Charmed Kitsune
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NarutoxPhoebex Prue x Piper x ?
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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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People have been prompting me to start showing more of the allies and overall plot. You all have gotten your wishes.
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Story Start
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Piper reached out to turn the blender on but jerked her hand back as it shocked her. "Fu…" She bit her lip to stop herself from cursing. "Flour…" She amended, tightly shutting her eyes until the pain faded. How the hell did Naruto expect her con concentrate with some mystery demon running around, her baby sister possessed, and her own kitchen attacking her when trying to make an important dinner?
"There is lava water spewing from the shower heads. Did you turn up the water heater again?" Prue asked hastily just a moment later as she came in the kitchen.
Piper turned slightly to see her eldest sister wrapped in a bathrobe and ready to take a shower. "No… no." Piper answered in confusion.
Piper reached out to turn the food processor on and was again shocked, resulting in another jump backwards. "Ow!" She screeched, turning narrowed eyes to her oldest. "I can't do this Prue. Try cooking a feast when your own kitchen is attacking you!" Piper exclaimed.
"Okay, just relax. We just have to make it through the dinner. I know its tough, but we have to find a way to balance our magical and personal lives we still have an hour before…" Prue trailed off as the doorbell rang. Prue's eyes widened and she glanced back at the door in disbelief. Piper glanced down at her watch in confusion.
"7 o'clock?" Piper read. "How can that be… the clock on the microwave…" She stuttered, pointing toward it. As they watched the microwave time that said six began to blink before turning off completely.
Prue frowned even more. "Something weird is going on." She observed nervously.
"Is anyone gonna answer that?" Phoebe questioned harshly.
Piper looked up in surprise, her eyes flickering from Phoebe to the door of the basement. "Phoebe? Weren't you afraid of the basement this morning?" She wondered curiously. The words slipped out before she could stop herself.
"Yeah, what about the Woogyman?" Prue agreed.
Phoebe shrugged as she sauntered toward them. "It's just a story, remember?" Then she turned her attention specifically to Prue. "You should probably finish getting ready." She remarked, heading past them to answer the front door. Leaving her sisters in the kitchen, she opened the door to find the dinner guests on the threshold including Claire and Professor Whittlesey.
"Welcome to Halliwell Manor. My name is Phoebe. I'll be your cruise director this evening." Phoebe slowly stepped away to let them. Prue slipped back up the stairs to quickly get ready.
"Everything is fine. This is fine." Piper muttered to herself, desperately trying to believe it. She started to pour a cup of flour but ended up getting it everywhere, including all over herself. "This is utter disaster!" She hissed, dramatically throwing everything down on the table. "I am a good person. What did I do to deserve this?" Piper exclaimed, dropping her head into her arms.
''Hey,'' Naruto said soothingly as she grasped her arms. His face buried into the back of her long, beautiful hair. ''After today you'll get six days of peace.'' he said as he softly massaged her arms.
''I think we're going to run that little joke in the ground.'' she murmured.
''Well, you'll be happy to know that I have a back-up plan. Catering serve ala my chefs.'' he said as Piper turned around and softly pecked Naruto on the lips.
''You sir, are a lifesaver. What time do they get here?''
''Bout twenty to twenty-five minutes.'' he said. Unbeknownst to the, the guy from the wine store that had stolen her wine came into the kitchen.
"Prue told me to give this to the chef." He explained, holding the previously mentioned bottle of wine. ''Excuse me, I appear to be erupting something.''
Piper's head snapped up and she glared at him dangerously as she recognized him. "You!" She accused.
"Well, most people call me Josh." He returned with a roll of his eyes. He slowly looked over her and at the disastrous kitchen. "Uh, wow, um, I work for Professor Whittlesey."
"You're the plus one." Piper realized coldly.
"And I stole your wine." Josh agreed, handing the wine to her somewhat apologetically.
Piper moved from Naruto and roughly took the bottle from Josh him. "Calera Jensen, what a surprise." She replied sarcastically.
"Last bottle." He chuckled nervously. "Uh, you have flour on your… right… uh…" Josh pointed, trying to be helpful but failing.
''Naruto Uzumaki.'' the blond introduced himself before ripping a sheet of paper towel from the paper towel wrack and wiped off the flower.
''I'll just go now.'' he awkwardly replied, deciding it better to just to leave. He slipped out just as Phoebe slipped in.
"Are you planning on feeding the people in the living room?" Phoebe wondered.
Piper suddenly glanced around the kitchen. "Of course, uh, I've got… What've I got?" She asked herself, spinning in circles and realizing she really hadn't managed to fix anything yet. She didn't even have a salad to go with whatever Naruto's friends were bringing it.
Phoebe's eyes flickered to land on a large roasting pan. "What's in there?"
"Duck medallions." Piper answered, running forward when Phoebe started for it. "No, no, that's supposed to be part of dinner." Phoebe stared at her incredulously. "Okay, now I guess it's an appetizer." Piper conceded.
''Why don't we go and mingle,'' Naruto said, leading Phoebe to of the kitchen.
"The Manor's been beautifully restored…" Professor Whittlesey was saying when Prue finally made it to the party. "…Really quite magnificent." She finished.
Claire nodded in agreement and smiled politely at Prue. "Prue, there you are."
Prue smiled and waved back as Phoebe, followed by Naruto who was carrying the duck medallions came in from the kitchen. Naruto introduced himself to the guests, making small chat.
"Anyone hungry?" Phoebe asked rhetorically.
"Well, what do we have here?" Claire wondered curiously as the food was obscured by the top of the pan.
"Duck medallions." Phoebe answered just as Naruto pulled the top off. Instead of food a real and alive duck was under it. "Sans medallions."
'Conjuring.' Naruto thought as he looked up to see Prue's eyes widened dramatically. Everyone gasped at the sight of the quacking duck until Prue forced a laugh to cover the surprise. "That's my sister, the magician. Usually it's a dove or a rabbit." Prue joked, exchanging a nervous glance with Naruto, who also followed Prue's lead and laughed. Professor Whittlesey found it particularly amusing.
Prue and Naruto both glared inconspicuously at Phoebe as she returned to the kitchen. ''Of course we start off with a salad.'' the blond remarked. Zipping into the kitchen and returning with the healthy snack. So far the nature of this possession, this spirit seemed more evil then intelligent because a more cunning foe wouldn't have had Phoebe act so out of character so predicting and staying one step ahead was way too easy.
"There's no other house in the city quite like yours." Professor Whittlesey commented as she and Prue walked through the house, allowing the professor to get a good look around.
Prue tilted her head to the side questioningly. "Because of its architecture?" She asked, glancing around her and trying to see what was so special about it.
Professor Whittlesey shook her head slightly. "Because of its location." Professor Whittlesey corrected politely.
"Right, you mentioned that, something about some sort of spiritual…" Prue trailed off uncertainly.
"Nexus." Professor Whittlesey finished her thought. "It's mythology really, but it's believed that when a geographical point is equal distance from the five spiritual elements, it's a place of great power." She elaborated.
Prue bit her lip as the lights began to flicker on and off. "Power failure…" She quipped, effectively earning a laugh from Professor Whittlesey. She decided it might be best to apologize before something particularly bad happened. "Um, I don't know what is going on, but I apologize for any inconvenience."
''The food will be served shortly.'' a blue haired woman that Prue didn't recognized enter the room with a bow.
''A maid. I didn't think you were the type of person to use hired help.''
''Well, you learn something new everyday.'' Prue awkwardly replied with a chuckle.
''My name is Botan.'If you need anything just give a shout. Miss Halliwell, your sister needs you in the kitchen.'' Botan prompted.
"You came to see the house?'' Phoebe prompted, slipping by Prue and taking a glance to make sure Prue was out of earshot. ''Would you like the grand tour?" Professor Whittlesey smiled and nodded enthusiastically at the offer.
Prue stopped just inside the door of the kitchen as she found Piper and people she didn't recognize put together a dinner. ''Hello,'' a young dark haired woman softly greeted Prue. ''My name is Shinobu. ''I hope the food I prepared was adequate.''
''I am Haruna Sairenji..'' the other dark haired woman replied. ''Whatever you need help with I'll be glad to help. Just leave the cleaning to me.'' she said, as she looked around the kitchen and grimaced. Despite her rather shy and relaxed demeanor belying someone fit to be a housewife Haruna was surprisingly adept and knowledgeable in electronics and handiwork. ''I heard from miss Piper that you had an Earthquake recently and I should be able to do something with the wiring. ''
''Thank you...'' Prue could only reply, still trying to wrap her mind around what was going on. ''Piper?''
''Don't ask, just fix food and questions later.'' Piper listed off.
Behind them, Claire came up from the living room. "Uh, Prue." Claire called for her employee's attention. "Ahh!" She screamed as the duck waddled in, quacking loudly. Prue's eyes widened but she forced another smile. She was getting really tired of all these forced smiles. Claire rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to Prue. "May I speak to you for a second?"
Prue nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, I'll be out in one second, Claire." She promised in her most innocent voice.
The two women picked up the tray of food, putting on their best smiles as they followed the sisters and Clare out of the room.
Just as the women sisters left, Phoebe and Professor Whittlesey entered the kitchen. "Really, I don't need to see the basement." Professor Whittlesey assured Phoebe.
Phoebe just smiled in response. "Are you kidding? It's the best part of the house." She countered, allowing Professor Whittlesey to go on ahead of her. ''Was there something odd about that Professor?'' Piper asked as the little party was finally broken up.
"Location." Prue realized after contemplating the words the woman said earlier. She spun around to face Piper and Naruto. "Whatever has Phoebe also has the house as well. I remembered something about a Nexus being mentioned.''
''The Spiritual Nexus.'' Naruto stated. ''I remembered something like that being mentioned once. Its a point of incredible energy." He continued.
"Equidistant from the five spiritual elements." Prue followed carefully.
Naruto nodded quickly. "That's right. It can be swayed to by either alignment, good or evil so to speak. We need a map, a ruler, and some yarn.''
Piper laid out the map and Prue passed her the string. "Okey dokey, equidistant…" Piper mumbled while Prue pointed to a place on the map.
"There's the Manor." She offered helpfully. Piper nodded and placed a red pin on the spot where the Manor was indeed located.
"Uh, the bay, water." Prue decided and stuck another pin into the map before pulling out a sharpie and marking the string at the distance to the sea.
Piper moved the string in a circle, searching for other landmarks. "Natural hot springs?" She suggested.
"That could be fire." Prue gave the slightest of nods and placed a pin in the spot.
Prue appeared thoughtful for a moment. "Wood… How about that park mom used to take us to? Kenwood?"
Piper swung the string around until she found the national park. "Named after the type of tree that grew there when it was still a forest." She agreed.
"Okay, three out of five. Earth…" Prue continued edging out the line.
Piper stopped the string on the twin peaks. "Twin peaks. Highest point in the city."
"That leaves metal." Prue pointed out as she placed yet another pin into the map.
"Tiffany's." Piper quipped immediately, earning a playful glare from Prue.
"Cute." Prue allowed. "Natural metal." She clarified, stepping back a moment to think. "Okay, fourth grade field trip, we panned for gold. Where was that?" Prue asked.
Piper stopped on the correct location and Prue placed the final pin in that spot.
''A double nexus.'' Naruto pointed out. ''The manor is not only built in the middle of a Pentagram, its perfect for harnessing the powers of the spiritual nexus and Wiccan powers. I guess it makes sense why demons and such are so intent on fighting you on your home turf. The Charmed Ones are already an incredible power, but if you were able to harness to power of the Nexus, not only would you be more formidable as you are now, but you'll no doubt tip the scales in the favor of good in a massive way. ''
"And when evil gets the house it'll spread.'' Piper softly stated.
"We'd have to check the Book of Shadows, but I'd bet there was a reason our family built the house there. To reclaim the spot for good." She explained.
"And now I'm thinkin' evil wants it back." Piper commented.
"Yeah, and it's taking Phoebe with it." Prue agreed.
''Prue you go check the book while Piper and I will handle Phoebe.''
''Handle?'' she questioned.
''It's obvious now; this Boogeyman that Phoebe has been terrified is real. The shadow is a manifestation or darkness that prays on fear and trapped between dimensions. It is a formless being that can only inhabitant vessels, a shadow. If this Shadow wants control its either going to have to possess all three of you or use Phoebe to kill you two. That means as long as Phoebe is possessed Piper should be able to freeze her and we shouldn't have to worry about hurting her.'' suddenly Naruto was blasted across the room with a burst of lightning.
''Naruto!'' Phoebe materialized a sword was conjured into her hand. "Any fantasies about how you want to die?" Phoebe asked sarcastically.
''Phoebe! This isn't you! Fight it!'' Piper said as her sister levitated the sword and hurled it at her. Piper's eyes widened and she twisted out of the way, the sword slashed through the shoulder fabric of the shirt. Piper threw up her hands and sure enough she was frozen. Moments later Prue came down, unable to find anything in the Book of Shadows.
''So what do we do? How do we destroy this thing?''
''Well do you girls have any clue on how to stop this thing? Your Gramms defeated it once right?'' Naruto asked.
"Phoebe swore she saw something down there and that's when Grams started telling us the story…" Piper started but trailed off as Prue finished her thought.
"… Of how to destroy it." Prue mumbled.
"We've been looking in the wrong place. How to vanquish the demon isn't in the Book of Shadows, it's in Grams' story." Prue realized, running a hand through her dark hair.
"Sounds like something Grams would do." Piper offered with a slight shrug.
"Alright, the Woogyman is a real demon, so Phoebe was right." Prue admitted. ''Do you remember the spell?''
Piper bit her lip and glanced away. "Uh, something about a Woogyman and Grams fought it…" She mumbled.
"That's it? That's all that you remember?" Prue questioned in disbelief.
"Well, don't you remember anything?" Piper snapped, spinning on her older sister with flashing eyes.
Prue shook her head slowly. "I-I-I remember that it was sort of like a rhyme. It sounded like a children's song."
Prue and Piper turned their gaze to Naruto. ''Hey I have at least two different sets of Amnesia from past events. Don't ask me.''
"Well, we better figure something out fast.''
''Maybe Phoebe knows.'' Naruto wondered.
''But she's possessed.'' Piper noted.
''But she has to be fighting it,'' Prue brought up. ''Why would she use Lightning on Naruto who she knows has a powerful healing factor and not you or me?'' she asked, thinking back to what the others told her. ''Why use something like the sword as a projectile considering your training?''
''We have to appeal to her, help her fight back.'' Naruto said as he asked Shinobu, Botan, and Haruna to track down the Professor who he was sure possessed and detain her. ''I can place seals on her limbs and prevent from moving. That way you can unfreeze her Piper.'' he said as he bit his thumb and began using his blood for the seals. When the seals were done the possessed Phoebe was unfroze.
''Phoebe, can you hear me? Its Prue.''
''This isn't you.'' Piper added.
"Look, whoever is doing this hasn't completely beaten you; otherwise we would be dead by now." Prue continued.
"Really?" Phoebe replied with a look of false interest and thought.
"Phoebe, you're stronger than him." Prue stated.
Phoebe shook her head slowly. "No, I wasn't. That's why he chose me." Her voice shifted, deeper and darker. "And now I'm stronger than you." a burst of power radiated from her as Naruto seals were instantly undone. Conjuring another blade she attempted to slash at Prue only to be tackled by Naruto.
''There has to be something we can do.'' Piper noted as wisps of black smoke erupted from Phoebe and sent Naruto flying.
"Alright, the answer must be in Grams' Woogyman story." Prue decided, repeating the same thing she had been saying for at least ten minutes in the hope that she would remember something.
Piper rolled her eyes at the now familiar line. "Which neither of us remembers." She muttered, crossing her arms irritably.
''We have to believe in our sister. We have to believe our bond is stronger and we have to trigger those feelings.''
''Why do I feel like I'm not going to like what you're going to suggest?'' moments later. ''I'm not liking this suggestion Prue.'' Piper snapped, sending her sister a pointed glance as she led her towards the basement.
"Well, what else can we do?" Prue argued, still taking small steps toward the hallway.
Piper was staring at Prue in disbelief. "We could not go into the basement. I'd vote for that." Piper offered.
Prue continued to appear convinced that going to the basement was the only way to fix the situation. "Grams must have thought that this evil might come back so that's why she told us the story." Prue pointed out.
"Well, how do we remember the words? I never even believed in the Woogyman." Piper reminded them again.
"No, but Phoebe did. She knows the story by heart." Prue explained.
"Something tells me she's not in the mood to share." Piper countered.
We know that the source of his power is in the basement. So, if we can weaken him, maybe we can weaken his hold on Phoebe. At least long enough for her to tell us the spell."
"What?" Piper exclaimed. "We can't… We don't know what it is or how to fight it." Piper argued.
The sound of crashing carried over from the living room. ''The more time we waste the stronger the hold the creature has.''
With Prue leading, the sisters carefully entered the kitchen, looking for any sign of Phoebe or any clues as to what they were up against.
Prue nodded in agreement. "Okay, so we're gonna need a…"
"Light." Piper interrupted, a little distantly reaching to the drawer where the flashlights were kept. "No… the light. Grams' story, remember? She said something about using it to guide you through the shadows… or was it to the shadows?" Prue elaborated.
"That doesn't make sense. Using a light to find a shadow? Shadows retreat from the light. And they thrive in the darkness. Kind of like this…" She realized, her gaze flickering around the dark house.
"Maybe that's what we're fighting. A shadow." She suggested.
"Oh, wait! I see something!" Piper hissed, taking Prue's hand and pointing the flashlight in the general direction of the moving shadow. "Okay, Piper, freeze it." Prue ordered.
Piper obediently threw her hands out only to have nothing happen. "It's not working, uh, can't you…"
Prue followed her thought and squinted at the shadow. Again nothing happened. "No, my powers aren't working either." Prue decided, grabbing Piper's hand.
Up above in the Solarium. ''Phoebe! You have to fight it!'' Naruto fought against the young woman who was trying to drive a dagger into his chest.
''Once I'm through with you my dear sisters are next.'' she threatened.
''Phoebe. Remember your sisters. Remember the Power of Three. Remember your family.'' he said as she faltered slightly.
'Family...'' the words softly escaped her lips.
''I won't let him take you from me, from us. You have to fight it. '' He said as Phoebe stumbled back and let out a horrific shriek. ''No!'' darkness erupted from her hands as it began to choke and overtake Naruto. He could feel the presence of his other tried to take over.
''Phoebe! Phoebe Halliwell! Open your eyes!'' he shouted as he fought for control.
''Phoebe!''
''Phoebe help us!''
Her sisters' eyes caused her to pause as something shattered.
Flash of memories of when Phoebe got here first course through her mind memories of flaking out on the cab fare and using her gift to be a psychic. Another memory coursed through her mind of how she was now, looking for a job instead of a quick fix. She had changed and grown as a person since then. Memories of her life began flashing through her eyes.
(Still Alive Instrumental. Mirror's Edge OST)
''Phoebe, welcome home.'' Piper ran over and hugged the girl. Phoebe's hair was done in a bob style and, unlike the other women's more conservative clothing; the younger woman's was more reminiscent of current teenage style. "It's so good to see you. Isn't it Prue?''
''I'm speechless.'' Prue replied, offering a fake smile and obviously still annoyed. A car horn beeped in the background, drawing Phoebe's attention.
''Oh, oh. I forgot about the cab.'' Phoebe muttered as she began digging through her purse.
''I'll get it" Piper offered, grabbing Prue's purse from the end table and heading out the door.
"Piper! That's my purse!" Prue called after her but didn't get a response. The door shut as Piper ran outside, leaving another tense silence in its wake.
"Thanks… I'll pay you back!" Phoebe offered.
''It's okay save your pennies.'' Prue gave an unconvinced nod and looked down at her one suitcase. ''Is that all that you brought? '' she asked. Phoebe looked down at it as well.
"That's all that I own. That and a bike." she answered. Again silence reigned. "Look, I know that you don't want me here…" Phoebe began but was interrupted by Prue.
"We're not selling Grams' house." Prue stepped closer as she spoke to accentuate her point.
An annoyed looked flashed across Phoebe's face. "Is that why you think I came back?"
''The only reason Piper and I gave up our apartment to move back here because this house has been in our family for generations.''
''No history lesson needed I grew up here too. So can we talk about what's really bothering you? '' Phoebe asked.
''No, I'm still furious with you.'' The older woman retorted, sounding all but furious as the younger woman sighed and calmly exclaimed.
''I never touched Roger.'' she reacted, going on the offensive. ''And I know you think otherwise because that's what the Armani-wearing, Chardonnay-slugging, trust-funder told you… '' she said as Piper came back into the house.
''Hey, I got a great idea. Why don't I make a fabulous reunion dinner?'' Piper said, trying to resolve the argument.
''I'm not hungry. '' Prue said as she walked off.
''I ate on the bus.'' Phoebe also replied as she too walked off.
''We'll try the group hug later. '' Piper said to herself in a sigh.
''Fancy meeting you here Miss Halliwell.'' A familiar cool voiced said causing the Witch to turned back toward her table to see Naruto standing there.
''Naruto!'' Phoebe exclaimed in surprise as the blond took a seat. ''Uum...what are you doing here?'' She nervously asked, fidgeting a bit.
''A friend of mine knows the guy who owns this place. I'm here looking for prospects for him...but enough about that. I didn't expect to see you here...'' He looks at the poster. ''The amazing Phoebe huh?''
Phoebe rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment. ''Well I um...you see.''
''I have an old friend who's plenty Clairvoyant. It's really an amazing gift. The power of Foresight, Retro-cognition, Psychometry, etc, etc, is a powerful and over looked gift.''
''You seem to know a lot on the subject. What can you tell me?'' Phoebe asked, a curious look on her face. Well in order to receive premonitions initially you have to have contact with an object or person that will later be involved with said visions. Eventually when you grow more powerful you can remain lucid and don't have to touch objects. Also one can send visions to another person as long as their Clairvoyant as well.''
''How would you grow about controlling them?'' she decided, curious about what else she could expect about her power.
''It's really about practice if you can call of them if you concentrate with a particular object or person. Though, it's more than just having visions of a nearby future. One can see into the past and future if they grow powerful enough. Like for instance if you were to take my hand and concentrate you should have a vision.''
''I don't know...I mean I'm more of a novice...psychic you know, a novice psychic.''
''Well it's just for fun right? Here...'' Naruto pulled a crisp hundred from his wallet.
''I...I can't take this.'' she said, startled by Naruto's generous offer.
''Phoebe relax...not to be a snob, but that's chump change compared to the money I make daily. '' He held out his hand. ''You trust me right.''
''Okay...but I...'' Phoebe's eyes seemed to glaze as she had a vision.
She saw herself, Prue and Piper were sitting on the bed in a room they didn't recognize. Naruto then walked in and sat in a chair opposite of them.
''Are you sure you three are ready?''
The three sisters shared a glance before nodding.
''The result will leave you three bound to me; more so then you are now. But very well, I won't question the decision anymore. From this day on I welcome you three to the...''
''...oebe...Phoebe you okay?'' Naruto asked, shaking her.
''Huh?'' In a bit of haze Phoebe slowly came back. ''Yeah...'' What was that?
''So? What did you see?''
Phoebe said the first thing that came to her mind. ''Costume...a costume party.'' The images of the vision still fresh in her mind. Bound? This day forth?
''Huh...that's odd... I suppose I should go and get my costume then. Anyway it was nice chatting with you. I have to go...''
''Wait! How am I supposed to contact you? If I have any other questions...you know about Premonitions?''
''Huh! Let's see!" Naruto went about patting his pants and shirt pocket. ''Ah! Here we go!'' He took a card out of shirt with his home address, email and cell phone number.
''I recently had my numbers changed, with me just moving here and all and I'm still trying to remember that there changed. Hey maybe you can give me a tour around the city sometime, show me all the hot spots.''
''Sounds fun...''
''In that case, I'll see you later,'' Naruto said, flashing a smile and waving.
''Yeah...later.'' A small smile formed on Phoebe's face.
''Hey I'm home, so how was whoaaa!'' Phoebe had to do a double-take at what she was seeing. ''So...what's going on here?'' From her point of view it looked like Prue was trying to take off Naruto's pants.
''Hey Phoebe!'' Naruto greeted, seemingly unfazed by what was going on. ''Nothing much, Prue was trying to help me get my pants off.'' And Naruto's comments really weren't helping the matter either. He really could be a bastard sometimes when it came to doing a joke.
''No! It's not what it looks like! I got some of my juice on Naruto so I was helping him out of his clothes.'' she paused, upon realizing how that sounded. ''I mean...well you know what I'm trying to say. I was trying to be nice.''
''Wow Sis, if that's nice I wonder what you do for a guy when you really like him.''
''PHOEBE!''
''Well there is this guy,'' Piper began shyly. ''I mean he probably doesn't even really notice me.'' Only because he could be... She shook away the thoughts. ''But knowing my luck he might end up being a demon or something.''
''Well at the very least you're going to have the hold down the fort for the weekend kay sis,'' Phoebe said wrapping an arm around Piper's neck.
''Hold down the fort?'' Piper responded in confusion.
''Well yeah, I mean if Naruto is free this weekend I can give him that tour I promised.'' the youngest responded pulling out her cellphone.
''Hold on what's this? Since when were you interested in Naruto?'' Despite the fact on how helpful their fellow magic user was, Prue still had her suspicions that he was another potential Jeremy waiting to happen.
''Oh come on now Prue I know you're angry with Andy now but you'll probably forgive him. Henceforth I get the cute blond. You can't have both of them you know.''
''For the last time! There is nothing going on between mean and Naruto!'' Prue responded with a huff.
''Then why are you blushing?''
Naruto and the three sisters walk across the lawn and watch as Elliot and Allison kiss. "I wonder if we will ever have that?'' Piper wondered a bit doubtful.
''Of course we will. Why shouldn't we?'' Prue responded in response to her sister's doubt.
''That's easy for you to say. You'll never greet your husband at the door with, "honey, I think I froze the kids." she declared semi-dramatically.
''No, I've just accidentally moved them to another zip code.'' Prue added thinking of her own possible magical mishap.
''But I will "see" them, find them, and bring them back safely, if I can ever learn to control my powers.'' Phoebe put in as well.
''If any of us can.''
''Oh for heaven's sake of course you three will. Why are you being so doubtful?'' he said cutting the tension. ''You three are all beautiful, driven, intelligent women with your own charm. Just give it a little time.''
''Naruto's right, just think of the obstacles that Allison and Elliot have overcome. If they can do it, so can we.''
''I guess true love does conquer all.''
''Especially if you have separate bathrooms.'' Phoebe couldn't help but add.
'She was on the couch in the living room. She could hardly see and she had trouble breathing as her sisters, Naruto, Leo, and some woman she didn't recognized were crowded around her.'
''Phoebe...I'm sorry! Oh god I'm so sorry!'' A grief stricken and teary Prue said over and over again. As a greenish and white glow were coming from Naruto and Leo's hand respectively to no affect.
''It's not working! Fuck...we need a doctor. Hold on Phoebe! Just hold on!'' Naruto shouted as he stood up and disappeared in a flash.
''Well at least one thing is sure. We have six more days of rest before the next demon or warlock attack of the week.'' Naruto commented as he stretched his arms, his leg accidentally bumping into Phoebe's shoulder triggering a vision.
"Welcome to the Halliwell Coven." Naruto said from his position on the sofa; in the visions he had his left arm around Piper's waist; his right arm around Prue's shoulders; and sitting between his legs, at his feet, Phoebe, was looking towards a woman with brown hair whose head was resting on Naruto's thigh.
''If you want to join you'll have to prove your worth. We can't afford to have dead weight dragging us down.'' Prue spoke as the young woman nodded. ''Whether you are a fighter.''
''A guardian...'' Piper added.
''A thinker...''Phoebe had herself saying.
''Or even a healer.'' the mysterious woman added.
''Either way you live for us and we live for you.'' Naruto finished as the vision came to an end.
Prue sat the urn back down on her desk, looking thoughtful. "Oh, well, I would have to determine the urn's origins, its previous owners…"
"Oh, can't you just skip a step or two?" Phoebe interrupted in a pleading tone.
''Your sister could lose her job,'' Naruto spoke up. ''After the whole Rex and Hannah debacle this auction house has already taken a hit in its reputation.''
''He's right...I really can't risk losing my job considering our...situation so I'm going to have to check on the object.'' Prue continued sounding at least a little apologetic.
Phoebe turned large, pleading brown eyes on her eldest sister. "Come on, come on, come on. I will, uh, what will I do...?" Phoebe looked away thoughtfully before jumping back around with an idea. "...I will cook you dinner!" She offered enthusiastically.
Prue laughed, giving into her little sister's pleading. "Oh, don't threaten me. Fine, I'll see what I can do." She promised.
''So you want to do what now?'' Prue asked as she waited for Phoebe to clarify her statement again.
''I want to see if I can get a premonition off you.''
''A premonition for what?'' Prue asked, a little suspicious about Phoebe's motivation for this. Was Phoebe trying to figure out Prue's schedule so she could raid her elder sister's closet for an outfit and be able to return it so she would be none the wiser? Maybe she was being a little too suspicious.
''I'm curious...about the future you know. I just want to see if you and Naruto and Piper will have a happy relationship.'' she then hastily added. ''Not that I don't believe you will what I'm saying is...well...'' Phoebe bit her bottom lip as she tried to find the words.
''If things work out you're considering becoming involved?' Prue guessed Phoebe's intention as her sister nodded.
''For the longest time...I've been having a few premonitions I have been keeping to myself. I've kept them to myself as I wanted to learn more instead of just jumping to a half-baked conclusion. A few of them had been quite...graphic.'' she as she thought back to the Matthew Tate incident and how they brought back their ancestor. After everything was taken care of Phoebe chatted Naruto up a bit and had another vision.
(Edited. Will be put on archive of our own)
''And they get even more vivid then that. '' Phoebe admitted as Prue began mulling over the information.
''Piper look for a key!'' Phoebe shouted to her elder sister who reached into Roger's pants pocket with a key.
''Catch!'' Phoebe snatched the key out of the air and began freeing Prue from her confines as Allison finished healing Prue's injuries.
Piper's molecular immobilization faded as Roger began summoning water to attack. ''I'll drown all of you!''
''Now!'' Piper shouted as she and people yanked the power stripping potion from their trouser pockets and threw the potion at Roger's feet. Sparks erupted as flames soon began to encircle him. Shrieks erupted from Roger's mouth as flames soon engulfed him and a few moments later he emerged from the flames, powerless.
Throwing up his hands Roger tried to use any sort of power he could but it was useless. ''No...my power!'' he dropped down to his knees.
''So amusing...seeing you there sitting so weak and helpless.''Prue echoed Roger's early taunt as she moved to in front of him.
''N-Now Prue...be reaso...'' a single blow by Prue sent him reeling back, unconscious like any normal person would be if they were struck by a magically enhanced martial artist in training.
Prue looked at the unconscious form of her ex-boyfriend with a satisfied look on her face. Phoebe looked at her, concerned, and ventured, "Are you okay, honey?"
"I'm fine," Prue said. Everyone exchanged a worried look, but Prue didn't notice. All she knew was that Roger was not going to get off easy. That with an altered story and a memory altering potion he would be convicted of kidnapping, assault, and attempted sexual assault.
"We should probably get going," Allison said awkwardly. The trip back had been in silence and miraculously enough Prue had managed to stay strong through the filing charges process, but unusually quiet and guarded. Even to the point where her sisters suggested a series of events to an awakening Paige Matthews who was suffering from a slight concussion Prue went along with whatever was suggested. That much the younger Halliwells picked up on as they walked into Prue's room with a cup of coffee and a blanket.
"Prue? How are you?" Phoebe asked, worried about her sister's uncharacteristic quietness.
"I'm fine," Prue reiterated, sounding slightly annoyed. She wouldn't meet their eyes, however.
"Hun, it's okay to be upset," Piper told her Piper didn't know the extent of what Prue went through she knew that even if one didn't go through forced intercourse what she went through was highly traumatic.
"I'm not upset," Prue insisted. "I'm fine."
"Are you sure?" Phoebe wanted to know. "You can talk to us Prue. We're here for you...you can open up to us."
"I'm telling you, I'm fine. I'm... " Prue began faltering as she bit her bottom lip, trying to force down the feelings of grief, fear, and hopelessness that had built up during her stay in the underworld. Her eyes began to water as she broke out into a sob. Resting her head on Piper's shoulder she sobbed as Phoebe sat to her right and soothingly rubbing Prue's head to comfort her.
Phoebe knocked gently on her oldest sister's bedroom door. She waited quietly for a response. "Come in!" Prue called out. Phoebe pushed the door open, closing it behind her. Prue looked up from her laptop.
"Hey," she said. Phoebe smiled.
"Hey, back," the raven-haired woman said. She gestured toward the bed. "Can I?"
"Always," Prue said. She patted the spot beside her, and clicks save on her document before closing the lap-top and placing it on the bedside table. Phoebe crawled into bed beside her.
''So you have been out and about lately.'' Phoebe awkwardly began. ''Haven't had much of a sister night lately.'' the demon attacks had been quite rampant as of late, only settling down a few days ago.
''Well I've been busy lately...there are a lot of things I've been trying to deal with.'' she answered.
''Well slow down...we need to start doing some other sisterly bonding besides vanquishing demon or training.''
''I'll see if I can pencil you in. Tuesday at six sound good?'' Prue lightly joked as she nudged her sister who rolled her eye and nodded as she snuggled closer to her big sis. With Prue she always felt so safe and loved, and how much things had been sense they were jealous.
"Prue?"
"Hmm?"
''I...I think I have feelings for Naruto.'' she admitted as she waited for her sister to blow up at her, only for a comforting hand to be placed on her head.
''How long?'' she asked as Phoebe's head dipped.
''I...I don't know, it just started with these premonitions. I didn't know what to make up of them at first but I can't keep ignoring them. I see a future...where each of us is happy with Naruto and...you should have seen her Prue. I saw the most adorable little girl, and I think I was her mother.''
Prue bit her bottom lip as she tried to assess what she was hearing. She was still trying to come to terms with the whole sharing thing and so far there was a system of sorts. Between Prue and Piper he was able to find time between the both of them, but they haven't dealt with a situation where all three of them in a dating situation. They were trying to take things slows, but now with Phoebe's feelings coming up to the forefront of things they would no longer be able to take things at the same pace.
''Talk with him.'' Prue urged her on.
''But are you okay with that?'' Phoebe asked as she looked up at Prue, confusion and hesitance forming on her face as she seemed to be struggling with something. ''You're already sharing him with Piper and I'd just feel selfish asking you to share with me as well.''
''Pheeb...'' Prue gently caressed Phoebe's head. ''I knew what I was getting into when I agreed to this sort of relationship and I expected this for some time now. I don't want you to suffer for my sake and with our growing track record with men I would be too paranoid about your next lover being a demon or a ghost or...''
''Gay?'' Phoebe threw in there as they both shared a laugh. ''It's just...I've been having these feelings, these really intense feelings," Phoebe explained, ''It's, it's scary. These feelings are so unexpected. I know I said in the past it was Life or Death when it came to my past relationships but this is different. But...you've got to follow your heart, right?"
''Which is why you should tell him.'' she reassured her sister. ''I'm looking forward to patter of little feet and cries of 'Auntie Prue! Auntie Prue!'' she teased Phoebe. ''The longer you wait the more its going to drive you crazy so go for it.'' she said as she moved her hand to Phoebe's arm and rubbed it.
"I love you," Phoebe whispered.
"I love you more," Prue said, smiling widely.
''So you wanted to talk?'' Naruto asked as Phoebe led him to the couch.
''I wanted to talk about the possibility of us.'' she said as she softly exhaled and looked at him. Phoebe studied his features for a brief moment and could see there was a mixture of indecision and curiosity on his face. His eyes seemed to sway slightly but always stayed in the general area of her face. ''I've had premonitions of us. And I want to explore how I feel, but I'm afraid I'm just running ahead into things without considering everything. Because of the visions I've begun to study myself and came to a realization. That throughout the years my behavior, my feelings, and how I acted on them led me to a realization after I spent some time with it. I've always been in love with love. In love with the ideal of it. That's it, that's the reason none of my relationships in the past worked out. I love the idea of being in love, I always loved it, the thrill, the first meeting, the first call, the first date...and then it all goes away and I need to fall in love again. That I purposely ignore are the tails of a bad relationship because in one way or another the people I love leave me in the physical or emotional sense and when I got close to feeling that blank I pulled away.''
''So...why now? Why me?''
''Because when I see you and my sisters I see them happy. I see them finally going out of their comfort zone and I want that...I want to be happy and not end up sabotaging myself because I ignored my heart the one time it was right.'' Naruto was silent as he continued accepting Phoebe's confession. ''And I'm hoping we can establish some sort of relationship.''
Naruto smiled, ''I'm more than willing to give it a try. You, me, and a couch; so let's talk and get to know each other.''
A grin formed on Phoebe's lips as she hopped up. ''And I have just the treat to enjoy while we do so.'' she said as she darted into the kitchen only to return a minute later with a tray of cookies.
''At this rate I think all of our teeth is going to go bad.'' and yet that didn't stop him from taking a few of them.
''And yet that doesn't stop you from taking a couple.'' she remarked as she took a cookie off the plate and took a medium size bite out of it. An expression belaying out delicious it was came across Phoebe's face as she enjoyed the crunchy-chocolatey taste. Briefly using her tongue to wipe the crumbs off her upper lip.
''They're good.'' he admitted as he started to feel peckish for something and that something was not food. ''What are in these cookies?''
''Well it's your recipe with some alteration of course.'' she admitted as a finger trailed down her leg. She didn't know why but she was starting to get aroused. Her thighs rubbing together added to the heat developing in her core. ''You know...there are a few things we can get to know about each other seeing as we're alone.'' she sensually remarked as she gently pressed her lips against his. Naruto briefly moaned as he placed his hands on her shoulders and pushed her back.
''Phoebe we shouldn't...'' he said as he let out an inward groan at this.
'What? Why?'' Phoebe recoiled, slightly hurt at the fact that Naruto was rejecting her advances.
''It's because you throw so much of yourself out there Phoebe. You're so warm and loving one would compare it to being licentious. I don't think becoming intimate right now would be good for our relationship. Once more it comes back to how you three balance each other out. Prue has walls around her heart and is very hesitant and closed out when it comes to her intimacy and Piper is in the middle where she wants to explore, but didn't have the confidence. You have all the drive and energy, but no one to keep you grounded you know. So let's take things slow okay Phoebe? I'm not going anywhere so don't feel like you have to do anything to keep my interests or compete with your sisters.'' he tenderly told her as he placed a kiss on her forehead.
''I don't know whether I should be touched by how much you seem to care about me as a person or pissed you're going all monk on me when I could really use a bit of action.'' Phoebe remarked as she tried to keep herself from jumping Naruto. It didn't make sense for her to be so damn horny right now.
''Oh right!'' Naruto's eyes lit up. ''Some of those special ingredients are aphrodisiacs.''
Phoebe's jaw dropped at Naruto's statement. ''Why are you just now telling me this?'' she shouted at him as she smacked his arm between each word.
''Ow...I'm sorry...I forgot.'' Naruto cried out as he threw up a hand to protect himself. ''If it helps I learned that Orange Juice flushes it out of the system in about twenty, thirty minutes tops.'' he said as Phoebe got up and made her way to the kitchen. A minute later she exited the kitchen and made her way to the stairway. ''Hey? Where are you going?''
''Rubbing one out and detoxing my system.'' Phoebe answered him as Naruto's eyes widened slightly followed by a rather heartfelt chuckle. The two of them were definitely going to get along just fine.
The final memory was of a few days ago. ''No matter what. The four of us will stand strong. Like a pillar of Light we will be incorruptible.'' Naruto stated, clinging his glass of wine against each of the sisters. They were all grinning, celebrating their latest victory. ''Do you want to dance?'' he asked, taking her hand as he led her away from the table.
''Naruto? What do you think is the best reason to fall in love with someone?'' she didn't know why she asked, it was spontaneous. Maybe a little too much champagne.
''Reason?'' he asked curiously. ''I don't need a reason. Being here now, being with you is enough in itself.''
Tears streamed down Phoebe's face as emotion was overwhelming her and weakening the Shadow's hold. Without being able to pray on Phoebe's fear the creature couldn't maintain a firm hold on her.
''Prue...Piper.''
''Go to him! Hurry!'' Naruto pleaded as he breathed heavily.
''Prue! Piper!'' she called out as she went to the door of the basement.
''Phoebe! Help us!'' Piper pleaded.
"Remember Grams' story? The one about the Woogyman? About the light?" Prue continued undeterred.
Phoebe backed away from the steps. "I...I.'' she trembled. ''I don't know.''
'Don't be afraid.' a voice softly spoke in her mind.
The Shadow began to swirl around Prue and Piper. "It's no use. Your lives are forfeit.''
"Come on, Phoebe. You've got to fight it. You're stronger than it. You're good." Prue insisted pleadingly. They watched as Phoebe seemed to regain her composure and once again move to step down. Phoebe's hand brushed the family picture and she was once again pulled into the premonition of Grams battling the Shadow. "Phoebe, please remember the story. What did Grams say?" Prue pressed once Phoebe had hesitated again.
"Hurry, Phoebe, please!" Piper called, acutely aware of the gathering shadow.
"I am light…
I am one too strong to fight.
Return to dark where shadows dwell.
You cannot have this Halliwell…"
"Keep it going, Pheebs." Prue encouraged as bright white lights began to swirl around them and forced the Shadow back.
"…Go away and Leave my sight
And take with you this endless night"
The Shadow yelled defiantly as he was forced back into the crack on the basement floor. The crack sealed shut, the lights flickered on, windows and wallpaper were repaired, returning the house to its original state. Phoebe sank down on the steps and her sisters and Naruto quickly gathered around her in silent support.
Piper complimented thoughtfully. "At least everything's almost back to normal… even if it doesn't erase their actions." unfortunately the trio of Naruto's allies weren't able to track down Clare before she acted rather, violent and attacked one of her co-workers.
"Yeah, well, I wish it did, it could get me off Claire's bad side… as if she had a good one." Prue mumbled, her eyes narrowed slightly at the thought of her boss. She was definitely dreading her next day at work.
Phoebe hesitated cleaning for a moment and joined the conversation for the first time. "I'm beginning to wonder if I have a good one." Phoebe admitted. Prue, Piper, and Naruto stopped mid-cleaning and stared at Phoebe uncertainly. Phoebe seemed to notice as she turned to face them. "Well, I am. I mean, up until now I didn't even think I had a dark side. I mean, not any more so than anyone else." She elaborated.
''Phoebe, if I was to punish myself for everything my dark half did I wouldn't be able to live my life.'' Naruto softly told her as he wrapped an arm around and comforted her. ''
"But the good beat the evil. That's what matters." Piper added.
"Yeah, but I must have been more susceptible than any of you otherwise he wouldn't have chosen me, right?" Phoebe continued, looking at her sisters expectantly for an answer. When no one replied, she had enough of an answer. "Right." She answered herself.
"You were the only one that was born in the house. That makes you more connected to it that whole spiritual nexus thing." Piper pointed out casually.
"That's exactly my point. I could go either way. Good or evil. It's kind of freaky." Phoebe admitted softly. She suddenly smiled and looked a bit wistful. "I do have to tell you that I am going to miss that new power though. It was so fun." Phoebe laughed.
Piper's eyes flickered to land on the Book of Shadows that now was in its rightful place on the pedestal. "Um, if Grams put away the shadow and it came back…"
"… Means it can come back again." Prue finished her train of thought. There was a pause where she and Piper exchanged a glance, silently coming to some kind of agreement. "Okay, it's time. Every witch before us has added to the Book of Shadows. We need to warn who comes next. It's our turn." Prue decided.
"Who should do it?" Phoebe asked curiously.
Naruto grabbed the pen beside the book, and presented it to Phoebe. Wordlessly they agreed it was Phoebe who would do it. After that was taking care of Naruto told the sisters he was taking Phoebe somewhere to show her that she wasn't evil. ''Where are we?'' she asked, barely above a whisper as tightly hung onto Naruto. They had arrived before a waterfall of sorts.
''This is called the Waterfall of Truth, Phoebe. This is the place where I first encountered Dark Naruto. Incorrectly the Waterfall was thought to only reveal your true nature, but it actually is a gateway to meet your inner darkness. Your repressed rage, sadness, and other dark feelings manifest. I want to show you that you aren't evil and should never think so. You're going to face your inner darkness until the day you can completely overcome it.'' he gently assured her. Taking a gulp Phoebe hesitantly stepped forward and followed Naruto's instructions as a mirror image of herself appeared. Phoebe just hoped that Naruto was right and that she could do this.