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 during season 5.)
When bureaucracy demons force the girls to defend a mortal in the Other World Court, the Charmed Ones receive some unexpected help.
ONE Phoebe and Paige came into the kitchen just as Piper was preparing dinner. It had been a long day for all of them. They were all looking forward to a quiet, restful weekend with the hope that no demons would suddenly make an appearance.
"Hey, sis," said Phoebe, looking over the veritable feast Piper had prepared, "you sure seem to have been busy."
"Just fixing dinner," said Piper. "I thought I'd just throw something together tonight, if you don't mind. I didn't really feel like fixing anything elaborate."
"This is throwing something together?" questioned Paige. "Looks like you've been in here all day."
"Only a couple of hours," said Piper. "I'm almost finished. Another half hour or so and we can all sit down to a nice dinner."
"Where's Leo?" Phoebe asked.
"Upstairs," said Piper. "He's working on the nursery for the baby. He says there's a lot of work that needs to be done. He wants everything perfect when little whatever-her-name-is-going-to-be is born."
"Still haven't decided on a name?" asked Phoebe.
"Not yet," said Piper. "I'm thinking it should be something that starts with P. Just to keep the tradition going. But there are so many good names. It's really hard to decide."
"You'll come up with something I'm sure," said Paige. "You know, Paige is a very good name for a baby?"
"And would make thinks very confusing around here," said Piper. "Don't worry. I'm sure I'll come up with something by the time the baby gets here."
"Hey, what's this?" Phoebe asked, picking up some folded papers sitting in the middle of the table.
"I don't know," said Piper. "It wasn't there a little bit ago. Maybe Wyatt is playing games again."
"I don't think so," said Paige, looking over Phoebe's shoulder at the papers. "They say 'Other World Summons' on them."
"What?" Piper shrieked, snatching the papers out of Phoebe's hand. "We're being summoned to the Other World Court again? What did we do this time?"
"Leo," Phoebe called into the air. "Can you come down here for a minute?"
A few moments later Leo came into the kitchen.
"Hey, Phoebe, Paige," he said. "I didn't know you two were home yet."
"Leo," said Piper, holding the papers out for him to see, "we got a summons from the Other World Court. Can you make any sense of what it says?"
Leo took the papers from Piper. He carefully read them over with a perplexed look on his face.
"Well?" Piper demanded. "What are they claiming we did wrong this time?"
"Nothing," said Leo. "Apparently you're being summoned as court appointed attorneys for a mortal who's on trial in the Other World Court system. It seems the defendant specifically requested the three of you defend him."
"Court appointed attorney's?" Phoebe questioned. "We aren't lawyers."
"I know," said Leo. "But in the Other World Court system a defendant can request any magical being to be their defense counsel. When that happens the court appoints them to act as the advocate for the defense."
"Defense counsel?" Paige asked. "For what?"
"It doesn't say," said Leo. "Only that you were specifically requested and that the prosecution agreed to the appointment. So the judge has appointed you as the advocates for the defense."
"What can they do to us if we don't answer this summons?" Piper asked.
"To you?" Leo asked. "Nothing really. You're under no obligation to accept since you reside primarily on the mortal realm. The judge could find you in contempt but there's really no way for him to enforce any penalties against you."
"Problem solved," said Piper. "We'll just ignore it. Let them find someone else to play their little games."
"I said they couldn't do anything to you," said Leo. "However, if you don't show up, the judge will probably enter a summary judgment against the defendant. He'll be found guilty on all charges and whatever penalties apply will be implemented immediately."
"So?" questioned Paige. "If some magical being is on trial, that's not our problem."
"Except that you are specifically charged with protecting the innocent," said Leo. "And the only reason you would even be considered as advocates for the defense was if the defendant were an innocent."
"You mean a mortal is on trial in the other world court?" Phoebe asked.
"Exactly," said Leo. "And if you refuse to answer the summons you'll be abandoning them to whatever fate the court has in store for them. And I'm guessing whatever it is isn't going to be good."
"Great," said Piper, pulling off her apron and throwing it in the middle of the table. "Okay, looks like we have to protect another innocent. Leo, how do we get to this court?"
"Just agree to take the case and you'll be taken there immediately," said Leo.
"Okay," said Piper. "Meet us down there as soon as you can. The sooner we find out what this is about the sooner this foolishness will be over."
Leo managed a weak smile. As he orbed out of the manor the magic of the summons transported the sisters to the Other World Court.