CHARMED

"More Than Charmed"

(This story is an AU story)

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 4 episodes "Size Matters" and "A Knight To Remember".

Special thanks to Teri, a.k.a. Tessalynne, for beta reading this for me.)

Demons kidnap Victor Bennett to get to the Charmed Ones and the girls must risk everything to save him. But they learn that the rewards can far outweigh the risks.

PREFACE

The demon walked into the chamber where the female sat reading. The demon was seven feet tall and was bright yellow with black markings. The female, on the other hand, was wearing a robe but had the hood drawn. The demon preferred it that way. It was one of the ways he kept her in her place. By keeping her isolated and in anonymity she was much easier to control.

"I trust you are well," said the demon.

"As well as can be expected. What do you want, Beelzbor?"

"I just wanted to check on you. Do you have enough to keep you busy? Enough reading material?"

"Yeah, I have plenty. So far you've kept your part of the bargain. That is assuming…."

"Don't fret yourself about that. I have kept my part of the bargain."

"Just as long as you do. I agreed to this for one reason. As long as you keep that bargain I won't give you any trouble. I keep my word."

"And you have done so admirably."

The female glared at the demon. She hated him with every fiber of her being. If given the opportunity she wouldn't hesitate to vanquish him. But they had an arrangement. As long as he honored that arrangement so would she.

"If you need anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to tell one of your attendants."

"Jailers you mean."

"Semantics. They are for your protection as much as to make sure you behave yourself. Many of my contemporaries would like nothing better than to kill you. If for no other reason than to get to me."

"Of that I have no doubt."

"I do have some tasks to take care of. I will return later to check on you."

"I guess I'm not going anywhere," said the woman, a note of sadness in her voice.

Beelzbor turned and left the chamber. The female just glared as he left. He was one of the most senior demons in the underworld. When and if the Source was ever vanquished he would be one of those in line to replace him. Most female demons would have been honored to be his consort.

This female found him disgusting. But they had a deal. And what she had gained from that deal made her present circumstances barely tolerable. One day she would find a way to escape him. She just had to bide her time.

Beelzbor flamed into another chamber. Standing in that chamber was another demon. The demon was as tall as Beelzbor but was green with blue markings. It turned and looked at Beelzbor as he flamed in.

"So," said the green demon, "I assume you have considered my proposal?"

"Yes, Talistar," said Beelzbor. "I think it is worth pursuing. You realize of course that I cannot be connected with it. If my plans are to progress without complications I must at least make it appear I am otherwise occupied."

"I understand," said Talistar. "But my plan will benefit us both. Since Belthazor vanquished the Triad the Source has not selected a new Triad. If we can pull this off we can be assured that we will be two of the new Triad."

"Yes. We will simply have to decide on who will be the third. That shouldn't be hard. I'm sure the Source will approve anyone we select."

"True. Now, I will need your help in this. You have more contacts on the mortal plane than I do. If my plan is to succeed we will need those contacts."

"I understand. And I think I know the perfect underlings to help you. They are very efficient and have lived on the mortal plane for several years. Most of the time I simply let them go about their 'human' business. I only use them for special assignments."

"Well, this is definitely a special assignment. Can you send them to me? I can tell them exactly what I need done."

"Certainly. Only make certain there is no connection to me. If even a hint of my involvement gets out I won't hesitate to vanquish everyone involved. And I do mean everyone."

"Don't worry, Beelzbor. My plan will work. And I will be the one getting the credit for it. I'll not be wanting to share that credit, as I'm sure you can understand."

"Just make sure that's what happens. I'll send the underlings over immediately. They will be at your disposal until this assignment is completed."

"Very good."

Beelzbor flamed out of the chamber. Talistar considered his plan. He knew it would work. And once it was completed, the new Triad would be formed again. The second most powerful demons in the underworld.