Darcy found herself swamped with case files the next morning. As one of the city department's social workers, she always found herself dealing with dysfunctional families and their difficult situations. Now sitting in front of her desk was such an example, a Margaret "Maggie" Bobbins, a disheveled, drug addicted, neglectful mother, who was asking for more money from her government assistance.

The Charmed sister looked over her file and eyed her with disdain. "Mrs. Bobbins, it says here you are requesting more money for your welfare benefits. Care to tell me why?"

"It's Miss Bobbins now!" Maggie snapped. "I divorced that lying, cheating asshole of a husband for cheating on me! Besides, I got four kids by him so that entitles me to more since I got dependents to feed! I deserve more money!"

Darcy sighed, put down the folder and glared at her case file. "Maggie, your kids were taken away by CPS for severe abuse and neglect. They're in foster care so that doesn't entitle you to any more money by the state. Furthermore, your benefits have been reduced because you refuse to meet with your drug counselor and you are not actively looking for a job. Based upon your inability to meet these requirements, you won't be granted an extension on your government assistance nor will you receive an increase in said benefits. In short, you're being cut off!"

"FUCK YOU BITCH!" Maggie screeched. She stood up from her chair and began to stomp over with her fist raised ready to hit her. Darcy exhaled and brought out her time power. Flicking a hand, she froze the angry Maggie Bobbins in place before muttering a quick spell.

Rage you be

Standing tall

Remove yourself

With no memory of this at all!

Flicking a single hand, she unfroze Maggie who looked confused as slowly grumbled and walked out of her office and down the hall. Sheila had just gotten off the elevator and got shoulder bumped by a disgruntled Maggie who entered the same lift and mumbled as it closed behind her. Thinking nothing of it, the eldest Charmed sibling made her way to her sister's office and knocked on the doorway.

"Sheila!" Darcy greeted her but exhibited a frown.

Her older sibling folded her arms. "Bad time?"

Darcy sighed again. "Sorry, I just dealt with a really bad case file."

Sheila shrugged. "I just met her. She went down the elevator. She kept referring to you as a bitch."

Darcy rolled her eyes. "Figures. Her kids are in foster care because of her and we just cut off her benefits. Hopefully, she'll get her life together."

"That remains to be seen," Sheila remarked. She tried to cheer her up. "I'm taking an extended lunch break. I was hoping you were free to eat at that cafe you love so much. The one with…"

"Those awesome mimosas!" Darcy finished. "You're on! Let me grab my purse!" She picked up her handbag and both siblings headed out of the building and down the street to a really good eatery nearby. They had passed an alleyway when they heard a scream nearby. "It's coming from around the corner of the alley!" She darted first with Sheila trailing right after her.

"Why is it that we can't have a normal day that doesn't involve demons?" The eldest Charmed One scoffed. "Just once, I wish evil would take a break!"

"And miss all the fun?" Darcy smirked. "Then life would be boring for our family." They darted to the edge of the building's corner to see a female demon, dressed in a shabby dress and wearing a raggedy, dark gray cloak. Her face was concealed with a veil as her eyes sported a sinister yellow glow. Between her bony fingers and sharp nails, she held Maggie Bobbins by the throat as she hoisted her up and taunted the woman.

"'Ello dearie," the demoness laughed. "Lookin' for a spot of tea now?"

Maggie whimpered as she struggled in fear, squeezing the wrist of her captor. "Please…please…don't hurt me!"

"Don't worry, dear heart," the demoness cackled. "Your blood smells of evil with all sorts of webs attached. The spiders will love carrying each drop to the Master!" She raised her other free hand to reveal another set of bony fingers with sharp talons. She then proceeded to strike her captive.

"Forget it, bitch!" Darcy shouted. She flicked both her hands at the demoness who felt a surge of explosive energy that knocked her back against the ground, forcing her to release a sobbing Maggie. Noticing her power not causing much damage, Darcy turned to her eldest sister. "She didn't blow up! Sheila, why didn't my power blow her up?"

"I don't know," Sheila countered. "But we can't let her attack us." She concentrated on the demoness, waved her hand and released a telekinetic force that yanked their enemy backward and slammed her against the opposite wall. The demoness toppled forward, landing hard against the concrete. Seeing Maggie just crying and sitting on her butt watching everything in shock, the eldest Charmed One gestured to the woman. "Run!"

Maggie did as she was told, as she quickly picked herself up, sobbing, and shaking as she raced past the pair of witches and sprinted out of the alley.

"You're still cut off from those benefits, Maggie!" Darcy yelled after her as she disappeared. Sheila gave her a disapproving look as her younger sibling shrugged her shoulders. "What? It's true!"

Too preoccupied with their victory, the demoness got up quickly and sneered. Both Charmed sisters went for another round but this time, their foe was well prepared this time. Opening her clawed hand, she ignited a ball of flame and tossed it at the witches. "Catch!"

Darcy froze the ball of fire as Sheila redirected it with her mind at the nearby wall, scorching the brick across from them. Returning their attention back to the demoness, both women began to unite their abilities. However, the demoness had another trick up her sleeve.

Clapping her hands together, a sudden wave pushed toward the Charmed Ones, knocking both ladies down. Another tremor came right after; this time, sending Sheila and Darcy a few feet toward the start of the alleyway entrance. Dazed and attempting to get their bearings, they shifted their focus back to their opponent who had her arms folded in a defiant stance.

"I'm afraid, we'll have to reschedule tea, Charmed Ones," the demoness cackled. "I'll leave you both for my Master to savor as a sample!" The demoness laughed again. "I'm afraid the crumpets and scones have expired!" She released her arms out and shimmered in a blur as she teleported out.

Darcy and Sheila picked themselves up, dusted their clothes as they looked at each other in frustration.

"What was that all about?" Darcy asked her sister.

"I don't know," replied Sheila. "But we definitely got our asses handed to us. I guess we should cut lunch short and wait until after work to consult the Book of Shadows."

"Should we call Kendra?" Darcy questioned her sibling.

Sheila shook her head. "No, she's swamped with getting her classes ready next month. Let's wait until she gets home tonight and we'll share what we've discovered."

"All right," Darcy nodded. "Hopefully, it's something we can use to stop Asmodeus."

California University

Dressed in a sports suit, sneakers, and wearing a zip up jacket, Kendra finished emailing her syllabus and lesson plans for the semester to Dr. Blakely. She had been so busy with finalizing her teaching outline that she almost did not notice Zen standing in the doorway of her office. Her face looked up to see his chiseled physique hidden beneath his perfectly sculpted tank top and shorts that showcased his amazing legs and calves that she found herself blushing as she thought about what he looked like fully unclothed.

"Almost finished?" He asked her and he smiled at her.

"Yeah," she responded, as she felt her cheeks getting hot and flustered. "I just sent the email to Dr. Blakely. I should be all set for the semester."

"Good," he said with a devilish smile. "That means you're now free to start your first day of training. Don't worry, I'll go easy on you."

Kendra cocked her head and grinned back. "I'll be the judge of that."

He laughed as he escorted her outside the history building on campus and toward the locked art gallery that only the members of the Order had access to. Entering through the back entrance, the duo made either way toward the college art gallery and to the Egyptian statue that held the secret steps to the underground lair. From there, Zen led Kendra through a series of lit hallways until they came to a large, open training room full of weapons and gym equipment.

At the center, Guardians Sanjay and Monica sparred in their workout gear as they stopped to see Zen entering accompanied by the Slayer.

Monica eyed her with disdain. "What the hell is she doing here? You know this section is off limits to outsiders that are not Guardians!"

"Chill, Monica!" Zen calmed her. "Kendra wanted some training in self-defense techniques. I thought it would be best if we taught her how to fight."

Sanjay laughed. "So a Charmed One wants to be a warrior?"

Kendra managed to let out a smile. "I mean my power is passive compared to my sisters. It would be nice to learn to defend myself when fighting demons."

"That's cool!" Sanjay gave her the thumbs up. "A powerful warrior witch! I dig it!"

"Until she gets herself killed," Monica scoffed. "Then again, it's her funeral."

Zen glared at his comrade. "That is why we're here to help her. If we give her the necessary tools, then she can protect herself."

"I agree," Sanjay cheered. "Why don't we start with the basics?"

"You guys figure it out," Monica rolled her eyes. "I'm going on a break!" The female Guardian marched out of the room, leaving only Sanjay and Zen pulling some equipment to start Kendra's lesson.

"First lesson, a little light boxing," suggested Sanjay. He helped put on the boxing gloves on her hands as he slipped his hands through the elastic of the other pair of pads. "Word of advice on throwing a punch, keep your thumb on the outside of your fist, between the first and second knuckles on the index and middle finger. You want to do this because you don't want to break your thumb when you land a hit upon impact."

Kendra nodded, feigning ignorance. She knew how to land the perfect punch. She was the Slayer after all. Still, she amused Sanjay's pride and did as she was told.

"Now slowly hit the targets in both of my hands until you feel confident to build the rhythm," ordered the Guardian. "Then really let me have it!"

Once again, the Chosen One agreed. She began slightly tapping each of the padding in Sanjay's hands, then little by little she accelerated her speed, until finally, she aggressively hit the targets with just enough force to send him stumbling a few feet back from her.

"Woah!" Sanjay commented. "You almost got me down like Mike Tyson! Are you sure you've never boxed before?"

Kendra shrugged and lied. "I mean I've taken a few beginning classes for credit as an undergrad, but I wouldn't call myself proficient"

Zen smirked. "You could've fooled me! You broke my nose last time. I'm pretty sure you could be a heavyweight."

The Slayer shrugged again. "Luckily shot?"

Sanjay laughed. "Either way, this girl is a natural." He turned to Zen. "How about you teach her some basic kicks?"

"All right," the Guardian nodded. He slipped on the pads on both hands as Sanjay stood close to the Chosen One.

"Your basic karate kick is simple," Sanjay explained. "First get into a fighting stance like this." He demonstrated as he held his fists up, pushed one leg forward and allowed the back leg to brace as he stood like a statue. Kendra followed suit in perfect unison to him as if they were mirror opposites. "Very good, Kendra." He then executed his next direction. "Now draw your back knee up as high as you can. Higher is better as you'll reap more power with movement and snap your foot in front of you hitting the target, which is the pad that Zen is holding up." The Guardian made a flawless demonstration and touched the pad with his foot. "Now you try. Begin slowly and then build momentum at your comfortability."

Kendra's impatience began to show as she raised her leg and made contact with the pad being held by Zen. She then finished it off with a perfect side kick to the other padding which again sent the Guardian a few feet backward upon the impact of the force. Both men were shocked.

"That was amazing!" Zen noted. "Are you sure you haven't done this before?"

The Chosen One grinned and lied again. "Maybe just a little. Again, I took some beginning credits in karate, taekwondo, and little kung-fu, but I wouldn't say I'm an expert. However, I would love to learn about your nifty weapons and how to use them." She eyed the broadsword, battle axes, and arrows on the wall with glee. She was the Slayer and was well versed in multiple weapons. She couldn't wait to get her hands on the multiple pieces of artillery.

"Not so fast!" Zen stopped her. "Why don't we build up to it? For now, let's stick to punches and kicks."

A sarcastic clap came from across the room. Guardian Monica entered staring down the Chosen One as she scanned her from head to toe. "The little witch thinks she's a Guardian warrior now? That's a laugh!" She flared her nostrils at the Slayer. "Quit while you're ahead, Kendra Young, before you really embarrass yourself!"

Kendra rolled her eyes. This bitch really wants to tussle! Okay then! She smirked at Monica. "Care to spar? Maybe with weapons?"

Monica folded her arms and scoffed. "The Charmed One really wants to fight me? All right then, pick your weapon, little witch!"

"Monica!" Zen shouted in disapproval. "This is taking it too far! I won't allow you to challenge a beginner…"

Kendra stopped him. "It's all right, Zen. I can take her."

Leaning in, Zen whispered. "Are you sure about this? You might get hurt."

Kendra nodded. "Let me prove I have some mad skills."

Zen sighed with hesitation. "Fine, but I pick the weapons. Kendo style. Bamboo practice swords and we'll use padding equipment so no one gets hurt…"

"Nah, I'm good," said Kendra confidently. She glared at Monica. "Unless, my opponent wants to wear protective gear."

Monica scoffed and cackled. "Bring it on, witch!"

Sanjay jumped into the conversation. "It appears both ladies agree to do this without protection. Fine, but this is a beginner's competition. I repeat, a beginner's tournament. That means only light taps to the shoulders, arms, and chest to garner a point. No strikes to the face, stomach, legs or groin area. Zen and I will be watching closely to ensure no one gets seriously hurt. Is this understood?"

Both ladies nodded; but, inside, both women wanted to take down the other. Zen grabbed the two bamboo wooden swords off the wall and handed each weapon to the two opponents. Taking their places, each took a fighting stance as Zen and Sanjay observed from the outside as both females readied themselves. Then Sanjay called it.

"Begin!"

The Slayer circled Monica clutching her wooden sword tight as observed the Guardian's opportunity to strike. She did. Lifting her bamboo weapon high above her head, Monica cast out her stick in a horizontal motion, much like a lever pulling down and attempted to make contact with Kendra's shoulder. However, the Slayer noticed this and blocked her assault with her weapon, pushing the Guardian back an inch or so from her.

"Nice try," Kendra smirked at her. "You're going to have to do better than that."

"Not bad," Sanjay whispered to Zen. "Monica could've nailed that attack. I guess Kendra does have some tricks up her sleeve."

"I guess she does," Zen nodded. He was proud to see the Charmed One holding her own against an experienced warrior.

Determined not to be humiliated, Monica pulled her bamboo stick in an inside left, twisting her weapon into a close left and striking against the Slayer's arm in a long attack. The sword barely made an impact to feel anything but it was enough for Sanjay to make a call.

"One point, strike to the arm!" He called out. Monica silently cheered at her victory, but she still needed to make a few more attacks to take down her competitor.

"Ready to give up, little witch?" The Guardian wickedly grinned at her.

Kendra rolled her eyes. "Put your money where your mouth is and keep it going!" She grasped her wooden sword and waited for Monica's next movement.

Sure enough, Monica lifted her sword up to the side, but Kendra seized the opportunity with the opening and made a hanging left with her weapon before extending a long attack and tapping Monica's left shoulder with her bamboo stick.

"Two points for Kendra for tapping Monica's shoulder!" Zen declared.

"Touche," Sanjay smiled. "It's 2 for Kendra and 1 for Monica. The game is getting good!"

"Not for long!" Monica sneered. Pulling a back left with her weapon, she thrusted forward to which Kendra easily blocked the attack, but then spun around and pushed her sword to the right before crisscrossing her position and landing two hard strikes to Kendra's chest and swerving around to the back of the Slayer to kick her behind which propelled her forward few inches. "Two strikes to the chest. 3 points each making it, 7 for me and 1 for the witch!" She cackled.

"Hey! That's cheating!" Zen yelled.

Monica shrugged and sported an evil glee. "The battle is never fair on the field. The little witch should know that. It can get dirty sometimes." She twirled her wooden sword around her hand.

Leaning in, Zen whispered. "You okay. We can stop now. You don't have to prove anything to her."

Kendra exhaled and calmly replied. "It's okay. Let's finish this. If she wants to fight dirty, then I'll give her one!"

Sanjay pulled her aside to quietly talk to her. "Kendra, you've already proven yourself capable. You could seriously get hurt. Let's just call it a victory for Monica and we can move on."

The Slayer patted his shoulder. "It's all right. I can do this."

"You sure?" Zen asked her. "She knows how to fight dirty."

"I've learned to improvise too," the Chosen One winked at him.

"If you say so," Sanjay replied. "Just warning you if you seriously get hurt."

"I'm good," Kendra responded with confidence. She returned to her fighting stance as Monica held her weapon and sneered at the Slayer.

"Quitting already?" The Guardian taunted.

"You wish," Kendra snorted. "Now let's do this!"

"See you in the hospital!" Monica wickedly giggled. Reversing her position, she raised her sword again but this time, released a side swipe to the right ready for strike against the Chosen One's lower torso.

Instinctually, Kendra was ready. Lowering her body, she dodged the swerve of the weapon as she dropped to the floor and pushed her sneaker foot forward and made contact with Monica's ankle. Creating a sweeping motion, she contacted the Guardian's limb, sending her toppling to the ground, forcing her to drop her own weapon as Kendra somersaulted forward and stood up.

As Monica attempted to reach for her weapon, Kendra used her Slayer strength to stomp on the wooden sword, breaking it in half before standing over the Guardian's body and lightly but aggressively tapping Monica's shoulder and chest lightly several times.

"I've lost count after twenty points!" Sanjay cheered. "As far as I'm concerned, Kendra is the winner!"

The Slayer smiled proudly as Monica scrambled to get up, pick up the two broken pieces of the wooden sword, and began stomping angrily out of the training room.

"BITCH!" She screamed at the Slayer as she exited the area.

"I better talk to her to calm her down," suggested Zen. "Be back in a minute." He ran after his fellow comrade as Sanjay congratulated Kendra.

"Woohoo!" The Guardian laughed. "You really put Monica in her place and that's a rarity! And you didn't even break a sweat!" He had noticed that her forehead didn't have any perspiration or neither did her workout clothes.

"Yeah," Kendra joked as she was establishing her lie. "I don't sweat that much." She decided to change the subject. "What's her deal anyway? Why does Monica hate me so much?"

"It's not you," Sanjay corrected. "She hates everyone. It's that noblewoman's arrogance. She thinks she's above everyone." He exhaled and stopped himself. Sensing him holding back, Kendra probed him further. "What is it? What are you not telling me?"

"Look, I shouldn't say anything. It's none of my business."

The Slayer cocked her head to the side. "Tell me." She demanded.

Sanjay shrugged. "Listen, you didn't hear this from me. When you've been a Guardian of the Order for centuries like myself, you tend to outlive spouses, partners, and lovers. Hence, the only people you rely on and or connect with who understand your situation are each other."

The Chosen One raised her brows. "Meaning?"

"Zen and Monica used to be a thing way back in the day," Sanjay admitted. "They were together for at least a decade on and off before calling it quits. They've had partners ever since but somehow Monica always seemed more invested in rekindling the relationship than Zen so she's always hostile to anyone new he sees. This usually scares off any woman,, but you're the first to stand up to her and make her feel like some real competition. Kudos to you for putting her in her place. She needed to be taken down a peg. You should be proud."

Zen and Monica used to be a couple. Kendra thought to herself. No wonder she despises me. I better be on my guard around her.

"Here! Catch!" Sanjay tossed her clean towel to which she caught and began dabbing herself even though she had very little sweat on her. The perks of being a Slayer. She did not have to worry about perspiration, ruining her make-up, or breaking a nail. She quietly faked cleaning her brow as she stared at the training room entrance and wondered what conversation both Zen and Monica were having about her. "Can I interest you in a protein, energy smoothie?" Sanjay asked her.

"Huh?" Kendra responded, lost in thought.

"Smoothie," Sanjay emphasized. "We usually make a healthy, energy pick me up. I make a mean tropical berry blend!"

"Sure," the Slayer smiled.

She observed the Guardian move over to the wall, pull out a counter with a fridge and a blender as he began chopping up fruit furiously on the cutting board. As the noise of the appliance drowned out any conversation being made outside the room, the Chosen One wondered how close Zen and Monica truly were.

The Young Manor

Together with Maman Sin and Darryl, Sheila and Darcy relayed what transpired during the afternoon in the city as they consulted the Book of Shadows up in the attic.

"You're saying this demon woman attacked an innocent out in public?" Maman asked her granddaughters.

"This wouldn't be the first time a demon went after a human," noted Darcy. "I'm surprised they were bold enough to do it near our work."

"Demons don't care where they appear," Darryl added. "As long as they complete their agenda, they can care less for public exposure."

Sheila jumped in. "But this one was especially strange. It sensed some sort of darkness from her potential victim."

Darcy shrugged. "Well, this Maggin Bobbins is not exactly a good innocent or even a good person. She's an abusive mother and a drug addict that did horrible things to her children. She's lucky we arrived and saved her horrible ass."

"Still, she is an innocent," Maman corrected. "She deserves our protection as do many others, no matter their horrid personality."

Suddenly, the Book of Shadows began to flip through the pages by itself. Catching their attention, the family approached the grimoire even more with interest.

"It looks like the book is trying to tell us something," noted Sheila. She eyed the page that opened in front of them. On it was an illustration of the demoness in a cloak, dress, and writing a dark veil. "That's her! That's the demon that attacked us!" Sheila pointed out.

Darcy read the description.

A former warrior of the Guardian Order of the Apostles, this demon betrayed her clan and sold her soul for power to the Hell General Asmodeus. Serving as His High Priestess and right hand, she is the emissary that can travel between the human realm and the Underworld. Well-knowledged in all forms of dark arcane magic, she seeks to unleash her Master upon the world by gathering the necessary tools to open up a portal to the Hellscape. A difficult foe to defeat, she was banished by both powerful magic users and the Apostle Guardians into a hellish limbo.

"If she's a powerful priestess for Asmodeus," Maman noted. "Then someone obviously released her from her limbo prison."

"Who?" Darcy wondered.

Darryl looked again at the description in the book. "At least, we have a name of the demon we need to stop."

"Drusilla."