CHARMED – Accidental Encounter (Cole centric)

Disclaimer: I don't own anything about Charmed.

Authors note:

The story takes place in the far future. After Phoebe died, Cole is roaming the world. He meets a girl who needs his help and finds out that Phoebe is not as far away as he thought.

If you want to know, what events in the past led up to this, have a look at my story True Desire. But it's NOT a prerequisite for understanding this story

Many Thanks to Gevaisa for beta-reading it. You do a terrific job – the story wouldn't be the same without your help.

Please Review and let me know if you like the story.

--------------------------------

Lantau Island

In all his 150 years, Cole had never been to China. So without a specific reason, he decided to shimmer to Hong Kong. But after some days the noisy and hectic city disgusted him and he moved on to the calm island of Lantau.

It was just 10 km west from Hong Kong in the south Chinese Sea and a totally different world. It had Long secluded beaches and bays, extensive woodland with hidden temples and a great mountain in the middle.

During the week there were not many visitors. He enjoyed hiking up to the top of the highest mountain on the island, the Fung Wong Shan. He didn't feel the same satisfaction when he just shimmered up there. It was the experience of conquering the mountain without magical help that satisfied him.

Besides it was good exercise for his human side. With the decline in demon fighting since the next generation of Halliwells had taken over the burden, he wasn't getting enough exercise to keep in shape.

The view from the Fung Wong Shan was breathtaking. Cole watched the sunrise from the top of the mountain. The sun was born out of the sea, colouring the sky and the water in all shades of red and orange.

He liked the early morning hour. The air was fresh and clean, the only noise heard was the tweeting of the birds. The new day began and nobody knew what it would bring. At moments like this, his life didn't seem so empty.

When the sun was high he decided to descend the mountain again. The whole time he had been up there no other hiker had come up to the top. Cole relished it. On weekends there had to be many more people, judging from the waste they had left. While walking down he mused about what to do next. It wasn't easy to get to know the locals, because outside the big city hardly anyone spoke his language.

Back on paved roads he passed by some big country houses. At least he speculated that there had to be some, because high impressive walls protected the privacy of their owners. Lantau was a refuge of the rich. Only very wealthy people could afford a property here. Surprisingly one of the heavy gates of one of these properties was unlocked and slightly ajar. Cole had already walked by when he stopped and then turned around with a quizzical expression on his face. Something was drawing him back.

Slowly he stepped in front of the gate and gently pushed it open a little more. He peered into the garden. Inside the walls was a small trail of white pebbles which l looped into the woods and out of sight. Cole couldn't see the country house from the entrance. It looked like a sizeable property, since the owners could afford to put a real forest between their house and the gates. He wondered why it was such a small trail. It wasn't possible to drive inside the gate with a car. It seemed the owner didn't like that.

Undecided, he stood in the archway, his hand on the gate. He was tired and needed something to drink as there hadn't been a teashop along the way. On the other hand, something inside this garden was pulling at him.

Determined, he slipped in to the private property and closed the gate after him. He would shimmer out if he by mischance ran into the owner or any guards. He started to follow the intricate path into the woods.

After 5 minutes walk, the path came by a small pond and Cole stopped dead in his tracks. The pond was overwhelming beautiful. It was surrounded by carefully planted trees and bushes in very distinctive colours and shapes. There was a small clearing so that the sun played on the smooth surface and light reflexes twinkled in all directions, almost like little stars welling up.

He had already heard about Feng-Shui, but this spot was supernaturally perfect. He felt a feeling of peace creeping into his mind. Since Phoebe had passed away he missed her with every breath he took and every beat of his heart. It was a sorrow that never totally left him. But at this place, the ache lessened and lightened.

Cole broke out of his reverie, left the trail and stepped towards a large rock that extended into the pond. He climbed on it and sat reverently on top of it in the sun amazed by the spreading equanimity in his soul.

------------------------------------

Zin was coming home from a visit to one of her friends. She was very disturbed about a dream she had had some weeks ago. It always helped her to talk to someone about it. Her friend had assured her that she had done the right thing, but she still wasn't convinced of it. It was a family matter – Perhaps she should have talked with her nephew beforehand.

She slowly walked to the house, following the path of dreams and its twists. She remembered walking the path many years ago as a small girl. The property had been in her family's possession for over 400 years, since the emperor had given it to her family for their unwavering loyalty.

The small white pebbles grated under her feet and she wondered, for the millionth time, how they managed to stay all white for all the time. As she passed the pond of Heavenly Peace she stopped, surprised.

A stranger was sitting on one of the rocks. He was hugging his knees with his arms and had a faraway look on his face. She smiled softly. The pond had this effect on all visitors. Some felt it stronger, some weaker but every person who came to visit it, acknowledge its special magic.

He was a stranger to her in two ways. She didn't know him and he wasn't Chinese. Very few foreigners ever came to Lantau, more so outside the holiday season. She was a little bit upset that the stranger was obviously trespassing on her property. The pond was a well kept secret in her family. If word of it got out, the peacefulness of this place would be lost. She wondered how he knew about it.

Zin cleared her throat and called to him in English.

"Excuse me Mister, what are you doing here? I was under the impression that this is private property and the gate was closed. How did you get in?"

He seemed to emerge from his daze and turned towards her, looking at her blankly. He had probably not understood what she said. Zin repeated her question. An apologetic smile appeared on his handsome face – it was a nice smile, she found.

"I'm sorry, Madame, if I have disturbed you", he answered and Zin deduced from his accent he was probably from the US.

"I didn't plan on trespassing, but when I passed by the gate, it was open and something pulled me to come in. And then I found the ….pond", Cole shrugged, at a loss of words to describe his feelings at this place.

He jumped off the rock. He wasn't sure what it was with this place, but it was miraculous. He walked to the elderly lady and stopped before her.

"May I introduce myself? My name is Cole Turner and I'm here on holidays." It wasn't the best excuse, but probably the one the woman would buy without a second thought.

"Mr. Turner, I'm pleased to meet you, "she answered shaking his offered hand with a surprisingly strong hand, "My name is Zin Mei Chang, I'm the owner of this property."

"The pleasure is mine", Cole answered politely. From what he had learnt of the Chinese up to now was that good manners and politeness were esteemed very highly.

"I will leave you alone, then", Cole said, "Thank you for letting me enjoy your beautiful garden". He nodded to Zin and was about to turn around and leave when she stopped him.

"Mr. Turner, may I offer you some tea?" Zin asked.

She wasn't sure why she did it, but she had a feeling. And this feeling told her to not let him go. All her life she had had feelings, and if she acted on them she was almost never wrong.

"With pleasure", Cole answered. Finally he would get to talk to some natives who spoke considerably good English.

Besides, he was nearly dying of thirst. He had already thought about drinking out of the pond but it would have felt like a sacrilege. He offered Zin his arm and she accepted with a smile. Slowly they followed the path further into the woods until a large Chinese house came in sight.

-------------------------------------------

Zin and Cole were sitting on the veranda of her house, drinking tea. Cole had found a likening for green tea during his stay in China. He hadn't liked it at home. Piper was all about its healthy effects but Cole never liked it. Here it tasted and smelled absolutely different. Maybe he should take some tea packets back home for Piper.

Cole told Zin about what he had already seen in Hong Kong and on Lantau, and she in return told him a bit about her family and her life. She was from a respected and old family dating back to the time of the emperors. It was a good conversation and Cole enjoyed it. She was witty and smart and with the impish glance she threw at him, she reminded him a little bit of Phoebe. And the surprise was- it didn't hurt.

Suddenly a man stepped out of the house behind them. Zin was a little startled and spilled some tea. Since he didn't sit down at their table, Zin got up and started to talk to him in Chinese. The man seemed angry. But Zin obviously knew him and didn't look afraid. Cole didn't understand a single word they were saying.

He scrutinized the man. He estimated him about his mid 40-ies, he wore jeans and a plain black shirt. His hair was in a traditional Chinese plait and he had the traditional long beard. The discussion between the man and Zin became more agitated by the minute. He was gesticulating excitedly with his hands. Cole wondered what they were talking about.

With an embarrassed side look at him, Zin finally excused herself and led the man inside. Zin was obviously uncomfortable with him watching the quarrel. Cole stayed on the terrace and tried not to pay too much attention to them.

The row inside the house turned into a shouting match rapidly. But it was the man who was doing all the shouting, while Zin talked very calmly to him. Cole admired her self restraint. She hadn't raised her voice once.

Then there was a clapping sound and a loud crash. Zin hadn't wanted him to witness their argument, but it had sounded as if she was struggling with the man. Cole jumped up and stepped into the house.

Zin was cowering on the floor next to a fallen vase, her hand on her face. She looked up at the man with a mulish look on her face. The man was standing over her with a vile expression on his face. He had obviously hit her in the face.

Cole crossed the room to Zin with some large strides and bent down to help her up. Thankful she took his hand and stood up. Zin's cheek showed a red mark where the man had hit her.

"You better leave now", Cole told the man icily, "Before I show you what happens if you pick on someone your own size."

The man looked daggers at Cole and than shifted his glance at Zin. He didn't bother to answer Cole, but said something to Zin again. Even without understanding Chinese, Cole got the message. It was a threat. The man turned and left the house. Zin looked after him as he walked the path of dreams back to the street gate.

"Who was that?" Cole queried, looking in the same direction as she did.

Zin turned her attention to him, "My nephew Wu Wei". Then she busied herself with clearing away the pieces of the broken vase.

"Would you tell me what the quarrel was about?" Cole tried again, seating himself on a stool and watching her. It seemed like Zin wasn't going to be very talkative about this matter.

Zin stopped sweeping the pieces for a moment. "Mr. Turner, I thank you dearly for coming to my help. But that doesn't mean I will tell you details of my private life", she warded him off.

"As you like. But shouldn't you call the police? He looked like he will be back to reopen the argument", Cole pressed.

He was concerned for the old woman. She wasn't intimidated by her violent nephew which was brave of her, but probably not very smart.

"That's a family matter. The police would be of no use here", Zin said stubbornly as she discarded the shards into the trash.

Cole shook his head. "Are you at least not alone in the house? I haven't seen anyone else around." He threw a searching glance around the living room.

"You really are a curious man, Mr. Turner", Zin said with a trace of amusement in her voice.

"But to ease your mind, yes, I have a husband, but he is on a business trip at the moment. He will come back soon, maybe not today, but within the next few days. So you see, you don't have to fear for me."

Cole looked at her, unconvinced. "Maybe I should stay until he is here", he suggested but as he saw her very surprised glance hurried to add, "I'm not inviting myself. Of course I'll leave as soon as you tell me to."

She smiled, "I like your company Mr. Turner. Maybe it's not such a bad idea that you stay, at least until tomorrow. Besides it's far too late to find a room in a hotel now. This is a very sleepy town outside the high season."

"Is he gone?" a female voice was heard from the next room seconds before a young woman stepped into Cole's sight.

She was beautiful. Long raven black straight hair hang down her back to her waist. She was delicate and not very tall. Her big black eyes looked around the living room fearfully. She had the look of a startled young fawn, and skin like almond milk. Her tender ears stuck out, an endearing imperfection.'

"Ming", Zin called out surprised, "I was wondering where you are!" Zin hurried over to the young woman and hugged her tightly. "How did you escape him?"

"I was on the balcony when I saw him coming", Ming said, "I went and hid in the woods behind the house like you told me to. Then I heard the shouting, and the door slamming. I was worried about what he would do to you, Aunt Zin." Ming entangled herself from her aunt and looked questioning at Cole. "Who is this?"

"Sorry, I forgot about our guest", Zin apologized then turned to Cole and motioned him to step nearer. "That is Ming Zhu Huo – my grandniece". Ming bowed her head slightly in Cole's direction.

"And this is Mr. Cole Turner. I met him today at the pond of Heavenly Peace." Ming threw a surprised glance at her aunt, but didn't comment. Cole extended his hand to Ming.

"It's my pleasure to meet you, Miss Huo", he said earnestly. Ming started giggling a little and Zin shot her a censorious look.

"What is so funny?" Cole asked a little offended. He tried to be extra polite around these women and she just giggled at him. It was such a Phoebe thing to do, he thought

"I'm sorry", Ming apologized immediately, maybe because of her aunt's severe glance or because she had noticed his discomfort.

"The way you pronounced my surname was so funny. My name is Huo, which means fire, but you pronounced it the way we say toad." She had to bite back another giggle.

Cole had to chuckle a little bit himself, "I'm afraid I won't learn to pronounce it correctly within the next hours. You will have to bear with me", he apologized in advance.

"You can just call me Ming", she offered generously.

"Do your other names have any special meaning too?" Cole asked now intrigued.

"Yes", Ming nodded, "Ming means shining and Zhu means pearl".

"That is a very beautiful name", Cole flattered, "and it fits you perfectly."

Ming cast her eyes down slightly blushing. "Thank you Mr. Turner, you are very generous."

"As I didn't know this before, does your name also have a meaning, Mrs. Chang?" Cole turned to the elderly woman.

She smiled in return, "I was right before. You like to get to the bottom of everything, don't you?" Zin didn't answer him straight away.

Cole grinned back, "I can't help myself, that's the way I was made".

Zin nodded agreeing. "My full name is Zin Mei Chang, where Zin means lotus and Mei means beautiful. Chang means farmer."

"The beautiful lotus and the shining pearl, I'm a blessed man this evening", Cole smiled pleasantly.

"And you are a charming flatterer, Mr. Turner. If I wasn't old and happily married…you would have to beware of me". Zin teased and threw Cole a look that reminded him that passion and fire wasn't a question of age.

Cole gave her an appreciative glance. Zin always had witty comebacks to his quips. He liked that in a woman.

"So, this Wu Wei is your father", Cole changed the subject abruptly. He still wanted to find out what was going on in this house. It was one of the reasons why he had accepted her invitation to stay overnight.

Ming nodded, "Yes, he is". She didn't look very happy as she said it, but rather depressed.

"Why are you running away from him?" Cole asked her straight.

Ming's' glance shifted to her aunt who answered instead of her. "Mr. Turner, as much as I enjoy your inquisitive nature, you won't get an answer on this one. It is a family matter, as I tried to explain to you before. We don't discuss such matters with strangers."

Cole knew that was the end of this topic. Zin had made it very clear. But he had noticed something else. The look Ming had given her aunt had been exactly the same the Charmed ones used when someone was with them who didn't know about magic.

He was convinced now that the women, or rather this family was hiding a big secret, not just some simple family disagreement. Perhaps if he stayed for some days more he would be able to find out what it was. As he had nothing better to do, this could at least be entertaining.

Zin changed the subject. "Let's go to the kitchen, I prepare something for dinner. Have you eaten really traditional Chinese food yet Mr. Turner?"

"I don't know", Cole said airily standing up, "Do they serve it in the restaurants around here?"

"I see I have to educate you on this", Zin laughed and waved him and Ming towards the kitchen.

tbc