Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters – Piper, Paige, Phoebe, Leo, Chris, Wyatt, Melinda, Brody, the Avatars, or Zankou. Wes is the only character I created. I don't intend any infringement on the WB's show.

Summary: It takes place right after the episode, Witchness Protection. The Charmed Ones explore the possibilities of the Utopia promised by the Avatars and receive unexpected visitors from the future who will warn them of what's to come…

A/N: I don't read spoilers, so this story isn't based off of any. It is a Piper/Leo and Paige/Brody fiction. Everything else should be explained through the fic. 

This first chapter is more boring but the story will get more interesting.

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A Harsh Reality

Chapter 1: Revealed Plans

"We're listening," Piper said, stoically. She had her arms folded across her chest and looked at them without showing any emotion. Standing beside her were Leo and Phoebe.

They had just lost the Seer to the new demon in their lives, Zankou. They were angry and upset, but ready to hear what the Avatars had to say about this so called Utopia that Phoebe had seen in her vision. After years of demon-fighting and losing innocents, like they had lost the Seer, they were tired of it and now believed this may be their way out - for good.

They stood in silence for a moment until one of the Avatars finally spoke out. The older male Avatar, Alpha, came forward and spoke.

"I don't know what Leo has told you already…but we want to end the battle between good and evil, create the world that you saw in your vision Phoebe. We want a world beyond good and evil – a Utopia," The tone in his voice was steady and calm.

There was another short silence as the two sisters reflected on this, wondering if this was really as good as it sounded. They had been burned in the past and wanted to avoid any situations that were similar.

"What's the catch? I mean what are you getting out of this whole deal?" Piper asked, suspiciously.

"There is no catch. Like I said, we just want to put this endless battle behind us, behind everyone," Alpha said.

Piper and Phoebe were unsure of what to do; they were still torn and knew they couldn't make a huge decision like this in only a few minutes. They needed time to think about it and talk things over amongst themselves. The Avatars sensed this and now the female Avatar, Beta, came forward and spoke.

"Take your time to think this over, Leo knows how to reach us when you have decided what you are going to do," She said, glancing at Leo.

Then three Avatars nodded at the sisters and Leo before vanishing out of the attic. Piper, Phoebe and Leo looked at each other, unsure of how to react.

"I don't know if we should trust them, how do we know they aren't just using us to get something they want. And for all we know they may have killed Kyle's parents," Piper said.

"They didn't kill Kyle's parents; that would go against everything they believe in. They aren't a threat to us Piper, they want the same things we do," Leo said, still trying to convince Piper.

"If what I saw in my vision is really what they are all about, then…I think I believe them. I think we should do this." Phoebe added, already persuaded by what she had seen from her vision.

"This plan of theirs just sounds way too good to be true. I need some time to process everything and think about it all," Piper responded.

"I understand. I always thought that a life without demons is what you wanted though, what you wanted for us and our sons. Piper, Wyatt and Chris have a chance to grow up without having to deal with demons and evil constantly interrupting their lives." Leo said gently, not wanting to appear to be forcing the issue.

"That is what I want, I'm not sure if going along with the Avatars is the right way to get it. I'm trying to avoid making a hasty decision that could create a world we don't want." Piper replied.

Leo nodded at her; he respected the fact that she wanted to think everything through before deciding.

"We need to talk to Paige…I don't think she is going to be happy about this," Phoebe said, breaking the silence.

"No she isn't," Piper agreed, remembering the conversation she had with Paige earlier that afternoon.

"I'm gonna go call her," Phoebe said, before exiting the attic to go find her cell phone which she had left downstairs.

Leo smiled at Piper, who returned a small one back to him. They both wanted things between them to return to the way they were before he had become an Elder but knew it was going to take time. Piper didn't want to rush anything; she didn't want to be hurt again.

"We should go get the boys, you want to orb us to Magic School," Piper said.

"Sure," Leo responded, he took Piper's hand and they orbed out.

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A large group of demons looked on as one of their kind screamed and burned before it disappeared and the fiery vanquish ended.

"Don't you just love the smell of burning flesh in the Underworld?" Zankou said, smirking towards the demons, who were now very afraid. "Anyone else want to insult me? Please feel free."

The demons said nothing and looked at each other and Zankou, uncomfortably.

"Didn't think so." Zankou said flatly, his smirk quickly turned into a look of anger and seriousness. "I killed the Seer, we no longer have to worry about her. We do, however, have to worry about the Charmed Ones and the Avatars. If these two groups join forces we will stand no chance."

Zankou slowly paced back and forth, in front of the demons.

"Why don't we kill the Charmed Ones!" A naïve demon shouted out.

Commotion and chaos soon erupted from the demons as they argued about the idea, most realizing it would be suicide to attack the Charmed Ones. Zankou let out a long, frustrated sigh and stopped pacing. The demons quieted down, noticing Zankou's impatience was growing. He faced the demons and spoke again.

"If it was really that easy they would probably be dead by now…But I do think sending several demons to attack them would distract them from the Avatars while I come up with a better plan for dealing with the Avatars." He paused for a moment before an evil smile appeared on his face. "So, any volunteers?"

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Please review. :) Chapter 2 coming soon….