Disclaimer: I don’t claim any of the Charmed characters.  I only claim those characters I’ve created for my fanfics.  The fics are for entertainment only.

 

 

Everything Changed In One Night

By

Penny

 

 

Chapter 1

 

It’s been 1½ months since Paige had her daughters.

 

                Paige hears the grandfather clock strike six tolls.  She’d steps through the magical doorway into the Manor, about fifteen minutes ago.  Paige left Sean to get the triplets ready to bring them over for Piper, Phoebe and Leo to baby-sit while they go out. 

 

                She’s wearing a simple, spaghetti-strapped, black dress and an emerald and diamond necklace that Sean had given to her after the birth of their daughters.  She sighs, knowing she was running out of time to get ready for the party.  She holds up to different pairs of earrings; one pair of earrings was 1ct. Diamond hoop earrings and the other pair was 1 ct. solitaire stud earrings. 

 

                Piper and Phoebe are sitting on Piper’s bed helping Paige to get ready for her night out with Sean.

 

                “Which ones should I wear” asked Paige? She really doesn’t know why she’s asking; seems she doesn’t really feel like going out.

 

                “The diamond hoops” replies Phoebe.

 

                “Are you sure” inquired Paige?

 

                “Missy Paige, it doesn’t matter. They both go great with your dress” stated Piper.

 

                “Paige, are you ready? We have to get going” Sean calls from downstairs.

 

                “Almost just give me a few more minutes” Paige yells back. “Ok please just tell me which earrings.”

 

                “The diamond hoops” Piper said agreeing with Phoebe.

 

                “Ok” said Paige as she puts the diamond hoops into her ear lobes. “How do I look?”

 

                “You look great” Piper and Phoebe said in unison.

 

                “I don’t know why I’m even asking; I really don’t want to go.”

 

                “Why” asked Phoebe? “A little dancing, great food, what’s not to like?”

 

                “The girls are only a little over a month old.  I don’t want to leave them.”

 

                Piper gets up and goes over to her.  Piper puts her arm around her.  “Paige, you and Sean need this so you don’t blow up walls.”

 

                “You blow up walls” retorted Paige.

 

                Piper waves her hand as a dismissal of Paige’s statement.  “You know what I mean.  If you don’t get a little us time with Sean. You’ll start to get irritated with Sean.  Everything that he does that gets on your nerves with increase ten fold; believe me, I know.”

 

                “I guess” Paige said dryly.

 

                Phoebe has jump off Piper’s bed and pulls her baby sister in a hug.  “Don’t worry we can handle the girls.”

 

                “I know you can but it doesn’t make me feel any better about leaving them.”

 

                “Honey, I know how you’re feeling.  I didn’t want to leave Wyatt either and I’m sure I won’t want to leave this one, when he or she’s born” said Piper placing a protective hand over her growing belly.

 

                Paige smiles at her big sister.  Paige is glad that her sister’s pregnancy was a smoother one; then the one she had with Wyatt. Paige pulls Piper and a hug. “I can’t wait for my niece and nephew to get here.”

 

                Paige lets go of her sister and heads out of the room and Piper and Phoebe follow.  They head for the stairs.

 

                Sean is sitting on the couch with Leo waiting for Paige.  The triplets are lying in a playpen and Wyatt is talking to them. 

 

                “They smile at me” said Wyatt gleefully.

 

                “They love you” said Sean.  “You’re their big cousin.”

 

                “I tect them” said Wyatt as his attention went back to the triplets.

 

                Sean’s confused look has Leo clarifying.  “He means that he will protect them.  We’ve been getting him ready to be a big brother.”  Sean smiles and nods his head to show that he understood.

 

                Sean and Leo hear footsteps coming from the stairs and they both stand up as the girls come into the room.  Sean walks over to his wife and kisses her on the cheek. “You’re beautiful.”

 

                Paige smiles “thank you.”  Piper and Phoebe also smiles behind their sister.

 

                 “Ok you guys better get going” Phoebe said as she starts to shove them towards the door.

 

                “Wait, I have to say goodbye to the girls” Paige said irritated.

 

                Paige and Sean walk over to the playpen.  Sean bends down and picks up Kiley first.  Sean kisses her and then hands her to Paige.  Paige kisses her and gives her back to Sean.  He lays her back down and picks up Katlain.  Sean gives her a little kiss and hands her off to Paige. Paige gives her a kiss on the cheek as tears start to burn her eyes.  She hands her back to Sean and he places her back down.  Sean picks up Kayley.  He kisses her and smiles at Paige as he hands Kayley to her.  Paige kisses Kayley as a tear escapes her right eye.  Sean brushes it a way with the pad of his thumb and takes Kayley back and lays her down. 

 

                Paige leans over and looks at her daughters.  “Mommy and Daddy are going to go out for a little while and we’ll be back really soon. Aunt Piper and Aunt Phoebe and Uncle Leo will be taking care of you so you be good.  I love...you” said Paige as her voice crack.  Sean pulls her into his embrace. “We don’t have to go if you don’t want too.”

 

                “Oh yes you do” said Piper. “You two need this time together.  They will be fine. They have two witches and an Elder taking care of them. So go and have fun and if anything happens will be able to get a hold of you.” A flash of fear crosses Paige’s eyes. “And I’m sure that nothing will happen.”

 

                Sean puts his arm around Paige and escorts her out the door.

 

                Piper sighs and seats down on the couch and Leo joins her. 

 

                “Who wants pizza” asked Phoebe picking up the phone.

 

                Phoebe dials the phone as two eyes watch them from the conservatory.

 

 

Chapter 2

 

                Two eye peers through a plant as it observes the going on of the party.  The university orchestra along with the a soloist from the choir are performing their rendition of The Way You Look Tonight.

 

                Sean glides Paige along the ballroom floor as he holds her securely in his arms.  Paige is smiling and laughing.  Sean leans down by her ear and whispers.  “Be careful someone might think you’re glad you came.”

 

                “I wasn’t at first but now I’m glad Piper made me come.”

               

                “I hope they remember to cover the girls with the quilts” replies Sean.

 

                “Piper knows why they have to be covered with the quilts.  I told her that the quilts are protection for certain types of evil fairies.” Paige looks up into her husband’s eyes and then lays her head on his shoulder. 

 

                Sean continues to glide Paige along the floor as smoothly as Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. Sean was getting closer to the plant where the eyes were watching them.  Paige suddenly stiffens and stops.  She turns towards the plant but there’s nothing there.  The eyes have disappeared.

 

                “Paige, honey, what is it?”

 

                “I thought someone or something was watching us” explain Paige as a shiver goes up her back.  “Something is wrong.”

 

                Sean reaches in his coat pocket and pulls out his cell phone then hands it to Paige.  Paige starts to dial the Manor.

 

                Phoebe was cradling one of her nieces in her hands, looking at her.  “Are you sure this is Kayley and not Katlain” Phoebe asked Piper?

 

                Piper smiles, “Yes, I’m sure; that’s Kayley.”

 

                “I still can’t tell them apart and you, the mother, who couldn’t figure out Wyatt’s little cries; is now an expert on telling the triplets apart” said Phoebe irritated.

 

                “Hey don’t get snippy with me because you haven’t been around them” retorted Piper.

 

                “I’m sorry but between the wedding, work, and flying to Hong Kong with Jason.  I feel like I’m missing everything.”

 

                Piper walks over and leans down and gives her sister a one-arm hug.  Kayley was smiling.  “See when Kayley smiles her left side of her mouth goes up a little higher then her right.  Katlain wrinkles her nose when she smiles and Kiley shrugs her shoulder up when she smiles” explains Piper.

 

                The phones starts to ring and Leo holding Kiley, gets up to get it but as he gets further away from the others. Kiley starts to wail at the top over lungs.  Piper lays Katlain back down and runs over to get Kiley from Leo.  Leo hands her to Piper and she brings her over to the playpen and Kiley immediately calms down.

 

                “Hello” said Leo picking up the phone.

 

                “Leo is everything all right at home” Paige said coming through the phone.

 

                “Yea, everything is fine.  I upset Kiley, taking her away from her sister but other then that everything is fine” answered Leo.

 

                “You’re sure” retorted Paige.

 

                “Yes. Paige what’s wrong” asked Leo?

 

                “It felt like someone or something was watching Sean and me” elucidated Paige.

 

                Leo didn’t say anything for a moment.  “Paige you’re just a little jumping for leaving the triplets. They’re fine so just have fun.  We’ve got everything under control and the girls are fine.

 

                Paige sighs. “Okay but if any thing changes, you better call us immediately.”

 

                “Don’t worry nothing is going to happen but if it does we will call you. Goodbye” said Leo hanging up the phone before Paige could reply back.

 

                “Let me guess Paige is worrying about the girls” stated Piper smiling.

 

                “Yea she said she thought that someone was watching them.  I think she’s trying to make up an excuse to come home.  I wasn’t going to give her chance” clarified Leo.  Leo came back over and pick up Kiley who was now yawning.

 

                “I think someone’s getting tired” said Piper.  Piper bent down and picks up Katlain and starts to head upstairs.  Leo follows with Kiley and Phoebe is forced to follow with Kayley.

 

                They walk into Paige’s old bedroom that is now Wyatt’s room.  Wyatt lays there fast asleep in his crib.  Along with Wyatt’s crib, there are three bassinets.  Piper lays down Katlain in one of the bassinets and Leo lays down Kiley.  Phoebe lays down Kayley, as well.

 

                “I’ll tuck them in” replies Phoebe.

 

                Piper smiles and nods then Piper take Leo’s hand and pull him out of the room.

 

                Phoebe smiles at Kayley as she yawns.  “Are you tired, sweetie?”

 

                Kayley answers by closing her eyes.  Phoebe’s smile gets even bigger.  She pulls up the light blanket but leaves the quilt hanging off the side.  She tucks in Kiley and Katlain the same way.  Phoebe doesn’t cover the triplets with the quilts.  Phoebe glances back at the girls and Wyatt and she pulls the door closed behind her, smiling.  Sitting in the corner of the room was a couple sets of eyes.

 

 

Chapter 3

 

                Paige hits the end button on Sean’s cell phone and hands it back to him. Paige lets out a long exasperated sigh.

 

                “What did they say” inquired Sean?

 

                “They said that everything was fine.”

 

                “You have your doubts; don’t you” asked Sean?

 

                Paige nods her head.  “You think we could—”

 

                Someone grabs Paige and pulls her into a big hug, which cuts her off.

 

                “President Dale, Congratulations are in order for the school’s funding” said Paige.”

 

                President Jacob Dale has an air of class about him. His dark black hair and graying temple made him very distinguished.  Jacob Dale mannerism showed that he came from very old money and he had the contacts to prove it.  But him and his wife were one of the nicest people that Paige has ever met.

 

                “I really feel that congratulations are in order for you” said President Dale.

 

                Paige gives him a look of confusion.

 

                “For your babies” he added.

 

                “Oh yes the girls” said Paige sheepishly.

 

                “Thank you” said Sean.

 

                “You must have pictures, Sean” said a woman coming up and putting her arm around him.  Sean bends down and places a kiss on the older woman’s cheek. “I have lots of pictures.  Would you like to see them, Lilly?”

 

                “When it comes to baby pictures there’s no stopping my wife” said President Dale.

 

                The older woman was dressed in a dark blue, ankle length dress. Her hair was blond but you knew that was not her natural color due to her age. She was as dignified as her husband.

 

                “Paige, While Sean shows Lilly, the baby pictures; let me twirl you around the dance floor.  I may not be Gene Kelly but I can hold my own.”  Paige smiles and nods her head and President Dale takes her hand and leads her to the dance floor.

 

                Sean reaches into his breast pocket of his jacket and pulls out his wallet.  He opens it to his pictures.

 

                “Oh who’s that cute little boy” asked Lilly Dale.

 

                “That’s Wyatt. Paige’s oldest sister’s son” explains Sean.

 

                “How’s he with the babies” she asked?

 

                “He loves them, which is great seems his mom is going to have another one.” Sean smiles as he flips to the next pictures.

 

                “Ahh look at them they are so beautiful like their mother.”

 

                “I think so” replies Sean in agreement.

 

                The orchestra is now playing I Only Have Eyes For You as President Dale twirl Paige around the dance floor.

 

                “You know this is a good opportunity for you to get continuing funding for the Victims of Violent Crime Services.  I think you should take advantage of it” stated President Dale.

 

                “Aren’t there people who do that kind of thing” asked Paige?

 

                “There is but it always makes more of an impression, if the person in charge does the fundraising” explained President Dale. “So you need to show your charming self.”

 

                If you only knew, how charming I really am.  “So I should explain to them the importance of the center to the students.”

 

                “Exactly,” President Dale looks away and catches a guy at the bar that raises his champagne flute to him. “Do you know him?”

 

                “Who” Paige asked turning around?

 

                The man was around six-two and had fiery red hair. He was dressed in a double-breasted, charcoal suit with a crisp white shirt and silk tie in a square pattern consisting of the colors of wine, black, and silver. He raises his glass again.

 

                “No, I have no idea who he is” replies Paige.

 

                Sean and Mrs. Dale come up along Paige and President Dale. Sean sees the confused look on her face. “Honey, what’s wrong?”

 

                “Do you know that man over by the bar” inquired Paige?

 

                Sean looks towards the bar but the only people around it were a couple of women and the bartender. “There is no man over at the bar.”

 

                “What” Paige said turning to the bar again?  The man was gone. Paige narrows her eyes in confusion.

 

                “Well, there are Mr. and Mrs. Sebold, Lilly, my dear. Let’s go thank them for their contribution” The elder couple left Sean and Paige in their confusion.

 

                “Darling, what did he look like” asked Sean?

 

                Paige went into the description of the man. A look of worry had cemented itself to Sean’s face.

 

                “Do you know this guy, Sean?”

 

                “No I can’t say that it rings any bells” Sean said warily. The look on Sean’s face told a different story but Paige chose not to pursue it at the moment.

 

                “So are you ready to go” inquired Sean?

 

                “No I guess not.  President Dale thinks I should hit the guest for contribution to the VVCS” explained Paige.

 

                “So we need to do a little schmoozing” stated Sean? “So how do I look, charming” Sean stood there striking a pose with a grin on his face? Paige thought he look amazing in his dark blue, three button, suit and a light blue shirt and matching silk tie.

 

                Paige giggled a little and grabs him around the elbow and went over to a group of people by a display table.

 

                Piper and Leo are sitting on the couch.  Leo has his hand on Piper’s belly.  “I think we should think up some boy names so we’re not caught of guard.”

 

                “I know but I’m still hoping this baby will be a little girl.”

 

                “So when we go see Dr. Bennett, do you want to get the sex of the baby” asked Leo?

 

                “No I think I want it to be a surprise.”

 

                Phoebe walks into the living room. “The girls are all tuck in!  So what are you guys talking about?”

 

                “Whether or not to find out if we are having a boy or a girl” answered Piper.

 

                “Well whatever it is it’s going to be a big one.  You showed a lot sooner and are bigger with this baby then with Wyatt.”

 

                “Yeah I know.  It could be because this is my second pregnancy.”

 

                “So do you have any boy names yet” query Phoebe?

 

                “That’s what we were just discussing” informed Sean.

 

                “We still don’t know what we’ll name the baby if it’s a boy” added Piper.

 

                “You are still staying with Prudence Melinda Halliwell. If it’s a girl” inquired Phoebe?

 

                “Yes. If it’s a girl” said Piper steadfastly.

 

                The two sets of eyes steps out of the shadows and now was attached to creatures around five to five-three. The creatures had puckered and wizened featured with yellow parchment like skin.  Their eyes were now like dark shadows. 

 

                “The witch did not cover the babies with their father’s clothes” whispered the male creature pointing with its claw like hand towards the quilt.

 

                “The opportunity, we have been waiting for” the woman creature whispered back.

 

                “So we’ll do as we were told. We will take them and dispose of them” the male creature said with an undertone.

               

                “NO, Oisin” she said firmly under her breath. “If we kill them not only will we have the wrath of the clan O’Hara but we will also endure the Charmed Ones’ revenge. They will not stop with us but they wipe out our entire tribe and the ones they don’t kill will then come after us.  We will wait to see what happen in the struggle that is beginning.  Let’s get them.”

 

                The two creatures walk up to the bassinets.  The male creature accidentally touches the quilt and a spark flies and burns his hand.  “Damnúair” he said in his language a little too loud! Wyatt starts to stir awake.

 

                “Hurry you fool the Elder’s child is waking up.  We will not get out alive if he fully awakes” the female creature said grabbing Kiley from her bed.  A stock of wood appears and turns into a replica of Kiley.

 

                The male creature grabs Kayley and Katlain and they are replaced with replicas, as well.  Wyatt is fully awake and sees the triplets in the arms of the creatures.  Wyatt and the creatures make eye contact and the creatures swirl out before Wyatt can react; he starts to cry.

 

 

Chapter 4

 

                Piper, Phoebe and Leo hear Wyatt’s screams.  Piper and Phoebe heads for the stairs as Leo orbs to Wyatt’s bedroom.  Wyatt is standing up in his bed with his force field up and the replica triplets are crying as well.

 

                “Wyatt, what’s wrong” asked Leo?

 

                Wyatt puts down his force field and Leo picks him up as Piper and Phoebe burst through the bedroom door.

 

                “What’s wrong” demanded Piper?

 

                “I don’t know yet.  I just asked Wyatt” explained Leo.

 

                “Not babies” said Wyatt pointing to bassinets.  Wyatt’s tears were streaming down his face.

 

                “Honey, the girls are right here” informed Phoebe as she picks up the replica of Kiley.

 

                The replica of Kiley continues to cry at the top of her lungs.  “That’s strange Kiley usually calms down when someone picks her up” said Piper. 

 

                Phoebe hands replica of Kiley to Piper as a picture flies off the wall towards Phoebe.  Piper freezes it with her free hand.  “How the hell did that happen” questioned Piper.

 

                The replicas of the triplets stop crying and start to laugh.  Wyatt’s force field goes back up.  “Bad babies, not babies” said Wyatt again.

 

                “I wonder what’s bringing this entirely on,” questioned Piper?

 

                “Honey, I thought you like your little cousins” inquired Phoebe?

 

                “Me do, not babies” said Wyatt again.

 

                “Leo, do you have any idea what your son is talking about” Piper asked him as she puts the picture back on the wall?  The triplets start to cry again.  Piper turns her back to the pictures and it falls of the wall and hits her in the head.

 

                “Darn” exasperated Piper rubbing her head.

 

                The replicas of the triplets were laughing again.  “Bad babies” said Wyatt pointing at them. 

 

                “Let’s take them downstairs for awhile to see if that calms everyone down” suggested Phoebe.

 

                Leo walks over to pick up Katlain but Wyatt put up his force field and refuses to bring it down.

 

                “Wyatt, what is wrong with you” asked Leo as he walks out of the room? Behind Leo and Wyatt, Piper carries Kiley and Phoebe is carrying Katlain and Kayley.

 

                “Not babies” said Wyatt again.

 

                “You keep saying that but what do you mean” Piper asked her son?

 

                “Not babies” Wyatt states again.  He states it as though it was so obvious.

 

                Paige and Sean are making their way around the dance floor as the university’s orchestra is playing I’m In The Mood For Love.

 

                “Are you really glad we came this evening” Sean whispered in Paige’s ear?

 

                “Oh Yes, I don’t think I’ve had this much fun since before the babies were born” Paige said softly back.

 

                Sean swings Paige out and then pulls her back to him. Paige giggles. He continues to guide her smoothly around the dance floor. Paige is smiling and laughing.  She’s totally enjoying herself.  The song is finally ending and Sean leads her to the edge of the dance floor. They step of the dance floor together.

 

                “Where did you learn to dance like that” asked Paige as the orchestra begins another song?

 

                “My Ma felt that all her children should know how to dance.  So she enrolled us in dance classes around ten years of age” explained Sean.

 

                “I would say you excelled at it” Paige said.

 

                “I tried.  My grandmother used to say that when a man danced with a woman he loved it was as though their souls were making love.”

 

                “How you dance.  I would have to agree.  Can you get me something to drink?  I need to freshen up” expressed Paige as she heads out of the ballroom.

 

                Paige is smiling as she heads for the ladies room.  She can’t believe how much she loves Sean.  She never thought it could be possible to love a man as much as she loves him.  She chuckles to herself as she thought about him making faces at the girls trying to make them smile.  She is so caught up in her thoughts that she didn’t notice the man until she runs into him.

 

                “Oh I’m sorry” Paige apologized as she steps around him without looking up into his face.

 

                “No problem, Mrs. O’Hara” said the man.

 

                Paige stops and turns around and looks at the man.  The man has also stopped.  He was the same man that Paige seen earlier.  “Do I know you” inquired Paige?

 

                “No but I do know who you are” the man said seriously.

 

                Paige’s heart starts to race hoping this man wasn’t a demon or warlock. “How do you know me?”

 

                “That’s not important but this is.  Do you love your husband enough to let him go” probed the man.

 

                “Who are you” demanded Paige?

 

                “I’m an acquaintance of your husband but I prefer you don’t let him know that you’ve spoken to me” divulged the man.

 

                “Why not; are you keeping something from him” questioned Paige intently?

 

                “There are just some things that he shouldn’t know about at this time” answered the man.

 

                “Like what” demanded Paige?

 

                He didn’t answer her. They hear voices coming from behind him.  She looks back at the man.  “What do you what from me” asked Paige?

 

                “Just think about what I asked you and there may come a time that it’s no longer a question.”

 

                  Paige turns to see that Lilly Dale and another elderly woman was walking towards her and when Paige turns back around to face the man he’s gone.

 

                Paige didn’t know what to think; here is a stranger asking her to keep something from Sean.  Do I love him enough to let him go but why.  She loves him with all her heart and she can’t let him go. He is her husband and they promised each other that they would grow old together. “No, the answer is no” murmured Paige.

 

                “What dear” inquired Lilly Dale?

 

                “Oh nothing I was just talking to myself” replies Paige.

 

                “You were just having interesting conversation with an interesting person” Lilly said smiling.

 

                “Yea I guess so” Paige said still looking around.  “Mrs. Dale...”

 

                “Oh please, call me Lilly.”

 

                “Um...Lilly have you seen a man here about six-two or so and has red hair.”

 

                The lady pauses, a moment and then she weights Paige's question.  “No dear I can’t say that I did. Anna, did you see anyone fitting that description at the party?”

 

                “No” Anna said shaking her head.

 

                Paige gives her thanks and made her way back to the ballroom to find Sean.  She didn’t promise this guy that she wouldn’t tell her husband.  Paige was shaken by his question and she feels she should give Sean a heads up that something is wrong. What if that’s what he wants me to do. Paige sees him talking to a colleague.  Paige comes up long side of him and Sean wraps an arm around her waist.

 

                “Honey, I need to talk to you” whispered Paige in Sean’s ears.

 

                Sean excuses himself and Paige and he walks away. “What is it” asked Sean?

 

                But now looking into his eyes Paige changes her mind.  I can’t tell him, not now.  “I think we should check on the triplets” lied Paige.

 

                Water is shooting out all the pipes in the basement.  Every time Leo gets one fixed another burst open. “Leo, what is going on around here” asked Piper?

 

                “I don’t know but it’s like some kind of bad luck curse” answered Leo.

 

                “You think” Piper said mockingly.  “I’m going to go check on Pheebs and the kids.”

 

                “Ok!” Leo went back healing the pipes as Piper runs back up the stairs.

 

                The replicas of the triplets are in the playpen and laughing.  Wyatt is sitting with his force field up glaring at them. “Bad...Bad.”

 

                Phoebe is in the kitchen trying to unclog the sink.

 

                “What’s wrong now” urged Piper?

 

                “Every sink in clog and in the bathrooms the toilets are overflowing but the strange thing is no one has used them” exasperated Phoebe.  “So does Leo have any ideas, why the house is possessed?”

 

                “No he thinks its bad luck curse” answered Piper.

 

                “Why would someone do this” asked Phoebe?  Piper shrugs her shoulders in frustration. “Piper I think we should call Paige and Sean.”

 

                “What are they going to do?”

 

                “I don’t know but it might not hurt. They could maybe figure out why the triplets are so hunger.  Piper, they went through a whole can of formula” Phoebe throws her hands up in frustration as the kitchen sink starts to overflow as well.

 

                All of a sudden there’s a loud bang coming from somewhere upstairs.

 

                Wyatt jumps because of the sound that just occurs from upstairs.  The replicas of the triplets start to laugh louder.  Wyatt narrows his gaze and sticks his hand out in front of him.  Orbs start to appear in front of him.

 

                Piper and Phoebe walk into the living room to check on the children.  They both freeze in shock and surprise by who is standing there.

 

 

Chapter 5

 

                Piper and Phoebe stand there staring at the new arrival.  Piper let out a quick breath as tears starts to burn the corner of her eyes.  Phoebe closes her eyes hoping when she opens them back up the new arrival would still be standing there and to her great surprise she still was.

 

                “Prue” Piper and Phoebe said in unison.  Piper and Phoebe run up to their big sister and wrap her in a big embrace.  They all begin to laugh and cry at the say time.

 

                “How are you here? Why are you here” asked Piper wiping tears away?

 

                “That’s a good question because I really don’t know.  I’m just as surprised as you are” answered Prue.

 

                Piper looks over at her son. “Wyatt? You can’t keep bring people down here whenever you like” scolded Piper.

 

                Wyatt sticks out his lower lip in the largest pout they’ve every seen and then he starts to cry.

 

                “Piper, You’ve made my nephew cry” said Prue going over to pick him up.  Wyatt lays his head on her shoulder and his body shakes as heartbreaking sob escapes his body. “It’s ok little buddy your Aunt Prue will protect you from the meany.”

 

                “Prue, you’re not helping.”

 

                “Well he must think I could help or I wouldn’t be here” retorted Prue.

 

                Wyatt starts to calm down and the replicas of the triplets are now crying. “Oh they’re crying now” said Prue.  Prue tries to hand Wyatt to Piper but he tightens his grip. “Whoa, you’re a little he-man aren’t you” Prue said to he nephew.

 

                Piper pries Wyatt from Prue. “Honey, I’m sorry but you can’t keep bring love ones down here.  The other Elders aren’t going to like it.  Do you want your daddy to get in trouble?” Wyatt shakes his head and sticks out his lower lip.

 

                Prue goes over and picks up the replica of Kayley. Kayley continues to cry. “Is she hungry?”

 

                “I don’t see how but I’ll go make another—” Phoebe doesn’t finish what she was going to say because another explosion comes from upstairs.  Phoebe runs upstairs followed by Piper carrying Wyatt and Prue carry the replica of Kayley.

 

                They run into the attic just as another potion vial explodes. “What the hell is going on around here” asked Piper irritated.  Piper and Phoebe hear a little giggle and turns around.  Piper and Phoebe stares at the baby in Prue’s arms.

 

                “Why isn’t she screaming at the top of her lungs” Phoebe asked softly?

 

                “Not babies” said Wyatt.

 

                “Why are you guys looking at me like I’m a ghost? I mean I am a ghost. You know what I mean.”

 

                Piper and Phoebe did not answer their big sister.  The realization of what Wyatt has been saying for the last two hours and why he brought down Prue. It hit them like a sledgehammer falling on a foot.

 

                “Leo! Leo” yelled Piper and Phoebe in unison.

 

                A few seconds later orbs appear in the attic in front of them.  “What? The basement is becoming an indoor swimming pool.”

 

                Piper simply points towards Prue.  Leo turns around and sees Prue. A look of surprise crosses his face.  “Prue” said Leo taking quick steps to hug her.  “Let me guess my son brought you down here.”

 

                “Yeah, He’s a—”

 

                “Leo, look whom Prue is holding” interrupted Piper.

 

                Leo’s eyes widen as he takes in the severity of the situation.  “Umm...why isn’t she crying” inquired Leo?

 

                “Well Leo, I think it obvious that’s not Kayley” clarified Phoebe.

 

                “But how would something take them because of the quilts” asked Leo?

 

                “What does the quilts have to do with them being gone” asked Phoebe?

 

                “Phoebe did you cover them with the quilts that Sean’s Aunt Awena gave them” asked Piper warily.

 

                “No because it was a little warm.” Phoebe is looking at Piper wonder what the big deal is. “Why?”

 

                “The quilts have a druid protection spell on them.  It protects the babies from evil fairies” elaborated Leo.

 

                “Oooooh” said Phoebe slowly as comprehension of what had occured and who was causing all the problems. A sink feeling settles in her stomachs. My nieces are gone because of me]  “Hey why didn’t anyone tell me about the quilts just because I’ve been busy someone should have told me.” Phoebe let out a exasperated breath.  “We got to find them” Phoebe said sadly.

 

                “Phoebe we will. Leo, can you since them”asked Piper calmly?

 

                “Wow Piper you’re calm” said Prue.

 

                “I don’t lose it as much as I use to since you—” Piper faded off.

 

                “Since I died. It’s okay I can handle it now at first I was a mess. I couldn’t except the fact they wouldn’t make an exception for me but after a million tears and a lot of yelling. I finally came to terms with my destiny” enlightened Prue. “So I’m still wondering, how you know this isn’t our niece?”

 

                “Because she isn’t crying at the top of her lungs and shaking.  I have an idea on who can watch in impostures.  Ian! Ian” bellowed Leo.

 

                Orbs start to materialize and when they dissipate Ian is standing there. “I’m here to serve, old wise one” Ian said playfully and bowing.

 

                Leo raises an eyebrow and waits for him to stand up.  Ian comes back up and catches the look on Leo’s face along with the others. “What’s wrong?”

 

                “I’m glad you can see the seriousness of the situation. Look” Leo gestures towards Prue and the replica of Kayley.

 

                Ian’s eyes widen with shock. “Does Sean and Paige know?”

 

                “We need someone to watch them and that’s what you are going to do” explained Leo. “Prue hand Ian the baby.”

 

                “Do I have too” asked Ian sarcastically.

 

                “Yes” Leo said firmly.

 

                Ian reaches out to take the baby when another vial explodes behind them sitting off a chain reaction of larger explosions.  Wyatt’s force field goes up as the attic fills with smoke and flying debris.  Everyone except for Piper and Wyatt and Prue and the replica of Kayley are unconscious on the floor of the attic.

 

Chapter 6

 

                When the smoke clears, Piper sees the damage the last explosion caused.  The replica of Kayley is laughing and Piper can hear laughter coming from downstairs.  Piper narrows her eyes at the replica of Kayley.  “Prue put it down” Piper said angrily.”

 

                “Okay” Prue said putting the replica of Kayley on the floor.

 

                “Now step away” order Piper.  She had a shake to her voice that Prue had never heard from her sister before.

 

                Piper puts up her free hand and gave a little twist to unlease her explosive power on it.  Ian, who was further away from the blast, came to a lot sooner then Phoebe and Leo.  He slowly opens his eyes and sees that the replica of Kayley was on the floor and Piper has her hand up ready to fire.  Ian didn’t even allow his ears to stop ringing when he through himself between Piper and the replica. [i]Boom[/i] Ian is scattered into orbs and he quickly rematerialized.

 

                “Ian, Why did you do that” Piper yelled at him?

 

                Ian is holding his head. “Because if you blow up that thing, you could blow up Kayley and as their whitelighter.  I won’t allow that.” 

 

                Ian walks over to check on Phoebe.  Phoebe has blood seeping for her head. Ian puts his hand over her head and heals her.  Ian turns and sees Leo being help up by Prue.

 

                “Sir, are you okay” Ian asked Leo as he helps Phoebe to her feet.

 

                “Yea but I think you should get that downstairs while we try to figure out what it is” informed Leo.

 

                Ian walks over and picks up the replica of Kayley and the replica is crying at the top of it lungs again.  “Someone really should call Paige and Sean and tell them what happened.  If anyone should have a decision in this, it should be their parents.”  Ian carries the replica out of the attic with him.

 

                “He’s right” Prue said joining them at the book.

 

                “Okay” replies Piper. “Paige! Paige, we need you to come home now.”

 

                The party is starting to wind down.  Paige and Sean are saying their goodbyes.  They are standing with President and Mrs. Dale.  Sean has his arm drape around Paige’s shoulder.  Paige stiffens and Sean feels it.  He glances out the side of his eye to his wife and Paige is looking at him. Sean reads Paige’s mind and knows that her sisters is calling.

 

                “I really need to get my wife home.  She really tired” Sean said to the hosts.

 

                “I’m surprised you’ve stayed this long” said Lilly Dale.

 

                “By all means, Sean take your beautiful wife home. Come Lilly” said President Dale grabbing his wifes hand.  He leans over near Paige’s ear. “If I don’t pull her away. You and Sean will never get home to those beautiful girls.”

 

                “I heard that.  You know you’re getting to old to sleep on the couch.” Paige and Sean heard Lilly Dale say to her husband as he pulls her away.

 

                Sean grabs Paige’s arm and hooks it through his and He leads her out the ballroom saying their goodbyes as they leave. 

 

                When they got outside the ballroom into the quiet hall, Paige stops and turns to Sean.   “Piper’s calling me I have to go.”

 

                “I know” said Sean pointing to his head.

 

                “You read my mind.  Sean I thought you said you didn’t do that” said Paige.

 

                “Only when I have to” informed Sean.  “I’ll see you at home.” He kisses her as she orbs out.  Sean is smiling when he turns and sees the guy with red hair in the charcoal suit.  The man makes eye contact with Sean.  It is obvious that this man and Sean know each other.  The man bows his head and turns and fades out as he walks through a wall.  Sean is frozen in place.  He narrows his eyes showing his irriation and he heads out of the building.

 

                Paige orbs into the attic. “What’s wrong?  Where’s the demon?”

 

                Piper is standing at the book with Wyatt.  Phoebe is sitting on a couch with Prue.

 

                Piper glances over to Phoebe and Prue.  Paige looks in the same direction as Piper and sees Prue sitting on the couch.

 

                “Prue” Paige said surprised.

 

                “Yes” Prue said getting up and walking over to her baby sister, one she never got to meet when she was alive.  Prue pulls her into a big hug. “It is finally nice to meet you.”

 

                They break the hug.  “Don’t take this the wrong way but why are you here?”

 

                “Our little nephew needed my help” answered Prue.

 

                “For what” questioned Paige looking around at her other sisters.  She didn’t need them to answer because a feeling hit her.

 

                “Where’s the girls” asked Paige her voice cracking.

 

                “We think they were taken by fairies called Changelings” said Piper.

 

                “But they could have taken them because of the quilts” Paige said with disbelief.

 

                Phoebe gets up with tears in her eyes and walks over and takes Paige’s hands in hers.  “I didn’t cover them with the quilts.”

 

                Anger flashes in Paige’s eyes behind the tears.  “What do you mean you didn’t cover MY BABIES with the quilts?”  Paige tries to twist her hands out of Phoebe’s but Phoebe would not let go.

 

                “No one told be about the quilts.  It was warm in the room so I didn’t use the quilts” explained Phoebe.

 

                Paige finally breaks Phoebe’s hold.  “Is that an excuse Phoebe because if it is I don’t care.  You two told me everything would be ok.  What could happen with two witches and a whitelighter.  Oh lets see my babies being kidnapped that all. I knew I shouldn’t have gone out.  I should have stayed home.  If I had stayed this wouldn’t have happened.” rambled Paige as her anger rages and she stands there in shock.

 

                Prue grabs her hand and leads her over to the couch.  Paige follows without any resistence.  “Piper, Why don’t you tell us what the book says about Changelings?”

 

                Piper reads.   “Changelings are fairies that take mortal children as their own.  They replace the missing children with replicas made out of stocks of woods.  Which they change with their magic.  They grab those children that are love and admired.”

 

                “I don’t care what they are or why they do it.  I just want to know how to vanquish them and get my daughters back” Paige said angrily.

 

                Piper nods and slides her finger down the page in the book.  “Here it is. Changelings maybe driven out of the house. When this is achieved, the human child will invariably be returned unharmed.

 

                The least severe method of expulsion is t trick the replica into talking.  Another method is to force tea made from lusmore down the throat of a suspected changeling, burning away it’s appearance turning it back into wood.  Heat and Fire are anathema to the changeling and it will fly away.”

 

                Paige rises form the couch.  “I choose the second method.”  Paige starts to head for the door.

 

                “Paige, wait” yelled Piper. “We need to have a plan this just brings the girls back it doesn’t get rid of the threat.”

 

                “Then we get the things to talk or we summon them here.  I don’t care I just want my girls back” informed Paige.

 

                “Honey we should move slowly and carefully” explained Piper.

 

                “What’s wrong with you because you’re not the woman that marched into the demon market and blew it off the face of the earth” clarified Paige?

 

                “I just think we should be cautions” said Piper.

 

                “Piper, are you feeling all right” asked Phoebe?

 

                “Yes I just feel we shouldn’t fly into anything” justified Piper.

 

                “You sound like an Elder” said Paige half-heartedly.

 

                Prue and Phoebe look at each other. “Piper, honey, if this was Wyatt what would you do” inquired Prue?

 

                “I would weigh all the options.”

 

                “It’s the baby” said Phoebe shaking her head. “We don’t need this right now.”

 

                Paige closes her eyes and tightens her lips until they’re a thin line.  She can’t believe her children are missing and her niece or nephew is interfering with her sister emotions. “That’s fine Sean and I will handle this.  I don’t need a half Elder telling me what to do.”  She turns and walks out of the attic.

 

                “Why is she snapping at me?  I just want to make sure we come out of this a live” Piper justifing her actions.

 

                “I think we should do what we always have done, playing it by ear” said Prue pulling her sister out of the attic to follow Paige.

 

                “Besides, honey, one Elder in the family is more then enough” Phoebe said to Piper as she helps to push her out of the attic.

 

 

Chapter 7

 

                Sean opens the Manor’s front door and walks in whistling All The Way, the last song he heard the university’s orchestra playing as him and Paige left.  He is about to head up the stairs to the attic when he gives a fleeting look into the living room.  He freezes in places and lets out a quick breath like he was sucker punched in the stomach.  He turns slowly and walks into the living room where Ian is watching the replicas of the triplets.

 

                “Ian...where’s...the...girls” asked Sean slowly trying to get the words over the lump that was now in his throat?

 

                Ian didn’t hear Sean come in and he was startled by Sean’s question. “Sean when did you get here?” Ian gets up and faces him.

 

                “Just now.  Where’s the girls?” He asked again with more impatience. Sean can’t understand why Ian was avoiding his question.

 

                “They’re not here, but how do you know the replicas weren’t them” inquired Ian cautiously.

 

                “I’m a druid, Ian.  I can sense my own children and you know this. Why are you acting like you don’t know this?” Sean’s tone of voice was harsh.

 

                Ian looks around Sean towards the stairs. “Ian, are you looking for an escape route? Because all I want is answers to my questions.  For one how Changelings got my children and two, where’s Paige?”

 

                Ian swallows hard because he knows that Sean is trying to keep his anger in check. “Phoebe didn’t know why the quilts were so important and Paige is upstairs with her sisters.  They’re trying to figure out how to get the girls back” answered Ian warily.

 

                “I can fix that.” Sean bends his right arm towards him and forms an emerald fireball. Ian realizes what he is about to do and as Sean flicks his arm towards the replicas of the triplets. Ian pushes his arm causes the emerald fireball to miss it mark.

 

                Sean grabs Ian by the shirt and glares at Ian. “You better have a very good reason for doing that because if you don’t...” Sean fades off.  “If I destroy them the girls will be returned, that I do know.”

 

                “Are you sure? Because Sean the triplets are the first O’Haras taken by Changelings since the truce over two thousand years ago.  They agreed that they would never take another child from you clan.  Ask yourself why now?  Why them?”

 

                Sean stands there holding him by his shirt staring intently at Ian. He tightens his jaw, as the tug of war with himself rages on. While Sean is coming to grips with his anger, Ian is standing there very calmly waiting for Sean to reel in his emotions. Ian knew that Sean is weighting his questions and options.

 

                Paige, Piper, Phoebe and Prue walk down the stairs and see Sean holding Ian by the shirt.

 

                “Sean” called Paige sadly.

 

                Sean glances over his shoulder at her and lets go of Ian and turns to face her.  Sean closes the distance between them very quickly.  He pulls her into his embrace. “Darling, It’s going to be ok. We’re going to get them back; I promise you this, even if I have to vanquish every Changeling in their realm.” Sean was trying to reassure himself along with Paige.

 

                A tear escapes Paige’s eye and Sean kisses it away then he kisses her on the forehead and looks at Prue.  “Do I know you?”

 

                “Oh” Paige said pulling out of his embrace but Sean’s hand falls to the small of her back to keep physical contact with her. “Sean, this is Prue by oldest sister. You know the one that was killed by Shax”

 

                Sean raises an eyebrow and puts out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” Prue takes his hand and smiles.  Mom was right you are gentle and strong.”

 

                Sean alternates his raised eyebrows and a corner of his mouth curves up in a half-hearted smile. “Thanks, I think.”

 

                The replicas of the triplets were laughing.

 

                 “Excuse me.” Sean turns around and extends his arm in front of him with his hand closed.  He flicks his fingers open and the replicas turn into wood statues.

 

 

Chapter 8

 

                Paige is sitting at the kitchen island as Piper, Phoebe and Prue are mixing up the   potions.  She is staring aimlessly out the window as the last few hours ran through her mind.  How could she not have known that her children were taken?  She was their mother. Some mother.  She sighed at the thought of what they could be doing to her babies.  Sean tried to reassure her that they wouldn’t hurt them but could he really be so sure.  Paige knew that Sean was hiding something that was making him very uneasy.  She was glad when Leo got back and took him down to the basement to help him fix the mess the replicas caused to the plumbing. 

 

                Sean and Piper had argued for twenty minutes that seemed like hours.  Piper was furious with Sean.  She thought that he could have endangered the girls by turning the replicas into wood.  Sean’s anger rose when she made a comment about his skill as a father.  Paige closes her eyes when the thought of what he said to Piper entered her mind.  He told her that obvious they should have never left the girls in their care because they couldn’t protect them.  They volleyed back and forth until Prue informed them that this wasn’t helping to get the girls back. Piper glared and left for the kitchen.  Sean watched her go and then turned to Ian.  They started to whisper among themselves.

 

                “Paige” said Prue pulling her out of her thoughts.

 

                “Uh” Paige blinks her eyes to focus on her big sister.

 

                “Come with me” Prue said pulling her up and out of the kitchen.  Prue pulls her into the conservatory.

 

                “Are you okay” Prue asked concerned.

 

                Paige takes a sit on the wicker couch by the window in the conservatory.  A long silence passed between the two sisters.  The connection with Prue is there just as it is with Piper and Phoebe but she didn’t want to share with her, her true feelings. “I’m fine” Paige replies instead.

 

                Prue smiled “No! You’re not.”

 

                “You don’t know me, so how can you determine how I feel” retorted Paige. She said it with little more sharpness then she intented.  She didn’t like the fact that the connection was so strong that Prue could read her.

 

                “Because I’m your big sister and the fact your baby girls were kidnapped; that’s how I know” Prue said warily.

 

                Paige reaches up and wipes away a few tears that she had sheaded. “I can’t handle this.  This is just too much.”

 

                Prue pulls her into a sisterly hug.  She just holds Paige in her arms as sobs overtakes her little sister. Prue rubs her back to calm her. “It will be all right.  I’m not going back until my nieces are where they belong.  Sweetie, we’ll get them back.  Piper and Phoebe are finishing the potion as we speak then Sean will turn the back and we’ll pour that stinky stuff down their thoats.  The girls will be home before we know it.”

 

                Paige nods as she tries to stop her sobs.  She pulls herself out of the hug.  She didn’t want to be comforted when her little girls couldn’t be.  She also didn’t want to be falling apart right now either.  She had to be strong for her babies.  “I’m sorry I don’t know why I’m crying.  I mean... I wasn’t going to let myself cry.”

 

                “Paige, you have every right to cry.  No one here is going to think that you are weak if you do.”

 

                Paige closes her eyes and chokes back the last as her sobs as Piper and Phoebe comes into the room.

 

                “Paige, honey, are you ok” asked Phoebe apprehensively.

 

                “She’s fine just tired” answered Prue not wanting Phoebe to feel anymore guilty then she already is feeling.

 

                “We have the potion” said Piper. “Leo! Sean! The potion is ready.”

 

                A few seconds, orbs appear in the room to reveal Leo and Sean flashes in next to him.

 

                “Whoa, how many powers do you have” questioned Prue?

 

                “That’s the question of the hour or the week or the month...”

 

                “This isn’t the time Piper” Leo interrupted firmly.

 

                “Turn them back” Piper ordered Sean.

 

                Sean nods not really having the energy to fight with his sister-in-law anymore.  Sean walks into the living room and the others follow.  Sean stops in front of the replicas of his daughter and a scowl look locks on his face.  With a large gesture of his arm the wooded replicas turn to flesh again.  They had come alive crying at the top of their lungs.  Sean goes over and picks up the replica of Katlain with discuss and take a baby bottle from Piper.  Piper picks up the replica of Kiley and Phoebe picks up the replica of Kayley.

 

                “Are you ready” asked Sean?

 

                Piper and Phoebe nods.

 

                “On three then” addressed Sean. “One, two, three.” All three of them gave the replicas the bottles and in a few seconds the replicas turns back into a stock of wood and in the few seconds later the stock of wood flashes of fire and was gone.

 

                A few minutes go by and no triplets the unease increases into the room as the realization that the triplets were not going to be returned.  A flash of anger crosses Sean’s face but instead of it leaving it rooted itself there. 

 

                Paige felt as though someone just ripped her heart from her chest. “Where are they I thought they were supposed to be returned, when we turn them back to wood” Paige said with a hint of hysteria entering her voice.

 

 

Chapter 9

 

 

                Paige is standing in the triplet’s nursery.  Sean pauses at the doorway to get an assessment of his wife’s mood.  Paige has her arms wrapped around her stomach.  Sean sees a shiver move through his wife body and he steps into the room.

 

                “Sweetheart, Piper and Phoebe didn’t get anywhere with the scrying,”

 

                “They shouldn’t even bother. They’re gone,” Paige said hopelessly.

 

                Sean is behind his wife in three quick strides.  Sean snakes his arms around her waist and pulls her close. “We will find them.  We have to believe that.”

 

                Paige closes her eyes and pulls out of Sean’s embrace and turns to face him.  “Why because you say so. Because my sisters say so.  You won’t even go down to the underworld and find out anything.”

 

                “Paige, there’s nothing to find out if I go down there.  Demons and changelings don’t run in the same circles.”  Sean takes a step towards Paige and reaches out for her.  Paige steps around his reach and goes across the room.

 

                “You won’t even try.  You just hanging out here and tried a few spells.  Look Sean the sun is already coming up.” Paige points towards the window. “What do the experts say that the first thirty-six hours after a kidnapping are the most crucial?

 

                Sean goes to reach for her again but chooses to shove his hands in his pant pockets. “What do you want me to do? I can go down there and how do you expect me to find the girls.  Well, sweetheart it’s not going to happen because no matter how many demons I go through I’m still not going to find out anything.  We have to trust that Leo and the other Elders can find out anything.”

 

                “You don’t even care; do you,” Paige bellow. “Do you even love them?”

 

                “You know I love them.  You don’t think I’m scared too.  You’re not the only one whose lost them.  I’m their father. I’m supposed to be able to protect them but I couldn’t.  I didn’t even no they were gone until I walked into the Manor last night. Damn it Paige! I’m hurting too.”

 

                Paige couldn’t stop the tears fallen.  Sean opens his arms and Paige steps into them. “I’m sorry for what I said.”

 

                  “Shhh. It’s okay but we have to stick together if we start to blame each other or pull away from each other then they win.”

 

                Sean feels Paige nods her head against his chest.  Sean lays his head on top of Paige’s and closes his eyes to fight back his own tears that was burning the corner of his eyes.  They stood there just holding each other.

 

                Prue, Piper and Phoebe are sitting in the attic as Phoebe flips through the book.

 

                “Wow that’s some spell, so its purpose is to connect the houses,” inquired Prue curiously.

 

                “Yea,” said Phoebe flipping through the book to give her something to do.

 

                “Do they know we can hear them” asked Prue?

 

                “I doubt it. This is the first time we’ve every heard a fight coming from over there,” explains Piper.

 

                “The spell, to our understanding is set up so if someone calls for you or needs you that you can hear them,” elaborated Phoebe.

 

                “So the spell thinks they need us,” Prue asked for clarification.

 

                Piper and Phoebe close their eyes and looks away in silence. This gives Prue a sick feeling. “I don’t think Paige and Sean should be over there alone.”

 

                “They need to work this out Prue,” said Piper.

 

                “Since when did the Charmed Ones go their...” Prue trails off as orbs appear in the room.

 

                Leo is standing there with a sad expression. “Where are Paige and Sean?”

 

                “Next door,” Phoebe answered.

 

                “Paige! Sean,” yells Leo!

 

                A few seconds later they emerge into the room through the magical doorway.

 

                “What? Did you find them,” asked Paige wearily?

 

                Sean notices the sadness in Leo’s eyes. “What did you and the other Elders find out?”

 

                Leo lets out a slow breath. “We didn’t come—” Leo stops as orbs materialize in the attic.

 

                Ian is standing in the attic. “Leo, I need to talk with you...alone.”

 

                Ian goes to leave the attic and Sean shouts at him. “Ian, what’s going on?”

 

                Ian frowned. “Sean I need to speak to Leo.”  Ian continues out of the attic and moves to the second floor and enters Wyatt’s bedroom.  Ian grabs the door and steps aside to allow Leo to come in, when Leo is inside Ian shuts the door and faces Leo.

 

                Ian didn’t waste anytime and went right to the point.  “Leo, the Ancient need you to meet with  the King of the Changelings.  He is smart enough to not meet Sean right now because we both know Sean will vanquish and ask question later.”

 

                “I’m supposed to go alone to meet the very person who could have had my nieces taken,” Leo said irritated. “How does the Ancient know I won’t vanquish them?”

 

                “Because Corb is not evil and he’s willing to help us get the girls back. I’m going with you,” informed Ian. “So let’s go tell the Charmed Ones and Sean we have a lead.”

 

                Sean just looks at Ian and Leo when they refuse to explain of the details of this meeting. “Who are you meeting,” Sean asked again?

 

                “Sean, we have to go so just stay here and don’t follow,” ordered Leo.

 

                “They’re my daughters and you expect me to just sit here.”

 

                “Yes” said Leo firmly. “You are to stay because your wife needs you.”

 

                Sean finally gives up and just nods his head.

 

 

Chapter 10

 

                It’s been a little over a half and hour.  Sean is pacing the floor. Prue leans in to Phoebe.

 

                “Does he pace a lot,” whispered Prue?

 

                Phoebe smiles, “Only when he’s nervous”

 

                “What’s taking so long?” Sean anxiety is showing all over him.  If he clinch his fist any tighter he would draw blood.  The tick in his jaw was increasing in frequency every minute since Ian and Leo orbed out. 

 

                Sean hated to sit on the sidelines.  Even when he played sports in boarding school, he was in the game.  The last time he felt like this is when he broke his leg and had to set out of the championship game. Sean couldn’t understand what is taking Leo and Ian so long; just get the information and get back here.

 

                Paige is helping Piper in the kitchen. They were making some lunch.  Paige is watching her sister maneuver around her growing belly.

 

                “You really are bigger with this pregnancy then with Wyatt” said Paige.

 

                “You think,” Piper said sarcastically.  “I’m already in maturity clothes.  I wasn’t in maturity clothes with Wyatt until I was around five months.”

 

                “Maybe your carrying twins,” joked Paige as she takes the knife from Piper. She tosses it over in the sink.

 

                “Don’t even joke about that.  It is hard enough with Wyatt’s escapades. I don’t think I could handle it if the baby is...twins.”

 

                A look of sadness crosses Paige’s face and Piper takes notice. Piper walks over and hugs her baby sisters. “I’m so sorry, honey. We’ll talk about something else.”

 

                “No it’s okay really,” said Paige sadly.

 

                “Here puts this back in the fridge for me” Piper said hopefully changing the subject.

 

                Leo and Ian stand in a clearing of trees. Leo is pacing impatiently.

 

                “When is this Corb supposed to get here,” asked Sean irritated?

 

                “Now,” said a voice from a creature stepping out of the shadow of a tree.

 

                Leo stares at him.  This is the first time he’s every seen a changeling.  The creature is draped in deep purple robes.  He wears a small crown upon his head and his eyes were dark shadows.  Leo focus is more on the skin; it is yellow, puckered and wizened. Its skin also looks thin like rice paper.  Leo thought if he would grab him the skin beneath his hand would tear. 

 

                “We did not take the O’Hara children. I would never break the truce that was put into an affect over a two thousand years ago besides, the pure fiery he would inflict on my subjects would contain no mercy,” croaked Corb.

 

                “Then who has taken them” demanded Leo?

 

                “Rogue changelings.  They are following...” Corb pauses to choose his words carefully. “...someone else, someone who doesn’t like the fact that the babies exist.”

 

                “A demon” questioned Ian?

 

                Corb looks at Ian as though he just realizes he’s there. Corb shakes his head. “No.  This individual is more of a threat to them and the O’Hara family then any ol’ demon.  I think the dead Source would be more welcome in the O’Hara house then this person and we all know what crime he committed against the clan O‘Hara.”

 

                “Who is it” probed Leo?

 

                Corb shakes head again. “Once I return your nieces we are no longer involved, for what’s coming is way worse then losing a child.  I choose for my kind to stay neutral.”

 

                “What’s going on,” asked Leo?

 

                “You are an Elder; are you not? You can’t sense it; the change in the air and the unbalance that is beginning to effect nature.” Corb raises his hand and waves it back and forth in front of him. “That’s neither here nor there. I’m here to tell you that the triumvirate will be returned unharmed. Like I said I do not need the wrath of the O’Hara’s or the Charmed Ones.”  Corb turns walks into the shadows of the trees and was gone.

 

                “Why did he call the triplets the triumvirate? Isn’t that referred to a ruling body of three,” Ian asked Leo?

 

                “Yes. I have no idea but now that he brings it up I can sense the unbalance. Ian I want you to go and tell the girls and Sean what we found out.”

 

                “What exactly is going on?” Leo looks at the whitelighter but doesn’t answer the question.  Where are you going” asked Ian?

 

                “I need to go and compare with the other Elders. I’ll see you back at the Manor,” said Leo orbing out. 

 

                “Sean isn’t going to like this and I really hate this.”  Ian stands there for a short moment before orbing out himself.

 

 

Chapter 11

 

                Paige is sitting on the couch and gives Ian a you’ve-got-to-be-kidding look. Piper and Phoebe just sit in the chair looking dumbfounding by Ian explanation.  Prue looks even more confused then anyone else.  Sean turns away and leaves the room.  Ian follows him.

 

                “Sean, where are you going?”

 

                “Why do thing I’m going anywhere” he said opening the refrigerator and pulling out a soda pop.

 

                Paige had followed Sean and Ian into the kitchen. “We’re going to trust this changeling to bring back the girls.”

 

                “I would say we don’t have much choice in the matter,” Sean said coldly.

 

                “Excuse I thought you were my husband,” Paige cajoled.

 

                “And I thought I could save the world. I guess we all have our limitations,” Sean snapped.  He wasn’t even sure why he snapped. Oh yes he did. He was furious that Leo agreed to let a changeling save his daughters.  Paige’s anger and irritation was feeding his own.  So he was taking it out on her.

 

                “Sean” Phoebe said from the doorway to the kitchen. “What’s wrong with you?”

 

                “Nothing.” He takes his pop and decides to leave the kitchen before he shoves his foot any further down his throat.

 

                “Where are you going” demanded Paige?

 

                “I think its best I stay away from all of you for a while before I say something I regret and can’t take back.”

 

                Sean enters the living room being trailed by Paige.  She didn’t know why but she wants to fight with him.  So she followed him into the living room to push his button and she knew which ones to push too. “So what you feel like a failure because you couldn’t protect them.”

 

                Sean turns quickly that makes Paige stop abruptly.  He gives a fierce look at her. “If it wasn’t for your sisters’ incompetence, our daughter would still be save and in their beds and not who know where and endanger.” Sean didn’t know how the words form and slip by his mouth but once the words were out he wished that he could take them back.  The look in Paige’s eyes killed him and he really wasn’t sure why he even said it but to make someone hurt just as much as he was hurting.  He knew that Paige and everyone in the room were hurting, too. 

 

                “I’m sorry that you don’t think my sisters are competent enough to take care of our children.”  Paige turns and runs up the stairs.

 

                “Damn” mumbled Sean.  He looks around the room and everyone is giving him a go-to-hell look.  Sean excuses himself and goes after Paige.

 

                Paige is standing in Wyatt’s room holding the babies’ quilts.  She did know how they could be in this place.  She remembered when her parents died it hurt deep in her heart but this was ten times worse. It was like having her heart and soul ripped from her body. These were her little girls and she had to rely on someone else to bring them back safely.  It was her and Sean job to do that and even her sisters. 

 

                Paige brings the quilts up to her nose she could still smell that sweet baby scent.  The scent that every baby has that of baby powder, baby shampoo and baby lotion.  She knew she could not go on without her babies.  She heard footsteps behind but she didn’t turn around she didn’t want to see anyone.

 

                A man clears his throats behind her; Paige closes her eyes and turns around.  Paige assumed that Sean was stand behind her but when she turns around it wasn’t not Sean.

 

 

Chapter 12

 

Paige freezes and looks at the uninvited guest. The man was no longer in a suit but now wore jeans and a natural colored sweater.  He tips his head towards her in a small head bow. Paige could believe this man from the party was standing in the Manor.  She had no idea how he got in but she knew one thing is that he had to live.  She did not need this right now nor did she want to deal with it or him.

 

                “What are you doing here” demanded Paige?

 

                “To tell you to trust Corb he will bring the girls back,” said the stranger calmly.

 

                “So you know him and trust him, so tell me why I should trust you?”

 

                “Because your husband does,” he simply said entering the room and looks down at a napping Wyatt.

 

                “Why does my husband trust you?”

 

                “Because that’s why,” he said walking over and looking out the window.

 

                “Just because he trusts you I should” retorted Paige?

 

                “I don’t care if you trust me or not. I just want an answer to my question that I asked you earlier.”

 

                “And what question is that?” Paige could not believe this guy he comes into the Manor and demands her to give him answer to a question about letting her husband go.  She really didn’t have time for this nor did she want to deal with it.  Her daughters were missing and this jerk with a slight scotch accent is asking her to let her husband go. Paige narrows her eyes at him with all the anger she could muster.

 

                He smiles at her.  “You know exactly what question. I will need your help and you will help me because your little girls’ lives depend on it.”  He turns and walks towards the wall but fades out as he goes through it. 

 

                Sean walks into the room and sees Paige staring at the wall where the man had disappeared. “Paige, Honey, is you all right?” Sean came up behind her and snake his arms around her waist.  She stiffens at his contact but he doesn’t let her go.

 

                “I’m fine,” cajoled Paige.

 

                “Sure you are that’s why you stiffen in my arms” retorted Sean.  He lets her go and goes around facing her.

 

                “I’m sorry. I was a jerk. I feel lately that’s all I do is apologize to you and your sisters.” Sean entwines his fingers with Paige’s. “If you can find in your heart to forgive me, I’ll try not to be such a jerk.”

 

                “Paige smiles and breaks her hand lose and raps them around his neck to pull him down to kiss him gentle on the lips. “I love you and I’ll always forgive you for being a jerk as long as you stop making it a habit.” Paige smiles up at him and Sean smiles back and kiss her. “I’ll give it my best shot but remember I’m a guy and it’s in my DNA.”  Paige chuckles and puts her head on his shoulder and sighs. 

 

“They’re coming back aren’t they,” Paige questioned sadly?

 

                “Yes, they’re coming back.  I won’t settle for anything less then them being her in our arms.

 

 

                               

                A charcoal colored electrical cloud surround, the triplets lying on a stone covered in animal furs that looks like polar bear. The cave was dark and dreary and a hit of death hovered in the air.  Oisin and his wife, Aine are on the outside of the cloud looking in. Oisin steps closer and a bolt of lightening from the cloud hits the ground in front of him that causes him to step back.

 

                “We should have killed them like we were told” grumbled Oisin.

 

                “If we did kill them we would not survive very long because the Charmed Ones and O’Hara would hunt us down and revenge the triplet’s death; you old fool. If we keep them alive we have a better bargaining chip” retorted Aine.

 

                “If we can’t get close enough to feed them, what does it matter, old woman?”

 

                “You should have never taken them” said Corb coming out of the shadows.

 

                Oisin and Aine spin around and come face to face with Corb and his guards.  Oisin and Aine fall to their knees in front of their king.  Corb glares down out his two subjects with discuss.  Corb narrows his eyes and taps his cane on the ground and other guards come from the shadows and surround the two rogue changelings.

 

                “You’ve endangered us all and have broken a treaty that we’ve had for thousands of years.  Ignorance of yours has almost brought us into a war that is not ours to fight; it is among them and them alone” informed Corb forcefully.

 

                “Your highness, what will happen to us” asked Oisin?

               

                “You have broken a sacred treaty between us and the O’Hara’s.  What do you think will happen to you,” snarled Corb.  This statement cause Oisin and Aine to flinch at what may happen to them.

 

                Oisin knew that if they had killed the O’Hara babies that their punishment would be ten times worse then what Corb would inflict on them.  He knew him and his wife should never had agreed to do this with O’Hara’s enemy.

 

 “Take them away” ordered Corb.

 

This pulled Oisin out of his thoughts and back to situation he and his wife was in. “Please my king, show mercy on us for our foolishness; at least for my wife, she had no idea who the babies were.”

 

                Corb laughed, “I’m not a fool; your wife is just as much a part of this as you are. Take them now, before I forget that I’m a merciful king.”

 

                Four guards pull Oisin and Aine to their feet and pull them to shadows and they disappear.

 

                “My king, what do we do now” asked one of the guards?

 

                “We get the babies and take them home” relayed Corb.

 

 

Chapter 13

 

Corb nods his head at two of his guards.  The two guards step forward towards the triplets and the charcoal colored cloud that surround them; but before they even got close a bolt of lightening come out of the cloud and hit the ground in front of them which caused them to back up.  The guards turn around to look at their king for some kind of instruction on how to get the babies. 

 

                Corb closes his eyes and a few minutes later the nanny elf that Piper uses for Wyatt steps from the shadows a little nervous.

 

                “Why am I here” she demanded?

 

                “I need information; on how I can get the babies to lower their protective cloud, so I can take them home,” enlightened Corb.

 

                The nanny elf steps right up to the edge of the cloud without any lightening bolts coming out of it.  She puts her small hand up to pass through it but when her hand touches the cloud; it emits a small spark that causes her to step away.  She turns towards the changeling king.  “They know me and they will not let me in. You will have to get someone they truly trust.” She bows and phases out.

 

                Corb sighs and looks at one of his guards. “Go and get the Elder and Metho…hurry.” The changeling guards bows as he fades into the shadows and disappeared.

 

                It had been forty-five minutes since Corb sent his most trusted guard to seek out the Elder.  Corb paces in a circle outside the cloud.  He has tried to convince the babies to lower their protective cloud so he could take them home but out of fear or a lack of trust the babies kept it up.  His frustration has grown more apparent after every passing minute. 

 

                “Where are they at” said Corb more to himself?

 

                The guards didn’t answer, knowing that their king didn’t request an answer. Corb knew that time was at ought most importance.  If they didn’t get the babies back to their parents he knew that his kind would be dragged into the war that had already begun.  The more time that was wasted waiting for the Elder the more danger that could come to the children.

 

                “What is wrong, my love” said a voice coming form out of the shadows?

 

                Corb turns to see his wife of eighty years coming towards him.  He smiles at her. “The little ones refuse to drop the protection cloud” he informs her and takes her hand in his.

 

                “Do you blame them? They were taken in the middle of the night by strangers.  They are obviously quite scared, as they should be.”

 

                Corb brings his wife’s hand up to his lips and gently kisses it.  “Yes dear.”  

 

                Orbs start to appear in front of them and when the orbs dissipate Leo and the changeling guard, Metho is standing there.  Leo looks around at the cave and there is a tightening in his chest.  He sees the charcoal colored cloud surround his nieces and his eyes widen with surprise. He had no idea that the girls had this power; in fact, he was surprised when Metho notified him of the cloud and how no one could even get close to them.  Leo swallowed the lump of happiness in his throat.  “Hello, sweethearts, it’s me your Uncle Leo.”  Leo continues to walk closer to the cloud and he keeps talking to them, when he finally reaches the edge of the cloud it breaks up and Leo is able to walk up to his nieces.  A tear of joy falls down his cheek and he brushes it away with the back of his hand.  Leo reaches down and picks up Kiley, first and kisses her on her forehead.  He lays her back down and picks up Kayley and kisses her on the forehead.  He picks up Kaitlin and kisses her on the forehead.

 

 “Are you three ready to go home to your mommy.  I know she misses you very much” Leo said to his nieces.

 

Leo turns to Corb do you mind picking up one of them and maybe your wife can pick up the other.

 Corb and his wife nods and walks up to the stone where the girls are lying.  Corb and his wife pick up Kiley and Kayley. 

 

                “Grab on to me and I’ll orb us out.  Believe me when I tell you it would be better that way” said Leo.  Corb gets Kiley positioned in his arms and grabs a hold of Leo’s arm and Corb’s wife does the same.  Leo grins and orbs them all out.

 

                Prue, Piper, Phoebe, Paige, Sean, and Ian were all in the living room waiting to find out if the King of the Changelings will be able to get the girls back when orbs start to appear in the living room.  None of them were really paying attention until Leo said something to them about if they wanted to see the girls or not; they all jump up and ran over to the girls.  Corb hands Kiley to her mother and his wife hands Kayley to her father.  Paige was drowning her daughter with kisses until she switches with Sean and takes Kayley and does the same thing to her.

 

                Paige could not believe how fast the pain in her heart was wiped away; as soon as, she had her daughters back.  She was never going to let them go again.  The girls start to cry.

 

                “I’ll go prepare bottles for them” said Ian. 

 

                “Thanks” replied Sean.  Ian just nods and walks out of the room.

 

                Sean turns towards Corb and his wife.  “Thank you for getting them back to us.”

 

                “Your welcome but they seemed to be holding there own when we got there” reported Corb.

 

                “What do you mean” asked Prue?

 

                Corb smiles, “They seem to be able to put a protective cloud around them.”

 

                “A protective cloud” Piper inquired from her husband?

 

                He just nods to his wife to let her know that they are telling the truth.

 

                “Really” Phoebe simply said?

 

                Corb nods at her. “If that is all, we really need to get back to our realm.

 

                “What happened to the changelings that toke them” question Sean?

 

                “They will be punished for what they have done.  You have my word they will not get away with this lightly.” Corb takes his wife’s hand.  They start to walk away when his wife whispers in her husband’s ear.  They stop and she turns to face them.  “Your little girls have a very long road a head of them. One they would have never asked for but a long one nonetheless but your love for one another will always be their strength, so never lose it.”  She smiles at them grabs her husbands hand and they disappear.

 

                “Okay that was a little strange” said Phoebe.

 

                An hour later, the girls where all feed and change and were sleeping soundly in their bassinets covered with their quilts.  Prue, Piper, Phoebe, Paige, Leo, Sean and Ian were all sitting quietly in the living room.

 

                “Does their power scare you” Phoebe asked Paige breaking the silence?

 

                “I would have to be nuts to say that it doesn’t but it makes me a little excited as well.”

 

                “I’m more worried about this long road they have to travel” added Sean.

 

                “I am, as well” Leo piped in.

 

                Silence fell on the room again until two men in black, hooded cloaks phases into the room. They rise up their hand and forms fire into their hands and turn and aim it at the triplets.

 

 

Chapter 14

 

Piper jumps up and raises her arms and flicks her hands; at the same time Sean forms an emerald fireball and throws it at the same man Piper is aiming for and one of the intruders is vanquished in a wave of fire.  Prue flings her arm and sends the other intruder in the black cloak against the wall. The intruder quickly gets to his feet and forms more fire in his hand.  Sean reacts just as quickly by forming his emerald fireball but before he can get it released at the unwelcome guest; he’s able to throw the fire at the triplets. Paige screams and Piper throws up her hands to freeze the fire; however before she can, the strangers fades in between the fire and the babies and he forms a shield of ice.  The fire hits the ice and disperses it into nothing.  Sean throws his emerald fireball and the last man in the black cloak vanishes in a flash of green flames.

 

                “You,” Paige said harshly.

 

                “Me” said the stranger.

 

                Sean walks up and looks down at his daughters then at the stranger. “Liam, what the hell are you doing here?”

 

                “Obviously saving your daughters” he retorted with a smile.

 

                A corner of Sean’s mouth twitches but Sean didn’t form a smile instead he glared at the man standing before him.  Sean glances over to his wife.  “This is Liam Callaghan, an old friend of mine.”

 

                “My Lo…” Liam pauses. “…your being to kind.”

 

                “Wait, what was you about to call Sean,” asked Phoebe? “Because I can feel that you don’t see him as a friend not really.”

 

                “It doesn’t matter.  Liam what are you doing here” questioned Sean?

 

                “Umm, sir, can I please talk to you in private.  It’s vitally important.”

 

                Sean closes his eyes and follows Liam into the conservatory.  Sean closes the door behind him then he turns to face the man who just saved his daughters.

 

                “Sire…I mean Sean you must come back and rule” informs Liam with out hesitation.

 

                “Well, that was right to the point.” Sean walks over and grabs a chair from the rod iron table and swings it around and straddles it and sits down.  Sean grips the back of the chair with his hands. “But if you have forgotten captain of the guard, I’ve appointed Avery O’Donnell to take my place.”

 

                “I know that Sire—” Liam stops talking when Sean holds up his hand.

 

                “I’m not your king Liam so you can stop calling me Sire.”

 

                “But Sean that just it, you are the King; Avery is dead and just because you appointed someone else didn’t stop you from being King, your blood determines that and your family has lead the druids for thousands of years.  You cannot turn your back on your responsibility; no matter how hard you try.”

 

                Sean mind froze at Avery’s dead. Sean heard what Liam was saying but it really didn’t register; with Avery being dead he has to become king; at least temporary, until he can appoint someone else to take his place.  He never wanted to be King it was supposed to be his father then his oldest brother nevertheless everything change that terrible day twelve years ago when the source murder his entire family and left him all alone at eighteen to be responsible for something he never was expected to do.

 

                “Sire did you hear me” Liam asked pulling Sean back to the present?

 

                “Uh huh, Avery’s dead” Sean clears his throat. “How?”

 

                Liam frowns at him. “I just told you he was murder at the council meeting by Drake Duffy.”

 

                Sean blinks twice at the shock of what Liam just told him and shakes head. “Drake’s an old friend of mine he would never kill someone I’ve appointed to stand in for me.”

 

                Liam laughs as though Sean said the funniest thing he ever heard.  “He has been causing problems ever since you married the witch,” Liam said with a hint of loathing in his voice.

 

                Sean’s eyes narrowed and he flushes with anger.  “That witch as you call her is my wife, who makes her your Queen and if I ever hear that tone of voice again when you refer to her. I will demonstrate to you, why my family has been the leader of the druids for thousands of years.”

 

                Liam’s eyes widen with surprise and a little fear at Sean’s outburst.  “My lord, I didn’t mean anything by it but it is forbidden for a druid and witch to marry” Liam said trying to explain his insolence.

 

                Sean holds up his hand to stop Liam from groveling.  “It wasn’t forbidden for Paige and me to get married. There was a loop hole for us because…just because.  My understanding from the Ancient there is a scroll that makes our marriage exception to the law.”

 

                “Then I suggest, Sire, you find it because I feel that it is the only way to stop this civil war that we are now in.  You see Duffy has convinced about half of the council to follow him but the other half stands behind you.  Duffy has convinced them that your daughters are blaspheme and needs to be destroyed. They have tainted the blood of the druids,” Liam divulged

 

                Sean jumps up from the chair he was sitting in, causing it to fall over. Sean had clenched his hands into fists on either side of him.  Liam takes a couple steps back and puts up his hands up defensively.  “Put your bloody hands down I’m not going to hit you. Who I’d like to hit isn’t standing here.” Sean sucks in a deep breath and closes his eyes trying to calm himself.

 

 

                Paige is watching through the glass in the door.  She knew her husband was furious with the stranger.  The one that asked her if she could let her husband go to protect her daughters, Paige is wondering if that is what he was asking Sean right now.  She could feel the burning behind her eyes and she quickly blinks to make sure no tears would escape her eyes.  She couldn’t no more let her husband go then to put a knife in her own heart.  Paige knew by Sean’s body language that he didn’t like what this uninvited guest was saying to him and neither did she.  She wanted him to go back to where came from.  She just got her daughter back and her family didn’t even have time to enjoy the return of her daughter when the attack happened and now this. Don’t leave me, Sean not now; not ever.  Prue startles her when she comes up beside her places her arm around her shoulder. “Come and sit down, sweetie, staring through the door at them isn’t going to make them come in here any sooner.”

 

                Paige allows Prue to lead her over to the couch to sit down. “I’m scared of what is going on in there.  You see that man has been popping in on me since the party the other night.”

 

                “Why and why didn’t you say anything” asked Piper with concern?

 

                “He wanted to know if I could let Sean go to save our daughters.  I didn’t say anything because I didn’t see him as a threat and with everything going on with the girls…I guess I didn’t see it as that important but now…” Paige fades off.

 

                Paige knew everything is about to change and she didn’t know how to stop it.  If she did stop it would it endanger her daughters. She sighs when the door to the conservatory opens and the two men re-enters the room.

 

                “Liam, I don’t give a damn” Sean said firmly. “I’m not leaving my family especially now.”

 

                Liam made eye contact with Paige and Paige knew what see had to do.  She had to talk to her husband alone.

 

 

Chapter 15

 

          Paige crosses the room in a few steps and comes face to face with her husband.  She reaches out and entwines her fingers with his and looks up into his loving eyes; however all she could see is the pain of the struggle going within him.  Those beautiful blue eyes always revealed what truly was in his heart.  Paige knew her husband to well and knew that he was caught up in this enter battle with himself; in what he wanted to do and what he needs to do.  She knew that before her and the girls there would have been no struggle because duty would have came first and she knew the exact moment when that changed for him. It was last Christmas, when he died and she brought him back with a Christmas wish to Santa Claus. She would have to let him go.

 

 Paige notices the tightness in his jaw and reaches up and gently places her hand on its hard edge.  Paige feels his jaw soften under her touch and the struggle in his eyes fades a little. “Can you watch the girls; I need to talk to my husband in private” asked Paige never breaking eye contact with Sean?

 

                “Yea” they all said together.

 

                Paige calls for the magical doorway. “Thanks,” she calls over her shoulder as she drags Sean through the doorway. Paige pulls him over to their bed and pushes him down on it and she takes a seat next to him then she grasp his right hand into hers.

 

                “You want to explain to me why you pull me over here” Sean questioned his wife?

 

                “If you stay here and don’t go with this Liam will our daughters, be in…danger,” Paige asked having trouble saying the last.

 

                Sean gets up and walks cross the room and gazes out the window. How could he tell his wife that the girls are endanger anyway; nevertheless, she was still right if he doesn’t find that scroll and present it to the council of druids the civil war will increase and could pull the magical world out of balance. “How could he leave his family right now” he mumbled to himself?

 

                “Sean, please talk to me and tell me what Liam told you” asked Paige putting her hand on his shoulder and turning him around to face her.

 

                Sean sighs and commences to explain everything that Liam had told him about the situation and why the girls were now in danger.  When he finished he could see the fear in her eyes and he knew it wasn’t just for him and the girls but for everyone in the magical community, including her sisters.

 

                “Paige, honey, please tell me what you’re thinking?”

 

                “I thought you could read my mind,” joked Paige.

 

                “Paige, please I would like for you to tell me.  I don’t want to read some thought” Sean said seriously.

 

                Paige reaches up and puts her hand on the back of Sean’s neck and pulls him down so she could kiss him and when she finally breaks her kiss. She gives him that smile that always breaks down his walls.  “I love you,” she whispered softly. 

 

                Sean smiles back but could still see the tears behind the smile as her eyes glisten with them and his heart was shattering with each blink of her eyes to try to fend off the tears from falling.  “I love you, too. I’d do anything you ask. You know that, right?”

 

                Paige nods and swallows hard.  “I need for you to listen to me and not interrupt, okay.” Sean opens his mouth and Paige places her finger over his lips. “Just listen.”

 

                “I know you don’t want to go and I don’t want you to but it isn’t about what we want.” A few tears starts to roll down her cheek and Sean wipes her tears away with the pad of his thumb.  “We all have our destinies and maybe for right now; this is yours.” Paige wipes some of her own tears away.

 

                Sean sniffs back his tears. “I promised you when I married you that you would only cry happy tears” Sean said with a half-hearted smile to try to break the hold of the fist on his heart. He couldn’t keep his voice from cracking from his overwhelming emotions.   “I can’t leave you and the girls because I don’t know how long it will take and I won’t put you through that; no matter what’s at stake.”  Sean could no longer sniff back his tears as they started to fall with their own accord.

 

                “You have to leave because it is what needs to be done.  The girls and I will be waiting until you come back.”

 

                “Paige, I can’t—”

 

                “Shhh,” said Paige putting her finger on his lips. “You said you would do anything I asked.” She then replaces her finger with her lips. The kiss was gentle and reinsuring.  Paige breaks her kiss. “You have to; not only are the girls depending on you to make their lives safe, so am I. Now shut up and kiss me.”  Sean smiles and brings his lips down on hers. The kiss was hard and demanding; as though, he was branding it into her memory.  So she would never forget it and then he softened it to show her how much he loved her and he finally ends it. “I promise I won’t be gone long.”

 

                “I’m going to hold you to that, King Sean” said Paige.

 

                “You better Queen Paige,” said Sean as he bends down and grabs her behind her knees and swings her up into his arms and then advances to their bed.  Paige starts to giggle as he throws her on the bed.

 

 

Chapter 16

 

Liam is pacing back and forth in the living room. It has been an hour since Paige had pulled Sean through the magical doorway that connected the two houses.  Liam had complained for the first fifteen minutes about him showing them that ancient druid spell until Leo and Ian told him to shut up.  After they told him to shut up, they let him know who they were and he never said another word about it.  But Liam’s impatient was growing every second they were gone.  How could Sean be so reckless they are in the middle of a civil war and he went off with his wife?

 

“An enough is an enough” Liam said with annoyance.  “Oscail Master Bedroom.”

 

                Piper stands quickly and lays her hand firmly on his chest to stop him.  “I don’t think so buddy.  If what you tell us is true that means that Sean will be leaving for awhile, right.” Liam gives Piper a slight nod.  “Then they need this, they need to find some closer or they’ll have regret and they need to talk about things and you need to give them that time or as her big sister I’ll make you.”

 

                “Look here witch, you can’t —” Liam wasn’t able to finish because he went flying across the room.  Prue’s arm was still raised and her eyes were filled with discontent.

 

                Liam slowly rises off the floor after he hit the wall.  “Piper said you wait then I guarantee you’re going to wait,” snarled Prue.

 

                “Why don’t you take a seat,” Leo suggested.  Liam sighs and takes a seat away from the sisters.

 

                “I don’t know how the Sire puts up with you,” Liam mumbled under his breath.

 

                “What” inquired Phoebe?

 

                “Nothing” retorted Liam irritated.

 

                “That’s what I thought” countered Phoebe.

 

                Prue, Piper, and Phoebe glare at Liam and he gives them a smile of displeasure.  The sisters give him a similar smile back.  There was another twenty minutes of silence when Liam spoke up. “You don’t understand the longer he’s here and not taking care of thing the closer the civil war will spill over into the non-magical world.  I know he doesn’t want to leave.  He’s made that perfectly clear but it’s not about what he wants.  It’s about his duty as King.”

 

                Paige and Sean enter the Manor without the knowledge of the others.  They were holding hands and stop at the doorway into the living room and observe the conversation going on between Liam and the original Charmed Ones.  “I know what my duties are, Liam but I also have responsibly as a husband and father. I had to take care of that before I can dedicate myself to being King, at least temporarily” Sean said the emphasis that last part.  He wants to make sure that Liam understands he was not going to remain King if he couldn’t come back to Paige. The tone in Sean voice and his glare made Liam flinch.

 

 “I didn’t—”

 

Sean held up his hand and stops his explanation.  “I tried of your excuses for your insolence.  You may not like my marriage and frankly I don’t give a damn because I don’t need your approval nor do I need your blessing.  I do; however, need your loyalty and if you can’t give me that; I suggest you go over to the other side before I vanquish you.”

 

Liam gets up from his chair and so does Prue, Piper, and Phoebe.  They stand up to back up their brother-in-law and sister.  Liam bows his head. “You have my undying loyalty, Sire.  I guess I’m upset about the war and we wouldn’t be in one if…” Liam fades off realizing he may have said too much.

 

                “If I didn’t marry Paige, is that what you were going to say” asked Sean?

 

                Liam nods his head and looks away from him.  Sean walks over and puts his hand on the man’s shoulder.  Liam looks at him and Sean sticks out his hand for Liam to take it.  Liam gives a small smile and takes his King’s hand.  “Then it’s done, I know that everyone thinks that our marriage has broke the rules and they think the girls shouldn’t be here but believe me when I tell you that everything that has happen for the last thousands of  years was so Paige and I could get married and bring into this world those little girls. It was destiny and to be honest with you I would have married her anyway because I love her with all my heart and soul.  I think you understand a little about that; don’t you?”  Liam closes his eyes and nods his head.  Sean knew Liam understood, seems he married a woman his parents didn’t approve of and caused years of unrest in his family.

 

                “Are you ready, Sire,” Liam asked Sean interrupting his thoughts.

 

                Sean grimace and gives a slight nod. “I’m as ready as I’m every going to be.”  Liam nods back and sticks his arm out in front of him. Liam smiles and closes his eyes then with a flash a golden staff appears in his hand.  “Whenever you’re ready, Sire, all you have to do is take it.”

 

                Sean looks over at Paige and gives a small smile of reinsurance.  Sean reaches out and takes the staff in his hand; as soon as Sean placed his hand on it he was engulfed bright green light.  When the light dissipates, Sean is donning royal blue robes trim in druidic symbols of gold; they don’t only show what he is but who he is.  He clean shaved face is replaced by a dark brown, nicely trimmed bread and wrapped around his head was a band of gold and in the center of the band was a circle that contain the triskele; he’s families symbol.

 

                Sean turns to face his wife and sticks his arms straight out from his side.  “Do I look regal” he asked with a smile.

 

                Paige closes the distances between them.  She puts her hand up to his cheek.  “You look like a King but I don’t think I like the beard.”

 

                “It’s the whole regal thing when I appoint someone new I can get rid of the beard.” Paige gives him a sheepish smile.  “Are you sure about this, me leaving and all,” inquired Sean?

 

                “Yea, I’m sure” said Paige sadly. Paige wraps her arms around him and when she did Sean pulled her closer.

 

                “Sire, we must be going” informed Liam.

 

                “Give me a minute, Liam” ordered Sean. Liam sighs and rolls his eyes.  Sean ignored him.

 

                A small yell came from the playpen that drew Sean’s attention.  Wyatt is standing up in the playpen watching the events unfold.  Sean kisses Paige on her forehead, breaks her embrace and walks over to him.  When Sean gets over there he kneels down by the playpen so he’s at eye level with him. Phoebe walks over and wraps her arms around Paige’s shoulders and lays her chin on Paige’s shoulder.

 

                “You have fuzzy face, now” said Wyatt.

 

                Sean strokes his new beard, “Aye, I guess I do.”

 

                “You going bye, bye” asked Wyatt.

 

                “Yea, for a little while, do you think you could do your old uncle a favor?”

 

                “Yes” said Wyatt smiling.

 

                “Good; I need you to be the girls’ big cousin and watch out for them.  Can you do that?”

 

                Wyatt nods his head, “Yes.” 

 

                Sean smiles and gets up and as he rises he leans over and kisses Wyatt on the top of his head.  Sean then ruffles his hair and turns to face the other people in the room.  He walks over to Prue and sticks out his hand. Prue takes it; “It was an honor to have met you” informed Sean.

 

                Prue smiles and pulls Sean into a hug, “Likewise.” They break the hug and Sean grins at her.

 

                He walks over to Piper.  “I know we butted heads on a number of occasions but I’ve always respected you. And–” Sean was cut off when Piper pulls him into a hug.

 

                “You’ll be back and I love you, too” said Piper “Dumb hormones.”  Piper breaks her hug and wipes away a few tears.  Sean puts his hand on her growing belly. “Take care of this little one.”

 

                “I will” replies Piper.  “I’ll watch out for Paige and the girls.”

 

                “I know,” said Sean giving a little squeeze of thank to her upper arm.

 

                Leo is standing next to his wife with a weary smile.  “I guess you already knew what I had to do?”

 

                “Yes after something showed up on our radar” answered Leo. Sean frowns a little and the gives a little smile.

 

                “I can count on you to take care of my wife and little girls.” Sean puts his hand out in front of him and Leo takes it. “I’ve been doing it before you came along and I still will take care of my family.”  Sean nods his head with the understanding that Leo will never let anything happen to them.

 

                Sean turns to face Paige and Phoebe.  Phoebe walks up to him and tears are fall down her cheeks.  “Are this your tears or my mine.  I can only feel your feelings when they’re at there extremes.”

 

                “So they must be at there extremes” replies Sean shyly.

 

                Phoebe grabs Sean into a big hug. “I expect you to be back for my wedding because if you remember Jason asked you to stand up with him.” Phoebe breaks the hug and wipes her tears with the back of her hand. 

 

Sean gives a weary smile. “I’ll be there. I won’t miss it for the world.” Sean kisses her gentle on the cheek. “Thank you,” Sean whispered in Phoebe ear.

 

Sean steps to the side of Phoebe and takes a small step to his wife.  Sean reaches out and clasps his hands in Paige’s.  They hear stirring coming from the girls’ bassinets.  Sean turns and still holding on to one of Paige’s hand walks over to the bassinets.

 

Sean looks down on Kaitlin.  Kaitlin is squirming.  Sean bends down and picks her up.  He smiles at her and begins to sing. “You’re the end of the rainbow, my pot of gold, you’re Daddy’s little girl to have and hold. A precious gem is what you are, a ray of hope, a shinning star.” Sean kisses Kaitlin on her little head and lays her back down in her bed then in reaches over and picks up Kiley and begins to sing to her. “You’re as bright as the sunshine morning first light you warm my day and brighten my night.” Sean kisses Kiley on her little head and lays her down.  Sean continues humming as he picks up Kayley and starts to sing. “You’re sugar you’re spice, you’re everything nice. And your Daddy’s little girl.” Sean kisses Kayley on her head and lays her down.  He braces his hands on his knees, which causes him to lean over and he begins to sing again. “Precious gems that’s what you are, a ray of hope a shinning star you’re as bright as the sunshine morning’s first light you warm my day and brighten my night. You’re sugar and spice, you’re everything nice and you’re Daddy’s little...girls.” Sean choked on the last few words.  He straightens up and wipes his tears away and turns and pulls Paige into his arms.  He holds on to her as though if he should let her go, he would be swallowed up by the earth.  Sean lays his chin on the top of her head.

 

“You better get going” informs Paige sadly.

 

“Are you trying to get rid of me, Mrs. O’Hara,” Sean said jokingly.

 

“No, I’m not Mr. O’Hara” Paige said seriously.

 

Sean pulls back a little and puts his forehead on hers.  “I love you and the girls and I promise I will be back as soon as I can,” Sean whispered just loud enough for Paige’s ears.

 

“I know you will and the girls and I will be waiting.” Paige tips her head back and Sean brings his lips on hers.

 

Sean feels a tap on his shoulder. “Sire, we really must go now” Liam uttered cautiously.

 

Sean breaks his kiss and sighs, “Duty calls.” Paige nods and Sean gives another quick kiss and then steps away from her.  Liam turns and fades as he walks through the wall.  Sean looks around the room and gives each one of them a loving smile.  He makes eye contact with his wife one more time. “I love you,” he mouths and flashes out.

 

Paige’s tears are stream down her cheeks and she doesn’t even bother to brush them away. Phoebe comes up behind her and wraps her arms around her shoulders and hands her a tissue.  “You’re not alone. We’re here for you; you know that.”  Paige nods her head.  Piper comes up and pulls Phoebe and Paige into her arms.  “Is there anything we can do for you,” Piper asked?

 

Paige shakes her head and the babies start to cry.  “The girls need fed. I’m going to go make their bottles.”

 

“I can do that,” said Prue as she walks towards the kitchen. She feeling like she’s not needed.

 

Paige reaches down and picks up Kiley and Piper grabs Kayley and Phoebe takes Kaitlin.  “Sweetie, why don’t you leave the girls here and you go get some rest” suggested Phoebe.

 

“No” Paige said firmly. “I want the girls with me.  Really I’m okay,” Paige said a little softer.  Piper and Phoebe share a yea-right look.

 

Prue walks back into the kitchen carrying the bottles and she hands them to her sisters.

 

“Prue, your time is up. I have to take you back,” Leo said dryly.

 

“But–”

 

“Prue you can’t stay. I’m sorry. Wyatt shouldn’t have brought you down in the first place. It’s time,” explained Leo.

 

Leo puts out his hand and Prue backs up, “My sisters.”

 

“They will be fine.” Prue nods her head and then and she hugs her sisters.  She kisses all three of her nieces and then goes and picks up her nephew and hugs and kisses him.  She sets him back in the playpen.

 

“Sir, I can take her back” Ian spoke coming out of the corner he was standing in.  Leo nods and Ian walks over to Prue and puts out his hand for Prue to take it.  Prue grasps Ian’s hand. “I love you, all and I’ll always be watching over you.”  Prue smiles at her family and Ian orbs them out.

 

 

Chapter 17

 

Piper enters her bedroom through the magical doorway.  Leo was sitting on the edge of their bed when she appears into the room.

 

                “How’s Paige,” he asked? 

 

                Piper is startled when she heard his voice. “Darn it Leo, you scared me.  I thought you would be asleep.”

 

                “I’m sorry.  I’ve been waiting up to see how Paige is doing.”  Leo pats the bed so Piper will come and sit down next to him.  She walks over and sinks down next to her husband.  “She very upset even though she’s putting up a brave front.”

 

                “Sean didn’t–”

 

                “No, Leo, he didn’t do anything like you did to me” interrupted Piper. “I asked her the same thing but I really don’t think he would do that.  He thought it was wrong for you to have done what you did to me.  I think she’s just trying to be strong for her girls.”

 

                “Did Phoebe go over Jason” inquired Leo?

 

                Piper gets up and goes over to the closet and opens.  She takes her nightgown off the back of the door.  “No she’s staying in Paige’s guest bedroom just incase Paige needs her.” Piper walks into the bedroom and after she’s changed she walks back into the room.  She looks at him and he has a strange smile on his face.  “What’s wrong?” She looks down at her nightgown to see if anything was on her. “Do I have something on me?”

 

                Leo gets up and walks over to her.  Leo takes her hand in his.  “You are so beautiful.”

 

                “I’m fat” replies Piper to his statement.

 

                “You’re pregnant, not fat.” Leo puts a finger under chin and raises it so she would look at him. “Piper you’re beautiful. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life.  I love you.” Leo pulls her into his arms.  “It’s been a long couple of days so why don’t you let me tuck you into bed.”  Piper nods her head against his chest. Leo pulls her towards their bed and helps her down on the bed.  Leo rounds the bed and slips into it.  Leo pulls his wife into his arms and Piper curls into him.  Piper sighs with content.

 

                “Why,” Piper asked wearily.

 

                “Why, what, sweetheart,” Leo queried.

 

                “Why every time we get close to pure happiness something happens.”

 

                “Does this have to do with that old fear of yours?  I thought you final dealt with that.”  Leo brushes a strand of her hair off her cheek.

 

                “No, it just fact” replies Piper sadly.

 

                “Piper everyone goes through hard time and yes maybe it true our family goes through hard times more often but they’re not the Charmed Ones” Leo said reassuringly.

 

                “I know but this is the reason why I try so hard for that normal life,” replies Piper.

 

                Leo chuckles a little. “I think we are as normal as we can be for us.”

 

                Piper sighs again, “I know but I can still not like it and keep fighting for that normal life.”

 

                “And I would never want you to stop fighting for that normal life as long as I’m apart of it.”

 

                Piper rises up on her elbow and kisses Leo gentle. “You will always be apart of it.” Piper pats her baby. “For more reason then one,” Piper smiled and then kisses her husband again.

 

               

                Paige is standing over the cribs watching her daughters sleep.  She hears foot falls behind her and glances over her shoulder. Phoebe enters the nursery and walks up to her sister.

 

                “Sweetie, you should be in bed and get some sleep when the girls are sleeping” suggested Phoebe with concern.

 

                “The bed…I’m just not tired.”

 

                “The bed is just what” questioned Phoebe?

 

                “Pheebs, I just don’t want to talk about this right now.” Paige said with finality.

 

                Paige turns and slips past Phoebe and leaves the nursery. Phoebe turns and follows her out of the room. “Paige, why don’t I make us some camellia tea,” Phoebe asked vigilantly?

 

                “Phoebe–”

 

                “Paige just let me take care of you.  You would do the same for me” Phoebe said caringly.

 

                Paige nods her head in defeat. Paige shoulder drop form her fatigue and the uncertainty of her future.

 

 

                Twelve people dressed in robes with druidic symbols on them are sitting around a square table.  A very old man is standing and has the floor. “I called for this truce.  We are peacemakers, not warriors but in one unthinkable act we all have been thrown into a war.  The clans have been at peace for hundreds of years.”

 

                “I didn’t cause this–”

 

                The old druid holds up his hand. “Duffy I’m not here to place blame on anyone. I’m just stating fact.  If we keep this war going it will pull all the magical community in to a realm war and we can’t have that.”

 

                “Unless that’s what he what’s” Sean’s voice came from the shadows of the trees.

 

                “Why don’t you step out in the open O’Hara or are you to much of a coward” yelled Drake Duffy.

 

                Sean steps out into the clearing. Everyone, at the table, suck in an astonished breath.” Sean knew that they would be surprised to see him as their King.

 

                “Sire,” said the old druid and gives a quick bow.

 

                “You are not the King” exasperated Duffy.

 

                “I’m the King whether you like it or not, Drake.” Sean has an aura of superiority about him.

 

                 “You broke one of the most scared laws” yelled Duffy.

 

                “I believe the law you broke out ways mine, ten-fold or is murder approved of now” retorted Sean.

 

                The old druid holds his hands up, “this is a peaceful place and scared. There will be no violence.”

 

                “I didn’t come here to fight, Finnegan but to let you know that my marriage to my wife didn’t break the rule” explained Sean calmly.

 

                “She’s a witch isn’t she” countered Duffy.

 

                “Yes, but our marriage is approved of by the Ancients and there is a loop hole written in an ancient scroll” clarified Sean.  Sean still is very calm

 

                “Lies, we all know that the druids of the past didn’t write down anything” Duffy said angrily.

 

                “How do you know this, Sire” questioned Finnegan?

 

                “The Ancient that married me told me that I wasn’t breaking any rules and later I was informed by my whitelighter that it was written down on a scroll and I didn’t say it was written by any druid” divulged Sean.

 

                Duffy gets up and throws his hands up. “You can’t honestly believe him.”

 

                “Why would I need to lie, when I’ve done nothing wrong unlike you,” Sean smiled.  Sean could see the anger all over his old friend or who he thought was a friend.  It is too hard for a red head to not hide his face from turning red.  He knew all he had to do is stay calm and not lose his own anger even though he wants to make Duffy pay for killing Avery O’Donnell.

 

                “You’ve done nothing wrong…you’ve done nothing wrong. You’ve married a bloody witch,” bellowed Duffy as his face got even redder.

 

                “She’s also half whitelighter lets not forget that and a Charmed One” Sean said smiling.

 

                Duffy rage over takes him and he lefts his hands and sends lighten towards Sean.

 

 

Chapter 18

 

 

                Sean smiles and puts up his hand and deflects the lightening. Duffy’s brow narrows and he forms an energy ball.  He throws it at Sean and before it could hit him it blow up in mid-air.

 

                Finnegan had his hand up and his eyes were narrowed. “I said there would be no violence in this scared place and that is what I meant.  Duffy, whether you see O’Hara as your King it doesn’t matter because the sanctified staff does. So sit down, now,” ordered Finnegan.

 

                Sean and Drake glares at each other as Drake toke his seat. Drake may not like what’s going but he still somewhat respects the old and wise druid; along with everyone else sitting at the table.  He is the last of the old druid and much respect for it.

 

                “Sean, the council would need to see the scroll now” demanded Finnegan.

 

                “I’m sorry but I don’t know where the scroll is” explained Sean.

 

                “Then there lies the problem” said Finnegan sitting back down. “Even though I believe you, there are some people of the council that does not.” Finnegan glances out of his eye towards where the council members who are supporting Drake Duffy are sitting.

 

                “I see” Sean said warily.

 

                “But seems you are King and you say this scroll exist then–”

 

                Duffy jumps out of his chair. “You are not going to let him off for what he has done.”

 

                Finnegan hold up his hand. “He has a right to prove what he is saying is true and that is what the council is going to do.” Finnegan turns his attention towards Sean. “Sire the council will give one week to find this scroll and if you do not you will be tried for breaking the law of marrying a witch.  Do you except the terms.”

 

                Sean clenched his hands into fist because at this time he would like to rap them around the lying, murderous son of…Sean takes a deep cleansing breath.  “Do I have much of a choice” said Sean?

 

                “No you don’t; I’m afraid” replies Finnegan sadly.  Sean nods his head in agreement.

 

                “I can’t bloody believe this. If he wasn’t an O’Hara we wouldn’t be having this discussion” exasperated Duffy.

 

                “But he is an O’Hara and he is the King,” piped in another druid with glasses.

 

                “So it’s final, you have exactly one week from right now to find the missing scroll” communicated Finnegan.

 

                “I thank the council for this time” said Sean and then he flashes out.

 

                “This truce will stay in effect until we know. Those in favor say aye” ordered Finnegan.

 

                The entire council said aye and they all disappeared form the clearing that is all but Drake Duffy.  He remained at the table until six demons shimmered into the clearing and four druids step out of the trees and walks up to him. Drake Duffy stands up and rests a tight on the corner of the table.

 

                “I want the daughters of O’Hara dead and I don’t want him to find that scroll because if he does I will not be king and me being king is for everyone here’s best interest” said Duffy.

 

                They all nod their heads and leave the clearing.  A malevolence grin graces his lips. “Soon, very soon, not only will I disguise myself as the druid King, I will also take over the underworld and rule that as well” mumbled Duffy to himself. He starts to laugh; not a laugh with humor behind it but a laugh that would make your inside freeze like the coldest day in Antarctica. 

 

                Liam’s hair stood up on the back of his neck and a shiver goes up his spine.  Liam gives a little shake to try to shake the feeling of dread.  “Sean knew; he truly is the King” he said quietly to himself. “I must let the King know about the situation.”  Liam turns and fades out.

 

 

                Piper is pouring pancake batter on to the griddle.  Wyatt is sitting in high chair eating pancakes and he’s covered in maple syrup.  Leo walks in and goes over to his son. “Oh my, are you enjoying your breakfast?”

 

                “Uh huh” replies Wyatt shoving another piece of pancake drenched in syrup into his mouth. Wyatt then grins up at his father.

 

                Leo proceeds over to his wife and kisses her on the cheek. “Are you feeling a little better this morning?”

 

                “Yea, I’m feeling better. Would you like some pancakes?”

 

                “Pancakes would be great,” answered Leo pouring himself some coffee.  Leo walks over to the table to sit with his son.  Leo sits down and picks up the paper when he looks up.  Piper notices the familiar gesture and sighs.

 

                “Please tell me you’ll be back in time for the doctor visit” Piper said warily.

 

                Leo gets up and walks over to his wife and gives her a gentle kiss on her lips.  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Bye Wyatt” Leo calls over to his son.

 

                Wyatt waves at his father with his sticky little fingers. “Bye, Bye, Daddy.”

 

                Leo smiles and gives Piper another quite kiss, pats her stomach and orbs out.

 

                A few minutes later an arm and a baby carrier containing one of the girls appear in the Manor’s kitchen.  Piper steps out from behind the stove and the island to see Phoebe coming into view carrying the other two girls.  She carries the girls and sits them on the table and then turns.  She goes back and grabs and picks up the baby carrier off the floor and puts it the table with the other girls. Piper raises one of her eyebrows.

 

                “Pheebs, where’s Paige” Piper asked coming over to the table to see her nieces?

 

                “She’s sleeping in” answered Phoebe straightening Kayley’s dress.

 

                “You didn’t tell her you were bringing them over here; did you?”

 

                “No because she was sleeping and I didn’t want to wake her.”  Phoebe pulls out bottles out of the diaper bag.

 

                Piper starts to laugh. “You realize when she wakes up and the girls are gone.  She’s going to hurt you.” Piper is smirking at her sister. She knew full well that Paige was not going to be understanding, especially seems that they were already kidnap just a few days ago.

 

                “I left her a note in one of the girls’ cribs.”

 

                “Phoebe what the hell do you think you’re doing taking the girls from my house when I’m asleep” yelled Paige.

 

                Piper and Phoebe swings around to see Paige still dressed in her nightgown and her robe.  She was wearing a look that could kill and it was aimed right a Phoebe.  Piper glances over and gives Phoebe an I-told-you-so look.

 

                “Sweetie calm down you were sleeping I just thought you need some rest with everything that has happen” Phoebe elaborated.  It didn’t stop Paige from advancing on her like she was a rabid dog that was foaming at the mouth.

 

                “Hey who would like some pancakes” Piper cut in hoping to stifle the argument before one sister killed the other.  “Paige, how many pancakes do you want?” Piper waves her hand in front of Paige’s face to bring her attention off Phoebe and on to her.

 

                Paige blinks and focuses on Piper. “I don’t want any pancakes.” Paige’s voice was harsh and her breath was short.

 

                “And Phoebe was being a big sister and was trying to help.  So calm down, I’ll get you a cup of coffee and couple of pancakes and you can feed the girls then we’ll talk about what we’re going to do after my doctor’s appointment.” Piper smiles, drapes her arm around her baby sister and leads a glaring Paige over to the table and her daughters.  Piper went to a coffee pot and pours a cup for her baby sister. She then wave Phoebe over.

 

                “Take this cup to her and tell you’re sorry. You just weren’t thinking. You were just trying making things easier” whispered Piper.

 

                “I thought I was the middle child now” uttered Phoebe.

 

                “You are but if you remember I’ve had years of practice to come raging waters besides she has ever right to be furious with you.” Piper holds her hand up to cut off Phoebe’s comment. “I know you were just trying to help but scaring her half to death is not helping, now go” ordered Piper give Phoebe a little shove towards the table.

 

                Phoebe takes the coffee over to her sister and tells her exactly what Piper told her to say.  Over a long beat Paige nods her head. “Phoebe I know you were trying to help but when I woke up and check on the girls and they weren’t there…it was like my heart was ripped out of my chest again.  I just don’t need anymore stress.”

 

                “I wasn’t trying to add more stress and I understand now.  I promise I won’t take the girls without letting you know.”  Phoebe leans down and raps her arms around her little sister and gives her a lovingly hug to show that she was there for her.

 

                Piper walks over places a small stack of pancakes in front of her sisters and takes a sit at the table. “Ok I’m hoping Leo will be back for my doctor’s appointment with Dr. Bennett but if he isn’t do you guys want to go along.”

 

                “Sure” Phoebe and Paige say in unison.

 

                “I have to tell Bret about Sean anyway” Paige said as sadness crosses her expression.

 

                “Then it’s settled, doctors appoint then we can go shopping or something” said Piper jumping up from the table. “All right I’m going to change.”

 

                Piper starts to leave the kitchen when a demon shimmers into the kitchen.  “Wyatt danger” screamed Piper.

 

 

Chapter 19

 

                Piper flicks her hands and the blast sends the demon sailing across the kitchen. “Why didn’t he blow up” yelled Piper surprised. “He should have blown up.”

 

                Piper tracks back to her sister to stand united in front of their children.  While on the floor, the demon forms an energy ball in his hand.  The demon now lying flat on his back; tips to a standing position and as he comes to the standing position he readies himself to launch the energy ball at the Charmed Ones and their children.  Piper tries to freeze the demon but the demon breaks through the freeze and launches the energy ball towards them.  Paige calls for it but nothing happens but just as it almost reaches them a lightening bolt shoots out from behind them and hits the energy ball causes it to explode which knocks everyone off their feet.

 

                “What the hell was that” said Phoebe as the Charmed Ones rush to get to their feet.

 

                The demon was already up and was forming another energy ball. “Paige, call for it” called Piper with a hint of panic to her voice.

 

                Paige opens her mouth to call for it when a figure in a green cloak fades into the room; holding a sword.  The individual in green thrushes the sword through the back of the demon and the demon burst into flames.

 

                “Piper, freeze him” demanded Phoebe.

 

                Piper throws up her hands and twists her wrist but nothing happens and the individual in the green cloak reaches up and pulls down the hood.  Standing in front of them is a woman in her early twenties. The woman’s hair is the color of maple leaves in the fall when they start to change and her eyes were the color of emeralds.

 

                “I take it; you’re the Charmed Ones” she said with an Irish brogue.  “I’m Fiona Darby and Liam and the King has sent me.”

 

                “Thanks for your help,” said Piper. 

 

Fiona was no longer looking at them but past them.  Piper, Phoebe and Paige turns around.  Wyatt still had his force field up and the girls were surrounded by the charcoal colored cloud and lightening was streaking through it.

 

“Whoa” exclaimed Phoebe. “When Leo mentioned it I never dreamed it would look like that.”  Phoebe throws her arm around her sister. “You must be so proud?”

 

“More like very surprised” Paige said warily. “Pheebs they destroyed the energy ball when I couldn’t call for it.  I wonder if they stop me from calling for it so they could blow it up.”

 

“Oh, I never thought about that” Phoebe said apprehensively.

 

                Fiona came up behind them. “They have a quite bit of power behind them, not surprised seems who their Da is.”

 

                “Hey, you forget who we are” exasperated Piper and Phoebe together. Paige smirks a little at her sisters’ irritation with their new guest.

 

                “Why did Sean send you” questioned Paige? Paige reaches out and touches the cloud that surrounds her daughter as soon as she touched it; the cloud dissolved away and at that same moment Wyatt lowers his force field and goes back eating his pancakes.  The girls were starting to cry and Paige picks up Kaitlin and a bottle.  Paige puts the bottle up to Kaitlin’s little mouth and she grab it and started to nurse. 

 

                “Can you two help me feed them” Paige said to her sisters. Piper and Phoebe nods their heads and picks up their nieces and bottles and begin to feed them as well. “I’m sorry you were about to tell me why my husband sent you here.”  Paige settles herself down in a chair at the table and focuses her attention on Fiona again.  Piper and Phoebe sit down as well.

 

                Fiona gestures towards an empty chair at the table “May I?”

 

                “Oh, please do” replied Piper.  Fiona pulls out the chair and lowers herself into it. “Thanks” she said showing her gratitude.

 

                “No thanks needed,” answered Phoebe with a smile.

 

                “The King heard his daughters may be in danger so he dispatched me immediately” explained Fiona.

 

                “How did he know” pried Paige looking down at her daughter in her arms and rocking back and forth?

 

                “I couldn’t say” answered Fiona with a slight smile.

 

                “You can’t say because you don’t know or because he won’t let you” interrogated Paige?

 

                “I would say it’s more of the later but some of the first” Fiona clarified.

 

                “What’s going on” inquired Phoebe places Kiley over her shoulder to burp her?

 

                “All I can say is that his lordship knew his children were in danger and sent me to protect them.”

 

                Paige narrows her eyes at her. “Phoebe, are you getting anything from her?”

 

                “Nada,” replied Phoebe.

 

                “Don’t take this the wrong way but I don’t trust you” said Paige with conviction. “Ian, Ian, get down here.”

 

                Orbs start to appear in the room and a few seconds later Ian is standing in front of them. “What is it, is the girls all right.”

 

                “They’re fine, Ian but do you know this person.  She’s claiming that Sean sent her to protect the girls.”

 

                Ian looks at the woman at the table and he froze and a strange smile crossed his lips, “Hi, Fi.”

 

                “Hello, Ian. How are ya” she asked with the same strange smile?

 

                Phoebe looks from one to the other “Oh my…you two take it in the other room, there’s children in here.”

 

                Ian raises an eyebrow at Phoebe, “Take what?”

 

                “Don’t you act innocent with me, Ian; you know so scoot and get out of here until you get your x-rated emotions under control. Now, I’m not kidding” commanded Phoebe.  Fiona gets up from the table and starts to leave the kitchen but stops and turns around. “Can I ask ya question?”

 

“I don’t see why not” responded Paige.

 

“What are the wee little ones names” she asked with a smile?

 

Paige smiles back and nods her head. “I’m holding Kaitlin Patricia.” Paige points at Phoebe. “Phoebe is holding Kiley Brianna and my other sister, Piper is holding Kayley Lauren.”

 

“Kaitlin was Sean’s mother name” uttered Fiona sadly.

 

“Yea, Patricia was our mother’s name.  Their first name was taken from Sean’s side of the family and their middle from mine” explained Paige.

 

“They are honored by strong names” said Fiona grasping Ian hand then leaves the kitchen.

 

                “So sis, are you going to tell us what is going on between this Fiona and Ian or are we going to have to guess” asked Piper grinning.

 

                “Let’s just say that Ian knows her and quite well I might add.”

 

                “So guess I’m to assume that Sean knows her,” said Paige more as a statement then a question.

 

                “Yea, I think so.”

 

 

Sean is running through a dark and dreary cave. He turns a corner just as an energy ball goes whizzing by.

 

 

 

Chapter 20

 

                Sean crawls into a crevasse in the wall of the cave as the demons run past him.  He’s almost completely out of breath. “I’m going to make Duffy pay for this,” muttered Sean to himself. Sean knew he had to do something to get the upper hand on these demons or he’s going to waste another day avoiding demons instead looking for the scroll; the scroll that would take him back to his family where he belongs, not hiding in caves trying not to get killed.

 

                An idea struck him and a mischievous grin crosses his lips.  He sticks his head out of the crevasse and looks both ways looking for his unwanted puppy dogs that had been dogging him for the last two days.  They were no where insight but that didn’t mean anything because every time he thought he lost them he was proven wrong by an energy ball hurtling by his head.

 

                Sean slips out of his hiding places and removes his robe. He had no idea why he didn’t think of this earlier. Stress and anger, that’s why.  Sean murmured a spell under his breath and his robes were now standing under their own accord. He raises his hand and flicks two fingers towards his robes and an illusion of himself appears in his robes. He now had to get his pursuers back here.

 

                Sean flashes out and appears behind the two demons then he leisurely leans against the wall of the cave.  The demons are looking around, looking lost and confused. “Hey is intelligence needed to graduate from Demon U. or do you just send in $19.95 to D.U. Stupid.”  The demons whirl around and see Sean leaning against the wall wearing a smirk. He gives them a nonchalant wave then he flashes out.  The demons look at each other then they shimmer out.

 

                Sean arrives back to where his robes lie in wait. He shakes his head and slips back into the crevasse in the wall.  He wished he could just turn invisible but it seems the demons had the ability to sense him when he used that particular power. A few second later, the demons shimmer in the tunnel and spot Sean standing in the cave; at least the illusion of him. They form energy balls and throw them at the illusion of Sean. The robes go up in flames and the demons let out a wicked laugh and walks up to where the remnant of his robes still lay smoldering on the ground.  Sean moves stealthily out of his hiding place and forms two emerald fireballs and steps up behind the demons.

 

                “Yoo-hoo” called Sean.

 

                The demons twirl around to see Sean hurling emerald fireballs at them and when the emerald fireballs hit them they go down in flames. “Well I guess that answers my question, $19.95.” Sean smiles and flashes out.

 

                Piper is standing at the doorway of the nursery just off Leo and her bedroom.  Leo is putting a crib together that they purchased yesterday after her doctor’s appointment. She’s still in shock from the news received from Dr. Bennett.  Leo looks up at his wife and smiles, in fact he hasn’t stop smile at her since yesterday.

 

                Phoebe comes into Piper’s bedroom and pulls her big sister into a big hug. “I’m so happy for you and Leo. Can you believe it…twins!”

 

                “Actually no I can’t believe it.  We’ve had enough excitement with one baby, now we have to deal with two and now we will have three children under the age of two” Piper ranted.

 

                “Just like Paige and she seem to be handling it” Phoebe said ignoring Piper’s anxiety.

 

                “I’m handling what” asked Paige coming up behind them? She was pushing the girls in a stroller.

 

                “Three babies under the age of two” explained Phoebe to her little sister.

 

                “So I take it, Piper’s still freaking about the twin news.”  Paige grins at her big sister. Piper narrows her eyes at her baby sister.

 

                “You have no idea what’s its going to be like” exasperated Piper.

               

                “Hey Piper, look over here.” Paige gestures to her three little girls asleep in their stroller. “I think I’ve got a pretty good idea what you’re going to be going through with them than again it might be easier for you because Wyatt will be able to help you.  My girls more then likely will be a united front against Sean and I.”

 

                “Paige does have a point” added Leo as he kisses his wife on the cheek as he slides by her.  Piper frowns at him as he leaves the bedroom.

 

                “Paige, are you over here” called Fiona from the Manor’s hallway.

 

                Paige sighs. “Yea, I’m in here with my sisters.” Paige has a wry expression when she looks at her sister. Fiona had been tagging along everywhere she went yesterday with her sister.  Paige’s frustration is growing every minute Fiona hangs around and won’t tell her why she was there. She hates being left in the dark when it concerns her and her children.

 

                Fiona comes into the room, smiling. “You really should let me know when you leave so I can go with you.”

 

                Piper and Phoebe smile and share a look. “Good Morning, Fiona.”

 

                “Good morning” she replies back. “You’re highness it’s in your best interest to inform me of your routine.”

 

                “Fiona, please call me Paige and I really don’t need a babysitter nor do I want a bodyguard. My sisters and I are quite capable of taking care of ourselves and our children.  So I feel, you should go back and help Sean do…”

 

                “To do what he has to do, ma’am” said Fiona. 

 

                Fiona was still not telling anything about what Sean was doing or if he was in any danger.  Paige sighs and turns her attention back to her oldest sister. “Piper, you will do just fine with twins because you’re excellent at taking care of Wyatt.”

 

                Piper hugs her baby sister. “Thank You, I needed that.”

 

                When Piper breaks the hug a demon smokes into Piper’s bedroom and Piper raises her hand and blows him up.  Piper turns her attention on Fiona. “Okay, I think it’s about time you start talking and tell exactly what’s going on and believe me when I tell you I don’t give a damn that Sean told you not to.”

 

                “I really can’t tell you.” Fiona tried to explain.  Fiona bends down and looks at the triplets fast asleep.

 

                Phoebe lays her hand on Fiona’s shoulder. “Fiona the more we know about the situation the better equip we are to help protect the girls. We all know you gave your word but don’t you think its girls best interest if we know what’s going on.  I know Sean and I’m sure he would what the advantage to be in our favor. Don’t you agree?”

 

                Fiona nods her head and stands up to look eye to eye with the Charmed Ones.

 

 

Chapter 21

 

                Paige is more the irk with Fiona just when she thought she was going to tell her what was going on she fade out and left her and her sisters out of the loop and that was two days ago.  She pops in help stops a demon and is gone before they could nail her down.

 

                Now Fiona shows up and knocks her and her sisters to the floor and causes the demon to fly across the room.  Paige gets up from the floor. “Fiona what the hell do you think you’re doing?”

 

                Fiona was sitting pyrite crystal around the unconscious demon.  Paige walks up and grabs Fiona arm and swings her around with such force that it almost cause them both to loose their balance.

 

                “Tell me what is going on? I am tired of your damn run around so I suggest you start to talk or you’ll find out how furious I can get.” Paige’s eyes are flashing with annoyance and frustration. A week of demon attacks on her babies were taking their toil and now Fiona shows up just in time to stop her from vanquishing another threat to her children.  She wanted answers, not excuses or half answers to question that are affecting her life.

 

                Paige and Fiona stands there staring each other down. 

 

                Phoebe walks over and gentle puts her hand on Fiona arm. “Fiona, please tell us why you would protect a demon from being vanquish.”

 

                Fiona breaks the staring contest with Paige and glances down to where Phoebe has rested her hand then she looks up into Phoebe’s questioning eyes.  Fiona swallows the lump that had settles itself in her throat.  Fiona clears her throat and breaks away from Phoebe and Paige.  She walks away to give herself some space to recompose.  Fiona takes a deep breath and let it out very slow.

 

                “He’s not a demon” said Fiona slowly.

 

                “Excuse me” said Piper stunned. “Not a demon, then what is he?”

 

                “He’s a druid” Fiona paused.  “And if you would have vanquished him, the consequences for you and your sisters would have been quite high.”

 

                “Do you care to elaborate on that” Phoebe asked?

 

                “And don’t even think about fading out or what ever you do” added Paige letting her anger show. She had about all she can take and was losing her self-control.

 

                “I didn’t plan on going anywhere.”  Fiona looks down at her watch and grimace.

 

                “Are you late for something” questioned Piper?

 

                “No, but time is running out.” Fiona, letting a little information slips out.

 

                “What time is running out and for whom? I’m tired of your damn games just tell us, please” demanded Paige.

 

                “Time is running out for Sean. He has only twelve hours to find the scroll that proves that it was all right for you and him to have gotten married.”

 

                “And if he doesn’t find the scroll” questioned Paige.  She already knew the answer but she needed to hear it out loud.

 

                “He will be punished for breaking that law” replies Fiona just loud enough for them to hear.

 

                “What’s the punishment” inquired Phoebe slowly.

 

                “Death” answered Paige before Fiona could get the words out.

 

                Piper and Phoebe turns to face their baby sister. “How do you know?”

 

                “Sean told me there could be a possibility but he blew it off, like it was no big deal.”

 

                “Obviously, he didn’t what you to worry” said Fiona.

 

                “What does he have to do with this” asked Piper gesturing to the druid unconscious on the floor. “And if he’s a druid why would he be attacking the girls or us.”

 

                Fiona sighs. “Drake Duffy sent him to kill the girl when all the demons failed.  He also sent him now because Sean only has about twelve hours before he fails and if he fails and you vanquish this druid, Duffy will petition the council to prosecute you for murder of a druid.  Paige would already be guilty for breaking the No Druid or witch can ever wed. So if you vanquish this druid it would be your word against his and he would have more clout then you would because he would be the new king of the druids.”

 

                Piper, Phoebe and Paige’s mouths drops open with shock. “If that that’s the case then why come after the girls” asked Phoebe?

 

                “Because when the girls come of age they could claim the rightful place as the true leaders of the druids” clarified Fiona.

 

                Paige couldn’t believe this when did her somewhat normal life go to hell and how can she get it back. Tears start to burn the corner of Paige’s eyes.  She just wants all this craziness to go away.  I could say a spell; Yeah, right; not with out consequences.  Paige sighs in frustration about the nightmare she calls her life. “So we can’t vanquish him, so what do we do.”

 

                “We sit here and wait. We keep him locked up in the crystals and hope Sean finds the scroll and Duffy sends no more druids” informed Fiona walking over taking up residents on the couch. 

 

                The Charmed Ones all sigh and follow her example.  Paige closes her eyes.  “Please, Sean find the scroll” she though to herself.

 

                Sean is maneuvering down a long dark tunnel.  The only light was that of the torch that Sean had lit and now was carrying.  “Paige” Sean calls thinking he heard her.  “I must be losing my mind” mumbled Sean out loud to himself.  He shakes his head. “I must be going crazy.” He continues down the tunnel.

 

                The tunnel opens up into a large cavern. Sean raises his torch and spins in a circle trying to get a better assessment of his surroundings.  He notices that the cavern’s wall was cased in cave cravings. Sean sees that on one of the walls are the triquetra and the triskele on another wall.  He also notices that torches line the walls. Sean steps further into the cavern and all the torches light.  Sean is startled but he is amazed with all the drawings on the wall.  He notices that the drawings seem to be telling some kind of story.  Sean also observes there is an altar in the middle of the room. Sean spots a connected triquetra and triskele craved into the altar.  He reaches the altar and starts to look around it.  Sean couldn’t find any holes that would contain the scrolls. “The scroll has to be in here.  Sean starts to walk away towards one of the walls when six demon shimmer into the cavern and surrounds him.  “Ohh, this can’t be good” mumbled Sean.

 

 

Chapter 22

 

 

                Sean smirks and glances at the six demons who that decide to crash his private party.  He can’t believe this the demons that Duffy railroaded in to helping him were like dogs with a bone.  He would shake them and they would still find him.  “So are you gents part bloodhound,” Sean inquired as he tried to think of away out of this mess that he wins the pot of gold.

 

                Sean is overwhelmed with an idea and his lips turn up in a large grin.  “So it must be great being a druids lap dog, I mean I could see it if it was another demon but a druid; that’s like following orders from a witch don’t you think.”

 

                The demons all look at each other and look of annoyance creeps upon their faces.  The demons all form an energy ball.  Hold your ground, Sean; don’t make your move until they do. The demons pull their arms back ready themselves to fire and right when they released their energy balls, Sean flashes out. The demons are shocked and before they are able to react three of the six demons are hit with the energy balls and burst into flames. 

 

                Sean flashes back in to watch the last three demons dive for cover.  “Three down, three to go” said Sean under his breath.  He forms an emerald fireball while he hides behind the altar and he quickly stands up and hit one of the demons lying on the ground.  The demon burst into a green flame and disappears.  Sean flashes out before the remaining two demons realizes what just happen and could form their own fireball or energy ball to retaliate against him.  

 

                Sean flashes in out in the tunnel.  Sean knew he has to get rid of the last two demons so he could look for the scroll. He looks down at his watch to check to see along he had left.  One hour is all he had left and he has to get rid of the demon and figure out where the heck the scroll is inside the cavern.  Sean peeks around the corner into the cavern he watches them as they looks around.  Sean smiles and flashes out.  A few seconds later he flashes back into the room between the two demons.

 

                “Hey so when you fell out of the ugly tree did you two hit every limb on the way down” asked Sean smirking.

 

                The demons form energy balls and throw the energy balls at Sean. He flashes out just in time and the energy balls meant for him found a new mark.  The two demons scream in agony when the energy balls that each other throw hit each other and they burst into flame. Sean flashes back in and makes a quick inventory of the room; no more demons.  Sean lets out a deep breath.

 

                Sean looks at his watch again; five minutes was wasted killing two more demons.  He only hopes now he would have a little good luck. Where’s a leprechaun when you need one.  Sean walks over to the walls and tries in make sense of the draws but the only thing he could make out was that every drawing either contains a triquetra or a triskele.  The more Sean looks at the drawings the more he got the feeling that they told the history of the two families but how.  Sean attention fell back towards the altar and walks over to it.  He starts to study every aspect of the altar but nothing looks like a switch or a door nor did anything reveal itself.  Sean smacks his hand on top of the altar in frustration.  Time is ticking away and he can’t figure out the damn puzzle, his life and the life of his family depends on him solving it and some druid from the bloody past made it to damn hard for him to figure out. I’m so tired. I haven’t sleep in five days and I can’t figure out this and my family will be lost.

 

                Sean kneels down and starts to look around the base of the altar maybe there was something he missed.  He was so focused on the altar and what he was looking for he didn’t realize that four demons walk in to the cavern and had form fireballs and energy balls.  Sean hears a high pitch whistle sound go flying above his head and then he hears screams coming from behind him. Another high pitch sound goes whizzing by above his head and Sean spins around to see two demons burst into flames and disappear.

 

                Sean forms an emerald and slowly rises to his feet and face the other side of the altar.  Three individuals, donning gold hooded robes with royal blue druidic symbols on them. Sean wasn’t sure what he should do so he just held on to the emerald fireball.

 

                “You can put that out, Sire. I promise we are not here to harm you” said one of figures taking a step towards him.

 

                Sean knew the individual was a woman by her voice.  “Why did you save me,” inquired Sean nervously as he closes his hand and puts the emerald fireball out.

 

                “Because you are the rightful king and Avery O’Donnell’s family needs justice” she answered shyly. “And good should triumphant over evil.” She laughed.

 

                “Do I know you” asked Sean?

 

                “No not really but someday I hope you do” answered the woman.

 

                “I would like to ask more questions but I’m running out of time. I know the altar holds the secrets to what I’m looking for but I can’t seem to find it,” Sean turns his attention back to the altar.

 

                “Not all things are what they appear to be” she replies mystically.

 

                “Uh, what do you mean?” Sean looks over to the three individual with some confusion.

 

                The woman points to the wall behind her and on the wall there is a connect triquetra and triskele.

 

                Sean narrows his eyes “Why didn’t I see that before” he asked more to himself then to the strangers.

 

                “Your eyes weren’t open before” she simply said.

 

                Sean smiles at them. “So do you always have this wiser than thou attitude or are you an elder.” Sean walks over to the wall and goes to touch the wall and his hand passes right through it. Sean’s eyes widen with surprise but he walks on through

 

“We’re not anything close to being elders, but my father is a very wise man.” The three individual follow him through the fake wall.

 

“Oh, I see your father probable shoved all kind of adage down your throat.” Sean looks around the room he has entered.  There were wall hangings containing the triquetra and the triskele. There was another wall hanging containing a picture that Sean swears was a picture of the Halliwell Manor. Sean shakes his head and looks towards the end of the room.

 

                At the far end of this new room is another altar and sitting on top of it in a glass box is a scroll.  There was a light illuminating the scroll but a person couldn’t determine where the light could be coming from.  Magic! Sean is so tired of everything but it is almost over.

 

                “Well I would say that’s the Holy Grail” she said behind him.

 

                Sean glances over his shoulder and a smile graces his lips. “I guess you could say that.” Sean walks up to the scroll and reaches out and picks up the glass box off the top of it.  Sean could believe it was almost over.  A week of dodging demons worrying about his family and figure out ways to make Drake Duffy pay is now over.  Sean sits the box down and picks up the scroll and slips it into his robes.  Sean turns to face the three individuals that saved his life.

 

                “How do I thank you” he asked them?

 

                “You just did” she replies back. “Just be a good king and take care of your family.

 

                “I will. I don’t even know your names.”

 

                “Our names aren’t important.  We were just honored to meet you” she said happily.

 

                “Will I ever see you again” asked Sean?

 

                “I’m sure one of these days our paths will cross again, maybe sooner or later but I’m sure they will pass” she answered. “Now you better go, you are running out of time.”

 

                “You’re right and thank you” Sean smiled at them and they gave him a little bow. Sean flashes out.

 

                “Are you two ready” she asked the other two.

 

                “Yeah” they answered together.

 

                A blue cloud appears above them a streak of lightening comes out of it and hits the ground. Where the light strikes a portal opens and they walk through.

 

 

Chapter 23

 

                The clearing was lit with glowing orbs.  The twelve members of the druid council are sitting around the stone table.  Finnegan is tapping his fingers rhythmical on the table and another druid is reading a very old book.  Everyone is caught up in doing something; all except Drake Duffy, he’s watching the antique hourglass in the middle of the table.  It was like every granule of sand that fell was some how connected to Duffy’s anxiety.  Duffy’s knuckles were white from the death grip he had on the edge of the table.  Patience was never his forte but he had to keep the façade because Finnegan already was keeping a close eye on him.  He had noticed a couple days ago he was being followed by one of Finnegan’s lackeys, so he had to get word to his associates more resourcefully than he would’ve liked.   

 

                Drake Duffy’s mouth twists into a grin when the last granules of sands fell. Duffy jumps up from his seat that pulls the attention of the other council member towards him.  “Times up and he’s not here. I’ll call my men and send them after him” said Duffy unable to hide his excitement.

 

                Finnegan raises his hand and gentle strokes his beard.  He makes eye contact with Duffy. “If you dig a grave for others you may fall into it yourself.”

 

                “What” asked Drake Duffy confused?

 

                “We can all see that the hourglass is empty, boyo but we all agreed to give an extra few minutes so I suggest you take a seat” Finnegan said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

 

                Drake Duffy narrows his brow and slowly sits back down.  He brings his hands together in pyramid in front of him and he glares at the old druid over them.

 

                Sean was watching the whole scene crouched behind one of the trees.  He glances out of the corner of his eye at his captain of the guards, Liam. “What is your educated opinion about the situation” whispered Sean?

 

                “I think you can’t fool an old goat like Finnegan.  I think he knows something about him besides the whole O’Donnell incident” uttered Liam.

 

                “I agree, so you make sure you have my back.” Sean smiles and starts to get up so he could come out from behind the tree.

 

                Liam grabs Sean’s arm. “At first I didn’t think you should be king…but now I know you were born to be king whether you think so or not.  They say that the best leaders are those individual that don’t seek power but have it thrust upon them.  I will give my very life for you and your family, your majesty.”

 

                Sean nods his head, “Thank you for saying that but I would never ask you to do that.  If anyone should get hurt here, it will be me and no one else.” 

 

                Sean straights up and walks into the clearing, “Good evening gentleman. Am I late?”

 

                “Not at all, Sire” said Finnegan with a smile. “We’re all glad you could make it.”

 

                Sean made eye contact with Drake Duffy. “Really everyone, I’m glad to hear that.”

 

                “Did you find what you were looking for on your quest” Finnegan asked?

 

                “Aye I did,” Sean answered reaching into his tattered robes and pulls out the scroll and handing it to Finnegan without taking his eyes off Duffy.

 

                Finnegan takes the scroll and lays it on the table. He slowly unrolls the timeworn parchment and begins to look it over.  He smiles and then it turns into frown. 

 

                Sean sees the frown come over his old friend’s face that caused the weathered lines to look deeper.  “Fin, what is it?”

 

                “You are right the rule exempts you, in fact the rule was made for you and your wife. If the rule wasn’t written down then you would’ve probable been killed by demons before your daughters could’ve been born.”  This statement causes a lot of ohhs, and ahhs from the council members.

 

                “So what’s the frown about then?”

 

                “The scroll holds other valuable information. I think you should look at” said Finnegan.

 

                Sean steps closer and looks down at the scroll and begins to skim over it. Sean gasps and looks over to his friend. “I…I can’t believe this.”

 

                “Believe what” asked one of the druids?

 

                Finnegan reads. “The last member of a good and powerful druid family will marry into a family of charmed witches and from their love a great force of good will be brought into the world but a great and powerful evil will bring darkness into the world and the great forces of good will make the greatest sacrifice of all to bring light back into the world.”

 

                “What sacrifice will they make” asked a druid in glasses?

 

                “It doesn’t say, but the parchment also makes reference to Drake Duffy by name” informed Finnegan.

 

                “Me, why me” he asked confused?

 

                Sean makes eye contact again. “It speaks of the monstrosities you have inflicted on the druid people.”

 

                Duffy laughed nervously.  “You’re going to believe that ol’ piece of paper over the world of a council member and head of the Duffy family.”

 

                “You know what they say about power. They say it corrupts absolutely and that’s what you were looking for power.  Someone said you where not just looking to rule over the druids but over the underworld” retorted Sean. “What do you say about that?”

 

                “I say it hearsay, that’s what. I would never harm another living soul. I’m a druid for god’s sake.”

 

                “It’s not hearsay, if the person is here now is it and for god’s sake you’ll need more than that to get out of this one” divulged Sean. “Liam, can you step out here.”

 

                Liam steps out into the clearing with a smirk on his face.  Sean knew that Liam is going to enjoy bring Duffy down.  He was good friends with Avery O’Donnell.

 

                “Liam, can you please inform the council what you seen and heard five days ago” commanded Sean.

 

                “After the council meeting five days ago everyone left except for Duffy there.  A little while later, six demons and four druids enter this very clearing and received orders to kill the princesses and stop the King from finding the scroll” informed Liam.

 

                Drake Duffy jumps up from his seat. “Lies, I tell you these are all lies.  Sean just wants to get rid of his competition” exasperated Duffy.

 

                “Why would you be competition, Drake? I’m already King unless you have aspirations of your own concerning Kingship. Everyone here knows if I’d failed, you’re next in line to be King, so it is a logical assumption; don’t you think.”

 

                “Why would you believe a lackey of Sean O’Hara, rule breaker, over the head of the Duffy family and a member of the council” queried Drake Duffy?

 

                “I think we’ve already established that Sean didn’t break any rule; you on the other hand, is quite another thing” stated Finnegan.

 

                “I…I...don’t have…to…stand for this. I’m…a…Duffy.  My word is more important than that of an O’Hara’s errand boy,” stuttered Drake.

 

                “I’ve known Allen Callaghan for a long time and I know he would raise his son with integrity and honor,” said the old druid with glasses. “But I also knew your father Drake; he only had integrity when it suited him. My friend from Kansas would say your father is slimier than a greased pig and I’m sure it can relate to the son; as well.”

 

                “You’re all crazy” said Drake backing away from the table.

 

                “Guards” called Liam!

 

Chapter 24

 

 

                Four guards steps into the clearing and flanks Duffy.  Drake takes a quick look at the guards that were on either side. A you’ll-never-take-me-alive look enters Duffy’s eyes.  Drake Duffy forms a fireball and throws it at Sean.  Sean dives out of the way and the fireball hits a tree. The guards form small energy ball and throws it at Drake Duffy. Duffy blinks out and appears behind Finnegan and stabs him with a dagger in the back.

 

                Sean looks up just in time to see Duffy stab Finnegan. “Finnegan,” calls Sean.  Sean forms an emerald fireball and fires it at Duffy.  Drake Duffy dives, rolls out of the way and quickly gets to his feet.  Duffy turns towards Sean and forms a fireball.  Sean made his way over to Finnegan and pulls him into his arms.  Drake Duffy pulls his arm back gets ready to throw the energy ball at Sean and Sean looks up and makes eye contact with him but all of a sudden a look of shock and pain enters Duffy’s eyes. A few second later Duffy screams in pain and is engulf in a fireball and disappears.  After Duffy disappears, Sean looks through the smoke and sees Liam standing there still with arm extend where he had released and energy ball.  Sean and Liam make eye contact and Liam gives him a little nod.  Liam walks over to his men.

 

                “Hold on, Finnegan.  Ian…Ian get down here” yelled Sean.

 

                Orbs appear in the clearing and when the orbs dissipate Ian is standing there. Ian looks around to try to get a sense of the situation. “Ian, hurry Finns been stabbed” said Sean getting Ian’s attention.

 

                Ian kneels down beside Finnegan. “Sean step back.”

 

                Sean gently lays Finnegan back down on the ground and gets up and steps back. Ian puts his hand over him and his hands start to glow gold.  A few minutes later, Finnegan opens his eyes and quickly sits up.

 

                “Whoa, there, take a minute to get your head on straight” ordered Ian.

 

                “What happened? Where’s Duffy” asked Finnegan?

 

                “He was neutralized” informed Liam. “I’m sorry, sir but I had to stop him.”

 

                Finnegan starts to get up and Sean and Ian help him. Finnegan lays a hand on Liam’s shoulder we all do what needs to be done, even when we don’t want to.”

 

                Liam nods his head and looks away. Liam starts to walk away.

 

                “Liam, you and your men need to collect the Duffy followers” informed Finnegan.  Liam nods his head and goes to his men.  Sean watches them fade out.

 

                “Finn, are you okay” he asked?

 

                “I’m fine, but are you?”

 

                “Best to be expected” answered Sean.  He walks towards the table and sits down. The other member of the druid council joins him.  Finnegan sits to the right of him and looks at him.  “Sean, we need to ask you if you plan to remain King.”

 

                Sean looks at all of them.  “I need to speak to my wife.”

 

                The members of the council nods there head in agreement. “Let us know as soon as you can” said Finnegan.

 

                Piper, Phoebe, Paige, Leo, and Fiona are sitting in the living room. The druid is now conscious and sitting in the pyrite crystal cage.  Sean flashes in and is surprised to see the druid locked in the cage.

 

                “What’s that about” Sean asked pointing to the druid?

 

                They all jump and turn around. Paige runs over to her husband and raps her arms around him and kisses him.  Sean raps his arm around her and returns the kiss. “I missed you so much” said Paige happily.

 

                “Me, too” Sean replied back. “What’s with the druid?”

 

                “He attacked the family” informed Fiona.

 

                “I see, um, Fiona I need you to shackle him and take him back to the council. All prosecutions will be down by them, I’m a little to close to the situations.”

 

                Fiona walks over to the pyrite crystal cage. “You try anything and it will be the last thing you try, understand.” The druid nods his head.  Fiona kicks one of the crystals away and the cage goes down. “Turn around,” ordered Fiona.  The druid turns around and Fiona grabs his arm locks one side of handcuff and grabs his other arm and locks the other.  Fiona gives Sean a quick bow of her head and fades out with her prisoner.

 

                Sean was hug by the rest of the family.  He was so happy to finally be home.

 

                “Sean, don’t take this the wrong way but you look like hell” said Phoebe with a smile.

 

                “Thanks, Phoebe, I feel like hell.” Sean smiled at his sister-in-law.

 

                “Piper, are you and the baby all right” inquired Sean.

 

                Phoebe wraps her arm around Piper’s should and pull her close, “Babies.”

 

                “Babies,” said Sean surprised?

 

                “Thanks, Pheebs–”

 

                “No problem,” interrupted Phoebe.

 

                Piper frowns. “Yea, Leo and I were told by Dr. Bennett a couple of days ago that we’re having twins.”

 

                Sean pulls her into a brotherly hug. “Congratulations.”  Sean sticks out his hand and Leo takes it. Sean gives him a smile.

 

                “Nothing personal but I would like to get my family home because I’m tired” clarified Sean.

 

                “Oh, sure,” Piper, Phoebe, and Leo said in unison.

 

                Sean walks over and picks up two of his daughters and Paige picks up the last one.  Sean calls for the magical doorway and walks through.  Piper and Phoebe give their baby sisters a quick hug and send her through the doorway before it closes.

 

 

                A half hour later, Paige is watching her daughters sleep in the bassinets that she’s moved into the Master bedroom since they were kidnapped.  An overwhelming peace had come over Paige since Sean came home. She still felt that the other shoe was going to fall and this was just all a dream. Paige heard the water stop and knew that Sean was done with his shower. Paige hears the bathroom door creak open and turns to see her husband come out.

 

                Sean was wearing lounging pants and no shirt and as he promised he’s beard was gone.  Paige gasps when she sees all the cuts and bruises that cover his body.  Sean walks up to her and pulls her into his embrace and kisses her on the top of her head.

 

                Paige pulls back and touches one of the cuts on his upper arm. “Does it hurt” she asked with concern. “Maybe we should call Ian or Leo.”

 

                “I’m fine” he pulls her close again. “All I need are you and the girls.”  Sean looses his grip and looks down at her girls.

 

                Paige sees the grimace on his face. “Sean what is it?”

 

                “I almost didn’t see you or them again, if it wasn’t for three strangers.  The funny thing is for a split second they felt familiar somehow.”

 

                “So you don’t know who they’re” Paige asked.

 

                “No, but…Never mind,” said Sean shaking the thought away. “It’s been a trying week, let’s go to bed.”

 

                Paige and Sean walk over to their bed.  Sean still had his arm around Paige, refusing to break that connection with her.  They got into bed and Sean flips out the light.  Paige rested her head on his shoulder and Sean pulls her close to him.

 

                “Darling” said Sean.

 

                “Uh,” answered Paige.

 

                “The council of Druids still want me to be king, what do you think.”

 

                “I think you should remain king because at least we can have a heads up on other druid trying to kill us” said Paige. “That is if you can stay here.”

 

                “I can stay here, I would only have to meet once week but there could be emergency that would bring it here to the house, so you’re sure about this” inquired Sean.

 

                “Sean, be king, but can we really talk about this in the morning because I really didn’t sleep when you where gone.”

 

                Sean smiles and kisses his wife on the top of her head. “Then sleep, my love, I’ll still be here in the morning.”

 

                “You be...be...better” yawned Paige.

 

                Sean lays there waiting for Paige breathing to slow and even out; the true signs that his wife was now asleep.  Sean closes his eyes and joins her in slumber.

 

 

The End