Charmed

(Paige Mathews) Ghost Bride

 

Reluctant to face the morning I roll over and find myself crashing to the floor with a thud. I lift my head confused for the moment and then remember I had fallen asleep in the attic. Daryl had come by the night before about several unusual murders and all of us had spent a great deal of time sorting over what we could find. Cole had shimmered off looking for some information, Leo had orbed off to only the elders know where and I spent the night in the attic. I glance around seeing Piper, Phoebe and Paige all laying against one another like some house of cards on the large sofa, it brings a small smile to my face before I wince glancing up at the ceiling.

 

“Not so graceful.” I roll my eyes seeing Penny/Grams staring down at me with a smile on her face, we had called her in for some assistance. “Are you alright dear?” I nod sitting up wishing Von and the others hadn’t had to leave for a gig.

 

I watch Phoebe start awake glancing around before spotting my predicament. “Ouch.” I nod in agreement rubbing my sore back. “Hi Grams.” She grins walking over and hugging her grandmother close. “Any luck you two?”

 

I shake my head wondering why I would have any luck, we all fell asleep and now Daryl would be expecting some big answer. We had nothing, zilch, nada, and I was worried about this tiny details because it wasn’t often we were left in the dark like this. Piper shot to her feet without warning causing page to tip over with a muffle groan into the couch. Leo had presently orbed into the attic, not being so mindful of an old hat rack that went crash.

 

With effort Paige picks herself up glancing around for the source of the commotion. “Morning.” She reluctantly stands and stretches trying to sort out her foggy memories of the previous night. “What did I miss?”

 

“Leo made the noise and I thumped down on the floor. Typical morning.” I add still feeling the issue of Von and the others being gone. “I found absolutely nothing by the way.” Penny/Grams nods in agreement before focusing on Leo.

 

“No clues from the Elders either and I’m sure that we may have another victim if this isn’t…” Cole shimmers in cutting him off covered in a fowl smelling orange like goo.

 

I lift a brow studying the substance and wrinkle my nose. “Ew…I thought most demons had green blood.” Cole smiles briefly before becoming all serious and ignores the mess for the moment.

 

Phoebe watches some blood splat to the floor and makes a face. “Volcanic demons don’t bleed green…” he seems to consider something. “I’ve dealt with six of them and have yet to find the source of our problem. It has to be a powerful being though…I found nothing useful but more trouble.” It would seem our demon problem is skilled enough to avoid radar of both sides.

 

I run to answer my cell phone nearly falling headlong down the attic stairs. I make it into the room I share with Paige easily enough and smile. “Von!” I bounce on my heels glad to hear from him, I wish I had went with them but something told me I would be needed here. “It is so good to hear from you, how’s the gig.” I laugh at Scotty and Jane in the background making fun of us.

 

“It’s going…” he pauses and I know something isn’t quite right. “…we’re not far from the manor; we had to cut it short due to a ghost. This particular ghost is interested in the charmed ones help.” I cringe; we did not need a problem on top of the one we were already sorting out.

 

I sigh glancing at a mirror noting my soured expression. “I will warn the others. Be forewarned that Penny’s here…um…the ghost of Grams. She’s trying to help us on something.” I hear his sharp intake of breath and brace for the familiar lecture we seem to banter back and forth with each other over.

 

I hear the others grow silent already guessing what was going on. “Alright, be careful and I love you.” I feel relief at being spared the usual fight we commonly have before turning to Paige’s inquisitive expression.

 

“I will. Love you back.” I close my phone watching Cole walk past heading off to clean up. “Von and the others called an early trip…a ghost specifically asking for your help are with them.” I lean against the wall watching Piper stop in her tracks.

 

“Ghost, Demon, Grams, and Daryl coming to get information we don’t have…typical day in the Halliwell home.” Piper runs back up to the attic to give Grams and Leo the heads up before Phoebe and I exchange looks, the doorbell indicates that Daryl is more than likely waiting for an answer.

 

Phoebe points to me before nearly sprinting down the hall to her room. I send her a scathing look knowing she will use Cole as her excuse, surrendering to the fact I was the youngest outside of Paige I scramble down the stairs and open the door. Daryl looks like he hasn’t slept in days, he’s literally rumpled and is holding a new file in hand which is offered my direction. I take the file and step aside watching him make his way to the living room and all but melt into the nearest couch. “This case has got to be killing him.” I note the fact that he’s barely able to stay awake and disappear to the kitchen to get him some coffee.

 

While I collect the coffee I scan over the folders contents briefly, another girl has been found ritualistically stabbed with her limbs making a pentagram of sort in the middle of an actually chalk drawn pentagram. She had the strange markings along her arms, neck and stomach slashed indicating she may have been with child like the others. I am disgusted with this but we still have no leads, Leo comes into the kitchen watching my evil expression before glancing over the folder.

 

I nod watching Piper come into the kitchen joining him in studying the information. I hand over the coffee watching Daryl offer the tiniest of smiles before yawning tiredly. “Any luck on your end with the rituals and other…things?” his brow is quirked watching Grams eye us before she walks into the kitchen with the others. “Where is Phoebe, Paige and Cole?”

 

I point straight up and smile wryly before hearing the familiar rush of steps. Paige skids to a halt at the bottom of the stairs before coming into the living room with us. She has a book in her hands which I remember snagging out of boredom at a local Magic shop. She’s all excited and hands over the book, I have no idea what I am looking for and wait for a hint. Finally seeing she is too busy waiting for a reaction I glance over the book and finally settle on a paragraph that I wish I hadn’t noticed. I practically shove the book into her hands before running up the stairs and calling out to Phoebe and Cole. I run back down the stairs and into the kitchen to get the others before we end up all grouped in the living room.

 

Piper glances back and forth with an inquisitive expression on her face waiting for the bomb to drop so to speak. “What is it?” she finally questions watching Grams cross her arms waiting for some sort of news.

 

“The rituals are to summon ghosts to do ones bidding. It’s a power ritual of fertility; some demon is trying to bring forth a powerful entity from another world…” Paige realizes what she’s saying and winces. “…The demon needs a female ghost, powerful witches, and six victims. I don’t think Grams counts.” She adds watching the door open revealing Von, Scotty, Jane and finally a spirit. “Hi guys.” She slams the book shut watching Von and I exchange looks and realize there is another fight coming in the near future.

 

Piper watches the female spirit make herself cozy on the arm of a couch before nearly groaning, the ghost in the equation had just entered the big picture. “Who is your friend?” Von for the moment turns his attention from our impending argument eyeing the redhead that reminds me of a hippie from her patched up bellbottoms, peasant top and knee length hair. “Grams take…erm…friend ghost with you upstairs.” Penny/Grams gets the idea that it would be wise to do so and escorts the new arrival from the room.

 

Daryl lifts a brow noting the tension; he is familiar with our common place arguments and attempts to guzzle down the hot coffee. No one wants to witness Von and I in the familiar never ending battles over my safety.

 

“Her name was…is Holly Baker. Is it was or is?” Jane tries to distract from the growing issue but even I know that it is wise to take Von off to sort the familiar argument out.

 

“Is…she’s present even if she is a ghost.” Phoebe nods my direction and with effort I gently take Von’s hand half pulling him from the room.

 

I note he is rigid with the unreleased tension; his over protective behavior is something I admire greatly but is rather monotonous at times. Once I enter my room I shut the door and feel his hand release mine, I walk to the bed and sit waiting patiently.

 

His stare finally meets mine and I smile hoping that maybe it will soften him up some. “What kinds of danger are you in this time…am I going to have to worry about loosing you?” I feel frustration with the argument that never seems to leave our presence.

 

“We have no idea what type of demon we’re dealing with. We do know it has something to do with fertility, bringing a stronger power into the world and the ghost you have brought home. I can’t guarantee my safety Von, but you know as well as I do that the others won’t let me get hurt. You’ve seen this countless times and…” I stop feeling him pull me into his arms and hold me tightly.

 

I am surprised that he’s not going into his usually yelling fit, under normal circumstances he tends to blow up and gradually calm down. I find his behavior refreshing and yet it concerns me to know he would give up so easily. I understand then that something happened other than meeting Holly Baker; he knows more than he is sharing. I gently pull back placing a hand against his cheek to get his attention.

 

He offers a forced smile but it fades into a familiar anxious look. “Holly knows of the demon, she said it would be in our best interest to come back to the manor and prepare to protect the world from this stronger power. She’s a former witch…that is all she explained before we came back.” I nod kissing him softly before we both exit quickly to find out what the others are doing.

 

Halfway down the stairs I feel myself yanked down and watch Von duck for cover, Paige offers me one of her looks that usually mean this is not a good thing. Phoebe is sent crashing into a couch flipping, while Cole is distracted from low level demons from what I can see. Piper is blowing up the demons along with pieces of the house because of their rapid movements, all I can guess is Grams/Penny and Leo is protecting Jane and Scotty.

 

Paige yells and orbs taking Von and I with her, needless to say it still takes some getting used to on his part. “Where is Holly?” I wince when something shatters beside us.

 

I see that another vase has bit the dust thanks to the chaos around us. I wonder where Daryl is during this mess and finally see him lingering with the other two band members. Clearly things are out of hand for a reason and the missing ghost isn’t very encouraging in the least. “If they’re here for Holly…we need to find her fast.” I slip cautiously past the furniture of the living room, carefully avoiding the ongoing chaos. I know Von will probably catch on and come running after me but it’s the least of my worries right now.

 

(CRASH) I glance up brushing the remaining glass from my hair; I need to remember when Piper is using her power to be more cautious of breaking objects. I feel a heavy weight come down onto me and groan glancing up at Phoebe who scrambles quickly to the side.

 

“Sorry…” she pauses watching another demon go splat. “…what are you doing Imani?” I point to the main hall watching her quirk a brow. “That isn’t a…” she ducks with a startled sound watching a fireball sail overhead.

 

“I know…I’m looking for Holly.” Both of us get on our feet and make a daring sprint to the hall. I glance down at my singed shirt and roll my eyes; it was always hard to keep cloths decent for long in the manor. “If there’s that much chaos it stands to reason they’re after something or…someone.” I wish I was back with the others because staring at me at this point is one very human like demon, minus the long black talon like nails.

 

I remember the demon is called ‘Talon-Ripper’ and can very well see where the name comes from. His dark clothing and shoulder length raven hair set off his pale skin and red colored eyes, I swallow hard knowing that I have yet to understand my powers or control them. Phoebe levitates kicking out, shockingly enough he catches her leg and spins her in mid-air. “She really hates that.” I note her finally stop and fall to the floor with a groan. I duck the talons reflexively heading for my neck and hear them embed in the wall behind me with a crack sound.

 

“I never knew a witch to be so predictable. I thought the charmed ones would be less…” his voice is an accented almost amused drawl. “…common, more of a challenge.” His tone suggests that he’s the demon trying to summon the greater power.

 

I don’t like the conclusions I keep coming too and eye his trapped hand knowing he is being to calm about this; I don’t think he’s trapped at all, more like toying with us like new toys. I find this incredibly irritating which in my case isn’t a good thing at all.

 

SMASH

 

Paige comes falling into the room at my feet eyeing the startled demon that has fallen to the floor dislodging his nails from the wall. “What happened?”

 

Phoebe smiles standing up and dusting herself off. “He made Imani mad.” I smile slightly at her amusement, one day I would get control but in the mean time it is wise not to annoy me. “He’s not down yet.” Paige orbs in time to avoid being slashed, Phoebe flips out of the way and sadly I get nailed in the shoulder and pinned to the wall in the process.

 

I swear eyeing the nail inside my shoulder and note it made a clean slice right through and into the wall. “That was very stupid.” I focus on the raging demon before me, I have a retort ready but he kindly reminds me he has me. I stifle a yelp when he twists his nail into my flesh a little further. “How will you manage without an arm?”

 

Paige and Phoebe pull him back forcing me the yell in pain at the removal of his talon. He doesn’t get the chance to carry out the threat but he has definitely left a mark. I collapse to the floor holding my bleeding shoulder; everything is on fire and burning painfully. I hear Piper calling for help and watch Paige run to her aid, Phoebe is watching the demon carefully, his eyes seem almost to dance in delight at injuring one of us and having another at his mercy.

 

Phoebe keeps her eyes level with the demon. “Imani are you alright?” I want to be cute but the pain sort of denies me that option.

 

“Not really…I think he hit some major arteries, tendons, or something.” I feel dizzy and notice the blood seems to increase down my arm, all I can see is red and feel a burning fire in my arm.

 

I shiver realizing I’m in serious trouble, Phoebe can see this and cries out for help but I fade out before anyone comes into my line of vision.

 

First thing I notice is voices, I don’t wish to open my eyes just yet because one of them is risen and clearly argument-ive. I know Von is the one raging and can already guess where the conversation will go once I open my eyes. I must have come pretty close to dying the way he is yelling. I hear Paige and Phoebe muttering amongst themselves, that indicates Piper, Leo and Grams/Penny are the voices trying to reason with my boyfriend. I resist the urge to smile hearing Jane and Scotty join in the conversation among the two sisters. They’re discussing how he is overreacting, I am fine and he needs to learn that the world doesn’t revolve around his wishes.

 

“I heard that.” Von is quiet suddenly before we hear a door slam and Piper cursing.

 

“That boy is sweet…but a bit ridiculous. You girls are quite capable of keeping each other safe.” I agree with grams/Penny, Von has his nice tender side but does tend to let it rule over his common sense at times. “How is she?”

 

I feel a presence over me and finally open my eyes. “She’s fine now.” Leo smiles watching me carefully, I glance over my blood covered shirt and decide I liked the singe better; blood would never come out of the shirt.

 

“I liked this shirt too.” I frown slightly before hearing familiar laughter. “Right…I’m fine. Judging by the fight I heard though…”I pause watching the room grow silent. “…yeah, I’m going to go find him and try and talk some sense into his thick head.” I climb to my feet and sway slightly but manage to walk from the room.

 

I still feel woozy and struggle down the stairs in my search for Von; since our room is currently being occupied it leaves a big area to look in. I search each room downstairs and skip over the basement due to the fact I heard the story about the Woogie man and I have never been fond of them to begin with. I very nearly surrender when I hear pacing and turn to the sun room; I pause watching him pace the room angrily cursing everyone out.

 

I attempt to get his attention but pause, I can see him flipping something irritably in his fingers and wonder what it is. I manage to catch a glimpse of a jewelry box and wonder what he has in it. “It isn’t possible.” I wrap my mind around the impossibility but gain his attention without intending to. I flinch watching a book thud to the floor and see his eyes meet mine.

 

In a few short steps I find myself wrapped tightly in his embrace and return it. I somehow know that there won’t be a major fight but there is no way to avoid his lecture coming my way.

 

“You really need to stop trying to put yourself in the middle of everything, I almost lost you this time and it was a permanent possibility.” I wrinkle my nose not wanting the reminder at the minute. “I’m not going to fight…but I do wish you would be more careful when it comes to these things.” I smile softly ruffling his dark hair before he gives me a pretend glare.

 

“Yes sir.” I make my way past him and rest on the wicker couch, this time I focus on his strangely anxious behavior.

 

There is an energy of sorts in the room, excitement, fear, and tension. None of it is in a negative way but it makes me wonder about a thought I attempted to push aside a long time ago. I knew that we had been together for at least six years, I remember encounters from the times with Pru and up and now looking back I feel my stomach knot. Six years is a long time, even with the fact I have a rather large extended family and a whole lot of demonic trouble to counter with it.

 

“Von?” he stops fidgeting the box between his fingers finally allowing his eyes to linger on mine. “What is it?”

 

He sighs lowering the box to his side and smiles softly. “A fairytale with a few twists.” Normally I would laugh at his jokes, but I get the feeling there’s a serious note in there somewhere and am feeling even wearier of what comes next.

 

I see Paige standing off to the side and start to address her, but her hand flies up with an abrupt ‘NO’ gesture, clearly I’m not the only one wondering what is happening. He walks slowly over beside me carefully keeping eye contact.

 

“The twists being a lot of things I never knew existed…and you.” I know I am confused because he offers a half smile shaking his head. “You’re the strangest princess I’ve ever encountered in this fairytale. That is good though, I like puzzles and adventures…” Paige appears to be on pins and needles, when he settles in a half crouch I know something is up. “…Are we ready for the biggest adventure yet?”

 

I want to answer him but something stops me, he has a gleam in his gaze and its mischief. “Von…what are you rambling about?” I try to sound annoyed but instead find my voice barely audible; I know what he is asking but am not sure I’m ready for the answer.

 

He smiles that spark still there before shifting to one knee. “Well…will you marry me?” I finally see the velvet box and watch a heart shaped sapphire being presented to me. “Knowing you like I do, I knew this would be the jewel of choice.” Carefully he slips the ring onto my finger and I feel my mouth move without a sound coming from it. “Marry me? It usually gets an answer sooner rather than later.”

 

I give him a look for the smug tone; he knows exactly how to get me to loosen my tongue. “Yes…and don’t get all smug.” I warn wincing at the triple play high squeals that echo with Paige.

 

“Finally!” Jane, Phoebe and Piper all stand there grinning like fools while Paige seems to look extremely happy. “SCOTTY HE ASKED!” Jane vanishes after that in a flash obviously ready to announce the news to the world.

 

Von groans laying his head in my lap, gently I run my fingers through his hair watching Paige casually step into the room with a warm smile. Leaning down she hugs me tightly before patting him like some cute little pet, she’s purposely trying to annoy him and it apparently works.

 

“Woof.” I laugh watching Von give Paige a look of contempt before she shrugs sitting on the edge of one of the seats. “I’m going to do damage control.” He stands with some reluctance leaving me to contend with three very excited looking charmed ones.

 

Piper glances back and fourth before finally speaking. “I knew it.” Phoebe sits opposite me and nods in agreement. “It is about time…now all we need to do is find a way of extending the house.” I quirk a brow wondering what she’s talking about and why we would want to extend the manor.

 

“There’s always the basement.” Both Phoebe and I give Paige a look that could scare any demon. “Right, no basements.” She immediately retreats next to Piper who appears lost in thought.

 

Finally she smiles softly already knowing the answer I plan to give. “I think we will be distance convening on demons…the house is already full.” I nod in agreement hearing a startled sound before Scotty runs past with Von not far off. “What on…

 

“I would guess Scotty said something very dumb.” I note Jane stop in the room scanning us before fidgeting waving her hands to get my attention. “That way.” I point toward the kitchen and watch her go charging after.

 

“Most likely.” We turn watching Cole studying the room carefully before Phoebe comes to his side. “That demon isn’t our only problem and he knows us. That indicates a knowledgeable higher power…” he pauses making a face. “…one I’m sure we may or may not be familiar with.” Phoebe immediately stands clearing the room and trucking up the stairs. “Phoebe?”

 

Knowing this kind of behavior the rest of us run after her leaving Cole to ponder the situation. “I hope I’m not right.” I tend to think like Phoebe and have this incredible sinking feeling that we have to be dealing with a power much like the vanquished source. Grams/Penny and Leo both turn sharply at Phoebe’s rapid entrance watching the rest of us follow with confused expressions. I duck a flying book or two knowing she’s searching through books barrowed from Magic School.

 

“Whoa!” Piper’s hands freeze three books near our heads before we sidestep them and watch Phoebe settle on one of them. “Phoebe?” her tone is sharp and confused.

 

“I read something….” Phoebe stops in her answer, something in her expression becoming very serious. “…Bad news or worse news?” she questions meekly before dropping the book on the table and flopping among the couch.

 

Grams/Penny walks over settling beside her in a concerned manor before staring at the book. “Go on dear.” Grams/Penny hugs Phoebe in response to her almost depressed expression.

 

“Well…” she falters watching Von wrap an arm protectively around my waste. “…It would be best to hold off on wedding plans; this demon thrives on happiness, matrimonial things, special occasions and pregnancy. Its how he gets the power he needs to bring the higher power back into our world.” Paige winces wondering why this always has to happen at the best of times in our lives.

 

“Where’s Holly?” Jane is the first to actually point out the missing ghost.

 

Everyone turns at once scanning the room for the missing apparition and then all panic at once. We all scatter in varying areas of the house, I manage to keep close with Von and Paige hoping the missing girl is just lost in the house. Phoebe pauses outside the basement door giving us a look when we enter the kitchen, neither she nor I want to go down there and all turn toward Von. Paige offers an apologetic smile already deciding she doesn’t want to go down either.

 

Von sighs giving all three of us looks. “You know the basement is where it all happens…and it’s never good?” for encouragement I kiss him on the cheek and open the door. “From girlfriend to fiancé and I’m still protecting you from boogiemen.” He starts down the stairs with a smirk knowing that comment would bug Phoebe.

 

“Woogie man.” Phoebe realizes exactly what she said and sighs. “He did that on purpose and I let it happen…again.” I smile at the slight pout on her face, it wasn’t often she let herself get away with such a childish moment and I find it rather cute despite the situation.

 

Paige turns hearing a crash and sighs seeing Scotty managed to trip over his own feet in the process of looking for us. I turn sharply hearing Von let out a startled sound and groan knowing he had been right, I charge down the stairs whether there is a woogie or boogie man in the basement. “Now where’s the killer?” I wrinkle my nose deciding my watching horror movies have just come to an abrupt end.

 

Von stumbles to my feet with a painful sound before I glance up seeing a very sheepish looking Holly. “Sorry about that Von…I was drawn down here to an energy.” I smile glad that it wasn’t too disastrous and hear the others reluctantly running down the stairs to find us. “There’s a very strong power down here, an energy.” Various movement of discomfort comes from each of us before Phoebe mutters to herself and offers to explain things.

 

Phoebe hastily exits the basement while I watch Holly follow slowly after. Paige stares around noting the spot that Phoebe had glanced at with irritation, deciding she didn’t want further details she hastily retreats with Scotty following after. I knew very well that Phoebe practiced down here in the basement fighting and other things, but without Cole or someone present it would bug her. I found the basement rather comforting even if it wasn’t meant to be, except when I became aware of the power vibe also and grabbed onto Von.

 

“Upstairs.” That is all I said before nearly dragging him up the stairs and slamming the basement door behind me. “No more movies, no more ‘Cellar Dweller’ either.” I state remembering the troll like monster from the horror movie and making a face.

 

Von only laughs; apparently my expression is cute in his opinion. “Why am I engaged to him again?” I shake away the thought, he’s perfect and I’m not the only one to think this judging by everyone’s reaction. I try to focus on the mess we are into now. Clearly we have a lot to worry about at this time and it would seem this demon is clever enough to take us out without a whole lot of effort. I cringe recalling my last encounter and wonder if there is a place where I can purchase demon body armor or something in that respect.

 

“PAIGE!” I feel myself shoved to the floor hard and hear a painful sound above me.

 

I see Paige glance down with a wry look before both of us are orbed to safety and I watch Von go flying into his band mates. “Hey!” I stop in my retort; it appears to always be pick on my boyfriend and friends day.

 

“You’re alive.” The bland statement gets my attention in time to dodge a sharp nail aimed for my chest. “I can fix that.” I kick out reflexively watching him block my attack.

 

“So can’t we.” Piper blows him up; I feel myself splattered with thick green goo and give her a disgusted look. “Sorry.”

 

“Yick…” I pause in the process of rubbing of the goo and raise a brow. “…that was too easy Piper.” She reflects on this before ducking seeing my eyes widen, apparently he pulled himself together fast enough to attack her.

 

“That’s enough!” he pauses in his attacks tilting his head toward Holly who has made herself present between Piper and demon. “It isn’t necessary to attack these witches to get what you want…leave them alone.” I don’t like her sincere tone; this is not supposed to happen.

 

We’re the ones that are supposed to save the world and ghost, not the reverse, I don’t like this at all and clearly there is more to this situation than meets the eye. “What on earth is the spook doing?” I feel my skin prickle and know something is off, there’s a strong presence and it isn’t any of the demons currently roughing us and the house up.

 

“Wait a minute.” Piper gets the unnecessary attention none of us need at the moment; I still can’t shake off the feeling of the stronger presence. “We’re suppose to save you.” She looks mad and that I know is bad.

 

I flinch when the demon starts laughing, that was exactly what I was expecting or something along those lines. Von give me a look raising a brow, he knows I predicted something and glances around suspiciously. Phoebe and Paige both turn at this and the room seems to come to a stand still, none of this situation is at all amusing, I sigh crossing my arms waiting for the cheesy-ness to ensue.

 

The demon turns to Piper his laughter finally ceasing followed by a sneer. “You actually think she needs your protection?” his stare meets Holly and I can see her face go blank clearly hiding any indication she knew what was happening. “You didn’t tell them Holly…” he pauses his smirk appearing to mock us all. “…I thought you better than that my lovely wife.” And there was the bomb, not what I expected but it definitely presented an interesting twist.

 

“WIFE!” Paige and Phoebe both exchange looks.

 

“What a twist.” I glare at Scotty, his comic relief isn’t welcome right now, this is very serious and humor is not welcome.

 

I can’t help but tilt my head deep in thought. “Demon, witchy wife, pregnant women being killed, and bringing in a higher power…what does this all mean?” I stifle my groan when I finally piece it together, we had all been played like an instrument and now we were destined to help one big mess into our realm. Holly quirks her brow toward me her expression turning worried.

 

“Tristan.” Holly gets the demons attention immediately with her concern, the show was now coming to an end and I knew it was time to run for cover. “You should have finished her.” Her anger is prominent but being a ghost, she was rather useless to physically do anything at the moment, at least in this present case.

 

Tristan who is the demon turns to face me; clearly I hide my emotions badly and have gotten more unnecessary attention. “I can always fix that Holly.” I feel myself hauled aside from his attack and take a breath seeing Cole holding an energy ball at the ready.

 

I see that more demons enter the room and know that we’re in trouble; unfortunately Cole sees this as an opportunity to get me to safety. I glance around to where he has shimmered me off too and finally come to the conclusion I’m going to loose it.

 

“COLE!” my shout echoes within the mausoleum, the stone casket behind me has fresh roses lying there almost as though mocking me. “WHAT IN HELL DID YOU…

 

“Level voice please, the echo gets to me.” I shut my mouth with a notable snap; I hate when he gets sarcastic on me and know that he was ordered to bring me here. “What did you piece together?”

 

I scowl feeling agitated that I wasn’t in the middle of the action; I need to remember to give Leo a piece of my mind once this is sorted. “She was killed when pregnant…” I pause closing my eyes trying to calm myself down. “..this means that they are trying to resurrect her and allow her baby forth. I feel his presence Cole, this child is probably worse or close to being as bad as the source…I just got a whole image of the ‘Omen’ in my brain.” I see his eyes lower in thought; he must have sensed the presence too.

 

“Stay.” Before I can argue or protest he’s gone leaving me stranded in the crypt.

 

I curse every word I can think of, stomping around like some child and kicking at the wall. Inanimate objects hurt, I hiss in pain clutching at my foot and hopping around like some stupid cartoon character. Once the throbbing stops I wince placing my foot gingerly down and limp over to the casket, I know I won’t disturb this individual since I already attempted to wake the dead and failed. “Von!” I can’t help but think Leo, Von, and Penny had something to do with me being here and missing the fight.

 

I refuse to just sit around uselessly, testing my foot and finding I didn’t do anything completely stupid, I start to the exit and study my way out. I know from experience that Cole chooses these places for their structure and security to invasion, the door will be hard to open but I’m not about to quit. I roughly pull and tug, I fail in my first three attempts and slump to the floor. “He outsmarted me.” He had intentionally dropped me off into a crypt that was still fairly sealed, which would explain the new roses and lack of dust.

 

“LEO!” I can’t help it; I don’t want to be here while everyone is in danger.

 

I get an answer, but it isn’t the one I want. I step back ducking behind the crypt at the sight of a shimmer. I hope it’s Cole but even I know I wouldn’t be that lucky. I hear a familiar chuckle and wish for some sort of weapon to try to help myself.

 

I listen straining my ears hearing his each deliberate step. “Come out…Holly isn’t pleased with you witch.” I close my eyes hoping that Leo at least heard me; I just hoped he didn’t ignore the call because of the issues at the manor. “You’re clever; I see why the charmed ones are your tutors. Why you’ve become a sort of family member to them and why they hid you. You’re far too clever for your own good, they like you and that proves to be a problem. We need their blood to bring Holly back, just not kill them…yet.” I glower at the crypt wall wishing that the flickering torches weren’t casting shadows everywhere.

 

Shadows meant I couldn’t exactly predict where he was coming from, the torches would go out eventually, there was a significant draft and the flickering only grew worse. “Bite me!” I recoil tightly to the crypt; why on earth I had spoken aloud I had no clue.

 

“That wasn’t smart.” I move quickly from the claw aimed for my head, I grasp a torch in hand keeping it at arms length in hopes of keeping him at bay.

 

“I know that.” I frown disliking the amused glint in his eyes. “Why be so manipulative and play on their need to help? It isn’t like you needed to get involved…Holly was doing well on her own.” I can’t shake the feeling something is up, she had tried to help us so there was more there that I had yet to get.

 

“True. Except Holly has a friend that lives inside that pretty little head of hers…” Tristan pauses cocking his head to the side slightly. “…She has a disorder that allows her friend Rae out, Rae isn’t the type to see eye to eye with either of us. My wife and I lead a complicated relationship.” I manage to fry his hand but it doesn’t dissuade him from attempting another shot, this time I loose my weapon.

 

I find myself cornered and sigh in defeat; maybe Von had a point about leading such a dangerous life. It appears the others aren’t always here when most needed. “She has multiple personality disorder…she’s dead because you had to kill Rae, unfortunately she also has two souls making things difficult. You want the power of three to suit you need and make Holly the only voice in her head. You’re trying to bore your powerful hell spawn child.” I duck his nail but his other hand catches my throat his nose inches from mine.

 

I feel his nail slide just enough against my cheek to feel blood trickle down. “I don’t think you understand the importance of minding your own business.” I bite my tongue resisting the urge to cry out feeling his nail slowly pressing into my shoulder, the pain is growing once I feel the skin break under the pressure and fresh blood soak my shirt. “You would be a powerful wife for a demon…almost perfect in a sense to have a powerful child, only that nobility streak is too strong. You wouldn’t be worth the effort it takes.” I meet his dark gaze with a wry smile.

 

“Go back to hell…I’m engaged.” I lift my left hand showing the ring, but feeling his nail go further forcing me to yelp.

 

I hear voices and turn my head with effort feeling his grip tighten on my neck, I recognize Phoebe and wonder if they’re going to make it in time. I see a faint outline come through the wall before spotting Holly staring between us with widened eyes. “Rae’s present.” I can’t help but smile slightly at the horror on her face; I must look pretty bad if I can scare a ghost.

 

“Tristan.” He pauses in his attack glancing over toward his wife. “We need her alive…they’re outside and she’s our bargaining chip.” I see Holly’s presence return, feeling air return to my lungs and slip down to the floor.

 

I grip my bleeding shoulder hard while taking in deep breaths; I close my eyes against the pain, feeling the warmth of my own blood sticking to my fingers. I can feel it slipping down my arm, the metallic smell getting to me and that’s when I hear the voices enter the crypt.

 

“Shit!” Von tries to run over to me but is sent flying hard into the wall; the others freeze watching Tristan’s nail press tightly to my throat in warning. “Don’t!” Von struggles to his feet trying to push of Leo’s assistance.

 

Tristan can see the fight going on with Holly and frowns; he has to do this on his own for the time being. “Be nice and I won’t kill her.” I glower at him, our eyes meet and that smile of his returns.

 

I bite hard on my lip, before reaching up and yanking him hard into the wall. Pain or not I’m tired of being pushed around and being some sort of cabob for a claw demon. “You won’t anyway.” I quickly crawl to the side feeling myself pulled to safety. “OW!” I hiss giving Paige a murderous look; she could have at least used my good arm for the safety pulling part.

 

“Sorry.” She returns to help the others after I give her the quick story on the situation with Holly, apparently that will help in the defeat of demon and child presence filling up the mausoleum with their evil.

 

Leo is quickly at my side healing my arm, I feel myself wrapped tightly in strong arms and smile. I lean against Von weakly; I lost quite a bit of blood and am currently useless to help. I hear Paige, Piper, and Phoebe reciting a spell and close my eyes. I know that Tristan is gone; all that’s left is a very confused ghost.

 

We can’t very well vanquish her and because of what she’s done in the past with her other persona there’s a lot of confusion on where she belongs. Leo finally decides to discuss Holly’s situation with the elders. I’m sure it will work out for her in the end and find myself lifted bridal style; I snuggle tightly in Von’s arms glad to be alright.

 

“After we sort this mess out…its wedding plans time.” I groan managing to give Piper an evil look. “What?” she pretends innocence but I can see the laughter in her eyes.

 

“Hell spawn.” I mutter closing my eyes against the headache I could now feel coming.

 

This was going to be a long few weeks, but I had a lot to look forward to, which included a very great boyfriend/fiancé and a better outlook on my future. Demons and all things that go bump in the night can bite me, I have an extended family and am going to help them until it kills me, sadly that thought sobers me up because it’s a very strong possibility. I know though that it won’t happen when they’re around, we look out for each other and Pru’s death wouldn’t have happened if things hadn’t been so hard then, I smile wondering if we will get a visit from her at the wedding.

 

End