Title: Damsels To The Rescue
By: Bridget McKennitt
Disclaimer: Charmed and company are owned by Aaron Spelling and other companies. They are used here without permission, and for entertainment purposes only. No challenge or infringement upon the copyright is intended, nor should any be inferred.
Author's Notes: This is an AU (alternate universe) story set in a sorta medieval time.

Chapter 1

The servant entered the halls and bowed to the lady waiting within. He glanced at her under the veil of his eyelashes. Lady Prudence was an enchanting woman to behold with her flowing midnight hair and flashing grayish blue eyes. Her alabaster skin was flawless and without blemish. The clothing, a deep crimson gown with long sleeves, wide at her wrists, and a sweeping skirt that led to the floor spoke of noble birth. And she was just that. Lady Prudence Halliwell, formerly Warren, and her two sisters Lady Piper and Lady Phoebe were what one would called Charmed. The destined ones to defeat the evil Triad who ruled the kingdom with cruelty and pain.

"Did they find anything yet?" Even her voice was magical, like bells ringing in the breeze.

"Not yet Lady Prudence. The Triad is very cunning and will use any tactic to stay in power. Shall I call upon your sisters?"

"Yes, excellent idea. Have them come to my wing and meet in my private room. Bring up some tea and those lovely pastries that Cook makes, will you? Thank you, and blessed be." The servant bowed once more leaving Prudence to head towards her private room.

"Prudence dear! Your lovely sisters are here. Hmm, so is the tea you ordered as well," Lady Phoebe exclaimed as she dragged Lady Piper along. "Sir, please pour our tea. I am in dire need of it." Phoebe adjusted her gown, an exact likeness of Prudence's gown except hers was a rich lilac, and accepted a cup of tea. She sipped it and leaned back into her chair. "Tell us Prue, why did you summon us?"

Piper held her tea cup in her lap and flicked a piece of lint from her vibrant blue gown. "Not to say that visiting you isn't pleasant but I was waiting for a message."

"Sorry to interrupt you then sisters, but my question was in dire need to be answered. Have your people found anything on the Triad yet?" Sadly, the two shook their heads. Sighing, she replied, "Figures. I was hoping that they would make their move. It has been five months since."

"Count us lucky that they do not know about us. After all, they are looking for the Charmed Warren sisters. Not the Halliwell sisters of a respected noble family. Now if you will excuse me, I will be in my wing waiting for my message." Piper got up and left the room.

Phoebe finished her tea and grinned. "Most likely waiting for her whitelighter Leo. Honestly, one can read her like a book. I better leave too. Practice my own power and all that. The tea was lovely. We must do this again Prue." With that Lady Phoebe left as well.

Bane Jessup took a long drag of his cigar as he looked around the town. The Triad had hired him to look for the destined Charmed Ones. An unusual request for demons to hire a human but he was the best at what he did.

A maiden walked by Bane, holding her basket in her hands. He went up to her and smiled briefly. "Good afternoon miss. Do you know by any chance know where the Warren sisters live?"

The maiden paused, giving Bane time to study her. She had straw colored hair and washed out blue eyes. He assumed she was in her early twenties from her small frame. "I'm dreadfully sorry sir but I can't say that I know them. Actually I've never heard of the Warren sisters." She adjusted the basket and gave an apologizing smile. "Sorry again."

He nodded and walked on. There was always the next town. After all, Bane the mercenary would get his targets sooner or later.

Amanda shivered from the encounter with the man. Her slightly empathic powers showed her that this man was evil and wanted to hurt the Charmed Ones. "I must warn them."

"Lady Phoebe!" Phoebe turned towards the source of the voice. Amanda Jenkins ran to her with her skirts hitched up. "There was this stranger in town and, " she broke off shivering. "He had this presence of wickedness around him and he was looking for the Warren females, you and your sisters. I believe he was sent by the Triad, and he's human."

"Human? How unusual. Did you come by his name?"

"Nay milady but I know who he is. Bane Jessup, mercenary for hire. His reputation is quite large."

"Thank you Amanda. Your information has served us well. Blessed be and keep safe."

Amanda curtsied low and murmured blessed be. She left the room leaving Phoebe to her thoughts. That Bane character was a menace to their plans. She walked to her altar table and picked up a glowing crystal. "Show me where Bane Jessup lies." She closed her eyes and got sucked into a premonition.

Bane took a swing of his ale and looked at the barmaid serving him. "Miss, do the Warren sisters live here?" The barmaid shook her head and went to help the other customers. Bane grunted and finished his drink. The tavern was unique with an opened mouth lion hanging above the mantle.

She opened her eyes and grabbed her hooded cloak. "He's at the Hungry Lion." Adjusting the cloak on her, Phoebe walked out of her room.

"Phoebe, where are you going?" The sister in question turned to see Piper on the arm of Leo Wyatt.

"Tell Prue that Amanda Jenkins found a mercenary looking for us. His name is Bane Jessup and right now he's at the Hungry Lion." She winked. "Don't wait up for me."

Piper loosened her hold on Leo's arm and placed her hand on Phoebe's wrist. "And let you go off somewhere alone? Uh uh. I am going with you. Leo, please tell Prue where we are going."

Chapter 2

Bane groaned and opened his eyes slowly. The last thing he remembered was drinking his ale. What he saw, though, made his blood boil. He was tied up in a chair and facing him were three hooded females. "Let me out," he growled, his voice barely above a whisper.

"No. You are here today Bane Jessup because of your heinous crime," the female in the blue cloak spoke.

"And what is my crime that you so speak of?" This time the female in the crimson cloak spoke up. "Trying to kill my sisters and I, of course."

Of course. These had to be the Warren females. But instead of him finding them, they found him. Bane tried to discover the identities of the faces but the hoods covered them. He spat to the side and tried to move. "I finally found you three. The Triad will be pleased." Bane slowly began to work on the knots that bonded him.

"Should we kill him now?" The lilac hooded female said. She held an athame in her hand.

"Not yet." Crimson cloak took a step forward. First I want to know what happened to Andith. He was to spy on the Triad but never came back. What happened?"

"How should I know? I'm just a mercenary for hire. Why would the Triad tell me anything?"

Prudence lifted her right hand and sent Bane flying into the wall. He groaned and slipped into unconsciousness. "No, again nothing. Where is he? Oh Andy." Piper and Phoebe gathered around their sister and hugged her while Prue let the memory of Andy wash over her.

Phoebe removed her hood and sighed deeply. "Do what you will with him. I am going out."

"Bored? Go, both of you. I can handle our prisoner."

"Are you sure Prue? He may be human but he's dangerous. Be careful that he does not see your face."

Prudence nodded and watched her sisters leave the dungeon. She turned back to the unconscious Bane and wondered out loud what was she to do with him.

In her room, Phoebe changed out of her gown to a large white shirt and a pair of black pants. She grabbed her small pouch, tied it to her waist, and went to the stables.

"Blessed be." She smiled at the stable boy. "Can you ready my mount please? I plan to go into town." Thomas quickly sprung into action and trotted out her horse, Strawberry.

Phoebe mounted her horse and kicked her heels against Strawberry's flank, motioning her to gallop. But not towards town. Instead Phoebe headed towards the forest.

She loved the woods and owned a cottage there. Going to the cottage helped her relax and relieved the stress of hiding from the Triad. Riding on a worn path, she almost missed the person on the side almost hidden by bushes. Strawberry slowed down and Phoebe got off her horse. The man was hurt and bleeding profusely.

"You're hurt!" She ripped a part of her sleeve and tied it around his arm to stop the flow of blood there. Phoebe looked at the man. He had short brown hair and blue eyes. He looked tall but she wasn't sure since he was sitting. The clothes he wore were black in color and sort of militaristic. He was panting heavily and could barely keep his eyes open.

"Thanks."

"No problem. How did you come by these wounds anyhow?"

He groaned. "Hunting." He glanced at her. "I was hunting someone but instead he got the drop on me."

Phoebe's hand stilled for a moment. "Well you're bleeding badly. I have to get you to my place so I can clean it up." She smiled. "My name is Phoebe Halliwell."

"Pleasure to meet you, Phoebe. I'm Coleridge Turner. Call me Cole." Phoebe helped him on to Strawberry and got on herself.

"Hold on tight to me, Cole." He tentatively placed his arms around her and they rode to her cottage.

Chapter 3

Cole opened his eyes and saw Phoebe placing a washcloth on his forehead. "I cleaned your wounds and bandaged them. Maybe you should stay in bed until you feel better. Do you feel woozy?"

"A bit." He sat up in bed, taking off the washcloth. The bandages around his waist were tightly in place and restricted his movement. "Why did you help me?"

"You needed help, Cole. I was not going to leave you in the woods." She sat on the side of the bed and smiled. "Tell me, what kind of job do you do that gets you injured this badly?"

"I'm an assassin warrior," he said calmly and watched for her reaction. He reached to place his hand on hers. "I would never hurt you though."

Phoebe shrugged her shoulders. "You don't look like one. Besides, I can protect myself against humans."

Cole raised his eyebrow. "That's an odd thing to say. Are you hinting that you're not human? Perhaps a witch?"

That question startled her and she got off the bed. She went to the side table and clutched her pouch close to her. "Why? Planning to turn me in to the Triad?"

"Calm down, Phoebe. I just said I won't hurt you."

"Even if you knew what kind of witch I am?"

He growled. "And what kind of witch are you? Well, Phoebe? Is your rank grand high priestess witch? Is your power the ability to be invincible? Honestly," he said sarcastically.

"If I told you Cole, then you will surely turn me in or kill me." She sighed. "Why am I even telling you?" Phoebe left the room while Cole watched her.

"Where is she? She left for town a week ago and hasn't come back yet. Does the Triad have our sister?" Piper glared at Leo.

Leo held his hands up in defense. "She's safe. That's all They would tell me." He hugged her. "Besides, Phoebe is a big witch now. She can handle any warlock or demon on her own."

"But our powers are interlocked with each other. The three of us stand a better chance together than on our own. Our mother taught us that."

"Hello!" The couple turned towards the sound of the voice and saw the sister in question. She looked freshly scrubbed and wore a long-sleeved shirt and long green pants.

Piper ran and hugged Phoebe. "Don't ever do that! Where were you?"

She grinned and hugged back. "I was safe, Piper. I stayed at my cottage the entire time taking care of a friend."

"A friend?" Piper took a step back and gave her a good look over.

"Yes, a friend. So Leo, how have you been doing lately?" Phoebe said, quickly changing the subject.

"Um, I'm okay. Piper's okay. I thought you were okay but Piper didn't. And Prue...is still with Bane."

Bane watched his interrogator pace back and forth. It was the same one every single day. The one hidden in a crimson hooded cloak. She was oddly obsessed about getting information from him and he thought it amusing.

Even her methods were interesting. She never touched him, only threatened, Oh, and she tossed him around with a wave of her hand. Bane knew he had to escape. Before the Charmed Ones killed him. Before someone found them first and told the Triad.

"Where is the Triad located?"

"Where else? In the Chaliceton Palace."

"Liar! We know that they are not there. They're hidden somewhere else, and you know where."

He smiled as crimson cloak cried out her frustrations. "Let's be frank about this. You don't care one bit about the Triad's location. Now don't look at me like that. It's true. All you want to know is where Andith Trudeau is."

She crossed her arms in front of her. "Do you know what's his location?"

"Nope. And you know that I know nothing. All I'm here to do is kill you and your sisters, then get the pay the Triad will give me."

He could feel her glare directed at him from under her hood. She turned away from him and left the room. As soon as the door was shut, he began working on the knots. He was almost loose from the ropes, just as long as no one else came to check on him.

"Then you'll pay, witch. You and your sisters."

Cole stretched and did a back flip across the room. He spun around and kicked his leg into the air. "Cole!" Phoebe walked through the doorway and went to him. She placed her hand on his chest, checking his bandages. " What are you doing? You're still injured. This will only aggravate your wounds."

He placed his hand over hers and wrapped his other arm around her, pulling her closer. "I feel better, Phoebe. Honestly. I heal very quickly."

"Well, if you really feel better..."

He nodded. "I do."

"Then maybe you want to take a walk with me through the woods? I've been getting a little stir crazy staying in this cottage and if I am, then surely you have. That way you can get a change of scenery and some nice exercise."

He pulled away to look at her and smiled. "It sounds wonderful. Let me, um, change into something a little more warmer than this." At first Phoebe was confused but saw what he meant. She didn't even notice that he was only wearing his pants. She blushed.

"Sure."

Phoebe giggled and leaned into Cole as they walked through the forest. The leaves on the trees were a brilliant green and the animals were bustling to and fro. It was a perfect day for relaxing. Cole smiled down at Phoebe and began to let his mind wander. Several days ago he was assigned the mission of hunting down and killing a traitor for the Triad. But when he tracked the traitor to the woods, he got ambushed. He would have been dead if it wasn't for the beautiful girl walking next to him.

She found him and took care of him, even though she had doubts about him. It was odd but Cole had never felt this way about anyone. Usually he did not feel anything but the exhilaration of killing and mayhem. Yet, right now, and every moment he had spent with her, he felt at peace. He laughed on the inside, at peace with a witch? But it was true, he didn't want to hurt her.

"Belthazor." Cole stopped and slowly turned around. Standing behind them was a man. But Cole knew that he was no human.

Cole tilted his head and let a confused expression on his face. "Excuse me? I think you have the wrong guy."

"I sensed you." He sarcastically bowed. "Allow me to present myself. I am Rhasqun."

"I, I know who you are." Cole tightened his hold on Phoebe. He knew that she had no clue what was going on. But if Rhasqun knew that Phoebe was a witch, she would die. He sighed and did the only thing he could do. "You're dust." With that, Cole threw an energy ball at him.

Rhasqun was caught off guard and screamed as he burst into flames. Meanwhile Phoebe was shocked at the power use. She tried to escape but he held her tighter. "Don't run Phoebe. I promise I won't hurt you. Hear me out, please."

She grabbed his arm and flipped him over her shoulder, making a break for it. Cole groaned and shimmered. He reappeared in front of Phoebe and grabbed her before she could run off again.

Glaring at him, she cried out, "Warlock."

"Actually demon. Half demon to be more precise. I didn't tell you because I knew you would act this way."

"You're Belthazor. I should have known when that demon said your name. I read about you in the Book of Shadows. You're sinister, intelligent, dangerous, and powerful. You destroyed hundreds of innocents, witches, and demons. Why should I believe you?"

"If I wanted you dead, you would have been." He gently kissed her forehead. "Now that you know my secret, it's only fair that I know yours. Who are you? Why are you so afraid of the Triad?" He paused. "Unless you're..."

She looked away. "I'm Phoebe Warren, one of the Charmed ones."

Cole released her and took a step back, studying her. "So I wasn't far off when I said you were a grand high priestess witch. Being Charmed makes you very powerful. Yet here you are not attacking me. Can't take me on without your sisters?"

Phoebe took a defensive position, fists up and legs bent. "Oh, I can take you."

"But not by yourself. Not with your power. Don't look so startled, I can read between the lines. Especially with you." He began to circle her, still scrutinizing her. "What is your power? Must either be really weak or passive. Now a strong witch like you can't have a weak power. So that just leaves passive."

She followed his movements, trying to keep herself on guard. "It's premonitions if you must know."

"Interesting. I don't know much about the Charmed ones, what demon would since all we know of is your prophesy, and one of the unknowns was your powers. I doubt your sisters would have passive ones as well." He smiled regretfully. "It must be terrible for you to watch your sisters battle evil, knowing all you can do is fight physically and join the power of three."

"That's not true! I can do more than that."

"I'm sure you can, Phoebe. Well, thank you for healing me when I was near death. It's already long overdue but I have to go and hunt down that traitor." Cole rushed forward to Phoebe at a surprising speed that she had no time to react. Luckily, all he did was hold her in an embrace. "All demons and warlocks have been put on an alert from the Triad about you and your sisters. No one has found you yet. No one." The last part he stressed out. "Go back home to your sisters. Don't ever let anyone catch you alone again." He pressed his lips to hers and nearly crushed her with the desire that he put into it.

Phoebe moaned and was swept up by his passion. She wiggled to release her arms and wrapped them around his neck, deepening and throwing herself fully into the kiss. They stood that way for many moments before Cole reluctantly broke it off. He gave her a foolish grin. "I have been wanting to that for days."

"I, I...wha?"

"I have to go. You'll be safe. I swear it." He stepped back and tried to regain his breath.

"This is so confusing. I thought you were going to attack me and then you kiss me?"

"It's complicated, Phoebe. But I have to go now."

"Will I see you again?"

He caressed her cheek and she captured that hand in hers. "Nothing in this world can keep me away from you." He kissed her briefly before shimmering away.

She took a deep breath and started back to the cottage to collect Strawberry. It was time to return to the Halliwell Castle.

Chapter 4

Phoebe twisted her hair into a braid and stared at her image in the mirror. She had just returned home from her cottage. Piper had saw her come in and demanded to know why her face was so pale. When Phoebe did not answer, she ordered her to take a relaxing bath. But it would take more than a bath to calm her down.

A demon saved her life. Not only that, he kissed her and promised to return. It was confusing, to say the least, and made her head hurt just thinking about it. "Maybe there's something in the Book of Shadows." She grabbed a robe and left her room. In the attic, Phoebe happily sighed. This was the place of fond memories for her from when she was but a child.

She was only six when her mother died. Killed by a water demon who thought he stopped the prophecy. Her and her sisters were already living in their father's castle and had their surname changed from Warren to Halliwell to protect them from discovery. Their father, Victor, had told them the news but could not comfort them. Not like a mother could. So their grandmother visited them and spent the entire day at the castle. When Grams saw that the girls needed guidance and support, she declared that she was moving in.

Grams was the best substitute for a mother. She was always there and listened to their problems. It was here in the attic where Grams taught her granddaughters to be witches. She read pages from the Book of Shadows like they were stories and trained them on the usage of their powers. But most of all, Grams would conduct seances to contact their mother. To a little girl like Phoebe, that was the best gift of all.

Phoebe opened the Book and started flipping the pages randomly looking for a certain demon. She stopped when she found what she was looking for. "Belthazor," she whispered. Reading the section on him, Phoebe wasn't sure that the incident in the woods really happened. But it did.

She thought back to what he said. That no demon or warlock had found them. Technically it was true. Bane was a human and they had found him first. "Which reminds me, I better check on him." All of a sudden, an arm wrapped around her neck and she could feel someone's hot breath next to her.

"Witch!" He said with rage. "Take me to your sisters or I'll kill you where you stand."

Phoebe took a deep breath. "Why would you think I'm a witch?" She knew she had to stall Bane.

"I know because I've been up here, watching all day waiting for the Charmed ones. Someone in passing mentioned to a maid that only the destined sisters could touch that Book. And you did." He poked her with a knife and tightened his arm around neck. "Now take me to your sisters."

"How do you know I won't use my power on you?"

"Heh. You would have used it already. Must be passive."

Phoebe silently cursed to herself the fact that her actions were easy to read by others. First Belthazor and now Bane.

"Piper?" Prue strolled into the parlor and looked around. "Have you seen Phoebe? She borrowed my necklace and didn't return it."

"I sent her up to her room. I think she's still there. Want to check?"

Before Prue could answer, a voice cried out, "Sisters, a little help here?" They turned around and saw Bane clutching Phoebe in front of him and holding a knife to her side.

Prue raised her hand as if to throw him and Bane jerked Phoebe. "Don't try to use your magic on me, witch. Unless you want your sister dead."

Piper's hands balled into fists at her side, fearful that her sister was in danger. Unless, she could call upon her power without him knowing. She unclenched her palms and quietly allowed her power to burst forth. An eerie silence filled the room and everything was frozen, except for her sisters and herself. She ran to Phoebe and helped her from Bane's grasp. That got Prue moving to throw him across the room, knocking him out of the time freeze and out cold.

"Phoebe, what happened?" Piper asked after she and Prue hugged her.

"I was in the attic looking for something in the Book and then he grabbed me from behind. He demanded that I take him to you two." A flash of terror flitted across her face. "Oh no, he saw what we look like. He can identify us to the Triad."

"I wonder how he escaped from his bonds and the dungeon," Piper wondered out loud as she gazed upon the mercenary, hoping to distract Phoebe from her fears.

"It doesn't matter now. We have to silence him." Piper stared at Prue in disbelief. Apparently Prue was being thick headed, in more ways than one.

"Prudence, we do not kill humans. That is what Bane is, you know. Maybe we can put him somewhere?"

"He escaped once Piper. He can do it again." She stared defiantly at Piper's gaze. "No, I do not mean we kill. But we have to do something about him. He knows our secret."

Phoebe, who had been silent during the conversation, finally spoke up. "Um, sisters, Bane is not the only one who saw us. Someone else did, too. Well, actually he only saw me."

They turned away from each other to stare at Phoebe. "What? Phoebe, tell me you did not tell anyone?" Prue demanded.

"I didn't say anything to him, per say. He kind of figured it out."

Piper's eyes widened and she placed her hands on her hips. "Phoebe! Who are you talking about?"

"Um, remember that friend I was taking care of at my cottage," she began. She told them the entire story; from the moment she met him to when he reluctantly revealed himself as a half demon. She even told them about the kiss they shared and his promises. "He told me his name was Coleridge Turner. But his demon self is called Belthazor."

"Phoebe! A demon knows who we are--"

"Cole's a half demon actually," she cut in.

"Okay, a half demon knows who we are. He will tell the Triad about us."

"He would not do that. Cole would never hurt me. He even saved my life from Rhasqun." Phoebe dropped her head. "I trust him. He knew I was a witch for a while and still I was safe. If you do not believe me sisters, then I do not know what more I can say." She slowly began to walk out of the parlor. "If you need me, I shall be in my room."

Phoebe began to sob as she recalled her sisters' doubts about Cole. Just when she sorted out her emotions, Bane took her hostage. Then she told them about Cole. It was probably a mistake to tell them but she knew it would be disastrous if she kept it to herself. She wiped away a tear with her long sleeve and hiccuped. She hoped her sisters were not mad at her.

A bird sang in the distance, making Phoebe smile a bit. She jumped off her bed and walked outside to her balcony, resting her arms on the banister. Light breezes played with her hair and rustled the treetop leaves. Sparrows flew through the air, chirping their songs. At that moment, all her worries slipped away.

"Phoebe." She stiffened at the sound of the familiar voice. It couldn't be. She turned around slowly and came face to face with Cole. "Didn't I tell you to let anyone catch you alone?"

She visibly shook under the intensity of his gaze. It made her wish that she wasn't wearing her pink light cotton nightgown with small flowers and matching robe. "Cole, hello. What are you doing here? On my balcony?"

"Making sure that you were safe. Didn't I tell you not to let anyone catch you alone?" Cole again asked, this time raising his eyebrow.

"Yes, you told me that. But this is my home. I'm safe here."

"Anyone could have attacked you. You were alone and vulnerable and--" he broke off after blatantly staring at her clothing. "Looking like that would make any male dash after you."

Phoebe wrapped the robe tighter around her and shrugged. "Fine. I'll go into my room then." She walked away from him, heading back inside. He followed.

"Why are you still here, Cole? Obviously I'm safe, or am I?" He grinned as she stressed out the last three words.

"You're always safe with me. I'm just keeping tabs on you." He glanced around the place, taking in everything. This was Phoebe's domain and he liked how she decorated it to her own style. Shooting stars were painted on the ceiling and, he guessed, a mural of witches using their magic were on the walls. "You have a lovely room."

"Hmm, thank you. My grandmother helped me paint it." She ran her hand over the mural. "Grams once told me, during Melinda Warren's time, that witches used their magic freely. That is until the Triad killed her and took control over Chaliceton."

Cole glanced at Phoebe and shook his finger in front of her face. "Nuh uh, I hope you're not blaming that incident on me. I was born during the Triad's rule, just like you."

"I wasn't blaming anything on you," She paused, as if she just thought of something. "How did you find me?"

"You're pretty hard to forget, Phoebe. I formed an image of you in my mind and shimmered to your location. It also helps that you're psychic."

"I'm not psychic."

"Of course you are. Wait, you don't know? That's rich!" He laughed and tapped the side of her forehead. "Your ability of premonitions is a trait of psychics. I'm sure you could use your gift to reach out to others like yourself. But first, learn to control that power of yours. Anyone could feel your mind's touch. I'm rather surprised that no one stumbled onto you and your sisters yet."

"Uh, actually," she began. "Someone else knows. It's my fault though. I brought him to the castle and he saw all of our faces."

"Oh? Who?"

"Bane Jessup."

Cole moved forward and caught Phoebe's arm. "That mercenary is here?" His voice was cold and dangerously low. An image of Belthazor ready to attack appeared in her mind.

"Yes," But before she could say anything further, someone knocked on her door. Cole shimmered away right before Piper entered the room.

"Hi, Phoebe. Listen, I am extremely sorry for the things I said downstairs. It's not your fault that Bane or Belthazor know about us. If something happens, we shall deal with it when it arrives." She smiled hesitantly. "I asked Cook to make us some pastries. Would you like to share them with me?"

"Of course. Let me change my clothing first. Meet you in the hall?"

"Okay." Phoebe walked Piper to the door. Before she left, Piper tilted her head as she looked around the room. "Funny, I thought I heard you talking to someone earlier. But no one's here with you."

"Silly, Piper. I think you're hearing things." Phoebe twirled around with her arms extended. "See? Just me and you."

Piper narrowed her eyes but did not disagree with her sister. "I guess so. See you in the hall."

As soon as she left, Phoebe turned around and started looking for Cole. "Cole? Where are you?" When he did not answer, she shrugged her shoulders and went to change.

"I feel as if Phoebe is hiding something from us. When I was right outside her door, I heard her talking to someone. But no one was in there with her." Piper found Prue waiting in the hall for her report. After their sister left, they worried that she would run away again. So Piper devised a plan to check up on her.

"Whatever it is, she will tell us sooner or later. She's coming. We'll talk later." Phoebe entered the hall and smiled at her sisters.

"Good afternoon, everyone. Uh, where are the pastries?"

Prue clapped her hands together. "The Council just called a meeting. I thought you weren't coming down but since you're here, you're going."

"Sure. Um, what does the Council want to talk about?" Prue noticed that Phoebe was edgy but shrugged it off. Even she sometimes got anxious before a meeting of the Witches Council.

The Witches Council dated back to the times of Melinda Warren and the establishment of Chaliceton. The Council consisted of the strongest and wisest of witch kind. Together they led their kind to fend off evil, protect innocents, and to provide information for the younger generations. Most of them were elders but all witches obeyed their rulings. Even the destined ones.

"Most likely information about the Triad. They're waiting for us in the conservatory." Together the sisters left the hall to meet with the Council.

Inside the conservatory, the five members of the Council were sitting at the long table. Matilda, the head of the group, stood up shakily and greeted them. When everyone sat down, she began to cast a protective spell so what they said would not be heard by anyone outside of the room.

Phoebe clasped her hands together, looking at each of the senior witches. Matilda was the only female and also the oldest. She had kind gray eyes and her power was similar to Phoebe's own. Farseeing. Kenneth was a balding old man with a thick beard and the power of transmogrification. Richard was a husky set man in the declining side of middle age and possessed the power of cloning. Graham was the grandfatherly type with the power of deflection. Then there was David. He was the youngest of the five, in his late twenties, and he was a witch prodigy with the power of fireballs.

She had known David for most of her life. When they were younger, he'd been her protector against the monsters in the dark and a pal to comfort her when times were tough. Then when Grams died the Council decided to make him a member to replace Penelope. David suddenly changed from being her protector to wanting her as his wife. It stressed their friendship and she tended to avoid him whenever possible. Now wasn't one of those times.

"Blessed be, destined ones. We have called you here today to discuss a breach in security that was brought to our attention." Matilda focused her gaze on Phoebe. "Bane is under our watch. We are trying to erase the memory of his capture but it will take some time. We need to know now, is there anyone else that can recognize you as a Charmed one?"

"Just one more." She briefly told the Council about Cole/Belthazor, not mentioning the kissing scene. She also did not tell them that Cole visited her in her room.

During her speech, Phoebe noticed that David was getting agitated. He kept running his hand through his hair and rustling the papers in front of him. She knew that he worried about her and hated when she was in harm's way. Even though Cole did not hurt her, the fact that a demon was in her presence sickened him.

Kenneth leaned back in his chair and stroked his beard. "This is a much more serious situation than Bane. We need to vanquish that demon before he warns the Triad."

"Cole would not reveal my secret. He cares for me."

David abruptly stood up. "Do you even know what Belthazor has done in the course of his servitude to the Triad? He is an assassin like no other, going through obstacles like they were nothing. This is one powerful demon, Phoebe. He has no heart."

Phoebe went to David, staring at him eye to eye. Her integrity was being doubted and she had to prove that she was right. "Were you there when I nursed Cole back from near death? Did you witness his kindness and gentleness towards me? He saved my life, David. I think that qualifies as him having a heart."

"How sure can you be, Lady Phoebe? Are you willing to risk, not only your life, but the lives of your sisters and every witch known?" Richard turned slightly to face Matilda. "On that note, let us end this meeting."

Matilda dissipated the spell, calling the magic back into herself. The sisters rose as one, murmured their good-byes, and left. Phoebe shivered despite the fact that the temperature in the hall was warm. The Council disapproved of her actions. It would not be surprising if she was placed under watch.

Piper wrapped her arm around Phoebe's shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "We're here for you, Phoebe. No matter what the Council says or does, we'll stand by you."

"Thanks Piper. I shall remember that." She looked at Prue. "Do I have your support as well?"

"Of course. You're my baby sister. I want you to be safe." Phoebe grasped Prue's hand and reached for Piper's. As long as she had her sisters, everything was okay.

"Now all we need to do is find out where Belthazor is. Think there's any spell in the Book of Shadows that can locate him?"

Phoebe shuffled one foot in front of the other, keeping her gaze on the floor. "I have a way, Prue. Um, follow me."

In her chambers, Piper and Prue sat down on the bed while Phoebe stood in the middle of the room. "What are you planning to do?" Piper asked.

She did not answer her sister, trying to concentrate on her power. Reaching deep within herself, to where her talent laid, she gently coerced it to bloom. Hoping that Cole's theory worked, she pictured an image of him in her mind and used her power to follow a trail to his location. "Cole? Can you come here please?"

A few moments later he shimmered in, scaring Prue and Piper. Phoebe walked towards him and smiled. "Hello."

Cole looked at Prue, who raised her hand as if to use her power. "Let me guess, a witch?" He wrapped his arm around Phoebe's waist and placed a kiss on her head. "Sorry about what happened in your room today. I frankly dislike Bane. So, why did you call me?"

Piper lost her shock first and pulled Prue's offending arm down. "He was in your room?"

"Um, yeah. Sisters, this is Cole. Otherwise known as Belthazor." Silence filled the air as Cole and her sisters stared at each other. Looking at their shocked faces, Phoebe began to wonder if what she did was right.

Chapter 5

Prue decided to break the silence. "What is he doing here?"

"Well, you did ask for him."

"Yeah, to vanquish him." Prue stared coldly at Cole. "Did you tell the Triad about us?"

"Why would I even bother? It's pointless to report it in unless I actually kill you three." He placed another kiss on Phoebe's head, knowing it would annoy her sister. "And I rather keep Phoebe alive."

Piper flicked her hands, freezing Cole in place. "Okay, you have some explaining to do, little sister. How did you call him without a spell? And why is he kissing you like a lover? Is he your lover?"

"No, he's not my lover. I don't know why he's kissing my but I like it. And I used my power to call him. It was a theory that Cole had. He says I'm psychic and can use my gift in very unique ways. Does that answer your questions?"

"Hello, is anyone seeing the bigger picture?" Prue butted in. "We have a demon here who knows information about the Triad. It's a must to interrogate him. This time though, we'll have David do the questioning. I'm sure he can get Belthazor to speak."

"No, Prue! This will not turn into your personal agenda to find Andy. Cole came to me willingly. I will not have David torture him for a hunch that he knows where Andy is."

Piper looked at her two sisters, watching how they held their anger in check. She knew that they had some underlining problems and it distressed her every time they argued. Sisters had to stick together, not be torn apart by petty problems. "Okay, whatever you decide to do with him, decide quickly. I cannot hold the time freeze on him forever."

"We're holding him captive and that's that. End of discussion, Phoebe."

The freeze wore off, leaving Cole animated once more. He adjusted his jacket and glanced at the three witches sitting on the bed. "The power to freeze time, very rare. And uncommonly strong, too. I can usually break free with no problem. So what is the third power that rounds out this little group?"

Piper tried to freeze him again but he waved it off. "Uh uh. You won't catch me off guard again. I'm far stronger than you can imagine. Your little ability won't work."

"Cole." Phoebe moved away from her sisters and stood in front of him. She held his hands between her own and kissed them. "Please don't fight with my sisters."

His eyes softened and he embraced her. This witch brought out his gentler side without even trying. Before the incident in the woods, he didn't even know that he had a gentle side. Phoebe was special, not just to him but also to her sisters. Cole could see how edgy they were. The one with the grayish blue eyes hated him. If he so much as sneezed, she would have used her power against him. And he didn't know what that was.

"I should go now before your sisters do something rash." Cole was in mid-shimmer when Prue called out to him.

"Forgive my manners. Before you leave, please partake of a friendly drink." She walked over to Phoebe's shelf and poured him a glass from one of the flasks. Then she poured herself one as well. Handing the glass over to him, she raised hers in the air before placing her lips on the rim of the glass.

Cole stared at the drink then back at Prue. He didn't exactly trust her but nothing happened when she took a sip. "Why are your sisters not joining us?"

"Well, maiden witches under the age of twenty-six are too young to drink spirits. Piper is twenty-five and Phoebe is twenty-two. I'm twenty-seven so I am allowed to. Aren't you going to at least try it before you shimmer away?"

He gulped the drink in one shot and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. The liquid burned as it went down. All of a sudden the room began to spin and he lost control as he stumbled to the ground. Cole vaguely heard Phoebe cry out his name. The last thing he saw before darkness took him was Prue's smug smile.

"What happened to him? Prue, what did you do?" Phoebe cradled his head on her lap and stared at her sister.

"Guess he couldn't hold his liquor. Don't worry, the demon isn't dead. But he'll wish he was after David gets through with him."

Darkness surrounded him. He was used to darkness but this time there was pain. Blinding pain. Cole tried to escape but everywhere he turned pain followed.

"Wake up, damn you! Let me see the fear in your eyes." For a moment, Cole contemplated disobeying him but he was to weak to resist. Opening his eyes, he saw a young man panting heavily and looking furious.

"Whe--Where is Phoebe?" Cole managed to croak out. His throat was parched from lack of fluids.

David growled and backhanded his face. "Don't you dare say her precious name. You're not worthy enough. Lady Prudence tells me that you have taken a liking to her youngest sister." A fist connected with Cole's stomach, almost making him kneel over if the rope surrounding him hadn't been tightened until he could barely breathe. "You'll pay for touching her. She's mine!"

He coughed out blood and glared at the male witch. When Piper froze him, he tried to loosen himself from the effects. While trying, he overheard Prudence talking about keeping him a captive and having someone named David question him. This had to be the one. "If she was yours, why did she spend a week with me? Alone. In her cottage. We kissed several times, you know. She melted into me, responding quite passionately for a girl who's already taken."

His remarks only inflamed David even more and earned him another beating. Stepping back to look at his handiwork, David curved one of his hands and smirked at his prisoner. "You can never escape. That rope binds you to this room. Only members of the Witches Council or the destined ones can release you. And this council member would rather see you burn." He formed a fireball in his hand.

The heavy wooden door creaked open and Piper stood in the doorway. "Is Belthazor talking?" She noticed the ball of fire and abruptly froze it. "No, we do not use the methods of our enemies. That just makes us as bad as they are. Now please leave, I want to talk to the demon alone."

"But Lady Piper--"

"David. He can't hurt me, not while tied up. I just need to ask him a few questions without you hovering over me." She saw he still wasn't budging. "Trust me. I know what I'm doing. Remember I'm the sensible sister."

"Okay." He turned to leave, pausing only for a moment. "I'll be back soon."

She waited until he was gone before she spoke. "Sorry about your condition. David gets a little insane over Phoebe. He's loved her since they were only children." Taking out a cloth from her pocket, Piper began to wipe away the blood from his face.

"Why are you here, witch?"

"Try and hear me out, okay? I know you're upset but Phoebe had nothing to do with your capture. Right now she's sobbing in her room. She won't speak to Prudence and I'm afraid that this problem will only worsen."

"I can't do anything 'bout that." He hoped that Prudence was suffering from the guilt of hurting her sister.

"Yes, you can." She waved her hand over the chair he was contained in. "All you have to do is escape. I have a potion that you can use against David. It will disable him for a brief moment. Call out the incantation, 'Mahon tri an' and that will force David to release you from your bonds." Her hand grabbed his chin and forced him to look into her eyes. "Listen, Belthazor. I am doing this because I love Phoebe. For that I will go against the Council. But heed me, hurt David and I will hunt you down. Harm Phoebe and I will banish you to a hell that you cannot imagine." Slipping the potion in his right hand, she murmured blessed be, and left the dungeon.

Cole felt the vial in his hand and thought about what Piper told him. She was helping him to escape. And, if he read between the lines correctly, she wanted him to go to Phoebe.

David returned, sneering at the demon. "Don't think you're lucky because Lady Piper interrupted us. I'm not finish with you yet."

"But I am." Cole struggled but managed to throw the potion at David. It splashed against his chest and the fumes seeped out from the broken vial. He began to cough and he stumbled to the ground.

"Mahon tri an." A jolt ran through David and he stood up slowly. Cole watched as the male witch circled the chair muttering an old language. As soon as he touched the rope, it fell to the floor and Cole was freed. "Now who has the upper hand?"

Cole joined his hands into a fist and slammed it against David's head, knocking him out cold. Glancing around the chamber, he shimmered away.

Big wooden double doors stood between Prue and her destination. She took a breath and went inside. There she saw Bane Jessup chained against a wall. He noticed her but said nothing. Prue moved closer to him in an almost shy-like manner.

"Hello."

"Go away. It's your fault your precious Council will erase my memories and leave me a zombie. Body alive but the mind gone."

Her face turned a pale pink but her eyes sparked with anger. "That is your fault, not mine. If you never decided to side with evil--"

"And what is your definition of evil? Cause frankly you witches are looking pretty evil to me." Bane gave her a dirty look. "You and the Triad are all the same. Fighting for a piece of property that means nothing to you. Have you ever lived among us mere mortals?"

"I've lived in this castle for most of my life and with witches for all of my life. What does that have to do with anything?"

"Everything, obviously. If you 'liberate' us from the Triad, how will the lives of the humans living in Chaliceton change? Will you feed the poor? Will you protect us from robbers? Help educate the young? The Triad didn't and I'm guessing neither will you Charmed ones. After all, what is so different for us if instead of three demons ruling, it's three witches."

Prue was speechless for the first time in her life. Ever since she was a young child, the prophecy and the desire to defeat evil was drummed into her mind. But she never thought of the aftermath when Chaliceton's throne would be empty of wicked influence. Or even what the people of her ancestor's kingdom would think. This mercenary showed her the errors in her judgment and she had a lot to think about.

She opened the door, turning her body slightly to face Bane. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For kicking me into seeing how narrow-minded I've been."

Chapter 6

Lady Phoebe laid on her bed, sobbing at the trouble she caused. David was going to kill Cole all because she called him to her. When he went unconscious she tried to persuade Prue to let him go but she refused. Phoebe then yelled that she would never speak to her again and demanded she leave her room. Prue went willingly, using her powers to carry Cole through the air.

Piper had hesitated as she thought about who to follow. Phoebe told her that she'd like to be alone and so Piper left as well. Now Phoebe was seriously regretting everything she said. After all, Prue was only doing what she thought was right. And Piper only wanted to comfort her.

"Phoebe?" A deep voice croaked out. She looked up and saw Cole heavily leaning on her drawer. His face sported dried blood and bruises. The rest of him wasn't looking so well either.

She wiped away her tears, sniffled, and slowly got off the bed. "Cole?" When he nodded, she raced to him and gave him a big hug. His arms enfolded around her waist and gently squeezed.

"Careful, Phoebe. Your friend gave me quite a beating." He lifted her chin with his hand, forcing her to look into his eyes. "I don't blame you. Your sister Piper explained everything to me."

"Wha? When did you see Piper?"

"She was the one who helped me to escape. Your sister loves you, Phoebe. She's willing to risk everything for you. I can see why." He kissed her lips softly at first, pressing her against his body. Phoebe wrapped her arms around his neck and threw all her worries, her troubles, her fears of a threat on the horizon into kissing him, as if he could protect her from the world. But soon that faded away to intense passion. She wanted him.

Cole seemed to have heard her thoughts for he pulled away and led her to the bed. Slowly he loosened the strings on the back of her dress, letting it slide to the floor. He pressed his lips at the base of her neck. "Phoebe, are you sure you want to go through with this?"

"Yes, I want to be with you."

He pulled her down with him onto the bed after taking off his own clothing. "Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you." He pulled the covers over them and kissed her hard on her yielding lips, trailing her mouth down her body. Phoebe giggled and held him tightly.

"Piper!" She spun around and saw her sister Prue calling out her name.

"Evening Prue. How may I help you?"

"I just visited Bane in his cell and he changed my way of thinking," Prue replied. She seemed very excited with her news. "All our lives we've been trained to fulfill the prophecy and destroy the Triad. But have you ever thought about when the Warren family reclaimed the throne and what we would do? Or even what our people would think? They have lived under the rule of the Triad for three hundred years. Some of them might not want us."

"That's wonderful, Prue, but when do you ever visit prisoners for a friendly chat? That is certainly not like you."

Piper could see a blush forming on Prue's face. "Yea, well, things change. Besides, Bane is really cute," she said in a rush.

They linked arms and started walking. "Aww, my big sister has a crush. I'm glad, Prue. You should loosen up more often. Ever since Andy went missing, you've been uptight and distant."

"I'm trying but, you know, sometimes its hard. And I'm glad you approve because I'll need help breaking Bane out."

Piper's eyes widened and she quickly looked away. "Now you're willing to help a prisoner escape? Gee, Prue, that Bane really changed your perspective."

"I want to do what's right, in everything. Including apologizing to Phoebe. I should have never lost my temper with her. It was just wrong."

"Good for you. Phoebe really needs our support now and besides, we sisters have to stick together."

"Well, the sooner I apologize to Phoebe, the sooner we can get on to my plan of helping Bane."

The two walked to Phoebe's room and Piper gently rapped on the door. Prue covered Piper's hand and leaned in. "Did you hear that?"

"Hear what?"

"I'm not sure, but I thought I heard grunting noises coming from in there."

"That's silly. It must be your imagination on over drive."

"Wait, there it is again." Prue leaned in some more until her ear was on the door. "Listen."

Piper followed and gasped. "Hey, I do hear grunting noises!"

"Phoebe must be hurt. What if there's an attacker in there? She can't fight them off with her premonition power. We have to save her." They stepped back and Prue flung her arm, magically opening the door. Linking arms, they marched inside, intent on saving their little sister.

What they found though was far from what they thought they would find. Clothes were strewn all over the room. A chair was knocked down. On the bed was movement coming from under the covers. Rocking movement.

"Oh my goodness!" Piper exclaimed. She pulled Prue to her left so she could see who was on the bed. It was their little sister Phoebe, and Cole, the demon who should have been in the dungeon.

[Home][My Journal][Recs][Email]
[My Fanfiction]

Shimmer Me Back