Out Of The Ashes

[leigh19]

[Alright Britt...I'll agree with you for now. ]


alchemystik32- I was so happy to see that you updated, and the chapter did not dissipoint! Amazing as usual, can't wait for more:)

[Charmed Force]

I really like this whole "mental" magic you have with Wyatt, Chris, and Cole. It's very intriguing....

[Assassin Witch]

Chris and Phoenixes...

Loved the update. Cole did know what he was doing when he sent Chris in to talk with 'Grandma'. Now..go on with C/C... ;D

[Charmed Force]

just wanted to post again how much i love the story, so that this stays near the top of the forum for everyone to read!

[alchemystik32]

*~ Out Of The Ashes ~*

Playing With Fire

By: Alchemystik32

*****

Chris wandered through the village, marveling at the ingenuity and simplicity of the life of the Phoenix race. They grew their own food and wove their own cloth. They had healers, teachers, workers and guards. They were organized, disciplined and caring people, and took their magic seriously. They were loyal, fierce when the tribe was in danger, but able to enjoy a wide range of interests. He was beginning to feel rather humbled by these magnificent beings.

Cass watched Chris from the corner of the marketplace, and remembered how well he had acquited himself with her grandmother. The old woman had resented Cass's father, for it had taken her daughter, Cass's mother away from her. Grandmother had given birth to many strong sons, but only one daughter, destined one day to rule their people. Upon Cass's birth the old woman's happiness was complete, until Cass's father had revealed his true nature.

Cass's mother, Rina, had loved her mate desperately, and that love had cost her her life. Was it any wonder that the Phoenix were so wary of humans?

Chris could feel Cass watching him and debated with himself. Should he approach her? Let her approach him? Watch her back? He felt funny whenever he did look at her; kind of weak in the knees, and he knew he was usually grinning like a fool. She did something to him, moved him in a way that he had never experienced before, and he wasn't sure he liked how she made him feel.

Bianca had been his first, and only love. He knew little to nothing about women, and since her death, he wasn't that eager to learn. Until now.

Until Cassandra.

She was the light after years of darkness, she made him feel young, when for so long he had felt older than his years. He wanted to do something noble, slay the proverbial dragon, just to impress her. He wanted to feel the softness of her skin, the silky fire of her hair. He wanted to touch her, taste her, become one with her; and all he could think of was Cole and the lessons he had taught.

Stay Focused.

Stay Alert.

DON'T GET PERSONALLY INVOLVED!

Cole was pretty adamant about the last one, but Chris understood the reasoning behind that particular admonishment. Cole was remember all the problems he had caused, and had been caused by falling in love with one of his " Assignments ". Chris's Aunt Phoebe.

Cole & Phoebe: The Ultimate Love Story. That was how Chris remembered it, at least. Aunt Phoebe had never forgotten him; nor had she ever gotten over her love for Cole Turner. Young Chris remembered snuggling up next to her, looking at old photos, listening to the stories about the great demon whom love had tamed. Aunt Phoebe smiled so happily, even though tears would run done her cheeks. Chris was too young to understand that contradiction, and was very confused about the mixed signals his aunt sent him.

He understood everything much better now, and found himself facing a similar dilemma. He had to protect this half-human heiress; the fate of her people rested on her slender shoulders. Cass was destined to be their leader, but all Wyatt saw her as was a rival in power. In his clouded mind, in the grips of his paranoid delusions, Cass was an enemy to first be exploited, and then destroyed.

Chris sighed, and rubbed the ache in his forehead. He was feeling strangely disconnected at this moment, filled with a combination of happiness and a terrible sense of foreboding...

He let his thoughts relax, carefully reaching out towards Wyatt's mind. He was slow, cautious, for he still wished to stay as shielded as possible from his brother's mental reach.

There.

Wyatt was at rest, yet his mind was seething with a terrible mix of anticipation, hate and...

Cole?

Chris gasped, a jerked back into reality as Cass touched his elbow.

" What is it? " She asked, softly, " What troubles you? "

Chris looked down into the worried eyes..

" I have to go. Cole is in danger. "


*****

Cole followed at a discreet distance, his eyes fastened on the slender back of the retreating figure. Shining dark hair cascaded over a worn denim jacket; he ached to plunge his fingers into the remembered softness, see the warm brown eyes looking up at him with such happiness. Trust.

Love.

All that he had learned, all that he had taught others was banished in the midst of forgotten memories and sensations...

*****

Cass glared at Chris from under her long lashes, and appealed once more to her grandmother.

" He has to stay here where it's safe! You know the danger we all face! "

The old woman smiled tenderly, and stroked Cass's cheek; " He has to do as he must, my dear. He, too, has a great destiny to pursue, just as you do. "

Cass snorted, and Chris suppressed a grin. " I'll be ok, Cass, and I'll be back as soon as I can. "

Cass opened her mouth to retort, but her grandmother stopped them both with a raised hand.

" He must do as he thinks fit, but he is vulnerable, too. It may be best for you two to go together. "

Cass smiled smugly, while Chris protested furiously...

" I can't take her with me! How can I help Cole, check up on my father and Darryl and still keep her safe?! "

The old woman smiled, delighted with the fire and fury of this young human. If only the entire race was as noble and focused as this man was, the world could be such a pleasant place to live.

" How? " She asked, " By being true to whom and what you are. By remember your lessons well. "

Chris stopped himself from retorting, seeing the look in the old woman's eyes.

" She trying to tell me something. " He whispered, inwardly, " My lessons...my lessons. Oh, boy. "

Chris shuddered, because he knew Cole Turner's Achilles heel.

Phoebe.

All control, all that was won and lost went out the proverbial window when his " Uncle " had become obsessed by his aunt Phoebe...

Chris turned to Cass, speaking rapidly, " Can you identify a shape-shifter on sight? "

Cass nodded, " Yes, of course. Why? "

But Chris was already bidding a respectful good bye to her grandmother.

" I understand. We'll return soon. "

The old woman nodded, some of the warmth in her eyes replaced from the fire that had birthed her...

" Bring her back safe. We can hate as fiercely as we love. "

Chris knew a warning when he heard it...


*****


Cole groaned in frustration; The elusive figure in front of him was still too far away! No matter how fast he went, she never seemed to get any closer...

A shimmer of dancing white lights flashed before him, momentarily distracting him from his dogged pursuit; the faces looked familiar, but he didn't want to stop...he couldn't stop!

" Cole! Wait! "

He shook off the restraining hand with such force that the impertinent fool hit the pavement with a thud. Hearing the commotion behind her, the Phoebe figure paused and turned around, making his heart leap in his chest. Look at her! Still so young and beautiful! His darling, waiting for him.

Chris rubbed the back of his head, where it had made contact with the ground. Cole was already moving away, like a man in a trance.

" Stop him, Cass! " Chris yelled, " That's not Phoebe! "

" I know. " Cassandra answered, a grim look on her face, " That's a Phoenix Assassin, and they're always armed with Athames. "

Chris groaned, struggling to his feet. He'd never get to Cole in time, the blow to his head made him feel groggy. He'd never be able to summon an orb before it was too late...

" Cole! NO! "

The flash of gold in the Phoebe figure's hand confirmed Cass's words. Chris staggered forward, still shouting a warning at Cole's back, his heart pounding with a combination of terror of hate...

Wyatt was responsible for this, and if the Gods and Goddesses were kind, Chris would get the chance to kill the bastard twice. He loved Cole like a father, much more than he loved the man who had actually fathered him. To lose him would be like losing a piece of himself..

Time seemed to slow. Wait. It WAS slowing...and softly at first, and then gaining volume, Chris heards the gentle hum of the Phoenix song issuing from Cassandra...

" Oh, wow. " Chris breathed, " She's actually manipulating time! "

And it was working!

Cole slowed down, his head cocked as he listened to the haunting song. The Assassin slowly lowered her arm, a mixture of fear and dreamy preoccupation on her face.

Cass advanced slowly, taking great care not to startle Cole who had stopped a safe distance from the Phoebe figure. The Assassin watched Cass's approach, seemingly unable to avoid her fate.

Cass stopped in front of her. And then spoke...

" Let the fire consume you in hopes that you will be reborn a better creature. "

The athame dropped as the Assassin burst into flame...

[staceface510]

I love it! Can't wait for the next chapter.

[alchemystik32]

~* Out Of The Ashes *~

Aftermath

By: Alchemystik32


*****

In Cole's underground sanctuary, two friends faced one another as if they were enemies...


" What part of stay put, you're in danger are you having a problem with?! " Cole shouted, as he paced the small kitchen.

Chris narrowed his eyes and flared his nostrils. As much as he loved and respected Cole, he refused to back down on this issue.

" Cass just saved your ungrateful ass, and instead of saying thanks, you're acting like a spoiled brat! I expected better from you. Hell, you've taught me better than that! "

Cole stopped short, and surveyed the couple in front of him. Cass was wide eyed, yet undidsturbed by the exchange. She laid a gentle hand on Chris's shoulder, and Cole was aware of the tension going out his boy's frame at that tender touch..it made him look at Chris closer for the first time in quite awhile. Chris wasn't a boy anymore, and it showed; even though he was hurt and angry, he was keeping his cool, using logic, and just enough attitude to get his point across. Cole felt a surge of pride...he'd taught the kid well, indeed.

" That was low. And, very good. You're right, and I apologize for my bad manners; Cassandra, I thank you for your incredible bravery, and I'm ashamed that I brought you into a situation that endangered you. It was entirely through my own stupidity. "

Chris rolled his eyes, as was his wont when Cole pulled out his courtly manner, but Cass beamed. Demon or no, Cole Turner was hard for any woman to resist. When he reverted to what he once was, a cultured gentleman of the previous century, he was completely irresistable.

" You're very welcome. " Cass said, fluttering her long lashes to Cole's delight and Chris's disgust.

" Aw, man! " Chris snorted, and Cass giggled. Even Cole managed a wry grin and then turned away.

" Take her back home now, Chris, it really isn't safe for her here. Or you, either. That Wyatt will strike at me just shows how desperate he is to make you as vulnerable as possible. "

Chris wasn't ready to listen, not just yet. Cole was embarrassed, ashamed and angry that he had let his defenses down. And that Wyatt knew how to breach them. Now was definitely not the time to leave this demon alone and brooding.

" If I had seen my mother or my aunts, I would have done the same thing. The heart has a way of overcoming the sensibility of the mind. "

Cole lifted an eyebrow; " You're getting good at this. "

" I've had a good teacher. " Chris answered back, finally rewarded by a genuine smile from Cole.

" I don't want you beating yourself up over this. Any HUMAN would've made the same mistake. " Chris told his mentor earnestly.

" Yes, very good teachers; You had the Charmed Ones, and that sounded just like your Aunt Phoebe talking. "

" You still love her, don't you? " Cass asked in a soft voice, " You've never stopped loving her. "

Cole swallowed hard. Loved her? Not a day went by that he didn't yearn for the touch of her hand, the mere sound of her voice. She was his one true love, his soul mate...how can he begin to explain the depths of that emotion to this young girl? And yet..was that a glimmer he spied in her eyes? And, in Chris's? That Wyatt would hurt this delicate creature...as he had hurt his own love..

"...if I ever find out that she suffered at your hands, Wyatt..." Cole whispered.

"...you'll never be dead enough to satisfy me. " Chris finished.

Cole started, unaware that he had spoken outloud, but had to laugh and shake his head at Chris's wit; and his memory.

" You remember? "

" As if it were yesterday. " Chris answered. " It was one of the first things you said to me. "

Cole nodded, " Yes, it was. That and...? "

Chris grinned and parroted the words, " If there's a Supreme Being, I'll be lucky enough to get to kill you twice. Always made me cringe a bit, until I realized you didn't really mean it.

Cole stared at Chris. Was it possible that Chris actually thought that Cole would spare his brother? After Wyatt's latest trick, Cole was even more determined to destroy the " Chosen One. " No matter what the cost.

Cole forced a smile, " That's right, I didn't mean it. "

Chris looked serene, deceived by the trust he had within him for this demon father figure, but Cole squirmed inwardly when his gaze met Cass's. Those marvelous topaz eyes stared straight into the center of his soul. Those eyes saw all he tried to hide...

*****

Once Chris was satisifed that Cole was alright, and not completely unnerved by his experience, he and Cass departed. But instead of orbing right back to the Phoenix enclave, Chris took Cassandra to a park not far from the old Halliwell mansion.

Cass looked around, nervously. " Shouldn't we go back? "

" In a minute. " Chris answered, then headed to a dead tree on the outskirts of the park. There, in the hollowed out center of the tree, rested a package that only he or someone from his blood line could touch. Gently lifting the tresured item, he linked arms with Cass, and headed back to safety...

*****

By the time they returned to the Phoenix enclave, Cass was burning with curiosity. Whatever was in the package was obviously important to Chris, and no amount of delicate mind probing was supplying Cass with an answer.

Chris was aware of Cass's not too subtle attempts to find the answer to her question in his mind. Years of a mental bond with Wyatt had taught him when to lock his mind, and this was one of the times. Cass would know when the time was right.

The days passed quickly, much to Chris's surprise. He was welcomed to the village with a degree of warmth now, as Cass's grandmother had spread the word of Chris's victory, and the saving of Cole Turner. Cole was revered in the village, but no one would explain the reason beyond a vague reply that Cole had rendered them a great service. It was Chris's turn to be curious.

The men of the village invited Chris to help stand guard, and even eat with them in their mess hall. The girls vied for the handsome outsider's attention while Cass seethed.

Cass...

Every moment Chris spent with her was golden to him. It took him a while to finally admit to himself what everyone else was smiling about behind their backs..

He was falling in love with this half-human princess; it was beyond his control.

But what did Cass feel for him? She was always happy to be with him, watched him worked with the men, her golden eyes glowing. She walked with him in the twilight, when the tree tops were bathed in moonlight, and didn't pull away when he caught her hand in his.

But.

She was sought after by most of the young, unmated men, some who began to resent the witch/whitelighter in their midsts.

Chris's musings were cut short one night, when he threw caution to the wind, and drew Cass into a passionate embrace outside her hut...

" No.. we mustn't.. " She whispered against his lips, and then sighed and melted against him.

" I know, I know..." Chris murmured back, running his hands up and down her slender back as he kissed her into breathlessness.

It was there that Leo found them with the news that Darryl was missing...

*****

[hollypop]

All I can say is 'WOW'!

I just love this story.... but please, don't tell me that Darryl is going to get killed off!

The way you're writing the characters and fitting all the pieces together.... you don't miss a beat

[staceface510]

I totally agree with HollyPop! Keep up the great work and post the next chapter soon!! lol!

[hollypop]

just *bumping* this story so it stays within view ;D

Yes, it's that good.

[alchemystik32]

~* Out Of The Ashes *~

Battle Lines Are Drawn

By: Alchemystik32


*****

" That BASTARD! " Chris screamed, and both Leo and Cass ducked to avoid a rattan chair being hurtled in their direction.

" Chris...calm down. We'll find him, I swear we will. Cole is already on it, Wyatt won't hurt him, you know that, it might not even be Wyatt... "

Chris swung around, his eyes blazing. The last thing he needed right now was patronization from his father.

" Right. " Chris snapped, " Wyatt's just misguided, he's harmless, let's blame Gideon, let's blame Mom, or Aunt Phoebe. How about blaming Grams, Patty and Aunt Prue, too?! "

" Chris...please. " Cass whispered, reaching out to stroke his arm, hurt when he pulled away.

" You don't understand, Cass. Dad has made excuses for Wyatt from day one. Jeez, he wasn't even a year old when he killed a guy! With a sword no less! "

" A sword? " Cass repeated, looking puzzled, " Who would give a baby a sword. "

" No one. " Leo said, only to be cut short by his still angry son...

" I'll tell you all about THAT Chosen One story later. I'm just so damn fed up with everyone seeing Wyatt as a victim! He knows exactly what he's doing, and if he harms a hair on Darryl's head.."

Cass reached out again, this time humming softly. The soothing sound washed over Chris, and he was able to let some of the anger go...

Some.

" Are you ready to listen now? " Leo asked him, stiffly. He had never understood this slender, brooding young man who shared his genetic code. Why were they always at odds? How could he reach him before it was too late? Before the chance for any kind of relationship slipped away.

Leo realized how his years of grief had affected his sons, and he felt guilty and lost. His main spring, his reason for existence had always been Piper. His darling; His wife. When Piper vanished, presumed dead with her sisters, the lights on Leo's stage went out; For Piper was the audience that the life of Leo Wyatt played to. Now, no one was there to give the old actor his cues, so he stood, waiting in the wings, straining to hear the call that never came...

" Go on. " Chris asked, slipping an arm around Cass's waist.

Leo recapped the events for Chris...

Darryl prided himself on his self sufficiency, insisting on doing as many of the outside errands. Today was Market Day; If you wanted anything fresh, you had to go early, and Darryl had left Cole's enclave at the crack of dawn. Armed with a gun, extra ammo, and the Halliwell amulet, he wasn't worried...this was his neighborhood, the denizens his friends...

Two hours later, Cole notified Leo that Darryl's shopping basket, wheelchair and, perhaps the most chilling piece of evidence, the Halliwell amulet Piper had given him when she made him Chris's Godfather, had been found. But no Darryl. And the amulet...

The amulet was bent and crushed, as if some giant robotic hand had squeezed it, mercilessly. The three interlocked rings, representing the Power Of Three, were no longer joined together. Someone had destroyed the Charmed Ones...even if it was only a form of symbolism.

Cole had searched everywhere, even contacting a friend of a friend who had a friend who knew someone on the Death Squad. If Wyatt had Darryl, he was being exceptional secretive about it.

" Wait a minute. " Chris barked, pulling away from Cass, " What do you mean IF?! You know as well as I do that Wyatt's behind this! "

Leo looked at Chris, steadily for a moment and then shook his head, " Have I taught you nothing? Do you not remember any of the lessons your Mother and I taught you from birth? "

Chrisa shrugged and started to turn away, only to be stopped by another touch from Cass. Only this time, the delicate hand grabbed with an almost super human strength, and the normally jewel like eyes blazed orange flame...

" You will treat your father with respect in my presence! You may not agree with him, you may not even like him, but you will honor him and respect him, or....! "

" Or..what? " Chris asked, astounded by the fury of his innocent lady. If anything, she was even more beautiful, so full of fire.

Cass stared at him, her face impassive. " Or you will find the iron hand we Phoenix hide so well within a velvet glove. "

Chris raised a quizzical eyebrow, only to freeze as a coldness, not unlike an icicle, was driven into his brain. Just as quickly as it began, it ended, and Cass whirled away from him, out of the hut door.

Chris looked at his father, whose serene look gave away nothing. Finally, Leo spoke...

" A Phoenix can heal with a word...or kill with a thought. NEVER underestimate another magical being, Chris. Not even your own brother. "

Before Chris could respond, Leo touched his shoulder gently, " I know you're sorry. I am, too. I've been a neglectful father, a very poor role model. "

" It's ok..." Chris muttered.

" No, it's not ok. " Leo told him, " Look what I have wrought. You carried the burden of a, man even when you were still a little boy. And your brother...my darling Piper would die again in shame to see her boys so hurt and lost. She loved you so. I love you, too. "

Chris felt his jaw drop. Never had his father been so humble, so candid. Never, since he was a small boy, had Leo said he loved him.

" I love you, too, Dad. " Chris whispered, and lowered his head to Leo's shoulder. There, the years of being strong came to an end as he cried...

And his father held him close.

*****

Cole paced the living room of his apartment, turning around quickly as Chris orbed into the room.

" It's ok. " Chris said, before Cole could speak, " Dad's with Cassandra. He told me to come here and help you brainstorm. "

Cole nodded, then looked closer at Chris. The lad had received a severe shock recently, and Cole resisted the temptation to probe into Chris's mind. Whatever it was, Chris would tell him when the time was right.

" Ok. Your Dad filled you in? "

Chris nodded, " Yeah. He even said it might not be Wyatt, but I know..."

" It might not be. " Cole broke in, " It could be someone who wants Wyatt to be blamed. Someone who wants to flush you out into the open; what better way than to threaten your godfather? Besides, the amulet was destroyed. "

Chris looked at Cole for a moment, perplexed, and then realization swept over him. Wyatt reviled the family, yet revered their position as the premiere good witches. He would never destroy family memoribilia, especially the symbol of the greatest magic of all time.

The Charmed Ones.

" Who would do that? " Chris wondered out loud, and then said " What? " as Cole began to grin.

" C'mon. Your Mom and Aunts had more enemies than Hitler. More powerful enemies. "

" The Underworld is like an old folks home, now. No body left to fear. " Chris answered, unprepared for the passion with which Cole answered him.

" It's that kind of thinking that gets people killed! " He snapped, nostrils flaring. " Sure, theres a bunch of old timers down there, but with age comes experience. They're more dangerous then the younger above ground crowd, because they're used to living in secret; Underground. Going hungry. We had our days of oppression, too, and we survived. They know how to survive, Chris, and with age comes patience, also. Remember that. "

Chris stared at the man he admired, and then shoved his hands in his jeans pockets, " Ok. So where do we go from here? "

Cole grinned, a rather conniving, unpleasant grin. " Right to the horse's mouth. "

Chris made a face, " What? Ring the doorbell and ask Wyatt if Darryl's home? "

" Nope. "

" Then what? "

Cole grinned again, " How's your glamouring ability? "

Chris stared at Cole as if he had seen a ghost, " Please tell me you bumped your head and went insane! "

" Sorry, been there, done that. Saddle up, boy, we need to go find you a Death Squad uniform.

*****

[elenarae]

You have the best stories! I am hooked on both of yours. I feel like you know the characters better than the people that created them.

****Waiting for more!!! Love It.

[staceface510]

Update soon!!

[hollypop]

very soon.... you got me hooked

[IlovesmesomeChris]

OMG! this is one of the best stories, like, ever!!
please keep going! You've got me hooker.

[mjp3]

This story just keeps getting better and better!
Update soon!!!

[alchemystik32]

~* Out Of The Ashes *~

Into The Fire

By: Alchemystik32


*****

" You do know what the difference is between me and you, right? " Chris asked Cole, as he slide a pair of Ray Bans on his face.

" If you even THINK of using that, " I make this look good " line, you'll be digging an energy ball out of your rear. " Cole answered, shaking a warning finger in Chris's face. His warm smile belied the stern tone of voice, and Chris returned the grin.

" Well, I DO look good in black! " Chris told him, and turned once more to the old mirror on Cole's bedroom wall.

He looked taller, and even thinner than he already was in the transforming black garb. The tight black t-shirt showed the muscles he had developed under Cole's combat training. Just as he had schooled Chris's Aunt Phoebe, he was determined that Chris, himself, would be well-prepared to defend himself. The black leather pants were extemely form-fitting, much to Chris's embarrassment and Cole's amusement.

" You can tell a guy's religion in these things! " Chris muttered, while Cole hid a grin.

" Put the trench coat on. " He instructed, and Chris complied, belting the matching leather coat around his slender waist. With the slicked back hair and mirrored sunglasses, he looked like any other Death Squad member.

Except.

" Hold out your arm. " Cole instructed, then gestured impatiently as Chris hesitated.

" It's not permanent, is it? " Chris asked for the fifth time, and Cole sighed, " No, it's not. Let's just get it over with, ok? "

Chris nodded, and shrugged out of the trench coat, so that his forearm was exposed. Concentrating intently, Cole placed an antique seal against the skin of Chris's inner arm, where it soon became red hot. The smell of burning flesh filled the small room, and Chris sucked in his breath, struggling to remain motionless.

" I know it hurts. " Cole said in a sympathic voice, " Almost done...there! "

Once the seal was taken away, Chris could see the emblem burned into his flesh.

The Triquetra, turned upside down. The sign of a Death Squad disciple.

His brother's symbol.

" How? " Chris whispered, as the last of the pain faded away from his arm; but not from his heart.

" How could he take a symbol of greatness, or power, of GOOD, and pervert it?! HOW?! "

Cole shook his head, " I can't answer that, Chris. No one knows what's going on in Wyatt's mind; Sometimes I wonder if Wyatt himself knows. Let me look at you. "

Chris pulled the coat back on and stood still as Cole inspected him.

" You're right. " Cole told him, " You do make this look good. But, then again, your Mother and your Aunts always looked good in black. "

" Yeah? " Chris asked, interested in Cole's memories. It was rare for the demon to talk about " The Old Days ", as he wasn't the same person in mind, body, or soul. Still...he knew how Chris yearned for any connection to his lost family, and was indulged him now and then.

" Oh, yeah. " Cole said with a distant, faintly tender smile.

" When your mother wore a sleeveless black dress, with her hair up and a simple pair of earrings, she could outshine and outclass the richest women in the world. She was so elegant...serene. It took a man's breath away. "

Chris listened, hardly daring to breathe. Cole continued...

" Now, your Aunt Paige put on black and became the sexiest woman alive. With her white skin, and those big, beautiful eyes, she knocked 'em dead. But, just like your Mom, she was always classy. "

" You Aunt Prue looked pretty damn good in black, too, but if you made a pass at her, you had better be sincere...or very fast. She walked into a room like a sleek panther, full of fire and danger. Drove many a good man to rash behavior, I promise you. "

" What about Aunt Phoebe? " Chris asked softly, and Cole's eyes grew unfocused as he looked back through the mists of time..

" Your Aunt Phoebe...didn't look any different in black than she did in blue, red, green or purple. She was always beautiful to me, a goddess in human flesh. One moment she was playful, the next she was remote. She was as changable as the colors she wore, but she was always, always breath-taking in my eyes. " He fell silent, still lost in his memories.

The stillness in the room was broken by Cole, as he briskly shook off his contemplative mood and began to give Chris his final instructions.

" The Death Squad member you're replacing will only have his memory modified for one hour. The potion you're carrying? Good for one hour of mind cloaking. Your glamouring ability? Good for approximately one hour. What does this tell you? "

" I have one hour? " Chris asked, checking his pockets for the card key, I.D. etc, taken from the kidnapped Death Squad member.

" No! " Cole yelled, thumping Chris on top of the head.

" Hey! "

" Listen up! If you have a guaranteed one hour, you need to be out of there before it's up! 30 minutes, tops, 45 minutes max! Got it?! "

" Yeah, I got it. " Chris answered, rubbing the top of his head, " What's with the fist? "

" Got your attention, didn't it? " Cole said with a grim smile, " Let's go. "


*****

[alchemystik32]

2nd half.


*****


Wyatt opened his eyes, and looked around the attic. The springs on the old broken down sofa were poking into his back, and he twisted around fretfully.

There had been a vision; or was it just a dream?

Cole Turner. Darryl. A man in Death Squad clothing that reeked of good.

What did it mean?

Why couldn't he establish a connection with his brother? With Cole?

Where was his father? Leo always came when Wyatt called, but this time he hadn't. Why not?

Why was he always alone? No one loved him, no one cared about him. He had tried to do good, make people like him, but they didn't. Some pretended to like him, but that was only because they were afraid of him, or wanted something from him.

As long as Wyatt Matthew Haliwell could remember, he'd been different. His Mother used to tell him about the day his was born, how there was no magic at all that day. She didn't tell him how an evil man tried to take him away before he was even born, but he'd heard about it later. At least evil wanted him, even if good didn't.

Aunt Phoebe told him about the magical unicorn that saved his life, and Aunt Paige was so proud that he had her name.

He remembered warmth and love...and magic. Always he remembered magic. He lived and breathed magic, he was the most magical creature there ever was.

He was the Chosen One. He was Special.

And, then...

A young man had come, and Wyatt knew fear. Fear and anger, and feelings of loathing.

Towards the young man, or towards himself? He was never sure about the answer to that question. He never really wanted to know.

The young man had stayed for awhile, then had disappeared. At about the same time, Wyatt's brother Chris was born, and it wasn't until years later that Wyatt understood what it had meant.

The young man and Chris were one in the same.

Chris had come from the future to do something important. To Wyatt.

What was it?

Wyatt was pretty sure he knew the answer to that.

Chris came to steal everyone's love away. Chris came to try and make Wyatt look bad, by being so good in comparison.

Sometimes, even though he was very young, Wyatt hated Chris and wished he knew how to use all the powers inside of him; to destroy Chris.

Powers that confused him and frightened him. Like the night he woke up in his crib, and was afraid of the dark. So, he had thought of light, and the light turned on in his room. Wyatt was so pleased that he could do something like that, but his Mother had come in, figured out what he had done, and scolded him.

He wasn't to use his powers to do things just for himself. That was called Personal Gain, and there were consequences.

Wyatt began to hate those words. There were always consequences. No matter what he did, there was always a lesson to be learned, or a rule he had broken that brought about a lecture from one of his family members.

No one ever told Chris to take a " Time Out. " But, then again, Chris didn't orb out of pre-school when he got bored, nor did he make things in books come alive. Chris didn't have those kind of powers, because Chris wasn't Chosen.

Wyatt was. And, he hated it.

No one asked him if it was what he wanted. No one cared that Wyatt Matthew Halliwell wished he was a normal little boy, who went to normal schools, and played baseball and soccer with his friends. Who went to camp, and sleep aways, and movies with a girl. Who worked part time to buy a rusty old car to fix up with his Dad. Who was just like everyone else.

Wyatt destroyed magic whenever he could, because magic had destroyed his hope for a normal life.

Fire was the great purifyer, and where the taint of magic existed, fire cleansed the path, removed the contamination, made things safe for him and for others.

Magic was the enemy, and it was Wyatt's mission to destroy it...

Even if it destroyed everything he loved in the process.


*****

A voice could be heard as if from a great distance, calling his name..no, not his name, his title.

" Lord? Are you awake? Are you trancing, Lord? The Disciples are here for report, Sir..."

Wyatt struggled upright and glared at the man who was bothering him. Reports? Oh, yes. The Death Squad had been sent out all over the city to gauge public reaction to Wyatt, and his mission.

" Bring them in. In order. " Wyatt told the clerk, who bowed and hastened from the room. Once, this man had been a friend, someone to eat dinner with and talk to. Now, he feared Wyatt, just like everyone else did.

Wyatt no longer had any friends. Just servants, ministers and disciples.

Wyatt's thoughts drifted through the droning of the disciples. Nothing ever changed. He tried to give the people what they wanted, and they still complained, still feared him.

It wasn't until # 21 walked into the attic that Wyatt became alert. This one was different, this one walked without fear.

Why?

All his Death Squad feared him, for they had seen him kill with the twitch of a finger. They lived in fear for their jobs, their very lives.

Why didn't this one? Perhaps he should find out...

" You. You are chosen to dine with me tonight. You will be shown to the dining room in 15 minutes, and..."

" Don't be late. I don't like to be kept waiting. "

With that, Wyatt left the attic, and # 21 finally felt fear.

" Great. " Chris moaned, inwardly, " How the hell am I going to get out of this one? "

*****

[staceface510]

Hmm..interesting twist. Update soon please!

[mjp3]

This story is still great!
I really like the way you´ve written Cole, and the `I make this look good` thing was hilarious.
Write more soon!