wyatt continued. “This is the way things are supposed to be.”<br>
There was a slight pause.

“Is it?” she asked despite herself, her voice barely above a whisper. She still found it hard to believe that Chris’ destiny was to rule at his bothers side.

He was her angel, the paragon of all good…<br>
Wyatt reached out and tenderly placed his hand on top of hers. She flinched slightly, but did not pull away. “This is the only way.” He said, looking directly into her dark eyes. “You know that Bianca…you saw it. This is the only way you can embrace your true nature and keep Chris’ love. You could try to go back to the way things were, but that won’t last forever. You’ll break one day, Bianca, you may even hut him…”

The girl’s heart beat increased rapidly as she absorbed his words. She remembered last night….the vision she had seen…<br>
Chris dying slowly in her arms…his blood pooling at her feet…<br>
She knew she couldn’t let it come to that. She would do anything to prevent it…even this…<br>
“You know what I’m talking about.” Wyatt continued, as he watched the colour drain from her face. “You know this is the way for you to be together. If you go back, you’ll loose control, and he’ll leave you…”

Wyatt’s sentence trailed off and his eyes darkened slightly. “Chris has always believed that he is a whitelighter.” His tone suddenly lowered as he spoke. “If you don’t convince him to stay here with us, he will abandon you and your child…just as my father abandoned his family. That what whitelighters do, Bianca. They leave…they get carried away by thoughts of the ‘greater good’. You can’t let that happen…”

She felt a new rush of fear pass through her as she pondered the statement. He had a point…she wouldn’t be able to carry on if Chris were to orb out of her life forever. Their child needed a father…she needed him too…<br>
“Think about it.” Wyatt said as he got back to his feet. “I have other matters to attend to- but we can continue our conversation later.”<br>
Bianca drew a deep breath and nodded slowly.

Wyatt gave her a reassuring smile, and she saw a glimmer of humanity flash in his eyes once again. “I knew you’d see it my way.” He said glancing back at her thoughtfully. “You’re a smart woman, my brother has chosen well.”<br>
He gently took her hand in his and placed a soft kiss upon it.

“Until we meet again my dear Guinevere.” He said with a slight smirk, before finally orbing out of the room in a bright swirl of lights…<br>
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[leigh19]

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“Hey guys, can I help too?” an eight year old Chris asked the group of boys who were using the wooden blocks in the corner of the classroom to build a model city.

One of the boys who had been working on the biggest skyscrapers turned and gave him and apprehensive look. “I don’t know…” he muttered looking at the others for support.

“Definitely not.” Robert proclaimed arrogantly, giving Chris his trademark evil grin. “Dead people aren’t allowed to build cities.”<br>
Chris tried hard to fight back the tears welling in his green eyes as he stared back at the other boy. For two long years he had been the class outcast…the ‘freak’…just because his father- the father he hadn’t seen in months- happened to be a whitelighter.

No one ever wanted to let him play.

No one would sit with him during lunch or snack.

He was always alone.

He was ‘different’…and kids, especially kids like Robert, had a hard time accepting that.

“Yeah.” Another of the boys cut in, eager to support the ‘ringleader’ of the group. “Go creep someone else out dead-boy.”<br>
Chris cringed at the sound of the nickname Robert had created for him.

He hated it so much.

Almost everyone used it now, and it always managed to fill him with immense rage. To make matters worse, whenever he had lashed out he had always ended up being the one in trouble.

The teachers refused to believe that the others had started it. Even Aunt Paige didn’t listen most of the time.

“I’m. Not. Dead.” He replied through tightly clenched teeth. “I’m a witch.”

He knew it was useless to fight back…he had given up really trying years ago. No matter what he said they refused to listen. Making fun of him was their favourite game, and they weren’t about to let it end any time soon.

The other boys, now distracted from their project, were looking at him with amusement.

“Mrs. Peterson is outside.” He heard one of them mutter.

They all exchanged a slight nod.

Chris turned to walk away but before he could take more than to steps, one of the boys made a flicking gesture and the young Hallowell’s’ vision was suddenly clouded over with familiar electric blue.

The boy had blown him up…<br>
Scattered his orbs…<br>
He recollected himself as quickly as possible and tried to fight back the splitting pain in his head, but it was already too late. The whole class had seen what had happened- they were all starring in his direction…

He felt sick.

He wished he really was dead.

A roar of laughter filled the room as everyone began to giggle at the embarrassment of the ‘class freak’.

Robert clutched his stomach and tears of mirth pooled up in his eyes as he watched a pained look cross Chris’ face.

“We got you good.” The boy choked between bursts of laughter. “Why don’t you go tell the elders on us now, dead-boy?”<br>
This comment incited a fresh burst of laughter from the class and Chris could no longer hold back tears. His green eyes watering terribly, he turned and tore out of the room.

He never wanted to show his face in school again.

“Don’t forget to bring your halo!” Robert shouted as he burst out the door and into the blissful quiet of the hallway.

He could hear their laughter behind him, but as he continued to run it got further and further away. He didn’t stop running…he wouldn’t stop running…he wanted to escape…<br>
“Ooof”<br>
His sight was so obscured by his tears that he hadn’t seen another figure standing around the corner. He had run right into the person and knocked them both to the floor.

“Chris? What’s wrong?” a familiar voice asked before he had a chance to apologise.

He had run into Wyatt.

“Wy!” he cried, suddenly feeling relieved as he threw himself into his big brother’s arms. “I’m so glad it’s you.”<br>
Wyatt gave him a gentle hug and looked down in concern. “What’s wrong Chris? He asked again. “Why are you crying?”<br>
Chris hesitated before deciding to tell his brother everything.

“I just wanted to play too…but Robert and the others…they called me dead-boy again…and then…” he drew a deep breath and forced himself to continue. “And then one of them blew me up. And everyone laughed…I hate it here Wy, everyone hates me, they don’t understand…”

“I understand, Chris.” Wyatt cut in, still holding the boy comfortingly. “I know what it’s like to be different…we’re both different. And those kids are just jealous because we have more powers then them. I bet they wish that they were whitelighters too.”<br>
Chris looked up slowly and wiped a few of the tears from his eyes. “Really?” he asked, his voice full of apprehension.

“Really.” Wyatt replied with a slight smile. “We’re special- and it doesn’t matter what they say. You don’t need stupid friends like them. We have each other…that’s enough…I’ll always look out for you- I’m your big brother, that’s my job.”<br>
The younger Halliwell smiled. “Yeah…we don’t need them…we’ll stick together forever.”<br>
Wyatt nodded. “Forever…”

The vision stopped abruptly and Chris was snapped back to his room with a jolt.

He had just seen yet another bad memory he had tried to repress…he had seen many in these past few days…<br>
He had tried to resist the temptation to touch the objects in the enchanted room, but a combination of curiosity, frustration and boredom had gotten the better of him.

In a way, the visions- however bad- were better then facing his current reality.

He was still trapped.

He still didn’t know if Bianca was okay…<br>
The thought of her in pain brought a wave of sickness over him, and he forced himself to look over at the old family portrait on the wall as a distraction.

Everyone was smiling back at him happily…he missed them all so much.

“Wish you were here, Mom.” He whispered, his fingers hovering inches away from the photo.

But not even she could help him now. He was trapped, alone, unsure…and the only one who could release him was…<br>
“I miss her too you know.” A cool voice said from across the room, causing Chris to whip around abruptly. Wyatt had arrived and was watching him amusedly across the room.

“Yeah…then you should know how disappointed she is in what you have become!” Chris spat back, his green eyes blazing.

Wyatt raided a blonde brow apprehensively and decided to ignore the comment.

“How are you doing today, brother?” he asked, glancing over at the pile of tested objects Chris had begun to build across the room. “Enjoying your memories I see…”

The youngest Halliwell scowled. “Hardly. How much longer are you going to keep me here Wyatt?”<br>
“Until you’re ready.”<br>
“Oh, that really clears things up then.” Chris replied, rolling his eyes. “Ready to what? Join you? Turn evil? Kill innocents? That’s never going to happen Wyatt…I’ll never be ready for that. Just give up.”<br>
There was a brief pause as Wyatt contemplated his response. “That’s what Bianca said at first too.” He said, his voice low and cool. “But she saw the light…and so will you. In good time.”<br>
Chris’ heart sunk as he absorbed what his brother had said. Sure, there was always the possibility that he was lying…but something about his voice made him think otherwise.

He could sense the note of triumph.

His precious Bianca…the mother of his child…the woman he loved more than anything else…had turned…<br>
“No.” he whispered, trying to come to terms with the idea.

His mind was spinning…<br>
He didn’t want to believe it…<br>
“No.”<br>
“Yes.” Wyatt said, taking a few steps towards the boy. “She finally realized what she had to do. She’s alive…she wants to see you…but I told her that she had to wait until you were ready…until you had seen the light too.” He paused. “You want to see her, don’t you Chris? All you have to do is join me.”<br>

[leigh19]

He hesitated slightly. Wyatt was right…he did want to see her…and he wanted to see for himself that she really had chosen to join Wyatt. He wouldn’t fully believe it until then…<br>
“I’m not evil.” He said, his voice waivering slightly. “I don’t care what you say…power doesn’t give you the right to hurt people…to take over an entire city!”<br>
Wyatt gave a cool laugh and shook his head in mock sympathy. “Poor Chris.” He muttered. “Poor, poor Chris. Still so stubborn after all this time…”

Smirking, Wyatt took a few steps over to the book shelf and pulled out a large grey tome. “I see you haven’t explored this part of the room yet …I picked all of these books out myself, just for you.” He stated as he lazily flipped through the pages, pausing every few seconds until he found what he was looking for.

Wyatt glanced down at the yellowed pages and began to read… “There is only power.” He said, his voice suddenly very loud. “Power is of the individual mind, but the mind’s power is not enough. Power of the body decides everything in the end, and only Might is Right...”<br>
He snapped the old book shut and looked back up at his brother. “T.H. White wrote that…in The Once and Future King. They were wise words of advice given to the young King Arthur.”<br>
Chris drew a few deep breaths as he stared at his brother in disbelief.

Did Wyatt actually accept all that he had read as truth?

Wyatt had had a fascination with all literature written about King Arthur ever since their mother had told him of the sword. Wyatt believed that it was his destiny to pick up where the last King had left off…<br>
But it wasn’t supposed to be like this…<br>
He wasn’t supposed to be a power hungry tyrant.

“You don’t actually believe that crap, do you?” Chris scoffed.

Wyatt gave him a slight frown- he was obviously not amused at his brother’s dismissal of something he held in such high regard. “Of course I do.” He replied, returning the book to the shelf. “I am King Arthur, Chris. All of the advice contained in these tomes applies directly to me.” He paused briefly. “And it is sound advice. Power of the body is all that really matters…my power- our power- gives us the right to rise above the rest. It’s really quite simple Chris…it’s the survival of the fittest…he who has the most power wins…”

Chris threw his hands up in frustration. It was obvious that Wyatt had been diluting himself with these thoughts for so long…convinced himself that power was supreme above all else.

“I’ve heard enough.” Chris declared, leaning tiredly against his bed. “You’re insane Wyatt, end of story.”<br>
“I’m not insane…I’ve just seen the truth…”

The younger Halliwell sighed, knowing that this argument- which they had had many times before was nowhere near ending. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I won’t join you. I’d rather sit here and rot for the rest of my life…”

To his surprise, Wyatt gave another cool laugh.

“I highly doubt that.” He replied, smiling sinisterly. “Not even you are stubborn enough to wait that long.”<br>
Chris narrowed his eyes in confusion. “What do you mean?” he asked, letting his curiosity get the better of him.

“What I mean-” Wyatt began again, taking a few steps so that he was only inches away from his brother. “Is that I doubt you have the strength to stay trapped in this room for the next three hundred years…”

The younger brother’s mouth opened and closed several times, and it was evident that he was still just as confused. “Three hundred years?” he questioned, his voice barely above a whisper “Wha-”<br>
“Don’t haven’t you ever thought about it Christopher?” Wyatt cut in. “We’re part whitelighter…our dear father’s blood is immortal…and it runs through out veins.” He stopped to savour the look of shock that had registered on his little brother’s face. “The rest of your life is going to be a very long time…and I don’t think you want to spend it in here.”<br>
Wyatt stood up straight and took a few steps back.

“You can either defy me in vain for the next few centuries, or you can rule at my side. It’s your choice in the end…but I think we both know how it is meant to be. We’re brothers…together…forever…”

His words rung in the air and Chris could not stop a new dread from growing inside of him.

Fragments from his latest vision echoed in his head as he stared directly into the older Halliwell’s blue eyes.

‘I’ll always look out for you- I’m your big brother, that’s my job…we’ll stick together forever.’

Maybe, just maybe, Wyatt was right…<br>
“Think about it.” Wyatt said with a grin, before orbing away and leaving Chris in isolation once again…<br>
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[leigh19]

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It was dark when Leo orbed into the back yard of the Halliwell manor. The moon was full in the sky and it cast a bluish glow over the small well kept garden. It looked just as he remembered, and for a second, he let himself believe that he was back in a time when things had been much simpler…a time when Piper had been in his arms…a time when his sons still loved their father…<br>
Those times were long gone.

All he had now were his few sweet memories.

This place was full of memories…<br>
That was why he had come back. He had spent enough time cooped up in the magic school, and he no longer cared about the risks associated with leaving its safety. He had nothing to loose, and this was where he wanted to be.

This was where he needed to be…<br>
He needed to remember the good that life could contain so that he could find the strength to continue. Even though the most important things had been lost, he still had a role to play; he had to be strong for all of the witches that had lost almost as much as he had.

He was the only elder left.

They needed his guidance…<br>
If he couldn’t manage that, if he couldn’t pull himself together, then there was no point in carrying on with his life.

It would be better just to let it end…<br>
Activating his invisibility, Leo walked quietly into the sunroom, being careful not to make even the slightest creak. He knew that Wyatt would have his demons positioned all around the manor; protecting it from intrusion…he had to be careful.

A new wave of memories flooded him as he looked around at the coloured glass and wicker furniture that had once been so familiar. He hadn’t been here in so long, but he could remember the many warm summer days he had spent, nestled on the couch with Piper as they watched their young sons play.

He had been happy then. Happier then he could ever remember being.

It was such a contrast to the world of darkness and pain he inhabited now…<br>
Leo forced himself to keep walking. He passed through one of the manor’s large oak doorways…he could vaguely remember repairing it years ago, before the girls had even known he was a whitelighter. He remembered Prue and Phoebe, just coming into their powers- so innocent in the ways of magic- he could remember Piper’s sweet laugh as she held him tight and told him that she loved him…<br>
He wished the memories weren’t so vague.

It scared him sometimes, when he would wake up and temporarily forget how her voice had sounded…how her perfume had smelt…<br>
They were such small details, and they faded more and more with each passing year…but he clung to them with all his might. They were all he had left of the woman he loved.

He noted with confusion that many new items now covered the floor of the manor.

‘The museum’ he realized…Wyatt must have put these objects on display for all to see.

It felt wrong to make the family’s history so public. Everything imaginable was being exhibited…various costumes…an array of objects, both magical and not…<br>
All neatly labelled, explaining the significance to all passers by.

Leo felt a slight lump build in his throat as he turned to glance at the old dining room table which was now roped off and flanked by several candles and a large plaque.

Wyatt had been born there…<br>
It had been one of the most amazing days of his life. He could remember the overwhelming joy he felt as he held the child in his arms for the first time. It had been love at first sight.

He had been their little miracle. The child that shouldn’t have been, but was anyway.

He was a symbol of their eternal love….

“Look what we did.” Piper had said, her eyes clouded by tears of happiness.

‘If only she had known…’ Leo muttered bitterly to himself as his mind ran over all that Wyatt had done. He had hurt so many…killed…how could their little angel have gone so astray?

He still did not have an answer.

The elder continued on his trek, slowly climbing the stairs, careful not to make the slightest noise. The portraits had been rearranged to display many of Wyatt and the sisters…there was even a small one of him and Chris…<br>
Chris.

Leo had tried not to think to hard about his youngest son’s fate these past few days. But it was hard to keep himself distracted. Everything at Magic School had reminded him of the time he had spent finally getting to know his son…<br>
That was part of the reason he was here now…<br>
He had dwelled too long in one place.

He paused slightly as he passed by the closed door to his old bed room…the room he and Piper had once shared…<br>
Part of him wanted to go in and reminisce, but the logical half of his brain told him to keep going. Bring in there again would be too over whelming…every inch would remind him of Piper…remind him of the best times of his life.

Maybe he would come back to see it another day…<br>
Leo forced his suddenly heavy legs to take another step. But the pull to the room was so strong…perhaps he should go back…<br>
He chanced a glance behind him and almost jumped in shock as he saw that a faint white glow was now illuminating the crack between the door and the floor. He knew that he should be wary- after all, Wyatt controlled the house now- but he could not suppress the sudden peace this light gave him.

It was so beautiful…so familiar…<br>
Unable to resist, Leo reached up and turned the brass knob. The door creaked quietly open, inch by inch until the space was finally large enough for him to peek through.

He could see now that the light was coming from the far corner…<br>
He knew that he should orb out, but somehow, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Instead, he opened the door further and walked into the room, towards the mesmerising glow.

It drew him nearer and nearer until, with a bright flash, the light disappeared just as suddenly as it had come.

Leo blinked frantically, in an attempt to clear his vision realizing abruptly that his invisibility had deactivated. Feeling slightly panicked, he looked up to see that a single female figure was now standing before him, and as his vision cleared completely, he could see who it was…<br>
“Piper?” he gasped, hoping beyond hope that it was really her. His heart beat rapidly in his chest and his knees grew weak.

A gentle smile crossed her face and she brought a tender hand up to brush his cheek.

“Yes Leo.” She replied, her voice just as sweet as he remembered. “I was hoping you would come…”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A/N Not only did I take ridiculously long to update, but I also left you with a minor cliffie! Muhahaha, I’m so evil today. I’m SOOO sorry that this chapter took so long. I had real work to do…and them I got some minor writers block and decided to work on my other story. Hope you’re still reading this- don’t hate me:)

Anyway, I also hope you liked it. I had so much fun writing it…especially the Chris flash back part…(I may have gotten a bit carried away, lol)- I love tormenting cute little Chris. The stuff Wyatt read is an actual quotation from The Once and Future King, (which I’m Sure evil Wyatt would have memorized in his youth, lol.) It’s basically a retelling of the Arthurian Legend. And about the extended life span of part whitelighters…Nothings been said about it on the show as far as I know, it’s a personal theory of mine…but I think its useful to pretend it’s true in this case…it heightens the drama of Chris’ predicament. Ummm…yes…I hope everything else was clear…<br>
Next Chapter- Piper/Leo! Yay!

PLEASE REVIEW! (It will inspire me to update!)

DrewFullerFan4Life- aww, thanks so much!! I'm reallyreally glad you like it!! (Hope you didn't hurt yourself when you fell off your chair tho, lol ) You're too kind!

[mjp3]

wow. i read this story in one go and i think it´s the best fan fic i´ve ever read. ;D keep up the great work and write more soon!

[leigh19]

Mjp3- thanks so much for the review. SORRY that this took SOOOO long to do, I just couldn’t find enough time. Best fan fic you've ever read, eh? Somehow I doubt that, but thanks for the compliment ;D (You should read ‘The witch and the Assassin” by SciFi…that’s what I consider the best fic ever. Lots of Chris!) Anyway, I can’t believe you read it all in one shot, lol, that’s quite the achievement! Glad you’re enjoying it

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
(Excerpt from Chapter 33)
…Chris forced himself to look over at the old family portrait on the wall as a distraction.
Everyone was smiling back at him happily…he missed them all so much.
“Wish you were here, Mom.” He whispered…<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Chapter 34- “Destiny”<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Leo could hardly breathe as he stood in the darkened bedroom starring into the warm brown eyes of his deceased wife. She was just as beautiful as he remembered…just as perfect…<br>
There was so much he wanted to do at that very moment. He wanted to profess his love…he wanted to cry in her arms…he wanted to hold her and never let go…<br>
But his body was too numb with shock to even make the slightest movement.

Piper…<br>
Piper was here, in front of him, after all this time alone. It was what he had dreamed of every day for the past six years…what he had wished for more then anything else.

The gentle glow of the moonlight flooded through the bedroom window, illuminating her perfect features as she took a quiet step forward and drew him into an embrace.

“I’ve missed you.” She whispered sadly as she brushed her had across his cheek once again.

He smiled at her soft touch and his heart began to beat rapidly in his chest. She was really here.

It was really her…<br>
“I…I’ve missed you too.” Leo managed to choke out after several more seconds of stunned silence. “So much.” He paused and tried to fight back the tears welling in his green eyes. “Am I dreaming?”<br>
Piper smiled again. “No Leo, this isn’t a dream…I was summoned almost an hour ago. I don’t know exactly why or how…but I felt myself being pulled here...and I’ve been waiting…calling out to you…hoping you would come.”<br>
The elder looked down at her with confusion before placing a gentle kiss atop her dark hair as he had done many times in the past. He had never heard of anyone being summoned from the dead for no explicable reason…someone must have wanted her there…someone must have wished that she would come…<br>
But this was not the time to dwell on such things.

She was here- in his arms- and that was all that mattered right now. There was so much that needed to be said…<br>
“I’m so sorry that I’ve let you down…” Leo whispered, almost overwhelmed by the comforting feeling of her form pressed against his. “I’m so sorry that I failed our boys…”

The tears were threatening to overflow again.

He was overjoyed to see her …and yet full of grief for the mistakes he had made.

Conflicting thoughts and feelings whirled inside of him; it was almost too much to bear.

“Shhh.” She soothed, placing a gentle finger on his lips. “It’s not your fault. You’re not responsible for what Wyatt has become…and there is still hope that you can save Chris. You just can’t give up…not yet…”

“Save him?” Leo choked, his voice barely audible. “How? He’s gone Piper…I sent him into danger and he paid the price. Wyatt got him…he’s probably no even alive…”

The witch smiled sadly as she gave him another reassuring squeeze. “He’s still alive, Leo.” She replied reassuringly. “Our little boy is pretty tough when he wants to be. He takes after both of his parents in that respect.”<br>
Leo felt relief flood over him as he absorbed her words.

There was still hope.

His son was okay…

Sensing the strong emotion coming off of him, Piper laced her arm around Leo’s back and led them slowly over the edge of the bed they had once shared. The two sat in silence for almost a minute, their hands clasped tightly together.

There was so much pain in both of their eyes…<br>
The memories of their time together were so full of worry and grief…but even now…even years after they had been separated for good…the devotion between them kept a small grain of hope alive…<br>
Theirs was an eternal love that not even death had been able to suppress.

And it was this love that had resulted in the one thing that now mattered most…<br>
Chris.

…the boy that represented the goodness that their love had created…<br>
He was what kept them both grounded…as long as there was hope for their youngest son, they could continue on…<br>

[leigh19]

“You have to save him Leo.” Piper whispered, looking up at the elder tearfully. “You’re the only one that can.”

The sound of his own heartbeat filled his ears…he was weak…he couldn’t…<br>
“How?” he choked, his voice barely audible. “How can I? Wyatt is too powerful…we sent a whole team of witches down to the underworld to free those he had captured- we failed- we can’t beat him.”<br>
The witch turned away from her husbands defeated gaze and looked out into the dark night sky. She could feel his arm wrapped gently around her back, she revelled in the feeling of his warm body against hers…for a brief moment she felt as if she were back in a time when things were still okay…<br>
When she and Leo had been happy…<br>
When their sons had been safe and good…<br>
She wished that, somehow, things could go back to the way they once had been. She wished that they could have a second chance…<br>
There was so much she wanted to change…so much she wanted to do differently…<br>
But it was too late now. She had been prematurely ripped away form those she loved- and as nice as it was to be back where she belonged, she could not suppress the voice in her head that reminded her that it was going to end. She had to go back…she had to leave them again…<br>
She had to be thankful for the shot time she had…she had been given the chance to lead him down the right path, just as he had led her for so many years…<br>
“Love.” She whispered, turning to lock her brown eyes on his green.
Leo looked back in confusion.

“It’s what you always told me and my sisters.” She continued, her lips forming a sad smile. “Follow your heart, and you will find a way to save him. There is little that is stronger then the love between father and son…use that love, Leo, use it to save our little boy.”

“Piper how-”<br>
He began to protest but she cut him off with a deep and passionate kiss.

It had been so long…<br>
But they were finally together as they were meant to be…<br>
Piper smiled again as they drew apart. “I believe in you.” She said, taking his hand in hers. “You just can’t give up. Find a way…you have to save Chris, and Bianca, and our little grandson. They need you Leo…”

He drew a deep breath, overwhelmed by both his love for her and his newfound determination.

Chris was alive. He could still be rescued.

Leo didn’t know how, but he knew that he would not rest until he found a way. Piper’s words filled him with a hope that he had not thought possible. He could see in her eyes that their there was hope…and that she truly did believe everything might one day be okay….

“Grandson?” he asked, a sudden grin lighting up his face. “The baby is going to be a boy?”<br>
Piper nodded. “Yes.” She replied softly. “A boy with the power of three magical beings. He is the greatest hope for the future…the only chance that good will once again be restored…he may be the only one who can defeat Wyatt…”

Her sentence trailed off and she looked sadly down at the floor. Leo knew it pained her to think of her oldest son as a force of evil…it pained him too…<br>
At times he still didn’t believe it…but the destruction and death that encased the city made it hard to deny.

“Help them raise the boy well.” The woman continued, her voice muffled by quiet tears. “Help him grow up strong and good.” She paused. “And tell him that his grandmother will always love him…tell him hat she wishes more then anything that she could be there to watch him grow…”
Biting back tears of his own, Leo reached out to brush a wet tear from her cheek. “I will, Piper.” He whispered. “And I know that he’ll be able to feel you watching over him. I feel it…Chris feels it. You never really left us…we love you too much to let you go.”<br>
She leaned forwards and buried her face in his strong chest as she let her sobs over come her.

They sat in a long silent embrace, mourning for what they had lost and what they could never have…<br>
Their story had once seemed so epic…forbidden love…the angel and the witch; overcoming everything to be together…<br>
It had been perfect once…but that perfection had shattered into this.

A family broken apart…<br>
Eternal separation…<br>
They had been fools to ever dream of a happily ever after.

“I have to go soon.” Piper whispered as she slowly drew back. “I can feel it…”

His heart sank as he clutched firmly onto her hand- he did not want to say good bye again.

It was too soon…<br>
He couldn’t let her go…<br>
“It’ll be okay.” She soothed, planting a light kiss on his tear stained cheek. “You just need to stay strong.”<br>
He continued to hold her tight. “You’re what kept me strong Piper…I can’t continue forever without you…”

“I’m always with you…and I know we’ll be together again one day. There are other lifetimes…other chances…” she paused. “Don’t give up on us Leo, and don’t give up on Chris.”<br>
He nodded reluctantly and loosened his hold on her hand as she stood up to walk across the room.

He tried to memorize every detail…he always wanted to remember this moment…<br>
“…and Leo.” She began again, her sad eyes looking up into his. “I need you to do one more thing.”<br>
“Anything.”

She nodded, knowing that he would. “Go to my father.” She said. “He doesn’t have much time left…you need to give him some peace.”<br>
He looked alarmed at the news. “Of course.” he replied.

Forcing a weak smile, Piper drew him close once again. “They’re calling me back.” She whispered. “I love you Leo, don’t ever forget that.”<br>
“I love you too Piper, and I only wish that you could stay.” He replied, savouring the final moments of her presence.

“Me too.”<br>
The two lovers came together and their lips met for one last bittersweet kiss.

He felt her fade away in his arms but he could feel her love still strong around him.

“Goodbye.” Her gentle voice whispered, as soft a summer’s breeze, and the glimmer of white lights told him that she had gone.

“Good bye Piper.” He whispered, to the empty room. “I won’t fail you again.”<br>
And with that, he orbed away, more determined then ever to save what remained of his family…<br>

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[leigh19]

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Eleven year old Chris crouched outside the kitchen doorway, listening to his parents have a rather heated conversation.

Leo had orbed down a few hours ago for his monthly visit, and overall the evening had gone quite well. He had even eaten dinner with the family…Chris couldn’t remember the last time he had stayed long enough to do that…<br>
As much as he hated to admit it…and as much as he still resented the man…it had been nice to have his father around…<br>
For once, things had almost felt normal.

Both Wyatt and Chris had been set to be half an hour ago so that their parents could have some time to catch up on their own…but as he lay in his room Chris had felt the un suppressible urge to orb back downstairs.

He had heard their tense voices in the kitchen…he had heard them say his name…<br>
They were talking about him, and he had to find out why.

“I know school is important Piper.” Leo said with a heavy sigh as he took a seat at the kitchen table. “But this is important too.”<br>
Chris saw the concern etched on his mothers face as she placed one hand on the counter for support. “I know Leo.” She replied heavily. “But can you blame me for wanting to give my son at least some consistency in his life? And I don’t think you understand…Chris has been having enough trouble at school…he doesn’t need this to complicate matters further.”

The boy continued to gaze at his parents in confusion from his hiding spot. He didn’t know what they were talking about…he didn’t know what it was that was going to make things more complicated…<br>
“Trouble at school?” Leo asked, his green eyes glancing over at his wife. “What do you mean? His grades have been fine.”<br>
Piper sighed. “It’s not because of his grades…it’s because of his classmates. Chris tries not to let me see how much it hurts him…but I know that it does. The other kids make fun of him because he’s not a full witch. He doesn’t have any friends...and he’s only going to be more of an outcast if you send him away for special training.”

The elder looked surprised by his wife’s words and he opened and closed his mouth several times as he searched for a reply.

Chris rolled his eyes.

It was so typical of Leo to just assume that things were fine…every time he visited he would ask his sons how they were…but he never took the time to truly listen. He would smile serenely, pat them on the head, and tell them he was proud of everything they did…he didn’t have a clue what their lives were really like…<br>
“Well,” the elder began again as he forced his expression of surprise to one of determination. “He’ll just have to toughen up. He needs this Piper- you can’t deny that. Magic School is great for potions and spells, but that’s only half of who he is…he needs to train his whitelighter powers too, and the only place to do that is ‘up there’.”<br>
“He’s not going to like the idea.” Piper stated as she walked over to join Leo at the table. “I know he won’t. And besides, Wyatt never had to go up for training, why should Chris?”

Leo drew a deep breath and smiled weakly at his wife. “I think you know the answer to that, Piper.” He replied. “Wyatt has never needed training for anything, magic is just second nature to him…Chris needs to learn how to control his powers- and since all but one of his powers come from me, I should be the one to train him. I’m only suggesting one afternoon a week- I’ll pick him up after lunch on Tuesday’s, and take him ‘up there’ to practice…I already checked with Paige; Chris’ class has free work time on Tuesday afternoons, he won’t really be missing anything…and the other elders agree that this is a wise idea.” He paused. “You may not want to believe it Piper, but being half elder makes Chris special. He requires special training…and I think that if he works at it, he may be able to take on whitelighter duty one day…”

Chris found himself frozen in panic as he listened to his father’s words. His mom was right- if he was forced into this, the teasing at school would only get worse…he didn’t even what to think about what his classmates would say when they found out the elders wanted him to go ‘up there’ for whitelighter lessons…<br>
The mere thought of it made him sick.

He didn’t want whitelighter training- he didn’t want charges of his own…<br>
He didn’t want to be like his father…<br>
“Have you even taken a second to considerer Chris’ feelings?” Piper asked, her brown eyes darkening. “You can’t just map out his destiny for him like this…he should be able to choose which path he wants to peruse…”

“Sometimes there isn’t a choice.” The elder cut in before Piper could finish her sentence. “Sometimes people have a calling they have to follow. It’s Wyatt’s destiny to take up the Halliwell fight against evil, and I think it’s Chris’ destiny to help protect good witches…as soon as he learns to heal, he’ll have full whitelighter capabilities…it’s pretty clear which path he is meant to follow.”<br>
Piper threw up her hands in frustration, causing an old vase to shatter into thousands of pieces. “You don’t know that.” She exclaimed, her voice suddenly louder. “Maybe it’s Chris destiny to just lead a normal life. He doesn’t have a prophecy which had already determined his destiny…he is free to choose what he wants, and you know as well as I do that that’s a rare thing in this family. I can’t take that away from him.”<br>
“He may not have a prophecy, but you can’t deny who he is.” Leo countered. “Magic is a strong part of him…I’m a strong part of him…He needs this training to hone his powers the best he can…”

Chris found himself shaking in rage as he listen to his fathers words, and before Leo had a chance to finish his sentence the boy jumped out from behind the door, startling both of the adults.

“NO!” he exclaimed, his green eyes flashing with anger.

“Chris, how long...” Piper began to question worriedly, but he did not allowed her to continue.

“I’m not going for whitelighter training!” he shouted angrily at his so called father. “You can’t tell me what to do! I’m not a whitelighter. I’m not you!”<br>
His parents exchanged a nervous glance; it was obvious that he had not been meant to overhear their argument.

Piper gave a loud sigh. “We were just having a discussion honey; nothing is being decided right now. You don’t have to go if you don’t want too.”<br>
“Piper,” Leo cut in despairingly. “You can’t just let him get out of this because of your desire to give the boys a normal life. They’re not normal; it’s time that you accepted that…”

The woman whipped around to face her husband. “I’m not ready to accept it, Leo.” She shot back angrily. “I refuse to stop trying to give them what they deserve.”<br>
“What Chris deserves is proper training!” Leo replied, throwing his hands up in exasperation. “I’ll teach him to heal; I’ll make sure he can control his powers properly…”

“I don’t want to!” Chris cried again, his eyes brimming with tears.

He wouldn’t do it.

He wouldn’t be like his father.

His father was never around…his father cared more about the innocents then he did about his own family.

He didn’t want to be like that…<br>
“Chris,” Leo tried again “This really is for the best; I know you’ll benefit from it.”<br>
The boy could hardly control his rage. He could feel the energy building…he could feel his anger rising…<br>
“NO.” he shouted, starring straight at the man who had never cared. “You don’t know what I need, Leo! You don’t know me! You don’t know me…”

As the vision faded Chris found himself muttering his last angered lines as he remembered that horrible day…<br>
“You don’t know me…”

He had been so upset at the mere thought of going ‘up there’ to train, and in the end, he and his mother had refused Leo’s offer.

They had thought it was for the best.

“You don’t know me…”

It had been a mistake; he knew that now. He had never learned to heal, and as his mother lay dying on the living room floor he had been helpless.

If he had taken the lessons, she would still be here today…<br>