Charmed Kitsune
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NarutoxHarem
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Story Start
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''Why do you let your boss step all over you?'' The annoyed dream walker Dream walker asked as he tried to encourage Piper to stand up more for herself. He was Piper's confidant more or less. He was there to listen to her when she had no one else to talk to.
''I don't know. I'm not just a confrontational sort of person and he's my boss.''
''Boss or not he shouldn't be treated you like a slave. Hell even when we enter these dream sequences you seemed more content with napping then talking.''
The two were cuddled up on a blanket by the beach. Piper's head rested on the dream walker's chest as they enjoyed the sun's rays.
''I'll talk to him about my schedule next time I see him.''
''You know...maybe this job isn't the right one for you. I mean I know you enjoy cooking, but it seems like you're miserable there most of the time. Maybe you should consider a career change.''
''Well right now there are bills and it wouldn't be practical until I have enough money saved away.''
''Hhm I suppose...'' He said wrapping his hands around her as they enjoyed another night of peace.
It was an average night in San Francisco. One person in particular, Dr. Oliver Mitchell was walking to his parked car after another average day of work.
''Excuse me.'' A voice called out to the man.
Dr. Oliver Mitchell turns around and came face to face with a strange looking man. He was dressed in dark clothing and quite tall, not to mention his complexion was rather pale.
''Are you Dr. Mitchell? Dr. Oliver Mitchell?'' The man beside the car asked, his voicing echoing around the half-empty parking lot.
The professor was silent for a moment, studying the man. "Yes." Dr. Mitchell admitted warily.
The other man smiled his hand moving to his heart as if he was a fan and took several steps toward Dr. Mitchell. "What a pleasure. I can't tell you how long I've waited for this." He responded, a hint of admiration in his voice.
Dr. Oliver Mitchell doesn't say anything. He fiddles with his car keys in his hand as the man holds out his hand.
''Excuse me, but have we...'' The Dr. started to say only for the man to finish his question.
"…Met? I'm sorry, only in print. I've read your work. Your studies, specifically on cell degeneration is ahead of their time." The admirer explained his interest, still holding the large smile.
Dr. Mitchell laughed nervously, coming to the conclusion that this fan of his was creepy. "You're very kind." He replied politely and again advanced toward his car, only to have the other man follow him.
"No really. It's fascinating. You've become kind of a hobby of mine. I found your article on the mutant retina gene to be particularly intriguing." He added, crossing his arms while closing the distance between him and Dr. Mitchell.
A flash of surprise shot through Dr. Mitchell's eyes. "But I haven't even…" He started, only to have the other man finish his sentence.
"…published it yet? Don't worry, you will. And you'll help to find the vaccine." The man assured him cryptically.
"The vaccine? Against what?" Dr. Mitchell asked curiously.
''Against this.'' On the forehead of the man a strange demonic eye appears. A laser shoots forward at Dr. Mitchell in the middle of his forehead between his eyes. He screams in pain. His keys hit the garage floor as he continues to yell as his eyes turn white. The beam of light stops leaving a hole in Dr. Mitchell's forehead. He falls to the ground, dead.
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At the Movie Theater that same time a small crowd has gathered in front of the theater. Phoebe was there, shaking an EIGHT ball.
It reads: Ask again later.
"Ask again later. Hello? Vague?''
She walks up to Prue and Piper who were standing in line.
''How am I supposed to plan my future without a little direction?'' Phoebe asked in annoyance. She figured if magic is real then magic 8 balls must have some sort of merit.
''You, who can see the future, is now looking for it in a magic 8-ball?'' Prue teased lightly. She found herself skeptical that Phoebe would really resort to such a thing.
''My visions don't help me, remember?'' She countered. Really this whole no personal gain thing was a pain in the ass. So because they inherited magic they had to use it in only specific ways and any attempts to better their own lives would be invalid. Sure it may be a little selfish, but how would winning the lottery be a bad thing? With being a millionaire there would be no need for her to have a job therefore she would be able to dedicate more of her time to helping innocents so wouldn't that be good right?
''I've got an idea.'' Piper scoots over to stand next to Phoebe. ''Why don't we ask it if Prue and Andy will get back together?''
''Oh, Phoebe, please. Don't.'' Prue didn't really want to think about it.
Phoebe looks at the results. ''Ooh, interesting.'' She said with a small smirk.
Piper looks over her shoulder and added, ''Very.'' She added with a similar grin.
Prue takes a step forward to look also, but Phoebe shakes the magic eight ball.
Piper's pager beeps.
''You two are cruel.'' Prue said with a huff of annoyance.
Piper unlocks the front door, her arms heavy with Quake's books. She pushes the door open.
Phoebe chuckles as Prue grabs the ball just as Piper checks her pager.
''Ask it what a day off feels like. That was my boss, Martin. I have to get back to the restaurant. ''Piper muttered after pulling her pager out of her pocket. She elaborated, recognizing the looks cast in her direction.
''You're kidding.'' Prue said in dismay as her big sister instinct was kicking in. Piper's boss had been calling her in to work a lot of shifts lately and it was a wonder she hadn't started feeling the effects of being overworked.
''There's a convention in town, and business is just crazy.'' she explained.
''But you worked a double shift yesterday and the day before that. He's working you to death, Piper.'' Phoebe pointed out, her voice half-anger and half-concern.
Piper takes out her cell phone to make the call.
''I thought you were gonna talk to Martin about this weeks ago.'' Phoebe added, remembering the conversation in which Prue was trying to tell Piper to stand up for herself. It was very similar to conversations they used to have as teenagers.
''I never got around to it.'' The middle sister said in response trying to dodge the subject. She really wasn't one for confrontation.
''Yeah, well, tell him to stuff it. Tell him you're taking the night off and that's that.'' Phoebe ordered as Piper put the phone to her ear, waiting for her boss to pick up.
''I know. You're right. I will. '' Piper relented as she spoke into the phone.
''Hello, Martin? No, I know what you want, but... '' She paused as the man on the other line spoke. ''...Okay. No, it's not a problem. I'll be right there.'' Piper said as she hung up the phone.
''Wow. You told him.'' Prue bantered, almost laughing at her sister's failed attempt.
''Beware the wrath of Piper.'' Phoebe added with a teasing tone as well as Piper sighed.
''I will talk to him. Eventually. I gotta go.'' Piper replied, walking off toward where she'd parked her car.
''Uh, wait, Piper, I'll walk you to the car. It's safer.'' Phoebe called after her, following her sister.
''I'll wait here.'' Prue mumbled to herself.
Phoebe chases after Piper and hooks her arm around Piper's arm as she catches up with her.
At that same time a pale and strangely looking man walked down the sidewalk towards.
''Excuse me, pardon me. '' Phoebe bumps into the stranger and immediately has a premonition.
A Woman screams as a beam of blue light hits her in the middle of her forehead. Her eyes turn white. The beam stops and the woman fall to the ground dead.
"Oh my god, Piper!" She exclaimed.
Piper spun around, suddenly realizing Phoebe had stopped and headed back toward her. "What is it?" She asked, tilting her head to the side.
"I just had a premonition a woman's about to get murdered." Phoebe explained, her eyes flickering over as many people as she could hoping to catch a glimpse of a clue. They both spun around as the sirens and lights of police cars passed by into the nearby parking deck. Without a second thought they dashed after them.
In the distance, the sounds of sirens grow louder. Both Piper and Phoebe turn and see the officer car rushing along the street and turning the corner just in front of them.
Phoebe runs to chase after the car; Piper chases after Phoebe.
Phoebe, Piper and Prue stop along with the small growing crowd at the parking garage.
''Oh, my god.'' Prue gasped while her sisters stared at the body, speechless.
On the ground is Dr. Mitchell, dead with a hole in the middle of his forehead.'' Phoebe saw this murder before it happened.'' Piper finally managed to choke out, her eyes never leaving Dr. Mitchell.
Phoebe looks down at the dead man.'' No not this one I think I saw the next one.''
Back at the Halliwell Manor some time later Piper was filling up three coffee cups with coffee. Phoebe walks in and grabs the cereal boxes and a bowl. She walks over to the table and puts them down. She fills the bowl up with cereal.
Prue walks into the kitchen, grabs a cup of coffee and walks over to the table. She pulls out the sections she's going to read, sits down and starts reading the paper. She looks up, then back at her cup of coffee.
"Uh, is this leaded?" Prue asked after glancing toward her coffee cup and then up at Piper.
"Always is." Piper replied simply as she pushes Phoebe's cup of coffee toward her and knocks over a box of cereal. She freezes it from falling.
''Oops.'' Piper sighs, turns and grabs a garbage bin to put under the box. Time resumes and the box falls into the bin.
Naruto walks into the kitchen. ''Good morning, ladies.'' He greeted with a smile. ''So Phoebe are you sure you have no idea who the next victim is?''
''Never met her...so how is the doctor?'' suffice to say she was quite surprised the man was still alive after what they saw.
''He's fine...a little freaked out. Having someone fake your death right before your eyes and waking up in a strange place can be a bit disorientated, especially moments before you were going to be killed and have no idea what the hell is going on.''
''Wow that was pretty convenient.'' Phoebe noted as she sent a pointed glance in Naruto's direction.
''Well he's a person I've been keeping tabs on. There are certain non-magical people who make advances in their fields that would have long reaching consequences on the magical world. Anyway I need to see if I can form more information on that creature's objectives. I'll see you ladies later."
''Wait don't you want some coffee before you go?' Piper hastily suggested, ''I mean I wanted to ask you about...'' she tried to wrack her brain about something. ''Powers,'' she said with a nod. ''About advancing my powers. You know to avoid having a repeat like with those monster bridesmaids and not have to be up close for me to use them.''
''That is something we should focus on.'' He replied with a nod.
''Then just let me get you that cup and...'' As Piper made way towards the cup her pager beeps.
''Oops, you're busy. I'll get it. '' Phoebe says cutting between Piper and the cup. ''You know I could use some help too. In fact why not head to the living room where there's more room.''
''Okay...'' he said with a raised eyebrow as he turned and left the kitchen.
''Are you two still doing that silly little competition?'' Prue demanded with a disapproving glance. She couldn't believe her two sisters were fighting over a guy. While she had contemplated telling her sisters of Naruto's family situation she decided she was going to respect his decision to keep it to himself and let him be the one to tell them only stepping in if he decided to pursue either one of them without telling them. While she would do everything she could to protect her sisters she believed the blond meant them no harm. She decided that next chance she got she would talk to him about it because she didn't quite believe the blond could be that clueless to her sisters obvious interests. ''When are you two going to stop fighting over him and grow up?''
Piper grabs the cup from Phoebe. ''Tell that to Phoebe.''
''Hey I think the two of us have a fair amount in common. Were both free-spirited and like to have fun.''
''Well he's very business minded and seems to have his life together and someone stable would be just the kind of woman he needs.''
Piper carries the cup, grabs her pager and heads out of the kitchen. On her way out, she grabs her coat and clothes.
Phoebe picks up her bowl of cereal and resumes eating as Prue watches Piper go.
Phoebe sits down at the table. ''Hey so are you sure there isn't anything to go on about the next victim?'' Prue asked her, steering the conversation to something more productive.
''Well, she was about 5'3", and her hair was light ... ish.''She trailed off, not remembering anything else about her or at least not knowing how to describe her.
Prue was waiting for a more details, but realized that Phoebe didn't have any more to offer. ''That's it?''
''It's not on video tape. I can't exactly rewind it. Hey, you've gotta talk to Andy.''
''What?'' Prue recoiled.
''Well, if I can't find her, then I have to find the killer before he gets to her.''
''Well, have you checked the Book of Shadows? He's demonic in origin and maybe he's been banished before.'' Prue had brought up a point with Naruto previously about just how many demons were alternate reality revived and the possibility that the Halliwell line vanquished that many demons. He told her that the vanquishing spells for every demon in fact did not necessarily mean vanquished. Vanquish was the term they used when centuries ago the spells were divided into either banishing the demons for an amount of time until they found a combination that permanently destroyed them or sealing them away. Of course the term of vanquishing which was pretty much a nicer way of saying killing them and erasing their existence from the living world. (Alternate Plot hole filled theory 1)
''Yeah, but for all we know, Andy's already hot on his trail. You have to go see him, find out.'' While Phoebe new this was potentially dangerous they needed to track that demon before he killed again. The person who had saved Dr. Mitchell was pretty much a mere rookie who knew a few illusions and was hopeless when it came to fighting or tracking.
Prue narrowed her eyes, unwilling to let her sisters corner her this time. "Can't."
"Won't." Phoebe responded.
''Phoebe, give me a break, we just stopped seeing each other. Don't you think it might be a little awkward?'' The other's nights events still had her feeling quite uncomfortable.
"Okay, then how about I go see him and you look in the Book of Shadows." Phoebe decided, finally letting Prue drop out of speaking to Andy.
"Phoebe…" Prue began, but was cut off by her younger sister.
"Prue, I had this vision for a reason. I'm supposed to save her. I know it and I have to find her." Phoebe retorted, getting up from her seat to get ready to visit the police station.
Prue sighed and reluctantly nothing else to do Prue relented and made way to the Attic. Once inside she moved over to the Book of Shadows and opened it. She thumbed through the pages and found nothing of use.
''Nothing.'' She continues to look through the pages for a moment. "I don't even know what I'm looking for.''
Prue closes the Book and steps away from it. She heads for the attic door to leave when suddenly the he Book magically opens to a spell. The sound of the Book moving causes Prue to turn and check it out. It stops at the Truth Spell. The page reads: "For those who want the truth revealed, opened hearts and secrets unsealed from not until it's now again, after which the memory ends. Those who now are in this house Will hear the truth from other's mouths."
''The Truth Spell.'' Prue murmured softly. Prue flips the pages over. She turns to leave and the Book again magically flips to The Truth Spell.
''What the... ?'' she was startled to say the least. This was the first time to book reacted on its own. She shut the book close and made way for the attic door. After leaving the book once more opened to the Truth Spell.
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At Quake the dining the room was packed with various people. At the end of the bar, Piper is on the phone conducting business.
''The truth is I need extra tablecloths because - wine! Oh!''
The customer next to her bumps into the glass of wine spilling it onto her order sheets. Martin walks over to her and grabs the phone from her hand and hangs it up for her.
''I need this space. Can't you do that in the manager's office?'' He nagged, grabbing the phone from Piper and hanging it up before she could stop him.
''You took my desk, remember, Martin?'' Piper asked, restraining the bitterness and annoyance that threatened to spill through.
''Then go somewhere else. I've got a restaurant full of hungry conventioneers, I just ran out of white corn chowder, and I need you to get a hold of produce, pronto.'' Martin retorted, starting to turn away until Piper spoke up in disbelief.
"Well, what about the books?" She demanded, grabbing what was left of the wine-covered papers and reminding him of their importance.
"You can take them home with you. I come back after three weeks and the whole place is...chaos." Martine decided, waving his arms dramatically around the seating area. He turned and walked away.
Piper, tired of the over-work, jumped to her feet and followed a few steps. "Martin, you know what I think?" She called over the voices of the crowd.
Martin spun around to face her. "What? What do you think?" He challenged, his angry voice catching Piper off guard.
Piper halted nervously and immediately backed down from the challenge. "Uh, I think I'm gonna need that number to produce." She replied meekly.
Martin threw his hands in the air dramatically and disappeared in the crowd.
At Buckland Auction House Prue was sitting at her desk staring at a framed picture of her and Andy. There's a light knock on the door. Phoebe steps into the office.
"Hey." Phoebe called cheerfully.
"Hey." Prue repeated, leaning forward slightly and preparing for whatever Phoebe had in mind.
Phoebe closes the door behind her.'' Can I borrow your laptop? I need to do some surfing on the web. See if I can find anything about the burns on the victim's forehead.'' She laughs at the look on Prue's face. ''What?''
''Nothing. I just never really thought of you as computer-friendly.''
Prue stands up to get the laptop. '' Are you kidding? Chat rooms saved my life.''
''Ah. Um, so ... did you talk to Andy?'' Despite how uncomfortable she was Prue couldn't help but feel a bit anxious to hear word back on her ex. To hear if he mentioned her.
Prue hands the laptop to Phoebe who hooks the bag on her shoulder.
Phoebe took the laptop from Prue and threw it over her shoulder before saying anything.'' Actually, I spoke to his partner instead.''
''You told Morris? ''She demanded, disbelief evident in her voice.
''About the case? I didn't have to. Every inspector at the station was talking about it. The only problem is they're stumped. Did you find anything in the Book of Shadows?''
''Uh, I'm not sure. So, you didn't see Andy?'' Prue mentally kicked herself. She didn't want to sound desperate but she couldn't help it. Certain bonds weren't so easy to overlook and separate.
''No. I said I didn't talk to Andy. I saw him in the parking lot when I left. But ... he had that look, Prue. You know the one I'm talking about. You might recognize it from the mirror.'' She answered a hint of a tease in her last comment. "He really cares about you." Phoebe added, completely serious.
''Yeah. Don't you think I know that?'' She couldn't help but snapped. On the surface she made had been upset about this little emotional turmoil but the long history of emotional incidents and losses made it hard for her to deal with losing people at times.
''So what are waiting for? Tell him the truth. It's the only thing standing between you guys.'' Phoebe suggested.
''Tell him that I'm a witch? I can't do that. What if he can't handle it? It's not like I can put the genie back in the bottle.'' Prue argued while Phoebe smiled slightly at the predictable comment.
''He's not gonna turn you in to the warlock police. At least you'd know how he feels once and for all. Otherwise, you'll never know if it could've worked out or not. If I were you, I would figure out a way to tell him.'' With the lecture over Phoebe added. ''Thank you for the laptop.''
Phoebe turns and leaves Prue's office leaving the door open as she went out.
Prue watched her leave before looking back down at her papers again. It wasn't but a moment later when another woman knocked lightly on her door, gaining Prue's attention.
"Sandwich?" The woman asked, pulling her cooler up behind her.
Prue rose to her feet and grabbed her wallet from her purse as she approached the woman. "Hey Tanya. Sure." She agreed.
Tanya grabbed a sandwich from the top of her cooler and met Prue halfway. "I saved you your favorite. Turkey, no mayo."
Prue passed the money to Tanya and took the sandwich. "You're a good woman." Prue laughed gratefully.
"Thanks." Tanya replied as Prue turned away.
"Bye." Prue called pleasantly over her shoulder, sitting her sandwich down on her desk as the door behind her closed, leaving her alone in her office. She walked back around her desk, her eyes catching sight of the picture of Andy and her again. She slowly sat down in her chair, her mind wandering to The Truth Spell.
Tanya Parker, the sandwich bender leaves, closing the door behind her. Prue puts the sandwich on the desk and goes back to staring at the framed photo of herself with Andy and she sighs.
Later that afternoon to the early Evening Prue once went to the Attic to check the Book of Shadows. She sighs upon seeing the Truth Spell.
''Okay, you win.'' she admonished as she read through the contents of the spell. It was the only way she would be able to find out things once and for all.
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Night soon came and Piper had arrived back home. "Hey, stranger. Back from the war?" Phoebe called, meeting Piper up on the threshold.
Piper pushed the door open and turned to look at her younger sisters. She glanced down at the books in her hand with a slight frown. "More like I brought it home with me. Inventory." She muttered.
''I'll help you with yours, if you help me with mine.'' Phoebe kindly suggested as she walked into the house with Piper not too far behind.
In the attic Prue takes the plunge and reads the spell out loud, slowly chanting. 'For those who want the truth revealed, Opened hearts, and secrets unsealed, from now until it's now again, after which the memory ends.'
Phoebe and Piper walk into the living room.
"So I guess you didn't talk to your boss." Phoebe guessed as she and Piper she walked around the corner into the parlor.
"Course I did. Just like I said I would." Piper countered, taking a seat on the couch and placing the books in front of her.
Phoebe sat down on her right, swinging the laptop around to rest on the table beside Piper's books, grabbing a pen off the table.
Piper reached up to touch a spot on her chin and turned to Phoebe. "Am I getting a zit on my chin?"
Phoebe looked over at her curiously and shook her head. "Can't see anything."
Back in the attic Prue was finishing the spell.
''Those who now are in this house will hear the truth from others' mouths.''
There's a light sound as the spell starts.
Back in the living room Phoebe unzips the laptop case.
"So you really can't see it?" Piper fretted, still rubbing the spot on her chin.
Phoebe looked over this time and her eyes widened. "Are you kidding? It looks like that thing has a life of its own." The truth spell forced her to shake her head in a moment of confusion.
"What?" Piper asked in confusion. Even if it did look like that, her sister wasn't supposed to say it.
"So, did you say you told off Martin?" Phoebe wondered curiously, trying to change the subject away from her blunder.
"No, I lied. I chickened out." Piper answered, the truth spell forcing her to say the truth. Piper's mouth dropped and was as puzzled as Phoebe by her own words.
Prue still in the attic starts calling Andy. Prue glances down at her watch. It's 8:00.
''Hi. You've reached Andy Trudeau. Leave your name and number. I'll get back to you. Thanks.''
The answering machine beeps.
''Uh, hi. Hi, Andy.'' Prue began nervously. ''It's, um, Prue. Hey, I was wondering. I ... could you just call me, please, soon, within the next twenty-four hours? I need to talk to you about something. So, um...just call, ok? Bye. Uh, you know, tonight would be fine, too. Um...ok. Bye.'' Prue hangs up and sighs.
At a lab building one Alex Pearson puts a slide under the microscope. There's classical musing playing in the background.
''Excuse me.''
Alex Pearson turns around. He sees the pale stranger standing in the doorway.
"Excuse me, are you Mr. Pearson? Alex Pearson?" The warlock asked causing the young man to look up in surprise at the entrance.
"Yeah. Yeah, can I help you?" Alex wondered in curiosity and surprise.
The warlock smiled and took a step forward. "In so many ways." He answered cryptically. "Working late tonight, aren't you?" He observed, taking a look at the different slides on the various counters in the room.
"Uh, yeah. I work better at night. And these soil samples just arrived from the Bindura plateau." Alex replied cheerfully, pointing at the slides he was focusing his attention on this night. He reached over and turned off his radio politely.
"Ahhh… Zimbabwe. Their crops have been over-run by disease for decades. Well, your work will put an end to that." He commented, turning back to face Alex.
"That's the hope." Alex offered, his eyes flickering uncertainly over the warlock in front of him.
The warlock shook his head in disagreement. "That's the reality." He countered.
Alex narrowed his eyes slightly in suspicion, but was playing it cool. "Are you from the foundation? They usually don't check up on us this late." He questioned a little nervously.
"Oh, no, no. But I have studied your work and know what it will lead to." He answered laughing and advancing toward Alex.
"My- my work? You mean the labs? I'm really just the technician." Alex pointed out mildly.
The warlock reached out and gripped Alex's shoulder lightly. "For now but someday. Someday...someday you will help find the vaccine." He explained cryptically.
"A vaccine? F-For what?" Alex wondered but when the warlock just smiled he demanded more information. "Who are you? W-What do you want?"
The warlock stepped closer so he was just in front of Alex. "Your future." He whispered.
Alex tries to run, but the stranger grabs him and pushes him back. In the struggle, Alex pulls off a button from the stranger's jacket. It falls to the floor forgotten. As Alex watches, a third eye appears in the middle of the stranger's forehead.
''Dear god, what is that?'' Smiling at him, a beam of blue light shoots out from Gavin's third eye and burns into the middle of Alex's forehead. Alex cries out in pain as a hole in burned into his head, his eyes turning white.
In the Manor, in the kitchen the following morning Piper just finished pouring out three cups of coffee. Prue walks in with the newspaper and grabs hers.
"Thanks, is this leaded?" Prue asked as she sat down at the table.
Piper didn't look up from fixing her coffee. "Nope." She replied quickly.
Prue stopped and stared at her in confusion. "It's not?" She questioned in surprise.
"Never has been. I just say it because it's ridiculous to make two pots of coffee when you're the only that drinks diesel." Piper explained, the truth spell forcing the answer. Piper appeared annoyed at the realization and made sure Prue caught her narrowed eyes.
Piper and Prue both stop and ponder what's going on. Prue sits down at the table.
Phoebe walks into the kitchen.
''Prue, don't give me grief when you get the phone bill. I was up all night on the internet, and I didn't find anything. That poor girl.'' Phoebe opens the fridge and takes out a carton.'' Oh, Piper, I'm sorry about the crack I made last night about your zit.''
She goes back to the counter and pours some cereal into a bowl.
''That's okay. So, you really can't see it?''
Phoebe turns and looked at it.'' Like I said, it's huge.''
''Something weird is going on.'' Phoebe turns around to look at Prue. '' What's going on?''
''Uh, ok, I'm late for work. Busy. Gotta go.'' Prue said hastily as she stood up and beelines for the door.
''Prue!'' Piper yelled in a scolding tone of voice.
''Yeah?'' Prue finally answered.
"Spill, what's up?" Phoebe asked.
''I cast a Truth Spell.'' She admitted then mentally swore. The damn spell looked like it was biting her in the ass already.
''You cast a Truth Spell?'' Piper cried out in disbelief. The same sister who admonished them for even thinking about a spell cast one without telling them.
Prue stops and turns around. ''Yes. Look, please, no more questions.'' Prue begged her sisters.
''Why?''
''I wanted to know what Andy would think of me if he found out I was a witch.'' Prue replied immediately.
''Oh.''
''I can't believe it.'' Phoebe exclaimed.
''Oh, look whose talking, little Miss Spell-of-the-Week.'' Prue snapped.
''No, no. I mean, I can't believe you actually took my advice. The biggest pooper at the wicca party has finally used her power for personal gain. It's about time.''
''Personal? It's affecting us. Prue, what have you done?'' Piper cried out in outrage.
''The spell was only supposed to work on me. '' Prue turns and heads for the front door.'' It said, "Those in this house." I thought I was alone.''
''Well, obviously, you weren't.'' Phoebe snapped in annoyance.
''Wait, we have to undo it right now, fast.'' Piper quickly added.
''Can't. Twenty-four-hour time limit, which means until eight o'clock tonight, everybody who comes into contact with us will have no choice but to speak the truth.''
''What do you mean "no choice"? Piper questioned.
''Exactly that. Ask me a question.''
''I'm game. Prue, what do you think of me?'' Phoebe asked.
''While I admire your confidence and your fearlessness; your utter lack of responsibility frustrates me to no end. Oh, god, that is so enough.'' Prue said with a slight headache as she considered walking off.
''Oh, my god. This could be very dangerous.'' Piper just began to realize.
''I'm kinda digging it.'' Phoebe continued with a smile. '' Piper, what do you really think of your boss?''
''I think he's a self-serving jerk who must have a very small penis.'' As Piper finished she gasped.'' Oh, my god! I'm gonna be so fired!'' She started to panic.
''No, no, no. It's okay because once the spell ends; no one will remember what they've heard. You guys, I just wanted to see how Andy would react.'' Prue immediately reassured her sister.
''What a way to come out of the broom closet.''
Piper sighs, '' Are you nuts? We need to lock the doors, call in sick, and just stay in our own bedrooms until it just goes away.''
''Hello? There's a demon on the loose, and I still have to find that woman. Whoa, whoa. Wait a minute.'' Phoebe paused as she realized something.
''Premonition?'' Piper questioned, feeling Phoebe tense.
''No. An epiphany. So, are you telling me that everyone I ask a question to has to answer with the truth?'' Phoebe pressed Prue for answers.
Prue thought it over carefully and gave a short nod. ''I think so, yes, but that also means if we get asked a question, we have to answer with the truth. ''
''I can work around that. This is cool. Very cool.'' Phoebe heads out the front door.
''Phoebe no. Where are you go - ''The door slams shut behind her for Prue could ask where she was going. Prue turned to Piper who promptly murmured, '' Don't even think of asking me what I think about you right now.'' Piper murmured softly. Just then Piper was getting another page.
''No...not now.'' She said reluctantly upon seeing the number. ''For heaven's sake I'm already working on the books what more could he want?''
''Well I should be getting to work,'' Prue said as she quickly sped off. Shortly after Prue had left the Manor was getting another visitor.
Just as Piper was about to head out the door Leo orbed to the porch and was about to knock.
''L-Leo? What are you doing here?''
''I'm here because I can't stop thinking about you and I'm trying to get back into you and your sisters good graces.'' Leo's eyes widened in surprise. Trying to wonder why he said that.
''I'm sorry...what?''
''I was hoping I could make you understand that I didn't intend to sleep with Phoebe and if it wasn't for insinuating circumstances I would have never considered that night with her.''
Phoebe was making her way up the path. She couldn't believe she forgot her coat.
''And what's wrong with my sister Phoebe?''
Upon hearing her name Phoebe couldn't help but freeze. She knew she shouldn't but she decided to spy on Piper and whoever she was talking about. Moving to the side of the house she could hear bits of something, but she couldn't quite make out the other voice.
''Is she not good enough for you or something?''
Phoebe edge over a little closer and she finally got a glimpse of who it was. It was Leo? What was he doing here?
''It's not that it's just I don't have romantic feelings for her. I noticed her interest in me but I don't care about her that way. To be honest from what I know your sister's views on love and relationship are a bit too immature. I mean her intent was pretty obvious which is why I tried to ignore it.''
Phoebe stepped back, hurt, not wanting to hear anyone. Were her feelings really that shallow? Was this the reason why Naruto didn't seem to respond to her flirtations either? Because he saw her as immature as well? She couldn't think anymore as her tears threatened to fall and she ran off.
Piper couldn't help but get angry at Leo's proclamation. While she knew Phoebe had some loose expectations that she still had a king heart and she be damned if she let him talk about her sister that way. ''Who the hell are you to decide? I'll admit my sister isn't an angel and may not have the best ideals for a relationship but when she's with someone she puts all of her heart into it. And don't act like you didn't have your part in all this.'' The lust spell did include the clause that the people infected would have to have some form of attraction to the person or else what would stop family members or those of the same sex coming unto them.
''Well I believe, no I know I wouldn't have slept for her if it wasn't for that spell.''
''Spell?'' Piper echoed the word not loss on her. It was then she remembered the truth spell was in place. And he did mention about getting about into the Halliwell graces. Maybe this could work to her advantage. ''What do you mean spell? Why don't you elaborate about yourself and the reason why you're really here?''
''My name is Leo Wyatt and I'm your White-lighter. The elders chose me to look after you and your sisters when you came into your powers.'' he explained before panic spread across his face. One of the sisters must have cast a truth spell. He had to get out of there.
''How long have...'' Piper tried to ask who just exactly what the elders were and why he had been deceiving them but Leo orbed away before that could happen. ''Damnit!'' He got away. Anyway I have to tell the others. After the spell is over of course because there's no telling what could happen between now and then."
At the Police station a little later in the day Officer Andy was working at his desk when Phoebe walked in. Some time had passed and she had managed to calm down. Right now an innocent woman was in danger and focusing on that instead of what happened earlier would do her some good. She closes the door behind her and walks up to Andy. "Phoebe.''
''Hi, Andy.''
"What are you…?" Andy began to ask but was cut off by Phoebe, who didn't want him to ask that question.
"Have you talked to Prue?" Phoebe asked instinctively.
Andy hesitated answering for a moment. "She left a message on my machine last night. Wasn't sure if I wanted to call her back or not." He admitted.
''Oh, believe me, trust me, you definitely want to call her back.'' Phoebe suggested, getting comfortable as she digs into her bag and takes out a notebook and pen.
''That why you came here?' 'He questioned casually, looking back down at the files in his hand.
''Hardly.'' Phoebe leans in close to Andy and speaks to him quietly. ''What do you know about the guy they found murdered in the movie theater parking lot the other night?''
''Lead detective says he's not the only victim. Last night, they found a lab technician out in Oakland. Each of them had the same cauterized mark on their foreheads, and their eyes were drained of color. They were completely white. '' Andy's surprised that he revealed that much. ''Wait...''
Phoebe pushed on. ''Cause of death?''
Surprised to find himself answering,'' Unknown. Looks like they took a bullet to the head only there's no exit wound and no bullet. Phoebe, this is highly...'' Before the detective could continue Phoebe interrupted with another question, ''Any suspects?''
''Not yet.''
''Any evidence that could lead to a suspect?''
Andy was silent a moment as he thought the question over. ''They found a button at the crime scene, possibly from the suspect's jacket, made of an alloy forensics has never seen before. What...''
Phoebe stops him.
''Uh-uh! Do not ask that question. I gotta go. Thanks. Uh, don't forget to call Prue by eight o'clock tonight.''
Keeping his lips tightly shut, Andy silently waves to Phoebe. Phoebe turns and leaves. Exiting the Police station Phoebe was on her way to the Auction house when she ran into the last person she expected.
Back at the manor Prue was sitting behind her desk as Bucklands as her gaze was upon a framed photo. She was playing with her pen as the phone rung and Prue jumped. She then answered it. ''Hey it's me. I mean, Prue Halliwell.''
''Hey, it's me.'' Andy's voice echoed from the receiver.
''Andy, hi. ''
''Phoebe stopped by and suggested I give you a call.''
''Phoebe,'' Prue whispered in dismay quietly. ''Uh, yeah, but can we meet? I really don't want to talk over the phone.''
''Should I be looking forward to this or dreading it?''
''Honestly, I don't know, but what are you doing for dinner? An early dinner, like, let's say, now?''
Prue glances at her wall clock seeing the time reading as 12:35 P.M.
''It's lunchtime. But I'll be interviewing a witness in your area around five. I could swing by after.''
Before she could answer there was a knock at her office door.
''Yeah?'' She replied to the knock on the door. The door opens and Tanya Parker, the sandwich vendor walks in followed by Hannah Webster.
''Um, here? Yeah, I guess that's fine. I'll see you then.'' She responded to Andy on the phone and then hung up. ''Hey, Tanya.''
''Personal call, Prue?'' Hannah guessed mockingly, looking through the sandwiches in Tanya's cooler.
''Personal business, Hannah, and I swear that's my name on the door.'' Prue said in the same sugary tone in contrast with her words.
''Heh. Oh, look... last turkey-no-mayo. My favorite.'' She said taking the sandwich from the cart.
"Actually, I was saving that for Prue." Tanya spoke up softly with a nervous glance toward Prue.
"Yeah, you were." Hannah agreed, shoving some money into Tanya's hand.
"Don't you hate turkey?" Prue asked suspiciously, stopping a few steps away from Hannah with her arms crossed.
Hannah normally would have lied, but under the influence of the truth spell couldn't. "Of course I do. I just don't want you to have it." She replied, looking stunned at herself for having said it while Tanya stared at her in disbelief.
Prue bit her lip and nodded slightly to herself. "Is there any particular reason why you're such a bitch to me?" Prue wondered slyly, listening intently for her answer.
Unnoticed by Hannah, Rex walked up behind her in time to hear Hannah's reply. "Yes, because it's my mission in life to destroy you." Hannah gasped softly at her blunder while Prue looked thoughtful.
Rex hurried to stop a fight between his two workers. "Well, nothing like a bit of interoffice rivalry to get those competitive juices flowing." He commented cheerfully, appearing relieved when Prue smiled apparently unfazed by Hannah. "Um, Hannah, a word." Rex ordered, pointing toward his office.
With a last glare toward Prue, Hannah followed Rex out of her office.
Tanya shrugged her shoulders before turning to leave while Prue watched Hannah and Rex leave with a triumphant smile. At this moment, she was quite happy for casting the truth spell.
Hannah was led into Rex's into the office, clearly shaken by the encounter. Rex follows her and slams the door shut behind them.
''What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?'' He angrily asked her.
"I don't know. It-it-it just came out." Hannah stammered, flinching as Rex grabbed her arms and spun her to face him.
"No, it didn't just come out. You almost came out. Am I supposed to believe that all of a sudden you've lost complete control of your faculties?" Rex retorted, tightening his grip on her arms.
"No. God, she's just so… so Prue!" Hannah argued, taking several deep breaths to calm herself. "Forgive me." She breathed as Rex pulled away from her.
Rex reached across to his desk to grab a cigar before turning back to Hannah. "Always." Hannah started to back up, but he caught her attention. "Hey." He held his cigar up pointedly and Hannah turned back and blew on it until it lit up and began to smoke. "Go on, get back to work." Rex ordered.
Prue meanwhile was waiting in front of the elevator, preoccupied by her thoughts. Because of this she didn't notice Phoebe and Naruto step out into the hallway behind her. She was wondering why Phoebe seemed so uncomfortable and why she seemed to avoiding looking at Naruto. Though before any other thoughts could come to mind Rex turns the corner in front of them.
''Hey, Rex.''
''Hello, Prue. How are you?''
''I am a nervous wreck because I'm about to tell my ex-boyfriend that I am a wi...'' before she could spill the beans Phoebe shot up in front of her and stops her.
''...nner! A winner! She is a real catch, this one is. Heh! I'm Phoebe, her sister. We met, remember?''
Phoebe holds out her hand as she introduces herself and they shake hands. ''Yeah. How could I forget?'' he said as he took notice of Naruto.
''And Mr. Uzumaki, pleasant to see you again. What are...'' Though before Buckland could continue speaking Naruto interrupted him.
''Hoping to look at some more art. You know because my brother is actually going to visit my place soon and he enjoys art too.''
''Huh...you never mentioned you had a brother.'' Prue asked curiously as Naruto scratched the back of his neck nervously.
'Honestly we drive each other crazy most of the time so I don't like not mention him much.'' he found himself answering.
''Well we'll leave you boys to talk. I have to talk to Phoebe about, family business.'' Prue said grabbing Phoebe and dragging her into her office.
''Ok, the spell is really working.''
''Yeah, I know. So you talked to Andy?''
''I sure did. He gave me a list of all the victims. They all died the same way, too. Only problem is they don't have a suspect and as far as Naruto knows there is no demon or warlock currently in San Francisco who uses the method of killing this guy. ''At the end of Phoebe's statement Naruto walked in with a sandwich.
''You know I was never a big fan of certain tuna sandwiches but this pretty good. Hey Pheebs you have to try it.'' He said as the sandwich in his hand brushed against Phoebe's hand.
'' A blue beam of light bores into Tanya Parker's forehead as she screams. She falls to the ground dead, her eyes white.'
She gasped again and grabbed the desk as Naruto and Prue grew concerned.
''Phoebe...''
''You okay?''
''Where...did you get that sandwich?'' She asked him as Naruto pointed out to the hall and said, ''Huh? Oh form some nice sandwich girl named Tanya.''
''Tanya?'' Prue echoed as Phoebe shot out of the room.
''Wait. Hold the elevator!''
The door closes on Phoebe with Tanya inside the elevator.
''Hey guy's what's going..'' Piper started to say only for Naruto to interrupt her.
''Quick the stairs!''
''W-What's going on?'' Piper asked confused.
''Demon attack help now talk later.'' Prue quickly responded.
Down in the parking lot Tanya was pressed against the wall by Gavin.
''Hey! Get off me! HELP! SOMEONE HELP!'' She screamed as a third eye opened on his forehead.
''Yo freak!'' Naruto shouted gaining his attention. Before the warlock could respond Naruto drew a kunai and flung it into Gavin's left eye causing him to cry out and stumble back, dropping Tanya.
Yanking out the kunai the warlock prepared to charge, but was flung into a car by Prue's telekinesis. ''Phoebe! Get her out of here!'' Prue ordered as the warlock prepared to attack with his third eye.
''Mirror Shield!' Naruto conjured as he redirected the beam causing the blast to gash the warlock's shoulder. ''Quick Piper freeze him!''
The snarling Warlock was frozen in place. ''Now let's try this again.'' Naruto said as took out another kunai and flung it into the Warlock's third eye who let out a scream and promptly exploded in a fiery blaze. ''That was a hell of a lucky guess.'' It took a bit of time to calm down Tanya and explain some things. After getting her assurance that she wasn't going to reveal magic everything was settled...well almost. Before Piper could tell the others about what she found out she was called to the office once again. She decided to wait until tonight. Once again Piper was having yet another hectic day and it was really testing her patience. The kitchen was busy and she currently on the phone trying to organize things.
''Romaine in fridge 3. '' she said to the delivery boy before returning to the phone. '' Phoebe, you have her there? At the house? No, I understand we have to protect the innocent, but couldn't you find one that makes a decent Bearnaise sauce? My kitchen is collapsing.'' Martin walks into the kitchen. '' No, I gotta go. I'll be there as soon as I can.'' Piper hangs up. ''Martin, hi. Heh. Just the man I wanted to...''
He promptly interrupted her. ''I made a list.'' He hands her the list. ''You better check it twice. I'll be back after the dinner rush.''
''Um, but I've got a family situation.'' Well as much of a situation as one could call it.
''So you'd like to take off, go home, take care of business?''
Piper takes off her apron.
''Yes. Thank you, Martin, for understanding.''
''Well, don't thank me, because the answer is no.''
''All right, Martin, what part of "family situation" do you not understand? Are you insane? No one person can do all of this. How do you expect me to do it all alone?'' She angrily demanded. What would my Dream Man say to me, right now? He'd say something like "You don't have 'Doormat' written on your forehead, so don't let this ass step on you."
''Because I know you will.'' He found himself compelled to say.
''What?'' Piper asked, trying to see if she heard him correctly.
''Why spend money on more employees when I know you'll do it and you won't complain? I got a bargain all the work for half the price. '' He can't believe what he just said. '' Piper, I-I don't know why I said that.''
''Too late, Martin. Truth's out and so am I. You don't deserve me. I quit.''
''Wh ...''
Piper turns and walks out of the kitchen.
Back at Buckland Prue was walking through the hallways. He turns the corner and sees her step into her office.
Prue sees Andy and greets him.'' Andy, hi.''
Prue steps into the office and closes the door behind her.
"Hello, Prue." Andy answered, turning around to see Prue closing her office door behind her.
Prue walked around the chairs set up in her office to stop in front of Andy. "I'm so sorry I'm late. My meeting ran over." She apologized.
Andy smiled in understanding and shrugged it off. "Your assistant said I could wait here. I hope that's okay."
"Yeah, of course. Can I get you anything? Something to drink?" Prue rambled nervously. She was already picking at her cuticles and avoiding eye contact with Andy, half the time.
Andy shook his head quickly. "I'm fine." He assured her and recognizing her nervous habits smiled a little. "How are you?" He questioned.
"A nervous wreck." Prue admitted through the truth spell. She frowned after having said it, but decided to change the subject away from her. "You?"
"Heart's pounding like a sledgehammer." Andy laughed before coughing softly to try and appear as calm as he usually did. He looked away from her and took a seat on the other side of Prue's desk.
Prue played with her hands for a moment as Andy got comfortable, her plan for breaking the news to him flying away in her nervousness. '' Uh...so, Andy...'' Prue's Phone went off at that time. ''...how well do you think you really know me?'' Prue sighed and took out her phone. ''I have to answer it?''
''Can't it wait!'' he was getting tired of these little distractions that kept popping up.
''No, it's probably Naruto checking up on me. '' She found herself forced to answer.
''Okay Prue I've been patient about it but now I want to know. You've been spending a lot of time with this Naruto guy and I want to know why?''
''He's been helping me and my sisters. He's played an invaluable role and helping solve a lot of problems we've been dealing with lately.'' Prue inwardly breathe in relief that so far Andy hadn't quite asked the right questions forcing her to reveal anything.
This statement did no more than confuse and irk the police officer. ''And what is he to you?''
''He's...someone very dear to me. As far as I know he's the only guy whose come clean with me without me having to find out or prod the information out of him. And no matter how I try to ignore and act like I don't have feelings for him I think I might be falling for him.'' As the cold hard truth came to the forefront both of them were shocked. As the words had left her mouth Prue was trying to understand the exact content of her words, but she knew because of the spell it was futile to try and twist what she said in any other way.
''What? What do you mean?''
''I think I might be growing to care for him as I can relate to him about thing without the fear of him rejecting all parts of me.'' I...I care about Naruto? And I...I can't lie to myself about it anymore. But I still have to know if you and I would have had a chance.
''It sounds like to me you already made your choice,'' Andy said as he got up and was about to head out the door when the door closed on him. '' What the hell was that?''
''My secret,'' she said as she placed her hands solidly on the desk. ''Just please watch,'' she said gaining his attention as she used her power to move the paperweight across the desk. Andy jumps to his feet in surprise. ''I've been trying to tell you but I just didn't know how. I was scared to know how you would react so I called you here was to show you and this is, was one of the secrets I've been keeping from you.''
''Are you telling me you're something else besides Telekinetic?'' Andy was trying to wrap his head around the whole situation.
''Yes, I'm a witch as well.'' Prue finally revealed as Andy laughed in disbelief and after a moment asked.
''A what?''
''A good witch. I have powers. I-I never wanted them. I didn't even find out about them until recently, right around the time that I ran into you again. '' He nods. ''Okay. You know all those times that I disappeared or would show up at a crime scene with no logical explanation? Well, this is why. And believe me, I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't. I couldn't tell anyone. Uh, are-are-are you okay?''
''I don't know. I mean, of all the things I thought you were hiding, this was, uh ... actually nowhere on the list. Does this mean that Piper and Phoebe are...''
''Yeah. We inherited our powers from mom and Grams.'' She explained as she took a seat.
''So when you have kids...''
''When I have girls yes. From what I know everyone child born in our line is girls and they all inherit powers.''
''Wow. That's, uh ... that's quite a secret you've been hiding.'' Andy asked as he sat down and try to take it all in. Telekinesis? Witches? Powers? It was all too much. To have your whole world view on what you think and know shattered was a lot to take.
''Tell me about it.''
''Can you change? I mean, is it something you can get rid of?'' He would be lying if he said the prospect didn't scare him.
''No. Andy, I can't change who I am. And that's something that I've recently come to accept. The question is, can you? Can you accept me for who I am?''
''To tell you the truth, um ... I... I don't think so, Prue. I mean, there's nothing wrong with it I guess. It's just not a future I envision having. ''
''I see...so that's your answer.'' she said as she turned away.
''Prue I...''
''I think you should leave now.'' She said not facing himself as she tried to remain strong.
''For what it's worth. I'm sorry...'' He said getting up and opening the door.
''Goodbye, Andy.'' She said and waiting for the sound of the door closing before she went over to her phone. She took a deep breath and dialed a number. ''Hello Naruto? Can you come to my office before 8 please. I really need to talk to you about something.'' After the call Prue found herself growing steadily anxious as it was fifteen minutes to eight.
Finally Naruto had walked through the door. ''Hey...you sorry I didn't get here earlier. Piper called me and well let's just say she learned something interesting and the four of us have to get together...''
''Can we please talk about it later?'' She interrupted him knowing if she didn't get the chance to talk to him before the spell was up she would lose the courage.
''So what is it that you want to talk about Prue? You know you can ask me anything so there's no need for you to be nervous,'' he said noticing her picking at her cuticles. ''So please just tell me. I already know the Truth Spell is in place from talking with Piper. So whatever you want to know feel to ask me.''
Prue could feel the words halt in her throat. ''Ask me how I feel about you.'' That was the only thing that came to mind. It was the only way to make sure she couldn't dodge telling him.
''Prue? Why do you want to know? If we start talking about such things then.'' He trailed off.
''Please...I have to know.'' She softly pleaded.
''Okay...Prue what is it that you feel about me? What are your exact feelings for me?''
''I think you're the kind of man I could fall in love with. You've reliable, kind, and someone who wasn't afraid to tell me about himself without me needing to push the issue. I just feel that now that I'm a Witch my life is so much more hectic and you're the only person I can turn to as a pillar for all this craziness in my life. The only person I can turn to now. This...being magical isn't the same as trying to take care of my sisters. This isn't just something I can take one step at a time. Our lives are in danger and if I mess up just once I could lose one or both my sisters. And with you around things are just so refreshing. But with your love life situation I was just so afraid of developing feelings for you as I'm still trying to wrap my head around the situation. Do you understand how I feel?''
Naruto had been silent, contemplating her words. ''I understand more then you know Prue. Spending time with you I couldn't help but to start caring for you. I admire your strength and your dedication to your family. You have a good heart and that's something I can respect. I can't promise you that everything is going too smoothly, but I'm willing to give things a try if you are. I hope that's good enough.''
''It's more than enough,'' she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Their lips connected as the kiss deepened. While Naruto was unusual he did have quite a few things she was looking for in a man. He was strong and intelligent not to mention he valued the ones he cared about. While he was a bit on playful and mischievous side she knew she could depend on him.