CHARMED

"The Source"

by J. B. Tilton

email: aramathisot.com

Rating: G

Disclaimer: "Charmed" and all related characters and events are the

property of the WB television network, except for those characters specifically

created for this story. This is a work of fan fiction and no infringement of

copyright is intended.

(Authors note: This story takes place between season 4 episodes "Charmed

and Dangerous" and "The Three Faces of Phoebe".)

What really happened after the Charmed Ones vanquished the Source of all

Evil?

ONE

"Good morning, everyone," said Piper, breezing into the kitchen.

"Someone's in a good mood this morning," said Paige, handing Piper a cup

of coffee.

"And why not?" Piper asked, smiling. "We vanquished the Source of all

Evil almost a week ago. Leo tells us that the underworld is in an uproar with

demons fighting each other for positions of leadership. No demons or warlocks

or whatever have made even an appearance here in all that time. What's not to

be in a good mood about?"

"Hear, hear," said Phoebe, raising her cup of coffee. "I'd almost

forgotten what it was like to go an entire day without some demon or other

popping up trying to kill us. And here it's been almost a whole week. I never

realized how much time we spend fighting demons. Cole and I have been able to

spend a lot of quality time together."

"So," said Piper, turning to Cole, "why the gloomy Gus? Everyone else is

floating on cloud nine and you sit here with a scowl on your face like you just

lost your best friend?"

"Hm?" Cole questioned. "Oh, sorry about that. I guess it's just the

post-high depression. You know what I mean? That sort of let down feeling

after you've just accomplished something fantastic?"

"I know what you mean," said Paige. "The past week has seemed almost

anti-climactic. But I'm not complaining. Like Phoebe said, it's been real nice

with no demons around. I'm on time for work every day, I can get my work done

without having to orb out to help vanquish a demon, all in all it's been just

like being a normal person."

"Where's Leo?" Phoebe asked.

"Up there," said Piper. "He says there's one continuous party going on up

there. He's been spending some time with some of the White Lighters he doesn't

get to see that often."

"Good for him," said Phoebe. "It's about time he got to enjoy himself

instead of running errands for us all the time. He really does work too hard."

"I think I'll take a walk," said Cole. "With the Source now vanquished, I

can walk around without some demonic bounty hunter popping in trying to kill me.

And I recently realized that most of my life has been spent concocting one plan

after another. I never just walked around and enjoyed being alive. I think I'd

like to just spend some time enjoying the day for a change."

"Would the bounty hunters still be after you now that the Source is gone?"

asked Paige. "I'd think they'd be taking other jobs or something."

"Well, you never know when one may want to bolster his reputation by

taking out a traitor to the Source," said Cole. "But I'm not very worried.

With the Source gone most of the demonic leadership is more worried about their

new place in the underworld."

"Want some company?" Phoebe asked. "It's a beautiful day out. We can go

to the park or something."

"No," said Cole, kissing her on the cheek. "I think I just want to walk

around and see what people do on a lazy afternoon."

"Okay," said Phoebe. "Only don't be gone too long. Remember we're going

out to dinner tonight."

"I haven't forgotten," said Cole smiling at her. "I wouldn't miss it for

the world."

"Are you sure he's okay?" Piper asked after Cole had left the kitchen.

"He seems almost depressed."

"You heard him," said Phoebe. "Just kind of a let down after a big

victory. And he hasn't been human all that long. I think he's still

adjusting."

"Well," said Paige, "I'm off to work. I've got an adoption I'm helping

with and it will be nice to bring a family together for a change instead of

destroying a demon. I'm off."

"Have a good day, sweetie," said Piper.

Paige went up to her room to get ready for work. As she did, Cole stood

on the front porch of the manor. He wasn't sure what was going on but he could

feel something going on inside him. Something he wasn't completely sure what it

was. Suddenly Cole flamed out and vanished from the porch.