Rite of passage

[mcharmed21]

Chapter one
“Paige!” Piper yelled as she picked Wyatt up out of his crib.

“I heard you the first time,” the strawberry blonde sister
replied coming down the stairs. “So how do I look?”<br>
“Perfect,” Piper replied.

“I know, but I was talking about the outfit.”<br>
“Ha, ha, very funny. You look fine, but you’re going to be late if you don’t leave.”<br>
Paige began to walk towards the door but she stopped in her tracks.

“What is it?” Piper asked.

“I can’t do this,” Paige confessed.

“What? What do you mean?”<br>
“Piper, I don’t want to go back to high school.”<br>
Piper sighed, “You’ll be fine, besides Phoebe will meet you for lunch.”<br>****
‘Here I go,’ Paige Matthews thought to herself as she proceeded up the stone steps of San Francisco High School. ‘Another time, the same steps that once led me up to face my doom; the same exact door that led me to my hell. Oh, didn’t I graduate for a reason so that I didn’t have to come back? I’<br>“Ms. Matthews I presume?” A striking tall black woman in a gray pants suit said.

“Yes, that’s me,” Paige replied.

“Welcome to San Francisco High School, I’m Elizabeth Collins the principal.”<br>
“Nice to finally meet you,” Paige said with a smile as she shook her hand.

“Follow me.”<br>
The two walked down the crowded halls, past the large class rooms, the rows of blue lockers and students.

“And finally,” Principal Collins said as she and Paige entered a small office, “we come to your office. Here are the files of every child that you council,” she said pointing to a large gray filing cabinet against the wall. “Good luck and if you need anything my office is just across the way.”<br>
Paige took a seat behind the big oak desk, “Alrighty then,” she nodded her head and looked around.
****
The cafeteria was buzzing with the sounds of talking and laughter coming from the students. The lunch line was long as usual and the food that was being served was going fast. A young girl with shoulder length brown hair and brown eyes, wearing a black sweater paired with a red plaid skirt, studded black belt and black tights with converse sneakers was boredly waiting in line.

“Hey Zoey, nice ass,” a tall guy with blonde hair and blue eyes, sporting a blue and white letterman’s jacket said; he turned and snickered with his friends.

Zoey rolled her eyes and continued on with buying her lunch.

“So, Zoey, I was thinking that the two of us could get together and you know,” he grabbed her butt and turned and snickered with his friends again and received high-fives.

Zoey placed her red lunch tray on the counter, turned around and tapped him on the shoulder.

He turned to face her, “What, you accept?”<br>
Zoey smiled flirtatiously then punched him in the face. He fell into the other guys.

“You @#%$!”<br>
A whistle blew, “Aguilar, come with me,” Coach Williams said firmly.


A knock came at the door and Paige quickly closed the game of solitaire that she was playing on the computer. “Come in.”<br>Zoey entered the office and looked around, “You the new counselor?”<br>
“Yup,” Paige said cheerily, “I’m Paige Matthews; I’m more of a temp counselor until they find a permanent replacement for Mr. Williams. Please take a seat.”<br>
Zoey nodded and handed Paige a pink slip and sat down.
“Oh…um, do you want to give me an explanation?” Paige asked looking at Zoey.

“An explanation? That’s new.”<br>
“Well you did punch Zack Harris…he must be important because whoever wrote this capitalized all the letters in his name.”<br>
“Well he is important,” a blonde girl said upon entering the office, “Zack Harris is the captain of the foot ball team, a star player too I might add.”<br>
“Um, excuse me Ms.-”<br>
“Philips.”<br>
“Right, I’m in the middle of something so if you could come back later-”<br>
“I’m here as a witness to the crime,” the girl said importantly.

“Britney as a witness…yet again, what a shocker,” Zoey mumbled.

“A witness, that’s not necessary I can-”<br>
“Ms. Matthews,” Britney interrupted, “Zoey has caused a lot of trouble, poor Zack did not do a thing to her and she gives him a black eye.”<br>
“That’s a lie,” Zoey said all of a sudden, “that jerk grabbed my butt, that’s sexual harassment.”<br>
“Oh please, you just wish he would do something like that. Zack would never do that, he and I are going on two years now.”<br>
“Two years with you, it’s no wonder why that jerk fools around with the other cheerleaders…then again it’s kind of like you and the foot ball team isn’t it?”<br>
Britney glared at her, “Ms. Matthews do you see how she always starts things?”<br>
Paige sighed, “You did break a big rule, I’m going to have to phone your parents.”<br>
Britney smirked, “Zoey doesn’t have parents; what family are you on now…number 10?”<br>
Zoey rose out of her chair, “I’m going smack that grin off of you if you make one more remark like that!”<br>
“I dare you,” Britney taunted.

“Enough! Britney leave, please,” Paige said firmly.

“But-”<br>
“Now,” Paige said.

Britney glared at Paige then left.

“Are you alright?” Paige asked calmly.

“I’m fine,” Zoey said then sat down and ran a hand over her head. “My number is one on the speed dial.”<br>
Paige gave the girl a sympathetic smile, “You can talk to me…if you want that is. I was a foster child myself. I can help, and I guess you already knew that since I’m the counselor and all.”<br>
Zoey smiled, “thanks. You’re new at this huh?”<br>
Paige nodded and Phoebe walked in. “Am I interrupting something?”<br>
“No, Zoey you may go now.”<br>
Zoey hesitated for a moment before getting up, “That’s it, you’re not going to suspend me or give me Saturday school?”<br>
Paige shook her head, “From what I hear, that guy deserved what he got.”<br>
“Thanks,” Zoey replied and walked out.

“First one of the day?” Phoebe asked.

“Yup, are you ready for lunch?”<br>
Her sister nodded, “Oh this must be hers,” she said as she picked up a notebook that Zoey had left behind. Phoebe gasped; the place appeared to be a park, Zoey was walking by the swing set when a warlock attacked.

“Premonition?” Paige asked.

“Oh yeah, that girl, Zoey, is going to be attacked by a warlock.”<br>
“What, where?”<br>
“I don’t know when, after school I guess, at Buena Vista Park.”<br>
Paige went over to the filing cabinet and pulled out Zoey’s file. “Uh, can I take a rein check on that lunch date?”<br>
“Sure, what’s wrong?”<br>
“Zoey doesn’t have a sixth period, she just left school.”<br>end of chapter one

[mcharmed21]

Chapter two
"I hope no one saw us," PHoebe said after she and Paige orbed. Paige and her looked around the park. "Now what?"

"We wait until she comes," paige replied.

"Right. Hey you looked so professional at the office.'

Paige gave her sister a smile, "thanks, i felt professional too."

"Do you have the power to give detentions?"

"Yup and saturday school," Paige replied proudly.

"That is so cool." the two laughed but suddenly stopped when they spotted zoey. "There she is, come on," Phoebe said.

"Zoey," Paige called out.

zoey turned around, "Ms. Matthews, what are you doing here? and i didn't cut i swear."

"You forgot your book," Phoebe said handing it to the girl.

"um thanks. did you two follow me to give this back to me?"

paige smiled nervously but before she could reply a warlock appeared. "Witch!" it sneered as it threw a black-red electric ball.

"electric ball!" Paige yelled; it appeared in the form of blue orbs in her hand and she sent it back to it's owner causing him to explode.

"What just happened?" Zoey asked, her heavily lined eyes were wide.

Paige let out a nervous laugh and looked around, "zoey how far is you house from here?"

"A couple of blocks, why?"

"Run home."

"But-"

"Zoey, go , please."

Paige looked at Phoebe, "BOS?"

"Definitely."
****
Phoebe flipped through the book of shadows anxiously, looking for information on the warlock she and Paige had come acrossed.

"How am i going to explain this?" Paige said as she paced the attic.

"Explain what?" Piper said as she and Chris entered the attic.

"um, explain to this girl that witches and warlocks do exist.'

"What'd you do?" Piper asked. Paige looked at her shocked to be accused of doing something wrong.

"Here, i found it," Phoebe said. the four huddled around the book. "This is our guy," Phoebe said.

"His name is Rhonan, or was is more like it,"Paige said.

"You saw that?" Chris asked curiously.

"yeah why?" Phoebe asked.

"that's a bounty hunter, they come after unclaimed witches in hopes of coaxing them to the other side." he explained.

"That means that" phoebe began.

'Zoey's a witch," Paige finished.

[mcharmed21]

Chapter two continued

"We've got to talk to her," Paige said as she descended from the stairs.

"What are we going to say? Hey Zoey you're a witch who is on a bounty hunter's hit list, suprise?" Phoebe said sarcasticaly.

"I don't know, all i know is that this is probably why I got the temp job, to help her."

"fine," Chris said, "but more will be after her, Rhonan isn' the only one."

"Hold up," Piper said loudly, "lets think about this for a second."

"Piper there's no time to think."

"Paige's right, we have to act fast; remember what Paige went through, chances are evil isn't going to wait much longer."

"Alright then you'll bring her here," Piper said.

"What?" Chris exclaimed.

"She'll stay with us until this is over," Piper continued.

Paige smiled, "Agreed."

paige and Phoebe began to walk towards the door.

"Wait a minute," Chris said, "I should have a say in this."

"This is our house and if it will pro-"

"I'm your whitelighter and i think this is a bad move; we don't know anything about this girl, for all we know she could be evil. that and evil has it's eyes set on her which means it won't stop until it gets what it wants."

"Chris-"

"No, phoebe think about it, by taking her in you're setting yourselves up for evil to come-"

"More than what is has?" Piper said irritatedly.

"Think about the dangers she could place, not only you but Wyatt, in."

"why don't you think about this Chris, if she dies then we fail at our destiny to protect the innocent." phoebe said.

Paige and Phoebe left.

"Aww, i know what will make you feel better, "Piper said in a teasing tone, "getting some extra blankets from the hall closet."
****
phoebe parked her silver mini infront of an old blue victorian house. "Are you sure this is the place?" she asked as they walked up to the front door.

it was now almost evening and the sun was setting and left a pink-purple in the sky.

"Yup, 614 Haight street." paige replied; she knocked on the door.

A woman, no more than 30, openened the door. she wore her hair down it fell to her waist in red waves. her jeans were faded and her shirt was brightly colored with yellow, pink, blue and red. "Welcome, how can i help you?" she greeted in a soothing voice.

"Does Zoey Aguilar live here?" paige asked.

A big smile flashed acrossed the lady's face, "You seek Zoey, come in, come in."

Paige and phoebe entered the house, the scent of cinnamon and jasming inscents filled their nostrils. Several people were in the parlor strumming on a guitar and singing; in the living room people were lounging around and smoking.

'how rude of me, i'm Summer and that over there" she pointed to a man with dark hair in a white t-shirt and brown vest with blue jeans, "is my life partner Ronnie. Are you friends with Zoey?"

"Yes, we would like to speak to her," Phoebe said.

Summer nodded her head, "Care for a drink?"

"Oh no thaks," Paige replied.

the door bell rang, "her room is upstairs down the hall; you'll a rope coming down from the ceiling, pull gently and climb the stair."

"She sleeps in the attic?"

Summer grinned, "she chose it, she wished to be near to the stars. now if you'll excuse me."

Paige and Phoebe climed the stair and popped up in Zoey's room. the smell of inscents came to them again but this time in the scent of pumpkin spice.

"Zoey?" Paige called out.

Zoey peered out from behind her computer, "ms. matthews?"

The girl walked over and helped them up. A black cat with bright green eyes rubbed against Phoebe's leg.

"A familiar," Phoebe said to paige.

"a what?" Zoey asked, "What are you two doing here?"

"We came to check up on you," Phoebe said.

"Oh, this is my sister Phoebe Halliwell," Page introduced.

Zoey smiled, "Nice to meet you, i love your column."

"thanks."

"Zoey, about what happened today, i'm just going to come out and say it, we're witches and that was a warlock...well bounty hunter,that attacked you in the park." Paige said.

"Wow, so you came here to tell me this?"

[mcharmed21]

chapter two continued...again

"Yeah, you're not freaked out about this?" Paige said.

"No, he always said that magic was real," Zoey said queitly.

"Who is he?" Paige asked curiously.

"A friend."

paige glanced at Phoebe.

"Zoey the bounty hunter that attacked you is only one of the more that will come," Phoebe said, "we came here to invite you to stay with us until we figure out a way to stop this; with us you'll be safe."

Zoey looked around her room, her eyes fell on a picture of Ronnie and Summer, "if it will keep summer and ronnie out of danger then i will."

end of chapter two

[mcharmed21]

chapter three

"We're back!" Phoebe announced loudly when they returned to the manor.

"Your house is really nice," Zoey commented looking around.

"It's been in our family for years," Phoebe informed.

"Hi, you must be Zoey, I'm Piper."

"i know, a friend of mine told me about you; you own P3 right?"

"Yeah that's my club, well welcome to our home."

Zoey smiled, "this room is filled with alot of positive energy, that's good. Sorry, Summer got me into this spiritual stuff."

Piper smiled, "Nothing's wrong with a bit of spirituality."

Chris walked in, "Piper, Wyatt's crying and i can't make him stop, do something about it. it's annoying." he complained.

"Will you excuse me," Piper said and left the livingroom to tend to her son.

"Zoey this is a....er, this is Chris, Chris this is Zoey." Paige introduced.

"Hi," Zoey greeted cheerfully.

Chris nodded but said nothing.

"A quiet one," Zoey said glancing at Paige.

"You'll have to excuse him for being rude," Phoebe said glaring at Chris.

"THis is the girl?" Chris said glancing at Zoey, "I should have known by the way she's dressed."

"WHat does the way i dress have to do with anything," Zoey demanded, "You don't even know anything about me and all ready you're quick to judge."

"I don't have to know anything about you; let me guess, you've got a boyfriend who you think is your everything, you dress like that to be a so called "individual" yet you're only playing a part. Also you have family issues...i've seen people like you before."

Zoey started approaching him, but Paige held her back, "Zoey isn't punching out one guy enough for today?"

"I'm not going to punch him out, I'm going to kick his-"

"Wyatt just needed his passifier," Piper said. "what's going on here?"

"Nothing," Phoebe said, "Chris was just leaving."

"Gladly." Chris orbed out.

"Would someone like to tell me what's going on?"

"Later," Paige said.

Zoey smiled at the sight of Wyatt, "Oh, is this your son?"

"Yes, this is Wyatt Matthew Halliwell," Piper said and kissed her son on the cheek.

"Wyatt?" Zoey asked curiously.

"Yeah, after his dad."
****
Leo orbed into the living room.

"Piper is she here?"

"Yeah, she's in the conservatory with Phoebe and Paige."

When Leo walked into the conservatory Zoey jumped up out of her chair , "Leo!"

She ran over to him and gave him a big hug.

Leo smiled, "Zoey, it's good to see you."

"YOu two know each other?" paige said.

"Leo's my angel...or whitelighter as he calls it," Zoey said still smiling. "It's been a while, how are you?"

"I'm doing fine thanks, but what about you? You're a senior now right?"

Zoey nodded, "Yup."

"WHat's new, are you still doing photography?"

"I am still doing photography, i'm thinking about applying to the Academy of Arts College her in the city," Zoey informed. "As for what's new in quick recap, i went to the prom last year with Jake, got my liscence, got a job at the Remedy a coffe house; let's see what else... i went to vancouver with Jake in the summer and Ronnie and Summer took me to New York."

"You've grown into a beautiful lady since i last saw you."

Zoey blushed, "Leo it's been almost three years, what happened to you?"

"I got re-assigned which i'll explain about later." Leo let out a sigh, "Zoey there's something that i have to tell you."

"go on."

"i'm a different guardian angel...one for witches."

"wait then that would mean...oi." Zoey was silent. "how?"

"your parents are of magic descent."

her eyes lit up, "you know my parents?"

"no just that much."

"oh."
end of chapter three

[mcharmed21]

Chapter four
It was next the next and the beautiful weather turned overcast and gloomy. Paige walked into the kitchen, Leo and Zoey laughing.
“Having fun?” Paige said pouring a cup of coffee.
“Just catching up,” Zoey said. “Jake is going to be glad to see you when he comes back.”<br>“Are you and Jake an item now?” Leo asked.
“Leo that’s private,” Paige said grinning, “Who’s Jake?”<br>“Jake is my best friend, I’ve known him since kindergarten; and no I am not dating him. That would be weird.”<br>“You two would make a good couple; you already act like a married one.”<br>Zoey smiled, “I don’t think so.”<br>“Still with Damien, huh?”<br>“Uh no actually, we broke last month.”<br>“Sorry to hear that.”<br>Zoey laughed, “No you’re not, and you despised the guy.”<br>“Despised who?” Piper asked as she and Phoebe walked in.
“My ex-boyfriend,” Zoey informed.
“Leo?” Phoebe said teasingly.
“What? The guy was a bad type, that and he was older than her.”<br>“Yeah but only by two years; not even.”<br>“Yes but its different when you were fifteen and he was seventeen. Besides, you never listened to me.”<br>“I’m glad I didn’t.” she laughed.
Chris orbed in, “Hey I found out that her powers are bound until her eighteenth birthday, which means that whenever that is, she’s going be a target.”<br>“Zoey, when’s your birthday?” Piper asked.
“Not until next week,” she replied.
“We’re going to have to figure something out; she can’t stay here that long, her parents will get suspicious.”<br>Zoey looked at her watch and got up.
“Where are you off to?” Paige asked.
“Work, I’m covering for this girl.”<br>“How are you going to get there?” Leo asked.
“Um, by walking then taking the Bart.”<br>“I’ll go with you,” he said. Leo turned to the other, “If you get a chance try out some type of protection spell; I’ll pick Wyatt up at two.”<br>****
“There has to be some sort of protection spell that can keep her from being detected by anymore bounty hunters,” Piper said flipping through the pages of the Book of Shadows.
“What about a basic shielding spell?” Paige suggested.
“The only problem with those is that they tend to wear off after a while.”<br>The two sisters let out a sigh. They had been looking for a spell and trying to come up with a spell for two hours now. They still couldn’t come up with something powerful enough.
“Coffee?” Piper said.
“Definitely, we need a break.”<br>The two walked into the kitchen and Piper began making a fresh batch of coffee. Paige let out a sigh; Piper noticed that something had been bothering her sister but didn’t bring it up until now. “Paige what’s wrong?”<br>“Oh nothing, it’s just…Zoey kind of reminds me of me. She’s been a foster child her whole life but doesn’t know who her parents are, I remember what that feels like and it sucks. Not to mention she’s feisty and a bit stubborn.”<br>“Well she has Summer and Ronnie and it seems like she’s happy with that,” Piper reassured.
“I know but I over heard her and Leo talking last night and Summer and Ronnie are the only family she’s been with the longest. Out of five families.”<br>“Poor thing,” Piper commented, “but despite all of that, she seems to have turned out fine.”<br>Paige nodded. The two were silently sipping their coffee when Chris orbed in.
“So how’s the spell search coming along?” he asked.
“It’s not,” Paige replied.
“What do you mean?”<br>“All we can find are basic protection spells, but we don’t thing that will be good enough,” Piper explained.
“You have to keep trying,” he said pressingly.
“Since when do care?” Paige asked coldly. “If I remember correctly, you seem to not have cared when we brought her in.”<br>“Look that’s different, I can dislike the girl all I want, but you two really need to find that protection spell.”<br>“Yeah, yeah,” Piper said. “Zoey’s going to be getting off of work soon, go pick her up.”<br>“What, why do I have to?” Chris said trying to get himself out of it.
“It’s the least you could do after the way you treated her last night.” Paige said.
Chris glared at her, “Fine, I’ll pick her up.”<br>End of chapter four

[mcharmed21]

Chapter five
“Alright Zoey, I’ll see you Monday.”<br>“Have a good night Donna,” Zoey said as she served a customer.
Chris walked in and looked around the place; sofa chairs and couches were placed here and there, people sat drinking their coffee drinks and just chatting with one another. The place was dimly lit and smelled of various coffees.
Chris walked up to Zoey, “Nice apron.”<br>“What, couldn’t wait for me to go back to the manor before beginning the harassment?” Zoey placed the sugar shakers in the center of table then moved onto the next.
“Look, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have to,” Chris started.
“Then why are you here? Did Paige and Piper send you for coffees as a way to get rid of you?” She continued on with her work, moving from table to table then back behind the counter.
“I’m here because they want me to baby sit you.”<br>“Thanks but no thanks, now go, shoo,” she said annoyed. Zoey served another customer and when she turned Chris was before her, hot coffee from the pot spilled out onto her pale pink blouse. She looked up at him, “Are you trying to purposely piss me off, because it’s working.” She went behind the counter and placed the coffee pot back onto the rack.
“Look, I was told that you were getting off work and to come walk you back to the manor, now are you getting off work or not?”<br>“Is there trouble here?” a bald stuffy looking man said approaching Zoey and Chris.
“No Mr. McClintock,” Zoey replied.
“Ms. Aguilar, next time I would prefer you to more care when serving the customers. Coffee doesn’t grow on trees you know.”<br>“Well actually coffee-”<br>“Ms. Aguilar, spill coffee again and you’ll be paying for it out of your paycheck. Are we clear?”<br>“Yes Mr. McClintock.”<br>He walked away and Zoey closed her eyes and sighed. Chris smirked at her and Zoey glared at him. She took off her apron and placed it under the counter, grabbed her coat and purse and walked out.
The air was cold against her face; the streets were busy with people going in and out of the shops.
Chris ran up to her, “Zoey-”<br>She turned around violently, “What the hell is your damage? Were you trying to get me fired?”<br>“You’re blaming me for you problems?”<br>Zoey let out a sigh of frustration, “Forget it, you’re perfect and nothing anyone says to you gets through that thick skull of yours. You know, just because you’re my so-called “security” doesn’t mean we have to engage in talking with each other.”<br>“Fine,” Chris said irritated.
“Good.” The two walked along in a dreadful silence. All of sudden Zoey stopped in her tracks.
Chris turned, “What is it now?”<br>Zoey looked ahead at a young man with black hair and light brown eyes that was walking towards them. “Nothing, walk fast.”<br>Before they could pass him up the young man called out, “Zoey?”<br>Zoey flashed a smile, “Damien, hi.”<br>“Yeah, hi,” Damien said looking curiously at Chris.
Zoey sighed, “Chris this is Damien, Damien this is Chris.”<br>The two acknowledged each other with a slight nod.
“Umm, can we talk?” Damien asked. “You don’t mind if I borrow her do you?”<br>“Please, take her,” Chris said.
Zoey glared at him and followed Damien.
When the two were away from Chris, Damien grabbed Zoey’s hands.
“Damien-”<br>“Wait,” he looked down then back at her, “I miss you Zoey. We used to have fun together, I loved you, and I still do. What happened to us?”<br>“You changed when you came back from London.”<br>Damien nodded, “I want to you and I want us to go back to the way we used to be. Can you give me another chance?” He kissed her hand, “What do you say?”<br>“I don’t know, I-I have to go.”<br>Damien kissed her cheek and let her go.
“What was that all about?” Chris asked then noticed Zoey wiping away some tears. “Are you alright?”<br>“Nothing, stick to with the agreement.”<br>Chris shook his head.
End of Chapter five

[mcharmed21]

Chapter six
Piper entered the conservatory and found Zoey studying at the table. “What’s up?” she asked sitting down on the sofa chair.
“Big history exam,” Zoey replied rubbing the temples of her head.
Piper laughed as she looked through the mail, “Ah, I’m so glad I’m not in high school…but that doesn’t mean that high school didn’t help me,” Piper said quickly.
“Don’t worry, as tempting as that sounds, I’m not going to drop out,” Zoey assured with a smile, “The Academy doesn’t accept you if you don’t have a high school diploma.”<br>Chris orbed in, “Did you figure out anything for the spell?”<br>“We’re thinking of combining a couple of things, it will last up ‘till her birthday.”<br>Zoey gathered her things up.
“Where are you going? I thought you were studying,” Piper said.
“Oh I’m still going to study, just not in here anymore.” Zoey began walking out.
“Hole up, stop right there!” Piper said. Piper stood up and looked at both of them, “You two are driving not only me but the others nuts. Now you tow will talk this out right now and get over this stupid thing going on between you.”<br>Chris and Zoey were silent, Piper waited in vain. Suddenly a bounty hunter shimmered in and flung Piper and Chris across the room. Zoey ran out, the hunter followed after.
“Witchie, witchie,” he said harshly. “Where are you hiding?”
The hunter blew away the closet door, Zoey screamed. The hunter grabbed her by the throat and raised her in the air. Zoey struggled for breath and all of a sudden she appeared on the sofa.
“That’s her power,” Piper said. She raised her hands and the bounty hunter burst into pieces.
“Zoey are you ok?” Piper asked.
Zoey shook her head, “I think so. How did I get from there to here?”<br>“It’s called shimmering,” Chris said.
“Oh…is that the thing that you and Leo can do?”<br>“No, shimmering is different from orbing. Orbing is something only white lighters and elders can do.”<br>“I’m going to get working on that protection spell,” Piper said and left the room.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” Chris asked taking a seat next to her.
“I’m confused; I mean one minute I was there, the next I’m over here. It’s trippy.”<br>Chris smiled, “You’ll be fine, and you’ll get used to your power soon.”<br>“Yeah, whatever.”<br>****
“The crystals are all set in place,” Phoebe said.
“Did you hide them, because Summer might think they’re ora revitalizing crystals,” Zoey said placing a crystal under her bed.
“Yes, don’t worry about it.”<br>“The whole house is shielded now,” Piper informed, “Chris will stay here with you until Summer or Ronnie comes home.”<br>“Alright, we have to go, you have my number, just call if you need anything,” Paige said.
The three orbed out. Zoey let out a sigh and watched as Chris looked through her cd collection.
“You have a lot of cd’s,” he commented.
“Music helps the soul to live; you can borrow some if you want.”<br>Chris smiled, “You’re a very spiritual person huh?”<br>“Well not completely, Summer and Ronnie kind of rubbed off on me.”<br>“I think I’ll borrow The Cure,” he said. “Here.” He handed her an envelope.
Zoey looked at him curiously then opened the envelope and pulled out a gift card; she smiled.
“So you can buy a new blouse, since the other one is ruined.”<br>“Is this your way of saying sorry?”<br>“I’m sorry,” he said. “For the blouse and for how I’ve been treating you.”<br>“Apology accepted, thank you for the card and I’m sorry too.” Zoey laughed, “Wow, I think they should make a Hallmark card that says that.”<br>“Zoey, are you up there?”<br>Zoey got up and grabbed Chris by the arm dragging him over to the side of her bed, “Sit.”<br>“Zoey, there you are,” Summer said.
“Hey Summer, how was your day?”<br>“Good, Lola invited us to her place for dinner at six.”<br>Zoey nodded, “Groovy.”<br>“Alright, make sure to be ready,” Summer said then went down the stair. A black cat came into her room and sniffed Chris.
“This your cat?”<br>“Yeah, his name is Bonkers. You have to get going,” Zoey said.
“Nice hiding spot,” Chris said sarcastically.
“I know, but don’t feel too special, you’re not the first guy to hide there.” She laughed nervously, “Repeat that to anyone and I’ll beat you up.”<br>Chris smiled, “thanks for the cd.” He orbed out.
Bonkers stared up at Zoey curiously, “He’s not another boyfriend,” she said sweetly. “Come on Bonkers let’s go get something to drink.”<br>End of Chapter six

[mcharmed21]

Chapter Seven
“Shimmering, huh?” Leo said while playing peek-a-boo with his son.
“Yeah, she was a bit freaked out about it.” Piper smiled as she watched Leo play with their son. ‘He’s a really great father even though his job is so demanding’ she thought to herself.
“She’ll be able to deal with it,” Leo said, “she’s a strong girl.”<br>“Leo, why didn’t you ever mention Zoey?”<br>“I don’t know, I didn’t think you were interested in my other charges.”<br>Piper nodded, “When did you meet her?”<br>“When she was in the fifth grade; she was about eleven.” He smiled nostalgically.
“So, you pretty much watched her grow up then.”<br>“Yeah I guess you can say that. I watched her graduate from both elementary and middle school; went to her soccer games, met her first boyfriend, and dealt with her first break up.” Leo turned and looked at Piper, “Why are you so interested in our relationship?”<br>“Just am; I think she’s very lucky to have had you in her life for so long.”<br>Leo smiled and continued to tickle Wyatt. ‘I just hope you get the chance to do the same with your own son.’<br>****
Damien entered the dark lair that was dimly lit by only a few candles. He walked down the long desolate hall, passing by several wooden doors. Damien finally entered a large room that resembled a hall.
“You’re late,” a raspy voice said from some where in the shadows.
“I was busy,” Damien replied.
An old warlock with pale blue eyes stepped out and into the firelight. “The girl is coming into her powers, her birthday is a little less than a week away.”<br>“How do you know she’s coming into her powers already?” Damien asked.
The old warlock looked into the flames of the fire in the fireplace. “A bounty hunter went after her, it is said that she shimmered.”<br>A smile spread across Damien’s face, but it quickly vanished when the old man looked at him.
“Time’s running short, Alaster.”<br>“I’m doing the best that I can,” Damien replied a bit annoyed.
“If you’re going to prove your allegiance to the council and I, you will need to work harder; remember why you’re in this predicament in the first place.”<br>“I know why,” Damien answered growing angry at the old man’s pestering.
“Then remember that love is what got you to where you are and that the council holds your freedom,” the old man paused, “she’s in the care of the Charmed Ones now, so don’t screw this up.”<br>End of chapter seven

[mcharmed21]

Chapter eight
“Come in!” Phoebe said loudly with one hand over the telephone piece.

Zoey entered the manor and waved hi to Phoebe and she did the same.

“Alright Piper, no problem; bye.” Phoebe hung up the phone and gave Zoey a hug. “Hey how are you?”<br>
“I’m doing fine thanks and you?”<br>
“Good, so what’s up?”<br>
“Summer wanted me to give these to you guys,” she replied handing Phoebe some green and blue Tupper wear. “Its vegetable casserole in the green container, the round one is oatmeal raisin cookies and the square blue one is brownies.”<br>
The two walked into the kitchen and placed the containers on the counter.

“Wow, this is a lot,” Phoebe said.

“Yeah, she didn’t have to work today thus the all you can eat meal.”<br>
“I told you, I’m not good with kids,” Chris explained as he and Leo walked into the kitchen.

“It’s just for a couple of hours Chris and you would be doing me and Piper a big favor.”<br>
“Don’t you have a nanny? Ask her.”<br>
“She’s busy,” Leo said.

“Where does Summer work?” Phoebe asked ignoring Chris and Leo’s problem.

“Oh she teaches yoga and is a masseuse at the Daybreak Spa on Geary Street.”<br>
“Could you get me a discount?”<br>
Zoey smiled, “I’ll see what I can do.”<br>
“Zoey, could you do me a favor?” Leo said, “Could you watch Wyatt tonight from six to around eleven?”<br>
“Um…I kind of have a date but I can always cut it short, that’s fine.”<br>
“Thanks a lot; who’s the date?”<br>
“Damien,” Zoey replied quickly, and began walking out.

“Damien?” Leo exclaimed following after her.

“Don’t start with me Leo,” Zoey said in the living room.

“Zoey you shouldn’t get involved with”<br>
“Leo, I’ll be back at 5:45; bye.”<br>
“In one ear and out the other,” Leo fumed.

“Mr. Protective,” phoebe teased.

Leo glared at her.
****
Zoey and Damien walked silently down the street, the lights of the city shone on the water.

“This is awkward, isn’t it?” Damien said as the two stopped at a stone bench

“Yeah, but just a little bit,” Zoey said smiling.

“It was a little tenser earlier but the ice cream seemed to make it less,” he said scooping some chocolate ice cream onto his spoon.

Zoey smiled, “The ice cream was definitely a good ice breaker.”<br>
Damien smiled, “You got a little…here I’ll get it.” He licked her lips, Zoey giggled and held his chin with her hand and kissed him passionately.

“I have to go,” she said after a while, “babysitting remember?”<br>He sighed and kissed her once more, “Come on, I’ll drop you off.”<br>****
Wyatt giggled as Zoey tickled his stomach. “Coochie coochie coo,” Zoey said in a baby voice and laughed. “Oh you’re so handsome, yes you are.”

Chris orbed in, “So is that how you pick up all men?”<br>
Zoey glared at him, “No, and what are you doing here?”<br>
“I came to check up on you.”<br>
She smiled, “Did Leo put you up to that, to make sure that I didn’t bring a certain someone over?”<br>
Chris nodded, “That and I was going to do so anyways.”<br>
“Well at least you’re honest; I like that in a person.”<br>
Chris smiled, “Why doesn’t Leo like this Damien guy?”<br>
“He doesn’t think he’s good for me, says he’s a bad influence. Come to think of it, Leo has said that about all of the guys I’ve dated.”<br>
“Do you ever listen to him?”<br>
“If I did my life would be extremely boring…not saying that Leo is a dull person just that I wouldn’t experience the things that I have and learned from my mistakes.”<br>
Chris nodded; all of a sudden an alarm began to go off in the house.

Zoey grabbed Wyatt, “What is that?”<br>
“It’s the demon alarm, a demon must-” Before he could finish his sentence, Chris was flung across the room.

Zoey ran out with Wyatt in her arms, but she was cut off by the demon cut her off. The demon was tall with red skin and horns. “Witch!” it snarled. It held up his hand and clenched its fist. Zoey began to gasp; it seemed as if she was being strangled by an invisible force.

Wyatt’s blue shield went up and the pressure on her neck disappeared; Zoey fell to her knees. The demon shot an energy ball at her and Wyatt but it didn’t penetrate the shield. Chris ran in and swung his arm causing the demon to fly into the wall. The demon got up and threw an energy ball at Chris but he sent it back at the demon with his telepathic powers, causing the demon to explode.

“Are you alright?” he asked as he rushed over to Zoey. The shield went down and Wyatt giggled.

Zoey let out a sigh and rubbed her neck, “I think so.”<br>
Chris helped her up to her feet, Zoey looked at Wyatt, “He could’ve been hurt or worse, he could’ve-”<br>
“But he wasn’t.”<br>
Zoey bounced Wyatt a bit, “I was so scared that something might happen to him.”<br>
“Zoey we’re ok now, the demon’s gone,” Chris reassured softly.

Zoey nodded, “What about you, are you alright?”<br>“Just a couple of scratches, nothing to worry about.”<br>****
Leo orbed in and found Chris picking up broken pieces of glass in the conservatory. “What happened? Where are Wyatt and Zoey?”<br>
“Wyatt’s asleep in the playpen in the living room and Zoey’s asleep on the couch.” Leo walked over to the living room.

“We were attacked,” Chris informed in a whisper.

“Bounty hunters?”<br>
“No, a demon; Wyatt saved her,” Chris said glancing at Zoey.

Leo went over to her and pulled up the blanket up more. “Thanks for checking up on her when you did.”<br>
Chris nodded, “Should we wake her up?”<br>
Leo shook his head, “No, just let her stay here. I’m going to put Wyatt to bed; go get some rest, don’t worry about the mess.”<br>****
“Morning,” Zoey said as she entered the kitchen.

“Sleep well?” Paige asked as she piled on some pancakes onto a plate.

“Yeah, thanks for letting me crash here.”<br>
“Coffee?” Piper asked.

“No thanks, I stopped drinking coffee ever since I started working for a coffee shop.”<br>
Piper smiled and poured her some orange juice instead.

“We heard about what happened last night, are you alright?” Paige asked.

“Yeah, thanks to Wyatt and Chris.”<br>
“Hey don’t worry about what happened,” Piper said addressing the look on Zoey’s face. “You’re alive and that’s what matters.”<br>
Zoey smiled faintly and took a sip of her orange juice.

“Morning Zoey,” Leo said walking in with Wyatt in his arms.

“Good morning.”<br>
“Hey sorry for how I reacted yesterday,” Leo said.

“What happened yesterday?” Piper asked curiously.

“I got back together with my ex and Leo whigged.”<br>
“Whigged?” Piper said.

“It means to freak out,” Paige explained.

“I didn’t freak out, I was just concerned.”<br>
“Thanks for the concern but I am a big girl.”<br>
“I know time passes by way too quickly.” Leo sighed, “Do you really like him?”<br>
“Yes, I really like him; he’s a good guy Leo.”<br>
“I’ll try my best to support this.”<br>
Zoey smiled and gave him a hug.
****
Paige was busy talking to a young man when Zoey walked into her office.

“Sorry, I’ll just wait outside,” she said.

“Zoey it’s fine; Alex you can go now, just try to stick with the school work and no more cutting class.” The boy nodded and got up, “Hey Zoey,” he said as he passed by.

“Hey Alex.” When he was gone Zoey closed the door behind her, “Paige look, if this is about what happened in chemistry, I didn’t-”<br>
“Zoey I wanted to talk to you about your birthday.”<br>
“Oh,” she said as she took a seat.

“What happened in Chem.?” Paige asked now interested.

“Nothing,” Zoey said quickly. “So... what about my birthday?”<br>
Paige looked at her curiously before beginning. “My sisters and I, along with Leo, thought it would be best if you come over for a while on Sunday, since you’ll be coming into your powers and might be attacked.”<br>
Zoey nodded, “How long, because Summer and Ronnie wanted to take me out to celebrate around five.”<br>
“I’m sure it won’t take that long, this stuff usually happens quickly with new witches, believe me I know.”<br>
“Wow, sounds like fun,” Zoey said sarcastically, “so what time should I come over?”<br>
“Tenish?”<br>
Zoey got up, “Alright, see you then.”<br>End of Chapter Eight

[mcharmed21]

Chapter Nine
“Did the book mention any other type of demons that would be most likely to attack on her birthday?” Piper asked as Phoebe closed the book of shadows.

“No, it didn’t specify any one type, but chances are any type of evil will attack to get her on their side.”<br>
Piper nodded her head in silent agreement. Phoebe looked at her sister curiously, a sense of concern flooded through her.
“Piper what’s bothering you?”<br>
“Nothing.”<br>
Phoebe raised an eyebrow.

“You know, I hate it when you do that, it’s weird."

“I’m sorry, I can’t help it. Now tell me what’s bothering you.”<br>
Piper looked at Phoebe, “Is there an off switch button to that power of yours?”<br>
Phoebe shook her head, “You’re ignoring my question.”<br>
Piper sighed, “Fine, but don’t say anything until I’m finished. What if Zoey isn’t a witch that we’re supposed to save? What if it’s not claiming that the demons want but more of a way to put her on her destined path…I mean she shimmers, isn’t that a demonic power? Also what about all the attacks that have been made on her; with Paige there weren’t any bounty hunters, there was the source yeah but he was trying to keep the power of three from being brought back. It’s just she seems to have more evil coming after her than we do in a couple of days.” Piper paused and looked at Phoebe, “This would be the part where you add in your opinion.”<br>
“Oh right. I understand where you’re coming from-”<br>
“Then you’ll understand that we don’t know much about who she is or who her parents are. Maybe Chris was -”<br>
“Piper before you finish that sentence think of this: Paige believes that this girl needs our help and our sister is following her intuition and we all know how powerful that is. I understand also that we don’t know much about her, but Leo trusts her, isn’t that enough?”<br>
Piper remained silent for a while, “You’re right, if Leo trusts her then I trust her.”<br>
Phoebe smiled, “And I know that you’re not just saying that.”<br>
Piper rolled her eyes.
****
The radio was playing medium loud but Zoey and Damien weren’t paying much attention to it. The two were engaged in some serious making out on the bed.

“Damien, someone could catch us,” Zoey said.

“So,” he replied as he continued to kiss her and unbutton her shirt.

“Damien I’m serious, Ronnie and Summer would freak.”<br>
“Unless,” Damien grabbed the stereo remote control and turned the volume up. The White Stripes Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground played loudly.

“I like this song,” Zoey commented.

Damien kissed her neck; Zoey suddenly rolled him and her off the bed, she tried to stifle a laugh and placed a finger to her lips. She peaked over the bed, “Ronnie!”<br>
“Hey! The music!”<br>
Zoey turned down the volume, “Sorry, what’s up?”<br>
“Summer wanted me to tell you that we’ll be going out to dinner. We’ll leave in fifteen minutes.”<br>
“Ok.”<br>“What were you up to?”<br>
“Cleaning out under my bed,” she said quickly.

Ronnie nodded and left the room.

Zoey waited for a few moments then sat down next to Damien, “I’m so sorry, are you alright?” she laughed.

Damien smiled, “I’m fine. We do have fifteen minutes though…” he pulled her closer to him.

Zoey kissed his cheek, “Some other time.” Zoey leaned on Damien’s shoulder.

“What are you doing for your birthday?” he asked stroking her hair.

“I’m going to spend half the day with some friends, dinner with Ronnie and Summer…maybe we can hang out afterwards?”<br>
“Actually I’m going out of town for a few days.”<br>
“Oh, then maybe when you come back,” she said quietly.

Damien reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small black ring box and handed it to Zoey. “Happy Birthday.”<br>
Zoey smiled, “You didn’t have to get me-”<br>
“Just open it.”<br>
“Damien,” Zoey exclaimed as she opened the ring box and found a silver banded ring with a small sapphire stone.

“Do you like it?”<br>
“It’s beautiful,” Zoey said as he slipped it onto her finger. She gave him a kiss, “I love you.”<br>
“I love you too.”<br>End of Chapter nine

[mcharmed21]

Chapter ten
“Alright she’s going to be here any minute,” Paige announced as she walked into the kitchen where Piper was busy cooking. “How’s the cake coming along?”<br>
“It’s done two layers chocolate with a raspberry filling and fresh chocolate icing.”<br>
“The table is set,” Phoebe announced.

“Good now all we need is the ice cream,” Paige said. “Who’s in charge of that again?”<br>
“Chris is where is he anyways?”<br>
Chris orbed in, “Hey, got the ice cream. Sorry it took a while, do you know how many flavors of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream there is?”<br>
Phoebe laughed and put the ice cream into the freezer. The door bell rang.

“I’ll get it,” Leo said from the hall. “Hey Zoey, happy eighteenth!” Leo gave her a hug.

“Thanks, hey Wyatt,” she tickled his stomach.

Piper, Phoebe, Paige and Chris came out to greet her.

“Hey sweetie, happy birthday!”

They hugged her and when she came to Chris she gave him a quick hug, “Thanks for the blouse,” she said pointing out the light green one that she was wearing.

“No problem.”<br>
Paige walked over to the hall closet and retrieved a big shopping bag, “Happy Birthday.”<br>
Zoey smiled, “Thanks you guys.”<br>
“The sweater is from me, the skirt is from Piper and the shoes are from Phoebe.”<br>
“Groovy, a new outfit.”<br>
“Oh, who gave you this?” Phoebe asked taking hold of Zoey’s right hand. Paige and Piper came closer for a better view of the ring.

“It’s beautiful, is that sapphire?” Paige asked.

Zoey nodded, “It’s my gift from Damien.”<br>
“Oh how- demon!” Phoebe said.

They turned and found a large demon with black eyes and horns. He threw a red energy ball at them, Chris telepathically sent it back towards the demon but he dodged it. The demon disappeared, and then reappeared behind Phoebe. Phoebe turned and dropped kicked him causing the demon to stumble backwards. Phoebe made to kick him again but the demon caught her leg in mid air and swung her into the wall. Piper tired to blow him up but it didn’t work, all that happened was that the demon had flinched as if hit by an invisible force.

“Ok,” Piper said as she backed up. “Leo get Wyatt out of here now!” Piper froze the demon.

“What now?” Paige asked.

“Book of Shadows,” Phoebe said.

The five of them were heading up the stairs when another energy ball came flying and hit the wall in between Chris and Piper. They ran up to the attic and when they got there the demon was before them. The demon raised his hands and all five of them were raised into the air. The demon laughed a deep vicious laugh and sent four of them flying across the attic. Zoey looked about and tried to move but nothing happened. Suddenly she was in front of the demon; he turned her around, her back was to him, and held her in place with one arm tightly over her chest.

“Piper freeze him,” Phoebe said.

Piper froze the demon but then it shifted out of it. The demon grabbed hold of Zoey’s arm and out stretched it with her palm facing towards the others. Paige grabbed a potion vile and threw it at the demon from the side; the demon whipped around, Zoey’s arm was still out stretched. The potion vile flew backwards as if it were sent back by an invisible force. A violent wind whipped about the attic.

“What the hell is going on?” Paige asked.

Suddenly they were knocked back by a huge gust of wind. Paige looked around and found an atheme, she orbed and appeared behind the demon and stabbed him in the back. The demon yelled out in pain and dropped Zoey. Piper threw a potion vile at him and the demon burst into flames and disintegrated.

“Are you alright?” Paige asked as she helped Zoey to her feet.

“I think so. What was that?”<br>
“Apparently some sort of demon that is immune to witches powers,” Phoebe answered.

“No not the demon,” Zoey said. “The wind, it just came out.” She glanced at her hand.

“Came out of you?” Piper asked curiously.

“Yeah, it was weird but I felt it surge through me.”<br>
The sisters exchanged looks.

“The demon must have somehow known that power would be activated today and manipulated it to his advantage,” Paige guessed, “Can demons do that?”<br>
“I have heard of leech like demons, mainly tales of them…no one’s ever really confirmed that they existed,” Chris said.
End of Chapter ten

[mcharmed21]

Chapter eleven
“So how do you feel?” Ronnie asked as they finished up dinner.

“Fine, why?” Zoey asked after taking a sip of her pink lemonade.

“You’re eight-teen now, you’re an adult,” Ronnie said.

“Your life is about to change in unexpected ways,” Summer added.

Zoey smiled, “You have no idea.”<br>****
“The time is almost here, the leech has done his job, Alaster,” a demon with white eyes said as he kept his eyes to the ground.

Alaster nodded a smiled spread across his inhuman face. The fire light cast an eerie glow onto Alaster’s blue and black skin. His shadow stood tall and broad shouldered.

Alaster’s fangs showed through his smile. “You’ve done well; unfortunately I will no longer be requiring your services.”

Alaster snapped his fingers and the demon combusted. He laughed, his body shifted back into his human form; Damien walked away.
The end

*Hey thanks for reading my story hope you enjoyed it. the next installment of the series is on the way soon*