Charmed Kitsune
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NarutoxHarem
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''Normal Speech''
[/Inner Thoughts, Dialogue, or reading passages from books and scrolls/]
(Quick Notes and Messages or Echoes.)
[*(Dark over lapping echoes)*]
[*''Boss Summons, Demons, Dark beings speaking, Demonic/Angry characters Speaking as well as extremely Dark spells and Magic.''*]
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Author's Note
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Final reworkings of this chapter. Feedback was received and details were improved.
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Story Start
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The sisters had gone to a party the previous night thrown by friends. None other than Naruto was there chatting up Phoebe. As he was saying his goodbye he kissed Phoebe's hand.
With that Phoebe felt a premonition come to her. She could see herself, with Naruto making mad passionate love. She couldn't see him, he was 'behind her' but she could feel his presence, his whiskers rubbing into the back of her neck. His hands softly massaging her breasts and then an earth shattering orgasm hit home.
Phoebe felt her body flush as her legs turned to Jell-O. Naruto then moved to Piper and repeated the same thing. Though for obvious reasons she wasn't as affected as her sister.
While this was going on Prue had ran into Andy and made some excuse to leave. The next day Phoebe was sitting in the kitchen at the table munching on a snack. She had thrown on a red tank top and black skirt. ''So how big was this dog again?'' Phoebe asked as Prue walked by her to the sink.
"Huge… didn't you see those scratches on the attic door?" Prue reminded Phoebe, turning away again as she cleaned up the counter space. She herself was wearing a similar red top with Blue jeans.
''What was it doing in the house? '' Piper asked coming into the kitchen wearing a cream colored dress.
''I don't know. Someone obviously left the front door open again.'' Prue said turning to Phoebe with an accusatory look.
''Why do you always assume it was me? What about Piper? ''She snapped, eating some more cookies and pointing at her other sister.
''Not it. And it's strange don't you think? Why would a dog suddenly attack you like that? ''Piper retorted, opening a can of peanut butter as she made a sandwich for her sisters.
''What if...what if it wasn't just a dog?'' Prue reasoned aloud. ''What if someone sent it after us?''
''Sorry you'll have to try harder.'' He said as Piper wave her hands attempting to freeze him with no effect. ''You're a few years to inexperienced for that to work…''
Prue tried to shake away the thoughts as she tried to figure out how this situation was going to be resolved. First was Piper's longtime boyfriend being a warlock, then there was the next demon and not only was Tempest still out there, but now this latest incident with the dog.
''How touching… maybe I'll let you three live for now seeing as it's no fun to hunt down defenseless pray. A word of warning, you three aren't allowed to die by any hands but mine and for the time being, call me, Tempest,'' The figure said as he disappeared in a column of Darkness.
''You mean that Tempest Guy?'' Piper voiced, connecting the dots. She knew that look in Prue's eyes all too well. ''It makes sense. No dog I know can open that front door, let alone reach the top shelf.'' Piper pointed out.
''Then what are we supposed to do? It's not like we can go down to the hardware store and buy demon proof locks. So what should we do? ''Phoebe questioned.
''We'll try to figure this out later. Maybe consult the Book of Shadows to see if we can find anything about this Tempest. '' Prue said taking some clothes out to the utility room.
''That is a really good idea, Prue.'' Phoebe puts her snack container on the side, slips off the table and goes over to the utility door. She locks it.
Prue returns to find the door locked. Phoebe and Piper giggle as Prue struggles with the door. ''Unlock the door, Phoebe!''
Naruto was on his way to the auction house for his meeting with Prue. So far he had gotten to the appointment without being annoyed by the workers who often dismissed anyone who wasn't dressed in overpriced clothes or with a snobby attitude as just another baka without a quality for fine art who would buy goods at an overpriced value.
''Hello, is there something I can help you with?''
''Aah yes,'' he responded to the woman. ''Well Miss I have a scheduled two o'clock appointment with one Prue Halliwell and I heard Miss Halliwell was considered an incredible judge of fine art and appraisals and could find a match for clients that fit their style which I am the need of service. Forgive me, I am Naruto Uzumaki and the way you carry yourself, you could only be Miss Halliwell am I correct?''
''Well, Mr. Uzumaki you are correct in your assertion… So let us get down to business. What type of items were you interested in?"
''I am looking for a few pieces with a Japanese theme to them. I am looking for something tasteful and eye catching sense I plan on redecorating my home.''
''I want some of it to be a bit modern yet none of the industrial or clinical feel. If I were to be a bit more specific I would like the furnishing to be wooden with decent carvings for the furniture. The decorations need to be tasteful and colorful yet not overwhelming," Naruto finished. He paused for a moment as his gaze fell intently on her face. ''I believe we met before. At that party the other night I believe. You were there with your sisters, but you left early I believe.''
''Yeah, I wasn't feeling well.'' Well it wasn't a complete lie.
Before this discussion could continue Prue's office door flung open as someone walked in. He looked to be in his forties, bald, with a scraggly brown beard wearing a black turtleneck with leather pants and jacket.
''Who are you and what do you think you're doi...'' Before Prue could finish Naruto hopped up and pushed her out of the way as the man launched a fireball from his hand. The ball impacted with Naruto, sending him flying against the wall. With a crack the blond crumpled forward to the ground.
''Naruto...Naruto!'' Prue cried out as she tried shaking the blond away. The shock of the situation had her adrenaline going. As the man stepped forward Prue's head snapped up as she tried to use her power only causing the man to stumble back slightly.
''You're far too weak as you are Witch. I expected a Charmed one to be much stronger, especially the oldest one.''
''What do you want?'' Prue demanded, feeling a sense of fury that she didn't know was deep within her. For the time being it overtook the confusion that would have normally filled this scene.
The mysterious man looked around. ''I see your protector isn't here.'' the man said looking around before closing the door. ''Perhaps he is looking after one of the other ones. No matter...'' he said as his gaze fell back upon Prue. ''I'm here for your power Witch! Simple really, with the power of the Charmed Ones and the notoriety of defeating them I will at last be able to free my kind.''
''Hmm so you're just a lone demon,'' Naruto voiced as his eyes opened.
''What! How on earth are you still alive mortal! Unless you're...'' the demon didn't even get to finish as in a flash Naruto flashed over and stabbed the demon with a kunai. It glowed as it shot inside the demon causing him to cry out in agony and glow bright blue before he exploded in a fiery explosion.
''W-What in the hell is going on? Who are you?'' Prue demanded as Naruto paused and turned back to her. He could see Prue was on the edge so he chose his words carefully.
"You don't have to be afraid. I'm just like you." He extended a hand and helped her p to which she responded with a brief 'thank you.' She decided to ask the question again. ''Who are you?''
"Like I said my name is Naruto Uzumaki. Like you I'm magical and long story short I've been looking after you and your sisters."
''You were spying on us!" Prue responded with an indignant cry as she tried to keep her emotions under control, but the past few days hadn't been good for her nerves.
''Not spying! Watching!'' his eyes then widened, ''...crap not what I meant.'' he said shaking his hands in a defensive gesture as his face made various nervous gestures. Even in the scowl with that little frow Naruto couldn't help, but notice how attractive the woman was. ''I mean I actually care about you as people and not as your legacy. Is that better?''
''Legacy?'' She asked him momentarily forgetting her anger and annoyance.
''Well yeah,'' he said rubbing the back of his head. ''It makes sense you don't know considering your situation. You see the Charmed Ones were foretold. Your ancestor made a prophecy that the Warren line would grow stronger until three sisters, the most powerful ever known will be born, the Charmed Ones. Melinda's power of Telekinesis, Molecular immobilization and Premonition continued throughout the line until the Charmed ones were born and all three powers united in one generation. But I just don't understand something...'' he said as he stroked his chin with his finger. He took a step or two.
''What don't you get?'' Prue was becoming absorbed into this man's little tale. Whatever she could learn would be helpful as there was at least one demon by the name of Tempest gunning for her and her sisters.
''Where's your White lighter?''
''My what?'' she responded as she blinked.
''Your Guardian angel. White lighters are the companions to Witches. They guide them and heal them as a Witch is a White lighter's charge and they guide future White lighters as well. I would think she or he would have made themselves known by now.''
''Ok so roll that back a bit. What do you mean you've been watching over us?''
''Well quite a few people know the Halliwell name. You're grandmother Penny is quite well known in both good and bad circles as a powerful Witch. It would logically make sense that people would do research on her and attack her relatives. And if a woman like that famed for her power has 'three' granddaughters then it makes sense that other demons would be aware enough to attempt to attack you three, especially after her death right? True, as long as you didn't have your powers they couldn't track you, but plenty enough demons live among humans all the time, working jobs, and living in apartments to fit in. Oh and you three live in the mansion, the same mansion that is quite well known. So why haven't these demons attacked until now? Or they have but...''
''...someone has been destroying them?'' Prue finished as realization struck. ''You've been protecting us.''
''Yes, you see the Charmed Ones are seen as a pillar, a major source of Good. But I wanted to meet you three and get to know you as people seeing as I figured it might help if someone actually bothered to help you instead of expecting you to stumble through things and being able to happen to vanquish demons and survive just because good is supposed to triumph evil or there's a plan for everything. Anyway I have to go for now.''
''Wait! Can I see you again,'' she quickly corrected herself. ''I mean along with my sisters. If you can help us then maybe you can help us figure out our current demon problem.''
Naruto nodded, ''How does tomorrow sound, say around 5 at your mansion?''
''Okay...just let me inform my sisters, hold on a second,'' she said holding up her finger and going into her drawers. She pulled out a pad and wrote down something. ''This is my Cell. Call before you come over.''
''Right...Ok,'' he nodded as he reached out to the door. ''Oh and don't worry about having to explain what was going on. One of my abilities allowed me to prevent sound from going in or coming out of rooms. See you tomorrow.'' he said as he opened the door and closed it behind him.
Later that evening Prue, Piper and Phoebe gathered at a table at restaurant's dining room table to discuss what happened.
''Wait, so you're telling me Naruto; cute blond with the dreamy blue eyes is some kind of magical knight whose been protecting us?'' Phoebe asked as her mind started to drift off on to things not so PG rated.
''Focus Phoebe,'' Prue said, wishing Phoebe wasn't so Phoebish when it came to guys.
''You invited him over?'' Piper asked surprised. She cupped her cup of coffee with both hands. Despite how calm she was trying to be she was actually trying to work on calming her nerves. The thought of random demons showing up at her job and attacking her or innocent people who could shrug off their powers somewhat was terrifying. ''You seem to trust him.''
''Well he's right more or less. We don't know what we're doing. We don't have anyone who could teach us what to do not to mention it was something he said. He wanted to get to know us as people. He said that Good view us as the Charmed Ones. Is that how were going to be viewed as for now on? As Witches of exceptional power from some prophecy instead of people? I want to hear him out at the very least. Speaking of which was anything found about Tempest in the Book of Shadows?''
''No, there is nothing about this guy at all.''
''Well there are protection charms and stuff, but nothing we have nothing the book calls for. At least I don't think we do. Do you know what Eye of Newt or scale of a Serilien looks like as I certainly don't.''
''We'll just have to worry about it tomorrow. Right now I think we should take turns staying up tonight and taking watch so we don't get any surprises. I'll take the first watch,'' Prue volunteered to go first, partly because she was a bit too excited to go to sleep and partly because she wanted to see if she could find out a bit more about Naruto using her laptop.
With that the two younger sisters turned in for the night. ''Lost in thought?'' The question startled Piper as she slowly exhales a breath.
''You scared me...'' she said, smiling at the mysterious man. ''Just, just who are you?''
''What you need...what you want? I'm your dream man so to speak, but I'm out there, I'm real, but not quite as perfect as you want me to be to be honest.''
''Kind of kills the whole being a dream man thing then huh?''
The dream man smiled,''...it depends. I don't think you would completely accept my way of living. It's not...the norm of the upbringing you received.''
''Aah...so it's a religious thing?'' she noted as she watched his reaction.
''More or less...'' he answered with a shrug.
''Are you real, real? I mean...you know.''
''Yeah I'm magical like you. I guess you can say this 'part' of me has this ability. It's the 'path' that I was born to feel.''
''Then why not tell me your name? So I can find you.'' she asked as she reached out to cup his hand. The dream man merely smiled.
''I wish I could. But I find myself unable to. You haven't told me your name either and that is the nature of this type of dream. It just puts us in reach, but doesn't quite bring us there. Though don't despair as I'll be here when you need me. Watching over you.'' he said as he faded away.
''No way! Please don't go! Don't go!'' Once more her dream was ended by the sound of her alarm. She really needed to get rid of that thing.
''I wonder why he went to you first. I mean, why not Phoebe or me?'' Piper wondered, sounding a bit hurt. It was the next day and yet once more yet another occurrence had happened to put a bit more pressure on the sisters' lives. Their father Victor had appeared back into their lives after being gone for so many years.
''Piper, it's not like I won the lotto.'' Prue responded bitterly.
''What was he like? Did he ask about us?'' Phoebe asked anxiously. She was hardly out of diapers when he left and she had no memories of him. As a result she didn't hold the same ire that Prue had towards him.
''Actually no. '' Phoebe looks away, disappointed by the response. ''Phoebe, think about it. He abandoned us. He was a no-show for twenty years, and then, what, suddenly here he is? Why now?'' She just felt so angry, so abandoned, so...hurt. After over two decades he wanted to show up and become a part of their lives? As far as Prue concerned he missed his chance.
''Maybe he just wants to be part of our lives.'' Piper suggested, glancing at Prue hopefully. Prue looked back at Piper and shook her head.
''After all this time don't get your hopes up.'' She replied, trying to keep rational without hurting her sisters even more. Piper looked silently down at her plate while Phoebe spoke up.
''There's only one way to find out. Why wait till dinner? Let's go see him now.'' Phoebe suggested.
''Will you be rational? Don't you find it just a little suspicious that just when we find out,'' She stops abruptly when a waitress appears next to her to clear the table.
''Let me get that for you.'' The waitress said picking up the dishes then leaving.
''Just when we find out we're witches, he shows up, but when mom died, he was nowhere to be found?''
''He sent us birthday cards.'' Phoebe added.
''Selective memory.'' Prue retorted, crossing her arms pointedly. '' Grams always told us that he was a threat to us. There's no reason to think that that's changed.''
''Prue, it's not that I don't see your point, but you knew him. We didn't. Why can't we have a chance to know him now?'' Piper questioned.
Prue sighed and glanced at Piper trying to think of the best way to say what needed to be said. ''Because we really don't know why he's here, and until we do, we can't trust him.'' she said decisively.
At the Hotel that Prue mentioned their father stated Phoebe decided to visit. Arriving at the door the receptionist said he was in she knocked on the door.
''Entrez,'' Victor Bennet's voice called through the door.
Phoebe opens the door and steps inside. She finds Victor having a massage.
''Daddy?'' She asked her voicing cracking from nerves. The man looked over in surprise and pushed up from the massage table.
"Well, well. Isn't this a nice surprise," He said, smiling as he got to his feet for a better look at his daughter.
"I'm sorry just to show up like this… I know I was supposed to wait until dinner but I…" Phoebe rambled, biting her lip slightly.
"No, nonsense," He broke her off while putting on his bath robe. "Welcome, let me get a good look at you. This is my baby girl. Little…Piper?" He asked uncertainly as the massage lady left the room. Phoebe frowned looking crushed. "Phoebe…" Victor whispered, shaking his head.
''Yeah. That's okay. People confuse us all the time.'' She said trying to cover up her disappointed tone.
''Are you kidding? I should be slapped and persecuted. Let me make it up to you how about some room service?''
"I just ate actually." Phoebe replied quickly, making him turn around.
"A drink? You are legal right?" He asked, causing Phoebe to smile.
"Barely, but no thanks,"
"A massage? I can call Lucy back." Victor suggested pointing to the door where the massage woman had just left. Again Phoebe shook her head.
"No really, I don't want anything." She responded slowly. Victor shrugged and finally gave up. "I just wanted to look at you." Phoebe admitted a little embarrassed. Victor smiled and took a few steps toward her.
"It's like looking in a mirror isn't it? You've got your Daddy's eyes, you know that?" He pointed out, laughing softly. Phoebe nodded and laughed as well.
"I noticed that," She agreed. They fell silent for a moment before Victor finally asked.
"How about a hug?" He outstretched his arms and after a moment's hesitation, Phoebe fell into him. As they hugged Phoebe was thrown into a premonition.
As she hugs him, Phoebe gets a premonition of Victor carrying the Book of Shadows and he's out in front of the house. He smiles. The premonition ended there.
Phoebe gasps and pulls away from the hug. The telephone rings.
''Oh, they always manage to find me.''
''You know, its okay. I'll just see you at dinner. I got to go.''
She stammered, turning around and running out the door before Victor could stop her.
"Phoebe! Wait!" Victor called after her but she was already gone.
The mailman whistles as he rushes up the front walk. Midway, he pauses and looks at the front door. He smiles and heads straight for the door. At the door, his carefully unfurls his index finger and we watch as the tip of his finger morphs into the end of a house key. He slips the key-finger into the front door lock and unlocks the door. The front door opens and the 'mailman' steps inside. He heads straight up the stairs. The mailman puts his bag down and tries to open the attic door. It's locked. He uses his shoulder and starts to pound the door. He takes a step back and kicks the door in.
The 'mailman' steps into the attic. He heads for the Book of Shadows on the pedestal, grabs it and heads out of the attic. The 'mailman' comes down the main stairs with the Book of Shadows tucked under his arm. He heads for the front door. He opens the door and steps outside. As if hitting a force field of some kind, the Book of Shadows flies out from his arm and back into the house.
The house won't let the Book go. He turns back frustrated and heads for the Book on the floor in the foyer. He picks the Book up and suddenly, he's tugging on it as if something invisible were holding onto it. He grabs the Book and throws it at the door. The Book hits a shield at the door and falls to the floor. He steps outside, grabs the book and tries to pull it out the door.
The Book glows gold and doesn't get past the mailman turns around and sees Prue headed up the walk. She's looking down at her keys and hasn't seen him. He quickly steps inside the house and closes the door. He tosses the Book aside and morphs into Andy. He calmly walks aside to wait for Prue. Prue unlocks the front door and opens it. She steps inside and sees Andy looking up the stairs.
"Andy? What are you doing here?" Prue asked, stopping dead in front of the door. Andy spun around acting surprised to see her.
"Oh! Door was open," 'Andy' lied casually as he strolled toward her.
"Again?" Prue asked, sounding frustrated.
"Yeah, I, uh, came by to check up and it was open. I looked around and everything appears to be in order." He replied as Prue set her paperwork down on the table beside the door. She froze as she saw The Book of Shadows lying on the floor in the living room. "Do you want me to check upstairs?" 'Andy' asked pointing up the stairs. Prue forced a smile and walked toward him, hoping he hadn't seen it.
"Uh, no, no, that's okay, really." She answered and then narrowed her eyes slightly, sending the Book sliding under a shelf out of sight. "Oh and um, about tomorrow night. I've changed my mind. We're on," Prue added. 'Andy' looked confused.
"Excuse me?" He asked.
"Well, you'll never guess who popped back into my life after twenty years. Victor, my dad." She explained, looking away from his eyes to hide how much his surprise visit was affecting her.
"Your dad?" 'Andy' stated, nodding awkwardly.
"Yeah, he wants dinner and I would really rather avoid that. Too bad the game's not tonight." Prue responded, misinterpreting his confusion. 'Andy' was about to say something when there was a knock on the Manor door and Cynda entered the house. "Hi, Cynda," Prue welcomed politely.
"Hey. Everything okay?" Cynda asked, glancing at 'Andy.'
"Yeah, thanks," Prue replied, smiling gratefully.
"Okay, bye," Cynda waved and left.
"Nice party last night," Prue offered as she left before turning to look back at 'Andy.' 'Andy' smiled slightly and glanced at her.
"I guess I should be going too," He announced, leaning forward and kissing her lightly on the cheek before leaving. Prue watched him leave and locked the door behind him. She went and picked up the Book looking at it curiously. She carried it back up to the attic where she halted, seeing the destruction of the attic door.
"What the hell?" Prue asked though there was no one to hear her.
After some time the other sisters arrive home and Naruto arrived at 5, just as discussed. Phoebe shakes her head and takes her cup of coffee back to the table. She sits down. '' Prue, you don't know for sure.'' Piper and Prue are in the back looking for something.
''I know plenty. First someone rips off the attic door. Then the book of shadows is found downstairs. Isn't that enough?'' Piper grabs the yellow pages and hands it to Prue.
''Why would somebody want the book?''
''Probably for its power,'' the blond interjected. ''It's a powerful artifact and it's closely tied to your power.''
''For one reason-they know what it can do. They want its power, our power.''
Prue starts looking through the yellow pages.
''That would mean it's someone who knows us and knows that we're witches.'' Piper listed off the facts. The sisters couldn't help, but glance at their guest.
''What? Hey don't look at me. Anyone I know who might know wouldn't harm you girls as they know they would have to deal with me and that's the last thing any of them what want. Besides the less people who know the better.''
''Well I have an idea on who might want it. Someone like Victor.'' Prue immediately accused.
''What? Dad?'' Phoebe responded. Phoebe spoke up in disbelief.
''Look, just think about it the moment he shows up, someone makes two attempts to grab the book? Coincidence? I think not.''
''The craft is a chick thing, Prue. It's passed on down through the female line. There's a good chance dad doesn't even know we're Charmed.'' Piper surmised.
''And there's just as good of a chance he does.'' Prue countered, causing Phoebe to look uncomfortable as she remembered her premonition of him getting the Book.
''What would he want with the book? And why would he take it from us? Phoebe, help me out here.'' Phoebe remained quiet though. ''Phoebe.''
''Okay. Let's just say for the sake of argument that he is after it. Wouldn't he have taken it with him? He wouldn't have left it behind.''
''Actually it's probably the protection. You see certain family heirlooms have protections cast on them or they are linked to the family and unless you find a way around them then you wouldn't be able to wield them. Like for instance sense you three are Good obviously Evil cannot touch the book and if they somehow fool the book into touching it they would still have to find a way to get the book outside the house. I think someone tried to walk out with the Book of Shadows, but the protection slingshot it back inside the house which is where Prue found it.''
''Wow...you sure know a lot. Man you must be a Pro at this magic thing.''
Naruto merely smiled at Phoebe's compliment. ''Just experience really. I'm more of a fighter then a magic user really. I know a lot of information and do research mostly.''
''Hey you know about magic. You think you can cast some of the protection charms in here?'' Piper said pointing to one of the pages.
''I can do charms sure, but my charms are more specialized. They wouldn't repel the demons, so much as weaken them or a period of time or slowly drive them insane. Anyway you girls are going to need to inform the police.'' he started to say and noticed their looks of disbelief. ''I mean for the damages. You need some sort of cover story as people are going to start wondering what you three are up to if you keep calling contractors and such out here yet there is no report as to what causes the damages.''
''Okay. Call the cops and report it as a break-in.'' Piper decided.
''And tell them what? That someone broke into our house to try and steal our broomsticks? I mean, please. Besides, Andy has already been here.''
''Oh. So Andy was here ... again. Talk about convenient. Did you ever think of pointing the finger at him?'' Phoebe asked.
''He's probably the one who scared Victor away. Until we find out what's going on and whether Victor is involved or not, we've got to hide the Book. Either that or we can't leave the house.''
''I'll look after it.'' Naruto declared cheerfully. ''You girls should enjoy yourselves tonight. You've probably had a hectic couple of days. I mean you sort of...well you know.'' he didn't want to point out the obvious, but they had been looking rather tired lately. Poor things, they probably hadn't had a decent night's sleep in the past few days with a fear of a demon just random materializing and killing them being just one of the few scenarios that could happen.
''I...I don't know...'' Prue said shaking her head. ''I wouldn't want to inconvenience you.'' Prue felt touched by Naruto's offer but she didn't want to get the blond in the middle of what was happening and ended up getting him hurt.
''I'm happy to help, or maybe you just don't trust me?'' he responded with a teasing grin as he decided to use the opportunity to fluster her some more. ''I thought we bonded in your office.''
At this exclamation the other two sisters raised an eyebrow in interest.
''Bonded huh? You didn't mention that Prue.'' Piper stated, trying to keep the smirk off her face, but failing because her sister's reaction of embarrassment was just too comical.
Though that didn't last as Prue shot them a look that said, 'Don't even go there!'
''Well can you blame me? You know a lot more about us then we do you. You're still going to explain how you've been watching us apparently and what you've seen.''
''Hey! I'm not a Voyeur! I respected you privacy!" he cried out aghast. At that Naruto gave himself 10 points mentally for succeeding in making all three sisters blush. 'Oh come on I gave you my address and you should have my cell phone number in your call log. You can track me down if you want. It's not like I'm going anywhere.''
''Well that's settling!" Phoebe said with a clap and stood up. ''Cu-er Naruto here will watch over the book, because I'm going to dinner tonight. I want to see dad.''
''So do I.'' Piper added.
''I've already seen him.'' Prue responded, acting stubborn as always. ''I'll stay here with Naruto and help him with the charms.''
''Oh so that was the plan. Get me over here where it's just you and me alone in this big mansion. Why Miss Halliwell, who want have thought you had this much game.''
Piper and Phoebe couldn't help but erupt in laughter. Naruto was definitely someone they were going to have around more often even if only because how he seemed to be able to ruffle Prue up.
An hour later the two sisters took a shower, got dressed, and went to the restaurant to meet Victor.
Piper and Phoebe were wearing a Brown and Black dress respectively as the trio sat down at their table.
''It's not like we don't have a lot to talk about.''
Phoebe smiles, ''We do.'' She glances at Piper who bites into a carrot. ''I-I mean, yeah. We have a few questions.''
''You know, the last time we ate together, you would only eat food that was white. I'm glad to see you've outgrown it.'' He said to Piper.
"That's right… I was four." Piper agreed, giggling. Victor then turned his attention to Phoebe.
"Which would have made you about one, Phoebe." Victor asked and Phoebe nodded slightly. "You know, you couldn't walk yet, but you could swim. You were a fish." He announced, causing Phoebe to laugh. Piper glanced at her and couldn't help but join in. Victor watched them intently before speaking again. "This feels right doesn't it? This feels natural, almost like normal."
"Almost…" Piper replied, looking down at her plate. "It's just, um, well why? After all this time why here? Why now?" She asked seriously.
"Well, I've heard the food is pretty good here and it is dinner time." Victor joked. Phoebe laughed while Piper forced a smile trying to decide whether she was annoyed at his dodging or if she thought it was funny. Before anything else could be said the waiters brought their food out and placed it in front of them. "Bon appetite" He suggested.
Meanwhile at a nearby house, angry, upset and frustrated, Cynda smashes a chair against the wall. ''Patience my sweet.'' Marshall told her.
''Patience is highly overrated. We could have destroyed them right there.''
''Then we'd have three dead witches and no way to get the book out of the house. Now where would that put us?''
''Satisfied.''
''I still like my idea. We just kill two of them, and we force the third to get the book out.'' Fritz added.
''Let me explain this once again for the cerebrally impaired. These are not schoolgirls we're dealing with. These are good witches. We cannot alert them to our presence. At their full strength, battling them ... oh would be unpleasant. However, once we possess the Book, we get its powers, we weaken theirs, and they're easy prey.''
Fritz stands up.'' You know, that sounds good in theory, but, uh ... we've already tried everything!''
''We still have Victor.''
After dinner the two sisters invited Victor backed to the Manor. In hindsight they really should have realized there would be having been a face-off between daughter and father.
''What exactly are you accusing me of, Prue?'' For a moment things were peacefully. They were bringing up old memories like Prue's recital and how he was aware that the girls could possibly inherent their ancestors powers.
Prue hissed, crossing her arms across her chest. Phoebe stepped between her and Victor, turning against Prue while Piper stayed in the back watching the fireworks.
"Come on, Prue. Take it easy." Phoebe snapped, her voice rising while Prue turned on her.
"Are you kidding me? Am I the only who sees what's going on here?" She yelled rhetorically. Phoebe turned away in frustration, throwing her hands up in the air dramatically.
"Can't we all just take a deep breath…?" Piper began, getting to her feet, but she was cut off by Prue turning back to look at her.
"Think about it, Piper. He wines and dines and now he's back in the house he hasn't set foot in for twenty years and the first thing he asks is 'Where's The Book of Shadows?'" The eldest Halliwell interrupted. Piper looked down at her hands while Phoebe shook her head angrily.
"You're just looking for something to blame him for!" Phoebe accused. Prue didn't respond and stared straight at Victor.
"Admit it. Tell them why you're here." She challenged her eyes narrowing dangerously at her father. Victor looked up to meet his daughter's gaze.
"Prue stop!" Piper pleaded from where she stood. Prue ignored her and continued talking to her father.
"For the first time in your life, Victor, tell them the truth." She insisted and he gave her a slight nod.
"Alright, fine." He agreed taking a few steps closer to Prue, his eyes never leaving her. "You're right. I am after the book. That's exactly the reason why I came back." Victor admitted, his eyes flickering to Phoebe who stood beside Prue and then to Piper in the back.
"Dad…" Phoebe whispered, sounding hurt.
"But not for the reasons you would like to believe. It would make it easy for you, Prue, wouldn't it? If I were evil? Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, I'm not. I'm here to protect you." He continued.
"Yeah right." Prue breathed sarcastically.
"To protect us from what?" Piper asked cautiously, her arms crossing her chest. Victor looked over at Piper hopefully.
"From yourselves! That's why I want that damn book. It's where the Power of Three started and where it must end." He insisted, walking past Prue and Phoebe toward Piper. Prue and Phoebe turned to watch him.
"But… it's part of us. Part of who we are." Phoebe protested in disbelief.
"That's what your mother believed too. Before they killed her." Victor replied, looking back at Phoebe. Piper gasped and took a step back.
"What are you saying?" She asked, glancing from Victor to Prue for an answer, her eyes wide.
"You have no idea what evil is out there." Victor began to explain but was cut off by Prue who was quickly losing what little patience she had to begin with.
"Oh, I think we have a pretty good idea." Prue snapped, pointedly looking at Victor who sighed in frustration and moved back toward her. Trying to make her understand.
"Listen to me, Prue. That book is a magnet for evil. As long as you have it, as long as you use it, you're in danger. All of you." He tried to explain but it just made Prue even angrier and she advanced toward him quickly.
"You are unbelievable! After all these years of being an absentee dad then you just waltz back into our lives and tell us how to live!" She shouted. This time neither Piper nor Phoebe held Prue back as she accused their father.
"I never wanted you to have those powers in the first place. I battled with your grandmother after your mom died. She wanted you find out you were witches as you grew up. I didn't. I fought for you, hard. But your grandmother was too strong." Victor argued desperate for them to understand. This time Piper was the one that approached, her eyes narrowed.
"Wait! You're blaming Grams for why you disappeared. She loved us! She raised us!" Piper exclaimed, her voice a higher pitch from her anger.
"What'd she do? Put a spell on you?" Prue asked sarcastically. Victor looked away shaking his head.
"Believe me, nothing short of that would have kept me away. You have to believe me. All I want is what's best for you." He replied sighing heavily and turning around toward the door before spinning on Phoebe. "Phoebe, you believe me don't you?" Phoebe bit her lip uncertainly and looked away.
"We've done fine without you." Prue spoke after Phoebe made it obvious she wasn't sure what to believe.
"Prue! You can't fight this" He tried again, looking only at her. "I couldn't" He admitted.
"I'm not you." Prue countered, her voice cracking slightly as her emotions began to spill over.
"Are you sure? Are you sure you can protect your sisters forever?" Victor challenged. Phoebe spoke up in Prue's defense.
"We'll protect each other." She insisted shortly.
"Then you'll die together." He shouted.
''No one can hurt us as bad as you!'' Angry, hurt and crying, Prue glares at Victor.
''Prue, no!'' Phoebe shouted.
Victor is sent flying backwards across the room. He hits the far door frame hard and falls to the floor. He picks himself up. ''If you wanted me to leave, all you had to do ... was ask.''
Victor heads for the door. Phoebe brushes past Prue to follow him.
''Why did you have to do that?'' Phoebe demanded.
Piper also shot Prue a heated glare. ''Did you have to throw him so hard?''
''Piper.''
''We could have just talked about it like normal people.''
''We're not normal.'' Prue angrily retorted before she could stop herself.
Piper turns and leaves. Prue walks out of the room, passing Phoebe on her way out.
Victor arrived to his room at the hotel to find it open. He shuts the door behind him and heads over to the couch. He sits down, puts his head in his hands and lights turn on. He looks up and finds Marshall, Fritz and Cynda in his room.
''Hello, Victor. Where have you been?''
Marshall greeted and walked toward him. "Where have you been?" He asked conversationally.
"How did you get in here?" Victor wondered, not seeming surprised or fazed in the slightest.
"I think you should be little more concerned with what we're doing in here." Marshall replied, advancing until he stood right in front of Victor. Victor chuckled and pulled out a cigar as Marshall walked off to stand beside Fritz on the other side of the room.
"I was wondering when evil would rear its ugly head." Victor admitted, watching the sibling shape shifters as he placed the cigar in his mouth.
"Consider it reared." Marshall allowed. "I don't know the kind of people you're used to dealing with, but I'd lay serious coin that they aren't willing to rip you into a million pieces and dance on your entrails."
''Oh, so you're lawyers, and here I was assuming you were shape shifters.'' Victor joked.
"Those are clever words for a man about to be an appetizer." Fritz spoke up approaching Victor from the side.
"Cocky words for a man that can't get a simple book out of the house." Victor countered and Fritz clenched his fists ready to swing at him. "Close your mouth, I mean it's obvious. You're going to shape shift into me and try to get to the girls that way. Am I right? It won't work." He explained as Fritz cast a glance back at Marshall.
"Why not?" Cynda demanded. Victor looked from Cynda to Marshall.
"Mind if I poke holes?" He asked and Marshall shrugged.
"Poke away." Marshall allowed curiously.
"After tonight, the girls won't let me or anything that looks like me back into their lives let alone the house. I have officially been kicked out." Victor explained as Cynda approached slowly. "There is however, one sister I can reach, Phoebe."
"So why don't I just become you… and I'll reach her." Cynda suggested, leering down at Victor.
"Because only her real father would know what buttons to push. The ones that will get me back in. If you kill me, you'll never know what they are. You'll never get back into the house and you'll never get The Book of Shadows."
The Next Morning in the manor dining room Prue was absentmindedly playing with her breakfast, moving her food on the plate with the tip of her fork as she was reading. Piper is also at the dining room table doing the exact same thing. Both are very quiet. Phoebe walks up to them carrying her cup of coffee and looks at the depressing scene in front of her. '' Good morning, Phoebe!''
She doesn't get any response from them. Phoebe grabs a white napkin off the table and waves it.'' Uh, guys ... can we call a truce just for five minutes, please? I have a confession. Remember when we agreed to not see dad? Yeah, well, um ... I did. ''
''Hello. I was with you.'' Piper replied, looking at Phoebe as if she was crazy. Phoebe shook her head slowly.
''No. By myself before dinner ... and I had a premonition about dad. When he hugged me, he was stealing the Book of Shadows. Yeah, you were right about him, Prue. I didn't want the premonition to be true. I was hoping, praying that there was a perfectly good explanation for it, hoping that ... that he was really here to be with us. I just wanted him back in our lives. He's our dad.''
Prue stands up and hugs Phoebe.
''I know, Phoebe. I know.'' She whispered, while Piper wiped her eyes.
Piper turns away to give them a moment, when she sees something on the floor.
''Hey. Look.'' She goes over and picks it up. She looks at it as Prue and Phoebe walk over to her. "What's it doing here?" Piper handed it to Prue who looked at it closely.
"It must have slipped off when he uh… fell… when he fell." Phoebe answered, glancing carefully at Prue who looked up at her for a moment.
"He fell? What'd he trip over? Air?" She asked in confusion.
"More like a blast of air…" Piper murmured giggling. She was relieved when Prue laughed softly and Phoebe joined in.
''Hey what happened to Naruto last night? He wasn't here when we got back?'' Phoebe suddenly remembered as the tension over last night's emotional incident faded.
''Oh he went to the drug store to pick up some protection,'' Prue commented offhandedly as she went into the bridge.
''Oh really?'' Phoebe asked with a coy smile. She knew her sister didn't mean it in that way, but she couldn't pass up an opportunity to teaser her sister.
''Protection aid!'' Prue immediately amended as she was well aware that her sister had a dirty mind. '' I mean for the charms! Ingredients for the charms along with what we might need for spells and potions ok. Nothing happened. He just spent a few hours tutoring me last night that's all.''
''Is that what they call it now?'' Phoebe asked as a Cheshire grin formed on her face as Prue's face went red from embarrassment instead of the usual anger.
''Phoebe!"'
''Geez relax I'm kidding! Besides I thought you like Andy.''
''Its...it's complicated ok.''
''Well I'm going to go out and get the paper. "
Out on the sidewalk the newspaper laid out in the sun. Phoebe walks over to it and picks it up. She looks up and waves to Marshall and Fritz leaning against their car parked on the opposite side of the street. They wave back.
Phoebe turns around and nearly bumps into Victor causing her to gasp.
''Don't be afraid.'' He told her softly, looking over her shoulder at Marshall and Fritz.
''What are you... you have to leave.'' Victor glances past Phoebe at Marshall and Fritz watching them.
Victor insisted glancing nervously from the shape shifters back to his youngest daughter. '' Phoebe, please. This is very important.'' Phoebe shakes her head. ''I can't. I don't want to talk to you anymore.''
Again, Victor glances at the neighbors. He sees that Marshall and Fritz are keeping a close eye on him.
''Phoebe, you got to get the Book out of the house.''
''You have to leave.''
Phoebe brushed past him and headed toward the house. In an attempt to make her listen to him, Victor grabs Phoebe by the upper arms.'' Phoebe, trust me. Look!''
Behind them, Marshall and Fritz head toward them. Suddenly, Phoebe has a premonition.
Victor holding the Book of Shadows. Victor smiles, then morphs back into Marshall. Marshall turns and walks away. He's joined by Fritz and Cynda.
Marshall and Fritz arrive and interrupt them.
"Excuse me, hey, is this guy bothering you?" Marshall asked Phoebe kindly pointing at Victor.
"Uh, no. This is my uh… This is Victor." Phoebe explained awkwardly, backing up slightly.
"We were just saying goodbye." Victor added, looking toward Marshall and Fritz calmly. Phoebe forced a smile and feigned buoyancy.
"Yeah, I gotta run," She answered, waving quickly to her neighbors and dashing back up the steps to the Manor. The shape shifters watched her leave and then spun to look at Victor who shrugged.
"What? Don't you trust me?" He asked rhetorically. Phoebe pushed the front door open and bolted inside, not even bothering to shut the door behind her.
"Dad's not after the book. It's Marshall." She called through the house, running up the stairs. Prue e walked out of the kitchen and met Phoebe at the bottom of the stairs.
"He's what?" Prue asked in confusion.
"The premonition, it wasn't Dad. Gotta find a spell and banish them." Phoebe explained cryptically, taking the steps two at a time.
''Banish who?''
''The neighbors. They're shape shifters. Fritz and Marshall and the ...'' Phoebe trailed off as Piper walked in with Cynda who was holding a plastic container.
"Cookies?" Cynda called offering the sisters one from the container. ''Just baked.''
''Hey.'' Fritz steps into the main hall. '' The door was unlocked.'' he added as he casually strolled in.
Phoebe doesn't say anything. She turns and continues up the stairs.
''Where you going, Pheebs?'' Piper starts climbing up the stairs. She passes by Prue.
''Uh, just to get something,'' She said slowly. Phoebe smiles at Cynda.''Will you save me a cookie?''
Cynda smiles.''Okay.''
'Victor' steps into the foyer from the front door.
''Daddy's home!''
Prue and Piper stand on the stairs and stare at "Victor".
Up in the Attic Phoebe She heads for the Book of Shadows hidden behind the clothes rack. She starts flipping through the book.
''Come on. Come on.'' She said flipping through the pages then stop in frustration.'' I have no idea what I'm looking for.''
Naruto from his position outside shook his head and sighed. With a whip of his hand wind rushes into the attic and magically flips the pages in the Book of Shadows
''Ok. I can take a hint.'' Phoebe watches as the pages open to the exact spell she's looking for.
[/Reading quickly to remember it/]
[/When in the circle that is home/]
[/Safety's gone and evils roam,/]
[/Rid all beings from these walls,/]
[/Save sisters three. Now heed our call."/]
[/Rid all beings from these walls./]
[/Save sisters three. Now heed our call. Okay!/]
Phoebe turns and rushes out of the rushes down the stairs and stops next to Prue and Piper. She looks and sees Victor.
''Dad...you can't be here. You have to leave now.''
The front door closes and a second Victor Bennett walks into the house and stops near the other "Victor".
''Whoa! Time out. What's going on here?'' Piper exclaimed pointing between the two Victors.
"Don't worry about it, sweetie. Everything's going to be fine." The first victor said gently.
"Don't trust him." the second Victor insisted.
"Wait, last week we had no dad and now we have two?" Piper questioned quizzically, looking for an explanation.
''Phoebe, remember..."' he steps forward,''...remember when you were little and you were afraid of the dark and I would leave the hall light on and the door open just a crack?''
Phoebe shakes her head, Prue turns to look at Phoebe's confusion.
"Oh that's original. What kid isn't afraid of the dark?" Victor number 2 snapped coming up to stand beside the other Victor.
"Prue! She's never been afraid of anything." The first victor retorted pointing at Prue. Fritz and Cynda watched the discussion from the side, inconspicuously moving closer to the sisters.
"Lucky guess." The second Victor replied and then glanced at the sisters. "I said I came back to protect you. Now there's only one way to do it. Kill us both," He continued dramatically. Victor one cast him a look of disbelief.
"You're bluffing…" He stated shortly.
"Am I? Just do it because I want to go out with a bang.'' the confident Victor countered.
"Do it, Phoebe." Prue ordered glancing to look at Phoebe who shook her head slightly.
"The spell will kill everyone including Dad." She responded.
"It's the only way…Prudence." Victor two reiterated, watching them carefully.
''Prue. The protection ring.''
Prue telekinetically pushes the ring on the hallway table toward Victor. Victor picks up the ring. He glances over at Prue. Their eyes meet and she nods to him. Victor puts the ring on.
Prue instructed and Phoebe closed her eyes and began the chant. ''Phoebe, now.''
When in the circle that is home safety's gone and evils roam...
Cynda changes into the vampire monster.
rid all beings from these walls, save sisters three. Now heed our call.
The spell starts. A wind blows downstairs.
When in the circle that is home safety's gone and evils roam-
Victor 1 morphs back into Marshall. The three neighbors start to magically melt under the power of the spell. The Real Victor falls to his knees.
''Daddy!''
''It's okay! Keep it going!''
All three sisters started to chant.
Rid all beings from these walls, save sisters three. Now heed our call.
The three neighbors melt into goo and disappear. Prue, Piper and Phoebe rush down the stairs. Prue helps Victor to his feet.
"For a moment there I wasn't sure what you would do." Victor admitted softly, looking at his daughters.
"For a moment there neither did we." Prue replied.
"I thought you didn't want us to use our magic." Phoebe spoke her thoughts aloud from where she stood beside Piper.
"I didn't. Not as long as I still thought of you as my little girls. But you're obviously not anymore." He explained.
"We're still your little girls we're just…" Piper began and Prue smiled taking over her train of thought.
"…Witches" Prue and Piper giggled softly and Victor glanced between them.
"Yeah… witches. Who obviously don't need your old man to protect you from anything." He agreed softly as he pulled his eldest daughter into their first hug since he'd left those years ago.
Later on in the Sitting Room. ''No, Andy, I'm fine, really. Dad's going to be here any minute, so can I take a rain check on dinner? Ok. Thanks for the good advice. Bye.'' Phoebe and Piper join her. They're all dressed and ready to go out.
"So, he's Dad now?" She asked curiously and Prue rolled her eyes.
"Yes, Phoebe. He is. And by the way my dress looks good on you but…" Prue hinted while Phoebe frowned and gave her eldest sister a pleading look.
"I don't have any nice clothes, Prue" She pleaded and Piper smirked at the all too familiar conversation.
"Dad said it was casual." Prue reminded her.
''I don't care. I want to look nice for him. Who knows how long it will be before we see him again?'' Phoebe asked in that childish voice of hers when she was trying to come off as cutesy.
''You don't think he's going to stay around?'' Piper asked, glancing at her sisters.
''Well, let's just say I no longer have a romanticized image of him, and I'm glad about that, actually. At least dad is real now.''
''And at least he's not a monster, which is very reassuring, considering we share his genes.''
''I'm just glad he came back, no matter how long he stays. It feels kind of nice feeling like a normal family again, whatever that means.'' Phoebe nods in agreement. They lapse into silence. The doorbell rings.
''Speak of the devil.''
Piper turns to answer the door.
''Um, hi. You must be Mr. Wyatt.'' She said as the tall man with 'blondish hair ' walked in. Wide eyes with surprise, ''The handyman?''
''Call me Leo.'' He offered quickly causing Phoebe to smile.
"Gladly." Phoebe replied. Leo laughed slightly and then looked around at the Manor with interest.
He holds out the envelope to Prue.'' This was on the steps.'
Prue takes the envelope.'' Oh, thanks.''
"This place is uh, you don't find many like this anymore." He stated placing his hand on the door frame carefully. Piper smiled and looked around at it as well.
"Yeah… it's kind of falling apart." Piper admitted and Leo smiled.
"The problems not the Manor. It's the manner in which it was treated." He explained, looking around at all three sisters. "I would love to see more." Leo prompted politely and Phoebe jumped at the opportunity.
"And I would love to show it to you. The attic is right this way." She began, pushing Piper out of the way and leading Leo toward the stairs. Prue, who had read the package by now, frowned and looked up at her sisters.
"Guys… He's not coming." She whispered. Phoebe spun around to look at Prue before turning back to Leo.
"Oh, I'll be right there Leo." Phoebe called and then walked back into the room.
''Who's not coming?''
''But he sent this. Um…"Girls, something's come up. I had to leave town. Can't make dinner. Probably best if we let the dusts settle, anyway. I know there's a lot you would like to forget, but here's what I remember. Love, Dad."
Prue holds up the video tape. They look at each other, the disappointment evident on their faces.
At that same time elsewhere. ''You have nothing to worry about. I'll keep a close eyes on them,'' Naruto said as he took a sip from his glass of wine.
"You said that once before. If anything happens to them...''
''I take that threat to heart seeing as its coming from a concerned father. I assure you Victor I will not fail this time. I know I failed to protect Patty and you know how sorry I am for that. I miss her just as much as you do, but you know how these things are. I won't fail her daughter, which is one promise that I won't be breaking.''
Back at the mansion on the television set, the girls watch a Christmas home movie. They're all sitting around the Christmas tree opening presents.
''What did you get? What's in there? You can open it. Come on.'' Victor's voice said from the television set.
On the video, Little Prue opens her present and finds a pair of ballet slippers. She holds it up and waves it around.
''Oh! It's like magic!'
From the video, we hear everyone squeal with delight and laugh.
''Oh, daddy.''
''Oh, what is it?' Patty asked.
''Come here, come here. Let me see those shoes.''
''What is it?''
''Ballet slippers, huh?''
''What is it?''
Prue, Piper and Phoebe were all crowded together on the couch as they watch the video of a time when the entire family shared a happy moment.
''Oh, daddy.''
''Ok.''
On the video, Victor grabs his daughter, laughs and gives her a big kiss as she giggles. ''Again.''
''Again. Oh, gosh.''
He kisses her again.'' Mommy!''
''What is it? What is it? What is it?''
On the video, he gives Little Prue a kiss.
''Look at that face. Look at that face.''
''Who is it?''
''Hey! Piper ! Hey!''
On the video, he picks Little Piper up and gives her a kiss. They laugh. The camera zooms in on Little Phoebe with an open present in her lap, looking around at everyone with wide-eyes.
''Oh, Prudence.''
''What's in there?''
''What have you got, Phoebe?''
Little Phoebe holds up the present.
''Barbie! Yay! Barbie!'' Little Phoebe cheered.
''Yes! Yes!''
On the video, the family laughs.