Disclaimer:

Charmed is the property of Aaron Spelling, Constance M Burge, and the WB; Buffy, the Vampire Slayer is the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Godzilla is the creation of Inoshiro Honda and Eiji Tsurubaya and Toho Pictures.

Summary:

Godzilla is attacking San Francisco. What will the girls do? Cater the Underworld's biggest party, of course! The Charmed Ones, Leo, and other wicca and white lighters are meeting to plan the big party.

Author's Note:

Please read and review. I'm sorry this has taken so long to be written, but I guess I've been a little lazy of late.

Chapter Two: The Assembly

Part One

"Witches and White Lighters!" A deep voice boomed from the stage of P3. Piper had offered her club as a safe meeting place for the planning of the upcoming party. She still couldn't believe it! They, their fellow witches, and miscellaneous white lighters had to actually cater a party for demons! They had been fighting (and surviving, for that matter) demon attacks for over ten years – and now they were expected to feed and entertain them? It was ludicrous. But the Elders had spoken and here they were.

She looked up at the stage where the dark lighter who had spoken was. She looked at the white lighters assembled. They were all very nervous, and with good reason. The dark lighter, for his part, looked pleased at being able to make so many of his prey look that nervous. She turned to look at the other figure on the stage. It was a warlock. He was concentrating on, of all things, a PDA! Now, what does he put in that? His list of witches to kill?

All the witches and white lighters were now focused on the stage. They looked at the dark lighter expectantly. He smiled and bowed slightly. "Thank you for your attention. I am Drax and this is the warlock, Dracorus. We are the two minor members of the liaison triumvirate. The demon representative shall be here shortly and he will explain your duties in the upcoming days."

"And your duties?" Phoebe snapped.

The dark lighter and the warlock exchanged a look of disgust. The dark lighter sneered and bowed in a more exaggerated manner. "Ah, it is our former Queen, Dracorus. Do show some respect for the last Queen of the Underworld."

The warlock began to cackle wildly at this joke. The gathered crowd began to fidget nervously. Many of the white lighters were on the verge of orbing, when the warlock stopped suddenly. A small disturbance in the air was the only warning any of them had of the demon shimmering in. Many wondered who it would be. Would they recognize the demon? Piper, Phoebe, Paige, and Leo exchanged a look nervously. They really didn't want to deal with someone who held a grudge.

The demon completed his shimmer. A sharp intake of breath was heard throughout the room, followed by a noticeable silence. The Halliwell sisters could hardly believe their eyes. For there, on the stage, had appeared Cole Turner, Phoebe's ex-husband. "Well, well. It appears introductions are not necessary."

Phoebe began to shake her head in despair. Oh, no, not again. She looked up into her ex-husband's eyes. Over the past year, since he had moved back to San Francisco, she and her sisters (and her nephews) had become friendly with Cole and his second wife. Willow was also a wicca, although not a white one. No, she was a dark witch. The girls had once witnessed what she was capable of, and they had no wish to see a repeat. Phoebe looked to her sisters, who were also in shock. Piper mouthed one word: WAIT.

Cole laughed to himself. He could really see them thinking. Am I evil? "For those of you who do not know me, my name is Cole Turner, or Belthazor. Personally, I prefer Cole. However, you may hear some of my former colleagues refer to me as Belthazor. I have been selected as the demonic liaison due to my former... shall we say, connections in the white wicca community. I would like to assure you... especially my ex-wife and her family... that I am not a demon in evil standing with the Underworld. I have agreed to do this as a favor to a friend and also for sentimental reasons. I have, myself, attended these celebrations in the past with great enjoyment."

"I want to assure you that no witch or white lighter has died from demonic or other evil at any previous celebration. The only deaths that did occur were by human or monster. We do not intend to deviate from this. The celebration is a very important social event in the demonic calendar. Now, are there any questions about the basic event before I get down to details?"

Cole looked around the room. Most of the white lighters would have been informed already of their place in this. They would've been given their orders by the Elders, and would not cause any problems. The witches, of course, were different. They were women and human... both led them to be much more independent than their white lighter counterparts. He looked at the Halliwells and offered a placating smile.

Piper decided to clear the air. "Well, I guess I'm confused. We've been fighting demons for years, and now we're just supposed to believe that they wish us no harm?"

Cole chuckled, his eyes crinkling in amusement. "No, Piper, of course not. It's not that the demons wish you no harm. It's more of the basic history of this celebration. Demons want to share the spectacle and glory of a creature as destructive as this causing havoc in the human world with their families. Much the same way that people chase tornados or watch a lightning storm. Now, the demons realized since the very first display in 1954, that they could only do this with the cooperation of witches and white lighters. Therefore, a contract was set up governing such arrangements. If not for this contract, a congregation of demons and their families would've been attacked by any forces for good in the immediate vicinity." Scanning the room, he made eye contact with all he could before he continued. "I will, of course, make this contract available for any that would like to review it. It was written in demonic, celestial, and Japanese. However, due to Godzilla's awkward arrival on the opposite side of the Pacific, I can make it available in English as well. Any more questions?"

A small voice could be heard from the opposite side of the room. "Excuse me." The witch who had spoke was a young blonde girl. She had short curly hair and was carrying a notebook. "Will the entire Underworld be coming?"

"Excellent question, Miss..." Cole looked to the warlock who referred to the PDA before whispering in his ear. "Kent. Now, of course, the whole Underworld will not be attending. For instance, Godzilla has attacked Japan several times; however, the last time I saw him was in Okinawa in 1975. Generally speaking, only demons with small children attend as well as a few other demons that are in the area at the time. I can't confirm at this time the correct number of demons, and other underworld personnel. I can, however, assure you that only upper-level demons, dark priests, and dark lighters are entitled to attend."

Phoebe mulled over this. That criteria left out warlocks and other lesser demons. As a former Queen, this actually encouraged her. The upper-levels were the most dangerous, but on the plus side, they were also the most disciplined. As were dark lighters. They generally only attacked white lighters and, as she recalled, only under orders. As for the dark priests, she didn't recall them ever attacking anyone. True, they were evil but generally non-aggressive. She took a deep breath and raised her hand.

Cole smiled as he looked at his ex-wife. He had seen the very thoughtful look she had had. "Yes, Phoebe?"

"I'm just a little curious. Under what circumstances, should we have to expect an attack? Can a dark lighter be near a white lighter and NOT attack? Also, upper-level demons tend to be very proud. I'd hate to think that one slip of the tongue and energy balls would be flying."

A soft chuckle came from the dark lighter on the stage and then a large white light as nearly all the white lighters orbed from the room. Cole sighed audibly. "Well, well, well, Mr. Wyatt. I am very impressed. I'd heard you had backbone."

Leo looked the dark lighter who had just spoken right in the eye. He smiled coolly as he spoke. "Well, I did have an upper-level demon for a brother-in-law. I learned not to be so jumpy."

"Well, Leo, if that's case, would you mind retrieving your jumpy colleagues? I would like to finish this as I promised my wife I'd be home for dinner." Leo nodded and orbed out. "As for your question, Phoebe, I will answer it – but perhaps I should wait for the others?"

Phoebe chuckled and nodded. Well, she'd always heard orbing was a fear response. She was about to open her mouth, when the blonde witch with the notepad spoke up. "Sir? Just out of curiosity, I've heard that orbing is a fear response. What is shimmering?"

Cole raised his eyebrow at the forward young woman, who once again had her pencil raised above the pad. Hmmm. If he didn't know better, he'd say she was a journalist and not a witch. He looked again at the warlock. "Dracorus? Are you sure this young lady is a witch? I feel like I'm being interviewed by the press."

The girl chuckled. "Oh! I guess you are. Do you want to see my press card? I'm a freelance journalist, Chloe Kent. Only found out about the witch thing a few years back. Do you mind answering the question?"

Cole shook his head in exasperation. Well, it takes all kinds. "Shimmering would probably be considered a desire response. You will find that most things a demon, or even a warlock or dark lighter, would do would be considered a response to desire. Except perhaps throwing an energy ball or fire, that would be an aggressive response." He looked to his companions on the stage, who both nodded their heads in agreement. He started to open his mouth to continue when a bright blue-white light filled the room announcing the re-appearance of the white lighters. "Ah, now that you're back, can we continue?"

The white lighters nodded their heads sheepishly. Leo groaned. White lighters liked to think they were better than the Underworld creatures, and they were really. However, he did get embarrassed to see them reacting like so many scared cats. He looked at Cole and shrugged helplessly, and was heartened to see his ex-brother-in-law smiling sympathetically at him. "Excellent. Now as Ms. Halliwell had asked before the mass orb interrupted me, when can you expect an attack? Number one, the chances of a dark priest attacking are pretty much nil. However, they may get cranky. As a rule, they are among the oldest of the Underworld's population and quite intolerant of stupidity and ignorance. So, your best bet is not to speak until spoken to. I would imagine most of the Underworld follows that same rule of thumb as well."

Laughter was heard throughout the room as the dark lighter and warlock laughed at his suggestion. A few titters from the witches were also heard, relaxing the tension in the room significantly.

"Next, the dark lighters. A good thing to remember about dark lighters is that they are predators and hunters basically. Unlike demons who are out for the kill, a dark lighter receives his primary thrill and pleasure from the hunt itself. Therefore, if you don't give them a reason for a chase, you should be perfectly alright. Other than that, dark lighters have most of the same motivations and responses as a human. Additionally, the dark lighters will not have their children at this celebration and the dark lighters present will not be armed."

"Thirdly, we come to the upper-level demons. Those of you dealing with them at the celebration will be more likely to run into problems. Demons are proud and dislike being insulted. However, I believe the biggest threat will be from the mothers. Like any other mother, animal or human, our mothers are also extremely protective of their young. If any of the mothers sense a threat, they will respond – violently. I'm sure any of the mothers in the room can agree with that response. But, I do need to warn you that the children, themselves, may attack. They are being told not to, however, kids will be kids. Understand?"

Piper thought about this. That made sense, and she could hardly fault even a demon mom for protecting her kid. "Cole? Just how old are the kids? And does a demon kid's development follow a human timeline?"

Cole smiled at this. "For obvious reasons, I'm not going to tell you about the development of a demonic child. It would not be in my or the Underworld's best interests. However, I will tell you that, like human children, every demonic child is different. And, the children should be between the ages of 3 and 7. After the eighth year, children are taken from their mothers and placed in a faction for training."

Piper nodded. Well, that made things a little easier. She hadn't been looking forward to seeing a bunch of infants or demons in the terrible twos. Also, she really didn't want to see a demon on hormones. She and her sisters were bad enough as teenagers. She looked around at her fellow witches and the white lighters. They all really needed a break. Everyone, except (of course) Cole and his two colleagues, were on pins and needles. "Cole, would it be alright to take a break before we go on? I made some refreshments and, of course, drinks are on the house."

A general twittering of laughter spread across the room. Cole joined in, nodding his head. "That's an excellent idea, Piper."

Part Two

Piper surveyed the room. Everyone was seated with drinks and talking amongst themselves. The dark lighter and the warlock had helped to serve drinks. That had really surprised her. She hadn't expected to, well, like them. But they were very polite and surprisingly friendly. It really threw her. She didn't like thinking of demons, warlocks, and dark lighters as people. It was much easier to think of them as pure evil. It was quite disturbing to actually identify with them.

Paige was having the same strange experience. Unlike her fellow white lighters, she wasn't as skittish around the dark lighter. In fact, if he hadn't have been a dark lighter, she was sure she would've flirted with him. (That is, if her feelings hadn't already been engaged.) He was very good-looking and very funny. It was all so surreal.

Cole kept on looking at his watch. He had promised Willow he'd be home in time for dinner. And he meant to keep that promise. Giles also wanted to discuss the home schooling he had been planning. It was a brilliant scheme, really. He had never wanted his children to attend public school. Too many potential disasters. And Giles would be a perfect teacher. He looked up and scanned the room. Have to speed this up.

He stood up and cleared his throat. "Witches and white lighters!" He announced, looking around to see if he had everyone's attention. "Thank you. I'm sure we have all been pleasantly surprised by Mrs. Halliwell's generosity today. However, we do need to move on. The planning for the event must continue. Now, I am only going to give you general guidelines for the celebration. You will have free range to plan as you will. Any questions before I continue?"

Looking around, he saw no hands. He looked at the young witch, Chloe, She was listening intently. He really did feel as if he needed to worry about an article turning up in the Chronicle or the Mirror. Shaking his head slightly, he turned his attention to his ex-wife and her sisters. They were looking expectantly at him, Piper was raising an eyebrow.

"Excellent. Now, the celebrations will start with a parade and there will also be fireworks. The Underworld will take care of this. However, we would like you to provide games and entertainments. Mainly for the children. Also..."

"Games? I don't even want to know what kind of games little hellions play!" A voice screamed out in outrage.

Cole gasped at the sound of the very familiar voice. Looking around the witches, he saw that Piper and Phoebe were looking around in shock as well. He scanned on the white lighter side and there she was. "Prue?"

"Prue!" Phoebe and Piper screamed out and ran over to their sister. They jumped onto her and hugged her fiercely. "What are you---"

"Excuse me!" Cole shouted out. "I do have plans this evening. And, I don't want to tell my wife I was late for dinner because my ex-wife got excited."

Phoebe and Piper jumped back at Cole's announcement. The last thing they wanted to do was irritate Willow Turner. Prue looked at them, and was surprised to get a very shamefaced look from her sisters. She started to open her mouth when they shook their heads at her.

"Well, well, Prue. Amazing to think of you as a white lighters. Aren't they supposed to be understanding and compassionate?" Cole smiled and nearly stepped back at Prue's hostile glare. "Anyway, let's continue. I can give you some examples of previous games. Still, in the end, it's up to you to organize them. The games will mainly be for the children. However, it would be nice to find some entertainment for the adults as well. But, that isn't required. Games, in the past, have included a dunk the witch booth, and a white lighter shooting gallery."

He smiled at the shrieks of outrage. "Now, now. The children have low voltage energy balls. Besides, it's not as if I suggested that the dark lighters be the shooters. Also, it's up to you. Apart from the demons, there will also be a few select dark lighters and dark priests in attendance. Now, as for the catering, a rule of thumb to remember is that demons like hot and spicy food, raw flesh, both animal and human, and chocolate. Any combination of these items should be acceptable. I'm sure that a chef of Mrs' Halliwell's caliber could come up with some excellent treats. The demons will provide their own liquor. However, the mothers would appreciate some drinks for the children. Any questions?"

"Cole, I appreciate the vote of confidence, but... I mean, how the hell will I feed that many demons!" Piper screamed in frustration and indignation.

Cole chuckled. "Piper, Piper, Piper. I have complete faith in you. However, that is the end of the overview. I'll leave you know to fine tune your plans. Drax and Dracorus will remain and help you organize and liaise with the Underworld. If there's anything that involves me, they will get in touch with me immediately. Thank you for your attention. Good luck." And, with that, Cole shimmered out.

"No! Damn him!" Piper screamed. "He can't just dump this on us and run off! You two! Go get him!"

Drax raised his eyebrows and chuckled. "You cannot command us. And you have no authority over a demon of Balthazor's bloodline."

"AAAARGGH!" She screamed in response.

The room erupted into high commotion as the separate witches and white lighters started speaking and arguing amongst themselves. Dracorus leaned back against the wall, smiling, remembering prior gatherings like this one. They, too, had ended in such an uproar. But, he had high hopes for the celebration. His father had told him of prior celebrations and he was looking forward to this.