CHARMED

"Faster Than A Speeding Bullet"

By J. B. Tilton

Email: K+ (for mild language)

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 3 episodes "Exit Strategy" and "Look Who's Barking".)

The Charmed Ones decide to investigate when a real life super hero, complete with cape and mask, appears in San Francisco.

ONE

Phoebe cautiously stuck her head inside the kitchen door. She saw Piper getting some boxes out of one of the cabinets.

"Hey, sweetie," Phoebe said. "Just wanted to let you know Cole and I are coming into the kitchen, just like you asked."

"Thanks," said Piper, very cautiously putting the boxes on the table. "I know I might seem a bit overcautious but until I get a handle on this exploding power it's best not to startle me. My freezing ability may not work on you but I don't know if this exploding thing does. And I don't want to find out the hard way."

"We understand," said Cole. "Getting a new power is traumatic enough. You have to deal with one that can cause some very serious harm to people."

"Exactly," said Piper. "Accidentally freezing someone is one thing. Blowing them into a million pieces is something altogether different."

"You'll get control of it soon, I'm sure," said Phoebe. "Where's Prue?"

"She called a little bit ago," said Piper. "She said she should be home soon. With any luck I should be able to fix dinner without destroying the kitchen."

"Just take it easy," said Cole. "You know your powers are tied to your emotions. Just don't get upset and you should be fine."

"Which is why I asked that you not do anything to startle me in the near future," said Piper.

"Well," said Phoebe, "is there anything I can do to help with dinner?"

"No, not really," said Piper. "It will be ready soon. Why don't the two of you just relax and take it easy. I'll let you know when it's ready."

"Okay," said Phoebe.

"This explosive power really has her on edge," said Cole as he and Phoebe went into the living room.

"I can't say I blame her," said Phoebe. "One sudden move and she could end up being an only child. Can't say that's something I'd be happy to have. I know I've always wanted an active power but I was thinking more along the lines of being able to fly or something."

"You would really like to be able to fly, wouldn't you?" Cole asked.

"Sure," said Phoebe. "It's been a fantasy of mine since I was a little girl. We used to watch those Saturday morning cartoon shows with the superheroes. And I used to pretend I was Supergirl or someone like that. I could fly all over the world."

"Well, I can shimmer you wherever you want to go," said Cole.

"It's not the same thing," said Phoebe. "Besides, it's just a childhood fantasy. It'll probably never happen. But it's nice to think about."

"We all have fantasies," said Cole smiling.

"Oh?" questioned Phoebe. "And just what does a half demon that's a hundred years old fantasize about?"

Before Cole could answer Prue came rushing in the front door.

"Hey, sis," said Phoebe. "You seem to be in a big hurry."

"Have you been watching the news?" Prue asked.

"No, why?" Phoebe asked as Prue turned the television on. "Is there something in it we should know about?"

"I'm not sure," said Prue. "I heard a very strange report on the radio on my way home." She flipped the channel to the one they normally watched. "If it's not a hoax or something I'm hoping there will be something about it on the TV."

"What is it?" Cole asked.

Before Prue could answer the newsman came on the screen. Prue watched intently as he reported on local news. Cole and Phoebe became very interested in the report.

"And what can only be described as bizarre," reported the newsman, "San Francisco seems to have it's own superhero. This footage was captured earlier today by one of our news crews. Witnesses say the man seemed to appear out of nowhere, stopped a purse snatching that was in progress, and subdued the assailant until the police arrived. Then he simply stood up and flew away from the scene. That's right. This supposed superhero actually flew away."

Prue, Phoebe, and Cole all watched as a man dressed in tights, a cape, and a mask rose from the ground and flew off into the distance out of sight of the camera.

"The police aren't commenting on the incident only to say that it must be a stunt for an upcoming movie," continued the newsman.

Prue, Phoebe, and Cole simply looked at each other in silence.