Chapter 49: The Honeymoon's Over

"Then why hasn't she contacted us? I mean, she has to know that we're worried about her. She also has to know that she's left us one sister short in the power of three." Phoebe says.

Buffy walks out of her room, "it's two in the morning guys."

"So, while she is up romping around the clouds with Leo, we've got our wiccan butts flapping around in the wind here. I mean, we are very lucky, Prue, that we haven't been attacked since…" Phoebe says as she looks at Buffy.

Buffy sighs, "Since I killed Angel. You can say it Phoebe."

"No. It has absolutely nothing to do with luck. The triad is up to something. We just don't know what it is yet." Prue says. She looks at Buffy, "We still need to talk about what went on that night."

Buffy nods, "And we will. Just give me some time, okay."

"That's exactly my point. Piper knows this. So where the hell is she?" Phoebe says.

Prue nods, "Well, that's why I've been studying the book."

Buffy shakes her head, "Prue, studying the book is not going to do it. We're screwed without Piper and you know this. Why aren't you worried? You were worried where I was."

Prue sighs, "I am worried. Alright? I am scared that you're right, that we're never going to see her again, and not because she doesn't want to come back, but because they won't let her. Because she broke one too many rules."

The phone rings.

"Who's calling us at 2 in the morning?" Phoebe asks.

Prue goes to answer it as Phoebe and Buffy follows.

"Probably Darryl." Prue says as she answer the phone, "Hello?"

"We really need to get a phone that can be put on speaker for stuff." Buffy says.

"Did you get the fax I sent?" Darryl says.

Prue nods, "Yeah. I was just about to check it." They head for the conservatory. "Hold on."

"What's going on?" Phoebe asks.

"Darryl's tracking a murder suspect who he thinks is in league with a demon." Prue says.

"Based on what?" Buffy asks.

"Based on the fact that the killer carves a demonic symbol into its victim's forehead." Prue says and she gives Phoebe a piece of paper with a photograph of a victim. "An inverted triangle. That and the fact that he magically seems to be invading arrest." She begins looking through the book.

"Looks like a rune to me." Phoebe says.

Prue nods, "Yeah. I saw it in here somewhere. Darryl, is he still at the pier street rave?"

"Yeah, but I think he's on the move. I don't think he spotted me yet. He's heading out the back." Darryl says.

Prue turns a page and sees the same symbol on the forehead of the demon drawn in the book. They're Guardians. She points to him. "There."

Buffy reads from the book, "An opening by which demons known as the guardians steal an innocent soul."

Prue looks at them. "Stay away from him Darryl."

"And let him kill somebody else?" Darryl says. "I don't think so."

Prue frowns, "No. Listen to me. These guardians protect they're mortal killers in exchange for their victim's souls. You cannot stop him."

"Listen Prue. I can take care of myself. I gotta call you back. I'm not sure where this guy is." Darryl says.

"Darryl?" Prue asks. "Darryl?"

Prue hangs up and walks in the kitchen with Phoebe following. "Alright. Buffy you up for a little flame?"

Buffy nods, "Just call me your flame express. Where to?"

"What do we do once we get there?" Phoebe asks.

"How about save Darryl's life?" Prue says.

Phoebe shakes her head, "No. I mean about the guardian. We don't even know how to vanquish it."

Prue nods, "Well, the book says you kill it just like you would a vampire, with a stake."

Phoebe frowns, "Oh. Okay. Piper, where are you?"

Buffy grabs Prue and Phoebe's hands and flames out.

Inside a club, Prue, Buffy, and Phoebe are walking through the crowd. They walk to a back door and walk outside and see a woman dead. They then turn around to see Emilio trying to do the same thing to Darryl.

"Darryl. Prue!" Phoebe says and Prue uses her power to send Emilio flying on top of a dumpster. They run to check Darryl. The guardian arises from Emilio. "He's alive."

Buffy whips out a stake. "Uh, I think I've found the guardian."

Phoebe and Prue stand up.

"Okay. Get rid of it." Phoebe says.

Buffy tosses her stake and with perfect aim it sails through the Guardian's heart.

"Wait. Didn't the book say they were just like vampires?" Phoebe asks.

Prue nods, "I might have mis-read that part."

"I'm sorry?" Buffy says and she pulls out a second stake as the guardian picks up the knife." Okay. Let's try the rune." She tosses the stake and it goes flying into the guardian's triangle on his forehead. He gets electrocuted and disappears.

"Okay, if Piper ever comes back, I am going to kill her." Phoebe says.

Later the police put the woman in a body bag. Phoebe, Buffy and Prue are with Darryl, who's awake and being checked by a Paramedic.

"Poor girl." Phoebe says.

"Do you feel dizzy at all? Nauseous?" Paramedic asks Darryl

Darryl shakes his head, "No."

"Trouble focusing? Headache?" The Paramedic asked.

Darryl shook his head again, "I'm telling you I'm fine. Only thing wounded is my pride."

Prue nods, "Is he fine?"

The Paramedic nods, "Yeah. Thanks to you guys."

Buffy frowns, "What do you mean thanks to us?"

The Paramedic smiles, "Well, you fought off the attacker didn't you?" Emilio walks towards the police car, staring at Buffy, Prue and Phoebe with an evil grin on his face. "Isn't that what happened?"

"Uh, yeah, you know, it wasn't really that big of a deal." Prue says.

"Well, you saved his life. I think that's a pretty big deal. You're a lucky man, Inspector. Take care." The Paramedic says.

Darryl nods, "Thanks."

The Paramedic grabs his bag and walks away.

"Okay, can we go now?" Phoebe asks.

Darryl shakes his head, "No. You have to give witness statements."

Prue frowns, "Uh, Darryl..."

Darryl sighs, "Prue, you're witnesses to a crime. In this case the only witnesses."

Buffy shakes her head, "No, Darryl, we can't be witnesses. We used our powers to stop the killer, what are we supposed to say?"

"And he saw us use them too." Prue says.

Darryl shakes his head, "Nobody's gonna believe anything that sleaze ball has to say. All you have to do is get your story straight."

"You mean get our lies straight." Phoebe says.

Darryl nods, "Phoebe, listen to me, without your testimony, Emilio walks."

Buffy looks over at Emilio and he is still grinning at them. "What is he smiling at anyway? It's not like he has his guardian demon to protect him anymore."

Phoebe shrugs, "Yeah, and unfortunately our guardian angel is no where to be found." She looks up. "We sure could use some cosmic help right now. What are we supposed to do? We've never been in this situation before."

"You better decide fast. Here comes the ADA." Darry says.

ADA approaches them, "Ladies. My name is Cole Turner and I'm the Assistant District Attorney assigned to this case. I was wondering if either of you saw what happened here."

Phoebe raises her hand. "I did!"

Buffy rolls her eyes.

Later in a court room Prue, Buffy and Phoebe are sitting on one the benches.

Cole is standing in front of them. "I think we're in good shape except for the, what'd you call the murder weapon? A-a athamee?"

Phoebe nods, "Athame. It's a ceremonial knife used by…" Buffy and Prue looks at her. "Um, lots of different crazy people."

"And are you sure you didn't see who took it?" Cole asks.

Buffy shakes her head, "No, we were there to check up on Darryl and..."

Prue nods, "Probably just some lunatic from the rave. Will it hurt the case?"

"The P.D. will try to focus on it but this is just an arraignment, unless there's something I don't know about, we should have more than enough for the judge to hold him over for trial. Don't worry, I'm good at what I do." Cole says.

The judge enters the room.

"All rise. Court is now in session. The Honorable Judge William Hamilton now presiding. Please be seated." Bailiff calls out.

"I'm nervous." Phoebe says.

Prue nods, "Oh, you know. Witches and trials. It's that whole Salem thing."

Phoebe shakes her head, "No. I mean about lying. It just doesn't feel right, Prue."

Buffy shakes her head, "If anyone should be worried it would be me. The whole almost arrested for murder deal. Could blow my credibility."

Prue sighs, "Would it feel more right to just let him go?"

"Case number B684400. The state of California versus Emilio Smith. One count of murder in the first degree, one count attempted murder." County Clerk says.

Cole stands up, "Assistant District Attorney Cole Turner for the state."

The P.D. stands up, "Public Defender Alan Sloan for the defense."

"How does the defendant plead?" Judge asks.

Alan nods, "Not guilty, your Honor."

"So noted. Mr. Turner, I have read your brief, do you have anything to add?" Judge says.

Cole shakes his head, "No, your Honor. The state stands by the arrest report and the eye witness testimonies."

"Mr. Sloan?" Judge asks.

Alan smiles, "Well, uh, it seems to me, your honor, you can't very well hold for a murder trial without a murder weapon."

Cole nods, "The State has already stipulated that the alleged murder weapon is still outstanding. We have three eyewitnesses who—"

Alan frowns, "Saw what, exactly? My client bent over the Inspector? That's how they justify the attack? How do they know he didn't just happen to cross the scene, and was trying to revive the inspector."

"Oh, please!" Phoebe says.

The judge bangs his mallet. "Order!"

Cole looks at Phoebe and she mouths 'sorry'.

"And why, if they were able to so easily able to subdue him, don't they know exactly what happened to the alleged weapon? I mean, what? Did it just poof! magically disappear?" Alan says.

"Objection!" Cole says.

Phoebe frowns, "Oh God, he knows."

Buffy shakes her head, "How could he Pheebs."

"Your honor, the witnesses aren't on trial here." Cole says.

"Why? Isn't perjury illegal?" Alan asks.

"Objection, your honor!" Cole says.

Judge nods, "Mr. Turner, unless you have something else or can produce the alleged murder weapon, I'm inclined to agree with Mr. Sloan."

Cole frowns, "You're what?"

"Do you or don't you have any additional evidence?" Judge asks.

Cole shakes his head, "You mean aside the fact that he's the prime suspect in three other murders but no less then five people saw him leave the rave just before the attacks and that everything other than the missing murder weapon makes this in any other courtroom a slam dunk?"

"The charges are dropped, the defendant is released." Judge says. He bangs his mallet.

Cole shakes his head, "I don't believe this."

"Clerk, next case." Bailiff says.

Emilio and Alan stand up. Emilio grins at Buffy, Prue and Phoebe as they walk past them.

"Yeah, you keep smiling, punk." Cole says and grabs his jacket. "I'm not giving up until I see you fry."

"Come on, Turner, this isn't gonna solve anything." Darryl says.

"Let's go. Let's go." Alan says to Emilio and they leave the room.

"I'm so sorry, I wish that there was more that we could do." Phoebe says.

Cole nods, "If there's something you're not telling me, anything, if you're afraid of him we can protect you. I can refile."

Prue shakes her head, "Um, we have to go. Sorry."

Buffy, Prue and Phoebe walk away.

Later back at the Manor Prue's looking in the Book Of Shadows.

"We shouldn't have lied." Phoebe says.

"Phoebe..." Buffy and Prue says.

Phoebe sighs, "We shouldn't have. We should've told the truth. We should've done whatever we had to do to keep that jerk from walking."

Buffy shakes her head, "Like what? Say what really happened to that knife? Tell the court that we're witches? I'm the Slayer?"

Phoebe sighs, "Why not, Buffy? Prue? Isn't it more important to keep a killer off the streets then to protect our secret?"

Prue sighs, "Phoebe, the Judge would've thought that we were nuts and you know it."

"Not if you proved it to them and showed them your power." Phoebe says.

Buffy shakes her head, "No, that wouldn't have put Emilio away, that would've put us away, and then we would never have the chance of catching him again."

Phoebe nods, "And would that be before or after he kills somebody else? I'm sorry, you know I'm just really frustrated about all this. What about that public defender? I mean, if Emilio really did tell that P.D. about us, then why didn't he spill the magic beans?"

"Same reason as us, credibility. What I'm curious about is, is he mortal or is he demon?" Prue says.

"All I know is Cole is an angel. He was awesome in that court room yesterday." Phoebe says.

Buffy smiles, "See something you like, Pheebs?"

Phoebe shrugs, "Maybe, or maybe it's just nice to run into someone that's not a college boy. More years, less hormones."

Prue nods, "Yeah, not a bad butt either."

Piper and Leo orb in.

"We've been through this, Leo. I don't care if they are. It's not right and it's not fair." Piper says.

"I know that, but it's their rules." Leo says.

Piper shakes her head, "Screw their rules. They're wrong."

"Piper…" Prue says.

Piper raises a hand to silence Prue, "Just a second. Leo, you better do something about this because this is not acceptable."

"Piper, come on." Leo says.

Piper sighs, "Oh." She freezes him. "I'm gonna go to the club. Do not tell him." She leaves.

Prue sighs, "Hi, welcome home!"

Buffy shakes her head, "Okay, what was that all about?"

Phoebe nods, "I didn't even get to bitch at her."

"Yeah, neither did I." Prue says.

Leo unfreezes. "We have to talk about it."

"Leo, she left." Prue says.

Phoebe nods, "Yeah, so now I get to bitch at you. Listen, the next time you take my sister someplace, please, call and let us know that you got their safely, okay. I don't care if it's up there—"

Prue nods, "Okay, oh, shh. Leo, uh, can you do me a favor and just go find out everything you can on guardians. They are demons. Okay, thank you, bye."

Leo orbs out.

Phoebe sighs, "Excuse me, but I have issues."

Prue nods, "Yes, I know, so do I, but Leo looked pretty beaten up already."

Phoebe nods, "Yeah, you're right, which is why I'm now gonna go kick Piper's ass." She grabs the car keys and heads towards the door.

"Oh, oh!" Prue says and she closes the front door using her powers.

"Okay, we have had this conversation. You are not allowed to use your active power on me until I have an active power to use on you, remember?" Phoebe says.

Prue nods, "I know, and I'm sorry, alright. But if anybody's gonna talk to Piper it should be me, okay…"

"Actually," Buffy says. "It should be me." She flames out.

Prue and Phoebe look at each other and they nod.

At P4 Buffy flames in, "Piper?"

Piper walks in holding a notebook. "This is really weird. My supplies are, like, gone. There's no booze, there's no mineral water and we're even out of pretzels. Plus the books are all messed up. How did this happen in one lousy day?"

Buffy frowns, "One day? You're kidding, right? Piper, you have been gone for two months. You were actually gone longer than I was."

"What are you talking about?" Piper asks.

Buffy sighs, "Here." She picks up a newspaper off of the bench. "Check the date."

Piper looks at the newspaper, " September? It's September? How is this possible? I guess time moves a little bit differently up there."

Buffy nods, "Yeah, well, it doesn't keep your head from being bitten off down here."

"Are you talking about demons?" Piper asks.

Buffy shakes her head, "Oh, no, something so much worse than demons. Sisters. Prue and Phoebe to be exact. They thought that you had abandoned them."

Piper frowns, "That's ridiculous. I would never abandon them or you. If I had known I was gone this long I would've called or orbed or somehow let you know I was okay."

"Okay, why didn't Leo let us know?" Buffy asks.

Piper sighs, "Leo was battling demons of his own. Wait a minute, what's today? There's a band. The-the-the Barenaked Ladies are playing here tomorrow. Didn't anybody bother to call them?"

"I don't really think that Phoebe knew." Buffy says as Piper picks up the phone but Buffy puts it back on its cradle. "Hey, you know what? Piper, can we just talk about what happened up there first?"

Piper nods, "Sure, uh, unfortunately the longer I'm back, the fuzzier it all seems to get. I think they do that on purpose, they're very big on mystery."

"Okay, do you remember anything?" Buffy asks.

Piper shakes her head, "Just feelings mostly. Good ones. Peaceful and whole and then it all went to crap when they said Leo and I had to stop seeing each other or else."

"Or else what?" Buffy asks.

Piper sighs, "Or else they'd reassign him and we'd never see each other again. Just because it didn't work out with mom and her Whitelighter, I don't understand why I'm being punished."

Buffy shakes her head, "I'm sure that you guys will figure out a way around this. Come here." They hug. "Leo would never let you go without a fight, you know that."

Piper sighs, "But what if he doesn't have a choice?"

Buffy sighs, "You will figure something out."

Piper nods, "By the way what did you mean I was gone a little longer than you were?"

Buffy sighs, "Shortly after you left. We found out that Ms. Calendar had found the curse to restore Angel's soul. Thing is he somehow got ahold of this demon Acathla. There was this thing if he pulled the sword out of Acathla that the demon would wake and would swallow the world whole." She paused looking at her cousin and sighed again. "Willow and Phoebe were going to try and restore Angel's soul. Problem was it didn't work the first time. Angel sent some of his goons to kidnap Giles to help him release Acathla. I found out and went after Angel. Meanwhile Willow, Prue, and Phoebe tried to curse Angel again. This time it worked but not before Angel had woken Acathla. The only way to put Acathla back to sleep was to kill Angel. When the curse hit Angel I could see it was him again. He didn't remember anything at all about what happened the last few months. But it was too late the portal was opening, and the only way to close it was to kill Angel. I told him I loved him, we kissed. I told him to close his eyes and then I killed him."

Piper pulls Buffy into an embrace just as Prue walks in.

Buffy sighs, "It's the first time since becoming a witch I wanted to quit. I ran Piper, I quit for two months. But even then I couldn't get away from it."

Piper sighs and hug's Buffy, "I'm so sorry, Buffy."

Prue looked to Piper as to ask what did she say. Piper shook her head indicating she would tell her later.

Later Phoebe is running down the stairs. "I have got to get a cellphone. Prue, I had a premonition of Emilio carving that rune into Cole's forehead."

"Did you see where it happens?" Prue asks.

"No, just some parking lot somewhere." Phoebe says.

Piper shakes her head, "Who's Cole? Wh-what did you do to your hair?"

"Assistant District Attorney that Phoebe has the hots for." Buffy said.

Piper smiled, "Wow, Pheebs."

Prue shakes her head, "Now is not the time. Are you sure, Phoebe?"

Phoebe nods, "Yeah, positive. Although, now that I think about it, it does seem weird because we vanquished the guardian."

"Yeah, well, maybe he got another one." Buffy said.

Piper opens her mouth ready to speak.

"What's a guardian you ask? Well, if you'd been around at all then you'd probably know, huh?" Phoebe says.

Prue rolls her eyes, "Alright, Buffy will fill you in and Leo's checking on them so you should get together with him and find out everything."

Phoebe nods, "And no orbing."

Prue and Phoebe leave the club.

Buffy sighs, "Told you they had issues."

Piper nods, "But truth be told so do you."

Later back at the Manor Buffy and Piper is walking down the hallway. They hear Leo talking to himself in the bathroom. They stand next to the door and listens.

"I look at you and I think how lucky I am. I mean, I can't stop looking at you. You're my dream come true. You're my raison d'être." Leo says. "Every time I see you, I love you even more. You're so beautiful. You're so special. I can't imagine my life without you." Piper opens the door and walks in, Buffy stands in the doorway. "Piper! Buffy!"

"Leo, who are you talking to?" Buffy asks.

Leo shakes his head, "Me? Uh, nobody, just myself, you know."

Piper shakes her head, "Yourself? You were telling yourself how much you love you?"

"No, of course not. Uh, I mean, it's, it's not like that at all. Um, let's go downstairs and I'll explain." Leo says.

Piper shakes her head, "Actually, no, we don't have time. Uh, did you find out anything about the guardians?"

"Uh, no, I forgot." Leo says.

"You forgot?" Buffy asks shocked.

"Leo, what's the matter? Why are you acting so weird?" Piper asks.

"Can we go downstairs please?" Leo asks.

Piper shakes her head, "No, why?"

Leo nods, "Okay, fine, um, here's good. Um, I've been thinking a lot actually about our situation."

"Leo, get to the chase." Buffy says.

Leo nods, "Um, I think I've come up with a solution, a way for us to be together no matter what they say." Leo gets down on one knee and Piper's eyes widen. Piper looks over her shoulder at Buffy and then back at Leo. He takes Piper's hand. "Will you marry me?"

Piper moves past Buffy and runs down the stairs. Buffy shakes her head and follows Piper with Leo on their heels.

"Piper!" Leo says.

Piper shakes her head, "This is so not happening."

"Listen to me, Piper, I told you, I thought this whole thing through." Leo says.

Buffy shakes her head, "Is that why you asked her to marry you in a toilet?"

Leo sighs, "I tried to get her downstairs."

Piper nods, "Well, I'm downstairs now and I still don't believe you're serious."

Leo nods, "I am serious, Piper, dead serious."

"Right. Dead is exactly what we're gonna be if they ever find out." Piper says as she walks in the living room. Leo and Buffy follows.

"Piper, would you... would you stop running away from me for just one minute and let me explain." Leo says as she stops and faces him. "If we got married..." she sighs, "…look, will you just hear me out please? If we got married, it would be a holy union, something I don't even think my bosses could break apart."

"I think I speak for Piper and myself when I say we don't understand." Buffy says.

Leo nods, "It's really hard to explain. I-I don't really understand how it all works myself, but I know that there are different levels up there, a hierarchy. What I'm trying to say is that I think a holy union goes above their heads. It'd be like running an end run to my bosses bosses."

"And end run?" Piper asks.

"Yeah. The only catch is that we would have to get married in secret because I think they only way they could hurt us if they found out before, so we just have to keep it quiet." Leo says.

"Elope?" Piper asks.

Leo nods, "Right."

"So that they don't find out." Piper says.

Leo nods, "Exactly. You hate the idea."

Piper sighs, "Well, it's not exactly Cinderella, is it? Leo, look, how do we know they don't know already? How do we know they're not listening right now?"

Buffy nods, "She has a point."

"They're not, believe me, they don't do that." Leo says.

"So then why does it have to be a secret?" Piper asks.

"Because if they ever did find out..." Leo says.

Piper shakes her head, "Leo, this isn't supposed to be this way. Marriage shouldn't be a solution to a problem or a band aid, it's supposed to be about love and about two people who love each other so much they want to spend the rest of their lives together."

Leo nods, "That's what I want."

"But that's not where this is coming from. It's a fix-it, I guess, but it's not about us or love or whether or not we're even ready to be married." Piper says.

"I came up with this whole idea because we love each other. It's all about our love. You know, we're meant to be together, Piper, you know that. You went to the future and you saw that we were married in it. That means that somehow they didn't stop us, somehow we found a way to be together and I think this is the way." Leo says.

Buffy shakes her head, "A future you two were divorced in."

Piper sighs, "I don't know. Leo, I love you and I know I never wanna be without you, but... this just doesn't feel right. I mean, getting married in secret... It doesn't feel like a holy union to me. I'm sorry."

Prue and Phoebe come home.

"Buffy, Piper, Leo?" Prue says as they walk in the living room. "Oh, hey, Leo, good. Uh, did you find out anything about the guardian?"

Leo shakes his head, "Not yet."

"Not yet? What do you mean not yet?" Phoebe asks as Piper leaves the room. "Piper."

Leo sighs, "I'll go see what I can find out." He orbs out.

Buffy sighs, "I'll take care of Piper." She follows Piper out of the room.

Piper is laying on her bed when Buffy walks in.

"Hey." Buffy says as she sits on the bed. "Do you want to be alone?"

Piper turns and looks at Buffy. She sees Prue and Phoebe in the doorway. "No. But it looks like I'm gonna be. Leo asked me to marry him."

"That's great!" Prue says.

Buffy glares at Prue over her shoulder.

"Yeah, except that I can't do it." Piper says.

"Oh, what do you mean you can't do it, Piper? You love him." Phoebe says.

Piper sighs, "Of course I do, with all my heart but why's it got to be so complicated? Why can't I just be a normal person in love with a normal guy?"

"Problem Piper is facing is Leo thinks that getting married is the only way around them." Buffy says.

Piper nods, "But he's not even sure it's gonna work."

"Yeah, but it might work. Piper, you and Leo are destined to be together. You guys have the kind of love that girls dream about. I know I dream about it, how about you?" Phoebe asks.

Buffy shakes her head, "Not lately."

Prue nods, "All the time."

"And it understand the risks but if you don't go for it, isn't it an even bigger risk?" Phoebe asks.

Leo orbs in.

"That was fast." Prue says.

Phoebe nods, "A little too fast."

"Sorry, but they were very interested when I told them about the guardians. Apparently guardians help mortal criminals spread evil." Leo says.

Prue frowns, "Yeah, we already know that. Skip ahead."

"Well, they think that you've stumbled across some evil conspiracy in that court room. One where an upper level demon somehow assigns guardians to the criminals who are set free." Leo says.

Buffy nods, "That makes sense. It explains why Emilio has two."

Prue nods, "Yeah, the question is, who's the demon?"

"Didn't you say the public defender seems suspicious?" Piper asks.

Prue nods, "Yeah, but he's not exactly in his best position to be setting criminals free."

Phoebe nods, "Yeah, but Free Willy is."

"Who?" Piper asks.

Buffy smiles, "The judge. That would explain why he's got the highest release rate of anyone on the bench."

"Still, you can't very well go vanquishing the judge without knowing for sure he's demonic." Leo says.

Phoebe nods, "Well, we better come up with a plan because Emilio gets arraigned in night court in, oh, an hour."

Prue smiles, "I've got an idea."

Later, Buffy Prue, Piper, Phoebe and Leo are walking down a corridor in the courhouse.

"Can't we just come up with a spell or something?" Piper asks.

Prue shakes her head, "No, a spell could backfire on us."

"So could this." Buffy says.

Prue shakes her head, "No, the worst that could happen is that it just doesn't work, but we have to flush the demon out somehow."

Phoebe nods, "And since you can selectively freeze things, why not just the innocents?"

"Oh, maybe because I've never done it before." Piper says.

Phoebe smiles, "Yeah, well, I've never levitated before."

"You never what?" Buffy and Piper asks.

Prue shakes her head, "Look, Piper, just focus all of your energy on freezing the innocents, okay?"

Piper nods, "Okay. So why did you do that to your hair?"

Phoebe smiles, "Because I wanted to change my luck."

"Oh." Piper says.

Buffy rolls her eyes.

"Scoot." Phoebe says.

They walk in to the court room.

"How many times is the prosecution gonna keep harassing my client, you honor? I mean, as far as I'm concerned, this has turned into nothing but a witch hunt." Alan says.

Cole nods, "If I may please court, have a minute to confer with the witnesses?"

Buffy, Prue, Piper, Phoebe and Leo sit down next to Darryl.

"It's late, Mr. Turner. Either you have a case or you don't." The judge says.

Cole nods, "Very well. Uh, why would the defendant attack me if he was innocent of the prior charges?"

"There's no proof he's the one responsible for the attack." Alan says.

"Now, Piper." Prue whispers.

"Then what was he doing in the police parking lot? And why did myself and two eye witnesses..." Cole says.

"You mean, the same two of the three eye witnesses that were here before?" Alan asks.

"Piper..." Phoebe says.

"Don't worry about the pressure your under just concentrate." Buffy says.

"And what were they doing there?" Alan says as Piper tries to freeze the room but nothing happens. "I mean, how is it that they just magically be at every crime scene?"

Prue is about to say something when Buffy places her hand on Prue's arm and shakes her head.

"You can do it, my sister." Buffy whispers.

"Objection, your hon—" Cole says.

Piper freezes the room and only Cole, Leo and Darryl freeze.

"It worked." Phoebe says excitedly.

"Overruled." Judge says.

Prue nods, "It's the judge."

"You honor, I move for this case to be dismissed." Alan says.

Buffy frowns, "And the Public Defender."

They look around and Emilio and the security guards haven't freezed.

"It's everybody." Piper says.

"Oh!" Prue says.

The judge smiles, "Kill them."

"Oh!" Prue says again.

"What do we do?" Phoebe asks.

Buffy looks to Leo, Cole and Darryl, "We run."

They run into another room. The judge turns into a demon. Buffy locks the door behind them.

"Okay, does anybody have any brilliant ideas?" Phoebe asks.

Prue nods, "Ah, can't you just freeze them?"

Piper shakes her head, "No, once they're immune to it they stay that way. That's why it's called immunity."

"The question is how many are guardians and how many are actually demons." Buffy says. "If I knew that I could flame in there and start throwing fireballs. But the ones with guardians are humans. And we don't kill humans."

Phoebe sighs, "Great." Everyone outside tries to bang down the door. "Okay, this was all your idea, you know."

"Okay, well, so sue me." Prue says. "So, any mass vanquishing spells?"

Phoebe shakes her head, "You're the one that's been studying the book."

"Why are you picking on me?" Prue asks.

Phoebe sighs, "Because I'm scared and we're outnumbered."

"Okay, but we can't stay in this room for the rest of our lives." Buffy says.

The judge throws another fireball.

"Oh!" Prue says as everyone outside continues to bang on the door. "Alright, the best defence is a good offence. Are you ready?"

Piper shakes her head, "No."

Prue smiles, "Yeah, you're ready."

Piper shakes her head, "No, no."

Prue nods, "On three. One, two," she looks to Phoebe, "don't hold my hand. One, two, three."

Buffy powers up a fireball.

Prue uses her power and the door flies open knocking everyone behind it out of the way.

Alan points a gun at Prue and she uses her power on him.

A security guard grabs Prue from behind. Phoebe does some of her karate moves on some woman.

Emilio heads straight for Piper holding a knife and she continually tries to freeze him. She picks up a baton off of the floor and blocks his attack.

Prue breaks away from the guards grip and kicks one in the stomach.

The judge throws a fireball straight at Prue. Buffy throws her fireball and the two collide exploding in midair.

They continue fighting everyone until everyone except the Judge are all unconscious.

"Okay, nicely done." Prue says.

"You too." Phoebe says.

Buffy powers up a fireball, "Come on judgie."

"Wait a minute, if they're demons where are they're powers?" Piper asks.

"Come to me," the Judge says.

The guardians rise out of the people and follow the judge into the chambers.

Buffy frowns, "Guardians. They're not demons, they're just protected by them. Come on."

They run towards the Judge's chambers.

Buffy, Prue, Piper and Phoebe walk into the chambers. The judge burns and disappears.

"Okay, how did that happen?" Piper asks.

Prue shrugs, "Good question, but we're not alone."

"We better get back before Cole unfreezes." Phoebe says.

They walk back outside.

"How are we gonna explain all this to him?" Buffy asks.

Phoebe thinks for a moment, "Uhh..." Phoebe picks up a baton and stands behind Cole. "I am so sorry." She hits him over the head and he falls down. Piper unfreezes Leo and Darryl. "Oh, Cole, Cole." He sits up. "Are you okay?"

"Uh, yeah, I think so." Cole says as he rubs his head. "What happened?"

Phoebe smiles, "Aren't you getting tired of asking me that?" He stares at her. "Um, well, Emilio went nuts and he tried to escape and then all the court room people tried to help him..."

Prue nods, "Yeah, thank God for Darryl."

Piper smiles, "Yep, saved the day."

Cole looks at them confused, "What?"

Phoebe nods, "Something good happened. Can't you just accept that?"

"It's not in my nature." Cole says.

Later back at the Manor Piper is talking to Prue and Phoebe about Buffy.

"And she told him she loved him, kissed him, told him to close his eyes and then she killed him." Piper says.

Prue sighs, "So the curse worked after all just a little too late. No wonder she ran. Mind you it doesn't excuse what happened."

Phoebe nods, "But it is understandable. Both of you at one time thought of quitting. It just happened to be her turn. Unlike the previous times with us. She didn't have anyone to talk to."

Piper nods, "I've been thinking. With your guys permission I want to give Buffy 100 percent control of the club when she turns 21. I think she deserves it and more."

"Is this because of what she told you about the future the genie sent her to?" Prue asks.

Piper sighs, "Partly. But also in part because of Angel. And partly because she has literally died three times. Out of all of us she is the one who has sacrificed the most. I think she deserves something normal."

Prue nods, "In the end it's really up to you. Phoebe and I are more silent partners. But I think your right she deserves something normal."

Phoebe nods in agreement, "I'm with Prue on this."

Piper smiles, "Okay."

That evening at P4 The Barenaked Ladies are playing. Piper's at the bar serving drinks. Buffy, Prue and Phoebe walk up.

Phoebe smiles, "You've been gone for two days and you get the Barenaked Ladies? How?"

"Oh, actually, I just made a couple of phone calls." Piper says.

Phoebe nods, "And I can't even get Barry Manilow on the phone. I'm sorry I screwed up your club."

Piper smiles, they had decided to wait till tonight to tell Buffy about the change, "Oh, Phoebe, don't. I owe you guys an apology and thanks for covering my butt."

Phoebe nods, "Ah, not a problem. I didn't even really notice that you were gone actually."

Prue shakes her head, "Liar."

"Yeah, I've been doing a lot of that lately. Unfortunately, especially to Cole. But hopefully I won't have to lie to him anymore." Phoebe says.

Buffy nods, "Yeah, well, something tells me he's not going anywhere anytime soon."

Phoebe smiles, "No complaints here."

"Uh, one over here. Hottie that he is, he is an Assistant D.A., which makes him somewhat a threat to us." Piper says.

Phoebe nods, "Yeah, but at least he's one of the good guys. I think it's time Piper don't you."

Piper nods and comes around the bar, "Come with me Buffy." She leads Buffy up to the stage as The Barenaked Ladies finish a song. Piper walks up to the microphone, "Evening everyone. I'm sure a lot of you have noticed the sign has been covered up. Well it's time for a little unveiling." She looks to Buffy, "If you please."

"Piper?" Buffy says. "What are you doing?"

Piper smiles and motions towards the sign.

Buffy sighs and walks over pulling the sheet of the sign which now reads: PAYSON'S.

Piper smiles at the look on Buffy's face. "In honor of my cousin who has sacrificed so much for her family. I am renaming the club in her honor." She turns and walks over to Buffy, "There is one other thing, Buffy. I've talked to Prue and Phoebe and they agree. When you turn 21 you will become the sole owner."

"But, Piper…" Buffy says.

Piper shakes her head, "No but's Buffy. You've earned this. You deserve something in your life that is normal. Besides who knows by the time you turn 21, I may have enough money to open my own restaurant. You know that's what I really wanted to do."

Buffy nods, "I know. Thank you, Piper." Leo walks in. "Look who's here. So what are you going to tell him?"

Piper smiles, "I think I will tell him, yes." She turns and walks over to Leo, "Hi."

Leo smiles, "Hi. Piper, maybe it was a mistake..."

Piper shakes her head, "Wait, Leo, me first. I've been thinking a lot about our situation and you asking me and I didn't want to just dismiss it without thinking it through. Um, last night in the court room, I was actually scared. For a minute there I thought I wasn't gonna make it, that was it, and that's when I realised that I don't wanna die without ever having being married to you. The answer is yes, Leo, I would love to marry you."

Leo smiles, "Yeah?"

Piper nods, "Yeah."

"Yeah?" Leo asks.

They laugh.

Piper nods, "Yeah."

They hug and kiss.