Disclaimer: In my hurry to get the first chapter out I neglected to put in my disclaimer. I do not own any of the Charmed Characters, only the new ones which are of my own making. The Charmed Characters as always belong to the Powers That Be in TV Land.
A/N: Big Thanks go out to my loyal fans who always are there and keep my writing. You make it all worth it! HollyShadow, fourevercharmed, heather 1021, halli-halliwell, LeoPiper-forever, drewfuller is the best and vesatilecutie.
Chapter Two
The following day the two older sisters went through the motions of putting their non magical lives in order before they left. This left contacting Leo about their decision up to Phoebe.
"Leo! Leo!" She summoned.
Instantly bright orbs filled the room. "Hi Phoebe, I take it you and your sisters came to a decision."
"Yep, we're going."
"That's great! I knew you'd never let innocents down. So when can we leave?"
"Well, Prue and Piper are taking care of last minute details. How about early evening?"
"Good. I'll be back later and I'll orb us all over there."
Phoebe's eyes brightened. "Really? Orb? That is so cool." She'd never orbed before and was looking forward to the experience.
"Normally I'm not supposed to, but these are special circumstances so 'They' are allowing it."
"Works for me. We'll see you later."
At 5:00 the three sisters stood in the middle of the attic, each with a small travel bag in hand. It took Phoebe quite a while to narrow her wardrobe down enough to fit in the small bag.
Leo orbed in soon after. "Everybody ready?"
"I guess." Prue answered and Leo heard the uneasiness in her voice.
"Don't worry Prue there's nothing to it." He spared a quick glance in Piper's direction, but as always her eyes avoided his. Positioning himself behind them, he touched their shoulders and concentrated. Immediately the attic was empty.
They reappeared on a sandy hillside just outside the providence borders. A large house sat off in the distance. Smaller homes and buildings dotted the landscape surrounding the larger one. They spotted people milling around despite the sun's hot rays. The girls took it all in since none of them had ever been to a place quite like this.
"The governor lives in the big house. That's where we'll be staying. He knows all about magic and you. He has a slight gift, nothing powerful, but you needed fear exposure here. You ready?"
Totally fascinated, Prue smiled. "Let's get to it."
The closer they got to the house the more interesting things they saw. Some people dressed in similar clothing to their own, while others wore garments native to their culture. Many eyes looked over the foursome with avid curiosity and the sisters sent tentative smiles in return. Leo led them to the entrance of the governor's home. The inner courtyard was full of lush greenery and colorful flowers. Here the number of people strolling about had lessened.
At the front door Leo knocked three times and waited. They did not have to wait long when the door opened to reveal a tall man dressed in native clothing. He wore a loose black shirt, with blousy sleeves. It was tucked into matching black trousers which also bloused out before being tucked into soft calf boots. A long black sleeveless robe finished the ensemble. Phoebe thought he looked like he stepped out of an old Arabian Knights movie.
"May I be of assistance?" He asked in heavily accented English.
"Yes." Leo greeted. "We're here to see Governor Rhaid. He's expecting us."
The man peered closely and then nodded as if recognizing the Whitelighter. "Of course, if you would please follow me."
Inside the house was like nothing the girls had ever seen before. The white stone walls were interrupted by large brightly woven tapestries which hung from ceiling to floor along the way. Brilliantly painted vases stood on white marble pedestals and thick carpets scattered the floor at their feet. The group was led into a large open room where low couches lined one side with colorful pillows strewn across them. Short round mahogany tables glistened with polish and were set strategically in front of the couches. Huge open widows let in a cooling breeze causing the cream colored gauze drapes to dance.
"Some place." Phoebe whispered out of the side of her mouth, clearly awed by it all.
"And then some." Agreed and equally impressed Prue, her artist eye taking in everything.
"Leo!" A deep booming voice filled the room as they witnessed a stout, robust man walk toward them. He was dressed in a dark pin striped suit, which by the looks of it was designer made as it fit him like a glove. His dark complexion was framed by black hair peppered with gray as was his matching goatee. A warm smile lit his face and reached his brown eyes as he greeted the new arrivals.
Going straight to Leo, he took the taller man in a fierce hug. "It is so good to see you again my friend. You are well yes?"
Leo returned the smile and hugged the man back. "Yes I'm fine and it's good to see you again as well my friend."
The girls took it all in with curious eyes. Obviously Leo and the governor were friends. Strange Leo hadn't mentioned it.
"I wish the visit was under better circumstances." Leo went on to say as he stepped back.
"Me too my friend. Me too." Then his eyes went to the sisters. "Ah, please tell me these beautiful ladies are the famed Charmed Ones."
Prue smiled at the compliment. "Yes we are. Heard you were having some demon problems."
"Yes, yes, but please sit. Refreshments will be here shortly and where are my manners I'm Governor Rhaid, the humble overseer of this providence."
Leo stepped in. "This is Prue, Piper and Phoebe Halliwell and as you've already guessed, they are indeed the Charmed Ones."
While he motioned for them to be seated, Rhaid nodded. "It is good of you to come. We are truly at our wits end. We fear our whole community will be wiped out soon if something is not done soon."
"What exactly is going on?" Asked Prue.
"Demons." The man replied simply. "Lots of demons. Not all of our people are magical and even those that are have the barest abilities, but they are the ones being targeted. Hunted down like animals and killed. We know not why this is occurring or why now. We've always been a small quiet providence. The magical world has pretty much left us to ourselves. Then a few months ago the attacks started. The Powers that Be have sent many champions to stop it. All have failed, leaving us in constant terror."
"Well, we're on the scene now." Stated a confident Phoebe. "We'll get to the bottom of this."
Rhaid smiled broadly and turned to Leo. "I like her, she has spunk."
Leo grinned back. "They all do and they are extremely talented witches. The Charmed One's reputation in no myth. If anyone can solve this, they can."
The girls, including Piper looked at their Whitelighter with pride. It felt good to know he had that much faith in them.
"It might help if we had a few more details to go on." Piper said with interest.
"Of course, anything I can do to help. What information do you require?"
"Is there a certain time of day or place where the attacks occur?"
The governor was silent for a moment while he considered her question. "No, I can not think of any particular pattern they follow."
"There's gotta be an upper level demon orchestrating it all. There are too many attacks for it to be just random demons."
"I think you're right Prue." Phoebe jumped in. "Especially since the attacks are against only the magical citizens. At least so far. We need to find out whose behind it and stop it."
Rhaid spoke with much sadness. "Many have tired before you and failed. I pray you have better luck."
"They will." Leo smiled with certainty and not a little pride.
After refreshments had been served the governor stood up and the others followed suit. Placing a hand on Leo's shoulder he said, "I knew you would not let us down my friend." Letting his eyes turn to the girls he went on, "Please let me extend our hospitality to all of you. My housekeeper will see you to your rooms. If there is anything you require do not hesitate to ask. This is your home for as long as you are here."
Before any of the sisters could reply a new visitor entered the room. "Father, I heard that…" The woman's words fell off as she spotted the group. Her dark eyes lighting up and a huge smile spread across her lips. "Leo!" She breathed out and went directly to him; practically throwing herself into his arms then gave each of his cheeks a kiss in greeting.
"Nala, it's good to see you again." Leo laughed and returned her kisses.
The whole exchange catching the girls by surprise, especially Piper. Once again, Leo obviously knew the lovely young woman quite well.
Stepping out of his embrace, the girl known as Nala continued to hold his arm and gaze up at him adoringly. "When Janna said you were here I couldn't believe it. It has been too long."
"I know, I just wish it was under happier times."
Instantly the smile fell from her lips. "It's been truly awful. But you are here and all will be well again."
Leo shook his head. "Not me, but them." And he motioned to the sisters. "Let me introduce you to the Charmed Ones."
Reluctantly she pulled her eyes away and finally greeted the others. "We are so grateful that such famous and powerful witches have come to help us.
For the first time Piper got a good look at the woman and she didn't feel any better for doing so. The girl was gorgeous. Her jet black hair fell in thick waves down past her hips. Skin a flawless honey color which supported exotically shaped eyes. A fine thin nose and full red lips only added to her beauty. She was dressed in western clothing like her father. A cream silk blouse tucked into matching linen pants, which showed off her trim form. All in all she was perfect and Piper felt an intense spurt of jealousy as the woman continued to cling possessively to Leo. It was getting to be annoying actually.
Phoebe noticed her sister's intense appraisal of Nala and smiled inside. Seemed Piper was not too happy about the beautiful girl hanging on their Whitelighter. Piper may continue to deny her feelings toward Leo; however Phoebe had a feeling that was far from the case. This could get really interesting she mused.
"Nala, where are your manners." Not letting her respond, her father went on. "Prue, Piper and Phoebe Halliwell, let me introduce my daughter Nala."
"Nice to meet you." Piper spoke with a smile.
"The honor is mine. We had so hoped our Leo could convince you to come here and save us."
'Our Leo' Piper fumed. "What the heck did she mean by that?'
Looking down at the woman at his side, Leo sent her an indulgent grin. "I didn't bring them, they wanted to come. Saving innocents is very important to them."
The governor spoke up again. "And fortunate we are that they do. Now come, let us get our guests settled in." As if on cue a woman stepped through the door. "Good Janna, please see the young ladies to their rooms."
As the girls passed by, Piper glanced over her shoulder. "You coming Leo?"
"Oh, I'll take care of him." Nala assured her.
Piper's eyes met briefly with his, but she could read nothing in their depths. Turning, she followed her siblings out of the room.
They were led down a long hallway which branched off into smaller rooms. Each room connecting to the other, but allowing privacy when desired. All the rooms were spacious and beautifully decorated with colorful fabrics. The beds were massive and more large open windows covered in gauze curtains dominated the rooms. Each room also sported a large marble bath tub, complete with various bath oils.
Phoebe came running into Piper's room. "Is this awesome or what!"
"Pretty awesome Pheebs." Piper's enjoyment was marred by her lingering jealousy of seeing another woman monopolizing Leo.
Prue soon joined them. "I so can't wait to take advantage of that tub. I kinda hope this demon chasing takes a while."
Piper, the only one not overly enthusiastic by it all was the voice of reason. "Remember we are here to demon hunt, not take a vacation."
Pouting, Phoebe said, "Fine, spoil sport. But come on Piper, you have to admit this is pretty cool."
"She's right though. We're here to do a job and we need to get focused on that." Prue put in seriously.
"But where to start?" Questioned Piper. "We don't have a lot to go on."
"We need to see where the attacks took place." Prue commented.
"A guide would be nice. Speaking of which, we need to talk to ours."
"Yeah, well he seems to be otherwise occupied, Phoebe." Piper stated, trying to keep jealousy out of her tone and only slightly succeeding.
Phoebe couldn't resist. "I know, what's up with that Nala chick. She was all over him. She obviously knows him pretty well."
"Obviously." The one word response said it all. Piper Halliwell was not at all pleased by the attention given to their guardian angel.
Ever practical, Prue said, "That's not our concern at the moment. Demons killing innocents are and we need to talk to Leo. Leo!"
A few moments later familiar lights appeared followed by their quarry who wore a questioning look.
"Okay Leo, we need a starting point and we're thinking where some of the attacks took place would be a good place."
Leo nodded his head. "I agree Prue. I know the city and the governor filled me in on where many of the assaults took place."
"Been here often then?" Piper questioned, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Leo did not notice the sarcasm behind her words. "I've been looking after Rhaid and the providence for quite awhile. They're good people, and I really hope you guys can help them."
"Then let's do it!" Proclaimed an eager Phoebe.