Third Time Charmed

Enter the Witch (Part 7)

Back at the house, Piper insisted that An Ling stay for dinner. Fighting evil worked up an appetite, but more than that, she wanted to be there for the woman right now. Despite how peaceful his passing had been, Beiyan had died. The least she could do was see that his daughter got a good meal tonight. She didn't have the ingredients for Coq au Vin, but she resolved to give her old recipe a go later in the week. For now, comfort food was on the menu.

Paige assisted Piper in the kitchen while Leo tended to Prue's wounds and bruises, of which there were many. "You really fought him one-on-one?" he asked in a disapproving tone.

"Not really. I cheated," said Prue, minimizing her efforts. "I used my power and the magic of Limbo to control my body, but he still outclassed me by a mile. Ultimately, I had to throw a rock at him."

"Don't sell yourself short," said An Ling. "It was a massive boulder! Besides, Yen Lo was a master-level disciple. For you to keep up with him, even with some help, speaks volumes about your talent and potential. Underestimating you was his downfall."

"Well, thanks," said Prue bashfully, "but I'm no Phoebe, and I'm okay with that."

"Piper told me your sister was impressive."

"She wa—" Prue stopped herself from speaking about Phoebe in the past tense. "Yeah. I try, but I don't have her kind of ability."

"Perhaps with the right teacher?" Leo intimated, causing An Ling to beam with understanding.

Prue looked taken aback. "You mean, train with you? Oh, I wouldn't want to hold you back."

"I am a Zen Master now. I think taking on a disciple of my own would be a wise decision."

Prue was intrigued. It seemed to make sense, not just for her, but for An Ling. With her loss, maybe the woman would appreciate the company and distraction as much as Prue would relish the opportunity to train with her, someone who defeated Yen Lo on even terms. If his use of a katana was any indication, she probably knew how to use a sword, too. That would spare her from training with Cole.

Piper walked out of the kitchen at that moment with Paige trailing her, looking downcast. "Go on, tell them what you told me," she said ruefully.

Paige's demeanor resembled that of a naughty child being forced to make nice by a parent. Reluctantly, she confessed, "So, I had this Premonition. A weird one."

"Just now?" Leo asked.

"No, while we were in Limbo," Paige answered, before ranting, "while I was holding the Dragon Blade, and there's every chance that being in Limbo is what made it weird, but there might be some other reason that I don't understa—"

"Would you just get to the point?" Prue interrupted shortly. Why did it feel like Paige was about to reveal something ominous? "What did you see?"

"I saw Yen Lo's defeat. It's what made me think you needed the Dragon Blade. But in my vision...it was Phoebe who defeated him," Paige explained, prompting the uncomfortable silence she knew would come from sharing this information.

Prue, Piper, and Leo exchanged nervous glances.

"I think I got another glimpse into this alternate reality or timeline or whatever," Paige said timidly when nobody spoke. "What does it mean?"

That, thought Prue, was a good question.

***

The following Saturday, Piper and Paige were strolling side by side through one of San Francisco's greener parks. It wasn't as beautiful as the tranquil garden in Limbo, but there was something special about this venue. The wide selection of plants on display here happened to include many of the herbs and shrubs used in potions.