"Asmodeus?"

Kendra's mouth dropped. She's studied enough demonology to know that the Demon King of the Nine Hells is an entity of epic proportion. In short, this Big Bad was going to be a huge problem for the Charmed Ones.

Sheila turned to her youngest sibling. "Kendra, what do you know about this particular demon? Spill it." Her voice remained stern, authoritative and any information would greatly assist them for the upcoming battle. Kendra began to lie.

"Based upon my mythology research, Asmodeus or King Asmodeus, as he is referred to, is mentioned in various Sumarian and Assyrian texts. A demonic royal over nine parts of the Kingdom of the Underworld, he serves as a general and right hand to Lucifer, meaning…"

"This is going to be one epic mission to vanquish him," Sheila finished her sentence. Her voice exhaled.

Darcy added her two cents. "We've defeated plenty of powerful demons before." She pointed out. "We can do the same for this Asmodeus." Turning her face to Darryl, she addressed him. "Any news of his motivations?"

The White Lighter shrugged and shook his head. "Not yet. Our scouts have gone into the Underworld but no one is talking. We can only assume that this Asmodeus is plotting something big!"

"Probably, another takeover of Earth."

All heads shifted their gaze from the White Lighter to see Mama Sin sauntering into the room. She smiled first at Kendra and then nodded to her two older sisters.

"Maman Sin," Sheila sighed. "You should be resting. You shouldn't concern yourself with our battles."

Grandmother Young waved her hand away. "Hush, child. If evil is afoot, I want to be there to aid the Charmed Ones when they take on such an abomination. My granddaughters aren't the only ones capable of fighting evil!" She pointed to Darcy and Sheila. "We will consult the Book of Shadows to see if there are any potions or spells to defeat Asmodeus." Her head then nodded to Kendra. "You, young lady, should prepare for your date!"

Kendra's eyes widened. "How do you know about my date?"

Maman Sin emitted a giggle. "Child, I'm old, not deaf! I overheard your conversation with your sisters. Besides, I want to meet the young man who is taking my granddaughter out this weekend. Will he meet my standards?" She cocked left brow when she said it.

Darcy frowned and put her hands to her hip in disapproval. "Maman Sin! Kendra hasn't been on date for a very long time. Cut her some slack!'

"Hush child!" The Young Grandmother told the middle child. "Ever since your mother died, I've promised to watch over you. So, I'm a little overprotective over my grandbabies, sue me!"

As usual, Sheila mediated and threw up her hands. "All right. Enough with the arguing. Everyone has a task, I suggest we come up with a plan to stop Asmodeus."

"I'll check in with the Elders to see if they have any news," Darryl offered. He kissed his wife on the cheek and orbed out in a flash of lights.

Left alone, the quartet decided to get work. Ignoring Maman Sin's advice on dating, Kenda followed her family upstairs into the attack to consult the Book of Shadows. Turning to the page containing Asmodeus, the Young family looked at a crude, charcoal drawing of a Biblical demon with pointed ears, horns, hoofed feet, and sitting on a throne made of bones while sporting a crown.

"Is that what Asmodeus looks like?" Darcy asked their grandmother.

Maman Sin shrugged her shoulders. "Who knows? This is an interpretation created from the Middle Ages and later the Renaissance Period. No one truly knows what a true demonic deity looks like. Even Lucifer, himself, has many different perspectives and these evil entities can take any different shapes and forms."

"Sort of like a glamour," Sheila added. "What about the demons we usually fight like the Nabryn? They look exactly like the ones in the book."

Maman Sin nodded in response. "Of course, but those are low level minions. A true god, even a demon, can assume weight and mass and can be much larger than expected. They are not so easily defeatable. We have to be ready when Asmodeus does show his true self."

Kendra stepped in and turned a few pages around and noticed a particular spell in the book. She pointed it out to her sisters. "What about a banishment spell?"

"Banishment spell?" Mama Sin cocked her head and drew a finger down her cheek as she thought about the Slayer's words. Kendra explained her stance.

"Yes, a banishment spell." The Slayer again explained. "If this Asmodeus is going to be difficult to kill, then why not banish him back to the Underworld and trap him there so that he can't escape into our world?"

"Like a prison!" Darcy answered excitedly. "That sounds like a great idea."

Maman Sin clapped her hands in agreement. "Excellent! This might work, Kendra!" She hugged her youngest granddaughter. "Child, you certainly are a Charmed One! Why work harder when you can work…"

"Smarter." Kendra smiled as she finished Mama Sin's statement. She felt a sense of pride for contributing. Sheila leaned in.

"It looks like it's a powerful spell but we'll need to create the potions," noted the eldest. "We can start gathering the ingredients. Some of the things are already in our cupboards. The rest…"

"I can gather from the magic shops and herbalist stores," Maman Sin finished. She clapped her hands again. "We shouldn't waste any more time. Get everything ready and we'll meet back here and start cooking up the potions. Everyone has their assignments, let's get to work!"

They all agreed, took down the list, and began to gather up the necessary ingredients for the task.


The next few days were a combination of mixing various potions, writing down spells, and researching different methods of defeating Asmodeus. The Charmed Ones had been so preoccupied that they did not realize that the weekend had finally come upon them. Prepping Kendra for her date, Sheila and Darcy picked out the right outfit to wear while Maman Sin accompanied her to the salon to style and straighten her hair while purchasing some make-up for her. By Saturday night, the Slayer was ready.

In the living room, Sheila, Darcy, and Maman Sin sat on the couch attempting to look casual while Darryl shook his head in disapproval at their attempts of interrogating her date.

"Isn't this a bit much?" The Detective scowled, scanning the Young family. "You're going to embarrass her in front of her date."

Maman Sin rolled her eyes. "Come now, Darryl. We're simply looking out for Kendra's best interests. It's been a while since the accident and we want to make sure this gentleman will treat my granddaughter properly."

Darcy snickered. "Besides, when do we get a chance to size up our baby sister's dates? It's a family tradition in this family."

"That's because you dated a demon," Sheila pointed out. "Now our family has to always be cautious!"

Darcy clucked her tongue. "That was one time and I didn't know it. Besides, we vanquished him didn't we?"

Once again, Maman Sin rolled her eyes. "Yet, that still didn't stop you from dating some questionable suitors. Remember that man who went to prison for embezzlement from his company? I hope you're not writing him pen pal letters in prison!"

The middle sister frowned. "It was a Ponzi scheme and I broke up with him when he got convicted so, no Mama Sin, I'm not writing him in prison." She smirked. "I'm e-mailing him!"

"Darcy!" The Young grandmother gasped. "You can't be serious!"

Tossing up her hands, Darcy laughed. "I'm kidding!"

'You better be, child!" Mama Sin warned. "Otherwise, I'll cast a spell to put a large cold sore on your lips!"

Their conversation was interrupted by the doorbell. "Act natural!" Sheila advised as the Young women lounged on the couch, pretending to be doing something. It did not look convincing.

"You girls are lousy at faking it!" Darryl muttered. "Try not to humiliate Kendra or her date!"

"Cross our hearts!" Darcy said, making the gesture on her chest while keeping her two fingers wrapped behind her back. "Let the man in!"

Darryl shook his head and opened the front door to reveal Zen dressed in a tight fitting, blue long sleeve button up and matching dark slacks and brown leather loafers. In his arms were a bouquet of red and white roses and a basket of goodies.

All the Young women's mouths dropped the moment Darryl let him inside the foyer. All three women stood up from the couch.

"Damn! He foine!" Sheila whispered to Darcy.

"Baby sis got good taste," Darcy whispered back. "You can bounce a quarter off that ass!"

"Shh," Maman Sin hushed her elder granddaughters. She extended a hand to Zen. "Hello, Mr. Minasi, I'm Sineya, Kendra's grandmother." Zen handed the grand matriarch the basket of sweets and shook her free hand with his.

"Call me Zen, please," he replied politely. "I hope you like desserts. I made a stop at Sweet Shoppe and got some treats."

"Sweet Shoppe?" Darcy said excitedly as she grabbed the basket of goodies from her grandmother. "I love their macaroons!"

Sheila rolled her eyes and introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Shelia, the older sister. The glutton is Darcy, the middle child, and you've met my husband, Darryl," Zen politely shook all their hands as he nervously waited for the next part of their interrogation. "Kendra should be down soon. She's just getting…"

"Ready!"

Coming down the stairs appeared Kendra in an off the shoulder, yellow floral dress, cute ankle boots, matching handbag, and with her dark hair sleek and her make-up on point. Her sisters smiled proudly as Zen took her exquisite appearance and grinned. "Wow!" He mouthed the words. Out of everyone, he was the most impressed.

"You look good too," Kendra giggled, taking in his appearance. The man was really wearing his shirt as it showcased every muscle of his body and his slacks accentuated the best features of his hips, legs, buttocks, and, his very Zen personality. He handed her the bouquet of roses.

"These are for you," he said as she accepted.

"Thank you," she blushed. It felt weird receiving flowers from a boy since she was never allowed to date as a Slayer but again this is a different Kendra and she was permitted to be a little selfish. She inhaled the fragrant aroma of the roses and went into the kitchen to grab a vase for them and some water before returning back to her date.

"You ready?" Zen asked her. She nodded and began to follow him toward the front door before Maman Sin lifted her hand. "Wait a minute, children!" She cocked her head. "What time are you bringing my granddaughter back?"

"Maman Sin!" Sheila protested. "She's a grown woman. She doesn't need a curfew…"

"I'll bring her home by midnight," Zen grinned. He crossed his muscular chest and raised two fingers. "Scouts honor!" Once again, they tried to exit before Darcy came racing up to her.

"One more thing!" Discreetly, she pulled out a foil from her pocket and slipped it inside Kendra's purse. "What's this?" Her younger sister asked before noticing the protruding circle around the package. She gasped as she froze upon noticing it. "Just in case," Darcy whispered. "No unwanted pregnancies or diseases. Have fun, sis!" She quickly kissed her cheek and pushed toward Zen. A nervous Kendra gulped.

"I guess we'll be on our way," Zen grinned. He opened the door and exited first as Kendra once again swallowed as she too got ready to go outside. Just halfway out of the door, Darryl winked and whispered to her too. "Call my name if ever you're in trouble and I'll orb you out!"

Eyes widened, Kendra simply nodded silently in agreement, waved everyone goodbye and shut the door behind her.

This was turning out to be an interesting first date.


Dinner was exquisite. A good pasta dinner at a nice Italian restaurant always sets off the mood. After finishing their meal, the pair took a stroll down the downtown pier of the San Diego bay as Kendra proudly took his arm and walked out into the beautiful moonlight night. At first, neither said anything but Zen began the conversation to relieve any awkwardness between them.

"I read one of your papers on Hittite weaponry and armor," he noted. "It was brilliant!"

"Oh?" Kendra remarked with surprise, forgetting that it was the other Kendra of this universe who had written the paper. She tried to play along. "Um, what part impressed you?"

"Weaponry," he responded. "Like spears. I didn't realize how complex of a weapon they could be." She decided to feign insight.

"It's the metallurgy, the type of metal and mineral components used," she found herself saying while lying through her teeth. "At first glance, a spear looks like an ordinary weapon of a staff and a pointed arrow at the end but depending on how it's used, it can slice as deadly as a sword to decapitate a vamp….a human, slice through a dem…enemy with its blade or skewer through a monst…opponent. Then there's the staff that could be used to disarm, trip or bludgeon its foe and with the right trajectory can be used like a javelin to be thrown as you would an axe."

"Wow!" Zen remarked, impressed by her knowledge. "How do you know so much about weapons?"

Kendra shrugged and smiled. "I just do. You could say I was born to be a Slay…to slay like I would a Hittite warrior." She laughed to which Zen caught the joke and laughed along with her. They stopped as an intense feeling drew them close. Zen looked at Kendra and touched both sides of her face with his hands. Then his face began to lower. Part of the Slayer wanted her to run, fight, and push him away but, strangely enough, her innermost thoughts told her to remain motionless and let things happen. She chose the latter.

Then, without hesitation, their lips touched. Kendra closed her eyes, allowing the tingly sensations inside her tummy to dance and took in the masculine scent of him as it filled her nostrils and made her whole body quake. Without thinking, she tossed her arms up, wrapped herself around him, and gave in to the kiss.

How long did their mouths connect? A minute? Two. Five? It didn't matter. The kiss felt long, perfect, and wonderful. Their mouths touched for another minute before Zen slowly pulled away from her and looked down at her with adoring dark eyes.

"I really like you, Kendra." Zen told her.

His statement made her giggle as she blushed. "I like you too, Zen." She managed to say, not knowing that this was her first kiss. His eyes glanced down at his watch. "We have an hour left on our date and I did promise your grandmother to have you home by midnight…"

"Or Cinderella will turn back into a pumpkin," the Slayer groaned, and she pressed a finger to her lips. "Yeah, Maman Sin is overly protective."

Zen giggled. "I think it's sweet. Your family is looking out for you."

She exhaled. "I've learned to look out for myself."

He lifted her chin with his finger as he stared at her. "Cheer up. It means that you are loved." His eyes suddenly glanced at his watch. "Shit!"

"What is it?" Kendra asked curiously with concern.

"I was supposed to pick up some important research papers earlier but I forgot," he informed her.

She shrugged and smiled. "Why not get them tomorrow? Maybe in the morning?"

Zen sighed. "Dr. Blakely is presenting a paper in the morning on the other side of town at a different university. I was supposed to drop it off today so that she has them ready in the morning when she arrives there." He turned to Kendra. "You don't mind accompanying me back on campus so I can quickly grab them and deliver them to her in the morning, do you?"

Kendra shook her head. "No, it's fine." The Slayer naturally did not mind. It just meant she had more time to spend with Zen. "Great!" Her date responded. They returned to his car as they drove off to California Campus.


Parking in the empty lot in front of the history department building, Zen turned to Kendra and smiled. "Just give me a minute to grab the papers from the office and then we can leave."

The Slayer nodded. "Sure." She watched as Zen got out of the car, walked over to unlock the front doors and disarm the alarm inside. Kendra waited patiently. Two minutes passed. Then another five. After fifteen minutes had gone by, she unbuckled her seatbelt and touched the steering wheel to honk the car horn for his attention.

A flash of images scattered around in her mind.. She saw Zen running from a series of monsters. Demons with sharp claws and teeth surrounded him as he picked up some metal weapon and began to fight these things. Then the pictures stopped. Knowing and sensing her date was in trouble, the Slayer opened the car door and raced toward the building. Luckily, the main entrance remained unlocked and the alarm was turned off. However, the lights were turned off except for a few emergency ones filling the ceiling with some dimly lit brightness.

"Hello?"

Her voice echoed around the hallway. No sound as her boots made a slight tap on the linoleum. A loud crash could be heard around the corner as she darted toward the noise. A faint shadow made some movement on the floor before disappearing and she ran to where it originated from. It led her to a darkened lecture hall where she opened the door. Reaching through the blackness, she found the light switch and turned it on. Nothing.

Damnit! Something or someone killed the lights. Thankfully, the large windows up top of the hall provided some moonlight but not much. She made her way to the desk at the front of the room hoping to find a weapon to use. Another loud crash alerted her. Defenseless, she noticed the storage room near the desk, broke the locked handle, opened it and hid inside.

Through the darkness of the storage closet, she heard loud footsteps coming toward her. An eerie scratch like nails across chalkboard hurt her ears but she gathered herself into her fighting stance and prepared for what was to come.

"Come out! Come out! Wherever you are?"

The voice sounded oddly familiar. She recognized the slight twinge of evil in its cadence.

A Tupla Demon.

"Come out, little Charmed One! Oh yes, I know what you are! Come out and I'll make your death quick and painless!"

Footsteps pounded near the desk, then the heaving breathing near the broken storage door.

"There you are! I'm going to enjoy gutting you!"

It was now or never. The Tupla grabbed what was left of the broken handle and began to rip open the door. Using every bit of her Slayer strength, Kendra stepped back, ran and kicked at full force the door, shattering its hinges and creating a shield that crushed the Tupla to the ground. It landed hard on the old tile floor, giving the Slayer time to assess her next strategy.

Noticing the small flagpole by the white board, she backflipped toward it, seized it off its holder and smashed into two leaving the sharpest point on one. Now she had a makeshift stake to use.

Not a Mr. Pointy, but it'll do. She thought to thought to herself. Sure enough, it did.

The Tupla disintegrated into a pile of fiery ashes as it disappeared into the ground. Lifting her makeshift flagpole, she admired her weapon and became its results. I guess it does work on demon hearts too! She said confidently.

Screeches, roars and screams could be heard outside the building which brought her back to reality. Oh shit! Zen! She ran from the lecture hall and raced to a nearby classroom that had windows facing the westside of the campus. She looked out through the pane to see a group of shadows moving around the campus street lights surrounding four people.

Adjusting her vision, she recognized Zen but he was brandishing a weapon as were the other two, she did not know. Next to them was Dr. Eden Blakely wielding a crossbow as some sinister demons were coming closer to them. What the hell? This is really bizarre.

Surrounding the perimeter were the enemy. She counted eight Tuplas in total but it was two large ones that were going to be a problem. Nabryn Demons. Larger and harder to kill. Even as the Slayer she knew she was out numbered.

She needed help. She needed allies. She needed her sisters. Her family.

Releasing a sigh, she called out his name.

"Darryl!"