CHARMED
"GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER?"
by J. B. Tilton
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.
* * *
A White Lighter orbs into the manor with his charge and almost
immediately dies from a Dark Lighters' bolt. The Charmed Ones
must protect this charge until a new White Lighter can be assigned.
But this is no ordinary charge.
* * *
Paige came into the manor and simply plopped down on the sofa.
She leaned her head back on the back of the sofa and closed her
eyes. Just then, Piper came into the living room.
"Rough day?" asked Piper.
"You have no idea," said Paige. "I had a woman in my office
today. Her husband thinks he's Mohammed Ali or something. You
should see the bruises she comes in with. Anyway, I've been trying
to get her to leave the bum. Today, she finally decided to do it.
"Then, in the middle of everything, her husband shows up. It was
pretty ugly. Several of the men in the office had to physically restrain
him until the police arrive. They took him away in handcuffs and
everything. And to top everything off, his wife rushed right down to
bail him out."
"Well, honey," said Piper, "some people just like abuse, I
suppose."
"No," said Paige, "I don't believe that. No one wants to be beaten
up every day. It's a cycle with these women. Their fathers' were
usually abusive towards their mothers and a lot of the time to them
as well. They just don't seem to understand that it's not normal to
live like that."
"Yeah, I see what you mean," said Piper. "I guess I never thought
of it that way."
"Well," said Paige, "I hope I can talk her into leaving him. I'm
really afraid he might seriously hurt her. Or worse."
"Just remember," said Piper, "no magic at work. Unless it's
demon related, you can't use your magic to fix things."
"I know, I know," said Paige. "Sometimes it's just hard, that's all.
I'd like to turn that guy into a toad or something."
"I know how you feel," said Piper. "But you know the rules as well
as I do. Just do what you can for her."
"I will," said Paige. "Where's Leo and Phoebe?"
"Leo had some kind of meeting or something with the Elders,"
said Piper. "Some kind of big White Lighter meeting. He should be
back soon. I don't know where Phoebe is. I think she's still misses
Cole. He hasn't come back yet from thinking things over."
"Well," said Paige, "after what he went through when we fought
the Source, can you blame him? He was a demon for over a
hundred years. Then, bang, he's not anymore. Then, bang again,
he's possessed by this Hollow and helps destroy the Source. That's
gotta give him a lot to think about."
"I suppose," said Piper. "I'm fixing dinner. Want to help?"
"No," said Paige. "I think I'm just going to sit here and relax for a
bit, if you don't mind."
"Sure," said Piper. "Dinner should be ready in about an hour."
"Okay," said Paige.
Piper went back into the kitchen while Paige sat on the couch
vegging out. Two more days until the weekend. She promised
herself that when Saturday got there, she was going to treat herself.
Maybe she'd call Peter Coombs. She would really enjoy going out
with him again.
A while later Phoebe came into the manor. She seemed to be
more cheerful than she had been for several days. Maybe she had
heard from Cole. That would account for her mood.
"Hey," said Phoebe, sitting down in a chair. "How's it going?"
"Rough," said Paige. "Piper is in the kitchen. She said dinner
would be ready in about an hour."
"Great," said Phoebe. "Maybe I'll go in and see if she needs a
hand."
"You do that," said Paige. "I think I'm going to just sit here until
dinner is ready and unwind."
"Okay," said Phoebe, jumping up.
She went into the kitchen where Piper was cooking. Phoebe had
always admired Pipers cooking ability. Her own cooking was okay,
but Piper had been a chef. Each meal with her was always a
mini-adventure.
"Hey, sweetie," said Piper as Phoebe came into the kitchen, "how
are you doing?"
"Okay," said Phoebe. "I just wish Cole would get back. I miss
him."
"Aw, I know," said Piper, hugging her. "He'll be back before you
know it. Just wait and see."
"I hope so," said Phoebe. "What's for dinner?"
"My famous vegetarian lasagna," said Piper, "with my secret
sauce ingredient."
"Great," said Phoebe. "Garlic bread?"
"Of course," said Piper. "What would my famous vegetarian
lasagna be without my equally famous garlic bread?"
The two sisters just giggled. It had been a while since they could
laugh so freely. They had lost Prue, discovered another sister,
fought the Source and won, and weathered uncounted demon
attacks along the way. They were looking for a long deserved rest.
"Uh, guys," screamed Paige from the living room, "I think you'd
better get in here."
Piper and Phoebe ran to the living room. Phoebe was ready with
her martial arts and Piper was prepared to freeze, or blow up,
whomever or whatever had caused Paige to scream. As they
entered the living room, they saw two men standing near the
fireplace.
One man appeared to be unconscious. The other was holding
him and was conscious. But just barely. Sticking out of his back was
a black bolt. The kind fired from a crossbow. Piper and Phoebe took
one look at the sight and knew instantly what had happened.
"Dark Lighter," said Phoebe.
The man still conscious looked around with a look of excruciating
pain on his face. He smiled weakly.
"The Charmed Ones," he gasped. "Need . . . to . . . see . . . Leo."
Suddenly he collapsed to the floor, dropping the man he was
holding. He fell on top of the man as if protecting him with his own
body.
"Leo," called Piper into the air as Phoebe rushed to the mens' aid.
"Leo we need you now. It's an emergency."
"Paige stay back," said Phoebe. "That's a Dark Lighters' bolt. If
you touch it, it could kill you."
"I know," said Paige. "Don't worry. I have no intentions of
touching it."
Leo orbed in next to Piper as Phoebe pulled the offending bolt
from the mans' back. Blood seeped from the wound. The man was
breathing in long, labored gasps. Phoebe could tell he was fighting
just to stay conscious.
"What is it?" asked Leo.
"Dark Lighter attack," said Piper, pointing at the man.
"I was sitting on the couch and they just orbed in," said Paige. "I
didn't know what to do. Since they orbed in, I assume he must be a
White Lighter."
"You did the right thing, Paige," said Leo, going to the man. He
carefully turned the man over. "Alex? My God, Alex, it is you. Then
that must mean this is . . . ."
"No time," gasped Alex. "Dark Lighter attacked the meeting.
Avoided everyone but him. You have to protect him, Leo. Let the
Elders know. They have to protect him."
Suddenly the man stiffened and was dead before Leo could use
his healing powers. Leo checked Alexs' neck.
"He's dead," said Leo. "There's nothing I can do."
"Then he was a White Lighter?" asked Phoebe. "And you knew
him."
"Yes," said Leo. "This must be his charge. Hurry, help me get
him on the sofa."
"Charge?" asked Paige. "You mean as in only one. I thought
White Lighters had more than one charge."
"Most do," said Leo as he, Piper, and Phoebe carefully lifted the
second man and laid him on the sofa. Piper checked him over but
found no injuries except for a small cut on the mans' forehead.
"He must have hit his head," said Leo. "That's why he's
unconscious. Piper, can you get him some water?"
"Sure," said Piper, going to the kitchen.
While she was gone, Leo used his healing powers to heal the
mans' injury. Within seconds, there was no sign of it.
"Alex was a special White Lighter," said Leo. "He has . . . had,
only a single charge. I'll explain everything later. Right now I have to
go see the Elders. They have to be made aware of what's happened
here. You three will have to protect him until I get back."
"Okay," said Phoebe.
Just then, Piper came back into the living room with a glass of
water. As she did, the man groaned slightly, then opened his eyes.
Piper handed the glass to Leo who helped prop the man up so he
could drink.
"Here, sir," said Leo, "drink this. You're safe for now. I'll be back
shortly. These three will watch over you until I get back."
Without another word Leo orbed out. All three sisters found this
extremely odd. He was always warning them about exposing
themselves, and him, to others. That no one could know who or
what they were. And here he was orbing in front of a total stranger.
The man sat up on the sofa and brushed the hair out of his eyes.
As he looked up at the sisters, they all just stared at him in shocked
surprise. They recognized him, of course. They had seen him on
television many times. Most people had. But it was still almost
impossible to believe that he was actually sitting in their living room.
Sitting on the sofa in the Halliwell manor was the President of the
United States of America.
* * *
"Are you okay, Mr. President?" asked Piper as she handed him a
second glass of water.
"Yes, I think I'm okay," said the President. He looked over at
Alexs' body. "He was a good man. And a good agent. I'm going to
miss him."
"I'm Piper Wyatt," said Piper. "This is Phoebe Halliwell and Paige
Matthews, my sisters."
"Three sisters, three names," said the President.
"I'm married," said Piper. "Phoebe is single and Paige is a half
sister."
"I see," said the President. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you.
Even if it is under such unusual circumstances."
"Okay," said Paige, "so, what exactly happened?"
"Paige," said Phoebe. "You don't just ask the President of the
United States what happened."
"No, it's okay," said the President. "She has a right to know. You
all do. After all, we just orbed in unannounced."
"Orbed?" questioned Piper. "You know how you got here?"
"Of course," said the President. "And since you didn't ask me
what 'orbed' meant, I can only assume you know, too. Besides,
Alex wouldn't have brought me here unless you had the power to
protect me. From what, I'm not really sure just yet."
"Okay, sir," said Phoebe. "Why don't you start from the
beginning. Tell us exactly what happened. Maybe we can figure this
thing out."
"Okay," said the President. "Well, as you may be aware, I've
been conducting sensitive negotiations with two countries who were
formerly part of the Soviet Union. After the Union broke up, many of
these countries became independent countries. Some, such as the
two I've been talking with, have minor skirmishes along their
borders."
"That much we know," said Paige. "It's been all over the news.
Something about your trying to negotiate an end to the dispute."
"Yes," said the President. "We're very close, too. In just a couple
of days we would have reached an agreement. And, I might add, it
will help to bolster the presence of the United States in the region as
well."
"So what happened?" asked Phoebe. "Why did Alex suddenly
orb you here?"
"That I'm not completely sure of," said the President. "I was
asleep in my room when suddenly this man dressed in all black just
appeared. He was carrying a crossbow. I thought how strange it
was that he would use such an antiquated weapon, especially
considering all the more modern sophisticated protection I have
around me."
"Dark Lighter," said Piper.
"Is that what he was?" asked the President. "Alex mentioned
them before but I had never seen one. Anyway, this Dark Lighter, as
you call him, said he couldn't let the negotiations go any further.
That I was upsetting the plans of some very powerful people.
"Before he could fire his crossbow, Alex orbed in and saved me.
He shielded me with his own body. He gave his life for me. Just as
any of the Secret Service agents would. I'll have to find some way to
repay him for that."
"He was a Secret Service agent?" asked Phoebe.
"Yes," said Leo, orbing in. "How are you, Mr. President?"
"Fine now, Leo," said the President. "How are you? It's been a
long time."
"You know him?" asked Piper.
"We met a long time ago," said Leo. "And, yes, he knows I'm a
White Lighter. And that Alex was, too."
"I'm confused," said Phoebe. "What about keeping who and what
we are a secret? Not letting anyone know about us or you?"
"It's kind of complicated," said Leo. "Many world leaders have
their own personal White Lighters. To protect them from demonic
attacks. Without that protection, they'd be open to even the least
power of demons. Those White Lighters protect those leaders so
they can get on with the business of running their countries."
"As I understand it," said the President, "the White Lighters are
more of a deterrent. Since they can orb me, or any leader, out, it
keeps demonic forces from attacking. Only I don't know what
happened this time, Leo. Piper says the demon that attacked me
was a Dark Lighter."
"Yes, sir," said Leo. "I just came from the Elders. One of the
countries you've negotiating with is developing biological weapons.
They were planning to use them to destroy their enemies; the other
country you're negotiating with."
"Biological weapons?" questioned the President. "Our
intelligence never told me any of this."
"They probably don't know," said Leo. "It's all very hush hush.
It's being done by a militant faction of the government. The leaders
don't know anything about it."
"I'm glad to hear that," said the President. "Both leaders seem
genuinely sincere on reaching a settlement."
"They are," said Leo. "That's why the Dark Lighter was sent after
you. If you made the agreement, it will ruin these plans. They won't
be able to use the biological weapons. The best way to prevent the
negotiations from being completed was to take you out of the picture.
"The Dark Lighter was supposed to make your death look like
natural causes. With you dead, both sides would have returned
home with no settlement reached. Tensions would escalate and
eventually war would break out. Then the biological weapons could
be used without suspicions."
"Who is it?" asked the President. "Who's developing the
biological weapons?"
"I can't tell you that, sir," said Leo. "The Elders say you'll have to
discover that for yourself. But we are to protect you until this Dark
Lighter can be taken out of the picture."
"If whomever did this sent a Dark Lighter," said Paige, "doesn't
that mean there are demonic forces involved?"
"Yes," said Leo. "He'll probably come here to finish the job.
Which means we have to be on our toes. If he comes to the manor,
his only objective will be to kill the President."
"I'm sure the Secret Service is looking for me by now," said the
President. "After all, the President of the United States just doesn't
vanish into thin air."
"I'll take care of that, sir," said Leo. "I'll let Stephen know what's
going on. He can come up with something to cover for you while
you're away."
Leo orbed out without further explanation.
"Who's Stephen?" asked Paige.
"Another Secret Service agent," said the President.
"There's more than one White Lighter in the Secret Service?"
asked Phoebe.
"Yes," said the President. "Actually, there are four. Alex was
assigned to me directly. The others help in cases like this. Although
I must admit, I think this is the first time something like this has
happened."
"Well," said Piper, "Phoebe, we're going to need a Dark Lighter
vanquishing spell. Paige, why don't you stay with the President in
case we have any unexpected guests. I'll go finish dinner. It should
be ready pretty soon. Mr. President, I hope you like vegetarian
lasagna."
"Can't say I've ever had it," said the President, smiling. "But I'm
looking forward to it."
Phoebe went up to the attic to research a spell to vanquish a Dark
Lighter. Piper went back into the kitchen to finish dinner. And Paige
sat on the sofa next to the President not knowing exactly what to say.
How do you start a conversation with the President of the United
States?
Dinner began stiff and awkward. The sisters weren't sure exactly
what to say to the President. He was the leader of the free world.
He dined with kings, presidents, and dignitaries, on a regular basis.
They weren't exactly sure just what you talked about with the
President.
Remarkably, he was the one who made them feel more at ease.
Despite is larger than life reputation, which was normal for any
president, he was very friendly. Within no time they were talking and
laughing as if it was any other household. They almost forgot he was
the President of the United States. Suddenly, Leo orbed in.
"Well," said Leo, "looks like you're all getting along okay."
"Sure are, sweetie," said Piper. "And no sign of any Dark
Lighters."
"Mr. President," said Leo, "I've spoken to Stephen. He's going to
take over Alexs' duties. But it's going to take some time for him to
make all the necessary arrangements."
"Thank you, Leo," said the President. "I'm going to miss Alex. He
was a very good listener. And as a White Lighter, I didn't have to
worry about him telling anyone else."
"I'm sure you'll find that Stephen will be the same way," said Leo,
smiling. "Right now, we have a Dark Lighter to worry about. It won't
take him long to figure out that Alex brought you here. When he
does, he'll come to finish what he started."
"We're ready," said Phoebe, holding up a piece of paper. "One
Dark Lighter vanquishing spell as requested. One recitation from this
and it's bye bye Dark Lighter."
"Good," said Leo.
"What about my absence?" asked the President. "How is
Stephen going to explain that?"
"You're not really gone," said Leo. "You've come down with a bad
cold and are going to spend the next couple of days in bed. You've
left orders that no one but Stephen is to disturb you."
"Excellent," said the President. "I can get back without anyone
knowing I was ever gone. What about Alex?"
"I've already orbed his body to the Elders," said Leo. "They'll take
care of it."
"Good," said the President. "Well, what do we do in the mean
time?"
"Maybe you should go get some rest?" suggested Phoebe.
"What you've been through must have wore you out."
"I must admit," said the President, "I am a bit tired. The
negotiations are tiring enough. This whole business with the Dark
Lighter has been even more taxing."
"You can use our room," said Piper. "Leo, why don't you show
him where it is?"
"Mr. President," said Leo.
He showed the President upstairs while the sisters prepared for
the Dark Lighter attack. One of them would stay with the President
all the time. If the Dark Lighter showed up, she would protect the
President until the others showed up. All she would need to do is
call for Leo. He could let them know of the danger.
It was very late when the Dark Lighter appeared in the kitchen of
the manor. Almost everyone was upstairs. He gripped his crossbow
tightly. He knew the President was in the house. It had taken him a
while to track where the President had been taken by his White
Lighter. He also knew that White Lighter would no longer be a
problem for him.
He was glad he had waited. He was upstairs when that accursed
White Lighter had taken the President to his room. He could have
attacked then. But they were expecting him. They would have been
waiting for him. By waiting, he had increased his chances of a
successful attack on his prey.
Cautiously, he edged his way up the stairs. He knew how
dangerous the Charmed Ones could be. One of his contemporaries
would probably have just materialized in the room where the
President was sleeping. Counting on surprise to do the damage
before the Charmed Ones could know what was going on.
He, however, was more cautious. He would make sure that the
Charmed Ones were out of the way before he struck. At the top of
the stairs he stopped and looked around.
It was very quiet in the manor. He bypassed the first door,
knowing that this was the room where the President lay sleeping.
Carefully, he moved to the other doors, carefully opening each one
only a crack. He peered in seeing the shadows of the people
sleeping in the beds.
One of the sisters lay in the first room he checked. He watched
her for several moments making sure she was sleeping. She didn't
move. Satisfied that she was no threat, he moved to the next door.
One of the sisters lay in the bed and a figure sat in a chair in the
corner, covered up with a blanket. Obviously the older sister and her
White Lighter husband occupied this room. Again, he watched them
for several moments to make sure they were sleeping soundly.
Once he made sure they were sleeping soundly, he moved back
to the first door he had bypassed. Only a single sister was in this
room. As was his prey. It would be easy. He would cast the door
open, shoot the President, and be gone before anyone knew what
had happened. He mentally patted himself on the back for his
ingenuity.
Cautiously, he cracked the door open only slightly. A figure lay in
the bed. Obviously, this was his prey. In a corner sitting In a chair
was the third sister. She sat reading a book, oblivious to his
presence.
It was the middle sister. Phoebe was her name. She had no
active powers that would present an obstacle to him. The eldest
sister was the one he was most worried about. Her freezing and
explosive powers could present a problem for him. And the youngest
power of orbing might be able to get the President out of the room
before he could attack.
As it was, this would be very quick and very simple. He would
open the door, shoot the President, and be gone. It was perfect.
And he would have done something no other demon could boast of.
Made a successful attack in the Charmed Ones' home and escaped.
The Dark Lighter took a breath and held it for a second. Then he
let it out and took hold of the doorknob. He pulled the door open and
stepped into the room. Phoebe looked up as he stepped in. She
started to rise, but he was quicker. He pointed the crossbow at the
form in the bed and fired. The bolt found its' mark and embedded
itself deep in the figure.
"Well," said a voice behind him, "you took your sweet time getting
here. We had almost given up on seeing you."
The Dark Lighter turned involuntarily and saw Piper standing in
the hallway. A movement caught his eye and he turned to see Paige
standing in the hallway at the other end of the hallway. The Dark
Lighter turned and started to vanish.
"No you don't," said Leo stepping out of the room where the
President was supposedly sleeping.
Leo hit the Dark Lighter on the chin and the demon went flying
into the hallway. His crossbow clattered to the floor as he struck the
wall and clamored to the floor. Phoebe was on her feet in a second
and snatched up the crossbow. The Dark Lighter gained his feet.
As he started to vanish, the three sisters began to incant the
vanquishing spell. The Dark Lighter simply stood transfixed in place
as the spell kept him from vanishing.
"Powers of goodness, powers of light, take this dark angel from
our sight, send him back from whence he came, and make it safe in
this house again."
The Dark Lighter howled in agony as flames erupted around him.
Within seconds, he was totally consumed and disappeared as if he
had never been there. As soon as he had vanished, grams
materialized in the hallway.
"Thanks, grams," said Piper. "For watching over the President for
us."
"My pleasure," said grams. "Take care of yourself, Mr. President.
You're in good hands with my girls."
"I know I am, Penny," said the President. "It was a pleasure to
have met you."
Grams just smiled, then faded from view.
"Well," said the President, "it seemed your little ploy worked. That
attic isn't the most comfortable place I've ever spent the night, but it
appears it was one of the most secure."
"That was a brilliant idea, Paige," said Piper. "Having the
President hide in the attic while we waited down here for the Dark
Lighter."
"Phoebe deserves part of the credit," said Paige. "It was her idea
to summon your grandmother and have her watch over the
President. That Dark Lighter didn't expect anything like that."
"She's your grandmother, too," said Piper.
"Well," said Leo, "I need to be getting the President back to his
negotiations. Stephen will be waiting for him."
"Ladies," said the President, "it's been a genuine pleasure
meeting the three of you. I must admit, I wish I had the three of you
on my staff. Your powers could be a big help to me in some
circumstances."
"I'm sure they would," said Piper. "Unfortunately, we have other
matters to attend to. Matters which keep us pretty busy as it is."
"I understand that," said the President. "You have your demons
to fight, and I have mine. I'm just thankful that mine are the normal,
mortal kind."
"Have a safe journey, Mr. President," said Phoebe.
Leo put his hand on the Presidents' arm and the two of them
orbed out.
"That was different," said Piper. "Fighting a Dark Lighter to save
the President of the United States. That should look good on a
resume."
"I'm going to bed," said Paige. "The President was right about
one thing. Waiting up in that attic isn't the most comfortable place in
the world. I'm bushed."
"Good idea," said Phoebe. "I think I'll hit the sack myself. Lots of
work tomorrow looking for a job."
"Well," said Piper, "Leo should be back soon. I think I'll join the
two of you and wait for him in our room."
The three sisters turned and went to their respective rooms to
sleep the rest of the night.
The End
If you've enjoyed this story, you can find more of my stories for a
variety of shows and subjects at
http://pub57.ezboard.com/bjerrysfanfictionsite. You can also post
your stories if you like to write fan fiction.
"GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER?"
by J. B. Tilton
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.
* * *
A White Lighter orbs into the manor with his charge and almost
immediately dies from a Dark Lighters' bolt. The Charmed Ones
must protect this charge until a new White Lighter can be assigned.
But this is no ordinary charge.
* * *
Paige came into the manor and simply plopped down on the sofa.
She leaned her head back on the back of the sofa and closed her
eyes. Just then, Piper came into the living room.
"Rough day?" asked Piper.
"You have no idea," said Paige. "I had a woman in my office
today. Her husband thinks he's Mohammed Ali or something. You
should see the bruises she comes in with. Anyway, I've been trying
to get her to leave the bum. Today, she finally decided to do it.
"Then, in the middle of everything, her husband shows up. It was
pretty ugly. Several of the men in the office had to physically restrain
him until the police arrive. They took him away in handcuffs and
everything. And to top everything off, his wife rushed right down to
bail him out."
"Well, honey," said Piper, "some people just like abuse, I
suppose."
"No," said Paige, "I don't believe that. No one wants to be beaten
up every day. It's a cycle with these women. Their fathers' were
usually abusive towards their mothers and a lot of the time to them
as well. They just don't seem to understand that it's not normal to
live like that."
"Yeah, I see what you mean," said Piper. "I guess I never thought
of it that way."
"Well," said Paige, "I hope I can talk her into leaving him. I'm
really afraid he might seriously hurt her. Or worse."
"Just remember," said Piper, "no magic at work. Unless it's
demon related, you can't use your magic to fix things."
"I know, I know," said Paige. "Sometimes it's just hard, that's all.
I'd like to turn that guy into a toad or something."
"I know how you feel," said Piper. "But you know the rules as well
as I do. Just do what you can for her."
"I will," said Paige. "Where's Leo and Phoebe?"
"Leo had some kind of meeting or something with the Elders,"
said Piper. "Some kind of big White Lighter meeting. He should be
back soon. I don't know where Phoebe is. I think she's still misses
Cole. He hasn't come back yet from thinking things over."
"Well," said Paige, "after what he went through when we fought
the Source, can you blame him? He was a demon for over a
hundred years. Then, bang, he's not anymore. Then, bang again,
he's possessed by this Hollow and helps destroy the Source. That's
gotta give him a lot to think about."
"I suppose," said Piper. "I'm fixing dinner. Want to help?"
"No," said Paige. "I think I'm just going to sit here and relax for a
bit, if you don't mind."
"Sure," said Piper. "Dinner should be ready in about an hour."
"Okay," said Paige.
Piper went back into the kitchen while Paige sat on the couch
vegging out. Two more days until the weekend. She promised
herself that when Saturday got there, she was going to treat herself.
Maybe she'd call Peter Coombs. She would really enjoy going out
with him again.
A while later Phoebe came into the manor. She seemed to be
more cheerful than she had been for several days. Maybe she had
heard from Cole. That would account for her mood.
"Hey," said Phoebe, sitting down in a chair. "How's it going?"
"Rough," said Paige. "Piper is in the kitchen. She said dinner
would be ready in about an hour."
"Great," said Phoebe. "Maybe I'll go in and see if she needs a
hand."
"You do that," said Paige. "I think I'm going to just sit here until
dinner is ready and unwind."
"Okay," said Phoebe, jumping up.
She went into the kitchen where Piper was cooking. Phoebe had
always admired Pipers cooking ability. Her own cooking was okay,
but Piper had been a chef. Each meal with her was always a
mini-adventure.
"Hey, sweetie," said Piper as Phoebe came into the kitchen, "how
are you doing?"
"Okay," said Phoebe. "I just wish Cole would get back. I miss
him."
"Aw, I know," said Piper, hugging her. "He'll be back before you
know it. Just wait and see."
"I hope so," said Phoebe. "What's for dinner?"
"My famous vegetarian lasagna," said Piper, "with my secret
sauce ingredient."
"Great," said Phoebe. "Garlic bread?"
"Of course," said Piper. "What would my famous vegetarian
lasagna be without my equally famous garlic bread?"
The two sisters just giggled. It had been a while since they could
laugh so freely. They had lost Prue, discovered another sister,
fought the Source and won, and weathered uncounted demon
attacks along the way. They were looking for a long deserved rest.
"Uh, guys," screamed Paige from the living room, "I think you'd
better get in here."
Piper and Phoebe ran to the living room. Phoebe was ready with
her martial arts and Piper was prepared to freeze, or blow up,
whomever or whatever had caused Paige to scream. As they
entered the living room, they saw two men standing near the
fireplace.
One man appeared to be unconscious. The other was holding
him and was conscious. But just barely. Sticking out of his back was
a black bolt. The kind fired from a crossbow. Piper and Phoebe took
one look at the sight and knew instantly what had happened.
"Dark Lighter," said Phoebe.
The man still conscious looked around with a look of excruciating
pain on his face. He smiled weakly.
"The Charmed Ones," he gasped. "Need . . . to . . . see . . . Leo."
Suddenly he collapsed to the floor, dropping the man he was
holding. He fell on top of the man as if protecting him with his own
body.
"Leo," called Piper into the air as Phoebe rushed to the mens' aid.
"Leo we need you now. It's an emergency."
"Paige stay back," said Phoebe. "That's a Dark Lighters' bolt. If
you touch it, it could kill you."
"I know," said Paige. "Don't worry. I have no intentions of
touching it."
Leo orbed in next to Piper as Phoebe pulled the offending bolt
from the mans' back. Blood seeped from the wound. The man was
breathing in long, labored gasps. Phoebe could tell he was fighting
just to stay conscious.
"What is it?" asked Leo.
"Dark Lighter attack," said Piper, pointing at the man.
"I was sitting on the couch and they just orbed in," said Paige. "I
didn't know what to do. Since they orbed in, I assume he must be a
White Lighter."
"You did the right thing, Paige," said Leo, going to the man. He
carefully turned the man over. "Alex? My God, Alex, it is you. Then
that must mean this is . . . ."
"No time," gasped Alex. "Dark Lighter attacked the meeting.
Avoided everyone but him. You have to protect him, Leo. Let the
Elders know. They have to protect him."
Suddenly the man stiffened and was dead before Leo could use
his healing powers. Leo checked Alexs' neck.
"He's dead," said Leo. "There's nothing I can do."
"Then he was a White Lighter?" asked Phoebe. "And you knew
him."
"Yes," said Leo. "This must be his charge. Hurry, help me get
him on the sofa."
"Charge?" asked Paige. "You mean as in only one. I thought
White Lighters had more than one charge."
"Most do," said Leo as he, Piper, and Phoebe carefully lifted the
second man and laid him on the sofa. Piper checked him over but
found no injuries except for a small cut on the mans' forehead.
"He must have hit his head," said Leo. "That's why he's
unconscious. Piper, can you get him some water?"
"Sure," said Piper, going to the kitchen.
While she was gone, Leo used his healing powers to heal the
mans' injury. Within seconds, there was no sign of it.
"Alex was a special White Lighter," said Leo. "He has . . . had,
only a single charge. I'll explain everything later. Right now I have to
go see the Elders. They have to be made aware of what's happened
here. You three will have to protect him until I get back."
"Okay," said Phoebe.
Just then, Piper came back into the living room with a glass of
water. As she did, the man groaned slightly, then opened his eyes.
Piper handed the glass to Leo who helped prop the man up so he
could drink.
"Here, sir," said Leo, "drink this. You're safe for now. I'll be back
shortly. These three will watch over you until I get back."
Without another word Leo orbed out. All three sisters found this
extremely odd. He was always warning them about exposing
themselves, and him, to others. That no one could know who or
what they were. And here he was orbing in front of a total stranger.
The man sat up on the sofa and brushed the hair out of his eyes.
As he looked up at the sisters, they all just stared at him in shocked
surprise. They recognized him, of course. They had seen him on
television many times. Most people had. But it was still almost
impossible to believe that he was actually sitting in their living room.
Sitting on the sofa in the Halliwell manor was the President of the
United States of America.
* * *
"Are you okay, Mr. President?" asked Piper as she handed him a
second glass of water.
"Yes, I think I'm okay," said the President. He looked over at
Alexs' body. "He was a good man. And a good agent. I'm going to
miss him."
"I'm Piper Wyatt," said Piper. "This is Phoebe Halliwell and Paige
Matthews, my sisters."
"Three sisters, three names," said the President.
"I'm married," said Piper. "Phoebe is single and Paige is a half
sister."
"I see," said the President. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you.
Even if it is under such unusual circumstances."
"Okay," said Paige, "so, what exactly happened?"
"Paige," said Phoebe. "You don't just ask the President of the
United States what happened."
"No, it's okay," said the President. "She has a right to know. You
all do. After all, we just orbed in unannounced."
"Orbed?" questioned Piper. "You know how you got here?"
"Of course," said the President. "And since you didn't ask me
what 'orbed' meant, I can only assume you know, too. Besides,
Alex wouldn't have brought me here unless you had the power to
protect me. From what, I'm not really sure just yet."
"Okay, sir," said Phoebe. "Why don't you start from the
beginning. Tell us exactly what happened. Maybe we can figure this
thing out."
"Okay," said the President. "Well, as you may be aware, I've
been conducting sensitive negotiations with two countries who were
formerly part of the Soviet Union. After the Union broke up, many of
these countries became independent countries. Some, such as the
two I've been talking with, have minor skirmishes along their
borders."
"That much we know," said Paige. "It's been all over the news.
Something about your trying to negotiate an end to the dispute."
"Yes," said the President. "We're very close, too. In just a couple
of days we would have reached an agreement. And, I might add, it
will help to bolster the presence of the United States in the region as
well."
"So what happened?" asked Phoebe. "Why did Alex suddenly
orb you here?"
"That I'm not completely sure of," said the President. "I was
asleep in my room when suddenly this man dressed in all black just
appeared. He was carrying a crossbow. I thought how strange it
was that he would use such an antiquated weapon, especially
considering all the more modern sophisticated protection I have
around me."
"Dark Lighter," said Piper.
"Is that what he was?" asked the President. "Alex mentioned
them before but I had never seen one. Anyway, this Dark Lighter, as
you call him, said he couldn't let the negotiations go any further.
That I was upsetting the plans of some very powerful people.
"Before he could fire his crossbow, Alex orbed in and saved me.
He shielded me with his own body. He gave his life for me. Just as
any of the Secret Service agents would. I'll have to find some way to
repay him for that."
"He was a Secret Service agent?" asked Phoebe.
"Yes," said Leo, orbing in. "How are you, Mr. President?"
"Fine now, Leo," said the President. "How are you? It's been a
long time."
"You know him?" asked Piper.
"We met a long time ago," said Leo. "And, yes, he knows I'm a
White Lighter. And that Alex was, too."
"I'm confused," said Phoebe. "What about keeping who and what
we are a secret? Not letting anyone know about us or you?"
"It's kind of complicated," said Leo. "Many world leaders have
their own personal White Lighters. To protect them from demonic
attacks. Without that protection, they'd be open to even the least
power of demons. Those White Lighters protect those leaders so
they can get on with the business of running their countries."
"As I understand it," said the President, "the White Lighters are
more of a deterrent. Since they can orb me, or any leader, out, it
keeps demonic forces from attacking. Only I don't know what
happened this time, Leo. Piper says the demon that attacked me
was a Dark Lighter."
"Yes, sir," said Leo. "I just came from the Elders. One of the
countries you've negotiating with is developing biological weapons.
They were planning to use them to destroy their enemies; the other
country you're negotiating with."
"Biological weapons?" questioned the President. "Our
intelligence never told me any of this."
"They probably don't know," said Leo. "It's all very hush hush.
It's being done by a militant faction of the government. The leaders
don't know anything about it."
"I'm glad to hear that," said the President. "Both leaders seem
genuinely sincere on reaching a settlement."
"They are," said Leo. "That's why the Dark Lighter was sent after
you. If you made the agreement, it will ruin these plans. They won't
be able to use the biological weapons. The best way to prevent the
negotiations from being completed was to take you out of the picture.
"The Dark Lighter was supposed to make your death look like
natural causes. With you dead, both sides would have returned
home with no settlement reached. Tensions would escalate and
eventually war would break out. Then the biological weapons could
be used without suspicions."
"Who is it?" asked the President. "Who's developing the
biological weapons?"
"I can't tell you that, sir," said Leo. "The Elders say you'll have to
discover that for yourself. But we are to protect you until this Dark
Lighter can be taken out of the picture."
"If whomever did this sent a Dark Lighter," said Paige, "doesn't
that mean there are demonic forces involved?"
"Yes," said Leo. "He'll probably come here to finish the job.
Which means we have to be on our toes. If he comes to the manor,
his only objective will be to kill the President."
"I'm sure the Secret Service is looking for me by now," said the
President. "After all, the President of the United States just doesn't
vanish into thin air."
"I'll take care of that, sir," said Leo. "I'll let Stephen know what's
going on. He can come up with something to cover for you while
you're away."
Leo orbed out without further explanation.
"Who's Stephen?" asked Paige.
"Another Secret Service agent," said the President.
"There's more than one White Lighter in the Secret Service?"
asked Phoebe.
"Yes," said the President. "Actually, there are four. Alex was
assigned to me directly. The others help in cases like this. Although
I must admit, I think this is the first time something like this has
happened."
"Well," said Piper, "Phoebe, we're going to need a Dark Lighter
vanquishing spell. Paige, why don't you stay with the President in
case we have any unexpected guests. I'll go finish dinner. It should
be ready pretty soon. Mr. President, I hope you like vegetarian
lasagna."
"Can't say I've ever had it," said the President, smiling. "But I'm
looking forward to it."
Phoebe went up to the attic to research a spell to vanquish a Dark
Lighter. Piper went back into the kitchen to finish dinner. And Paige
sat on the sofa next to the President not knowing exactly what to say.
How do you start a conversation with the President of the United
States?
Dinner began stiff and awkward. The sisters weren't sure exactly
what to say to the President. He was the leader of the free world.
He dined with kings, presidents, and dignitaries, on a regular basis.
They weren't exactly sure just what you talked about with the
President.
Remarkably, he was the one who made them feel more at ease.
Despite is larger than life reputation, which was normal for any
president, he was very friendly. Within no time they were talking and
laughing as if it was any other household. They almost forgot he was
the President of the United States. Suddenly, Leo orbed in.
"Well," said Leo, "looks like you're all getting along okay."
"Sure are, sweetie," said Piper. "And no sign of any Dark
Lighters."
"Mr. President," said Leo, "I've spoken to Stephen. He's going to
take over Alexs' duties. But it's going to take some time for him to
make all the necessary arrangements."
"Thank you, Leo," said the President. "I'm going to miss Alex. He
was a very good listener. And as a White Lighter, I didn't have to
worry about him telling anyone else."
"I'm sure you'll find that Stephen will be the same way," said Leo,
smiling. "Right now, we have a Dark Lighter to worry about. It won't
take him long to figure out that Alex brought you here. When he
does, he'll come to finish what he started."
"We're ready," said Phoebe, holding up a piece of paper. "One
Dark Lighter vanquishing spell as requested. One recitation from this
and it's bye bye Dark Lighter."
"Good," said Leo.
"What about my absence?" asked the President. "How is
Stephen going to explain that?"
"You're not really gone," said Leo. "You've come down with a bad
cold and are going to spend the next couple of days in bed. You've
left orders that no one but Stephen is to disturb you."
"Excellent," said the President. "I can get back without anyone
knowing I was ever gone. What about Alex?"
"I've already orbed his body to the Elders," said Leo. "They'll take
care of it."
"Good," said the President. "Well, what do we do in the mean
time?"
"Maybe you should go get some rest?" suggested Phoebe.
"What you've been through must have wore you out."
"I must admit," said the President, "I am a bit tired. The
negotiations are tiring enough. This whole business with the Dark
Lighter has been even more taxing."
"You can use our room," said Piper. "Leo, why don't you show
him where it is?"
"Mr. President," said Leo.
He showed the President upstairs while the sisters prepared for
the Dark Lighter attack. One of them would stay with the President
all the time. If the Dark Lighter showed up, she would protect the
President until the others showed up. All she would need to do is
call for Leo. He could let them know of the danger.
It was very late when the Dark Lighter appeared in the kitchen of
the manor. Almost everyone was upstairs. He gripped his crossbow
tightly. He knew the President was in the house. It had taken him a
while to track where the President had been taken by his White
Lighter. He also knew that White Lighter would no longer be a
problem for him.
He was glad he had waited. He was upstairs when that accursed
White Lighter had taken the President to his room. He could have
attacked then. But they were expecting him. They would have been
waiting for him. By waiting, he had increased his chances of a
successful attack on his prey.
Cautiously, he edged his way up the stairs. He knew how
dangerous the Charmed Ones could be. One of his contemporaries
would probably have just materialized in the room where the
President was sleeping. Counting on surprise to do the damage
before the Charmed Ones could know what was going on.
He, however, was more cautious. He would make sure that the
Charmed Ones were out of the way before he struck. At the top of
the stairs he stopped and looked around.
It was very quiet in the manor. He bypassed the first door,
knowing that this was the room where the President lay sleeping.
Carefully, he moved to the other doors, carefully opening each one
only a crack. He peered in seeing the shadows of the people
sleeping in the beds.
One of the sisters lay in the first room he checked. He watched
her for several moments making sure she was sleeping. She didn't
move. Satisfied that she was no threat, he moved to the next door.
One of the sisters lay in the bed and a figure sat in a chair in the
corner, covered up with a blanket. Obviously the older sister and her
White Lighter husband occupied this room. Again, he watched them
for several moments to make sure they were sleeping soundly.
Once he made sure they were sleeping soundly, he moved back
to the first door he had bypassed. Only a single sister was in this
room. As was his prey. It would be easy. He would cast the door
open, shoot the President, and be gone before anyone knew what
had happened. He mentally patted himself on the back for his
ingenuity.
Cautiously, he cracked the door open only slightly. A figure lay in
the bed. Obviously, this was his prey. In a corner sitting In a chair
was the third sister. She sat reading a book, oblivious to his
presence.
It was the middle sister. Phoebe was her name. She had no
active powers that would present an obstacle to him. The eldest
sister was the one he was most worried about. Her freezing and
explosive powers could present a problem for him. And the youngest
power of orbing might be able to get the President out of the room
before he could attack.
As it was, this would be very quick and very simple. He would
open the door, shoot the President, and be gone. It was perfect.
And he would have done something no other demon could boast of.
Made a successful attack in the Charmed Ones' home and escaped.
The Dark Lighter took a breath and held it for a second. Then he
let it out and took hold of the doorknob. He pulled the door open and
stepped into the room. Phoebe looked up as he stepped in. She
started to rise, but he was quicker. He pointed the crossbow at the
form in the bed and fired. The bolt found its' mark and embedded
itself deep in the figure.
"Well," said a voice behind him, "you took your sweet time getting
here. We had almost given up on seeing you."
The Dark Lighter turned involuntarily and saw Piper standing in
the hallway. A movement caught his eye and he turned to see Paige
standing in the hallway at the other end of the hallway. The Dark
Lighter turned and started to vanish.
"No you don't," said Leo stepping out of the room where the
President was supposedly sleeping.
Leo hit the Dark Lighter on the chin and the demon went flying
into the hallway. His crossbow clattered to the floor as he struck the
wall and clamored to the floor. Phoebe was on her feet in a second
and snatched up the crossbow. The Dark Lighter gained his feet.
As he started to vanish, the three sisters began to incant the
vanquishing spell. The Dark Lighter simply stood transfixed in place
as the spell kept him from vanishing.
"Powers of goodness, powers of light, take this dark angel from
our sight, send him back from whence he came, and make it safe in
this house again."
The Dark Lighter howled in agony as flames erupted around him.
Within seconds, he was totally consumed and disappeared as if he
had never been there. As soon as he had vanished, grams
materialized in the hallway.
"Thanks, grams," said Piper. "For watching over the President for
us."
"My pleasure," said grams. "Take care of yourself, Mr. President.
You're in good hands with my girls."
"I know I am, Penny," said the President. "It was a pleasure to
have met you."
Grams just smiled, then faded from view.
"Well," said the President, "it seemed your little ploy worked. That
attic isn't the most comfortable place I've ever spent the night, but it
appears it was one of the most secure."
"That was a brilliant idea, Paige," said Piper. "Having the
President hide in the attic while we waited down here for the Dark
Lighter."
"Phoebe deserves part of the credit," said Paige. "It was her idea
to summon your grandmother and have her watch over the
President. That Dark Lighter didn't expect anything like that."
"She's your grandmother, too," said Piper.
"Well," said Leo, "I need to be getting the President back to his
negotiations. Stephen will be waiting for him."
"Ladies," said the President, "it's been a genuine pleasure
meeting the three of you. I must admit, I wish I had the three of you
on my staff. Your powers could be a big help to me in some
circumstances."
"I'm sure they would," said Piper. "Unfortunately, we have other
matters to attend to. Matters which keep us pretty busy as it is."
"I understand that," said the President. "You have your demons
to fight, and I have mine. I'm just thankful that mine are the normal,
mortal kind."
"Have a safe journey, Mr. President," said Phoebe.
Leo put his hand on the Presidents' arm and the two of them
orbed out.
"That was different," said Piper. "Fighting a Dark Lighter to save
the President of the United States. That should look good on a
resume."
"I'm going to bed," said Paige. "The President was right about
one thing. Waiting up in that attic isn't the most comfortable place in
the world. I'm bushed."
"Good idea," said Phoebe. "I think I'll hit the sack myself. Lots of
work tomorrow looking for a job."
"Well," said Piper, "Leo should be back soon. I think I'll join the
two of you and wait for him in our room."
The three sisters turned and went to their respective rooms to
sleep the rest of the night.
The End
If you've enjoyed this story, you can find more of my stories for a
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