A Royal Decree

[mcharmed21]

HALLIWELL MANOR, DINING ROOM

(Piper carries out a tray of muffins. A wonderful hearty meal is already on the table.)

Piper (calling): All Halliwells and those who eat breakfast here! Its on the table!

(Piper looks up as she pulls out a chair, sitting down.)

Wyatt (orbing in): Hey, Mom!. (walking over, kissing Piper's cheek and pulling out a chair for himself) Where's everyone else?

(Chris slides down the stairway banister.)

Chris (yelling as he walks in): I am right here. Hi Wyatt, Mom. (pours himself a cup of orange juice) Want some orange juice?

Piper (smiling): No, thanks, I've got milk.

Wyatt (chiming in a moment later): Yeah, that would be awesome.

Chris (sitting down, filling his plate): Where is Aunt Paige and Leo?

Wyatt (rolling his eyes): Is it too much to ask that you call him Dad. He's our father.

Chris (glaring at Wyatt): He's your father. You're the favorite--always have been, always will be. You're twice-blessed, remember?

Piper (flipping her hand, breaking a dish): It's too early for you two to be arguing about your father. And, yes, Wyatt is right, Chris; perhaps you should look into calling him Dad. He's done alot for you also. (Looking up) Paige...Leo, the food is getting cold.

(Moments later, Leo orbs in)

Leo: Hey, family. (walking over, kissing Piper):. Where's Paige and Phoebe? There's something we need to talk about.

Piper (smiling at Leo): I don't know where they are. (trying not to sound suspicious of why Leo wanted them all to be here) Why? What's going on?

(Leo remains silent for a moment, breathing deeply.)

Leo: Well, the Elders have called a meeting. They want you and your sisters to attend as well as Wyatt and Chris.

Chris (looking at Leo, as he eats a piece of his cherry waffle): What do THEY want? I haven't done anything to red-alert them in weeks.

Wyatt (looking at Leo): Is it a demon? I can go hit the Book of Shadows...

Leo (shrugging): Honestly they didn't tell me anything. I wish I could say that they did. Something seems to have come up. But I am not sure its a demonic factor.

Chris (using his telekinesis to pull the orange-juice jug to him): If its not demonic, then I don't need to go. I didn't volunteer for anything outside or above fighting demons. To be more exact, I didn't volunteer for that either. Being born was my crime.

(Chris fills another cup with orange juice and hands it to Wyatt.)

Wyatt (looking at Chris): Like you have a choice. None of us do. It's who we are. You're a Charmed One's child. Basically, by blood!

Chris: Wyatt, you're all about duty; don't you ever take the time to have a life? Go drink. Go find a girlfriend or something. You're just..

Leo (looking between his sons): Enough. You're both old enough to not act like two-year-olds.

Chris (rolling his eyes): What time is the stupid meeting? I have a life. I have something I need to do.

Leo (looking at Chris): You're not leaving; it's scheduled for right after breakfast.

Chris (fighting the urge to yell): Mom!

Piper (smiling): You have to stay, Chris, at least until we're done with the Elders. By past pretense, I don't think its going to take long.

(Door slams from other room)

Phoebe (walking in): It's pouring out there. (looking at Leo) You left a note on my dresser. What's going on?

(Figuring that that Paige is going to be late as always, Leo waves his arm. Orbing Paige in.)

Paige (looking around): Leo, I can orb myself. I've only been doing it for over half my life.

Leo (sighing): I'm always the bad guy. Can everyone sit down? (watching Paige and Phoebe sit down) Now, that everyone's here. The Elders have called a meeting. It's after we eat. No, I don't know what it's about. Yes, I think it's important. No. I don't think it's a demon.

Phoebe (looking at Leo): Since when do we owe anything to the Elders? They haven't done much in the last few years but talk a whole lot of hot air. And their hot air never gets us
anywhere.

Chris (smirking): I agree. So can we boycott this meeting?

Paige (looking at Leo): I don't see what it can hurt. They just want to talk. Who knows? It's probably about something that's going to be not the least bit important. But what's the harm is opening our ears?

Wyatt (nodding): I agree. Mom, what's your vote? Its 2 for ditching and 2 for going.

Piper (looking up at Leo): Majority rules; we're going.

Chris (pushing away from the table): Whatever. (thinking) ~ I have something I have to do. It's more important then the Elders telling me what I don't care about nor want to know about. ~

Wyatt (laughing, having heard every word Chris thought): I have telepathy, remember?

(Paige orbs in front of Chris, stopping him in his track.)

Paige: What is your problem? We're still The Charmed Ones. We're still your family. (pausing) Besides if you run, Wyatt orbs, Leo orbs and I orb. Your odds of out-orbing us and not going to this meeting are very slim.

(Chris stares at her, starting to orb. Paige puts her hand on his shoulders, stopping Chris in
mid-orb.

Paige: Might as well deal with it, buddy. I'm older and have been at this a lot longer then you.

(Chris sighs, walks back to the table.)

(It's about a half an hour later. Everyone is done, and Piper and Wyatt have just finished cleaning up.)

Phoebe (chiming in): Are we ready?

(Piper looks at Wyatt; Wyatt at Chris, and Paige at Leo.)

Wyatt (shrugging): As ready as we're ever gonna be to see the Elders.

(Chris nods. Wyatt orbs out with Piper; Leo orbs out with Phoebe.

Paige (looking at Chris): Coming?

Chris (rolling his eyes): Yes.

(Paige orbs out. Chris sits at the table for a few moments.)

Chris (pulling a small box out of his pocket, looking around, muttering): Stupid Elders. I have a proposal to write, and you're calling pointless meetings.

(Putting the box back in his pocket, Chris orbs out, too.)

[brezo]

WOW thought the first chapter WAS GREAT!!!!!!!! please update soon ;D

[mcharmed21]

ELDERLAND/UP THERE

(Two large tables sit in the room, facing each other. Piper, Paige, and Phoebe sit behind the table. Chris, Leo, and Wyatt stand behind the sisters.)

Chris (pacing back and forth): What the hell is taking so long?

Wyatt (laughing under his breath): Chris, they're the Elders. We're on their time now. They can be late, because they're them.

AT THE TABLE

Phoebe: This reminds me of when I lost my powers. The only difference is there isn't a Circle of Truth.

Piper: Honestly, if they're taking our powers again, I don't want them back. We are all getting older, and this is the time that most people our age are relaxing and taking trips around the world for fun. Instead we are still fighting demons on a daily basis and instead of around-the-world cruises, I fly Air Leo. Or Air Wyatt and rarely Air Chris. Takes the fun out of planning a trip.

Paige (laughing): God, when you put it that way, I fly Air Myself. (Pausing) You're right, (nodding her head) Takes the fun right out vacation.

(The sisters all share a laugh.)


ELDERS CHAMBER


Elder Jaden (looking at Elder Hunter): Can we really expect this to work? Wyatt doesn't even have a love interest. He's just like Prue Halliwell was before him. All work, no time for romance and love.

Elder Hunter: We can't leave the future so undecided. Wyatt needs to show that he has a future that includes children. The Halliwell line must continue, and we can't afford for him to be King without a Queen.

Elder Bryant (walking in): So what are we asking besides marriage? That the women he chooses to be his Queen must prove she can give him a child? A son? That's so old and barbaric. Wyatt should be allowed to marry for love. What are you all trying to do? Make him run from his heritage? His destiny?

Elder Hunter: Wyatt has had years to find a wife. Wyatt needs to marry a magical woman. He is twice-blessed; his children need to be backed with power. A magical marriage will insure that we maintain the upper hand in the eternal fight of good vs. evil.

Elder Jaden (shaking his head): Unbelievable. You're treating Wyatt like a horse, trying to find the perfect mate to provide the perfect offspring. Wyatt isn't a horse, he's a living breathing human being. And if you push too hard, he'll walk. If he walks, then not only do we not have the twice-blessed child on our side, but we lose a future elder in him.

Elder Jackson (walking in): Is everyone forgetting the second son? Wyatt is the first-born. There is a second son.

Elder Bryant: Chris Halliwell? (thinking) Now that is a possibility. Chris, though not twice-blessed, has already mostly fulfilled everything were are going to ask Wyatt to do.

Elder Jaden: Chris Halliwell. Well he does have a girlfriend. But she's a Phoenix witch. That would be risky at best. Their children would be part Whitelighter and part Phoenix. Can we really afford a Halliwell by blood to shimmer? Shimmering is a demonic sign.

Elder Jackson: Shimmering could be looked up to as demonic, but it's a technical means of transportation. Besides, what are the odds of every child they have shimmering? Chris orbs. He's going to be one part of the child's genetic structure.

Elder Hunter: I would object strongly to Chris Halliwell taking over as King. He is by blood the next in line. But marrying an assassin? She could kill him and then where would we be? No, that factor isn't a logical nor realistic option.

Elder Bryant: Well, so what are we going to do? This argument isn't going anywhere.

Elder Taylor (orbing in): Well, what we are going to do is what we all are thinking logically we should do.

Elder Hunter (sighing): What is that, Taylor? Orbing in late isn't normally smart nor do we accept what you have to say.

Elder Taylor: Sorry, I have charges too, you know? Anyway, this could be addressed very easily. Wyatt should be given one year. His coronation day isn't for one year. In one year, should Wyatt not be engaged or wedded, then Chris would ascend as King of Magic. Bianca isn't a threat to anything. She would walk over glass to save Chris, which in my book shows she truly loves him.

(The other Elders look at each other.)

Elder Taylor (sighing): In the interim of the retiring Charmed Sisters, Wyatt and Chris should battle side-by-side the forces of the dark. In one year we will know who will be King and who will be the sidekick.

Elder Bryant looks at Elder Jackson as Elder Hunter looks at Elder Jaden.

Elder Jaden (a few moments later): That's very logical and I think we should use the idea. Its fair yet gives bounds.

Elder Bryant (nodding): I agree also.

Elder Hunter and Elder Jackson (at the same time): Me too.

(The Elders orb out within seconds of each other.)

[DrewFullerFan4Life]

Great story so far it's very interesting.

[leigh19]

I like it a lot...but I think I've read it before...you posted it a few months ago, didn't you? Or am I crazy...? In any event, I like the plot, and I can't wait for more:)

[mcharmed21]

I posted it on old cafe, but 99% of people at this cafe hadn't read it. Its actually 3 parts, A Royal Decree, A Royal Engagement and A Royal Wedding.

[DrewFullerFan4Life]

That's interesting cause i used to go to the old Cafe to. I must of just missed it! Well, post the next chappie when u can!

[mcharmed21]

(ELDERLAND MEETING AREA)


Wyatt (laughing a little): Dad, I get that we are on Elder time, but this is getting annoying. I've got stuff to do at the club and a room to clean at home.

Leo (shrugging his shoulders): I have no idea what to tell you. They'll get here when they are good and ready.

(Chris, who's sitting on the floor, glares. He now stands up and begins pacing.)

Chris: (angry, ticked, overall pissed off): And who were the bright ones who wanted to come to this meeting? You were. Who are the ones who said, the elders always have reason(pointing at Paige) She was. So you drag me up here basically just to sit and do nothing. And wait on some lame guys in white doctor outfits. Now you wonder why I didn't want to come.

(Chris rolls his eyes in disgust, although he's not quite sure with disgust at who. He's just mad, the ringbox burning a hole in his pocket.)

(At this moment, the five orb clouds appear brightly. When they materialize, they are the five Elders, standing next to the table across from the Charmed Ones. The Elders pull out chairs and sit, facing the sisters. Leo walks up from behind, standing between the chairs.)

Leo: (nodding to each) Jaden, Jackson, Bryant, Hunter and Taylor. We're all here. We'd like to know the reason behind this meeting.

Elder Jackson (looking at Leo): Really, Leo you do not have to be here. You are not a Charmed One nor are you a child of one. Technically, you are an Elder who is spending far too much time on earth.

Leo (showing a slight temper): Piper's my wife, and they are my sons. You sure as hell better believe that they are my family.

Elder Hunter (smirking): A fallen Elder who put fatherhood over the greater good--the good of all your children, not just those with whom you share a blood-bond.

Elder Taylor (sighing): This is not about Leo. There is a much more pressing matter at hand. This is a matter that concerns all of you and your future roles in magic.

(Piper looks at Leo and then back at Taylor)

Piper: What future roles? We're the Charmed Ones. If there's something demonic out there, we'll get it. We always do. Getting older hasn't stopped us from doing one thing you have asked.

(Phoebe and Paige nod their heads, agreeing with Piper.)

Elder Taylor: Piper, you were always the one who assumed. This is rather actually good news for you, I would say. This is very good news for all of you.

(Phoebe looks at the Elder, raising her hand and waving it frantically, like a child at school who desperately needs a bathroom pass.)

Elder Taylor (holding in his laugh): Yes, Phoebe? You wish to comment?

Phoebe: How can this be good for all of us? I mean, you haven't said what is good for all of us, but nothing you ever decide is. No offense. We've been doing this demon deal from awhile now and historically when you say it's good, it's just more hell we have to go though.

(Piper and Paige nod their heads, agreeing with Phoebe.)

Elder Jaden (looking at Phoebe): Well, it is not a bad thing. Unless you have this strong urge to fight demons until you die. Of old age of course, not because the demons are smart enough to defeat you.

(Paige, Phoebe and Piper look at each other, not totally understanding what the Elder has just said.)

Chris (standing up): So wait, did I hear you right? You finally are going to release our family from the curse..um...legacy? That we are all going to be able to live happy normal lives? No more daily demon attacks?

Elder Jackson (shaking his head): No Chris, the Charmed Sisters will be retiring as of this day. That means the new legacy of the King is upon us. This also means the Day of theTwice-Blessed Son has come.

(Chris turns slowly to look at Piper and then back to his brother. Wyatt meet Chris's eyes, it's a brother moment.)

Piper (shaking her head): No, sorry. If you think you're going to try and get my son killed out there, you're loonier then I ever thought you were.

Elder Taylor : Piper, as hard as this is for you to accept right now, you know it's for the best. Wyatt was born to do this. However, this brings to my next not-so-fun part about being King.

Leo (Angrily steps in): What does that mean?

(Phoebe and Paige are looking at all the drama going on around them)

Paige: Hey, retirement! Does that mean we can finally get married and have kids? Wait, I'm too old for kids. But how about the world cruises we always wanted to go on?

Phoebe: Later, Paige. I think this room is about to explode.

[DrewFullerFan4Life]

haha, good chappie post when ya can

[leigh19]

I knew I wasn't crazy! I know I've read part one...but I can't recall parts 2 and 3. So I shall follow along now to refresh myself, and I can't wait to get to the parts I haven't read! Great chapter, and great concept...I often wonder what exactly Wyatt's future holds, and this is a very interesting approach to take! Post more asap!

[brezo]

WAY GREAT ;D POST MORE REALLY SOON!!!!!!!!!!

[mcharmed21]

(The room is silent for a few moments, the Elders conferring with each other)

Wyatt- So what did that mean? What don't I want to know? Since this is about me, I think I deserve at least that.

Elder Taylor: Besides your birthright, the other Elders and I have made an additional requirement for you to ascend the throne.

Leo (pacing near Chris): What requirement would that be? He was born to this. He was the one that other Elders have waited on for centuries.

Elder Jaden: In order to ascend the throne in one year, from today, Wyatt must have a Queen. A woman who will stand by him, bear his children and rule all that belongs to the magical community world. In that way, the magical line of Halliwell will continue to rule the magical world.

(The room is silenced. If a pen were to drop, it would be loud and echo around the room.)

Wyatt: Well, guess that's going to suck when I can't take the throne because I don't fit the marital requirements. What do you plan on do? Finding another line to take my place?

Elder Taylor : (Looking down) No, that's a factor for which we have also planned. You have a brother--a spare shall we call him. Should you not be wedded or to be wedded in on year's time, Chris will be the Guardian of the Throne. Chris and Bianca are as solid as they come. We are hoping that if in one year's time, if you are not wedded, that your brother will be.

Chris (standing up, shaking his head): No way. I don't want it. So you're going to have to take Wyatt as he is, or take whoever is third in line. I like being me. No way am I bringing Bianca into the nightmare I live. You can scratch me off that list, like yesterday.

Elder Taylor: It is you, Christopher Victor Halliwell, who doesn't have the choice in this. You were born to a Halliwell, and that birth gives you certain rights. Right's that not just any witch can possess.

Chris: I don't think you get it; I won't take the throne.

Wyatt: (looking at Chris): I don't think you get it. I think he's very serious. If I can't find true love within this year and someone who will love me--King of Magic and all that comes with it--you're going to be the next King.

Chris (shaking his head, firmly): No.

Piper (standing up): Wyatt has one year does he not?

Elder Taylor : Yes. In one year, the Elders will summon the magical community and the King--be it Wyatt and his bride or Chris and Bianca--will be crowned.

Phoebe: So, what we're going to do is go home and think. We're still a family, and we need to pull our heads together and figure this out.

Elder Taylor : Before you orb away, you (looking at each of the sisters) are retired. You can fight demons if you choose. For the next year, it will be Wyatt and Chris fighting side by side. In a year's time, we shall see who the defender of all magic is.

(The Elders as a unit orb out, leaving the family to sit, absorbing the news and challenge the Elders have issued.)

(LIVING ROOM MANOR)


Wyatt (orbing in): Chris, it's basically a given you're going to be the King of Magic.

(Chris's orb starts entering the room, just as Wyatt's finishes, but he still speaks.)

Chris: Dude, I don't want it. I want the least magical life I can have. I want the 2.5 kids, the white picket fence, a dog, a wife who is my soulmate and makes me go weak in the knees, while you (pointing at Wyatt) have the everyday demonic headaches. It's really not too much to ask for, since you were the one born to do the job. At least, I don't think it is.

(In the background, Piper, Phoebe, Leo and Paige orb in.)

Wyatt: Chris, what you seem to forget or just ignore is I don't have a girlfriend. I don't even know where to start. And to make matters even worse; I don't have enough time to find the one I want. It's not practical or logical.

Phoebe (walking over to stand between Chris and Wyatt): OK, so we know this is a big blow to everyone, and things seem a little jaded on the requirements to be King, but we have a year.

Paige (sitting down on the sofa, nodding, agreeing with Phoebe): We have been though bigger things than this. We'll find a way.

Wyatt (swiping his hand in the air, very angry and frustrated): I don't want to find a way to find my soulmate. What are you planning on doing? Run a Who Wants to Marry the Future King of Magic special on TV; all single female witches please apply? The Cleaners would freak out. Coming to think of that, so would I!

Leo (sitting on the staircase, laughing): Wyatt, it does look bad; I give you that. But, it's not that dramatic. What we are going to do, I think everyone would agree, is get you out in the dating world. Give true love a chance to find you.

Chris (waving his hand): Excuse me, is anyone remembering about me? The invisible man over here says, I am not doing it. He's going to find love or (pausing) I'll strip my powers. Can't be the King of Magic and a mortal man at the same time, now can I?

(Chris folds his arms across his chest.)

Piper (walking over to Chris): I understand that this is hard for you, sweetie. I really do. But, logically we're going to try every way we know how to get Wyatt to take his rightful place. But if he can't, then you're going to have to embrace your future. Fight it, be angry at it, and even cry about it. But, this is bigger then just our family. That's what your grandmother told me when your Aunt Prue died and I had to become the oldest. Now it may be your turn to do the same.

Chris (shaking his head): But Wyatt's not dead! This is *his* life, not mine! You guys just don't understand the meaning of the word no.

(Chris orbs up to his room)

[brezo]

MORE GREATNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE UPDATE SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE THIS STORY!!!!!!!!!

I can't wait to find out whose gonna be king, it should be chris, just cause he doesn't want it (more drama) hehehe

[DrewFullerFan4Life]

haha great chapter can't wait till you write some more!

[mcharmed21]

Piper (looking up, hearing footsteps, rolling her eyes): Leo, he's your son too.

Leo: (Shaking his head) I don't know what to say to him. I'm the elder that other elders reject because I choose to be a good father and be down here all the time rather then up there.

Piper (looking at Leo in a matter-of-fact way): He needs a man, Leo. He needs his father. He won't ask for your help because that's just how he is. Chris doesn't understand how all this hype about Wyatt and Wyatt's future has suddenly flipped and become his possible future. His whole life, he's been second in everything. Now its sort of daunting to him, to think that he might have to take the place of his big brother. I know how it feels; I felt just like him when Prue died. It wasn't easy filling her shoes, and it won't be easy if Chris has to fill Wyatt's either.

(Leo shakes his head, not happy, but agreeing, then orbs up to Chris's room.)

Wyatt: (sitting on the chair, very bummed): You know I used to think that my future was like a map. This road has put me on so many different paths. Every one that I've been put on; I've come out on top. Vanquished whatever demons I had to, rescued all the innocents as well. Now, the one path I was born to do, was trained to do, hangs on the edge because I'm not married. Seems rather a waste of my life--I've done so much and it's going waste.

Phoebe (kneeling by the side of the chair): Wyatt, don't give up yet. There are still cards to be played. (Looking up at Piper) There's still a chance in one year that the knots in the road will work themself out.

(A large book drops from the ceiling. Paige picks it up as Piper walks over to see.)

Wyatt: What is it?

Paige (looking at Wyatt): The Complete Index of Single Witches, including pictures, family lines, powers and future goals. (Matter-of-fact tone of voice) This book is what is going to set this mess straight. I'm going to start looking.

(Paige orbs to the attic.)

Wyatt: (looking up towards the attic): Aunt Paige. You're living though my non-existent lovelife again. I'm the one who has to like the woman. I'm the one who has to be married to this person, too.

(CHRIS' BEDROOM)


Leo (sitting at the computer desk): Chris, it's not like we knew this was going to happen. Everyone always thought this one part of the path would be easy. He was born to do this. But you're the one who has a girlfriend.

Chris: Dad, this is pointless. If we can't find a way out of this, I'm giving up my powers. I'll just be me, Christopher Victor Halliwell. Mortal man, with mortal issues with a magical family.(he shrugs,grinning) Hey, it could happen.

Leo: You know that would be heart-breaking to your mother. You remember her, right? The woman who nearly died, giving birth to you? That same woman who couldn't have more kids due to damage inflicted by a C-section. Beyond your mother, they only give you what you can handle.

Chris (looking at Leo, pulls the ring box out of his pocket): Dad, before this all went down; I was going to ask Bianca to be my wife. I can't ask her now, knowing what's at stake. The Elders would never accept a Phoenix witch as the Queen of Magic In order for her to become the Queen of Magic, she'd have to give up all of her Phoenix powers, and if she did that, she wouldn't be Bianca, and she'd start resenting me. I can't have that.

Leo: If you love her and she loves you, no matter the odds, love conquers all. Soulmates love will always win. Even in the darkest and most dreaded hours, love will find its way. It did with your mother and me--it will for you and yours.

Chris (throwing the box on the nightstand): Dad. Reality says I can't marry a Phoenix witch. Indirectly, even good, she's evil. Even if she gave up her powers, I don't know if the Elders would accept her.

Leo: That's not true, and you know it. When you're born, you're given what blood creates you. You decided what you are by the choices you make. We know Bianca; she's a good woman. If necessary, we'll make sure that the Elders will accept her as she is.

Chris: Yeah, right! As if those anal-retentive beings could ever accept something that doesn't go according to their plans.

Leo: Chris! (Pausing) I'm not anal-retentive. (Laughing)

Chris: Dad. Can I just be left alone to sulk about my failure as a son and a boyfriend? I mean, its hell if I do, and hell if I don't.

Leo (Sighing): You didn't fail anyone. You haven't yet and I don't think you ever will. If you want to talk, I'm only an orb away.

(Chris nods, and Leo orbs out. Chris turns over, looking at the picture of Bianca. Moments later the picture shatters as Chris--using TK--throws it into the wall.)

[mjp3]

I really like your story. Please post the next part soon!