Disclaimer: I don’t claim any of the Charmed Characters. I only claim those characters I’ve created.  This fan fiction was created for entertainment purposes only; no profit is made from this story.  All characters do not existence outside this fan fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.  Any resemblance to actual events, locals, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

 

 

Charmed Got Gamed

 

 

Chapter 1

 

A month and half later since Life Goes On.

 

 

                “Paige, where’re the sheets?” Piper Halliwell yelled at her sister on a late Friday afternoon.  “Leo will be back with Tyler any minute.”

 

                Piper stood in front of an upstairs’ closet that contain multicolor of sheets, blankets and pillows.  She was lifting and moving sheets on a shelf that was about waist high.  She sighed as she let the pile of sheets drop. “Paige.”

 

                Paige stomped out of the room to the left of the closet that Piper had open. It was very apparent that she was very frustrated with her sister.  She came up beside Piper.  “Twin sheets,” called Paige. On the very top shelf of the linen closet orbs started to swirl around a set of cauliflower blue sheets then the sheets turned completely into orbs and shot into Paige’s waiting hands and turned back into the cauliflower blue sheets in a blink of an eye. “They’re right here.” Paige said smugly.

 

                Piper yanked the sheets from baby sister’s hands and marched passed her and mumbled. “Personal gain.”  She disappeared into the room that Paige emerged from just a few seconds ago.

 

                Paige followed closely behind Piper. “Personal gain...ha...I gain absolutely nothing from that.”

 

                The late afternoon sun was glisten off a crystal vase that sit on top an antique dresser, the vase sent a spectrum of colors over the pale blue walls.  The walls were covered in various paintings and pictures of landscapes around the San Francisco area.  Under the two large windows on the west wall set a window seat with navy blue cushion that was covered in light blue paisleys. In between the windows and the dresser set a bare twin bed.

 

                Piper stood at the foot of a twin size bed with a bare pillow top mattress.  She flipped out the fitted sheet and watched as it floated on to the mattress. “Paige, whatever you want to call it. They’ll be none of it while Tyler is here.”  Piper went to the front of the mattress.  She grabbed the corner of the mattress with her right hand and the sheet with the left and pulled it over the lifted corner.  Once it was tuck under she dropped the mattress back in place.

 

                “Piper, Tyler knows all about our powers seems it was us who saved him from the demonic bounty hunters.”  Paige grabbed the other side of the fitted sheet and picked up the corner of the mattress that was on her side and pulled the sheet around the corner and let it fall back in place. “He was a firestarter, remember.”

 

                “I remember just fine but that’s beside the point.  I don’t want anything to go wrong or for any demons to show up.”  Demons are all she needed to show up this weekend and put Tyler in danger.  If he should get injured it could be another several months before she got to see him again.  Piper lifted up the foot of the mattress and finished fitting the sheet to the mattress before dropping it back down.

 

                “Piper, nothing is going to go wrong, stop fretting.” Paige gave her sister an innocent smile, as she handed her the top sheet. 

 

                Piper glared at her baby sister as she took the sheet from her and gave it a snap before letting it drift down on to the mattress.

 

                “Who’s fretting?” Phoebe asked as she joined her sisters in the bedroom.

 

                “Piper, who else,” replied Paige catching the pillow that Piper just threw at her.  She picked up the pillowcase and started to stuff the pillow inside.

 

                “I’m not fretting. I’m realistic.   Something always goes wrong in this house.”   Piper glared at her sister before she made sure the hospital corners were smooth and even on both sides.

 

                Phoebe shared a look with Paige.  “We could always unbind Tyler’s powers while he’s here.” Phoebe joked.

 

                Piper paused in smoothing out the top sheet on the bed.  She straightened up and turned her head to look at her sister.  “You’re funny. That’s all we need to do is unbind his powers and he accidentally uses them and every bounty hunter in the underworld would break their necks to pay us a little visit.”

 

                “You’re right, Paige she is fretting.”

 

                Piper spun around now holding a blanket in her arms. She glared at her sister and said through clench teeth.  “I...am...not...fretting.”

 

                Piper, even if we wanted to unbind Tyler’s power he wouldn’t let us, seems it was him who asked us to bind them in the first place.” Paige took the blanket that Piper was holding and started to unfold it.  She put quickly onto the bed.

 

                Piper let out a calming breath.  “Let’s talk about something else.  Phoebe, how did your date go with Bradan?”

 

                “It wasn’t a date.  I needed someone to go with me to the charity benefit.  Caleb was on duty and Bradan volunteered.  It’s as simple as that.” Phoebe informed defensively.

 

                “Uh-huh,” said Paige sharing a knowing look with Piper.  Piper smiled and turned away before Phoebe seen.

 

                “So you’re saying you have no feelings for Bradan.” Piper asked, as she tossed the other side of the comforter over to Paige.

 

                “I have feeling for Bradan but just friendship,” retorted Phoebe.

 

                Paige and Piper finished spreading the comforter over the top of the bed and set the pillows on top of the made bed. Paige was smoothing that last of the wrinkles from the foot of the bed when she looked up at Phoebe. “Are you sure that’s all.”

 

                “I think I know my own feelings, Paige.”

 

                “I’m just saying—”

 

                “I’m done talking about me.  Let’s talk about something else,” snapped Phoebe cutting Paige off.  “Is Sean got any new leads or is his shadow still bugging him?”

 

                Piper laughed to herself as she listened to Paige list Sean’s many complaints about Kian Coleman, the young man who came from the future to assist in stopping the Avatars.  He’d been a bur on Sean’s backside since he’d showed up a month and a half ago.  Kian crashed the triplets’ birthday party. As a running joke between them they’ve nicknamed Kian, shadow on how wherever Sean goes Kian follows.

 

                The fact that none of them knows if they can trust Kian causes a constant uneasiness when ever he’s around.  Paige hadn’t said anything but Piper had a feeling that Kian’s presents was putting a strain on Paige and Sean’s marriage.

 

                Sean is always on guard when Kian’s around, so they can’t have a little down time or even a little alone time.  Piper gets the impression that Sean’s presents this weekend has more to do with his relationship with Paige staying on a good note than on helping with Tyler but whatever the reason Piper is grateful for the help.

 

                They heard the front door opened and then closed they heard Leo call out.  “Piper we’re back.”

 

                “Oh my, they’re here,” exasperated Piper.

 

                “She’s not fretting.” Paige mocked with a smile.

 

                “Breath in through the nose and out through the mouth,” added Phoebe unable to hide her own smile.

 

                “Shut up,” barked Piper, as she walk out of the room with the sound of her sisters’ snickering.

 

 

 

                Piper found her husband and their guest in the living room.  Piper went up to Tyler and pulled him into a motherly hug.  “Welcome back, Tyler.”

 

                Paige tapped Piper on the shoulder.  “Let him breath” Piper released her hug and Tyler had a sheepish smile.  “Hi, Tyler.”

 

                “Hi, Paige...um...it’s nice to see you again.” He stuck out his hand but Paige grabbed it and pulled him into a hug.

 

                “Hi Tyler,” said Phoebe as Paige let him out of the hug.  Tyler looked at her wryly.  Phoebe smiled as she felt Tyler’s panic that Phoebe might pull him into yet another uncomfortable hug.  “Not to worry, Tyler, I’m going to spare you a hug.” 

 

                Tyler let out a breath of relief.  Everyone in the room including Tyler laughed. “I may make you some of my chocolate chip cookies.”

 

                “That would be great,” Tyler said with a smile.

 

                “Would you like to put your things in you room,” inquired Piper?

 

                “Sure, would it be all right if I could leave this bag down here.”  Tyler raised his left arm that held a medium size navy blue duffel bag with white nylon handles.

 

                “Yeah, I don’t see why not but what’s in it?” Piper questioned as Tyler set the bag on the floor next to the TV.

 

                “Oh, it’s my Playstation and a few games,” answered Tyler.  He looked at Piper’s frowned face.  “No worry, I won’t play anything scary around Wyatt and the other kids.”

 

                Piper gave him a slight smile.  “I’d appreciate that.”

 

                Leo laid a hand on Tyler’s shoulder.  “Come on, I’ll show you to your room.  Leo climbed the stairs and Tyler followed a few steps behind.

 

                Piper watched as her husband and Tyler disappeared up the stairs.  It’s been a long time since Tyler had done his piggyback orb.  He looks so grown up now.  She still can’t get over how fast kids grow up, even Wyatt and the twins are sprouting up so fast.  She wishes that she could just stop time for just a few years so she could truly enjoy them.

 

                “He sure has grown up.” Phoebe said mirroring her own thoughts.

 

                “He sure had,” said Paige in agreement.

 

                “So what are we going to fix for supper,’ inquired Phoebe?

 

                “We can grill hamburgers or hot dogs or both.” A voice came behind them.

 

                Piper, Phoebe, and Paige jumped and spun around to see Sean standing there, holding two of the trips.  Kian was coming through the magic doorway with the other trip.

 

                The doorway that Sean set up when he bought the house next door, as a Christmas present for Paige on their first Christmas together.  He made it able for them to go between the two houses, as thought, they were one house.  They can holler for each other from either house and they can hear one another.

 

                Piper glared at her brother-in-law.  “I wish you could put a bell on that doorway.”

 

                Sean laughed. “How many times have you called for the doorway to enter our bedroom and walked in on me getting dressed.”

 

                Piper held up two fingers.  “I done it exactly twice and that is a perfect example of why you should put a bell on that doorway.”

 

                Sean raised an eyebrow giving his sister-in-law a yeah-right gesture.

 

                Piper put her hands on her hips.  “I’ve only did it twice but Phoebe is the one who likes to came in unannounced.”

 

                “Hey, I don’t do it all the time.  I’ve only did it a few time and I’ve said I’m sorry.” Phoebe defended.

 

                Sean started to laugh. “I know you can’t resist my body.”

 

                Paige playfully smacked Phoebe on the arm.    “What? Two men not enough for you.” Paige tried to hide her smile.

 

                “Not funny, I don’t do that.”

 

                Piper smiled and joked. “Not anymore.”

 

                Everyone couldn’t help but to start laughing except Phoebe.

 

                “What’s so funny?” Leo asked when he came back into the room.

 

                “Phoebe and her history of going after her sisters’ men,” Piper answered her husband’s questioned.

 

                “Like when she went after me because you liked me?” Leo smiled asking his wife as he wrapped his arm around her waist.

 

                “I’m glad you guys are getting a good laugh at my expense.  I’m going to go make those cookies for Tyler at least he’ll appreciate me.” Phoebe stomped out of the room in a huff.

 

                “Oh, Phoebe, don’t be like that we’re only joking.” Piper called after her.  “I better go talk to her.” She pulled out of Leo grasp and gave him a peck on the cheek and chased after her sister.

 

                Phoebe was slamming things around when Piper walked into the kitchen.  Piper slipped onto a stool at the kitchen island.  Phoebe was ignoring her until Piper grabbed her hand after she slammed the bag of chocolate chips on to the island.

 

                “Pheebs, you know we don’t think you’re like that.  Come on, sweetie, what’s really bothering you?”

 

                Phoebe sighed but just looked at where Piper was holding her hand. She swiped away a tear before she looked up into her sister’s eyes.  “I think Caleb is pulling away.”

 

                “You think or feel he’s pulling away,” inquired Piper.

 

                “I think. I don’t know maybe I feel he is and then there’s Bradan.  He’s always there when I need him.  Maybe happily ever after isn’t for me.”

 

                Piper tugged on her sister’s hand and pulled her around the island and forced her into the chair next to her. She took a hold of both of her sister’s hands. “Phoebe, love is in your future.  You met Emily and if any of us deserves happily ever after it’s you, little sister.”

 

                Phoebe wagged her head in disagreement.  “You might think so but look at my record.  My first husband, was a demon, human and then the Source of all evil and on top of that we had to vanquish him. Jason, my sweet Jason...” A tear started to run down Phoebe’s cheek and Piper gently wiped it away with her index finger.  “...gone in a plane crash.  There all could be signs that I’m not meant to find love and be happy.  The curse of being Halliwell women fell on me.  You and Paige found it but it’s not written in the stars in my case.”

 

                “Phoebe—”

 

                “No Piper listen,” interrupted Phoebe.  “If it’s not meant to be, I’m willing to except it.  Maybe I’m destined to follow in the footsteps of Grams.”

 

                They heard orbs and turned to where they were coming from.  They watched the orbs as they swirled around and begin to dissipate.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2

 

                Grams felt the sadness that engulfed her granddaughter’s heart.   She was not going to let the simple fact that she was dead, stop her from going to her. What’s the use of being a witch if you can’t use your magic to help your love ones?

 

                The orbs started to swirl around her and the next thing she knew she was standing in the Manor’s kitchen and was looking at her granddaughters.

 

                “Grams,” Piper and Phoebe yelled in unison.  They jumped off their seats and ran over to her and through their arms around her in a big hug.

 

                Grams chuckled, “Who else?”

 

                Piper and Phoebe pulled back to look at their grandmother.  Piper arched an eyebrow. “Grams, What are you doing here?”

 

                “Well I had a feeling that one of my granddaughters needed me,” she gave Phoebe a knowing look, “am I right.”

               

                Phoebe released her grandmother and step back. “It’s nothing.”

 

                “Really, because I would say one of my granddaughters giving up on love is a pretty big thing. Don’t you?” Grams could see the pain in Phoebe’s eyes and it just broke her heart to know one of her granddaughters was going through such pain.  She was so hoping that the Charmed Ones would know true love without pain. 

 

                “Grams,” Phoebe said on a sigh.

 

                Grams wrapped her arm around her granddaughter’s shoulders and lead her back to the kitchen island and urged her to sit back down. “Sweetie, Love never gives up and I never gave up on love.  Why do you think I got married five times?  I just never found true love.

 

                “Phoebe, honey, I don’t believe you’re cursed and you don’t really believe you are.  You’re just had a few set backs; that’s all.  Just like your sisters, you have ever lasting love in your future. You just have to have faith that it will find you.  And believe me when I tell you it wasn’t Cole or Jason, they were just test runs.  Your true love is out there and it will come to you so clearly one day.”

 

                Phoebe sighed again and hugged her grandmother.  She understands that her grandmother was trying to help but she just didn’t what to believe in something that would never happen.  She was tired of being on the losing end of love.  She just didn’t think she could go through it again.

 

                Phoebe stood up and went around to the other side of the island to put some distance between her and her grandmother, both mentally and physically.

 

                “I think I’ll get started on those cookies for Tyler,” Phoebe said matter-of-factly.  She kept her head down so she didn’t have to make eye contact with her grandmother or her sister.  She could feel their gaze on her as she muddled around the kitchen.

 

                “Will wonders never cease,” Grams joked, “Phoebe is baking.”

 

                Phoebe snapped her head up to look at her grandmother. “I can bake when I want to.”

 

                  They all were laughing when Paige moseyed into the kitchen carrying her middle daughter, Kayley. Kayley had tears-streaked cheeks. It was quite obvious that she was a very sad little girl.  Paige pause when she seen her grandmother standing in the kitchen. “Grams.”

 

                “In the flesh, matter of speaking,” Grams smiled.

 

                “How?” Paige asked.

 

                “I was needed,” she simply replied.

 

                “Oh,” Paige looked over to her sister for answers and they just shrugged their shoulders.

 

                “Oh what is wrong with my great-granddaughter,” Grams asked as she put out her arms to take Kayley.  Kayley turned her head and buried her face into the side of her mother’s neck and he tightened her hold.

 

                “Kayley is the shy one,” said Piper, as she patted lovingly on her niece’s back.

 

                “Yeah, Kaitlin is the bossy one and Kiley is the adventurer,” added Phoebe then she spoke to her niece, “was your sisters fighting again.” Kayley nodded her head but she never came out of hiding her face.

 

                “What happened?” Piper asked her baby sister.

 

                “As usually, Kaitlin and Kiley were fighting over a toy and Kayley tried to be the diplomat,” Paige rubbed her daughter’s back, “and Kaitlin pushed her in the mud, which led to tears.”

 

                “Is she all right,” asked Sean, as he came into the kitchen.

 

                “Yes, just a little hurt pride, that’s all.” Paige answered her husband.

 

                Sean held his arms out to his daughter. “Come here darling, let Daddy clean you up.” Kayley turned and leaned out and Sean took her into his loving arms. 

 

                Sean turned and carried her to the sink. He gently set her on the counter next to the sink.  Sean turned on the water and tested the water with his elbow to make sure it wasn’t to hot.  He pulled opened a drawer next to the sink and remove a washcloth and he placed it under the running water and rung it out when he got it wet.

 

                “I think you should,” Grams snapped at Sean, “it’s your fault.”

 

                “My fault,” exasperated Sean, “how’s it my fault?”

 

                “If you didn’t get my granddaughter pregnant,” retorted Grams.

 

                Sean turned to face Grams but keep a hand on Kayley’s knee so she wouldn’t fall off the counter. “If I didn’t get your granddaughter pregnant this little angel and her sisters wouldn’t be here.”

 

                Sean and Grams was glaring at each other as though they were to pit bulls squaring off to see who was top dog.

 

                “Umm...I think we have a problem,” said Kian walking into the kitchen with two little girls hanging off each hand.

 

                “What’s wrong?” Paige asked him with concerned coming over to him.

 

                “They’re toxic,” Kian wrinkled his nose and taking quick breaths through his mouth. “The smell would wilt daisies.”

 

                “Well change them,” Sean ordered, wiping off Kayley’s hands.

 

                “Whoa...hey...I didn’t come from the future for diaper duty. That’s your job,” exclaimed Kian, as though Sean suggested for him to take on an army with only a pen to defend him.

 

                “Who’s this,” inquired Grams?

 

                “This is future boy.” Piper informed her grandmother.

 

                “I came here to help Sean with the Avatars, nothing else.”

               

                “Come on,” Grams said taking Kaitlin’s and Kiley’s hand. “It’s about time you learn how to change a diaper.”

 

                “I never said I didn’t know how I said I would not,” clarified Kian.

 

                “Come on, Kian, is it?” Grams walked through the doorway and left Kian staring after her.

 

                “She’s kidding right.” Kian looked form one person to the next as though he was hoping that they would break out in laughter and tell him April Fools.

 

                “If I was you I would get going,” Phoebe said smirking, “or you would really regret it.”

 

                “No one makes Grams wait without consequences,” added Piper.

 

                “I didn’t come here to change diapers,” muttered Kian, as he left the room; as though, he was about to face a firing squad.

 

                They watched him leave when Sean spoke up. “So is it just me Grams don’t like or is it men in general.”

 

                “It’s the men,” the Charmed Ones said in unison.  They all started to laugh.

 

                “All right...I’m going to go and change Kayley’s clothes.” Sean shook his head as he pick up his daughter.  He called for the magical doorway, “Oscail girl’s bedroom.”  He stepped through the doorway and disappeared from the kitchen.

 

                Paige smiled.  “I better make sure Kian is still alive.” She looked over at Phoebe. “You okay?”

 

                “Yeah,” Phoebe gave her sister a little shove. “Go on and check on Sean’s shadow.  Grams could chew him up and spit him out.”

 

                Paige gave Phoebe a quick hug and whispered in her ear. “You know if you need anything.  Piper and I got your back.”

 

                “Yeah I know, now go,’ Paige gave Phoebe’s hand a reinsuring squeeze and left the room.

 

                Phoebe watched as her baby sister sauntered out of the kitchen and sighed.  She felt Piper grabbed her arm. “Come on, sis let’s make those cookie.”

 

 

 

                Paige walked in Wyatt’s bedroom and spotted Grams standing over by the changing table with one of her daughters on it getting her diaper change.  Kian was staring out the window as though the most amazing thing was occurring just on the other side. Paige smiled at the whole scene.  Kian looked as uncomfortable as a long tailed cat in a room of rocking chairs.  She finally spotted her other daughter pulling clothes out of Wyatt’s dresser and dropping them on the floor.

 

                Paige crossed the room quickly. “Kiley, No,” Paige reprimanded as she knelt down beside her daughter.  Paige started to folded the clothes and put them away.

 

                “I told queasy boy over there to change Kaitlin’s diaper while I put the clothes away but he started to gag before he even got her diapers untapped.  Druid...ha,” mumbled Grams.

 

                “I’ve got it Kian. Why don’t you go down stairs! I think Tyler’s got his Playstation 2 hooked up on the TV in the living room.  Paige was snickering when Kian flew by her as though his pants were on fire.  He didn’t even look back.

 

                “Not much of a Druid,” Grams said sarcastically.  She picked up Kaitlin and put her down on the floor.

 

                Paige rose to her feet with Kiley in her arms and crossed the room over to the changing table.  Paige laid Kiley gentle down on the table. “I’ll change her Grams.”  Paige started to remove the disposable diaper.  “He’s a druid but it doesn’t take a druid to change a dirty diaper. A lot of people don’t have the stomach to change a dirty diaper.”

 

                Grams leaned over to look into Kiley’s face. “Oh does that wimpy man think you stink?”

 

                “She does stink,” informed Paige handing Grams the dirty diaper and pulling more wipes from the dispenser.  

 

                Grams tossed the dirty diaper into the Diaper Genie. “So who’s that boy down stairs?”

 

                “You mean Tyler?” Paige spared a look at Grams before sliding a new diaper under her daughter’s bottom.

 

                “Yes,” Grams replied. “So is he an innocent.”

 

                “In a way, he’s a firestarter.” Paige felt Kaitlin tugging on her pants, “Just a minute honey.”

 

                “Firestarter,” exclaimed Grams. “They work for the Source.”

 

                Paige fastened the tabs on her diaper, stood her up and straightened her dress.  She then handed her over to Grams. “The Source is gone and besides Tyler never wanted to work for him.  He’s a great kid besides he asked us to bind his powers.  He just wants to be a normal kid.  Doesn’t he sweetie?” Paige leaned down and picked up Kaitlin.  Kaitlin nodded and gave her mom a big kiss and hug.

 

                “So why’s he here?  Do you really think it’s safe?” Grams asked as she kissed her great granddaughter on her cheek.

 

                “To answer your question is that he’s here because his foster parents went out of town to a funeral and they asked us to keep him.”  Paige turned and headed for the doorway.  She glanced back over her shoulder.  “Piper got pretty attached to him, as well as the rest of us, when we help him.  We’ve kept in touch ever since.  And whether he’s safe or not is simple.  Yeah he’s safe.  He doesn’t have his powers.”

 

                “I wasn’t talking about his powers.  I was talking about demons dropping in unannounced.” Grams raised Kiley higher into her arms and kissed her on her forehead. “Isn’t that right sweetheart,” Kiley replied by grabbing her great grandmother’s necklace and gave a tug on it.

 

                Grams grabbed Kiley’s hand and gently took her necklace out of it.  “Oh no honey, we don’t grab Grams’s necklace.

 

                Paige looked back and smiled at her grandmother. “They are truly little girls.  They just love jewelry, shoes, and purses.”

 

                “They wouldn’t be Halliwells if they didn’t,” laughed Grams.  They walked out of the room and headed for the stairs to go down stairs.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3

 

                Tyler was sitting on the floor in front of the T.V.  He held the game controller in his hand as he watched the T.V intently.  The game had started and it was showing a demo of the game in a mini-movie format.  The demo showed witches throwing spells at men carry torches.  The mini-movie cut to a scene that revealed the same witches now tied to a stake on a pile of burning wood and then the scene faded to a very old man with long hair and a very long beard that barely touched the ground, he raised his hands and the witches disappear from the stakes and appear next to him. Finally the game menu appears on the screen of the T.V.

 

                This was a new game that Tyler had been wanting since he saw it in his gaming magazine.  His foster mom agreed to buy it for him if he would help her around the house.  He took out the trash, dusted, cleaned out the garage, washed the cars and mowed the lawn for the last two months.

 

                Tyler loved the premise that it was set in the middle ages.  A period of time, when all people believed in magic, it just wasn’t the thing found in fairy tales.   A time before everyone needed to touch it or see it to believe in it.  A time science was thought of as being magic.

 

                “People would be so shocked if they found out that magic was real and not just fairy tales,” thought Tyler, as he hit the “X” button to move to the next menu.

 

                Kian walked into the living room with a half dozen cookies in his hands.  He flopped down on the couch.  “What are you playing?”

 

                “I’m playing “Witch Hunter”.  You can either be the witch, the hunter or other characters,” answered Tyler.

 

                “Yeah,” said Kian, leaning forward. “I used to be pretty good at that game.  The witch hunters could never catch me.”

 

                Tyler turned around and gave Kian a confused look. “H-How could you—the game just came out last week.”

 

                “Umm…well you see…I’m…um…”

 

                “He tested video games,” Paige interrupted Kian with a smile, as she stepped into the room.

 

                “Really…cool,” exclaimed Tyler. “What other games have you tested?”

 

                “I really can’t tell you. I might say a game that is still in development,” Kian said on a half lie.

 

                “Oh,” Tyler said disappointedly.  He went back setting up his game.

 

                Kian turned to Paige and mouthed. “Thank You.”

 

                Paige smiled and nodded. “I’m off to the kitchen and Kian, why don’t you share some of your cookies with Tyler.”

 

                “He can get…” Kian trailed off when he caught the look on the Paige’s face. “Ty would you like a cookie?”

 

                “Sure,” Tyler said taking proffered cookie. “Thanks.”

 

                “You’re welcome. So tell me about who you’ve choosing to be.” Kian leaned back against the back of the couch.

 

                Paige smiled at the both of them and walked out of the room.

 

                “I’m going to play Merlin.  He helps out the new witches by teaching them, spells, laying out false trails for the witch hunters and saving them if they happened to get caught by the witch hunters.

 

                “You have to remember that he’s not all powerful.” Kian said as he slid down on the floor next to Tyler.  “He can be fooled by the Evil Sorcerer that is assisting the witch hunters.”

 

                “So when you were testing the game what characters did you play?”  Tyler turned his head to look at him.

 

                “I tried them all.” Kian gave him a sheepish smile.

 

                Tyler gasped in shock. “Aren’t you a witch?”

 

                “For all tense and purposes, I’m a druid.” Kian picked up the game case and pulled out the game manual.

 

                “Paige’s husband is a druid. Are you a friend of his?” Tyler questioned Kian still not taking his eyes from him.

 

                “I wouldn’t call me a friend, no.” Kian continued to flip through the manual.

 

                Tyler raised an eyebrow at Kian.   He couldn’t figure Kian out.  The sisters and the others seem to trust him, but Tyler had the uneasy feeling that he was hiding something.  He just didn’t know if it was from him or from everyone.”

 

                “So if you’re not a friend then what are you?” Tyler asked little more harshly then he attended.

 

                “Kian did turn his attention to Tyler and raised an eyebrow at Tyler harsh tone.  Kian has known Tyler all his life; in fact, it was Tyler who first showed him how to play the witch hunter.

 

                Kian gave Tyler a smile.  “If you must know, I’m kind of Sean’s assistant.”

 

                “Do you not like him?”  Tyler inquired.

 

                “I neither like nor dislike him.  I’m here to help so that’s what I’m doing.”  Kian said this looking right at him.

 

                Tyler could tell by Kian’s expression that he did not want to answer anymore questions.  He had seen the same expression everyday looking back at him through a mirror.  It was an expression that showed the walls that he had built up around him.  The wall was built high and strong enough to keep everyone out.  The wall his foster mom was trying to bring down with her unique wisdom.

 

                Tyler smiled as he heard everything his foster mom every said to him.  “Tyler, if you keep adding bricks to that wall, you won’t be able to see how wonderful the world is on the other side. Tyler, if you don’t come out from behind that wall you built life will pass you by.  Tyler, if you don’t tear your walls down you will never know how wonderful and amazing love is.  Yeah you might get hurt but the pain is worth it when you have tasted of love.” Tyler was beginning to believe what his foster mother was telling him because his foster mother relentless parachutes to gain his trust was working and he was starting to become very fond of his foster parents.

 

                Tyler seen Kian’s walls and he knew he didn’t want to let anyone in because he didn’t want to be hurt.

 

                “OK dude, let’s just play the game.” Tyler turned back to the T.V. to give Kian back his space he so obviously needed.

 

                Unknown to both of them was a shadow figure that inched his way around the wall to peek at the game that was on the T.V. and he smiled that looked more like a sneer.

 

                The shadowy figure had coal black hair that he wore slicked back.  He wore a soul patch that look like a black strip down his chin.  He had piercing black eyes and he wore a black suit, shirt and tie that were tailored to fit.

 

                He was about to step out completely when he heard footsteps.

 

                “You two want more cookies,” asked Phoebe?  She set the plate of chocolate chips cookies down in front of them.

 

                Tyler grabbed up one of the cookies and took a huge bite.  “Thanks, Phoebe.”

 

                 “Don’t talk with your mouth full,” reprimanded Phoebe.

                Tyler gulped down the rest of his cookie. “Sorry. They’re really great.”

 

                Phoebe smiled. “I’m glad you like them.  So what are you playing?”

 

                “Witch Hunter,” stated Tyler picking up another cookie.

                “Witch Hunter,” exclaimed Phoebe.  “Tyler I can’t believe—”

 

                “I’m not a witch hunter.  I’m playing Merlin.  He tries to protect the witches.” Tyler rushed cutting Phoebe off.

 

                “Well,” Phoebe said slowly. “I don’t like it but as long as you’re playing a character that protects witches and not hunts them. 

 

                Phoebe turned to leave. “If you two want more cookies they’ll be in the kitchen.

 

                “OK,” Tyler and Kian answered together, as they turned back to the game.

 

                The shadowy figured had sneered as an idea was starting to form in his mind.  He watched them play the game for a couple of minutes before shimmering out.

 

 

 

Chapter 4

 

 

                Phoebe walked into the kitchen and discovered that it was full of people, besides her sisters, grandmother and her brother-in-laws; there were also Liam Callahan, Sean’s Captain of the Guards and Bradan Carrigan, Sean’s best friend and the person that is playing the most havoc on Phoebe’s emotions.

 

                Phoebe pulled up short when she made eye contact with Bradan.  He gave her his crooked smile.  She felt her heart rate jump up like a race horse jumping out of the gate.  She knew this was totally irrational because the only feeling she has for Bradan is friendship because she deeply cares for Caleb. You keep telling yourself that and you just might believe it. A voice said in the back of her mind.  Phoebe immediately pushed it back to where it came from.  She didn’t need this right now.

 

                It’s all Paige’s fault for even bringing up the idea that her feelings for Bradan was anything else than friendship.  Now her heart is racing and she’s starting to have thoughts other than friendship for Bradan.

 

                Phoebe cleared her throat.  “So what’s going on?”

 

                Paige looked over and frowned.  “Liam and Bradan have a possible lead on the Avatars.”

 

                Uh-oh, Phoebe said under her breath, Paige is tick-off.  “Sean you’re not leaving, are you?”

 

                Sean looked around the room and his eye landed on his wife.  He gave her a half-hearted smile.  He walked over and snaked his arm around Paige’s shoulder and pulled her in close.  He lent over and placed a quick kiss on her lips.  He looked over to his Captain of the Guard and his best friend. “Why don’t you two check it out and if you find anything substantial come back.” 

 

Sean looked back down at his wife and Paige looked up at him with such love her eyes.

 

Sean looked deeply into Paige’s eyes when he spoke again. “Because I promised my wife that I would be here for her and the girls and I plan to keep that promise.”

 

Sean looked back to Liam and Bradan and smiled.

 

Liam gave him a tight nod. “Aye, Sire, if we find anything of real importance we’ll return and relay the information.”

 

Liam nodded to Bradan and faded out.

 

“I guess I better go, too before Liam does something that could get him a world of trouble.”  Bradan smiled and winked at Phoebe then he followed Liam and faded out.

               

                Paige smiled and raised an eyebrow at Phoebe.

 

                “What?” Phoebe frowned back at her sister.

 

                “Just friends, huh?” Paige laughed.

 

                “Thanks a lot Bradan,” Phoebe thought.  She didn’t need the added chaos caused by her sisters’ teasing.  She wished sometimes she was an only child. “Yeah, just friends.”

 

                “Whatever you say, Pheebs.” Paige turned her attention on her husband still standing next to her.  “Thank you, for staying.”

 

                Sean leaned down and kissed Paige’s temple.  “There are no thanks needed.   I said I would be here and I will, my love.”

 

                “Until his friends find out something,” mumbled Grams.

 

                “Grams,” reprimanded Piper.

 

                “No Piper it’s all right.  Mrs. Halliwell, if you have something to say; then just say it.  I’ve never been afraid of honestly.”

 

                Grams narrowed her eyes.  “You have no intention of staying here with my granddaughter.  When the first opportunity presents itself you’ll be out the door.”

 

                Sean let go of Paige and faced her grandmother head on.  “What are you saying, that I rather be chasing evil then being here with my family.”

 

                Grams started to stand up from the kitchen table. Piper grasped her wrist.  “Grams don’t.’

 

                Grams shook Piper off and faced off with grandson-in-law.  “If the shoe fits,” she bits out.

 

                Sean glared.  “Lady,”

 

                “Sean, honey, let it go,” Paige advised grabbing his arm and trying to turn him.

 

                Sean patted her hand, “I got this,” he pulled her hands off him.

 

                “I’m doing this to protect my family.  I would think you would understand that,” said Sean.

 

                “You protected your family so well that last time,” retorted Grams.

 

                “Grams,” snapped Paige, “I will not have you speaking to my husband that way.  Come on, Sean.” Paige grabbed Sean’s hand and pulled.

 

                Sean remanded rooted to the floor and scowled at his wife’s grandmother.  “Oh and you’re such an expert on protection your family.  That’s why you buried your daughter.”

 

                “Sean, that’s enough,” warned Piper.

 

                “I protected my granddaughters and if Sam would not have interfered my daughter would still been around to raise her own daughters,” Grams said angrily.

 

                “Grams come on, let’s go check on your great-grandchildren,” Piper suggested.

 

                “Oh so it’s a man’s fault that your daughter died and not the fact that she needed to fight evil.” Sean growled back.

 

                “Sean, please,” begged Paige.

 

                “And your precious Charmed Ones never do any harm.” A sarcastic, soft voice came from the doorway.

 

                Everyone turned towards the voice and standing in the doorway with a scowl on his face was Kian holding an empty plate.

 

                “No, they don’t,” said Grams.

 

                Kian walked further into the kitchen and laughed but it held no humor.  “If it wasn’t for the great Charmed Ones I wouldn’t have a reason to be here now.”

 

                “What’s that supposed to mean?” Leo questioned Kian.

 

                “It means I’m here because they thought they had the right to decide the futures for others.” Kian took a few more steps into the kitchen.

 

                “What did we do?” Phoebe demanded.

 

                Kian sighed.  He now realized he put his foot in his mouth.  He let his anger get the best of him and now he was the center of attention.  He just could stand there and let Penny Halliwell act as though Sean was spawn of all evil because he was a man and was married to her granddaughter.

 

                Kian looked over at Sean and Sean had a frown on his face.  Kian swallowed hard.  The look on Sean’s face spoke volumes.  It’s now very apparent to Kian that Sean hasn’t told Paige anything about what was showed to him at the pond, of what the future might hold if he is unable to help change it.

 

                Kian looked at Sean and Sean gave a nod.  “You started it Kian, so now I think you should answer Phoebe’s question.”

 

                Kian looked around the room at all the tentative faces.  He took a deep breath and decided to explain why they did it but not exactly tell them what they did.  He would have to hold on to the anger that was starting to wane since he walked into the kitchen.

 

                “All three of you searched for a normal life like everyone else but you always forget you’re not like everyone, no matter how hard you try.

 

                “You’ve been given a great responsibility, one you didn’t ask for, but got anyway.  You seem to always forget that, always fighting for something that can never be. You were picked to help mankind. You’re to keep a balance between good and evil.

 

                “All you guys ever did was whine about how all the demons cause you never to have friends or interfered in your personal life.  You forget all the innocents you’ve helped.  You gave back their normal life.”

 

                “So we shouldn’t have a life?” Piper asked.

 

                “Not your idea of a normal life, no.  You had a chance to give it all up but you chose not to.  So you’ve accepted that responsibility.  You have to find what normal is for you and I’m sorry but that’s the occasional demon dropping in to kill you.  So suck it up and deal.”

 

                I will never stop trying to have a normal life,” spat Piper.

 

                Kian slammed the plate down on the kitchen island and it shattered into pieces.  “Then that choice will cause the world to lose theirs.” Kian snapped around and walked out of the kitchen.

 

                The sisters, Leo, and Grams turned back to Sean.  They had a look on face of complete confusion.

 

                “Did you know all this?” Paige asked.

 

                Sean let out a slow breath and at that moment made the decision that he was going to kill Kian. “Yes.”

 

                Sean seen the pain in Paige’s eyes and it tore at his heart and his anger at Kian grew tenfold.

 

                “What did he mean that the world would lose their choice,” Leo asked calmly.

 

                “I’m not sure of everything,” Sean said slowly, “but I know that our children and you will help the Avatars to take power and free will be lost.”

 

                “You said nothing about yourself. Are you still here or are you—”

 

                “Dead,” Sean said cutting Phoebe off, “No, I’m not dead.  I guess I end up fighting against you. But it’s not going to happen because I won’t let it. I will stop the Avatars before they breakup my family.”

 

                Paige walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest.  Sean’s arms went automatically around her and pulled her tight against him and rested his head on the top of hers.

 

                “When Liam and Bradan come back you will go with them.  We cannot let the future Kian came from to become real,” said Paige never lessen her hold on her husband.

 

                Sean tightened his hold on Paige and kissed her on the top of her head.  “Thank you.”

 

 

                “I should have prepared you girls better to balance your personal life with your magical life,” said Grams in a voice the girls had never heard come from their grandmother before.

 

                “No Grams, you gave us a normal childhood,” said Phoebe, putting her arm around her grandmother’s shoulders.

 

                “Maybe I shouldn’t have,” Grams said sadly.

 

                “No,” Piper said firmly.  Everyone looked at her, “that was the best gift you could have gave us, a chance for a normal childhood,” Piper smiled at her grandmother and her grandmother smiled back.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5

 

                Kian flopped down on the couch in the living room fuming not just at the arrogance of Penny Halliwell but of his own stupidity.  He didn’t want the sisters to know what happens in the future.

 

                Oh well, nothing I can do about it now but wait for them to follow and start grilling me about what I let slip out of my big mouth.  He turned towards the door expecting the sisters any minute now but still there are no sisters. That’s odd they never let anything slid.

 

                Kian sucked in a quick breath as a feeling of déjà vu overtook him.  He had no clue why he would be having this feeling at this time; unless no it couldn’t be.

 

                Kian looked around but didn’t see anything.  He was staring at the doorway headed into the conservatory.  Something wasn’t right but what?

 

                Kian was starting to get up when…Something is there but what. I can I can almost…

 

                “Kian, what should I do now?” Tyler broke into Kian’s thoughts.

 

                Kian blinked and stared back at the doorway.  The feeling was not completely gone but it lessened, so Kian shook it off and gave Tyler his full attention.

 

                “What did you ask me?” Kian asked Tyler.

 

                “I was wondering what I should do here.  Should I give them the potion or should I teach them how to make it?”  Tyler pushed the button on his controls to make the arrow move up and down on his two choices.

 

                “It depends on where the witch hunters are,” said Kian.

 

                “I think I lost them but…” Tyler trailed off.

 

                “Yeah, but you lost them before and they appeared from no where,” Kian helped.

 

                “So what should I do?” Tyler inquired hesitantly.

 

                Kian stared at the screen and he suck in his breath. Not now. It can’t be happening now. I don’t have time for this now.

 

                Kian grabbed his head as a knife splitting pain hit him behind his eyes.  His eyes lock open and drew blank as the flash of images invades his mind.  The familiar feeling of having his soul ripped from his body as he was jerk to the time and place the images was happening.  The feeling of not being able to control ones own body when it did happened made Kian angry beyond believe.

 

                The images were moving by Kian to fast he couldn’t get a grasp of what was being shown to him. Everything is getting blurry.  What’s that foggy cloud?  I can’t…I can’t…

 

                Kian heard someone calling his name from a long way off.  He slowly opened his eyes.  Kian closed them quickly when he was hit by the bright sunlight that caused the pain in his head to pound like a jackhammer.  He grabbed his head and moaned. “Damn. What happened?” He knew exactly what happened but he was playing dumb.

 

                Kian felt someone grab his upper arm and helped him to sit up.  Kian swayed a little and who every helped him up tightened his grip.

 

                “Easy there, boyo,” Sean said cutting into the fog that muddled his mind.

 

                Kian opened his eyes and covered them with his hand then slowly removed it when the light didn’t make his head pound so badly.

 

                “What happened,” questioned Paige who was sitting in front of him on the coffee table.

 

                Kian stared at Paige, as some of the images became clearer.  He had one of his stupid visions that suck the life out to him.  It always felt like he was being electrocuted and he came out of with a record setting migraine

 

                He never understood why he got these visions because he never had the power to change them, no matter how hard he’d tried.  If he did try to change them he only made the situation worse, than just letting it take place so that’s what he’d learn to do. He had decided a long time ago that the visions were just to prepare you for what was to come.

 

                “Can I have some pain killers or something and a glass of water, please,” asked Kian, as he rubbed his temples? Kian closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the couch.

 

                “I’ll get it,” Leo said, and Kian heard his foot falls as he left the room.

 

                “Kian, what happened,” Paige asked more forcefully.  “Tyler yelled for us when he couldn’t get you to respond to him.  It was like you where having some kind of seizure.”

 

                I...I...I’m not sure. Last thing I remember is helping Tyler with the game and the next thing was someone was calling my name and was helping me sit up.”  He was lying to them but this was just one of many he’s told them since he came here and probable wouldn’t be the last.  He always praised himself for being truthful and honest and it surprised him how good he was at lying.  Kian decided he wasn’t exactly lying to them he was just not telling them everything, so a person could say it was a lie of omission.

 

                Kian sighed.  If everything worked out the way it was planned it wouldn’t matter, if he was lying to them or not.

 

                “Kian, here take this,” Paige said and he opened his eyes.

 

                Paige was offering him some pills and a glass of water.  He took the pills and the water from her. “Thanks.”

 

                “You’re welcome,” replied Paige.

 

                Kian popped the pills into his mouth and took a big gulp of water.  Leo reached out the glass and took it from him. “Thanks, Leo.”

 

                “You’re welcome.”

 

                Kian glanced up and saw the suspicions look that was on Sean’s face.  Kian was afraid that Sean would not believe him.

 

                Kian couldn’t tell them what was about to happen but he sure as heck could be prepared to help them get out of it a live and well.

 

                “I’m OK now.  I must be tired.” Kian gave them a reinsuring smile.

 

                “That’s good,” Sean said, grabbing him by the upper arm and pulling him to his feet, “Because I need a word with you.

 

                “Sean,” gasped Paige. “What doing you thing you’re doing?”

 

                “I just need a word with my assistant here.”  Sean pulled him to the staircase and shoved him up the stairs.

 

                “Where are we going,” Kian demanded, as he stumbled up the stairs.

 

                “The Attic.”

 

                Kian stopped and stared back at Sean, “The Attic, Why?”

 

                “Walk,” Sean commanded with a tone that told Kian that there was no room for debate.

 

                Kian turned and took the stairs two at a time, as Sean climbed them with a poise that showed of his royal background.

 

                Kian walked into the attic and turned around just as Sean stepped into the room.  Kian couldn’t believe how fast Sean arrived because he was taken two steps at a time and as far as he knew Sean was only taking one.  Kian just shook his head in amazement.

 

                “Sit,” ordered Sean.

 

                Kian shrugged his shoulder and walked over and flopped down on the couch and draped his arms over the back nonchalantly. 

 

                Sean crossed his arms and glared at Kian.  “Now tell me what really happened downstairs.”

 

                “I already did,” Kian said defensively.

 

                “Do you think I’m stupid,” Sean quickly raised his hand to ward off the answer, “Don’t answer that.”

 

                Sean sighed and studied Kian for a second before he spoke.  “I’m going to let you in on a little information that you already know.  You’re lying.  I know it and so do you.  I going to tell you something else I know.  The only other druid that I knew of that could do that form of magic was a great uncle; in fact, I didn’t think any druid outside my family had the ability but here you are.  My family thought when that great uncle died that the ability was lost because the power was not passed on to any other of the family members.”

 

                Kian smiled smugly.  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.  I just passed out; that’s all.”

 

                Sean took two quick steps forward and leaned down over him and whispered harshly, “Bull,”

 

                A shiver went up Kian’s spine, as he swallowed the lump of fear that constricted his throat.  He hasn’t seen Sean like this since before they made their truce.  But before Kian could respond Sean started to speak again.

 

                “Kian, I know the signs because I’ve seen them before in the said uncle.  So I’m going to tell you how he explained it.  He said it was like having your soul jerked into the vision or rather sucked out of you body.  It so overwhelmed your senses that it causes the individual to lose conscious for a short amount of time.”

 

                Kian wanted to get up because he didn’t like Sean towering over him any longer.  He pushed off the couch but he was shoved back down by Sean.

 

                “Hey, what’s your problem?” Kian exclaimed.

 

                Sean straightened to his full six foot four height and took a step back.  “Right now it’s you.  Kian, just answer my question.  Did you have a vision?”

 

                Kian eased back against the couch and crossed his arms. “If I tell you I did, will you leave me alone?”

 

                “Kian, answer the bloody question,” snapped Sean.  He was so angry that his Irish brogue was heavier the usually.

 

                “OK…OK, don’t get your panties in a twist.  I had a vision.  It’s no big thing.  It happens every once in awhile not very often, no big.” Kian smiled innocently.

 

                “No Big,” exasperated Sean, “it is a big deal, tell me what you seen in your vision.”

 

                “I can’t…” Kian trailed off, when he spotted Paige, Liam, Bradan, and Ian standing in the doorway to the attic.

 

                Sean turned around to see what Kian was staring at; Sean narrowed his eyes.  He didn’t need this right now.  He needed to know what Kian seen in his vision

 

                “What is it?” Sean asked the new arrivals.

 

                Liam stepped forward and bowed, “Sorry for the intrusion Sire, but you said if we found anything we should tell you.  Our quest was fruitful.”

 

                Sean sighed and ran both of his hands through his hair.  He extended his hand towards Paige.

 

                Paige took the few steps to take Sean’s hand.

 

                Sean wrapped his hand around hers and pulled her into his embrace.  He kissed her on top of her head.  “Are you sure, you’re all right with this?”

 

                Sean felt Paige take a deep breath and let it out slow before she spoke.  “I’m sure that you need to go and apart of me except it but another part of me would like to hold on to you and never let you go.”

 

                Sean tightened his embrace, “I love you, Paige Matthews-O’Hara.”

 

                “I love you, too, Sean Patrick O’Hara.” Paige rose up on her tiptoes and kissed Sean passionately.

 

                Ian cleared his throat.  “Sean…um…we better go before the lead goes cold.”

 

                Sean broke the kiss and brushed a strand of hair from Paige’s face. “I’ll be back soon.”

 

                “I know,” replied Paige, stepping out of his embrace.

 

                Sean’s arms felt empty with the absence of his wife.  What was the worse was Paige distancing herself from him.  He knew it was so it would protect her heart but it still didn’t make him feel better.

 

                “Give me a minute,” Sean said, rubbing the back of his neck.

 

                “So where are we going,” inquired Kian?

 

                “We,” Sean gestured to him and then Liam, Bradan and Ian, “are going to follow the lead.  You,” Sean pointed at Kian, “are staying here.”

 

                “Whoa, hey, I came here to do one thing and that’s to help you with the Avatars.”

 

                Sean turned to the others, “Can you step out for a minute or so.  I’d like a word with Kian…alone.”

 

                They all mumbled they could and they left the attic, shutting the door behind them.

 

                Sean waited for them to leave before he turned back to Kian.  “I’m only guessing your vision has to do with the sisters.  Am I right?”

 

                Kian nodded.

 

                “Then I need you to remand here and try to stop it,” Sean raised his hand to cut off Kian’s objection.  “If I need you, I’ll contact you but right now I need you here because you know what was in your vision.  And it seems you are unwilling to share, that means you’re left behind.”

 

                Sean turned around walk out of the attic leaving Kian standing there dumbfounded.

 

                “You can’t do this.  You need me; besides, you know how I feel about the sisters,” Kian pleaded after him. Kian took off to catch up with Sean.

 

                “Sean, wait, you aren’t really going to leave me behind; are you?”

 

                Sean paused at the stairs, looked at Kian and smiled when Kian came to an abrupt stop in front of him.  “Look at it this way.  It gives you the perfect opportunity to get to know the sisters better.”

 

                Sean patted him on the arm and continued down the stairs.

 

                “I don’t need to get to know them better,” mumbled Kian, as he slowly descended the stairs. “I know everything I want about them.”

 

                When Kian got down the stairs and into the living room Sean was about to leave, Sean made eye contact then Kian heard Sean in his head.  “Remember what I said.”

 

                Sean gave him a smile and flashed out to follow the others.

 

                “Kian, you look like you lost your best friend,” Piper said smiling.

 

                Kian frowned at her.  “You’re so funny.”

 

                Phoebe put her arm around Kian’s shoulder. “It’s all right you can have fun with us.”

 

                Kian pulled away from Phoebe and started to walk away and said mockingly, “Oh we’ll have tons of fun let me get my crayons.”

 

                Kian entered the kitchen, where he was greeted by Leo, “Hey Kian.”

 

                “Hi,” mumbled Kian.

 

                “Something wrong,” inquired Leo.

 

                “Just the usually; that’s all.” Kian slid his hands into his front pocket of his jeans.

 

                “I was just wondering…,” Kian was cut off when Piper cried out.

 

 

 

Chapter 6

 

Piper screamed, as she flew through the air and crashed into the grandfather clock.

               

“Vase,” yelled Paige, as she flung it at the demon that was dressed in black.

 

He laughed as he caught the vase in mid-air.  “Is this all the Charmed Ones can do?”

 

“Leave my granddaughters alone,” bellowed Grams.  She raised her hands to telekinesis the demon across the room but he sent the power back at her and she went sailing across the room instead.  She ended up hitting the wall and slid to the floor in a lump.

 

“Grams get out of here and protect the kids,” yelled Phoebe, as she tried a levitation kick.

 

The demon let out an evil laugh as he grabbed Phoebe’s foot and swung her around and sent her crashing into a wall.

 

Piper came to and jumped to her feet, flew up her hands and tried to blow the demon up but all the demon did was stumbled back a couple steps.

 

“Uh-Oh. Kian,” shouted Piper, “We need you.”

 

Kian came running into the room and sent a swirling green and blue fireball at the demon.  The fireball caught the demon in the shoulder.  The explosion caused the demon to fly across the room.

 

Piper stared at Kian.  She had never seen him use that power before.  Piper thought there was something familiar about the power but she couldn’t put a finger on it.  She would have to figure it out later because the demon was starting to get his feet.

 

Piper was quickly joined by Phoebe and Paige.  They were preparing themselves for another attack; however, the demon never gave them a chance because he made a gesture similar to someone about to throw a lasso and the girls were engulf in a whirl of wind that grew stronger with every twirl of his arm. 

 

The noise within the whirlwind was deafening.  They couldn’t hear each other but they knew they were in big trouble.

 

“Paige, orb us out of here,” Pipe yelled over the noise.

 

Paige takes her sisters’ hands and they started to orb but when they tried to go through the whirlwind it rejected them. It sent them crashing to the floor.

 

They sense the urgency to get free was growing ten fold.  They were trapped and the outcome was not going to be very good if they stayed in their much longer.

 

Piper raised her hand and tried to blow them out but the blast just was sucked in by the vortex of the whirlwind.

 

They looked at each other and none of them could hide the fear in their eyes. The sisters efforts left them trap within the center.  The whirlwind was spinning faster and faster and was closing in on them.  They had no way to escape.

 

Kian watched, as the whirlwind got smaller and bent over then it swirled its way right into Tyler’s Playstation that was playing on the TV.

 

Kian formed another swirling fireball but before he could launch it at the demon, the demon gave Kian a slight salute and turned him self into a whirlwind and followed the girls into the Playstation.

 

“Kian, why didn’t you stop them?” Leo demanded from behind Kian.

 

“I couldn’t,” whispered Kian.  Kian stood there staring at the TV with a look of complete lost.

 

Leo frowned at Kian and then followed his eyes and gasped.

 

There on the TV in animated form was the Charmed Ones.  They were dressed as the characters of the game and were running from the Witch Hunters that was on their tail.

 

“Oh my…,” Leo let the rest of it trail off.

 

Leo turned and grabbed Kian by the front of his shirt.  “You did this.  You just stood there and did nothing.”

 

Kian tried to push out of Leo grip but he wasn’t letting go; in fact, Leo grip grew tighter.  Kian stopped struggling and looked Leo straight in the eyes hoping he would understand.  “There was nothing I could have done.  It was going to happen no matter what I did.”

 

Leo still didn’t release him, so out of frustration Kian finally shove Leo hard enough in the chest to cause him to stumble back.

 

Kian adjusted his shirt and glared at Leo.  “You can hit me or you can help me figure out a way to get them back.”

 

Leo continued to scowl at Kian.  “Fine. I’ll go check with the other Elders. You,” Leo pointed at Kian, “go check with the book.  And Kian, You better pray that nothing happens to them because if it does.  You will live to regret it.  You understand me?”

 

Kian nodded and Leo orbed out with a look of disgust.

 

Kian walked into the attic and was pursued closely by Penny Halliwell.  Kian could feel the woman’s anger and had a feeling he was going to get the full brunt of it when he turned around.  He made his way to the book stand but he made the unfortunate mistake of looking at her when he got there.

 

“What are you going to do? I believe you promised Sean that you would take care of them.  I see you did a bang up job,” snapped Grams.

 

Kian glared at Ms. Halliwell.  “Why don’t you go watch the babies.”  He said it more like an order than a question.

 

“The babies are fine.  Wyatt won’t let anything happen to them, unlike you, who promised to watch out for the girls.  I took it that Sean thought you knew something was going to happen.” Grams fisted her hands on her hips.

 

Kian grabbed the edge of the bookstand before he did something he would definitely regret. He could feel his rage growing with every word that came out of Grams’ mouth.  Oh how he would love to get rid of this nagging old hag.  He started to flip the pages of the Book of Shadows and mumbling to him self about how irritating old died witches were.

 

“What?”

 

Kian looked up and forced a smile, “Nothing.”

 

Kian looked back down at the book and stop as he caught the image on the page.  At the top of the page in large bold calligraphic letters was the name Ludus and right below was a sketch image of the demon that had just kidnapped the Charmed Ones into a game.

 

Kian smiled a true smile. “I’ve found him.”

 

“Well read what it says,” command Grams.

 

Kian gritted his teeth so he wouldn’t say what he wanted to say and started to read out loud.  “Ludus is an upper level demon.  He has used games to render his victims powerless which he then uses at his advantage to kill his victims.  The only know way to vanquish him is within his own games.”

 

“Is that all it says?  It doesn’t say how to get the victims out of the games,” questioned Grams.

 

Kian shook his head, “I’m sorry, no.”

 

Kian stared at the page as though if he stared long and hard enough it would reveal some hidden secret.  He closed his eyes and swore under his breath when he heard orbs.  He opened them and Leo was standing there with the same look of disgust on his face that he had when he left.

 

“The demon is called—”

 

“Ludus, yeah we know,” Kian said cutting Leo off.

 

“So does the Elders have any ideas on how to get the girls out of the game before they’re killed,” inquired Grams hopefully.

 

“The only way out is that they win the game and kill Ludus within,” Leo answered sadly.

 

“How do we help them?” Grams asked more as a spoken thought then for an answer.

 

Kian slammed the Book of Shadows closed.  Leo and Grams jumped due to they were lost in their own thoughts. “I’m going in to help them out and get them out a live.”

 

“You can’t do that you could get killed,” replied Leo, still somewhat lost in thought.

 

“I’m the only one who can.  I know this game better then anyone here.  I’ve played it a millions of times when I was a kid; the game’s a classic.  There’s no one else here that could.  I know all the short cuts and how to get out of it a live.  The demon is at the same disadvantage as the girls because he doesn’t know the game.  I, on the other hand, am a pro.” Kian raised an eyebrow and gave them a sly smile.

 

“And just how do you suggest you get in that game without the Charmed Ones,” asked Leo?

 

“Simple, a spell,” Kian chortled, to his own brilliance.

 

Leo and Grams gave him a skeptical look, but they didn’t know what he knew and if he played his cards right they will never know.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7

 

 

“Hmm, where are we?” Piper asked bewildered.

 

Phoebe was looking down at her early colonial clothing and gasped.  “Are we animated and what’s with these clothes?”

 

“I think we’re in the game,” Paige informed, looking around their surroundings.

 

They were standing in a clearing surrounded by large narrow trees that look nothing like they would find in the bay area.  On top of that, it was animated.

 

“What do we do now,” asked Phoebe.

 

“We get out of here and when we do that demon will have a rude awakening putting us in this game.” Piper said with a vengeance.

 

“You think he learned this little trick from the demon of elusion,” Phoebe asked Piper.

 

“Demon of elusion,” questioned Paige, “the one from the book that put you in Phoebe’s favorite movie.”

 

“Yeah,” replied Piper.

 

They heard a popping sound and a tree right above their head blows apart.  The sisters scream and duck, when they catch a sight of a man in colonial attire pointing a musket at them.  They begin to run for cover when a tree right besides them explodes because of another impact of a musket ball.

 

“Piper, freeze him,” order Paige.

 

“What do you think I’m trying to do? I’m not waving my hands for the fun of it.  My powers aren’t working.”  Pipers raised her hands again, but still nothing happen, “Uh oh.” 

 

The man had reloaded his musket and was raising his gun to fire.

 

“Run,” yelled Phoebe.

 

It was too late.  Piper heard the pop of the gun and saw the roll of smoke from the end of the muzzle, as everything moved in slow motion.  She could see the musket ball travel towards her, and she grasp that the end was upon her.  In a bright flash of light, that caused her to hold up her hand to protect her eyes. 

 

A man appeared in flowing green robes with a staff in his hand and his free hand was extended out in front of him

 

Piper heard him say something but she didn’t quite understand what he said do to the pounding in her ears from her hammering heart.  She did; however, notice that the musket ball reversed directions and hit the man who fired it, striking him right in his chest.  The man flew backwards and lay motionless on the ground.

 

The man in the green robe turned quickly around and everything return to normal speed when Piper seen his face, “Kian,”

 

Kian grabbed Piper’s elbow and pulled her with him.  “Come on, we need to get to a safe place.”

 

“Kian,” questioned Paige, “How did you get here?”

 

“With the help of Grams, Leo, Wyatt, and me,” Kian was now moving the sisters in front of him as he glanced back to make sure they were still safe.

 

“How—,”

 

“I’ll explain everything I can once we get to the safe place,” Kian said cutting Paige off.

 

Kian moved ahead of them once he thought it was safe and he move swiftly through the trees towards some cliffs in the distance.

 

They arrive at the cliff but they could not reach it do to a fierce river.

 

“Kian, what are we dong here,” asked Piper?

 

“Stand back," Kian moved to the edge of the river and put his staff in the water.  He mumbled a few words and the water calmed and turned to ice.  “Hurry get across it won’t stay very long.”

 

Piper, Phoebe, and Paige moved across the river and they were followed by Kian.  They turned to see it return to its previous state.

 

Without saying a word, Kian started to run his hand along the cliff face.

 

“Kian, what are you doing,” insisted Paige?

 

“Trying to find the safe place,” he said without stopping what he was doing, “Ah, I found it.”

 

Kian pushed on the rock and a loud rumbling came from the rock face.  The sisters moved back as though the rock face was coming down. Kian took a couple steps back when an opening appeared to the right of where he pushed in the rock.  Kian moved forward and shoved the rock door completely open.

 

 Kian moved off to the side.  “Come on, get in,” he ushered them through the opening and it closed behind them.

 

“Why’s this called a safe place,” questioned Piper?

 

“Because while we stay in here, the witch hunters and the demon can’t harm us,” elaborated Kian, as he looked around the cave.

 

The cave was about the size of a large room.  It had a large stone table in the middle of the room which held several cauldrons that magically rested on flames.  Shelves were carved into the walls of the cave that held multiple baskets of different sizes.  The room was lit by numerous torches that gave off a comforting glow.

 

The sisters gave him a questioning look.  Kian sighed.  “Look when the demon sucked you into the game, you took over the role of the characters in the game.

 

“You three,” he pointed at them, “are the witch cousins; I took the place of the druid teacher, Merlin and the demon that sent you in here, which happens to be called Ludus, the Demon of Games if you were wondering, is the evil sorcerer.

 

“The demon of games,” inquired Paige?

 

Kian smiled at Paige and then went into detail about what he found in the Book of Shadows.

 

“So it’s simple we vanquish him in the game,” Paige said nonchalantly.

 

“Except we don’t have our powers,” added Piper.

 

Kian leaned against the stone table, crossing his ankles and his arms and faced the sisters. “But you do have powers, they’re just not yours.  The powers you have are those of the witches within this game because you took over their persona.  You can also use this room to make potions.  The book over there on the stand is a potion book, which has all the potions you will every need. And the walls,” he makes a wide gesture with his arm, “are covered with the entire ingredient you will every need.” He smiled. “And you have me.”

 

Phoebe went over to the book and started to flip through the potion book, “Wow,” Phoebe looked up in shock. “Kian, these are real potions but how could—”

 

“How could they be real potions; simple the game designer is a witch, in fact this story, is part of his family’s history.”

 

                “Huh, this is the game designer’s history, nice place,” Piper said mockingly, as she looked around.

 

                Kian’s curved his lips up slightly, as he sighed. “There were three cousins and one of them had caught the eye of an evil sorcerer.  He put her under a spell to fall in love with him but as soon as she fell pregnant the spell broke because of the love for her child.  She magical contacted her cousins to come rescue her from the clutches of the evil sorcerer, so her cousins broke into the evil sorcerer’s fortress and broke her out.”

 

                “Let me guess, this game is about their escape from the fortress,” Paige sighed, “And the demon is going to use it to try to kill us.”

 

                “I’m afraid so,” Kian answered sadly.

 

                “Well I’m not waiting around here to get killed. Let’s get started on the potions so we can vanquish that demon and get the heck out of here,” replied Paige going over to the potion book.

 

                “I’ll get the ingredient we need,” Phoebe said as she walked away from the book.

 

                “I’ll help you.” Kian pushed himself from the table and followed Phoebe over to the wall of carved shelves.

 

                Phoebe was reaching up to pull down a basket.  “Here let me get that, you know with your condition and all.”

 

                “My condition,” asked Phoebe puzzled, “what’s that supposed to mean?”

 

                Kian smiled at Phoebe when he brought the basket down.  “You’re kidding right?”

 

                “No, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she said with little conviction.

 

                Kian smiled at her and leaned close to her ear. “OK, but remember each of us plays a role, Piper and Paige are the rescuing cousins, I’m the druid teacher, Ludus is the evil sorcerer, and my dear Phoebe, you are the one who is pregnant.”

 

                Phoebe grabbed Kian’s arm. “Just because I dated a demon in my real life doesn’t mean I’m the one who’s playing that role now.  That is some real part casting.”

 

                “It has nothing to do with your relationship with Cole Turner and everything to do with the fact that you are pregnant now.”

 

                Phoebe just stared him in disbelief. “I’m not—”

 

                Kian held up his hand cutting her off.  “Before you deny the claim, remember I’m from the future and I know when your daughter is born.  My question, do your sisters know yet.”  Kian glanced over the top of Phoebe’s head at Piper and Paige working at one of the cauldrons.

 

                Phoebe signed and shook her head. “No, I just took the test last night.  I don’t know how to tell them when I haven’t even accepted it myself.”

 

                Kian gave her a crooked smile.  “Someone I care about once, told me that the only way to break good or bad news is just say it straight out.”

 

                “The person who told you that had to be nuts,” Phoebe said sarcastically.

 

                Kian gave her a big smile. “Yeah, at times but she was the wisest person I every known growing up.”

 

                Phoebe looked over at her sisters.  “I’ll tell them after we get out of here.”

 

                Phoebe reached for another basket and Kian grabbed her wrist stopping her before she brought it down.  “That same person said, ‘Never like the present’, Phoebe go over there and tell them.  They have the right to know about it now.”

 

                Phoebe signed and nodded. “OK, I guess you’re right.”

 

                Kian smiled.

 

                Phoebe scowled at him.  “Don’t let it go to your head.”

 

                Kian chuckled, while he watched Phoebe walk slowly towards her sisters.  It made Kian think of someone who was taking their last steps before facing the executioner waiting by the guillotine.

 

                Phoebe stopped in front of the stone table right across from her sisters.  She made sure to keep the table between her and her sisters. “Uh, I’ve got something to tell you.”

 

                Piper and Paige looked up at her.

 

                “What,” asked Piper and Paige in unison?

 

                “I...I…I’m Pregnant.” Phoebe pick up a feather from the table and brushed the table with it not sure what to do.

 

                “With whose baby,” questioned Paige?

 

                “What do you mean with whose baby?” Phoebe retorted, “It’s Caleb’s, who else?”

 

                Paige raised an eyebrow before looking back down at the cauldron and mumbled, “Bradan.”

 

                “How could it be Bradan’s,” exclaimed Phoebe heatedly.

 

                “You know.”  Paige bit her bottom lip to hind her smile. 

 

                 Phoebe glared at her sister.  “Paige, how many times do I have to tell you that Bradan and I are just friends?”

 

                “Phoebe,” cut in Piper to try to change the subject.  “How are you feeling?”

 

                “To be honest, I’m really scared.”  

 

Piper moved around the table and pulled her little sister in to a comforting hug.  “Because of our discussion this morning?”

 

Phoebe nodded, as she swiped at the tears that escaped her eyes and ran freely down her cheeks.

 

Paige joined her sisters in the hug of support.  Kian smiled at the scene and quietly slipped away.  He was going to use his powers to check on the enemy.  He had to know how much the demon knew about the game.  He also knew as long as the sisters stayed in the cave they would remain save.

 

“We’re here for you, Pheebs,” Kian heard Paige say, as the opening closed behind him.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 8

 

 

Kian moved quietly through the trees when he seen him, a witch hunter dozing against a tree.  Kian inched up silently not to alert the witch hunter of his presents.  When Kian was with in striking distance he raised his staff and came down hard on the back of the witch hunter’s head.  The witch hunter crumbled to the ground and vanished.  Kian smiled at the place where the witch hunter was and waved his hand over his face and took on the witch hunter’s identity.

 

Standing in the Manor’s living room was Grams, Leo and Tyler.  “What in the world is that boy doing?” Grams questioned no one in particular.  She was just putting the question out there to see if it could be answered.

 

“He’s going to try and sneak into the Evil Sorcerer’s castle.  It’s a gutsy move but it is one of the ways to get information from the Evil Sorcerer,” Tyler explained, as he pressed button on the controller.  “I can’t do anything.  It’s like it’s stuck in demo mode.”

 

“Where’s he at now?” Leo inquired, looking at the television.  On the screen was a large and gloomy castle. Torches lit up all the towers and several windows were glowing with the light of candles.

 

“He’s about to walk into the lions den, that’s the Evil Sorcerer’s castle,” replied Tyler.

 

Kian nodded his head at two men with large crossbows as he passed them in the long dark hallway.  He transformed his staff into a crossbow when he took on the witch hunter identity and it would be one of his defenses if everything went wrong within the walls of this castle.

 

Kian looked around looking for places to hide or a quicker way to escape.  He didn’t always make out of here when he played it as a game.  This time the game is for real and if he makes a mistake here there will be no retry.

 

Each time another guard passed he would hold his breath hoping that they would not speak to him.  His cover was always blown when he would run into a friend of witch hunter that he borrowed his identity.  So far so good, no one seemed to want to talk to him but he still had to keep his guard up, until he could slip into the inter-sanctum of the Evil Sorcerer, now being played by Ludus.

 

Kian turn left down another dark passage, remembered by all the times he played the game as a kid.  There at the end of the hall was his destination.

 

The large gold doors opened into the chamber of the Evil Sorcerers.  He didn’t know if Ludus was in there. He hoped he was, because he needed information and fast but he couldn’t tip off the demon.

 

Kian placed his hands on the doors and thought, here I go.  He pushed them opened and stepped inside.  Once he was inside the doors swung closed and he kneeled and bowed his head.

 

Kian was taken a great risk in coming here but he hoped that the knowledge that Ludus had to follow the perimeters of the game eased his fears.  The game had a story and if it was not followed the game would probable collapse on itself.  He also thought maybe that the game would not let Ludus veer from set course of the game.

 

“My Lord,” Kian said. “I was sent back to report the witches have disappeared.

 

Ludus roared with ire, “Disappeared, Rise.”

 

Kian straightened to his full height and looked around at his surroundings.

 

The room reminded Kian of a medieval throne room. Along the back wall was a giant fireplace. In the middle of the room about ten feet in front of the fireplace was a large red and gold high-back chair, let’s be honest it was a throne. 

 

It fit the arrogance of the Sorcerer perfectly and if Kian wasn’t mistaken Ludus took to it quite well.

 

The Evil Sorcerer had used his power as governor to manipulate the witch trails.  He used the pain and suffering of the innocent to feed his own power, as the story of the game goes.  The idiots of the time didn’t even realize they were following the thing they were fighting against and Ludus slid into the role every easily.

 

“You have no idea where they went?” Ludus sneered.

 

Kian fisted his hands behind his back, trying to rein in his anger and not do something rash.  “No, My Lord, the witches were there one minute and gone the next.  What do you want us to do?”

 

“I want you to find the witches and kill them.” Ludus yelled irritated.

 

Kian bowed and backed towards the door when he got close to the door he straightened turned from Ludus and smiled.  He made his express blank when he reached for the door.

 

Kian wrapped his fingers around the handle of the door when Ludus called, “Wait.”

 

Kian froze and swallowed the lump of fear that developed in his throat.  He turned slowly to face the demon. “Yes, My Lord.”

 

“Do not kill all of them bring the pregnant one to me,” Ludus said, shocked as though the words were forced from his mouth.

 

Kian bowed his head slightly and spoke, “Yes, My Lord, you’ve already told us.  We know the witch that carries your child must not be harmed.”

 

Kian turned and smiled unable to hide his joy.  He knew that Ludus wanted all the Charmed Ones died.  The knowledge that Ludus could not step out of the boundaries of the game made Kian ecstatic.

 

He pushed through the door and mumbled under his breath. “You should have paid more attention to the games storyline because that will be your downfall you evil son of a b—,” Kian was cutoff when someone grabbed his shoulder and turned him around.

 

*     *     *

 

“I wonder where Kian disappeared to,” Piper said to her sisters.

 

Paige sighed.  “How much longer do we have to hide?”

 

Phoebe was only half listening to what her sisters were talking about.  She was lost in her own thoughts and troubles.  She just couldn’t get away from her feelings.

 

Phoebe’s thoughts drifted to her and Caleb’s relationship or lack of it lately.  She knew she cared for him but did she love him.  He was the father of her unborn baby.  A baby she already loves with all her heart and soul, but was that enough to last a life time with its father.

 

She already had two failed marriages, a marriage that ended by her own hand when she and her sisters had to vanquish Cole and the second that was out of her control when Jason died in a plane crash shortly after the marriage.  Both those marriage ended so soon would it be the same if she married Caleb.

 

If they do marry for the sake of the baby would he grow to regret her and their baby or vise versa?  She just didn’t know what she would do.

 

Phoebe’s thoughts shifted to Bradan and the unsettling feelings she had for him.  Bradan somehow became a close and dear friend that she was beginning to rely on.  She even told him about her unplanned pregnancy before she told her sisters.

 

The memory of that night three days ago came flooding back.  Bradan wrapped his strong arms around her and pulled her in close.  She had never felt so safe and protected.  He advised her to tell her sisters and Caleb.  They had the right to know and if she needed anything he would be there for her.  He kissed her on the top of her head and then let her go.

 

What shocked Phoebe the most was after he let her go she wished he would hold her again and what was even more astonishing is that she wished Bradan was the father of her baby.  Paige teased her about her feeling for Bradan but the truth was she had fallen in love with Bradan.  It just snuck up on her without her even knowing.  Now she was hopelessly in love and she couldn’t tell him because if it didn’t work out she would lose his friendship.

 

“Phoebe, Phoebe,” yelled Paige, breaking into Phoebe’s thoughts. “What?”

 

“Did Kian say where he was going?”

 

Phoebe shook her head.

 

Piper came over and sat down beside her.  Piper slid her hand into Phoebe’s and gave it a slight squeeze. “Hey you, are you ok?”

 

Phoebe gave her sister a weary smile and laid her head on her big sister’s shoulder pulling strength from her.  “If I would say yes, would you believe me?”

 

Piper kissed her on her head. “No, so talk to me.”

 

“To us,” added Paige sitting down on the other side and taking her sister’s hand.

 

“What do you want me to say?” Phoebe questioned sadly.

 

“Anything you want.  Phoebe we’re here for you. We’re not judging you we love you,” reinsured Piper.

 

Phoebe let out a long breath and sat there quietly and her sisters waited patiently.

 

Phoebe had no idea where to begin; her thoughts were a complete mess.  So many problems and the only person she wanted to talk to was not there.  If Bradan was there could she have the nerve to talk to him anyway?

 

Phoebe, are you still with us?” Piper inquired warily.

 

Phoebe nodded.

 

“Talk to us, please,” Piper prodded

 

“I don’t know where to begin.  I don’t know how I’m feeling, loss maybe, a little overwhelmed. I just don’t know.”

 

“About the pregnancy,” Paige inquired?

 

“That and other things,” Phoebe replied, closing her eyes.

 

“Do you want to keep the baby?” Paige asked carefully.

 

“Yes,” Phoebe answered firmly. “That’s one thing I have no doubts about.”

 

“So what than?” Piper urged gently.

 

Phoebe pulled free of her sisters’ hands and stood.  She just couldn’t sit there any longer.  She paced a few feet away then turned and faced her sisters’ inquiring faces.  “I don’t love, Caleb.  I don’t know if I ever did.  I won’t marry him not even if ask and not because of the baby.  I will not be trapped in a loveless marriage.”

 

Piper and Paige didn’t even look surprised.

 

“Did you guys hear me?” Phoebe demanded.

 

“Yes, honey, we did,” responded Paige, smiling.

 

“Aren’t you surprised?” Phoebe questioned, taken aback.

 

“No, not really, because you didn’t have the same goofy look on your face when you look at someone you are in love with,” Piper smiled. “Pheebs, Caleb came around during I time you needed to have fun and he was but he really isn’t your type.”

 

“What do you mean not my type?” Phoebe snapped.

 

Piper and Paige started to laugh.  “Phoebe, Caleb has no edge to him, no excitement.” Piper chortle.

 

“Face it Phoebe, Caleb is to nice,” added Paige smiling.

 

Piper cleared her throat and grew serious. “Paige and I think you wanted to be in love again but your heart was not in it; was it?”

 

Phoebe sighed.  “No it wasn’t.  What am I going to do?”

 

“You’re going to tell Caleb, you’re pregnant,” Piper told her, “and then you’ll talk about what to do next and whatever you decide know that Paige and I and the rest of your family are here for you.”

 

“And if he asks me to marry him?” Phoebe asked.  “What do I tell him?”

 

“You tell him how you feel and go from there.” Paige said comfortingly. “So my question is how do you feel about Bradan?” Paige started to laugh when Phoebe narrowed her eyes at her.

 

“Paige,” Piper deprecated.

 

A corner of Phoebe’s mouth twitched before a smile final a rose.  “I’m still working that out.”

 

“I knew it,” Paige exclaimed.

 

“Paige,” Piper warned again.

 

Paige waved off Piper’s warning.  “So how long have you liked him, liked him?”

 

“What are we in middle school?” Phoebe retorted smirking.

 

“Phoebe, come on,” exasperated Paige.

 

“To be honest, it just crept up on me, no certain day or time,” Phoebe sighed.  “I don’t want to talk about it right now.”

 

Piper got up and pulled Phoebe into a sisterly hug. “And we don’t have to.”

 

They heard the rock wall start to move, spun around and grabbed a handful of potions.

 

Kian slipped through the doorway and held up his hands when he saw the sisters armed with potions. “Whoa.”

 

“Where have you been?” Piper demanded.

 

Kian chuckled. “I missed you too.”

 

“Kian,” Paige warned.

 

Kian made his face go serious. “Checking to see if Ludus knew anything about the game,” Kian then smiled, “he doesn’t know a thing and that give us the advantage.”

 

“And exactly how does it do that? The game still has to play out,” Piper said irritated.

 

“Because unlike Ludus, I’m an expert at this game; I know the cheat codes and short cuts.  I’ve already tried a cheat code to get out of a jam and it worked,” explained Kian, leaning against a boulder nonchalantly.

 

“What was it,” asked Phoebe?

 

Kian guffawed. “A key, which will allow us to go anywhere, in this game, I’m glad I remembered it because I was almost discovered; anyway, we have two choices in ending this game.  We can run for the river and annihilate the witch hunters or we can sneak into Ludus’s fortress or better know as the Evil Sorcerer’s castle and take him out while the witch hunters are looking for us.  It’s your choice.”

 

The sisters stared at him for a second before Piper spoke up.  “I thought you said the only way we could vanquish Ludus, was in the game.”

 

“It is but we may be able to trap him in the game if we destroy the witch hunters, get out of game and pull the game out of the machine before he can. It’s not exactly a win but with no witch hunters he would have to come after us.  If we get out of the game in time, I know it’s a small window but we maybe can pull it off.”

 

Paige frowned. “If we manage to get out we could destroy the game.”

 

“And if we don’t’ get out before he does we will be trapped in the game and destroyed.  I don’t like the odds.”  Piper stated her concerns.

 

“So again I ask; what are we going to do?” Kian raised an eyebrow waiting for their decisions.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 9

 

Kian, Piper, Phoebe, and Paige were standing outside a wall in the cover of darkness.  The moon had been playing peek-a-boo through the clouds all night but right now the moon was hidden behind a large cloud.  It was the cover they needed to hide their actions from the guards that walk the perimeter of the castle.

 

Kian tapped the wall with his staff and a door appeared. “Are you sure this is the way you want to go?”

 

“Let’s get this over with,” replied Piper.  “I had all I can take of this game and this demon.”

 

Kian nodded and eased the door open and ran right into a witch hunter.  Kian moved quickly and in seconds took out the witch hunter.  The witch hunter slumped to the floor and disappeared.  Kian smiled at the Charmed Ones and looked up and down the hallway.

 

“If we get killed in the game will we end up vanishing; as well,” asked Phoebe?

 

“Kian stared at Phoebe for a few seconds before he spoke, “Yeah …” he pointed the direction they needed to go with his staff, “…we need to go this way.”

 

They slipped along the wall trying to stay in the shadows.  “We have to avoid using magic until we get in the chamber and when we enter the chamber we will have to move quickly,” Kian advised quietly.  He paused and looked back at the sisters.  He reached into his robes and pulled out a small vial.  “This will help us do it.” Kian saw a confused look cross the sisters’ faces.  “The potion gives you a burst of speed.  It doesn’t last long but it should be enough to help us take out most of the guards.” I hope, he added silently.

 

They heard footfalls coming towards them and Kian pointed to a door off to the side of them.  They swiftly slipped through the door.  Kian eased the door closed but leaving it opened a crack so they could watch and listen for the approaching guards.

 

A couple of guards stopped outside the door they were hiding behind. One of the guards pulled out a pipe and lit it and the other guard took a drink from his leather water flask.

 

“I still don’t understand why his lordship does not kill all of them,” commented the guard with the flask.

 

“She carries his child,” explained the guard smoking a pipe.

 

“She had to put an evil spell on him,” retorted the guard with the flask. “His lordship would never have a baby with a whore.”

 

“Oh I’ll show him,” whispered Phoebe as she came towards the door.

 

Kian grabbed her, put his hand over her and whispered in her ear. “It’s not you he’s talking about it’s the character you’re playing.  Don’t let the story’s character engulf you or we will all end up dead; got it.”  Phoebe nodded and Kian slowing removed his hand.  He watched the guards move on down the hall.

 

Kian slowly opened the door and peeked both ways before opening the door fully.   Kian gave a slight nod to the sister and waved them to follow.

 

Piper, Phoebe, Paige and Kian moved rapidly down the hall avoiding more guards.   They finally reached their destination.

 

Kian pulled the quick-moving potion from his pocket and handed it to Piper.  “Just take a swallow that’s all you need.”

 

Piper tipped the vial and took a swallow, made a face and handed it to Phoebe.  Phoebe did the same and passed the vial to Paige. She stared at the small bottle before taking her swallow and handing it off to Kian, who finished it off in one gulp.  They all started to glow.

 

“This isn’t going to be easy.  So are we ready?” Kian reached for the gold door’s handles. Kian flew the door opened and they ran inside.  They were more or less a blur because they were moving so fast.

 

Ludus must have been ready for them because the room was full of witch hunters and the last level of the game begun.

 

“We have to take out the witch hunters first,” yelled Kian, as lighting came out of his staff and split into thirds and eliminated three witch hunters at one time; however, they were replaced by four more.

 

“Every time we get rid of one two more replaces it,” yelled Paige, as she takes out a witch hunter with a sword.

 

Piper was knock down and was about to be stabbed when Kian telekinesis a dagger into back of the witch hunter and he crumbled to the ground and disappeared to be replaces by two more.  Piper sighed as Kian helped her to her feet.

 

“Thanks,” mumbled Piper.

 

Kian smiled knowing how hard it was for her to say it.  “No problem.”

 

They caught the sight of two witch hunters bearing spears and coming at them from opposite directions.  They move out of the way just in time to watch them impale each other on the spears.  It was a good sign because they were replaced by only two witch hunters instead of four.

 

Kian smiled, “This battle is almost over.” Piper nodded and went in a separate direction to continue the fight.

 

The witch hunters were avoiding Phoebe as order by parameters of the game.  She moved towards Ludus taking out several witch hunters as she moved through the battle.

 

Phoebe smiled as she remembered what Kian said to her at the cave.  “Phoebe, you will more than likely pass right through the battle.  So it will be up to you to go after Ludus.  Phoebe had a feeling there was more to it but she would not worry about it.  She wanted to get out of this game; as soon as possible.

 

She took out two more witch hunters when she caught Ludus slipping out of the chamber through a secret passageway next to the large fireplace.

 

Phoebe pushed her way through the battle to the entrance that leads to the passageway.  She reached the place that Ludus escaped through and turn back to the battle to look for the others they were still on the other side of the room.  “He entered a secret passageway and I’m going after him,” Phoebe hollered over the battle.

 

“Phoebe wait,” yelled Piper, as she took out two witch hunter in her way.

 

Phoebe slipped through the entrances and had to stop to allow her eyes to adjust to the semi-darkness of the passageway.  It was lit by torches that were stuck into the walls.

 

Phoebe’s eyes adjusted to the semi-darkness and she took a deep breath and let it out slow.  She tightened her hold on potion vial in her right hand, as she inched down the passageway.  Her heart was beating so hard she thought it was going to break free from her chest.  Phoebe was taking quick shallow breaths.  She was close to hyperventilating.  Phoebe stopped, closed her eyes and slowed her breathing.  In through the nose out through the mouth…in through the nose out through the mouth…in through the nose out through the mouth, once she got her breathing under control she continued to move up the passage, quickly and cautiously, as possible.

 

Paige Piper and Kian took out the last of the witch hunters and they ran across the room where they watched Phoebe disappear.

 

“Did anyone see how she opened it?” Piper asked alarmingly.

 

“I know how to open it; it’s part of game.  That’s the easy part the hard parts is that we will encounter more witch hunters and booby traps.” Kian informed them, as he reaches up and pulls a leaver on the fireplace and the entrance of the secret passage is revealed to them.  Kian stopped Piper from going in first.  “I’ll go first but stay close behind me.

 

Phoebe jumped when two witch hunters pop out from the shadows.  Phoebe threw the vial that she held in her hand and hit one of the witch hunters and he vanished.  A new vial appeared in her hand and she threw it and it struck the other witch hunter and he vanished in a flashed of flames.  She looked at the new vial as it appeared in her hand.

 

She made her way up the passage until she was surrounded by a ring of fire.  The flame was so high it flickered against the ceiling in the passage.  The heat was so hot it was like walking in a desert with no water or a bit of shade in site.  Phoebe stuck out her hand and water started to shoot from the ground and put the flames out. “Cool.”  She moved rapidly way from the ring of fire afraid that she may get stuck in it again before getting away.

 

Phoebe made it through many more obstacles; some were easy to over come but other held her up which seem like hours.  She final made her way to a large cavern lit by a giant torched chandelier.  The chandelier took up the entire ceiling of the cavern.  She walked deeper into the cavern her eyes darting back and forth looking for danger.  She had an eerie feeling that she was being watched but she could not see anyone around but the hair that was standing up on the back of her neck was telling her differently.  She stopped in the middle of the cavern and was turning around when she seen a flash before she understood what happened she was flying across the cavern.

 

 Phoebe collided with the ground hard but otherwise unscathed.  She rose rapidly and spun around to see the demon, Ludus standing there with a shock look on his face.  “You should be gone.”

 

“Yeah, maybe,” Phoebe said, as she launched a potion vial at him.   When the vial connected with him he flew back through the air and only stopped when he met the wall of the cavern.  He still wore the same shock look as he did before until anger over took him and his face contorted into something quite scary that would even make the Source look like a model for Abercrombie and Fitch.

 

Ludus jump to his feet and raised his hands and jets of fire shot form them straight at Phoebe.  She dove for cover behind a rock formation.  She peek around the corner and threw another vial.  It hit him square in the chest and only caused him to fall to one knee.  Phoebe could not understand why the vials were not destroying him like it did the witch hunters but it was really starting to tick her off.

 

Ludus recovered quickly and shot more jets of fire that exploded the rock formation that she was hiding behind.  Phoebe covered her head from the flying rocks and ran for cover to a large rock about twelve feet to the left of her last location; this time however, she did not make it. Ludus’s jet of fire hit its mark sending Phoebe sailing through the air yet again.  They continued to trade blows neither showing much sign of weakening.

 

Phoebe felt as though hours had past and the jets of fire was ultimately having an effect on her.  She was getting weaker with every blow and she noticed that Ludus wasn’t favoring to well himself.

 

Phoebe knew she only had one potion vial left but she had no clue how she knew that maybe it was part of this dumb game.  She was moving to get behind more cover when her weaken state caused her to stumble and fall.  Phoebe turned her head and seen a huge smile cross his face, but Phoebe thought it look more like a sneer of a mad wild animal about to jump on their prey.  She knew this was it; she would not make it out of this game.

 

Piper, Paige, and Kian were stuck watching everything unfold in front of them.  They had run into some invisible force field that would not allow them to enter the cavern.  They had tried everything that they could and all Kian said “it was part of the game” and Piper was down to her last nerve if he said it one more time she going to use her characters powers on him.  So they watched and waited and grew even more agitated.

 

Piper heart stopped when Phoebe stumbled and fell to the ground. It even took a minute for her to complete comprehend that Kian was running at full speed into the cavern and Paige was pulling her along.

 

Phoebe swallowed hard, closed her eyes and put a protective hand over her stomach.  “I’m sorry, baby.  I love you.”

 

She opened her eyes just in time to see something go by in a blur then a golden light mixed with a little red surrounded her before fading away.  She turned her head just to catch Ludus burst into flames.  She jumped to her feet and through her last vial into the flame and watched Ludus explode in a cloud of ash and dust.  Phoebe looked through the dust and saw her sisters smiling faces and she smiled back.  Kian came up beside and smiled down at her and she smiled back.

 

The cavern started to ripple and fade into a meadow of green grass and wild flowers and sitting to one side of the meadow was a white cottage with green shudders.

 

“Kian what’s going on?” Piper demanded.  “I thought when we defeated Ludus we would be getting out of here.”

 

Kian smiled.  “It’s the ending movie of the game.  You see…” he turned to Phoebe, “…the character you portrayed gave birth to a very important baby boy that she named after the druid that saved her life.  This baby boy grew up and taught another special boy how to be a great king after he pulled a certain sword for a stone.”

 

“Are you saying that the character’s baby will grow up to be Merlin,” Paige inquired.

 

Kian gave a nod.  “Yes.”

 

The wind started to kick up all around them and they were sucked in to the whirl wind.  The next thing they knew they were standing back in the living room.

 

Gram hugged Kian, “I guess you’re not completely worthless.”

 

Kian raised an eyebrow at her.  “Thanks, I think.”

 

Piper and Phoebe laughed. “Believe it or not, Kian it’s a compliment.” 

 

 

 

Chapter 10

 

Phoebe took a deep breath and slowly raised her hand to knock on the door but paused then quickly rapped four times before she lost her nerve and walk away.

 

The door swung open and Caleb was standing there in a pair of old worn jeans and a navy T-shirt.  Phoebe swallowed the lump as the words she was going to say got caught in her throat.  She managed to choke out, “Hi.”

 

“Phoebe,” Caleb said a little taken aback.  “What are you doing here?”

 

Phoebe looked passed him to see a completely empty room and frowned.  “Can I come in, please?”

 

Caleb’s answer was to step back to allow her to pass.  She heard the door close behind her as she walked further into the barren room.  The art work that covered the walls were gone, leaving no sign they were ever there.  A layer of dust covered the floor as though no one ever live there.  She stopped and turned around to face an expressionless Caleb.  “Going somewhere?”

 

“What do you want, Phoebe?” Caleb asked coldly.

 

Phoebe flinched at his tone. It was nothing like the kind caring man she had been dating that last few months.  It made her angry and hurt not just for herself but the baby she carried.  “I guess I’m here to tell you; I’m pregnant.”

 

Caleb frowned and something Phoebe thought was pain entered his eyes before he turned and walked to the balcony doors.  He was looking out across the city.

 

“Say something,” Phoebe snapped when he said nothing.

 

“That is quite unfortunate,” Caleb said sadly.

 

Phoebe took a few quick steps and grabbed his arm and swung him to face her.  “Unfortunate…unfortunate…that’s all you have to say? I’m pregnant with your baby, Caleb.”  She looked around the empty room. “I’m sorry to ruin you plans.”

 

Caleb took a calming breath before he snaked his fingers through hers.  Phoebe tried to pull free but Caleb tightened his grip.  He looked down into her eyes and knew he did the one thing he did not set out to do; hurt her. “I’m a guardian angel, Phoebe.”

 

“What?” Phoebe asked him.

 

Caleb sighed.  He was hoping he could just slip away with out her knowledge of the truth.  The baby makes it impossible for him to do that now.  He would now have to crush her heart.  “I was sent here to protect Darryl from possible demon attack because of his association with you and your sisters.  I was never supposed to get involved with you or anyone.  I have only myself to blame for this. I’m sorry.”

 

“Wait, guardians angels can’t be seen,” Phoebe said, as she tried to get her mind around what Caleb said.

 

“Under extraordinary situations a Guardian Angel are able to be seen.  They embed themselves in the lives of their charges and when the danger has passed they just simply disappear.  You remember them but it’s like one of those people you can’t remember their names. My assignment here is done Darryl was offered a job on the east coast and he accepted.  They’re leaving at the end of the week.”

 

“So just go tell your bosses that you’re going to be a father and you’re not leaving,” Phoebe ordered him.

 

“Phoebe,” Caleb said gently.  “I’m not a whitelighter.  My bosses are not so forgiving; in fact, they would wipe your memories and the child would cease to exist.”   Phoebe began to object when he cut her off. “Phoebe I know this because it has happened before, in the pass.  This rule is nonnegotiable and it holds strong penalties for those who break it.  I suggest you forget me and raise your child.  It would be for the best for all that is involved.”  Caleb said unhappily.

 

“You’re not will to fight for our child,” Phoebe retorted. 

 

“I’m doing what is best for our child,” answered Caleb.”

 

“And what do I tell our child when he or she asks about you?”

 

Caleb closed his eyes to hide his pain.  He never had a child when he was human and now he would never know his child.  He let go of Phoebe’s hands and walked passed her but he couldn’t turn to face her.  “Tell the child, that I’m not the man you thought I was.” Caleb flashed into a glowing orb about the size of a bowling ball and zoomed through the ceiling and was gone.

 

Phoebe could not hold back the tears and they spilled from her eyes.  Her heart was breaking for her baby, for herself, for Caleb, who will never know the love of his child, and for a future that will never be. 

 

She felt a hand on her shoulder and spun around to find Bradan standing there with a sympathetically look on his face.  He opened his arms to her and Phoebe took refuge in them.

 

Phoebe didn’t know how Bradan knew she needed him but she was glad he was there.  She felt loved and safe in his strong embrace.

 

Bradan held her until the sobs that racked her body slowed then stopped.  He wiped her eyes with tissue, gently kissed her lips then swung her up into his arms.  He kissed her again then flashed out.

 

Paige was tucking in her daughters when a strong arm snaked around her waist and pulled her close.  She smiled and turned around.  She looked up into her husbands loving eyes.

 

Sean smiled, leaned down and captured Paige’s lips.  He broke the kiss and hovered over them.  “I’ve missed you.  So did everything go all right here; anything I need to know?”

 

Paige wrapped her arms around her husband’s neck, “Nothing, that can’t wait until morning.”

 

Sean smiled step back and grabbed Paige’s hand in his and dragged from the room with a mischievous smile.

 

“Piper, leave the laundry until morning, come to bed,” called Leo.

 

“I just want to check the pockets so I don’t have to tomorrow,” Piper said picking up a pair of jeans.

 

Piper was checking the pockets when her hand closed over a photo.  He pulled it out and gasped.  She flipped it over and her mouth drops opened and her eye opened wide with surprise.  She rushed from the room as though on a mission.

 

Kian was pulling back his bed when the attic door flung opened and Piper rushed inside with no invitation.  “You want to explain this?”

 

“Explain what?” Kian asked her.

“This…This,” pointing to the picture that she held in her shaken hand.

 

“It a photo,” he said nonchalantly.

 

“I know it’s a photo.  It’s a photo of the Halliwell Family but that not what’s so shocking it’s this,” She flipped it over and showed him the writing on the back but a certain line of text.

 

“Yeah, so,” retorted Kian.  He was trying real hard to hide the twisting in his stomach.  He messed up big time.

 

“Let me enlighten you then…” Piper turned the photo so she could read the back of it and she began to read, “Lying in Paige’s arms is her three and a half week old son, Kian Colman O’Hara.  You’re my nephew; aren’t you?”

 

“Yes,” Kian simply answered with no explanation.  He turned his back to her, fluffed his pillows and flopped down on the bed with his arms under his head.