Future vs Past

29

In the attic, I was sitting cross legged on the floor with the Book of Shadows in my lap.

I had finally found something about the baby. "Chris!"

My cousin orbed right by my side, looking down at me "Found something?"

"Yup" I answered, looking up at him, holding the book to my chest and reaching my hand to him.

Chris gave me an humorous look. "What happened to not orbing you?"

"I feel lazy to walk downstairs" I said innocently, wriggling my fingers insistently for him to grab. "I don't get nauseous if I'm expecting it, so take me down"

Chris rolled his eyes, grabbed my hand and orbed us down.

~8~

I was now sitting atop of a table in the conservatory with Piper and Chris.

I began reading the entry I found, about 'Manticore' demons. "Vicious demons with supernatural strength and venomous claws. Manticores communicate with high-pitch cries and tend to travel in packs."

Chris clapped his hands once, "Great. Well, I say we get rid of the little brat before the pack comes looking for him"

I rolled my eyes at him, shaking my head.

"Okay, fine" Piper said. "What do you suggest we do with him? Call social services?"

Chris gave her a look as if it was obvious what he meant. "No, I suggest you vanquish it"

I bit my lip. They couldn't vanquish Wyatt's possible future best friend. He had been someone to keep Wyatt sane for a long time.

Piper glared at my cousin "Chris, I'm a mother, I can't go around vanquishing babies, no matter how evil they are"

"It's not how evil he is, it's how evil he's gonna be" Chris replied. "You gotta stop looking at him like he's a little baby and start looking at him like he's an unstoppable killing machine, because that's what he is"

Piper hesitated "I realize that, but still"

"But still nothing" Chris told her. I narrowed my eyes at him. "You're supposed to protect the innocents, right? Well, think of all the future innocents you can save by vanquishing him right now"

"Don't you think I know that?" Piper asked "I'm scared to death of what he can possibly do to Wyatt but I can't even separate them"

I looked between them.

Chris sighed, "Piper, there's one thing you can do and you know it. And you better do it fast before any other Manticore show up. There's no known vanquishing potion"

Piper shook her head "I just can't do it"

Chris rolled his head up to the ceiling, "Okay. Well, if you won't listen to me, maybe you'll listen to Leo"

My eyes widened as he orbed out.

Wait. He's going willingly to Leo to ask for help?

Chris was really serious.

I glanced at the babies with Piper. The Manticore baby was still playing 'peek a boo' shimmering in and out, laughing. Despite myself, a small smile twitched on my lips.

~8 ~

The Manticore baby wasn't that bad. I distracted him enough for Piper to pick up Wyatt and I didn't even realize where she went to as I kept playing with the baby making him laugh as I would find the place he'd shimmer back in.

One of those times, I managed to grab him as soon as he shimmered back in. "Gotcha"

The baby laughed as if amused I caught him. I shook my head, walking upstairs to the attic.