The manor that was situated in London, the home of four young adults who are about to find out they are not like the others. Two of the siblings had moved out and one was on the road a lot. Each sharing the first later of their names. Kaylah the oldest of the four sisters who has a modelling career which may turn upside down in the coming days to years. Kaylah is set to come home for a while, but will it be permanent? Karen the second oldest, though unemployed is the only one who is still living in the house the four grew up in. Krissy being the third born is the one who is normally always on the road but with fate coming up will she stick about or stay her normal self. Finally the youngest of the four sisters Kat, currently a nurse in the northern part of the country who is set to return to work closer and be with her family.

A few months ago the four girl’s father died, one was only there half-sister but was treated like a full sister as they have yet to find out about this secret, one of many which will be revealed over the incoming years. Their mother which unknown to the sisters is a witch and the four girls are about to find out they are witches as well.

The manor within London was a four floor house with a basement for storage, the top floor being nothing more than an attic which the girls were not allowed to enter. The attic was where the Book of Shadows sat alongside other things such as drawers, chests, boxes and other stuff that ends up in the attic at some point in their life if they are tossed into a skip or dump. The Book of Shadows having spells to bind, call the spirits, strip power, kill demons and do a whole lot of other things. A book that has been passed down from generations so the new generation can defeat evil and protect the innocent. Unlike the rest of the members of the family these four would turn out to be the Charmed Ones, though normally it only took three there were four of them.

The third floor was mainly bedrooms, there were five of them. The parent’s room which was now the mother’s room is the master bedroom. Then there is Kaylah’s room and on the opposite side of her room, across the hall was Karen‘s room. Before those bedrooms were Krissy’s and Kat’s bedrooms. Each being a standard bedroom, there was enough space to have a double sized bed in, some wardrobes, draws and other stuff along with a closest. There were two bathrooms on this floor and there was one more on the ground floor. The first floor (aka ground floor) was where the living room, kitchen, side room and dining room, each mostly open space, only a few walls keeping them apart. The second floor has two guest bedrooms with en-suit bathrooms with a few other rooms which were not being used at this time.

The Charmed Ones-The Beginning

It had been a few months since Karen had seen Kaylah and Kat and had been even longer since she saw Krissy. The one that they considered the black sheep of the family, according to her mother the three would be returning home today for reasons that had not been mentioned. What could this be about, it must have been something important but her thought was derailed when she heard the doorbell. It was most likely one of her sisters, most likely Kaylah as she always seemed to be the first home and last to leave. The 31 year old made her way to the front door where she opened the door to see she was right.

Kaylah: “Hey sis, what you been up too?”

Karen: “Nothing much, been in and out of several jobs but none of them were permanent though. Overall all I am just trying to help out until I figure out what I want to do. So how is being a model going?”

Kaylah walks in through the front door which had stain glass pattern, both doors did. She walked in with two suitcases, one was very big and the other was on the small side. Both were black hard cases, both had metal frames and both had rubber like wheels to help move them as well as some handles for carrying. The first part of the house had hard wooden floors, a side table with some keys on and a newspaper, an umbrella stand with three umbrellas in it already, a chandelle hanging close by as source of light when it was dark and used as décor when it was bright. A mirror was hanging on the other side of the hall with only two potted plants to keep it company. Both plants being Swiss cheese plants, one on the right and one on the left.

Kaylah: “It’s great Karen but you hardly get any time to yourself as when one shoot is finished another is about to start. So I felt over worked and being home now will give me the break I need and plus I get to see how my younger sisters are doing.”

At this point Karen closed the door and offered to take one of the suitcases, of course being Karen she offered to take the heavy one. But like Kaylah was normally she began to tell her to take the small one and there a fight began.

Karen: “Do you still think I am a weak young girl?”

Kaylah: “No, I just think it is a bit too much for you to handle.”

Karen: “Give me the suitcase before you burst a vein on your forehead.”

Kaylah: “I don’t have a vein on my forehead, but if you keep this up there will be.”

A little later on their mother had come down to see the two fighting like they used to though it was more of a playful fight then a fight fight. The mother was blonde just like how Kat was; the others took the hair colour from their father’s side. Though she was 55 she still looked young like many of the people in her family tree. She had a red thrill dress on with some red high heels to match. In fact her finger and toe nails were also a shade of red with her lip being the same. The two had no idea why she was dressed up but they did not question her when she started to break up this play fight.

Kerri: “OK, OK calm down girls you can fight later on. Oh by the way Kat just called and said she will be here in a bit, still have not heard from Krissy yet. I thought her rebellious phase would have gone by now but maybe she is just that sort of person. Anyway dears I got to go to the club and set up for tonight, it is salsa night though normally I would not do these kind of things but a changeup will bring some more people in. I have a few hours before I leave though, I am sure Ben and Adam can look after the club until then.”

Kerri soon walks towards the kitchen. In the end Kaylah just let Karen do what she wanted and she watched as Karen struggled to get the suitcase upstairs. Slowly but surely she managed to do it but she still had another set of stairs to go. Kaylah at this point walked into the living room. There was a large flat screen TV in the corner of the room at an angle showing some space behind it, it was on a double glazed glass table which had a Blu-ray player on the shelf below. Next to it was a potted plant. The middle of the room had a big rag with a wooden table on it, to the left of the table was a sofa and next to that were two sofa chairs that faced the TV alongside the sofa. The table had a wooden bowl on it which had various things in it, next to it were the remote controls to the TV and Blu-ray player.

Large curtain hung over where the large window was, light beaming through it as the daylight was still going strong. A large tower stereo stood at the other corner of the room which had one speaker to the left and one to the right. Next to it was a rack of CD’s, each CD being of a different genre. Just like the hallway a chandelle was presence in the room.

Kaylah: “Still the same since I left here.”

A little later Karen was downstairs again after lagging that big suitcase; Kaylah was in the kitchen with Kerri or to her mum. At this point a red ford focus pulled into one of the parking spaces of the manor. The sound had Karen’s attention making her go to the front door to see who it was. The front of the house had many plants and statues as well as a metal gate and some solar powered lights, the really good yet expensive kind. There is where she saw the red Ford Focus, that was Kat’s car which was alongside Kaylah’s Land Rover, her Mini, her mother’s Mercedes and all on its own to the left of the manor was a Noble, the car that belonged to her father when he was alive.

The blonde had stepped out of the car at this point, sunglasses protecting her eyes from the harsh light that was present today. Karen soon greets her as Kat starts to get her stuff out of the boot of the car.

Kat: “Hey Karen could you move that big suitcase for me. My body frame finds it difficult to do it; I had to pay someone to put it in the boot for me.”

Karen made a face as she remembered how heavy the last one was but she went to do it anyway. She soon began to lag the thing closer to the house. Kat picks up two smaller suit cases.

Drake had been the caretaker of the grounds and mansion for coming on to 20 years or more, when it was just Karen, Kerri - the mother and himself, Drake had it easier as the mother insisted that she did the house work while he tended the gardens and any small DIY job that cropped up, and things had been going steady for a long time. Then the news of Kerri's husband passing away; Drake had been a rock for both of the women who lived in the mansion - but today he had been informed the other three sisters were coming home, for how long? Only he knew that as he was a Whitelighter, a guardian angel to good witches, he had been assigned to the sisters before they were born; Kerri knew what he was, but Karen, Karen was wary of Drake. Not that he was rude or impolite - just the fact that to her eyes he never changed, age didnt effect him ...

As the doorbell rung numerous times and voices raised from time to time, he knew the time was soon; that the girls would be told of their heritage, their fate, and their powers - it would be time for him to step up soon; but not right now. Drake smiled to himself as he watered the plants and amused himself with humming parts of songs he was listening too. Before too long he popped out the earphones and concentrated for a few seconds - using one of his whitelighter powers to sense how many of the sisters had returned and he smirked as his power alerted him that all but one of the sisters had finally returned to the mansion.

Picking up the empty watering can and turning off the music, Drake headed up the back steps and into the kitchen:

"Kerri?" he called out, "Just finished the garden and was going to break for lunch." He stopped and smiled and saw Kaylah in the kitchen with her mum. "Wow, it has been a long time, Kaylah? You sure have grown up." He knew it to be Kaylah, but he said her name as a question, the game was still on.

---

In a dark cavern two open fire touches cast barely light on a thrown carved from the rocks, this thrown was not unoccupied as sat upon it was a shadowy figure, a demon and not just a demon, but a powerful demon; close to the source. He snapped his fingers and two people on bended knee blurred into being. The shadowy beings hands came together and he smiled almost sardonically.
"About time." he almost drawled as plans started to formulate before the destined charmed ones gain their powers....

The kitchen itself was rather modern. Black granite work surfaces which were mostly around the edges of the kitchen with another work surface in the dead middle of the kitchen, wooden doors where below the counters themselves except the middle which was mostly solid wood with a few draws here and there which contained various kitchen wares. The sink sat on the left side of the room where the big window was and next to it was a chrome dishwasher that had some cupboards in-between them. The fridge was to the left of the chrome fridge/freezer which itself was surround with cupboards. On the work surface there was a knife set, a four slot toaster, a microwave on the other end of the counter, away from the sink as well as a few other things.

The large chrome gas oven was built into the granite work surface in the middle of the room. A space had been cut for it to slip in and it worked very well in the room as well. Several chairs were next to the middle counter, there were on the opposite side of the oven where four people could sit down. Some décor was dotted around the kitchen to give it more personality. The lights were built right into the walls, small and round which were scattered across the kitchen to give it enough light when it was dark. Four in the middle and six cross each side of the room.

Drake: "Kerri?"

Drake: "Just finished the garden and was going to break for lunch."

Kerri: “OK dear. I am sure we can manage without you for a while. Oh I have a slice of cake with your name on in the fridge. Take it when you want it OK.”

Drake: "Wow, it has been a long time, Kaylah? You sure have grown up."

Kaylah smiled at the man who seemed to have not aged a day since she first met him. Maybe he had that youth thing going on like some people had. Drake had been a part of this family for 20 years and he was the glue probably the most important person when it came to the manor or personal problems.

Kaylah: “It certainly has been a long time Drake and you still have not aged a day, what is your secret? Anyway how have you been these days?”

She remembered various things that happened in her life when she was younger and he was there when her parents were not, they had to work a lot until the mother stopped one day to open a club called 4K which was now one of the biggest clubs in London. Karen clearly had the closet relationship with him not because she was left at home as even as a child she would visit him daily and help him in the garden.

Drake stood there and smiled, cake was always a favorite with him. "Ill be sure to have that soon...Wouldnt want someone else getting their mitts on it." he smiled and winked at Kerri, knowing full well who he meant, his attention turned to Kaylah. "Ah that would be telling." he spoke in a soft manner as he wagged his finger at her in a jokey sort of way before carrying on with what he was going to say in a more serious (yet still soft) tone. "I have been fine thank you." At this point he had wanted to consoul her about the death of her father but didnt know how to go about it, so decided to himself he would only speak of it if she spoke first.

Moving to the fridge Drake got a number of things out and placed them on the center work surface and started making a ham and cheese toastie. As the sandwich press to cook his lunch he munched on the slice of cake that Kerri had kept for him, he closed his eyes and smiled as he ate the cake, in truth he didnt need to eat as the food provided no sustenance for him (being an angel rather then a mortal) but he had to keep up the act as Karen still lived at home and it had not been the time to reveal what he was, but in all honesty, he liked the taste of food and so he didnt complain.

"Whats it like being back after all this time Kaylah?" he spoke between mouthfuls of food, by this time his toastie was ready and he sat on one of the bar stalls and tucked in.

Drake seemed to have moved from the fridge to the counter, must of be his lunch time and it looked like he was making a toasted sandwich with ham and cheese. It looked like he enjoyed the cake though his lunch item was completed. Eventually he asked her another question. His question was asked in-between several bites of food. The mother smiled when she watched him eat the cake she left behind, it had been ages since she had seen someone enjoy it. Karen was the only other one because since her husband died. She soon thought about making another one before the other child returned, her lovely black sheep. The one who brought the most unusual drama to the family.

Kaylah: "I guess a little strange until I get used to the idea and of course many memories come rushing back. I will be able relax more too as modeling jobs don't seem to end, one ends another starts. But now I get to see how my sisters are doing."

At this point Karen was lagging stuff up the first flight of stairs with Kat following close behind, she could tell she was struggling but Kat had an even weaker frame then Karen. Slowly but surely the first flight of stairs were conquered. Kat soon slides by and goes up the second set to place her bags in her room. Karen had not started the second set of stairs yet making Kat return to help the best she could. Kat was quite weak but since there were two of them maybe they could shift it much quicker. She took the back route which meant Karen would still get the most pressure, just not as much as before. With both of them taking it up to Kat's room it was done though Karen dredged Krissy's stuff as her stuff was always heavy even the small stuff.

With that done Karen and Kat go to the kitchen, along the way exchanging a few words, when they both entered the kitchen Karen smiled at seeing Drake, the person she was most fond of who was not her parents or sisters. Kat noticed but did not say anything as she made her way to the counter where she saw her mother getting ready to bake another cake. Kerri was a baker before leaving that and becoming a full time mum and then becoming a club owner which would eventually become the her daughters club. Kaylah approaches Kat and starts to go on about her Kat's job making those two rather busy and the mother busy though she could talk if someone spoke up. Karen soon went over to Drake and smiled at him.

Karen: "So Drake how are you doing today? Also I love how the garden is alive, you must have a magic touch or something."

Her face would of gone bright red but she managed to stall it a bit now but it would come out soon enough, she managed to do it after practicing for years. Her hands on the counter as she leaned against the middle counter where Drake was eating his hot food item. Funny enough though Drake had been here for 20 years he barely ever talked about himself, it always somehow went to something about her, her sisters mother, father when he was alive or something else about life. When she tried he would go off topic or throw a question at her making her forget to push for some knowledge of him. Hopefully things would be quite for a while longer before miss loud pants comes back, she had a nickname for Krissy but it had been a long time since her sister came home, after the service of her fathers burial Krissy left, she did not come home, not even for a few hours.

Kaylah: "I guess a little strange until I get used to the idea and of course many memories come rushing back. I will be able relax more too as modeling jobs don't seem to end, one ends another starts. But now I get to see how my sisters are doing."

By the time Kaylah had spoken Drake had finished the first half of his toasted sandwich. He paused before turning to see her facial expression, it was a mix of happyness and a bit lost. "Yes I can understand that its odd being back in your childhood home after so many years away - but as you said you have the time to recconect with your sisters in person." Drake had a somewhat tender expression, knowing full well what was about to happen, but knowing now was not the time, but still understanding what Kaylah was talking about.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Kerri start making the preparations to make another cake, which brought a smile to his face, nothing was better in his opinion, then a home baked cake. Only moments later they were joined in the kitchen by Karen and Kat. "Hello girls." Drake addressed the two latest additions to the kitchen, he watched as Karen made a bee line to half lean against the island where he was sat. As she spoke to Drake he could see her fighting off a blush as she spoke:

Karen: " So Drake how are you doing today? Also I love how the garden is alive, you must have a magic touch or something."

As Drake had just taken a large bite from his toastie as Karen spoke he almost choked as she spoke of magical touches. After coughing down his bite of lunch he looked at Karen, slightly enjoying the effect he seemed to have on her as he answered her. "I am doing well thanks, and how about yourself? Enjoying seeing your sisters again? And thank you it takes dedication to have a garden looking so vibrant - but that would be telling." He gave her one of his cheeky winks as a distraction as he would often use if she got to close to talking about magic or his past. "Helping your sisters with their luggage must be giving you a nice work out Karen."

Drake: "I am doing well thanks, and how about yourself? Enjoying seeing your sisters again? And thank you it takes dedication to have a garden looking so vibrant - but that would be telling."

Karen: "Same as normal except my sisters are returning so hopefully things will get a bit more exciting around here. It does get a bit boring here on my own, most friends are working so I can only chat to mum or you Drake. Kaylah being in a different time zone does not help, Kat working the night shift and sleeping during the day is a downer too. On top of that Krissy does not answer her phone, I wonder if it is just for me or if it applies to everyone. I guess you might be much busier now that the girls are coming home or are home."

She made a quick cheeky smile as she stuck her tongue out for a moment. The face did not last though as her face went back to the cheery way it always was. By this point Drake had something else to say and it was related to what she was doing moments ago.

Drake: "Helping your sisters with their luggage must be giving you a nice work out Karen."

Karen: "Yeah I guess but I could just imagine Krissy's stuff, she will most likely have like several more big items then the others. Most likely her instruments and her clothing. Why can't she be more like Kaylah, Kat or me? The noise level will certainly be up as well so the peace and quite will be gone."

The thing was that would only be a part of the problem as soon the things they thought were not real would come and try to destroy the future charmed ones. Warlocks, demons, vampires, trolls, gremlins, banshee's and a whole load of other things would be getting in the way. Soon Kaylah and Kat were back at the counter where Karen, Drake and Kerri were. A wave of memories flashed back for the three sisters despite one missing but she would normally be off being noisy in her room. The memory was of them baking something in the kitchen with each other, Kerri and David which was there father's name. Kaylah was 15 at this time and so they were all old enough to handle baking.

The memory was short lived as Karen soon took a sit next to Drake, Kat went to the fridge to get some orange juice and Kaylah just stood in the closet corner of the room. They were still missing one sister, she always liked to be late and she always seemed to be the distant one as well. Kaylah hoped she could reach Krissy this time round, hopefully she, Kat and Karen could do something together, it had been a long time since they had done such a thing. She then wondered if Drake ever managed to get through to the third eldest. It would only be a little longer before she came home and the group in the kitchen would know it as well.

Karen: "Same as normal except my sisters are returning so hopefully things will get a bit more exciting around here. It does get a bit boring here on my own, most friends are working so I can only chat to mum or you Drake. Kaylah being in a different time zone does not help, Kat working the night shift and sleeping during the day is a downer too. On top of that Krissy does not answer her phone, I wonder if it is just for me or if it applies to everyone. I guess you might be much busier now that the girls are coming home or are home."

Drake nodded, 'urm'ed and arh'ed in the right places as Karen spoke, but couldnt help but chuckle at the mention of him being busier now the house was full again, by this time he had finished his lunch and had turned fully to face her as she responded about her workout with her sisters luggage, which she mentioned about all the equipment and clothes her sisters had, which made him smile thinking about the fact he had to rebuild Karens wardrobe and bed to accommodate more clothes and shoes as she grew up.

"If the noise gets too much I could always get some soundproofing in one of the unused rooms and set up a bit of a mini studio for her - if it gets to that, not that I am volunteering for extra work mind."

Drake shook his head a tiny fraction, thinking that noisy and messy sisters would be the least of the issues soon enough.

---

"So you understand what the plans are?" The shadows spoke to the two kneeling hired demons. "Soon enough, it is said that the Charmed One's legacy is about to be enacted - and it is your job to prevent this, simple enough? You know what is at stake and what your reward is for success and your punishment for failure?"

The two demons looked at each other quickly nodded before bowing once more before the shadowy demon sitting before them. "Yes my lord." they both spoke in unison, riches beyond their reckoning or lose their powers to the upper level demon before them, although as hired guns, they only had low level powers - losing theirs to him would only increase his own current powers - but this was a risk the two were willing to take for fame among the underworld and the riches to go with it,

"Leave me now and make your preparations, you know when to strike."

A final nod and they both blinked away...

Drake: "If the noise gets too much I could always get some soundproofing in one of the unused rooms and set up a bit of a mini studio for her - if it gets to that, not that I am volunteering for extra work mind."

What he said made Karen smile, even though it was no joke it felt like one and it was most likely going to happen too. Poor Drake would have to hear Krissy go on about what she wanted and where she wanted it. She was not hard to please but she was hard on the people doing things for her and the sisters had no idea where that came from either. The fact that Drake was now face to face with her meant she had his full attention though that was short lived as the area went from a nice peaceful place to a place which grew louder and louder every passing second. Kaylah looked over a nearby glass of water where she watched it start to move more and more, that meant one thing. Karen kind of frowned, yes her sister was coming home but Drake would be off or looking elsewhere in a matter of no time.

Two minutes later the sound of loud guitars, bass, drums, keyboard and vocals could be heard blurring out at a stupid volume. The mother stayed where she was while Kaylah and Kat went to the front. Karen stayed close to Drake though knew she had to go to the front to greet the rebellious sister. The walk was short as the two sisters peered out to see a tour bus parked outside the manor with the music now even louder as the bus doors opened. The words blood on the floor repeated several times, the sisters had to cover there ears over the insane volume being pumped out of the tour bus, lucky the nearest place was a mile away or noise complaints would be frequent. Karen could hear the loud aggressive guitar tones, bass, drums and vocals all the way from the kitchen. She kind of smiled at Drake once more before trailing towards the front door where a loud roar left the bus.

By the time Karen reached the front door the music was cut as the tour bus was now no longer running. Krissy jumps off the bus with a guitar case behind her, being the good sister Karen waved and began to approach the distance sister. Like Krissy always did she just gave a nod which was the best they would get from her. Kaylah and Kat soon approached hoping Krissy was in a pleasant mood which surprisingly she was. When the three were close she pulled them in and gave them a hug, something she normally did not start herself but usually ended.

Krissy: "What's uuuuuuuppppppppppppp."

The 90's catch phase rearing its ugly head once more. The sister were not sure how to react to Krissy's strange mood as they were released from there hold of the third oldest sister. Kaylah being the oldest and probably least deaf of the four spoke up first.

Kaylah: "Nice to see you again sis but must you have the music up that loud?"

Krissy: "Hell yeah, live heavy, live loud and live hard or go home."

Kaylah, Karen and Kat: "................."

Krissy: "Anyway who is going to help me unload the bus?"

The three girls looked at each other as they saw Krissy move the side panel away from the side of the bus to reveal a tone of stuff making them wonder how they would do this in such a short time. Karen came to the conclusion that Drake would be needed followed by Kat and then Kaylah. Of course they would not let him do all the heavy lifting, just some of it as Kat and Karen would have to do it together due to Kat's weak frame and Karen's semi weak frame. Most of the items in the side department were musical instruments with two suit cases that had clothing and whatever else she most likely had. Hopefully Drake would come to the front to see the tour bus parked right outside the front door. Just like that Krissy handed a bass and guitar to Kaylah, a bass drum to Karen, the cymbals were packed up and given to Kat who would even have a problem with this sort of task and if Drake was seen she would hand him the rest of the drum kit to handle. Her room was big enough to handle all of this instruments. Krissy would take her own suitcases.

Krissy: "Drake take the rest of the kit up."

She yelled the last part out in case he did not hear it, the mother could hear her daughter yell from the kitchen, something Krissy had was a powerful voice.

Soon after very loud music could be heard from outside, As Drake had put his plate and utensils into the dishwasher and closed it up he looked up and Kerri just gave him a look as if to say: 'Go and help the girls, they will most likely need your help.' So with a smile Drake went out front after the girls and his suspicions confirmed as the last of the four sisters climbed out the van and started passing stuff around.

By the time Drake had closed the front door Krissy spotted Drake and yelled at him to grab at the rest of the stuff, which he made his way down, dodging the other three sisters with what they were carrying back into the house. The rest of the stuff was easily manageable and he shut the van's boot and doors and made his way back into the manor, slowly dragging the stuff up the stairs he made his way to Krissy's old room (which he had kept updated with her moods and as she grew, so it was not still the baby room it had once been) and placed the items in their, turning to Krissy and her three sisters he spoke: "I know your quite inclined to play your music, and fairly loud, if it gets too much of a problem for your sisters and mother, I will most likely be begged to put up some form of sound insulation. But enough of that, welcome back girls." With that he spread his arms open as he had done in their youth to indicate a group hug, although he was the groundskeeper the girls and their mum had made him feel as part of the family.

Soon Drake did something the girls actually knew and remembered as the four went in for a hug. He was engulfed by them, some men would be envious at the sight and of course being four of them meant he could not hug all of them, but they hugged back so the feeling was there even if it was not completely physical. Karen liked this the most because she felt he gave the best hugs though so did Kat, the youngest of the sisters who generally went to him when she needed one. She also called him often out of the four though one did not need to call because she was around.

((20 hours later-11am))

Since the sisters were back now, there mother Kerri decided to have a big BBQ and invite family and friends to the event. She had pre-planned everything and lucky all of them showed up as Krissy had a chance of not turning up at all. Drake would be the cook with the kiss the cook apron on. Kerri and Kalyah would help him time to time as he would be swamped by people. The girls had helped Drake bring the large tables from the large storage shed; the tables were laid out in a 4x4 fashion which were placed in the centre of the large back garden. The big BBQ grill was laid to the right where a coal pit was also located for fuel. This grill which was basically new looking due to Kerri’s cleaning skill could cook 40 sausages, 30 burgers, 20 chicken sticks or 40 wings at one time.

Due to the size the grill could not be moved and so was covered when not in use alongside the coal pit and little apartment that housed some safety items just in case of a fire. A large table with thee containers on top was a few inches away from the grill which had the food stored and ready for use. To the left of the tables to prevent traffic were the drinks which ranged from water to soft drinks to fruit juices to alcoholic drinks. Several ice buckets were present two and had something on them to keep it from melting too fast and it was safe as well. What the girls did not know was it was a potion that slowed the rate of it melting.

The manor itself had the music sorted, Krissy spent most of her time setting it up though the music was picked by each of the sisters, the mother and even Drake had some input as well as a few request items if needed. That was the good thing about computers they could do it without much trouble, Krissy would be the DJ or close to one. A mixing board was set up alongside other DJ equipment though the LED lights were placed all over the place in and out of the manor. Several gazebos were set up as well located a few steps away from the tables. The large garden was also free for use if one wanted to use it, all the hard work Drake did would be appreciated.

It was a few hours before the BBQ began, though the girls were busy something was lurking about, something that wanted to remove the Charmed Ones before they became them or they would be a danger to all in the underworld. No demon, warlock, evil spirit or anything evil would want them to become the Charmed Ones. Will the girl’s world turn upside down? Will they embrace there newly learned heritage?

The shadowy figure was once more sat in the half light of his roughly carved stone thrown with the two fiery touches, he leaned forward as he called for four of his low level demon goons. The four blinked in and fell to one knee, like knights before their king.

"Excellent." The shadowy demon spoke, deep, calm and with a purpose. "Now is the time to strike - if you succeed, eternal glory and the prosperity of evil,fail and you will end up dead - now go!"

With a stern look and a single clap of his hands, the four demons vanished and the almost whispy form of the demon lent back and a faint smile could be seen be the flickering of the fire.

---

Later on the girls and Drake had set up a BBQ, with plenty of meats, buns and other typical BBQ food, as the only guy it was down to him (mostly due to the girls wanting to see him in his 'Keep calm and kiss the chef' apron) to act as the chef for the occasion, Krissy - as the resident musician had supplied the music DJ equipment, while her three sisters and mother had set up tents over the food and decorated the garden which Drake thought complimented and highlighted the hard work he put into the Garden. While the sisters were distracted with various odd jobs in setting up the BBQ, Drake and Kerri used some very small spells and potions to make things go a bit smoother.

With the five of them enjoying the atmosphere, almost a welcome home party for the three sisters who had arrived at the mansion a while ago.

Four pops and the Demons appeared in four different spots around the garden, each of them conjuring a fireball and hurling it at one of the four sisters. The moment the four Demons appeared Drake instantly yelled for the girls to duck down, hoping that they would respond quickly enough, Kerri mean while had already changed in to her 'demon fighting' mind set and quickly began to use her powers to fight off the four demons...

Krissy was the quickest to react when she heard Drake shout duck. She did not question it but found it strange as she hit the floor in the room she was in. A sort of thump was heard, it was a rather semi hard sound and so only those close would hear it or those with super hearing could. Krissy would not stay down for long as she soon scrambled towards the wall where the window was. Like a flash something came flying over her and into the wall leaving a scorch mark. She did not have the time to register what it was though the flicker of orange and red were quickly seen before losing sight of it and seeing the bun mark when she looked to see where it went. By this point Kerri had flung something towards the demon who threw a fireball at Karen. Krissy managed to get a glimpse.

When Kaylah heard duck her instincts kicked in and instead of ducking took a dive towards one of the gazebos. This fireball came close and so she could feel the heat but did not understand what was happening. Overall she was the quickest on her feet and the first to see what many would call magic as she watched one demon get struck by a spell that her mother had cast. It was strange seeing such a thing but it happened and it seemed the demon that went for Karen was hit. What happened next surprised her as she heard them shout before setting a light and finally going boom. The oldest was speechless; she was the closest to Drake before diving for the gazebo for cover. The question was what he was doing that this point. She would have checked if one of the other demons did not get her attention.

Karen was mostly in the garden at the time she heard the words of Drake. She reacted a little slower but managed to dodge the fireball as it passed her and hit one of the flower beds that Drake worked hard make. Unlike Kaylah and Krissy, Karen did not get up as shock kept her in place as she felt the grass under her which cushioned her fall. All she could hear now was something screaming behind her and some male voices she had never heard of before. She tried to look the best she could within her 180 degree vision but saw nothing.

Karen: “What was that scream and what is going on?”

Of course this was not the time for answers, the demons were hear and they seemed to be hell bent on getting the girls. Kat dropped to her knees when she heard duck where just like Karen had the grass to soften the blow. When she was on her knees she shifted behind the table where a fireball flew over her and the table and hit a tree that Drake and the girls planted 15 years ago, it was a little bigger now but it still had a long time until it was fully grown. The tree was already kind of big when it was planted, it was big enough for them to plant and not have too much trouble with. Two of the sisters had seen the fireballs and the other two had not as the girls began to move from one spot to another though Krissy was indoors so she did not have to move like the others.

Kerri: “Drake take the girls to the attic, the key is above the door frame. I will vanquish the demons and then join you up there.”

It was the safest place in the manner as crystals were up there scattered across the room, just one more was needed to protect the room from evil. Drake and Kerri knew where it was too, it was sitting on the counter on the left as soon as you entered the room. The book was up there as well all unprotected and waiting for the day it was used again.

In the chaos of the attack Kerri shouted for Drake to get the girls to the attack, in the thick of the demon attack - that seemed the best thing. But to avoid any fireballs, he orbed to each of the daughters touched their shoulder and orbing up to the attic, once all four of the sisters were in the attic, seeming quite shocked how they found themselves in the attic and with Drake appearing and disappearing in a flurry of white/blue lights, Drake moved the last crystal activating the containment field.

"You are safe now girls - dont leave this attic." Not that they could anyway. "Me and your mother will be back soon, before he once more left in the flurry of lights and back to the fight in the garden. From the looks of things Kerri was holding her own, having taken out one of the demons, but with three left, Drake knew he would have to do something to help. Before he was noticed in the garden he orbed to the kitchen getting the biggest knife he could, luckily he had been using it to prep the meat for the party.) and orbed back to the garden behind the one nearest Kerri and stabbed him in the chest causing him to halt his attack, giving Kerri time to throw a potion at the demon.

It was now a two vs two fight, Drake made his way to Krissy; one demon directly infront of them, the other directly behind. The two demons looked at each other and smiled, not a happy smile - but a smile of evil satisfaction as they both sent fireballs flying towards the two, but this plan backfired as Drake orbed and one demon got hit, the other blinking out just before he got fried.

---

The shadowy demon felt when the lower level demon blinked in with out looking.

"Sire ... we....we..."

"Shut it." He spoke just two words, but his tone was nothing but a menacing hiss, it silenced the kneeling demon and he knew what was going to happen... The shadows moved and the two flames went out, nothing seemed to happen followed by an organised half scream then nothing...

"You were aware of the consequences of failure - you should not of bothered coming back here." he spoke again, less of a hiss, but still deep and menacing.

Drake: "You are safe now girls - dont leave this attic."

The girls did not understand what was going on, two of them had a glimpse but still weren’t sure how to process this event. The attic was locked from the other side so they could not leave even if they wanted too. The question was why they would want too; they could do nothing in this sort of situation. The four were restless at this point as ideas popped into their heads and theories started being thrown at each other. None of them really believable though. Drake soon said something else before disappearing once more.

Drake: "Me and your mother will be back soon

Karen was not sure where he was going and even if she wanted to stop him, he was gone in a blink of an eye. They each watched him leave the room through some form of magic which reinforced there theories of monsters, demons and whatever else was deemed a fantasy or myth. Krissy being the type of person she was moved towards the stain glassed window that was on both sides of the room as the attic took nearly the whole last floor. The windows could be opened at an angle though she opened them quickly to see what was happening, Kat joined her while the other two stayed closer to the other window which was pointing to the front of the manor.

--

Kerri was fending them off though when Drake appeared and stabbed one of the demons she took it as a chance to throw a potion at them. She had six potions to slay low level demons with were lying around the house in places the girls would not bother look in or at. Like most demons he set a light before burning into nothing, only the ashes showing of their existence. It seemed Drake took care of one when the two demons thought they had the two, they did not take into account Drakes powers to orb himself and other things. The sound of the one demon that got hit set a light and blow up, a scream meeting her hear in-between that time.

The other left the grounds in an attempt to retreat which they managed to get away with as the girls came first. The garden was a bit of a mess but it could be saved with a bit of time, they had a few hours before someone else showed up, if they all pitched in it would take even less time.

Kerri: “I guess it is time to explain to the girls what happened? I hope they are ready to hear this.”

She was sure Drake would feel the same about telling the girls that they were witches and how they would react, generally Krissy was the main one she was concerned by as she began to walk towards the manor, hopefully Drake would follow. He could help explain what they were, what he was and what his real reason for being here was even if he was basically family now. Karen had always found him a little odd or different to everyone else though not that it was a bad thing, it was just curiosity. Kerri was sure Drake would be the same about Krissy, the black sheep had always been trouble and hard to connect with as well.

--

Kaylah’s eyes roamed around the room before finally settling on something that stood out, it also seemed Karen’s eyes met the same thing though unlike Kaylah did not approach it. Their seemed to be a strange book in the middle of the room. As she approached she could see three symbols, one was all the way to the left, one was all the way to the right and another was all the way on the top of the front cover. What did they mean? She had no idea but by this point Karen had approached the book while Krissy and Kat had watched what just happened to the remaining attackers.

With the last couple of demons having been vanquished or fled, Kerri looked at Drake, speaking softly - the battle not even her making her break a sweat, a truly experienced witch.
“I guess it is time to explain to the girls what happened? I hope they are ready to hear this.”

Drake nodded and replied: "Yes, there is no point hiding this any longer, it seems as if some in the underworld have heard whispers and rumors of what is going to happen and it would be dangerous to keep the girls in the dark. Although." Drake paused for a moment. "I think it would be easier if you cast a spell to tidy this place up, Im not sure how the girls will react or how shaken up they will be, they have seen me orb, seen you use potions and powers and have witnessed their first demon attack."

Seeing Kerri walk towards the house Drake felt he knew he would need to help explain what was going on, after all he is the whitelighter that has been assigned to the family it was important to get them to understand, and although Drake was near enough family - somethings are easier coming from a non relative.

As they got to the kitchen Drake ditched the knife he had used to stab the demon into the sink, the yellow blood already congealing on the blade. The walk through the house was made in silence, both Drake and Kerri thinking about how to explain the situation to the girls. Soon they got to the locked attic door; Drake being the taller one reached for the key and unlocked it, there was no need to freak the girls out further with more orbing.

The door slowly opened, revealing Kerri and Drake to the four girls, and vice versa.

"Girls." Drake began, "The world is more than you thought it was or has ever been...its best that you take a seat, this is a lot to take in and unfortunately you dont have much time to absorb this." Drake took a deep breath and continued where Drake left off.

"To put it simply, you are Witches, practitioners of the Wiccan arts, you are able to use magic to cast spells, brew potions." Kerri too, paused to take a deep breath to steady herself. "You also have powers, now we dont know what sort of powers you will have - but once the ritual has been performed you will be able to understand what is happening to you."

While Kerri spoke, Drake walked up to the book, running a finger around the three symbols on the front of the very old looking tome,

"This, girls - is the Book of Shadows - the greatest weapon against the powers of evil, to give you a better idea, its like a wikipedia of all things magic, Information on demons, a plethora of spells and more potion recipes than you can shake a stick at." Drake smiled a bit at that, it had been part of his duties to keep upto date with mortal things such as technological advancements so that he could get close to his charges with out giving the game away.

"Soon will be the night of the full moon, and at that time you will receive you full wiccan blessings."

Drake: "Girls." Drake began, "The world is more than you thought it was or has ever been...its best that you take a seat, this is a lot to take in and unfortunately you don’t have much time to absorb this." Drake took a deep breath and continued where Drake left off.

Drake: "To put it simply, you are Witches, practitioners of the Wiccan arts, you are able to use magic to cast spells, brew potions."

Drake: "You also have powers, now we don’t know what sort of powers you will have - but once the ritual has been performed you will be able to understand what is happening to you."

Kerri: “Being a witch is not easy and it is not 100% safe either but with the right tutor meaning me and Drake over here we can train you to defend yourselves. Demons are the most common enemies though are split into high level demons and low level demons. There are also other types such as vampires, warlocks and other nasty’s which you may come up against and hopefully overcome.”

Drake: "This, girls - is the Book of Shadows - the greatest weapon against the powers of evil, to give you a better idea, it’s like a Wikipedia of all things magic, Information on demons, a plethora of spells and more potion recipes than you can shake a stick at."

Kerri: “Ah yes the Book of Shadows, a book that has been passed down from generation to generation. The time is now for you to have it until the next generation is here. The book is full of knowledge from aunts, uncles, grandparents and so on. Normally with each encounter a new part is added to the book, with each generation the pages get more and more added. With you four I am sure the pages will get even more in them.”

Drake: "Soon will be the night of the full moon, and at that time you will receive you full wiccan blessings."

The girls gave a look at each other, Karen and Kaylah easily coming to terms with such things. Kat was a little unsure what this meant for her and her social life though this was applied to all of them. The blonde found would come around to it soon, she just had to take it in for a while and think about the changes and what this meant for her and her sisters. The powers part sounded cool though she wondered what hers would be. She felt hers would be something passive just based on who she was and the frame she had.

Karen: “So we are witches who would have demons come at us for reasons we don’t really know. Have you used magic around us before?”

Kerri: “Yes dear me and Drake have though he does it when no one is really watching. I however had been using it in front of you for years. Generally they are small things that one would normally miss if they were not watching out for them. As for the demons coming for you it is normal practice for them and others of the dark arts. Even more so good witches who protect the innocents and the good within the magical community.”

Kaylah was quickly accepting of this and seemed to be very reasonable about all of this though was she ready to defend herself against demons? The problem was now that she had a even greater responsibility to her sisters and possibly her mother and Drake though the question was what was he? Kaylah and Karen generally glanced at each other a lot showing that they both took this seriously even though this was new to them and may not be something they wanted to be. Karen soon had a question.

Karen: “OK so we are witches, mum is a witch and some if not all members of the family were witches or something magical. My question is what is Drake then, is he a witch too or is he something different as I don’t think I have ever seen you do that thing Drake does?”

Kerri thought that was a good question and would let Drake answer that question as he was the white lighter and would possibly be better at explaining what he was. Her eyes watched each of the sisters to see how they took the news, it seemed Kaylah and Karen were OK with it, Kat seemed to need a little time but Krissy was hard to read. Krissy had not given anything away as she just listened to what was said. Kerri was always worried about Krissy and would talk to Drake about her time to time as she was the dark horse of the four.

Kerri just looked at Drake when Karen asked about what Drake was, realizing that Kerri wanted him to answer that question for himself.

"You would be right in assuming I am not a witch, but I will and have always played an important part of things with in the family - I am a teacher, a guide of sorts - sent from the Elders to watch over witches - the actual term for what I am is 'WhiteLighter' or 'Guardian Angel'.

It was good that that the girls, or most of them - seemed to be taking this in readily but at the same time also on edge, which to Drake; was understandable. This was a life changing event and one that could not be undone.

"Kerri" Drake began, looking at the clock above the attic door. "The first guests will be here soon - maybe a practical demonstration of what is possible would be good about now?

Kerri caught the tone of Drakes voice, remembering the garden was still a mess from the demon attack, fortunately it was only a small attack and the house was under a ward to prevent the neighbors noticing the not so private magical moments (explosions, vanquishes etc) so a quick clean up spell would not do any harm.

Drake, meanwhile continued talking to the girls. "While magic is a very helpful and powerful tool - it must also only be used in acts that do not grant personal gain, such as wealth, money or advancing in ones career etc. Any questions?"

While Kerri went to remember the spell to clean up she heard Drake ask the girls if they had any questions. At first it seemed quite like they were not sure what to ask though one stuck at like a sore thumb and of course it was the black sheep of the group. The spell came to mind but she waited to see what the girls would ask next before casting it so they could see it was a gift of sorts.

Krissy: "So I or we can't use it to grant personal gains in anything, what happens if we do? Do our powers go for a while or go all together? Is there a karma like effect?"

The other three girls looked at Krissy as they kind of knew she would bring this point up, in some ways Krissy was partly selfish though why they did not know. The fact she seemed a bit dismissive of it already from what they heard from the tone of voice alone. Krissy kept her eyes on Drake though time to time look at her mother wondering what else they had hid from the sisters since birth. A darker question soon came to mind, one the other sister would not dare ask but Krissy was different to them. The question and thoughts of that question rolled around in her head for a while, how would her mother and Drake answer it. The subject was a sore one and a very emotional one as well, the dark haired vixen soon looked over to her sisters for a moment before locking eyes with Drake once more though the question was open to both of them.

Krissy: "So you are telling me I and my sisters have powers, you have powers and Drake has powers, does that mean dad had powers? If so is that what killed him or was it because he was hunted by what you say are demons because he has powers? If he was downed by a evil creature what were you doing to protect him?"

The question could of gone on and it rather shocked the sisters that she asked such a question but out of all of them Krissy was the one to do it. Though it was a hard thing to hear they wondered if there father was magical and if he was killed by a demon or something of that nature. Kat felt rather uncomfortable by it and was silent upon hearing the question, a question she had had faded from mind and the thought of father came flooding back. Kerri felt a little hurt at what Krissy was implying but in many ways they deserved to know about what happened to him. Karen always thought it was something normal though she did not give up hope it was something natural then supernatural. Kerri would have to answer them later and do it one at a time because she felt it would be easier for them then doing it as a group.

Kerri: "I will tell you girls later, if you have any other questions I will show you a another spell."

Kerri feared Krissy's emotions more then the others, Krissy had been distant as she grew up, she loved her father but something divided her from the rest. Karen by this point had finally spoken up.

Karen: "If your a teacher does that mean you will be teaching us or will it be split between mum and you? Also is that why you have no aged a day since I first met you, does being a WhiteLighter stop the process? I guess my other question would be how did you meet my parents, did you meet like normal people or did you get a order by the elders as you have mentioned?"

Drake smiled as the questions soon came, he would of worried if they had not - but the smile didnt last long as the first question , although the most natural to ask; was also the most selfish.

With a sigh, Drake answered: "With magical attempts at personal gain, it will be punished via karma or something akin to karma. What I mean is that if you cast a spell for personal gain - the spell will backfire in some fashion." Drake paused, trying to think of a good example before speaking again. "For example if you cast a spell for wealth - there is a good chance that you would end up losing money somehow, although its not a clear cut and definitive thing to describe."

Drake was thankful when Kerri stepped in to answer about the girls father, but the questions didnt stop there.

"It will mostly be me, but there are somethings that your mother will teach you and a part of it, I dont like to say - will be down to you girls although that will mostly be honing your powers which will manifest in time.I have not aged because I am a whitelighter, but I am a whitelighter because in a way I am not alive as you girls and your mother are. I was assigned originally to your grandmother on your mothers side by the elders, who lived in this very house as it happens - I was interviewed for the job of Grounds keeper, one I managed to get, and in time I had a similar talk with your grandmother and mother and now you four."