Season Five Premiere: Starting Over
Leo, are you sure this is going to work? Piper came into the foyer from the dining room holding a blue print.
What do you mean? Leo stood on the landing of the staircase in front of the window that was there. The glass had been taken out and Leo was making measurements to change the window to a door.
Well adding on to the house for the nursery? Don't you think that's a little much? Why can't we just use our closet? That should be big enough.
Leo stopped measuring and shook his head. No, I don't think so. It's a little too cramped and there wouldn't be any window to bring in light.We could make a window. That would be a lot easier than building a whole nother room.And where would all our clothes go? Or your shoes? Leo asked with a smile. You have a lot of shoes that need to go somewhere.
Piper rolled her eyes. I am sure we could find some place for them.Or you could get rid of some...Get rid of my shoes? Leo, are you crazy!
Leo sighed and came down the stairs to stand in front of Piper. You're the one who is acting crazy. Now can you please tell me the real reason you don't want this room added?
Piper bit her lip and gave in. I just don't think you could build this on your own.No, I don't think so either. I was going to call a construction crew to help me out.And right there is the problem.
Leo frowned.
There was a sudden explosion from upstairs and a scream followed right after it. Piper glanced at Leo and then ran up the stairs, Leo right on her heels. They reached the attic to find Phoebe battling a demon. The young witch spun and kicked the creature in the chest, slamming him back against the wall. The demon snarled and went to lurch at Phoebe when Piper brought up her hands and the demon exploded in a bright flash of fire.
Phoebe said breathlessly, wiping her forehead. Thanks for the save, Piper.Are you okay? Piper said, making her way over to her sister.
Phoebe nodded. Yeah, I'm fine. Piper yelled, spinning around to face her husband. This is the problem I was talking about.What problem? Leo questioned.
Demons, of course, Piper said with a duh' expression. We can't have a construction crew around here for god knows how long it will take to build that room when demons are attacking all the time. We could get exposed. Or worse, one of them could get killed.I... I hadn't thought of that, Leo stuttered.
Well maybe you should. Piper turned back to her sister. Now for our next problem. What happened up here?I, uh... did a summoning spell, Phoebe muttered, looking down at the floor.
You summoned that demon! Is everyone in this house going crazy!I summoned him because I was trying to find Cole. I haven't seen him since he saved me from that witch hunter. I thought that maybe a demon would have an idea of where he was. Phoebe motioned to an incomplete crystal circle across the room. I was going to trap him in that, but he was too fast and attacked before I could. I didn't even get to ask him anything.You're trying to find Cole? Why? He's evil, Phoebe.
Phoebe shook her head. I'm not so sure. The Source possessed him before. And Cole was still in there. Otherwise he would have killed us all.He almost did! Piper yelled. And then he comes back from that Wasteland, which no one has ever escaped from, and he now has even more powers than he had when he was the Source. He can't be trusted.But I still love him, Phoebe whispered, her voice cracking. Tears were starting to drip down her face. The pain after we vanquished him was so unbearable. And then I found out he wasn't really dead. That he was trapped. And now he's back and I want so much to be with him again.
Piper took her sister in a hug and tried to calm her down. I know you do. But you have to understand that he could be dangerous. And that we may have to vanquish him.
Phoebe pulled back from Piper's embrace, shaking her head. If we had to do that... I don't think I would be able to live. She walked past Piper and Leo and went out the door as Piper gave a great sigh and stared down at the floor.
---
Evaluations are this week. And I know you are all hoping to be promoted to social worker. Mr. Cowen, Paige's boss, paced in front of Paige herself and two others. I will be looking at your progress since you came here and after a few days I will make my decision on which one of you will be promoted. Good luck to all three of you. Now I suggest you get back to work.
The three coworkers glanced at one another as Mr. Cowen went back to his office. They then muttered a good luck to each other and made their way back to their cubicles. Paige let out a sigh as she sat down in front of her computer. This was it. She hoped and prayed that she would be the one to get the job.
Paige had once been offered this job before, but she had turned it down since she believed the other person up for the job was the better choice. But now she wasn't pulling any punches. Paige wanted that job and she was determined to get it.
I know I'm qualified, Paige said to herself, picking up the phone. But a little sucking up never hurt. She dialed and waited for the phone to be answered. Hey, Dominoes? I would like to order a large cheese pizza with anchovies. Paige despised anchovies, but she knew they were Mr. Cowen's favorite topping. She also ordered some drinks and then wrote down the price on a notepad. Thanks so much. Bye. After hanging up the phone, Paige got up and went over to her boss's office. She knocked and then opened the door. Hey, Mr. Cowen.Paige. What can I do for you?Well I just ordered a pizza and wondered if you would want any when it gets here. It's got anchovies on it.Really? Hmm, I don't think I would mind that. I haven't eaten lunch yet so this would be perfect. Thanks Paige.You betcha! I'll tell you when it gets here. Paige then closed the door and went back to her desk with a smile on her face. This one is in the bag.
---
It was windy that day, even though there was plenty of sun, so great waves were pushing up against the shore. Phoebe sat on the beach, far enough away from the water so she wouldn't get wet. Her face was full of sadness and a few tears dripped down her face as she stared out at the ocean.
Phoebe felt torn. Part of her really wanted Cole to come back so they could be together. But the other part of her was telling her that Piper could be right. Phoebe and Cole's relationship had always been a hard one. Evil and its corruptive power had been the biggest problem.
Phoebe had thought that it would be so much better after Belthazor had been vanquished. And it was... but not for long. For the Source had possessed Cole and driven him to do many evils. Then Phoebe and her sisters had been forced to vanquish her love and it had been heartbreaking. And now there was a chance for them to be together again, but Phoebe didn't know if she could take it anymore. Evil had invaded their love so many times and now, with Cole having so many demonic powers, it could happen again.
Phoebe wiped her eyes and got to her feet. She gave one last look out to the ocean. Where are you, Cole? she whispered. Phoebe then turned away and walked back to the beach parking lot.
A few minutes after she had left a strong breeze blew in and a huge wave crashed against the shore. As it receded a chest was suddenly revealed, it being washed up onto the beach. It was old and parts of it had started to rot away, but it was still intact.
Mommy, what's that? a little girl asked, pointing. She and her parents moved towards the chest and the father lifted it up and brought it away from the water.
The latch is rusted, so it should be easy to open, the father said. And with little effort he broke the latch and opened the chest up. Inside there seemed to be nothing but scrolls. Yet they were all soaked and none of the writing was legible.
The family was about to leave it there and move on when the girl noticed a small glitter in the bottom of the chest. She reached in a pull out a shining blue jewel that was about as large as her hand. Oh, pretty, she exclaimed.
The mother glanced at her husband. Do you think it's valuable?I don't know, the father said with a shake of his head. But we might as well take it home.
He reached for it, but his daughter pulled back. I want to hold it!Okay, but you have to be careful. We don't want to lose it. The girl nodded and held on to the jewel tightly as the family made their way back to their car.
---
Okay. Thanks Ray. Piper hung up and then set the cordless phone down on the counter, going back to the lunch she had been making when the phone had rung. Ray said that the band just called and confirmed. They'll be in tomorrow to set up and do a sound check.Sounds good, Leo said. So is lunch almost ready? I want to eat and then get back to working on the new room.Are you still going to bring in a crew?Pretty soon, yeah.
Piper sighed and stopped what she was doing. What if a demon attacks?We've had people over at the house before and everything has been fine.But not for a very long amount of time, Piper argued. And these workers will be over here a lot and it could be very dangerous.We'll be able to handle it, Leo said calmly. Don't worry.It's my job to worry and I am damn good at it.
Leo smiled. Okay. Well can I have that lunch to go? I actually have to pick up some things at the hardware store.Yeah, here. Piper wrapped up the sandwich she had made for Leo in some plastic wrap and the distributed it in a paper bag.
Leo took it and gave Piper a kiss. I'll be back soon, he said, and then left out the back door.
Piper heaved another sigh and then looked down at her own sandwich. She decided she wasn't that hungry and put it in the fridge. Piper then left the kitchen and headed for the stairs. When she reached the foyer there was a sudden flash of light and Cole appeared. Piper said.
Hey Piper, Cole said politely. Is Phoebe around?
Piper suddenly brought up her hands and released her power. There was an explosion against Cole's chest and the blast knocked him to the floor. Get out of here, Piper whispered, but was loud enough so he could hear her.
Well that wasn't the welcome I was expecting, Cole said, rising to his feet. Well, actually, from you, maybe. But I was hoping to find Phoebe first.She's not here. Now get out.Gladly. Once you tell me where she is. I really need to talk to her. Piper said, menace rising in her voice, You stay away from my sister.
Cole gave a small shrug. I can't. I love her, Piper. And I know she loves me.No, she doesn't, Piper lied. Now you stay away from her and you stay away from the rest of my family. If you ever set foot in this house again I will vanquish you.
Cole stared at Piper for a moment. I don't believe that Phoebe said she doesn't love me. We have too much of a past for that to just suddenly go away. And I guess I will just have to find her and talk to her myself. Cole then disappeared the same way he had come.
Piper let out a breath and ran her hands through her hair. She meant her threat; she just didn't know if she had enough power to carry it out.
---
Phoebe sat in her office at The Bay Mirror, staring at her blank computer screen. A small tv sat on the desk as well, its station set to the news, but was muted. Phoebe just couldn't think of what to write. She just felt lost. If she couldn't get her own life to work then how was she supposed to help others get their lives to work?
She glanced at the tv as a new story came on. Turning up the volume the announcers voice came in. Earlier today a family found a washed up chest on the beach. Inside they found a blue jewel. The family, the Bordecks, say that they are going to have the jewel appraised tomorrow to find out how much it is worth. In other--
Phoebe suddenly shuddered and she felt the beginnings of a premonition. Closing her eyes, Phoebe allowed the images to flow. A small suburban house was the first thing she saw, the focus being its address. Then her view suddenly shot through the door and into the house, going through several rooms before finally stopping in what looked like a study.
A clock chimed on the mantle of a fireplace and the loud hooting of an owl could be heard coming from outside the window. The air in the room suddenly shimmered in several places and five disgusting creatures appeared. Most of them were bald and they were all short. Their clothes looked medieval and swords hung from their belts. The creatures had sharp claws and pointed ears and their skin was rough and bumpy. Together they began to tear the room apart until one of them finally found what they were looking for; a shining jewel.
Phoebe let out a breath as she was ripped from her vision. The trigger had obviously been that story that had just been on the news. Phoebe didn't know what was so special about that jewel, but she did know that she had to stop those creatures from getting it. The clock in the study had chimed eight times and it was dark so it had obviously been nighttime. And since Phoebe's premonitions were never that far into the future she assumed that the events would play out that night. Guess I won't be getting any work done today, she said, turning off her computer and then the television. As Phoebe got up to leave she pulled out her cell phone to call Paige.
---
Paige opened the pizza box after the delivery guy had left. she whispered, eyeing the anchovies. Why didn't I just get half and half? Glancing around to make sure no one was looking, Paige waved her hand over half of the pizza and whispered, The tiny little fishes orbed out in a twinkle of lights. Paige motioned her hand to the other half of the pizza and the anchovies orbed back in. There. Now it's half and half. And Mr. Cowen will just think I got extra.Oh, I see the pizza's here. Mr. Cowen came up next to Paige and sniffed in. Mmm, I love that smell. Oh, and you got extra anchovies on one half? Thanks, Paige.
Paige smiled and shrugged. I just knew they were your favorite. Go ahead, take as much as you want. Paige handed him a paper plate she had gotten from the break room and Mr. Cowen loaded it up with pizza. Paige was about to take some for herself when her phone rang. Paige Matthews speaking. How may I help you?Paige, hi. It's Phoebe.Oh hey Phoebe. What's up?I just had a premonition with some freaky things stealing this jewel. I need you to meet me at home so we can check the Book of Shadows for these guys before tonight.Phoebe, I can't. Evaluations have started. I'm up for promotion. I just can't up and leave.Please Paige. These things looked pretty dangerous. We're going to need your help.Fine. I'll meet you at home. Paige hung up and turned to Mr. Cowen who had already eaten two pieces of pizza. I'm sorry, Mr. Cowen. There is an emergency at home and I really need to go.All right, Mr. Cowen said between bites. I hope everything is okay. But make sure you are here on time tomorrow morning.I will be. Thank you sir, Paige said, gathering up her things.
And thank you for the pizza! Mr. Cowen yelled as Paige left.
---
Down in one of the thousands of caverns of the Underworld resided the creatures that Phoebe had seen in her vision. There were about twenty of them, all growling and fighting amongst one another. The leader stood in front of a large mirror. A wavery image of a demon was in the mirror, speaking to the leader of the creatures.
The cloning jewel has been found. I want you to get it. With it you can make an army big enough to attack the gate that seals me in this otherworldly prison. You should be strong enough to take the gate and then set myself and my siblings free.
The creature bowed. Yes sir. Don't worry, I we won't fail. I will send five of my best warriors to retrieve this jewel. It shouldn't be a problem.It better not be. I am growing impatient after being trapped here for so long. For hundreds of years my siblings and I have been stuck is this prison world. And now the opportunity to break us free has come. You better not fail. Because if you do... then when I do get out I will make sure you die a very painful death.
The creature bowed again. Yes sir.They are called Goblins, Phoebe said, reading from the entry in the Book of Shadows. Creatures that are ruthless warriors who crave blood. They mostly travel in tribes which fight one another to gain rank. These creatures are dangerous and should be approached with caution. Piper muttered from where she sat on the dusty old couch of the attic. First Cole shows up and now goblins.
Phoebe's head shot up. Cole was here?Um... Maybe?Piper, why didn't you tell me!
Piper had been staring down at her feet, but now looked up defiantly. Truthfully? I didn't want you to know. I don't think you should be with him.That's not your decision.Phoebe, you don't even know if you want to be with him.It's still not your decision. Yes, I am confused and scared. But I still want to talk to him so I don't have to be those things anymore. I can make my own choice.Phoebe, he is dangerous! Piper yelled, getting up.
I kind of agree with Piper here, Paige said. Cole's evil.No he's not. He has helped us, saved us, so many times.And he has also tried to kill us several times, Piper said. He can't be trusted, especially with all those demonic powers he has now. And if we let him back into our lives and he betrayed us then I don't know if we would be able to stop him. When he was Belthazor we could vanquish him with a potion. Even when he was the Source of All Evil we had that spell to stop him. But now? There might not be a vanquish.He wouldn't betray me. I know it. He wanted me to strip his powers when he was Belthazor. And he became the Source against his own will. And that only happened because he was trying to save me when the Source attacked with the Hollow.
Piper rolled her eyes. I still don't think we can trust him.Well I do. Phoebe sighed and turned back to the Book. There is a vanquishing potion here. We should get started on it. Piper started.
But Phoebe shook her head. I don't want to talk about it. Now let's go make this potion. Phoebe then picked up the Book and made her way towards the stairs. Paige glanced at Piper and then followed Phoebe. Piper shook her head and then followed as well.
---
At just about eight that night the three sisters snuck quietly up to the front of the house that the Bordecks lived in. They had parked Piper's jeep a few blocks down the road. Now the sisters were crouching in front of one of the house's front windows, peeking inside. They looked in at all three family members sitting in the living room; the daughter was playing with a doll and the parents were reading the newspaper.
Piper whispered. I'm going to have to freeze them so they don't hear us when we are in there. But I can't freeze them through the window. Paige, can you orb the lock off so we can open the window? Paige whispered back. She held out her hand and called for the window lock, it orbing to her hand after just a moment.
Piper opened the window just a little bit and flicked her hands at the family, freezing them. She then closed the window and Paige orbed the lock back on. Good work. Now we have to get in there, vanquish these guys, and get out. The Bordecks won't stay frozen for long.
There was a sudden loud hooting of an owl. Oh no! Phoebe hissed. I heard the owl in my vision right before the goblins arrived. We have to get in there now! Paige took her sisters' hands and orbed them all into the houses study. The goblins were already there.
Piper said, making the five creatures turn to face her. Didn't your mother ever teach you that stealing is wrong? The goblins snarled and started to advance on Piper and her sisters. Guess not. Piper shot out her hands and one of the goblins exploded.
Phoebe took on the next one. The goblin hit her across the face and then went to hit her again with its other arm. Phoebe blocked the punch and then threw one of her one. The goblin stumbled and Phoebe then kicked him, sending the goblin crashing into the wall. She pulled out a vanquishing potion from her pocket and threw it on the goblin, who wailed as he went up in flames.
Two of the goblins were attacking Paige; one in front of her and one behind. The one in front pulled out his sword and began swinging it menacingly. Paige yelled, holding out her hand. The sword orbed from the goblin's grasp to her own and she promptly stuck it into the goblin's gut, vanquishing him. Paige then swung around and sliced off the head of the other goblin, destroying him as well.
The last one lurched at Piper and slashed at her left arm with his sword. Piper jumped back, but the blade still nicked her arm, drawing a line of blood. Piper glared and shot out her right hand, the goblin dying in a burst of fire. She looked down at her arm and it suddenly healed itself.
What the? How did you do that? Paige asked.
Piper shook her head. I don't think it was me. I think it was the baby.Looks like she takes after her daddy, Phoebe said with a smile.
Well we better get out of here, Paige said.
Phoebe said, going over to the desk of the study. She opened a drawer and pulled out a blue jewel. We should take this so more goblins don't come back for it. And maybe we can figure out why they want it so much. She then took her sisters' hands and Paige orbed them back to the jeep.
---
The next morning the sisters and Leo sat around the kitchen table with the blue jewel in the center.
It's very pretty, Phoebe said, eyeing it.
Piper said, But I don't think that the goblins want it for accessorizing.What do you think, Leo? Paige asked.
Leo shrugged. I don't know. Goblins are kind of like pirates. Maybe they want it just to have it. It sure does look valuable. Phoebe said. But I think you should go check with the Elders. See what they think about it.
Piper rolled her eyes. The Elders? Since when are they any help? The best they can do is say that it is interesting' and that we should research it further'.Hormones getting to you? Paige asked.
Piper shook her head. No, this is how I always feel about them. But, anyways, Phoebe's right. You should go talk to them, Leo.
Leo nodded and got up. The construction crew will be here a little later. I told them what we were doing so if I'm not back when they get here all you have to do is show them where to go.Wait, what? I thought I said I didn't want them here.Leo we have some jewel here that goblins are after. I don't think this is the best time to have a construction team over here!I'm sure we can handle it, Leo said, giving Piper a quick kiss and then orbing out.
Piper sighed. If he weren't already dead I would kill him.That's nice, Phoebe said, getting up.
Where are you going? Piper asked.
Work, of course.
Paige stood up as well. I have to get going too. I promised Mr. Cowen that I would be there on time today. And if I want that promotion I have to get going.Fine, go. Leave me here to watch over this jewel, Piper said.
You're a saint. Bye! Phoebe then left with Paige close behind her.
Yeah, yeah, Piper muttered to herself, looking down at the blue jewel.
---
You failed to attain the jewel? the figure in the mirror hissed. What did I say would happen if you failed?
The leader of the goblins was on his knees, pleading. Please, sir, no. We tried. I sent five of my best warriors to get it. And I even put a scout right outside the window to the room that the jewel was in. He saw the whole thing, sir. Witches arrived and killed my warriors. The scout says that they were very powerful.Witches? How did they know about this?
The leader shook his head. I don't know. But don't worry, sir. We will get the jewel from them. I will find out where they live and I will send more warriors; stronger ones. They won't stand a chance. We will have the jewel by the end of the day.You better.
---
Phoebe sat in the same position as the day before; staring at her blank computer, wondering what to type. She was brought out of her stupor by a knock on the door. Come in! she called.
The door opened and in walked Cole. Phoebe... hi.Cole. You came back.
Cole nodded. I looked for you at your house yesterday, but ran into some... problems.
Phoebe nodded. Yeah, I heard. She wanted to jump up and run into his arms, but she found she couldn't. Part of her was holding her back. Do you want to sit down?What I really want to do is just hold you in my arms and kiss you.
Phoebe looked down at the floor. I don't know if I can do that just yet.Why not?
Phoebe sighed. It's complicated. I'm just kind of confused about what to do.Phoebe you know that wasn't me as the Source. And that I was the only thing stopping him from killing you.I know. But now you have all these other powers. Demonic powers that could corrupt you.I needed them, Phoebe. I needed them to get out of the Wasteland. And for the past couple weeks I have been looking for a way to get rid of them. But I can't.What about a power stripping potion?
Cole shook his head. That won't work this time. I just have too many that the potion wouldn't make them go away. I mean they would come out... but they would have to go somewhere; into someone. And we can't let them get into the wrong hands, Phoebe. I can control them.
Phoebe looked up at Cole. Can you?Yes. I can use them for good. Phoebe, with these powers we could stop all sorts of evils. If the Source was alive I don't even know if he would stand a chance.But these powers are evil, Phoebe said.
But I'm not, Cole shot back. Phoebe, I had to get out of that Wasteland so I could be with you. I love you, Phoebe.And I love you too. But... I'm just not sure if I can handle this kind of thing anymore. The potential risk of you turning evil again. It's just too much. And right now I am just too confused to sort anything out.
Cole stared at her for a long moment. I don't want to give up on us. But until you're ready? I'll leave you alone. Cole then turned and left Phoebe's office, closing the door behind him.
Phoebe let out a long sigh and put her face in her hands, wondering what to do next.
---
Ding dong!
Piper threw open the front door to find a team of construction men standing there, all carrying pieces of equipment. Oh. Hi. one of them said. Leo called us.
Piper nodded. Yeah, I know. Come on in. She showed the men in and then led them over to the stairs. Okay, right where that window is we want to make a door. And then add on to the house there.Yeah, Leo told us all about it. We'll just get to work. You won't have to worry about a thing. Piper muttered. She then turned and went back to the kitchen as the phone rang. Hello? Oh, hi Ray. ... Oh, the band! Crap, I totally forgot. Piper glanced out to where the construction workers had started to make some noise. Um, I don't know if I can make it. See, we are adding onto our house and there are construction workers here. Piper sat down at the table and started to play with the blue jewel absentmindedly.
Well can't someone else stay there to watch them?No, Leo isn't here and Phoebe and Paige are at work. God, I just wish there were two of me. The jewel suddenly glowed brightly and with a flash there was another Piper sitting right next to the first.
They turned to one another, mouths hanging open. Oh no, they said simultaneously.
The one with the phone said, Uh, I can't make it Ray. Sorry. She then hung up. What the hell just happened! she asked her twin.
You're asking me? How should I know?
The first Piper glanced down at the jewel in her hand. The jewel. This must be its power!
At that moment Leo orbed in. The Elders say that this jewel has the power to create a clone of the person holding it.
Both Piper's looked up at Leo. Ya think? they said at the same time.
Leo's mouth dropped open. Oh no.
---
Paige grabbed up her phone as it rang. Paige, it's Piper. You have to come home. Now.
Paige frowned. What? Why? Have the... She glanced around to make sure no one was listening. Have the goblins attacked?No. But we have other problems. That blue jewel? It has the power to clone the holder of it when they will it to. And now I have a clone.Whoa, seriously?Why would I joke about this?You wouldn't. Okay, but Piper I can't come home. I have to stay here and work as hard as I can. I really want that promotion.You can call Phoebe. She's a witch too. Plus if there are now two of you then you shouldn't have to worry if the goblins attack. Paige said, If she is your clone she should have your powers. Meaning that with both of you being able to freeze things and blow them up then an attack shouldn't be a problem.I guess...Great. Call me if anything else happens. Bye. Paige hung up and then got back to work.
---
Piper came back into the kitchen where Leo and the other Piper sat. Did you get a hold of Paige? Leo asked.
Yes, but she can't come. So I called Phoebe, who is on her way. the other Piper said. Now what?Leo, I think you should go talk to the Elders. Maybe they know of some way to reverse this. Leo nodded and orbed out. I'm going to go check the Book of Shadows to see if it has anything that can help us. You stay here and watch the jewel.Are we always this bossy?
Piper glared. Just do it. She then turned and left the kitchen.
The Piper clone sighed and stood up to get something to eat from the fridge. As she did a goblin suddenly shimmered into the kitchen near the back door. He pulled out his sword and threw it at the clone, who screamed and waved her hands, freezing the sword. She then grabbed it out of the air just as two more goblins shimmered in behind her, unnoticed.
You're not getting the jewel, she said to the goblin near the door. She then raised her hand to blow him up when one of the goblins behind her stabbed her in the back, the sword going all the way through to protrude from her chest. The goblin pulled the sword out and the Piper clone dropped to the floor, blood oozing out of her body.
Get the jewel, the third goblin said.
The first nodded and grabbed up the jewel from the kitchen table. All three then shimmered out of the kitchen.
Out in the foyer the real Piper came running down the stairs, jumping over equipment. Some of the construction workers were heading towards the kitchen, obviously having heard the scream that had come from there. Wait, don't go in there!Why not? We heard someone scream. Piper quickly thought up an excuse, since the workers didn't know her sisters weren't there. My sister Paige is painting in there. She loves to paint. I think she just must have spilled some. You guys just keep working. The workers shrugged and Piper ran to the kitchen. Oh god, she said, seeing her clone's body lying on the floor. She glanced at the table and saw the jewel was gone and then knelt down next to her clone, feeling for a pulse.
Leo orbed in just then. What happened?I don't know! I was upstairs. The goblins must have attacked. They got the jewel. Quick, she said, motioning to her clone. Heal her.
Leo leaned down to do so, but stopped after a minute. She's gone.But how? When I was cut last night the baby healed me. Why didn't the baby heal her?I don't think she was pregnant, Leo said.
What? But she's my clone.Yes. Your clone. You willed the jewel to create a clone of you. But not a clone of the baby. So this clone wasn't pregnant, meaning there was no baby to heal her.
Piper sighed. Well what do we do now? And... what about her body? Someone is going to notice it.I think it will disappear once we reverse the effects of the jewel.And how do we do that?We have to destroy it.Great. And it's currently in the hands of a bunch of goblins. Just great.
---
About twenty minutes later Phoebe came through the front door. She passed the stairs where there was a tarp over the unfinished doorway. Leo and Piper came out from the kitchen to meet her. Phoebe said. Where are the construction workers? Piper said. I sent them home.And your clone?She's gone as well. Phoebe said. That didn't last long.Well she didn't have a baby to heal her.
Piper shook her head. Never mind. The thing is we have a dead clone in the kitchen and the goblins have the jewel.Oh no. Well how will we find them to get it back? Phoebe asked.
With this, Leo said, holding up the sword that had been left from the first goblin. We can use it to scry for their lair.And then once we get there we will vanquish all their asses, Piper added.
But how? They stole this jewel to clone themselves, right? So they are probably using it to make a whole bunch of goblin clones. I don't think we can make enough potions to vanquish all of them.I think I have a plan, Piper said. But for it we will need Paige. I'm going to go call her. And she is not going to get out of it this time.We have it, the leader of the goblins said, holding up the blue jewel to show to the figure in the mirror. We took it from the witches. And killed one of them in the process.Good. Now use it to make enough clones so you can attack the gate and free myself and my siblings from our prison.Yes sir. The leader was about to use the jewel when there was a flurry of blue lights near the entrance to the cavern and Paige orbed in with her sisters. The figure in the mirror saw them arrive and his image disappeared, making the mirror look normal.
We'll be taking that from you now, Piper said.
The leader growled. I don't think so. Attack! he yelled to his warriors.
The goblins rushed at the sisters. Piper blew one up and Phoebe and Paige each threw a potion. They goblins were now down to twelve. Piper said. Paige yelled, holding out her hand. The jewel orbed from the lead goblin's grasp, making him stare at his hands in confusion. It then orbed in to Paige's hand a moment later.
Paige handed the jewel to Piper who said. I want there to be two of me. The jewel glowed and a clone of Piper appeared. You have all my memories up to now, right? The clone nodded. So you know the plan? Another nod. Good. It's spell time.
All four of them then took each other's hands and began to say a spell. The Power of Four evens the score to vanquish you all forever more! The goblins all cried out as flames spread over their bodies. Then, simultaneously, they all exploded.
Piper turned to her clone and smiled. Thanks for the help. But you know what we have to do now.
The clone nodded. I know.
Piper set the jewel on the ground and then shot out her hand, blowing it up. Instantly the clone disappeared in a flash of blue light. Good. That means that the clone at the house should be gone as well.Maybe we should have kept the jewel, Phoebe said. We could have created clones of all of us and then no demons would be able to stop us.And then we would never know which one of us was which and there would be a big bathroom issue. Remember when Prue had two clones of herself? It was band enough with just them.
Phoebe nodded. Yeah, that's a good point. Never mind then. Paige said. Now that we are done here let's get home so I can get back to work. She then took her sisters' hands and orbed them out of there.
Over in the mirror the figure reappeared. His eyes glowed an evil scarlet. was all he said.
---
The next day Paige was sitting at her desk when Mr. Cowen called her into his office. Paige entered and sat down. Yes, Mr. Cowen?I have finished doing my reviews of your work and the other twos' work. And I have made my decision of who I want to be social worker. Mr. Cowen then just sat there, staring at her.
... And? Paige prodded.
And I have chosen you. Congratulations, Paige.Really? You're serious?When am I not?
Paige smiled and jumped up, running around Mr. Cowen's desk to give him a hug. Thank you sir! I won't let you down. I promise.You better not. The other two were very qualified as well. I just have a lot of faith in you. Mr. Cowen waited for a moment, but Paige didn't stop hugging him. You can get off now.Oh! Sorry. Paige let go and stepped back. I'm just so happy. I'll just... go start working.
Mr. Cowen nodded. You realize this means you have to be on time and can't run off all the time, right?
Paige nodded. I know.Good. Congratulations again, Paige. Paige then walked out of the office with a smile on her face.
---
That night Sixpence None The Richer played at P3. Piper and Leo sat in their booth while the band began to play.
Kiss me... out of the bearded barley. Nightly... beside the green, green grass. Swing, swing... swing the spinning step. You wear those shoes and I will wear that dress. Oh, kiss me! Beneath the milky twilight. Lead me! Out on the moonlit floor. Lift your open hand. Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance while the silver moon's sparkling... So kiss me...
As the band moved onto the second verse Leo turned to Piper. So how do you feel now about the construction workers?Well... it was a close call yesterday. But I know we can't build that thing on our own. So I guess we will just have to do our best to keep them from seeing any magic. But they better build fast, okay?
Leo laughed.
Paige came over at that moment and sat down with a huge smile on her face. Piper said, eyeing her sister. Why do you look so happy?I got my promotion! You are now looking at Social Worker Paige.Oh, congratulations, Piper said.
Yeah, but this also means that I can't run off at every little emergency. You guys are going to have to deal with some things on your own.I think we can do that.Good. So... where's Phoebe?She's at home. Said she didn't really feel like going anywhere tonight. I think she is still bogged down by the whole Cole thing.He was the love of her life. Still could be, actually.Yeah, well, I hope she comes to her senses and gets over him, Piper said, turning back to the band. And soon.
---
Phoebe sat on her bed in her darkened room, tears streaming down her face. She was holding a picture of herself and Cole, back when they had been so happy. Phoebe suddenly gasped as she was pulled into a vision.
Everything was foggy at first, but it cleared to show an alley. Phoebe saw herself, Prue, and Darryl standing and talking together. Cole then stepped into view. Ladies. My name is Cole Turner and I'm the Assistant District Attorney assigned to this case. I was wondering if either of you saw what happened here.
Phoebe watched herself raise her hand and knew exactly what she was going to say. I did!
With a flash the scene changed, this time to a cemetery. Phoebe saw herself getting ready to throw a potion down onto Cole. Cole said. Wait, I won't hurt you.No? It's a little late for that, don't you think? Phoebe could see the pain on her own face and remembered it fully. Why? Why didn't you just kill me? Why did you have to put me through all this? Was it some sick, twisted demonic thrill? Was that what it was?No, that's not it.Then what was it?I couldn't kill you. I tried. I was supposed to. I mean, at first you and your sisters thwarted my attempts. Even when I went back in time to destroy your line on All Hallows Eve.That was you?Then Troxa, Andras. I got him to strip your powers, make you vulnerable. I had you too, right where I wanted you. All I had to do was finish the job. But I couldn't. Because I realized I loved you.
Another flash and the scene became one that happened just before Prue died. She and her sisters were in the conservatory. Phoebe had wanted to try a potion on Cole to reverse the effects of a spell that had been put on him.
Piper started.
I'm not looking for your approval, Piper, just your support.Well, Phoebe, Prue said, It's sort of hard to support you when you're just setting yourself up to get hurt again.Cole is good inside, I know it. And if dark magic did this to him, then how come white magic can't save him? I can't just turn my back... I have to try.
Her vision jumped ahead into the future with another flash. She saw herself and Cole standing in her room, Cole holding a little black box with a diamond ring in it.
It's not your Grams', but hopefully it's not cursed.I don't think now is the time, Phoebe watched herself say.
Actually, I think now is the perfect time. He took the ring out of the box and slipped it onto her finger, staring lovingly into her eyes. This way no matter what happens, you'll always know that I love you.
The vision collapsed and faded as Phoebe was torn from it. She was sweating and gasping for breath. Phoebe set down the picture and then moved over to her bedside table. She opened the drawer and pulled out a small box, opening that as well. Inside was the ring Cole had given her. No matter what, she whispered.
---
Cole stood out on his balcony, breathing in the night air and looking down on the city. He heard a ding behind him, meaning someone was entering the apartment from the elevator. You could only get to the apartment if you had a key for the elevator. And the only other one who had a key was...
Cole said, turning around.
There Phoebe was, standing in the middle of the apartment. Have you figured everything out?
Phoebe nodded and held up her hand, the ring Cole had given her glinting in the light of the moon that shone into the dim room. I have. She walked over to Cole and looked into his eyes. I just had to remember all the love. Yes, there is pain and there is sacrifice. And there is always the potential of evil trying to ruin our lives. But most of all there is love. She embraced Cole and kissed him. She was finally kissing the real Cole, the one she fell in love with. Not someone masquerading as him.
Cole pulled back for a second and breathed, I love you, Phoebe. I will always love you.I love you too, Phoebe whispered, pulling him back into the kiss.
End of Season Five Premiere: Starting Over