by J. B. Tilton email:
Rating: PG
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 "Just Harried" and "Death Takes A Halliwell".)
The Charmed Ones face a threat on a new front when their neighbors petition to force them out of the neighborhood.
ONE
Prue came into the manor and looked around. It was unusually quiet. It was still early. Piper shouldn't have headed out for the club just yet. Phoebe was probably out looking for a job, but Piper and Leo should still be around somewhere.
"Piper," Prue called out.
"Upstairs," Piper answered, her voice somewhat muffled.
"Probably in their room," Prue mumbled to herself. "I realize they just got married and they haven't had a chance to take a honeymoon but it's the middle of the afternoon for crying out lout."
She went into the kitchen to get something to drink. She was standing in front of the refrigerator trying to decide what she wanted when Piper and Leo came into the kitchen.
"Hey, what's up?" Piper asked.
"Apparently the two of you," Prue said smiling coyly. "Where's Phoebe?"
"Don't know," Piper said. "With Cole hiding from the underworld and shimmering all over creation it's been pretty hard on her. I can't imagine what I'd do if Leo had to go orbing all over the place to hide from bounty hunters."
"Well, it could be a trick, you know," Prue said. "It might be an elaborate trick to get us to drop our guard."
"Prue," Leo said, "I know you don't totally trust Cole, but the Elders have verified that the Triad has been destroyed. If this is some type of plan, it's the most elaborate one I've ever heard of. Destroying some of the top-level leaders just to get you to drop your guard? That's a bit far-fetched."
"I guess," Prue said. "I am sorry for Phoebe, though. I know it's been hard on her. I just hope we can get things settled soon so we can get back to our normal lives."
"What's so normal about them?" Piper asked, smiling. "Demon attacks, warlocks trying to kill us, that thing trapped in the basement just waiting for its chance to escape. And now I have a husband who may have to orb to God knows where on a moments notice. It's anything but 'normal' if you ask me."
"I meant normal for us," Prue said. "Having demons and warlocks coming after us is one thing. That we're used to. But having some demon bounty hunters shimmering in here looking for him is something altogether different."
"Point taken," Piper said. "I'm sure things will calm down soon. They can't look for Cole forever. They're bound to give up sometime."
"I wouldn't bet on that," Leo interjected. "These weren't normal demons Cole vanquished. They were three of the highest-ranking demons in the underworld. Kind of like someone killing a Senator or Representative. It's not something they're likely to just forget about no matter how long it takes. Cole is considered a traitor. They won't rest until they vanquish him"
"Well," Prue said, "we'll just have to be extra careful for a while."
"I guess so," Piper said. "Think I'll get started on dinner. Phoebe should be home soon and I still have to get to the club to get it ready to open. I should have just enough time to get dinner ready before I have to leave for the club."