After supper Piper and Paige put the children to bed then went to the attic to spend the rest of the night researching the Book of Shadows while Leo settled himself down to clear green goo from blocked pipes and discovered the acid content not only blocked it corroded.  As it was a connection to the sewerage It should have upset him but he found working on the sewer connection a considerable improvement on touring the nether regions of the underground. He discovered the two newish ensuites were okay but the main bathroom was in serious trouble.

"Maybe evil being evil is not so okay "he thought to himself. "I wonder if they knew acid demons could cause so much aggravation."

And then shook his head at the thought that evil could sacrifice its foot soldiers for such things. Because from what he had seen with Durand earlier that day Leo was inclined to believe they would.

Piper and Paige after putting children to bed spent the night  looked up the Geztalt . And learned not much more than what they knew. The Geztalt often known as the faceless ones were demons who manipulate demon sects and lost souls to control human institutions and other power sources and seduce innocents to evil through the current power sources.  The picture in the Book of Shadows was of a tall grey robed creature with its hood pulled so far forward its face could not be seen. It said they could be vanquished by power of three and several other spells, all of which the Charmed Ones had proved worked.

"What I don't get 'said Paige "is the hierarchy thing. If they are supposed to be faceless why is it every time we have vanquished their leader he's appeared as  a pretty hot looking mortal . Nothing faceless about him at all. How many times have we got him now? She asked rhetorically

"Three" said Piper dryly because she needed to say it

"And three times he comes back." Paige continued thumping at the Book of Shadows in a way that made Piper glad it could defend itself. "Only he isn't rising. It’s a new one. So why do they pick another pretty face instead of one like this. "And she thumped the picture of the dark robed demon "I mean, the only reason we know he's the leader is because he isn't wearing a robe. Because he's the one who has a face."

"Just as well" Said Piper "It's goddamn impossible vanquishing grey faceless demons that almost seem to have no real presence and yet they seem to be the ones who run the whole thing.' Piper muttered.

Paige flicked the pages of the book and stopped. There was a page about demon feuds. "Seen this before?" she asked Piper

"No" said Piper. "Jeez  I hate it when this happens. You look and look and suddenly something new is there. Bloody elders" she said waving her fist at the ceiling."

"Were thought to be behind many of the medieval wars between land baron and kings .  Paige read.

"Hmm" said  Piper irritated." I knew there was a reason I hated history. Why do they think we nee dit now>"

"Hmm "Said Paige then read aloud "Often used certain demons species, Goblins, Spites and other creatures of the bad fairy family to undertake their work. Have been known to manipulate other demons into fighting battles, pretending alliances and then letting those sects be wiped out while they stay safely out of the fighting. Thought to be the reason Hob-Goblins became all but extinct around 1300 when they manipulated them into participating tin the crusades to do the fighting. "

"Which side?" asked Piper.

"Both "answered Paige rolling her eyes.

"Figures" said Piper "

"Hi "said Phoebe from the door. She had the overtired I'm pretending I'm superwoman look,. Her hand was clutching under her belly like Pookie was just a bit to heavy for her.

"About time" said Piper narrowing her eyes, not certain to be cross or worried and opting for both "You're pregnant and you were fighting demons all day. Its not like it isn't in your contract you can home when you need.

"John Cotton was coming into the Mirror," Phoebe informed them."" I couldn't leave could I? How often do you get a chance to see John Cotton in the flesh." She tiredly lowered herself onto the sofa. "And my god that is some flesh. John Cotton" she sighed dreamily, tired.

"'You're married "Piper told her primly

"I'm not blind" said Phoebe "and being pregnant hasn't turned me into some-one who no longer is interested in sex, or fantasy "she added. "Thanks "she said as her Big Sister Piper gave her a cushion and she put it behind he back/

"Pho-ebe" snipped Piper all Big Sister "what's he like?" she asked changing into Piper "John Cotton?"

"He's quite attractive," Paige informed them  "Just not interested in seeing him in the flesh."

Piper and Phoebe stared at her

"What" said Paige going crimson "I saw a picture of him in Cosmopolitan. Sealed section.  A big guy. Tall guy "she added biting her lip "don't like seeing them in the flesh" Paige told her sisters. "Always get disappointed when I work out what's been airbrushed. Or they're short."

'"Nope not this one "sighed Phoebe wistfully "he has muscles, "she held her hands up "Big muscles. You can see them rippling under his clothes. And eyes big and hair sort of crinkly but guys' hair and well a bit …Neanderthal I guess, but a man. Did I mention muscles? " she asked as Piper nodded. Phoebe shut her eyes seeing John Cotton walking along the corridor with his muscles rippling "and he's got a flat belly. And buns ": she said as Piper nodded "Did I mention the buns."

"Not until now "said Piper interested "He has good buns."

Phoebe stretched her hands then clawed them squeezing into mid air "Great buns" she said

"That good "said Piper "I like a good pair of buns on a man. It’s the first think I notice.'"

"You're married" said Paige snippy.

'"Since when does being married mean I can't look? "Piper asked, head on the side.

"Why would you want to look, when you have some thing special, wonderful; a man who just cares? Who is special?" insisted Paige her eyes clouding over with emotion, dreamy sighing to herself.

"Yeah well I like Mark" Piper replied crossing her arms "But in the buns department. Mark has his limits ."She told Paige who scowled and started to huff.'

'How dare you" Paige sniffed "Mark is perfect. He's wonderful, gentle he's kind…"

"And not bad in the sack either "added Piper.

"Being in love is spiritual, soulmates, connecting at a level something way outside physical" Paige informed her sisters. "What were you doing checking out Mark's buns, Phoebe " she demanded realising what Phoebe was saying.

"Did I sound like that when Cole and I first got together?" asked Phoebe innocently.

"'Yes "said Piper irritated "every time you and Cole got together. You divorce him again so you have to get together again and I'll kill you."

"I'm over that nonsense now " said Phoebe firmly. She sighed "John Cotton sure is a man."

"I think you two are terrible for even looking "snipped Paige/ "I never would. And you have kids. Both of you. And keep your damned eyes off my man's buns." she ordered.

"Piper looked at Cole's buns too" Phoebe soothed Paige.

"Well Cole's Buns are worth looking at" said Paige and flushed as Phoebe smirked.

"Leo not worth looking at" Piper asked miffed.

"Were great, a bit chubby now" Phoebe answered with the brutal honesty of a sister. "You shouldn't cook for him" she told Piper

"Well John Cotton ain't going to return admiration for a fat woman" Piper retorted, knowing her sister's  the vulnerable spots.

"Some men find the image of a fertile women very .. stimulating" Phoebe informed them, her lower lip trembling.

Paige who had witnessed innumerable returns to childhood taunts between Phoebe and Piper and occasionally felt left out that shared heritage was missing for her interrupted to stop the impeding battle before any-one scored a decisive victory "Did you check your kids?" she asked Phoebe. "Or were you to busy thinking about John Cotton?"

"I would never put lust over my kids" Phoebe told her sister snippily. "All asleep. Pasty is in his bed."

Pasty had the baby bed, now with protected sides but no longer a cot, curled up with teddy 2, Phoebe had cried when he was promoted from the cot.

Wyatt has his thumb in his mouth." she said to worry Piper who was still feeling guilty about weaning him. And Melinda and Big cat are also asleep." Phoebe added satisfied she had scored a points victory "little cat is on your bed Piper".

"And  your husband asked? Paige asked feeling the battle was to one-sided and Piper who was looking flushed with guilt needed some backup.

"Cole left a message on my cell" Phoebe told them, clearly pissed "My husband is back from demon wars and sucking up to a client" Phoebe said snippy. "I'm stuffed. He should be here sucking up to me." she added snatching defeat from gthe jaws of victory.

Piper smirked.

"Cole looks like hell " Piper, working on the advantage she had been handed, informed Phoebe. "Really bad" She added as Phoebe's face showed her concern

"Well I wouldn't know" Phoebe snipped "I didn't see him. He left me a cell message. He could have shimmered over to let me know he was okay." She said, trying to appear like she did not care and then spoiling it with a little sniff.

"But then he would have caught you drooling over John Cotton wouldn't he?" asked Paige not entirely sympathetic.

"Where are we with demons?" Phoebe asked hastily retreating to fight another day.

"Faceless high ranking demons call Geztalts, lead by a good-looking demon called the Geztalt. Sounds like he leads but vanquish it and they just seem to appoint another one. Use all sorts of magic groups, cults to do their dirty work, to stir up trouble set people again, make groups behave nuts and start fighting, fell out of favour with the last source. Been out of favour for 500 years." Paige gave her the cliff notes version. '

"I'm am guessing they weren't completely buried for 500 years" Phoebe said.

Her sister looked at her with the extreme irritation they always showed when she blurted out the truth,.

"Faceless demons working in the background." Phoebe answered a little to smug. "they would survive wouldn't they?"

"Not in the background now" Piper said "In fact seeing them today and  like we did the last three times is not the modus operindi."

"Guess they must be back in favour" Phoebe said. "And maybe having to demonstrate they are worth it."

Piper and Paige drew pissed off breaths.

"What? asked Phoebe as her sisters glared at her "It just comes out" she said.

"God I admire your ability to understand how evil thinks" Paige said genuinely.

"It’s a gift" Phoebe grinned. "So those damn goblin things we were fighting?" Phoebe asked

"Just another creature that they used." Paige answered flicking through the book 'a variation of hob goblins, all brawn, no brains."

"Didn't you say they nearly destroyed hobgoblins?" Piper asked Paige.

'Nearly being the operative word "said Paige." Must have regenerated with extra special strength. That was super strength green goo "she added ."and the acid made it ...interesting."

"I can still feel it creeping down my back "Phoebe said with a shudder. "Nothing like demons who invent bigger and better weapons."

"That is all those creatures are "Piper said "Weapons. Although its interesting  the way they developed from the ones in the original picture to what we saw to day." She pushed Paige away from the Book of Shadows  open and pondered on the picture showing small bent gnome like creatures with sharp fangs.

"They're evil Piper" Phoebe said warning "so now matter how interested you are in magic creatures. Leave it "she ordered

"I was not going to be interested . I'm researching" Piper started to say and Phoebe snorted.

Both were stopped from further discussion as orbs sounded and Paige's whole body tensed and shuddered and her face took on an expression of a girl undeniably in love.

Piper sighed, Phoebe raised her eyes as Paige's beloved Mark appeared. Paige who had not seen him for six hours rushed to him.

Mark using the 40 something face, sandy receding hair and intelligent humorous eyes smiled, his grey eyes was not hiding what he was feeling. Paige taking quick kiss whisper in his ears as he put his arms around her giggled and his face took on the soft angelic expression of a man in love before he carefully put her out of his arms.

"Thank god I'm married and past that" said Phoebe sanctimoniously.

"Past what ?"asked Mark his grey eyes dancing as he looked at Pookie. Phoebe stuck her tongue out.

"Elders have anything useful to say, "Piper asked snakily.

"Many useful things" Mark nodded refusing to be drawn. Piper and Phoebe had a so far unsuccessful mission in life to get Mark angry enough to lose his air of cool control, and his humour.

Paige swore they would not be able to do it. They had certainly got nowhere near in the last three months.  Piper and Phoebe had had a two month honeymoon period with Mark, being sweet to him for Paige's sake. It had lasted until he had calmly and patiently insisted that they respect the order of magic during the time the Geztalts had homed in on the archbishop, and they had realised he was happily taking advantage of their forbearance  and consideration for his relationship with Paige.

Both Piper and Phoebe were getting very frustrated that Mark baiting was turning out to be such an unsatisfactory sport.

"You mean, what did the Elders say about faceless demons" Mark asked tongue in cheek as Piper tapped her foot and Phoebe pulled a face. " They said it looks like they have returned to favour with Tempus." he said softly.

"We figured that out" said Piper with her I hate stupid whitelighters voice

"They think Tempus has a preference for targeting major institutions, especially financial ones" Mark informed the witches "and these Geztalts are using it to jump to power."

"We figured that "said Phoebe, looking at him smugly.

"Any help on how to get them?" Piper demanded. "They just resurrect with another leader every time we get them;

Mark shrugged "Well if all the bureaucrats I dealt with are any guide that is because it more a face than a leader" he said "it may be satisfying to get to be the leader but something of pyric victory. They just find another one if it gets vanquished."

"We figure that said Piper while Paige keeping close to Mark glared at her.

"How do we get them?" Phoebe demanded.

"The whole sect?" asked Mark "Go to the underground and blast them' He suggested calmly.

"That's impossible and you know it" Piper started to say and then caught Mark's grin.

"Okay" he said, "you can't get them, the way to stop them is to expose them. Stop them hiding, give them recognisable faces."

"Why ?"asked Piper snippy.

"Their faces will be recognisable evil" Mark explained.

"Did the elders say that?" demanded Phoebe. "I'm impressed 'and as I am never impressed with elders I guess you are saying that."

"Interpreting" Mark admitted gently  as mile twitching at the corner of his mouth. He did not miss the expression of frustration both Piper and Phoebe were wearing.

"How do we expose them?" Paige asked

"Ah that one I cannot interpret" Mark answered "Elders are looking into it"

"That's good "Phoebe said sarcastically.

"One of the elders learned the reason they fell from grace under the old source was they were forced out in the open during the Great Fire of London ." Mark said.

"I hate history "snarled Piper as Mark smiled gently but waited without answering "Why? "she asked when she realised he could remain silent longer than her.

"Apparently a large number of people behaved far better than could be reasonably expected" Mark explained. "No-one was killed and they rebuilt London. And they were exposed by their failure to capitalise on the possibilities. Turns out once they had to expose their faces they could be defeated like any other demon."

"I hate history "said Piper.

"I know" Mark agreed as Paige glowed with pride.

"How do we expose their faces" asked Phoebe.

"Working on it " Mark answered seriously. "Getting information on the Geztalt is damnably hard" Mark said.

"Good" said Phoebe then grinned acknowledging the battle was drawn. Mark a true angel refrained from even a mild gloating smile.

"Useless Elders" said Piper.  "I take it the last little bit of information si why we got the new entry in the Book of Shadows.

"I would assume" said Mark. "I don't know why this sect is such a secret. When I ask things get tight up there" he said

"I can remember fighting the Triad" Piper said "Six thousand years of fighting them, and the Elders did not even know where they fitted in the hierarchy."

"I always figured some-one up there knew" Phoebe mused. "What?" she said as her sisters glared and Mark's grey eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

All three witches and their whitelighter thought for a while.

"You do need to know that history records Geztalts as being very vindictive to those who ….thwart them" Mark suggested.

"How?" asked Phoebe while Paige's expression of pride  made her feel nauseous, or maybe Pookie was reflecting her mood she acknowledged to herself.

"Elders think that you guys need to be careful" Mark said seriously "Geztalt won’t try and get the Charmed Ones but they may find a way to make your lives pretty damn miserable, upside down using some of their minions and acolytes."

"And what do you think'" demanded Piper hands on hips. She was not as willing to concede this Battle as Phoebe

"I think that any advice to be careful, when you piss off demons, is a good reminder, regardless of what you think of the people giving it "Mark answered gently, now more concerned that Piper listened to him, than he won.

"Ego aside if the Source cannot get the Charmed Ones, none of their … acolytes can," Piper pointed out. "Demons fight in hierarchies, as well as live in them. Those goblins and acid things only come under the direction of the upper level demons. They know they will be vanquished before they start if they try."

"Bees die when they sting," said Mark "but if enough do it they can kill you. And being able to kill bees doesn't protect you from dying from bee stings."

Piper crossed her arms "Leo already suggested" and she stressed the word  suggest "we be careful."

"Leo is highly respected by whitelighters and elders" said Mark quietly.

"That is not what they said when he was a whitelighter." Piper pushed

'Hindsight and history are  wonderful things" Mark said gently. "But I know you hate history so I won't say anything else." he grinned.

Piper glared and then grinned acknowledging a worthy opponent. Mark half nodded

"Okay "said Paige "Battle over message given.  "You want to talk about … exposure in my room " Paige asked grabbing Mark's  arm, before another round could start.

"I believe that would be a pleasure" Mark answered quietly and then a look of sheer sexual anticipation flashed across his face.

Paige hauled him downstairs but not before she heard Piper mutter "There is dead and dead and Mark isn't dead," and Phoebe giggle.

Finding places for her and Mark to hide had become something of an obsession with Paige. As in all day every day every conversation. She felt she was under constant surveillance by the Elders. She never felt alone.

Mark and Paige were able to communicate as they liked to call it in the manor because for some months Paige had fretted about being tracked by the Elders, and fearful they would watch her. Piper had tried sharing her experiences about not being watched but that had fretted Paige more

Cole finally became so irritated by the never-ending conversation he had put an end to it by flicking his fingers.

"Now they can't track you in your room" he said. They won't know who is there or what you are doing."

"And they'll know it "she argued, always suspicious of  Cole's magic.

"Tell them you want some privacy" Cole told her. "You used a privacy spell."

"They will say its personal gain" Paige insisted. "There's a backfire."

"There is you can't use magic in your room Cole told her . "But its okay I can.""

"Who says there won't be magic in my room?" Paige asked him artfully" Thank you "she said happily.

"You're welcome," Cole said amused and deciding he was much better off not understanding witches and women.

Up in the attic Phoebe and Piper watched Mark and Paige disappear downstairs

'Paige does know Mark isn't that good-looking?" Phoebe asked  " I mean I respect him and think he is very smart and ethical and I like him.  But.. well he ain't John Cotton" she said.

"I don't think Paige sees him the way we do" said Piper shaking her head "You only have to look at her" she added

"I really did look like that "Phoebe asked. "besotted and blind.":

"Used to" said Piper slowly purposefully.

Phoebe swallowed  "I still love Cole "she insisted "I mean how could I not love him?"

"I don't think that is the problem is it?" Piper asked quietly.

"You love Leo," Phoebe said. "Having two kids and life and magic hasn't  killed your romance has it."

"No "said Piper "But it isn't the same as it was. I mean'"  she stopped and thought about it "wouldn't want it to be, would I? Leo and I were pretty … nauseating" She sighed, "I mean imagine like it was. All the Leo and Dan and which one will I choose, and bad drama. How could I have even thought Dan instead of Leo?"

"Dan was sort of cute" Phoebe remembered.

"In an okay to look at but not for life way" Piper dismissed Dan "I'm glad that was over quickly. I not the  sort who liked the doubt and the pain, and the will he or won't he, is he or isn't he stuff. Don't miss that nonsense at all."

"Don't miss the excitement?" Phoebe said a little catch in her voice.

"Is that what you're missing" Piper asked seriously

"No "Phoebe shook her head Iget plenty of excitement. When Cole's here." She smiled, little girl "I… just regretting growing up. A bit at times.. Just Cole. I know whatever he said, this war thing is killing him and lately, even when he's here he is feeling it. He feels responsible and nothing Francesca and I say will convince him that he's not and that wars happen and that no one person can make a war happen. But I want to yell and scream and demand attention but I know I have to be grown up. Its really nothing about me. He needs support and comfort . Grown up stuff like that " Phoebe told Piper "It was a lot easier being a naive kid.  and you know I miss being a kid. That kid I was had fun," sighed Phoebe.

'That kid you were had to be carted off to a doctor by Grams and was god damned lucky the only thing she caught was treatable " Piper told Phoebe unsympathetically.

"Well I did not say everything was great "Phoebe said flushing "But you know I always said I loved being safe with Cole, to do what I wanted. Well maybe a little less safe might help me feel a little less ... married."

"I promise you sister," Piper told Phoebe "Whatever you say Cole isn't and never will be safe for you or anyone else. He's a guardian and one of the most powerful creatures in this and any realm we know and there is still enough demon nature there to be just as dangerous as he ever was. And just don't forget he's still Cole and he  may have developed but he hasn't changed. He's still an arsehole."

"I'm worried about Cole "Phoebe sighed "And I love him and I feel selfish as hell for wanting more when I know partly its because of he trusts how I feel about him, he's sort of .. taking me for granted. He gives but it seems sometimes when he kisses the kids ahead of me., or won't tell clients to go to hell he wants to be with me or….. I hate growing up." She said.

"We all do "agreed Piper.'

"And I get really pissed when Paige goes all weak at the knees and...  when Mark turns up'" Phoebe took a deep breath "Because It wasn't that long ago I was like that."

"Gooey "giggled Piper. " that's how I felt about you and Cole sometimes."'

"Not lately" said Phoebe.

"Pretty lately" insisted Piper "May I  remind you that 3 months ago, you and Cole went on a riding trip in Mongolia and I could have killed both of you for doing it when I found out you were already pregnant. "

"I know "sighed Phoebe happy with memory ' it was fun. Cole looked pretty ridiculous riding those little Mongolian ponies, especially when one bucked him off"

Piper sighed "And three months later you're bitching about being an old married woman.

"No three months later I'm bitching about a war happening and how damn hard it is to be grown up and be loyal and responsible when I know when he is with me his mind is somewhere else." Phoebe explained.

"Well maybe you shouldn't try so hard "suggested Piper "Maybe you're making it to easy."

"Hmmmm" said Phoebe contemplatively "I nearly wrote myself that advice, but then thought it was mean" she said "Maybe I should listen to me and you" she said.

"Or "suggested Piper remembering she and Phoebe could were still having sibling wars ."You could throw him out for awhile so you can enjoy all the romance of getting back together.

"He won't let me" Phoebe said regretfully.

"Mean  works for me" said Piper.

....................................................................