Okay so feed back would be great. This is my first Charmed Fiction, so let me know what you think.

So a few things. Cole never went crazy, but he was possessed by the source and vanquish by the sisters.

Pairing:

Piper x Zankou

Phoebe x Cole

Paige x ?

Piper dropped tiredly on the couch sitting in one of the manors living room. Phoebe and Paige had taken the boys off to bed a few minutes ago. Today had been a day full of pain and grieve, for The Charmed sisters had just buried her husband and their white-lighter Leo.

Leo has given his life in an effort to stop the Avatars. Their ideal world seemed like a dream come true. A perfect world to the blind eye. No grieve. No pain. No bad memories. No demons. But make one mistake. Get angry, yell, hit or fight and you were 'Removed' from this ideal world. Leo gave his life to make the sisters break out of their perfect little bubble. And so with the help of their ghost grandma, the sisters were able to stop them. Causing everything to go back to normal, including their demons 'Friends'. Unfortunately they were too late into the game to bring back Leo. His spirit had crosses the threshold between the living and the dead. So here you have her crying silent tears missing the one man, that made her complete.

"Demon!" Paige's screeched echoed from upstairs.

Piper jumped to her feet, her pain forgotten for the one moment. She already lost her husband! No way in hell was she going to lose another member of her family. Jogging up the stairs she spotted the demon. Sparing no time, she blew the slimy bastard away. Watching him scream and vanish, Piper leaned against the wall, sliding to the ground. Tear rolling down her face, she can't keep doing this!

Paige ran towards the boys, ensuring they were safe and no harm came to them. While Phoebe kneeled beside Piper, trying to calm her oldest sister down.

"Shh-it's okay." Phoebe whispered, hugging her close with a hand running up and down her back. "It's okay."

Piper shook her head. "No, it won't. We will never live in peace! I am sick and tired of not being able to live life and looking over my shoulder! Waiting for a demon to show up and try killing us! I want a normal life for my son's, they already lost their father! How long before they lose an aunt or me?! How long!" Piper sobbed into her sister. "I can't take it any longer Phoebe, we have lost so many and gained noting, but death."

Paige having heard her sister, let the tears fall. What hurt the most was that every word Piper said were true. Kneeling on the opposite side of Piper, she hugged both sisters. "We will get through this no matter how hard. We stick together and pull through it."

NINE MONTHS LATERS:

The pain in Piper had lessen a little with the past months. They fought to get back to their normal routine, hard as that may be. Phoebe went back to her work with the paper. Paige back to her social worker cases. Piper, well piper busied herself with the club, house and kids. As for the demons, they just kept appearing with no breaks in between. It was as if they sense the exhaustion in the witches.

It was getting really old.

Piper vanquished the last demon from their latest attack. Glancing around her living room, she groaned at the mess. Falling onto the couch in between her sisters she huffed. "That's it, we are going to have a bare house from now on."

"Bare house?" Phoebe chuckled.

"Yes." Piper grumbled. "Maybe then they will stop making such a mess!"

"Who's turn is it to clean?" Paige asked, getting looks from both women she huffed. "Augh fine I'll get the broom." But before she could even stand a demon flamed into their living room. "Demon!"

"Wait! Don't shoot!" The demon yelped, jumping over the couch, landing with a loud thump on the ground. "Ow."

The girls shared incredulous looks.

"Who are you?" Piper asked, taking over the situation. She stood from the couch, ready to defend her family.

"I-I am Claud a shifter demon. I have come with a solution to your problem and with no ill intent." Claud replied from behind his hiding place.

"What problem?" Paige snapped.

"The constant demon attacks."

Piper frowned taking her seat between her sisters once more. "Okay we are listening."

Phoebe rolled her eyes at the still hiding demon. "Will you come out of there and sit down!"

Claud popped his head out, slowly creeping out from behind the couch. Taking a seat across from the charmed, he cleared his throat. "I have come with the solution to your problem. Which will also be the solution to our problem."

Paige snorted. "Already not liking it."

"The underworld is under attack. After Balthazar was killed, it was left with no leader. We have been divided in two sides. Malik and Zankou." Claud glanced around almost as if he something would suddenly pop out. "Before Balthazar…"

"Cole." Phoebe snapped. "His name was Cole."

"My apologies. Before Cole became the source, or the source it's self became, Zankou's father was our leader." Claud began.

"So he was the source?" Paige growled.

"No!" Claud raised his hand, trying to calm the enraged witches. "The source was a demon that fought against other upper level demons, killing and taking their power. It's how he came into his power. Angelus – Zankou's – father was our lord in every way. By birth and by power. He was stronger and wiser than the source had ever been." Claud waved his hand over in front of him, causing some sort of vision. The vision showed of a tall and handsome demon, midnight hair, blue eyes and dressed in the darkest of robes. "But there were those that did not share the lords ways of ruling the underworld."

"Why not?" Piper asked. "He was the all powerful, ruthless and evil. What could they possibly not like?"

"He was not as ruthless as you would have thought Charmed one. Angelus has an agenda, yes, but it revolved around his family. Mostly around his only heir, Zankou." The vision in front of them, changed to the passages of the underworld. It was nothing like they were now. The passages were paved with stone and gold. Writing and drawings covered the walls, telling the history and stories of their demonic ancestors. Stopping at sight of a tall blond male, with the blackest eyes they have seen. "Tharow was ruthless, he killed for pleasure and to strike fear in his followers. He killed countless witches, warlocks and even white lighters. He did as he pleased. His vision of the world involved pain, suffering and mayhem with him at it's throne."

"What happened?" Paige watched as new shadows appeared in the vision.

"Massacre." Claud whispered. "Zankou was a young lad only a few hundred years old, when his father was murdered. Tharow ambushed and slaughtered Angelus, in doing so he also believed all of Angelus's power would transfer into him."

Piper frowned. "Let me guess they didn't."

Claud shook his head. "No they were passed onto his heir Zankou. At the time of his rein Zankou was a strong and good leader, accomplished everything he promised." The vision before them, shocked the Charmed ones. Elders appeared, alongside other demons. "As century were to repeat it's self all our world come undone, the Elders became weary of Zankou. They would send allies of theirs to try and infiltrate him and his close followers. None ever accomplished their task. As the decades pass Zankou grew stronger, even more so then his father. The Elders became even more feared and determined to end him. So they made a pact with Tharow and his son Malik. They would join, good and evil, to take down Zankou. In return Tharow and his son would be free to run the underworld. But they underestimated his powers. In the battle, Zankou killed Tharow and nearly killed Malik had The Elders not intervene and saved the bastard." Claud hissed. "But in the end The Elders always get what they want. With the combined forces of good, evil, seer and betrayal, they were able to capture Zankou." The vision before them flashed into a scene. The Elders, demons and witches circle fed around a body. Chanting unheard words just as the vision disappear in flames. "Malik has come back stronger than ever after so many years of absence and getting stronger by the day. Since Cole the underworld has not had a leader. No one worth the tile. His plan is to take over the underworld and destroy The Charmed ones and their Lineage."

Paige slapped her palms on her legs. She wasn't going to admit it, by that story did something to her. "Very entertaining story, but I still don't see how this benefits us. It all seems like underworld and demon problems. Your problems."

Claud grumbled to himself. "Don't you see, these attacks are not random attacks. Malik is ordering them onto you three. What better way to gain the ultimate support, than by killing The Charmed. He is wearing you out, tiring you till you can not attack no more." Claud, allowed that little part to sink in. "Zankou is the only one that can destroy Malik. Protect you 5 from any attacks ordered on you. Giving you the relax and demon free life you so much beg for and have earned."

Paige laughed humorless. "So in English words, you want us to use him as a bodyguard?" Claud nodded. "That's insane."

"Wait, wait you said he captured." Phoebe said.

Piper was confused. The Elders wouldn't simply capture him unless he they had another agenda for him. Maybe they couldn't vanquish him? "Where is he?"

Claud sighed. "When the attack on Zankou failed, they tried another approach. They used someone close to Zankou, someone he trusted and actually cared for. She betrayed him, hurt him enough for Zankou to be captured in a prison. The Charmed ones are the only ones able to free Zankou. In doing so he will be in debt with you for life or until you deem his debt paid." Claud knew this was risky, when his lord finds out he was dead. "No demon would dare attack those under the protection of Zankou. His reputation is well known. Think of it as having another Balthazar around."

Piper shared a look with the other two. Not missing the way phoebe flinched at the mention of her ex husband. "We must discuss it first. This isn't something we can decided on the spot."

"Of course, simply yell for me and I will appear." Claud stood slowly as to not alarm them. "Keep in mind that not only Zankou would be keeping you safe, but those who are with him as well." Giving them a small bow, he flamed out. "It was an honor Charmed ones.

The trio watched as he flamed out, leaving no trace of him even being there. Neither spoke a word trying to digest what just happened. A demon asking them to free another demon.

"Did-did that just happened?" Phoebe asked, letting out a shaky breath.

"I think it-umm-it did." Paige whispered. "Or it finally happened."

"What?" Phoebe asked.

"We have gone crazy! Nuts! Lost a screw!" Both Phoebe and Piper jumped at her sudden outburst.

"I say we do it." Piper said, speaking for the first time since Claud left.

Paige gawked at her. "I rest my case! I told you we have lost it!" Phoebe couldn't help, but giggle at her younger sisters over dramatic outburst.

Piper grabbed both her sisters hands and pulled them back to the couch. She stood before them. "No, I am being realistic. For the past 9 months we have been under attack non-stopped. Phoebe you were hit just last week and Wyatt was almost kidnapped two days ago. It's getting harder for us to protect each other. I can't, will not stand by and watch my family fall before me. First grandma, Prue, Leo, Henry and Kyle. Who's next? You? Paige? One of the boys?" The sisters looked at there hands knowing every word she spoke was true. "If this demon Zankou is as good as Claud says he is then I'll give it a go. It's not like The Elders have done anything to keep us safe."

Paige raised a hand "Last demon we had helping was Cole and he did it for Phoebe. What makes you think this one will do it for free?" Paige debated. "For all we know he'll kill us the moment he is free from that prison of his."

"That's a chance I'm willing to take." Piper said, looking at each one of them. "Are you willing to take it with me?"

Phoebe jumped to her feet, a cheeky smile on her lips. "I'm with ya."

Paige huffed, but stood up regardless. "I'm with you, but if he so much as looks at us wrong, I am vanquishing his sorry ass back to hell."

Piper chuckled, pulling the youngest into a tight hug. "Would be surprised if you didn't."

Pulling away, they stood side to side, holding hands. Reassuring each other, the called for the demon.

Claud flamed in within seconds. "If I do say so myself, I thought it would have taken you much longer to decided." Claud rubbed his hands together, eager to begin their new adventure. "So what is the verdict?"

Piper took a step forward, with a grim look. "Can you guarantee us 100% Zankou will keep us safe?"

"I promise you he will keep you safe, for he will be in your debt for life." Claud assured them. "Now shall we?"

"Paige take the boys to the school, we can't take them with us." Piper said. "We will wait for you."

Paige nodded orbing out of the room. She re-appeared about five minutes later. "Alright kids are safe, let's go."

Claud smiled, clapping his hands. "I'll see you down there."

Phoebe shuddered at seeing him flame out once more. Going back into the underworld after so long still sent chills through her. Her unborn baby was taken down there. Not to mention last time she was in the underworld, was with Cole. "Why do I have a feeling this is a bad idea." Phoebe took a hold of Paige's arm.

Piper exhaled slowly. "Because it probably is."

The sisters appeared in a cave like room, just in front of Claud. "Zankou is right over there. The key is the staff on the wall, but like I said only a Charmed one can touch it. And only a Charmed one can use it." Claud said.

The sisters took a few steps forward, coming to a stop at the top of some steps. In the middle of the 'cave' stood what appeared to be a rock in the shape of a mini volcano. A bright blue light streamed out from the middle, holding in what looked like a swarm of flies. Piper felt a pull towards the light, as if something was calling her towards it.

"Well go on." Phoebe mumbled.

Piper turned towards her with a glare. "What?!"

"Shh!" Claud whispered harshly. "You are still The Charmed ones, in the underworld to make matters worse."

Piper flinched, she had forgotten that little detail. "Why me?"

"You're the oldest." Paige replied.

"So what." Piper sassed back.

"Sisterly law 23 says unlocking legendary demons falls on the oldest sister." Phoebe replied.

Piper nodded, only to turn back at Phoebe. "What law? We don't have any laws!"

"We do now." Phoebe mumbled, pushing Piper forward. Her and Paige took a few steps back.

"Where's Prue when you need her." Piper took a deep breath as she moved forward. Walking up to the key staff, she raised her hand only to stop. What if it's protected? They have no way of healing themselves.

'The staff will not harm you Charmed one.'

Piper jumped at the sudden voice floating in her head. Yet it didn't feel like a threat. Slowly reaching for the staff. Both hands gripped the staff and with closed eyes she pulled it out of the wall. Not daring to move, she opened one eye to see she had been unharmed. Releasing her breath, Piper stood up straight, glancing at her relieved sisters and content demon.

"What do I do now?" Piper asked.

"Insert the staff into that key hole on the ground." Claud instructed.

Piper shared another look with her sisters before, before walking towards the rock. Inserting the staff in the hole, she paused. Was this really worth it? She was about to un-leash a demon...a powerful demon all so they could live a somewhat normal life. Was it worth brining the one thing they despised? Glancing at her sisters, she saw fear and worry. Looking back at the staff, she closed her eyes and slowly began to pull the staff back out.

'The light. Go to the light.'

Piper heard that voice once more speaking in mind. 'The light?' Glancing up at the rock, she was drawn in. That light. Lifting her hand towards the light, she smiled at the warm feeling that surrounded her hand. The fly's swarmed around her hand. They didn't harm her, nor attack. Instead they formed a held-out hand, asking she take it.

"Piper careful." Paige called out. What the hell was she doing?

Piper could hear her name being called, but she was too intrigued by what was in front of her. With little to no hesitation, she placed her hand into the formed one. It held her hand in a stong grip, it was...comforting. It immediately vanished all of her fears and doubts.

With a deep and long breath she pulled her hand out and turned the key. Piper jumped back, running back to her sisters. The blue light flashed as if breaking some sort of connection, before turning off completely and releasing the swarm of flies. They flew around before gathering together and forming a tall man. Said man's back was turned to them.

"I'm free, but why?" Zankou spoke, examining himself.

"Sir? The Charmed ones have released you." Claud said, a slight tremble was detected in his voice. He dropped to a knee, keeping his head bowed.

Zankou snapped around, his dark cold eyes landing on the sisters. "Charmed ones. Prue, Piper and Phoebe Haliwellies." He didn't miss the way the sisters flinched at the mention of the oldest sister.

Paige stepped forward, keeping the others behind her. "Prue is gone. It's Paige."

Zankou took a step back, giving her a small head bow. "My condolences." Getting that out of the way, he stood back, his arms crossed. "Not that I don't…appreciate you releasing me, but I have to ask why? You of all are so desperately trying to rid the world of us. So why bring me back?"

Piper frowned at the way his voice made her feel. It sent chills down her back, it was as if she knew him.

Phoebe spoke up. "We need your protection."

The demon busted out laughing. "Protection? From what?"

"Demons. Ever since Leo passed, it has been non-stopped." Piper whispered.

Zankou hummed, circling the sisters. "Now why would I waste my time watching over you three, plus the two brats? I have much more important things to handle. Not mentioning the obvious of you three being witches."

"You owe us! We released you!" Paige growled.

"Who told you such thing?" He now stood in front of them, arms crossed across his broad chest. 'Someone has been blabbing.'

"He did." All three pointed to Claud. Claud laughed nervously and before anyone could blink he was vanquished.

"Can't even trust your own now in days." He mumbled, before turning his attention back to the girls. "He was right. I am in debt to you."

"So you will protect us?" Piper asked.

He closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly. "Yes."

"Us and my two boys." Piper replied, hope slowly filling her eyes once more.

"Let's get one thing straight. I will keep my demons from harming you and any other that try. But that is all. I still have a demon to destroy and I don't want any of you interfering."

Phoebe crossed her arms. "If you keep it away from the innocents yes."

Zankou gave her a slight smirk. "No promises."

"Then no deal." Paige retorted.

With a loud growl, he turned away grumbling to himself. "I am actually missing the prison already."

"I have one question." Piper said, as they followed him through the caves.

"Ask if you must." He replied.

"Why weren't you vanquished?"

Zankou stopped, doing an about face. "What?"

Paige huffed. "Why lock you up if they could just destroy you."

The sisters were taken back as he suddenly began to laugh.

"And this is who's protecting us." Phoebe mumbled.

Sobering up quickly, he went back to his search. "They were beginners beside me and my father. We had years over them."

"Years?" Phoebe frowned.

"How old do you think I am?" Zankou chuckled.

"30." Paige said.

"35." Phoebe guessed.

Piper just rolled her eyes. They clearly didn't pay attention during story time.

"Try in the hundreds." He smirked. "Back then they didn't have the power to destroy me. They were only strong enough to have me contained. A clearly big mistake on their half." Zankou come to a quick halt, having found the room he was looking for. With out a pause he began ransacking the entire room.

"Why a mistake?" Piper asked.

"By locking me in that prison, I had years to gather my strength." He tossed her a quick glance. "I am much stronger than I was back then." Moving to the desk on the corner, he kneeled behind it. With a victorious chuckle, he pulled out a book hidden beneath a desk. "They never look in the obvious places."

"What's that?" Phoebe asked.

"Nothing important." Zankou muttered, placing said book inside his leather jacket. "Now how about we go over this agreement of ours."

Piper nodded. "Follow us to the manor please."

Watching them shimmer out, Zankou released a sigh 'How did I get into this mess.' With a loud groan, he flamed out appearing right smack in the middle of the main living room. "Where is the diva?" He asked only seeing two of the sisters. Looking around, he had to admit it was a pretty nice place. Reminded him of his old home.

Piper decided to ignore the 'diva' comment. "She went to pick my sons up. I suppose you should meet them."

"Ahh yes young Wyatt and Chris. Half witches. Half white lighter. Am I right?" Zankou's eyes landed on the mother, waiting for her to confirm his statement.

"How do you know their names?" Piper snapped, her mother instincts quickly throwing red flags.

Zankou merely rolled his eyes. "I was locked up, not dead. I knew what was going on, both below and up."

"Like what?" Paige asked, announcing her return. The two young boys holding each one of her hands.

"Well for starters…demons really don't like you. I know about Balthazar. Leo. The Avatars. Etc." Moving closer to the children, he kneeled in front of them. He would have reach out to them, but it wasn't worth the shock. The oldest, Wyatt had placed a protective shield over him and his younger brother. "There is a lot of their father in them. More White lighters than witches." Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted the mother. Piper had her hands ready, waiting for the moment to attack. This irritated him somewhat. "You know, a little trust wouldn't be so bad Piper. I have agreed to your terms, no harm shall come to you, your sisters or your offspring's."

Piper shrugged. "Sorry, force of habit."

Giving her an annoyed look, he stood to address them. "Right then I will be taking my leave. Don't worry I'll be able to sense you should something happened." He was gone before they could protest against him.

The sisters stared at the spot the demon had stood at. They really did it. They released a demon. Not just any, but one The Elders has fought to rid themselves of.

Paige flopped onto the couch, resting her elbows in her legs. "Just to be in the clear, we just un-leashed one of the strongest demons-who is now stronger than before may I add. Who then agreed to watch over us and the boys, in return for his freedom. Am I missing anything?"

Phoebe shook her head slowly. "Nope, that about sums it up." Picking Wyatt up, she took a seat next to Paige.

"What is going to happen when everyone finds out?" Paige's voice come out a little shaky.

Piper groaned, she really didn't want to think about it. "They don't need to find out. No one needs to find out."

"Believe me they will know. I guarantee you The Elders has a watch over that prison. They will find out." Paige sighed, making her way up the stairs and into her bedroom.

"She's right." Phoebe whispered. "If that happens we won't just have the demons to worry about."

Piper leaned forward to pick Chris up. "I am willing to do anything to keep the family I have left safe."

Glancing down at the sleeping Wyatt in her arms, Phoebe nodded her head slowly. "Always."

UNDERWORLD:

Zankou growled as he paced annoyed. He had been trying to come up with a way to destroy Mikal. It wasn't as easy as his fellow demons believed it to be. Just as Zankou has grown stronger, so has Mikal. Just the thought of the blond demon, caused Zankou's demon blood to boil. Even as children both demons hated each other. Mikal always claimed that he deserved to be the heir. That it was his right to rule. When he spoke of this, Zankou beat him to a pulp. The day he father was killed and he received his father's powers Zankou made sure he let everyone know. He had a good run as their leader, until that fateful night. But now, now that he was free once more, it was time to take his place. With a few added on responsibilities. Zankou was pulled from his thought, by the five demons he had summon.

"You summoned us my lord?" The oldest of the group asked, taking a knee. "We are at your service."

"I want you five to guard The Charmed one's home tonight. Destroy any demon from hurting anyone inside that house." Zankou ordered, fighting back not to bust out laughing at the look on their faces. "What?"

"Why must we protect The Charmed ones? They have killed thousands of us!" Another one yelled.

"It was not a request!" Zankou yelled. "Now go!" Watching them flame one by one, Zankou leaned against the wall and sighed. This was going to be harder than he might have anticipated.

MANOR:

Piper was in the kitchen preparing dinner when she heard Paige scream demon. Rushing out of the kitchen, she bumped into phoebe as they reached the family room. Piper didn't bother to even see who they were, she was quick vanquishing one of them, as Phoebe went for the other. The three demon left, prepared to retaliate just as Zankou appeared in the middle getting hit by both parties.

With a painful growl he fell to the ground with a loud thumb. Piper gasped, while his men just looked down right scared. "What the hell is going on!?" Zankou stood from ground, all evidence from the blast were gone. "Explain!"

"These bitch of a witches attacked bef-" The demon was quick to go up in flames, screaming in agony as he was vanquished.

All eyes turned to Zankou as he lowered his arm. "I ordered you to guard the manor. Protect the Charmed and their offsprings." His black eyes falling on the scared demons. "Explain now!"

The middle demon took a knee, not daring to look at the enraged man. "We came as you ordered my lord, but they attacked before we even got a chance to speak."

Suddenly it was the sisters under Zankou's glare "This is how you expect me to help you? By killing off my men?"

Paige scoffed, examining her nails. "You could have warned us. Sent a little note perhaps."

Zankou stepped up to her, towering over the smaller woman. "As if five demons standing peacefully before you is not enough!"

"Enough! Both of you!" Piper yelled, grabbing a hold of Zankou's arm, she yanked him away from her sister. Standing before the demon, she placed a hand in his chest. She gasped at the heat radiating off of him. Keeping her eyes on his chest, she apologized. "I'm sorry for killing two of your men, but next time a warning would be nice."

Zankou had heard the small gasp. He also felt her light hand on his chest, gripping his shirt in the process. He wondered how it would feel on something else. Shocked by his own thoughts, he grabbed a hold of her wrist, ignoring the softness he gently lowered her arm. He quickly turned his attention back to the matter at hand. "They will be here when I am not. Please try not to vanquish them." Zankou walked up to his men. "I will be sending two more. I want you scattered around the house and at least two inside. No harm is to come to the sisters and children."

"Why must we protecting them?" One asked.

"Because I gave the order, is this going to be a problem?" All three demons quickly stood down shaking their heads. "Good now go."

Paige narrowed her eyes at the departing demons. Some headed toward the back rooms, while others stood by the front door. "I hope they are house trained."

Zankou growled choosing to ignore the comment, he turned his gaze onto Piper. "Now, can I leave or should I stay and make sure you don't vanquish them as well?"

Piper rolled her eyes, itching to blow him up. "We said we were sorry already! Won't happen again." She yelped at the slight nudge Phoebe gave her in the ribs. "What?"

"Seriously?" Phoebe mumbled, getting nothing but confusion from the eldest. "Zankou, my sister cooked more than we are going to eat, so she was wondering if you might want to join us for dinner."

Zankou quirked an eyebrow. These witches were strange ones. Still he couldn't afford any more distractions than what he already had. "No, I only agreed to this union as a product of black mail. I don't want to be here any more that you want me here. I will send the extra men." Before the sisters could snap at him, he flamed out.

"I tell ya, demons can't kill them, can't befriend them." Paige grumbled, her eyes yet to leave the demons roaming in their home.

Phoebe gave her a slight shove, telling her to shut it. "He is going to be here for a while. The least we can do is try and be civil with them. So be nice."

"Let's get ready for dinner." Piper busied herself with prepping the table. She wasn't sure as to why, but the rejection from Zankou bugged her. Why though? He was right on one thing, the only reason they were being civil with each other is because of their agreement. No other reason. "Dinners ready!"

Underworld:

Zankou flamed back 'home'. Walking into one of the many caves, he pulled out his book. After failing to get pass the first page, he tossed it aside. He couldn't shake this strange feeling in his chest. It felt as if someone was constantly poking him with a stick. It was new to him and frankly it scared him. "What the hell is it?" Thinking back, he realized it had started after leaving the Manor. His mind wondering back to the look of hurt on the eldest witch. Had he done that? Was that why he was feeling this way? No! Why would he? Besides it's not like she cares what he does, as long as he keeps them safe. Shaking all thoughts about the witches, he reached for the book once more. He needed to find a quick way to neutralize Malik in order to destroy him. Malik like himself, could not be vanished by a simple energy ball or potion.

Half way through his father's book Zankou began to feel uneasy. He fought to shake it off a few times, before realizing what it meant. With an annoyed huffed he closed his eyes and focused on the sisters. All he received back was panic and adrenaline. Closing and placing the book back in its secure spot, he flamed back to the Manor. He was surprised to find the sisters hiding behind one couch and his men behind another.

"What in the devil's name are you doing!?" Zankou demanded.

One of the men looked up damn right scared. "It's Mikal's men sir. In the kitchen."

"And?" Getting no respond, he made his way into the kitchen, only to be hit by a fire ball. Staggering back with a hiss, Zankou had, had enough. Upon his arrival he was annoyed, now he was livid.

Taking a deep breath he formed a large fire ball in between his hands and threw it into the kitchen. The large explosion shook the house. Mikal's men yelling as they were vanquished.

The group of demons walked out from behind the couch. Falling to their knees as Zankou turned towards them. "Forgive is sir, we were taken by surprise."

"Two! It took two of Mikal's men to have you coward behind a couch!" The demons kept their heads down. "I expected you to protect them not hide with them. One more mistake and it won't be them you'll be worrying about understood!"

"Yes, sir." They quickly flamed out, knowing he would take watch for the rest of the day. That and they really didn't want to be near him at the moment.

Piper ran into her kitchen only to gasp at the destroyed room. "Now what am I going to do? This will take months to fix!"

Zankou was currently massaging his head, annoyed at the headache rushing in. "Stop your whining." Before she could snap at him, he waved his hand. Slowly everything began fixing itself. The burn marks disappeared, making it look as if nothing had ever happened. "Anyone have anything for a headache?"

Phoebe nodded. "One sec."

"Thank you." Piper whispered, as Phoebe handed him the two small pills.

Zankou just gave her a nod in return, grabbing the pills. Walking out towards the backyard, he inhaled deeply. This wasn't the first time. Every time he was near the eldest, his breath cut short. It was as if he had forgotten how to breath all of a sudden. Walking out to the back yard, he stood just outside the door. Inhaling the much needed air.

Phoebe watched him leave. Something inside her was telling her to follow him. She knew it was a bad idea, but she did it anyways. It wasn't like he was going to harm her.

"What?" Zankou had felt her creep up to him. Can't these witches leave him be, if only for a second.

"You okay?" Phoebe stayed a few feet away. No need to get any closer than necessary.

"Fine." Zankou turned slightly towards her. She was pretty enough, he'd give her that. Balthazar sure nows how to pick them, that's for sure. When he caught the word that a demon had fallen for a witch, he had laughed. But when he heard who it was, he cursed Balthazar to no end. But she was alright, for a witch. "So, you the witch Balthazar fell for. I have to hand it to you, he was always a hard one to hold down."

Phoebe stiffed at the mention of her ex-husbands name. "His name was Cole."

"Is."

Phoebe turned to him in an almost slow motion movement. "Was. He died. We killed him."

The man chuckled, turning his full attention on her. "Is. You only killed the source that possessed him. He is very much alive."