QUALITY TIME

Disclaimer: I don't own Charmed

A/N I am now reworking this one. This was one episode I had big plans for and was less than thrilled with my results.

Mist swirls around marble pillars reminding visitors of exactly where they were. Several groups of golden robed people congregate. A few are casting sidelong looks at a pair, obviously trying to eavesdrop as nonchalantly as possible.

The pair stood a small distance away. Her golden hood covered her hair except where a few wisps were curling around her face. Her catlike turquoise eyes appraised the man before her.

"We don't usually except 'transfers'," The Elder spoke warmly to the White-Lighter, looking up into his face. "But we don't argue with Destiny…" She narrowed her eyes slightly inspecting the White-Lighter closely. "Keep them safe," she requested, simply. The Elder liked the charges that the White-Lighter was being assigned to. "Your job will be difficult. They don't really appreciate 'interference' from us."

"Don't I know it," the White-Lighter shook his head ruefully.

"Still, they do need a liaison…" She looked him over again, frowning slightly. "Can you handle a job of this magnitude? This isn't one witch or even a small coven…" she reminded him, considering, indeed, arguing with Destiny.

"Who looks after them now?" He questioned simply. "I will protect them," He vowed.

Rebecca nodded slightly. "I don't deny that you have the experience or knowledge to help the family. I don't doubt you at all." She said quietly, motioning that they should continue walking. "I worry about their acceptance of you and your help. We haven't always seen eye-to-eye with these charges…"

(X)

"Mel, when I tell you to run, you run," Wyatt was furious with his sister.

"I wanted to help," she defended herself.

"You almost got us both killed!" Wyatt stated harshly. Usually he was more laid back and had rarely ever yelled at his baby sister, but today hadn't been usual! "You're a precog with remote viewing abilities, Mel. You can't exactly premonition demons to death!"

"Aunt Phoebe has premonitions," Melinda snapped, she was every bit as angry as Wyatt.

"Aunt Phoebe has a black belt! You rarely practice with Nix and Psyche." Wyatt rounded, "You want to fight, Mel? Trust me, you will be. I just hope you're more prepared…" He walked away in disgust.

He and Mel had gone to a movie together. Spending some big brother time with Mel was usually a treat. Only halfway through the movie they'd sensed demon activity. Well, heard the screams for help, anyway. He'd ordered Mel to run. She'd disobeyed. He'd been distracted trying to protect her and the innocent, as well as the two witches had almost died. Wyatt was surprised by the amount of power that he wielded. Once he'd gotten angry enough, his words, no rhyme needed, had created a spell vanquishing the demons. Trouble was he was still angry. Worse, he was terrified. He'd come very close to losing his sister… He didn't need to turn to know that she followed him. He headed to his car.

Melinda sat stonily in the passenger seat, refusing to speak or look at her brother. That was fine with Wyatt; he didn't want to continue arguing. His anger was ebbing and he was feeling the shock of the attack. He hoped she didn't see his hand tremble as he flicked on the radio.

Looking out the window, Mel came up with a plan. Furious with her brother for treating her powers as negligible and furious with the fates for not giving her more, she chanted softly. Maybe she hadn't been practicing her martial arts; she'd been more concerned with memorizing the Book of Shadows! Her words were inaudible under the music coming from the radio.

"What's mine is yours

What's yours is mine

Let our powers cross the line

I offer up my gift to share

Switch our powers through the air."