Disclaimer: I lay no claim to any of the Charmed characters, quotes, or overt references that may appear in my stories. They are the sole property of Spelling Television. I write for my own satisfaction and for the enjoyment of those who choose to read them.

Phoebe swiftly made her way down the hallway after her last class of the semester. The last semester of her college education to be exact. Yes, Phoebe Halliwell was graduating, and doing so with honors. She had just found out that the Academic Council had selected her to be valedictorian of her graduating class. Besides her 4.0 GPA, which placed her in the top 5% of her class, and her social awareness and volunteerism that had pushed her into the running. It was the numerous letters of recommendations from fellow classmates and teachers that had made their choice easy.

As Phoebe headed off campus and made her way home she looked back to her years in high school and couldn’t believe she was the same person. From the kid who hated school and was always getting into trouble and barely passing; to being given the honor of speaking at her graduation ceremony. She knew her sisters would be shocked, especially Prue; both she and her oldest sister never seemed to connect. Even though the past two and a half years, since her return from New York, they had managed to breakdown a few of the barriers they had built around themselves so many years ago; however, little progress had been made. Their closeness was sporadic and brief, but both were trying. In fact, just that morning Prue had offered to pick her up from campus when she had finished her last photo shoot for the day. But Phoebe declined, knowing that Prue had had a hectic week and didn’t want to add to her already busy day. Phoebe sensed both relief and sadness in her big sister, but knew Prue had finally settled for relieved.

Phoebe was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn’t even see him until it was too late. The next thing she knew her books went flying and she found herself attempting a graceful landing, but ended up settling for an unflattering one instead. As she began to gain her bearings, she could hear a deep voice with a thick Irish brogue profusely apologizing and offering his hand. As she took it, on the ready to let loose her definite irritation; she stopped mid sentence when she found herself looking straight into his deep emerald gaze. Never had she seen such beautiful, yet haunting eyes. While his face and mannerisms suggested innocence, those same eyes implied otherwise.

Once steady on her feet and momentarily disregarding her instincts, she went to recover her things only to notice he had already done so. Reaching for her purse and book bag that was extended from his hand; she offered a hesitant thank you. To which the clumsy stranger repeated another apology; then tipping his hat with a smile he simply turned and walked away.

Phoebe never saw his smile turn into an evil grin, nor in all the commotion, did she feel the needle prick in her arm.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Slipping her book bag over her shoulder, Phoebe attempted again to journey home.
“That was weird.” She mused. Then found herself laughing out loud. After discovering the BOS two and a half years ago, nothing out of the ordinary would ever be viewed without suspicion. But in spite of her effort to ease her growing nervousness, that the encounter with the klutzy stranger was nothing more than a fluke; she couldn’t shrug off the intuitiveness they all had gained since becoming the Charmed Ones.

Physically shaking her head, as if to remove all thoughts of magical mayhem, she refocused her thoughts onto her family. Tonight was Sister Night, and she wanted nothing to interfere with their sisterly bonding. The non-magical time they spent together was scarce, due to their conflicting schedules. So when they all were free at the same time, they took full advantage of it.

Phoebe had always been close with her sister, Piper, the middle child. Mostly because their best qualities offset each others weaker points. Piper is pensive and reserved, which helped to counterbalance Phoebe’s lighthearted and exuberant nature and vise versa. While, Phoebe loves both her sisters dearly, it is only with Piper that she feels able to truly be herself. Prue and Phoebe have a lot in common; both are headstrong, stubborn, temperamental and passionate. However, these similarities are almost always attached to diametrically opposing points of view. Their likeness in personality traits frequently lead to loud arguments, slammed doors, Piper’s attempt to mediate, awkward silence and then finally, an unspoken truce. Yet regardless of their relationship, it is Prue that Phoebe most wants to please and secretly desires to emulate.

Sister Time. It has been during these precious moments alone with her sisters that Phoebe has allowed her guard to fall, and in doing so, has allowed Prue to see hidden characteristics in her baby sister she never knew existed. Likewise, Prue has inadvertently shed light on herself as well, causing Phoebe to gain a respect for her oldest sister she never thought she’d have. She also adopted a sense of remorse for the weight of responsibility that Prue had to accept at such an early age. Phoebe reflected that that weight was only made heavier by many of the acts of selfishness and thoughtlessness she had committed over the years.

These newly discovered revelations about one another, while not yet visible, have caused both sisters’ hearts to soften towards the other. The door to a bond stronger than either sister can imagine lies just on the horizon.

Is the foundation that they have started today, strong enough to withstand the fear they must face tomorrow?
font color=gold>A/N: I am not Irish, nor do I know anyone who is, so I’m winging it. I apologize in advance if the vernacular is not reflective of it origins. Enjoy!!

Phoebe rounded the corner of Prescott and Vine, just ten more blocks and she would be home. As she headed towards the Manor she found herself more tired than usual and the sure signs of flu invading her body. Each step caused her head to pound and her joints to ache. Her cheeks felt flush and her eyes heavy. Great, she thought to herself nothing like ending my college career with a full-blown cold. Not that I should be surprised, with all the studying and all night cramming the past couple of weeks have afforded me little sleep. I can just hear Piper now ~ ‘Didn’t I tell you? Didn’t I warn you? You keep going at this pace and see if you don’t find yourself in bed sick.’ She had been saying that for over two weeks. When I get home she will glory in what my refusal to heed her words had rewarded me with. Then she’ll gently lead me to the sofa, returning shortly with a hot cup of Grams’ ‘Special Blended’ tea, a bottle of Tylenol and all the compassion that her words didn’t reveal. Piper loves to mother and I love her mothering.

Finally reaching the Manor, Phoebe came in slamming the front door and dropping her book bag with a THUD. Piper rounded the corner of the living room and without even looking up said, “Hey Pheebs, how was your last day of school?”

This always amazed Phoebe, how Piper always knew who was entering the house, whether it was Prue or herself. Not answering Piper’s question Phoebe asked one of her own. “How do you do that?”

“Do what?” Piper responded with a sly, innocent grin.

“You know. How do you know which one of us is coming in without even looking?”

“ I must be psychic.”

“HA HA, very funny. NO, really?”

“You both have different routines. Prue always takes off her coat first, picks up the mail and as she looks it over goes to close the door. You on the other hand, slam the door, drop your book bag and then check the messages on the machine. Uhh, that and I looked out the window and saw you walking up the steps. Very slowly I might add.”

Whoa, here it comes, Phoebe thought.

Piper went over and felt Phoebe’s forehead and felt the fever she already knew was there. “Didn’t I tell you? Didn’t I warn you?....” Piper went through her routine just as Phoebe had expected. No need for a premonition to see that one coming.

Phoebe begged Piper not to cancel their Sister Night. “With the Tylenol kicking in, I’m feeling much better. Please!?!?! I really have something big I want to share with you guys. Besides I have the rest of my life for sleep. I’m almost an official unemployed college grad. Whose highly sought after qualities are: The ability to sleep for extended periods of time, a proficiency in the act of laziness and oh yeah, let’s not forget the most desirable quality of all, responsible remote control practices!”

This earned Phoebe a classic Piper eye roll and a laundry list of conditions. With promising, just shy of a blood oath (Piper can’t stand the sight of blood or she would have probably demanded that too.) Piper finally relented and the evening would go on as planned. Piper gave in not only for Phoebe’s sake, but also for her own. She too had some exciting news as well.

Sitting at the kitchen table, both Piper and Phoebe continued to chitchat about everything and nothing. “Well, if we want dinner tonight I better get started.” Piper said, pulling herself away from the comfort of just doing nothing.

“I wonder when Prue will get home.” Phoebe commented. As if on cue, she could hear the SUV pull into the driveway. “I am going to hurry and take a ‘hot’ shower, for once, before Prue beats me to it, then I’ll be back down to help with dinner. OK?” Phoebe said as she headed toward the kitchen door. To which she received a barely audible grunt. Smiling at her sister’s behavior, once Piper got into her ‘realm’ almost nothing outside a vanquish could get her attention.

As Phoebe headed to the stairs she stopped in the dining room and observed her oldest sister. The door is still open, Prue is taking off her jacket, she then moves to the hall table and picks up the mail, flipping through it as she walks back to close the door. A melancholy smile plays upon Phoebe’s lips as she saw exactly what Piper described earlier. I wish I knew her as well as Piper does. I wish she and I had that same connection.

“Phoebe, earth to Phoebe.”

“Huh? What?” Pulled from her reverie by the sound of her name. She looked at who was calling.

Prue’s creased brow quickly faded and was replaced with a smirk. “I thought I really lost you that time. I swear you travel farther and farther on these daydream trips you’ve been taking lately.”

Phoebe simply offered a lopsided grin; embarrassed at once again being caught by one of her sisters. Trying to draw her sister’s attention off of herself, Phoebe asked Prue how her day went. Expecting the same pat answer, ‘Fine, where’s Piper?’. She found herself surprised to be looking into the face of an excited, almost child like Prue.

“Great, actually. I have some exciting news, but I want to share it with the both of you. So until then baby sister you’ll just have to wait.” With that Prue, in an uncharacteristic show of emotion, placed a quick kiss on Phoebe’s cheek.

Phoebe was shocked speechless. In the whole time, since her return to the Manor, never had Prue displayed any open affection towards her. This spontaneous act of warmth resulted in creating Phoebe’s already large brown eyes to widen, her mouth to drop open, and the almost never resting vocal cords to remain silent.

Prue would have laughed at her, had it not been so pitiful, as one lone tear slid down Phoebe’s cheek. Until that moment, Pure had never realized the price that was being paid by her conscience effort to remain detached from her youngest sister. Prue’s actions were born out emotional survival. Not wanting to ever be hurt at losing her again, thinking, ‘If I don’t let her get close, I won’t be disappointed if she leaves me again.’ With her eyes never leaving Phoebe’s, Prue reached up and gently wiped away the dampness from her sister’s face.

It was Prue who broke the silence first. “You’re sick aren’t you?” “No, I’m... Yeah, I am.” Phoebe replied knowing that Piper would rat her out. “But I’m feeling better and I don’t want to screw up tonight’s Sister Time.” “OK? Please!?!?!”

Prue gave in when Phoebe assured her that it would be an early night and complete bed rest tomorrow. On that note, Prue went in search of Piper and Phoebe made her way upstairs for her shower still reeling from what had just taken place.
~~~~~~~~~~

He stood and waited. His patience wearing thin, but his all-consuming desire out weighed everything else. As he continued to pace a dark green glow, which he had grown used to over the past few months, filled the room.

“Well?”

“I’ve located what ye requested. However, me fee has doubled.”

“But we had a deal!”

“Aye, that we did lad, and I mean no disrespect but that was before I realized that it be belongin’ to a Charmed One. If ye wish not to continue, I will offer up me wee pot of gold to another dodgy bloke. I’ll have no problem fetchin’ me price, so I suggest that ye not be an eejit and take me offer while I’m allowing it.”

Knowing the Power Broker’s words to be true. He said “Agreed. When?”


“Soon. Very soon!” With a nod, and a tap of his shillelagh, Aengus disappeared.
Dinner started off rather quiet. Prue was lost in thought and Phoebe was absentmindedly staring into space. What was up with her sisters? Piper observed with concern.

“All right! This is enough!” She said as she began to loudly bang her spoon on the table. This caused both her sisters to jump nearly landing in a heap.

“Jeeze, Piper. What did you do that for?” They said in unison.

“Look, if this what you call your idea of Sister Night, well, it sucks!! So if this party doesn’t start to jazz up soon, I’m going to take my Chicken Parmesan and leave!” Promptly sticking her tongue out at both of them. This release of tension caused all three sisters to double over in uncontrollable laughter.

As the girls regained their composure, they returned to the feast Piper had prepared. The rest of the meal was filled with talking and more laughing.

Once finished, Piper began to clear the table, readying herself to attack the mess in the kitchen; but Phoebe stopped her by taking the dishes out of her hands, saying “I’ll take care of the clean up tonight.”

Piper looked at her with skepticism and Prue appeared to be in utter shock. Phoebe smiled as she took in the looks on her sister’s faces.

“Piper I promise I won’t break anything and the kitchen will pass your white glove inspection with flying colors. And No Prue, I don’t have any ulterior motives other than to express my gratitude to Piper for such a delicious meal.”

“Are you sure? It’s no problem, REALLY!” Piper trying to ensure the safety of her sanctuary without hurting the feelings of her young sister.

“NO!! Now get, both of you. I mean how hard can it be to load a dishwasher and wash a few pots and pans?”
Reluctantly giving up Piper joined Prue in her retreat to the living room.

Phoebe was just about done. Then she could join her sisters and finally get to share her news. Then suddenly, without warning a bone crushing pain shot through her head causing her knees to buckle and the coffee cup she was drying to crash to the floor. But as quickly as it came it left. Grabbing hold of the counter, she pulled herself up. She leaned against it taking a couple of deep breaths as she waited for normalcy to return. “Boy, that was intense. I have never experienced such excruciating pain and I hope I never do again.”

Piper’s voice could be heard coming from the living room. “All right, I’ve waited long enough. What did you break?”

Looking at the shattered remains that once use to be a coffee mug, she shakily replied “Oh, nothing, just my coffee cup.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes.”

“Good! It was ugly anyway.”

To which you could hear Prue say, “Hey!! I gave her that.”

“Sorry” Piper said, through a stifled giggle. “But it was ugly.”

Once she was composed and thinking she had masked the episode in the kitchen nicely, she went and joined her sisters. Phoebe decided not to mention what had happened. She didn’t want to worry them. But as Phoebe entered the room, Prue silently observed Phoebe’s furrowed brow and the sure-fire clue her sister was keeping something from them: the biting of her lower lip. But she too chose not to say anything.

After a while it was evident that all of them had grown restless, and eager to share their good fortune. As if planned, a chorus of “I have something to tell you guys.” Came breaking the silence, followed by three cheeky grins.
Prue taking the lead said, “Ok, it looks as if we all have something to share. So who goes first?”

Phoebe raises her hand. Prue said “Ok Pheebs you can start.” Knowing for Phoebe to keep a secret this long must really be killing her.

“Actually Prue, I was going to suggest that we go with tradition and start with oldest to youngest. Like we did when we were kids.”

“But Phoebe, you ALWAYS went first!!” Prue said as she recalled their childhood.

Piper chuckled, It was true. Phoebe would beg, plead and pout until, finally Prue would give in just to get her to shut up.

“I know. But I’m trying to make up for it now.” Phoebe interjected with such sincerity that Prue knew she truly meant it.

“Ok.” Prue jumped right in, not able to hold it in any longer. I got a promotion. You are now looking at the Director of Photography for 415 Magazine!”

“WOW, this is huge!” Piper cut in.

“Yeah, and so is my salary increase. I get a 15% raise, a company car and an allowance for camera equipment.”

“Congratulations, Prue! I’m really proud of you.” And it was written all over Phoebe’s face.

“Hey, me too. But how come so fast. You haven’t even worked there a full year?” Piper questioned.

“Well, to be honest, I couldn’t believe it either and asked the same question. I mean let’s face it Mr. Corso and I have never seen eye to eye on our methods, but I do respect his focus for the magazine. Anyway. He explained that it was that piece I did, ‘Faces In The City’, that had impressed the readers and subscription numbers increased following its release. He said, that even though he found my techniques to be unorthodox, my results were never anything less than stellar. He added that no one could speak through a lens of a camera like I could. Prue said while blushing in genuine modesty.

“Well, I can’t agree with him more, no one deserves it as much as you do.” Piper said, knowing how much Prue had always longed to be a professional photographer.

Prue filled them in on the rest of what Mr. Corso said and that the promotion was in effect immediately, with a six month probationary period, although it was more of formality than anything else. Once she answered all their questions and nothing more could be added, she turned to Piper and said, “Ok Pipe, I guess it’s your turn.”

Piper began to pace. An age-old habit that came out only when she was scared or excited. But by the look on Piper’s face her sisters knew it was born from excitement. “Have you guys ever heard of Alejandro Rivero?”

“You mean, THE, Club Ali?” Yeah, like he is only the hottest Deejay in the business!” Phoebe exclaimed. “I saw him once when I lived in New York. He was so amazing. He had the whole club packed and on the dance floor all night long. And don’t get me started on how yummy he looks.”
Both Piper and Prue laughed at how Phoebe’s exuberance filled the room and how she never failed to infect her sisters with that same enthusiasm.

“Well, anyway” Piper went on, “ I received a call today from his agent and he wants to meet with me in L.A. tomorrow, so that we can schedule a two-weekend gig at P3.”

“How did he even know about the club? It’s not been up and running that long.” Prue inquired.

“Do you guys remember that trade paper that ran an article on P3 when it first opened?” Both sisters nodded.

“Well, I guess Ali read the expose and asked Evan, his agent, to follow the club’s progress. You see Ali grew up in a neighborhood not far from the club and is a very big supporter of local venues; but only ones that share his view of community involvement. The fact that we have had several nonprofit benefits for local charities and have assisted the surrounding high schools with alcohol-free teen nights justified his pick, according to Evan. Do you realize the impact this will have on future business? The only requirement is that one of the weekends be devoted to a mutual charity that we can pick when I get there. Speaking of which, I need to call the airlines and reserve a morning flight.”

Without waiting for her sisters reactions she headed towards the phone intent on getting her call in. In all the excitement of her news she had totally forgot about Phoebe.

But Prue stopped her with a stern “HEY! Piper aren’t you forgetting something?”

Turning to see what she had forgotten, she met Prue’s glare and the slight head movement toward a crest fallen Phoebe.

“Oh, Pheebs, I’m soooo sorry! Please forgive me?”

“That’s ok. It’s not that important anymore.”

It really wasn’t. Not in her eyes anyway. The news she would give would only pale in comparison to that of her sisters. Both of her sisters graduated on time and one with honors. So what was so special about doing it two years later than she should have. No. Her news was now not worth mentioning. But this WAS the perfect opportunity for another surprise that she had had planned for awhile. She was only waiting for the right moment to do it, and this was it. She would refuse to let self-pity steal her sister’s glory or rob her of the joy she hoped to receive in revealing her labor of love. As if electrocuted, Phoebe jumped up and with her classic grin erasing the sadness her face held only minutes before; ran to the stairs yelling, “Stay there, I’ll be right back!”

With that, Phoebe disappeared leaving two very confused sisters.
Phoebe made her way to her bedroom. Opening her closest door she pulled out a large box from the top shelf. She opened it to reveal four beautifully wrapped packages. With a satisfied grin she spun around to head back downstairs. As she did her world started to spin and her vision faded. Oh No not again, expecting the pain she felt earlier to return. When it didn’t she breathed a sign of relief. “Hold off for a little bit longer Mr. Flu Bug, after I give my sisters their gifts you can have your way with me, but until then back off!” About ten minutes later, when she felt satisfied she could make it down the stairs without falling. She left her room.

As she entered the living room she could hear her sisters speaking in hushed tones. So as not to have them think she was eavesdropping she cleared her throat to indicate she was back.

“Oh, Phoebe I’m so sorry. Please come and tell us your news. I never meant to disregard you. I was just so excited I flaked. Please!!!!” Piper pleaded.

“Piper, don’t sweat it. Look, it’s no big deal, so let’s just drop it OK?”

Knowing Phoebe’s mind was made up Piper decided to let it go.

As Phoebe and Piper were talking, Prue noticed her baby sister’s face was flush and her voice was beginning to get raspy. “Ok, time for someone to keep her promise about making it an early night.” Prue stated in her version of a motherly tone.

“I will, but not until you open these. She handed each sister two presents and then sat on the coffee table to observe.

“What are these for? It’s not either of our birthdays. Wait. Did I forget yet another Wiccan anniversary?” Piper feigned horror.

Yeah, Pheebs what’s with the Santa act? Trying to make up for the birthday cards three days late?” Prue said as she played along.

“You guys are so bad for my image, it’s embarrassing. It was in all the papers. Today has be been officially declared Sister Day in the land of Phoebe Ville.”

But Phoebe...” Piper started only to be cut off.

“Hush now, The queen, that’s me, is not to be questioned concerning her decrees.

Phoebe played it up so seriously that Piper and Prue couldn’t hold it in any longer and burst out in a fit of giggles.

“Enough!! The queen is NOT to be mocked.” This only caused them to laugh that much harder.

Phoebe then grew pensive and hesitant. All the self-assurance gone. As she ventured into unknown territory, she wondered if she was doing the right thing and if her sisters would think her foolish and sentimental.

“What is it honey?” Prue questioned, seeing Phoebe’s change in demeanor.

“Nothing. Prue would you please start?” Phoebe said in a serious yet loving tone.

Seeing this was very important to her sister, she complied.

“Open that one first.” pointing to a rectangular package.

As Prue removed the picture frame from it’s box, her face became unreadable.

Fearing she had made a mistake, Phoebe said “Don’t you like it? Mr. Corso helped me blow it up and add the text.”

“When? Why?” was all Prue could get out as she ran her fingers over the image that took her back in time.

“Well, I’ll start with the when. “I saw you take it last year.”

“How could you? I was alone.”

“So you thought. Look, I felt bad about the crake I had made and came back to apologize. That’s when I saw you take it and heard what you said. I was the reason for your sad face and those words have haunted me ever since. I wanted to say how sorry I was but I couldn’t find the words, so like I always do, I just walked away. The damage was already done. I couldn’t take it back. I couldn’t make it right. To be completely honest I was jealous. I knew if anyone could be successful at it, it would be you. You have always been focused, once your mind is set, success has no choice but to follow. You proved that today. I wanted that same drive and passion. I wanted a career I could be good at. I wanted your ability to win to replace my talent for always screwing up.”

Pausing to catch her breath and her composure she continued. “As for the why, I wanted to apologize properly and let you know how proud I am of you. Then and now.” Prue I am so sorry.” Phoebe said as she allowed the tears she was holding back to flow.

Prue’s eyes were still locked on the photo as she too was losing the battle with her emotions.

Piper couldn’t take it anymore and took the picture out of Prue’s hand. Staring back at her was a picture of Prue taking a picture of herself in the mirror they had in the solarium. Her eyes trailed to the bottom of the self-portrait and read the words fixed onto the film.

The words read: “Portrait of a dreamer... Whose dream came true!”

Recalling the day this must have happened, brought the whole photograph into perspective.

Prue silently made her way over to Phoebe, who stood and opened her arms. Both sisters embraced and just took in the moment. Connecting to the past had once again helped to narrow the distance between them.

As Phoebe began to feel as if Prue was going to pull away; she held her long enough to whisper “I love you, Prue.”

To which she was rewarded with a heartfelt. “Me too.”

After taking a few minutes to regain themselves Phoebe said. “All right already, enough with the mush. Open your other present.

Curious as to what else her sister had gotten her; she began opening the square box that had been sitting on the end table. Once again, Prue’s expression was unreadable, but then a huge smile broke out across her face, reminding Piper of Prue’s eighth birthday. When Grams’ have gotten her the hard to come by first edition Malibu Barbie that was be sure to make Prue the coolest kid in the whole school, like she needed any help.

Prue looked at Phoebe. “How?” she asked “How did you know this was the one I broke?”

“Well” Phoebe smirked, “ I stared at it long enough trying to get a premonition off of it so we could save you from the ‘Tall, Dark and Naked’ man.”

This cause Prue to laugh as she remembered the look on her two very surprised sister’s faces as they stormed the custom home, on Bane’s real estate development, on the ready to inflict bodily harm on her would-be kidnapper.

Prue then grew serious. “Phoebe, how could you afford this? This is a $2000.00 camera.” She then looked at Piper as if to see if she had paid for it.

“Don’t look at me. I knew nothing about it.”

“Yeah, don’t look at her, I can be resourceful when I want to be.” Phoebe smirked.

Prue still not satisfied , just continued to stare at Phoebe indicating that she wanted the truth. “Spill it!”

“Ok, if you must know. I’ve been moonlighting at Buddy’s for the past six months. With that and the tips I make helping Piper at the club it took no time to save up the money.”

Piper started to laugh hysterically. “You mean all those nights you told me you were going out with a guy named Bud. You were working at the college hang out?”

Phoebe smiled broadly with complete satisfaction.

“Pretty sneaky Sis, and I love it.” Wanting to save herself from another emotional moment Prue turned her attention back to her new “toy”.

Seeing her sister pull out the instruction manual and hearing her oohs and ahhs caused Phoebe to laugh, which then became a cough, that turned into a fight to catch her breath.

Both sisters’ faces showed concern as they saw the youngest struggling to fill her lungs with air.

Finally, Phoebe was able to breathe again normally, but the effects left her feeling weak and drained. Realizing she couldn’t hold out much longer, said “Piper, can you open yours now, I don’t want to be late for my date with...”

Prue going into motherly overdrive interrupted her in mid sentence. “You are not going anywhere but to bed Missy!”

“Sandman Prue, I was going to say my date with Mr. Sandman.”

Slightly embarrassed Prue just said “Oh.”

Piper was going to suggest putting it off until she came back from L.A., but one look at Phoebe told her that she would not be dismissed so easily.

“Stubborn, just like Prue.” she muttered under her breath as she began to open her first box.

“What was that?” Phoebe asked even though she had heard what Piper had said.

Piper’s only response was the gasp she gave as she lifted the small velvet box. “It’s, it’s, it’s beautiful.” She stuttered.

“Yes it is, I have exquisite taste.” Phoebe said cheekily. Growing serious she continued. “I wanted you to know how proud I am of you. The club’s success, your courage to follow your dream, but mostly to let you know how much I love having you for my sister.” “Turn it over I had it engraved.”

Piper turns it over to read: SISTERS ALWAYS. Simple words yet so powerful in there meaning.

“Thank you so much Phoebe. I feel the same.” Piper said as she tearfully reached for her sister’s hand giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Put it on, let’s see how it looks” Phoebe asked with impatience.

As Piper placed the necklace around her neck Prue leaned over to take a better look. “Is THAT why you drug me out of bed at 6:00AM on my ONLY day off to take a picture of the outside sign of P3?” Prue’s said smiling now, at what irritated her only a week before.

Sheepishly grinning Phoebe says, “Yeah, it was the only time our schedules overlapped. And the jeweler needed a good likeness to create the charm. I’m sorry.”

“Hey, anything for you Pheebs.”

“Thanks Prue.”

“Ok I saved the best for last. Open the other box.”

Piper not believing Phoebe could top any of the gifts so far reached for the rather big yet extremely light box. “Hum?” Piper mused out loud as Phoebe just giggled.

Looking inside she became very confused. “Umm, Pheebs the box it’s, well, it’s empty.”

“I know but it was too big to fit inside. So close you eyes and I’ll bring it to you.” Phoebe left the room, heading for the kitchen, sneezing all the way.

“I swear she is going to catch pneumonia if we don’t get her into bed soon.” Piper said. With her eyes closed she didn’t notice the deep concern washing over Prue’s face. She couldn’t seem to shake the feeling that what Phoebe had was something more than just a virus.
“Leo! Leo! You can come down now we’re ready.” Phoebe whispered. Once again out of breath from her sneezing attack.” Blue lights started to illuminate the kitchen as Leo materialized.

“Phoebe! You look awful! Are you ok?” Leo asked with concern.

“Hi to you too.” She said, obviously annoyed. “Sorry Leo, I didn’t mean to snap. No, I’m not feeling too well, but it will help to see the look on Piper’s face when you walk in.” Are you sure They gave you the whole weekend off without ANY interruptions? ’Cause this will bite me in the butt if you orb out on her. You know how she gets when you leave.”

“Yes Phoebe, Scouts honor, for the next 48 hours I’m all yours. I’m mean hers. Oh, you know what I mean.”

“Good, let’s not keep her waiting any longer.”

Just before entering the living room, Phoebe yells, “Ok, I’m ready, are your eyes still closed?”

“Yes, but can we hurry it up, I have a plane ticket to buy.

Slowly Leo enters the room with Phoebe not too far behind. Prue is totally baffled to see her brother-in- law standing there. Piper had just told her that morning that he on some ‘special assignment’ and that he would be gone all weekend. She would have been concerned that he was sent with news of an emanate attack had Phoebe not been grinning from ear to ear.

“Ok” Phoebe says, “You can open them.”

As Piper does, she finds herself staring into the face of her soul mate.

“But I thought...”

“You’re my ‘special assignment’ he interrupted handing her a single red rose and placing a gentle kiss on her lips. “For the next two days I’m all yours.”

Pulling away, she said, “Wait a minute. Since when do THEY feel the sudden urge to let us have any time together, much less two whole days?”

“You’ll have to ask your sister how she pulled it off.” Pointing at a still beaming Phoebe.

“How? Piper asked.

“Well, I wasn’t even sure it would work, but I figured what heck it’s worth a shot. I wrote the Elders a note. In it I explained how I felt. That you and Leo had proven over and over again that your love for each other wouldn’t interfere with your duties as Charmed One and White lighter. But that it was necessary to allow that part of your lives to remain healthy. Because whether They like it or not your love for each other is an extension of who you are. If allowed to be left neglected it could damage both of your abilities and place others in danger, resulting in what They feared would happen if you stayed together. I then called Leo and asked him to Fed-Ex it up There ASAP. That was three weeks ago our time.” Phoebe added with annoyance. “I just found out this morning when Leo told that his special assignment was you.” Looking up at the ceiling. Phoebe said “Thank you!”

Leo had moved over to the middle of the couch and sat with Piper as Phoebe told them her story. Both Leo and Piper, with tears in their eyes, got up and went and enveloped “their” baby sister in a hug. “Phoebe, you’ll never know how much this means to me.”

“Yeah, me too.” Leo agreed. “I was in total shock when I was summoned to the Elder’s Chambers, for what I thought was another routine assignment. All They said was that the letter would be honored and to be sure that I knew that this was not a common practice, but added that even as Elders, They too could still be humbled by truth.”

“Wow, Pheebs that was really sweet and very Brave!” Prue said with obvious pride in her little sister moxy.

“Uh, Leo?”

“Yeah Phoebe.”

“Can you help me to the ...” But she never finished as her world went black. Had Leo not already been standing near her she would have fallen, but he deftly caught her as she slumped forward.

“PHOEBE!! Both sisters shouted as they saw her pass out.

Twenty minutes later, she woke to find herself lying on the couch with a cold, wet cloth on her forehead and three sets of worried eyes looking at her. “What happened?” Not remembering anything after the group hug.

“You passed out.” Prue softly said, as she ran her hand through Phoebe’s damp hair.

“You gave us quite a scare. How are you feeling now?” Piper asked with concern.

“Embarrassed and very tired, but also very happy. I am with my family, it doesn’t get any better.”

They all nodded in agreement.

“Piper, I’m glad that the Elders honored my request. This way Leo can orb you to L.A. and you won’t have to fly. I know how you hate flying.”

“I don’t hate it. It’s just I prefer to travel via land transport. Either way it doesn’t matter. I am not going.”

WHAT!?! Both Phoebe and Prue said at the same time.

“You better believe your going!” Prue said with mild irritation. “After everything she went through to get Leo this time off not to mention that this is a cash cow opportunity for the club and a big feather in you cap.” Besides, I can take care of her. I only have an early morning shoot tomorrow, which I can cancel, and the rest of the weekend I already had off.”

Piper and Prue continued to go back and forth until Phoebe said “STOP!! The “She” you keep referring to is still in the room and can speak for herself. Phoebe slowly pulled herself into a sitting position before continuing. “I’ll be ok. Piper I want you and Leo to go to L.A. enjoy each other and take care of business with Ali and Prue you can’t afford to be canceling a photo shoot after just getting your promotion. Make your poor, sick baby sister happy. Will ya?”

Piper looked at Prue for her approval, to which she gave a small grin and a nod of agreement. “You’ll call if anything happens, right?”

“Yes, I will.” Prue answered.

Looking back at Phoebe, Piper smiled and said, “ Still getting your way. You spoiled brat.”

“I love you.”

“Me too Pheebs, always. Now let’s get you to bed. Ok?”

“Yeah, I’m really getting tired.”

Without even being asked Leo picked Phoebe up and carried her to her bedroom, with both sisters following close behind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He stood at the base of the stairs. His emerald eyes glowing in the darkness.

“Sleep well, me sweet colleen, for soon ye powers will be mine.”
Leo gently placed Phoebe on her bed. Kissing the top of her head, he whispered, “Thanks Sis, for everything. Feel better soon.”

Phoebe gave him a weak smile. “Remember you only have 48 hours, better make the most of it.” She finished with a wink. Leo just grinned as he left the room allowing the two older sisters to settle Phoebe in for the night.

“Honey, do you need any help? You still seem unsteady.” Piper asked.

“No, I’m fine. I think I’ll just sleep in what I have on. But could you bring me an extra blanket? I am freezing!”

“Sure, I will be right back.” Piper replied as she made her way to the hall closet where the extra bedding was stored.

“Prue?”

“Yeah, Kiddo.”

“Would you please stay until I fall asleep? I know it sound childish, but for some reason, all of a sudden I feel... Oh never mind I’m just being foolish.” Phoebe awkwardly finished.

“No, what. What are you feeling? You can tell me anything, you know that right?”

“Promise you won’t laugh at me?”

“Promise.”

“I’m, I’m, well, I’m scared.” Phoebe finally got it out.

“Of what?” Prue asked, as the uneasiness she felt earlier return.

“I don’t know. I guess I am afraid that our relationship has strayed so far that my love for you just isn’t enough. I don’t know how to fix it. And I’m terrified that I may never get the chance. Life holds no guarantees and I don’t want to wait until it’s too late. How can we make it right again?” Phoebe tearfully pleaded to her big sister hoping she had the answer.

Whoa, I never saw that coming. Prue thought to herself.

Before she had a chance to respond, Piper entered the room with the blanket Phoebe had asked for. Sensing from both sisters that they needed to be alone, she placed the blanket at the foot of the bed and gave Phoebe a kiss goodnight. “Good night sweetie and thanks for everything. You really out did yourself. But when you do something you always go all out. Well, times ticking and I have a date with an angel. Sleep well. I love you.” Piper said as she once again felt the need to kiss her baby sister goodnight.

“You’re welcome and I love you too.” Phoebe said just before she began another coughing fit.

Pulling Prue off to the side, Piper said with concern. “She is getting worse and, I don’t know, I can’t help but get the feeling there is something more to this.”

“I know Piper. Look I’ll stay with her until she falls asleep and then we can talk more downstairs. Ok?” Prue said not revealing that it was Phoebe that had asked her to say.

“Ok. I’ll meet you in the kitchen.” Piper then left after glancing once more at her ailing sister.

Prue left the room and returned quickly with a bottle of cough medicine and a thermometer. “Here honey take this, it will help with that cough.” Expecting Phoebe’s normal unwillingness at taking any medication, she was surprised that Phoebe didn’t protest.

Prue then placed the thermometer under Phoebe’s tongue. While she waited for the results, Prue began to revisit what her sister had said just moments before. Prue felt exactly the same way. That her love for her youngest sister may never be enough to reverse the damage that pride and insecurity had inflicted on their bond as sisters. But what really worried her was the sudden sense such of urgency that Phoebe expressed in resolving what had taken years to generate. Why was Phoebe’s concern spoken with such foreboding? Why did Prue sense an overwhelming fear of losing her sister forever? I don’t know what’s going on but I am determined NOT to ever lose you again! Prue was drawn out of her thoughts by the beeping of the thermometer.

“102.5, that makes you one sick girl.” Prue said as she pulled the covers back allowing Phoebe to get under them.

“Prue?” Phoebe spoke wanting an answer to the question she had asked earlier.

“I don’t know Pheebs, there is no quick fix, no spell to place us back on balance. We have to find it together. But I can promise you this, until my last breath I will search for that answer with you. I love you so much that I will do everything in my power to make sure that NOTHING is allowed to separate us again!”

Without warning Prue found herself nearly falling off center as Phoebe jumped into her arms burying her head into Prue’s neck and letting go of gut wrenching sobs. Fear and confusion ran through Prue as she tried to calm down her distraught sister. Knowing the emotional outburst was only adding to her already weakened condition.

After several minutes and a half a box of tissues Phoebe began to relax. Then slowly she pulled away and locked eyes with her older sister.

“You love me?” Phoebe asked tentatively, wanting to make sure she had heard Prue correctly.

“Yes, of course, I’ve always loved you.”

“I never knew.” Phoebe said as tears ran from her know puffy eyes. “I mean that’s the first time you ever said the words to me.”

Phoebe was right, Prue rarely verbalized her love to either of her sisters, especially Phoebe. She tried for so long to believe that those three words would only leave her hurt, empty, and alone. But in denying the truth, Fate had rewarded her with exactly what she was trying to avoid. Prue had to face her fears or they would end up not only breaking her heart, but that of her sisters as well.

It’s now or never! Pure thought.

“Yes, I suppose you wouldn’t.” Pure wistfully acknowledged. “Especially since you came back from New York. You see, I purposely made myself distant. I was so hurt and lost when you left that I vowed, when you came back, I would never get close enough to feel that kind of pain again.

Phoebe placed her hand on Prue’s cheek and said. “Don’t worry. I don’t plan on going anywhere, anytime soon. You’re stuck with me.”

“And you with me.” Prue said

“You know Phoebe, I think we just found our answer.”

“Yeah, it was there all along, just buried under your fear and my insecurity.”

“Prue?”

“Yeah?”

“You don’t have to say with me.”

“Why?”

Crawling back under the covers with a yawn that indicated the medicine was taking effect.

“Because I’m not scared anymore!”

“Me either Pheebs, me either!”

“Sleep well Little One.” Prue whispered as she closed the door on an already sleeping Phoebe.

~~~~~~~~~~
"Sisters are connected throughout their lives by a special bond... whether they try to ignore it or not. For better or for worse, sisters remain sisters, until death do them part."
(Brigid McConville from "Sisters: Love and Conflict Within The Lifelong Bond")
~~~~~~~~~~

Will the ominous plot, already set in motion, end in death for one, causing the lives of those she’s left behind to be forever changed?
Prue entered the kitchen to find Leo and Piper in a heated embrace. Smiling with happiness, to see her sister finally with the man she loved. Yet saddened that she had not found a genuine love connection, since Andy.

“Perhaps I never will.” Prue said out loud, causing the two impassioned lovers, unaware of her presence, to jump and then blush with obvious embarrassment at allowing themselves to be caught in their private moment.

“What?” “Uhh, hi Prue, We were just, uhh....” Piper said trying to justify something she didn’t have to.

“...Just saying goodnight.” Prue finished for her. Her tongue and cheek comment having a two-fold meaning.

Piper realizing her sister wanted to talk. Privately. Said, “Yeah, right. Leo honey? Why don’t you head upstairs and I’ll join you in a little bit. Ok?”

“Sure, no problem.” Getting the message his wife was trying to convey, not only with her words but her eyes. Taking one last opportunity to express his affection for his bride, he placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

Once Leo was gone. Piper grabbed two coffee cups and the thermos filled with the hot, dark liquid that always helped ease their shattered nerves and soothe any mounting tension. Or was it only a symbol for the tranquility that always came when it was shared with one of her sisters?

After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence. Piper broke the stillness by asking.

“How is she?”


“Resting at the moment. I gave her something for her cough, but her fever is pretty high.” While Prue’s word were said in calm, her hesitancy, creased brow and uncharacteristic lack of confidence gave away what she was feeling inside. FEAR!

“Are you sure, you two will be ok while I’m gone? I mean your track record for argument-free, alone time is not the greatest. Let’s face it. It sucks!!”


“I have a feeling, you have nothing to worry about.” As Prue’s eyes welled up with tears which released some of the strain on her face.

Prue then relayed to Piper all that happened between Phoebe and herself. How years of harbored apprehension, misunderstandings, fear of lose, and words left unspoken; were in one swift moment dissolved and replaced by the love that those same emotions had hidden for so long.

Piper joined in her sister’s tears of happiness. Knowing that finally both her sisters could enjoy the relationship they desired but that had eluded them all their lives.

They remained caught up in their own thoughts, until Prue asked her middle sister a question.

“Piper?”

“Yeah?”

“You know I love you, right?”

Pausing, as she chose her words carefully.

“Yes, but I’ve longed to hear the words. I mean your actions have always proven it to me, but your fear of saying 'I love you' always left room for doubt, and made me feel that the love was born from your sense of duty and not choice.”

Prue realized that Piper too, had been effected by her inability to express, out loud, what her heart always felt.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” Piper whispered as she took in the enormity of Prue’s gesture. She knew that it took a lot for Prue to work through passed hurts. Hurts, that drove her to build a wall of protection around her heart.

Leave it to Phoebe to help her sister tear down that wall and let them in.

The room remained quiet as both sisters just let the moment play it self out. Enough was said in just three simple words. Leaving their strengthened bond as sisters to
communicate where words were no longer necessary.

Returning to what brought them to the kitchen in the first place. Prue broke into the thoughts of her sister.

“Piper, I think her condition is more than just all night studying and prepping for finals. Phoebe is one of the healthiest people I know. And when she does get sick, generally her symptoms are not so severe that they cause her pass out. Did you ask Leo if he knew if anything ‘out of the ordinary’ was going on?”

“Actually, I did. He said, he knew of nothing nor did They give him a heads up concerning any impromptu attacks. He did said, that most of the evil we contend with has more of a supernatural M.O.”

“Yeah, he’s right. Either way, I’m afraid this is going to get worse before it gets better.”

“Do you want me to stay home? I mean Phoebe is far more important to me than P3. I can just call and reschedule. I’m sure Ali will understand. That way Leo and I can be here in case anything go wonky.”

Smiling as her sisters catch phase, she answered. “No, if something was up requiring the power of three, I’m sure They would never have allowed Leo this free time. I say go. Enjoy it while you can. Who knows when or if They will be this generous again. Besides you’re just an orb away if we need you. That and Phoebe would kick my ass if I let you pass up this opportunity because of her .”

“Ok, if you are sure.”

“I am.”

“Well, I better get to bed. We talked about leaving early. I’ll check in with you both before we go.” Oh, yeah. And Thanks.”

“For what?”

“Being my Big sister!”

“Like I had a choice. But if I did I couldn’t have chosen any better.”

Both of the very emotionally spent sisters, linked arms and headed for the stairs. Ready to let sleep invade their bodies.

Reaching the upstairs hallway, they both said in unison. “Goodnight.”

Piper entering her room to rest in the arms of her soul mate and Prue to enjoy a long over due, guilt free slumber. Knowing that her actions today, amended for her inactions of the past.

As Prue made her way to her room, she checked on her youngest to see if she was still resting. Troubled by what she saw, she furthered her way into her sister’s room. There laid Phoebe, in the same position she left her in over two hours ago. Covers still tucked under her chin, just the way Prue placed them before she left. Now if it were Piper, she would have not given it another thought. But Phoebe, even when well, but worse when sick, never made it through the night without her bedding being in a heap or so twisted that the jaws of life would be needed to eject her from the jumbled bedclothes.

But there she lay in eerie silence and calm. Prue would have panicked had she not seen the rise and fall of the comforter. Prue gently placed a kiss on her sister’s brow, she felt the rush of heat to her lips letting her know that the fever was still invading her sisters body. While she saw nothing that Phoebe needed at the moment and hoping the quietness was giving way to healing, Prue left and continued her journey to her own waiting bed.

While it appeared, on the outside that Phoebe was resting comfortably, it was on the inside, that a battle was raging, as the poison continued to course through her body. Draining her of both life and spirit.
Morning came early for two of the Halliwell sisters. One awakened by the incessant buzzing of her alarm clock, the other by the overwhelming exhaustion that had taken up residence in her body.

Still not quite awake, Piper slowly made her way to the bathroom. As she passed her sisters room, she could barely hear the laundry list of expletives that were coming from the other side of her door.

Curious, she knocked. “Pheebs are you ok?”

No answer.

“Phoebe?” Not waiting for a response, she went in.

There she found her sister leaning precariously over the edge of the bed with her arms outstretched, the object of her desire just out of reach. Wordlessly, Piper bent down and picked up the fallen teddy bear. The only toy Phoebe ever owned that, was given to her by their mother.

She then helped, a totally spent, Phoebe into a sitting position.

Catching her breath, Phoebe puffed out

“Thanks.”

“No problem.” Piper said, trying to keep her emotions in check.

The childhood toy held more meaning then just sentimentality. It was Phoebe’s ‘security blanket’. The teddy bear that made her feel safe in her youth, still brought comfort when she needed it.

“How are you feeling?” Piper asked as she handed the bear to Phoebe.

Phoebe hesitated long enough to know she wouldn’t be able to lie.

“Well, mostly I’m feeling tired and it’s kinda hard to breath.” This was all she got out, as she laid back down, too worn out to sit up any longer.

Piper then noticed that Phoebe’s clothes were drenched in sweat. Not knowing if it came from her fever or the excursion she just experienced.

“Let’s get you out of these and into something warm and dry.” Piper said, already off the bed and pulling out drawers looking for her sisters favorite ‘comfort clothes’.

Once Piper had helped her change she asked her if she would like something to eat.

“I’m not hungry, but some tea would be nice.”

“Ok sweetie, I’ll be right back.”

As Piper left she met up with Prue in the hall.

“How is she?”

“I don’t know. I guess, a little better, but she looks to pale. At least yesterday she had some color in her face. I’m going to get her something to drink. Why don’t you visit with her ‘til I get back?”

Prue paused inside the doorway and watched her baby sister. Leaning against the headboard with her eyes closed and her fingers absentmindedly playing with the fur on the back of Mr. Fuzzy’s head. She took in the features of her sister and had to agree with Piper. She was listless and frail, two adjectives she never thought she’d ever use to describe her youngest sister.

Without moving or opening her eyes Phoebe knew who was standing there and for the first time in years she felt the need for her big sister’s presence.


“Hey, do you and Mr. Fuzzy want some company?”


“Yeah.”
By the time she made it over to her bed, Phoebe was once again asleep.


~~~~Still and quiet, frightening quite.~~~~


Prue met Piper in the kitchen.

“Don’t bother, she’s sleeping.”

“That’s good, right? I mean this way her body is allowing itself to heal.”

Distractedly, Prue answered her sister with a nod.


Piper went off in search of Leo.

“Are you sure?” Piper asked once again. Wanting assurances that her sisters would be ok if left alone.

“Look, Piper, if you don’t want to go. I’m ok with that. I only care that we’re together not where together is.”

Gathering her in his arms, she laid her head against his broad shoulders taking in the strength and comfort she always found there.

“Do me one favor before we go? Take Phoebe downstairs in the living room. I don’t want to chance her falling down the steps if she gets up and Prue is still at her photo shoot.”

“You read my mind. Are you sure you’re not the one with the power of vision?”

Releasing her hold around his neck she sassily replied. “After last night you even dare ask that question?”

Grins on both of their faces, each went to seek out a sister.


Once Leo settled a still sleeping Phoebe on the couch he joined Piper who was challenging Prue’s ability of self-control.

A visibly irritated Prue. “Look, I told you a thousand times already.‘ I’ll call you if anything happens’. Now stop obsessing and leave already.

“Honey, I think we better go. We don’t want miss your 11:00 am meeting with Evan and Ali.” Saying this as fact and also so divert his wife’ s all consuming need to worry, away from a clearly annoyed Prue.


Blue light dissipated giving way to know empty hallway.

FINALLY! Prue said as she made her way to a now stirring Phoebe.

Phoebe had been awakened by her two not so quite, debating sisters. She knew Piper was obsessing and working Prue’s last nerve.

“I swear YOU two could wake the dead.”

“Sorry, but you know how she gets.”

“Yeah, but we love her anyway.”

Phoebe slowly glancing at the mantle clock started to say. “Prue you better get...”

“I’m not going.”

“But, Prue you can’t....”

“I didn’t. It was cancelled.” Prue said as she smiled at her very confused sister.

“The office called and said that, due to the rainstorm the Art in the Park event has been postponed.”

Both sisters finding solace in this information. A once fearless Phoebe, now needing to feel the protection of her big sister; and a once distant Prue needing to be close to her baby sister.

Minutes passed into hours as Phoebe drifted in and out of slumber and Prue kept watch over her ailing sibling.

Phoebe began to toss and turn as if to shake off the dream, that was invading her mind. Nothing made sense. Visions of separation. Not only from that of her sisters but herself. Images of something being released from her body, similar to what happens when Prue astral projects. But it was happening, not of her own volition, but rather being stolen, taken without permission. Yet at the same time she was allowing it. What was it taking and why? With one final flash she had her answer.

Phoebe jolted upright yet still enslaved to her dream world, yelled.

“MYYYYYYYYYY POOOOOWEEEEERS!!!!!!!!!!!!”



A dozing Prue nearly fell out of the overstuffed chair as she heard her sister’s cry. Regaining herself quickly she ran to an almost catatonic Phoebe.

“Phoebe!! Phoebe!!! Snap out of it honey, come on you can do it!! Finally not knowing what else to do to break the trance that seemed to be imprisoning her. Prue slapped her across the face, hard, getting the result she was hoping for.

“Prrue!?”

“Yeah, honey, it’s me. Sorry, but that was some nightmare I couldn’t wake you up. Are you ok?”

“NO!! What’s happening to me Prue? What’s happening?” Phoebe said as a trail of tears ran down her face, falling onto the quilt she wrapped tighter around herself.

Not having the answer, all Prue could do was offer comfort. Standing up from her kneeling position in front of the couch she went and sat down next to Phoebe; enveloping her in an embrace that could only be shared by two people whose love for one another was so in graphed, that their hearts would speak what their lips could not.

Once she felt Phoebe’s tense muscles begin to relax Prue pulled away. “Feel better know?”

“Physically, no emotionally, yes.” Phoebe said, hoping the inflection in her words relayed her gratitude.

Noticing Phoebe needed to change her clothes; as the violence of her dream had caused her body to perspire so profusely that it once again soaked her clothing.

Prue said “Let me get you something to change into. I’ll be right back.”

“Prue?”

“Yeah?”

“Will you bring Mr. Fuzzy too.”

Knowing her sister’s dream caused her mind to revert back to nightmares from the past that only could be eased by her cherished childhood companion.

“Sure, sweetie.” Prue said as she continued to recall the nights when she would be the only one Phoebe would let near her. The only one who could stop the tears and
rock her baby sister back to sleep as Phoebe held one arm around Prue’s neck and the other securely clutching Mr. Fuzzy.

Prue returned quickly not wanting to leave Phoebe any longer than necessary.

“Here you go Kiddo, let’s put this on.”

As she helped her sister remove her top, Prue gasped in horror as she saw the huge inflamed lesion on her Phoebe’s arm.

“What?” Phoebe questioned following her sister’s gaze to her right arm.

Trying to collect her thoughts and monitor her anger level as she saw sister’s eyes intentionally avoiding hers.

“When and how did you get this?” Prue said knowing Phoebe must have known about it and deliberately withheld it from both she and Piper.

Knowing she could no longer keep quite about the wound she discovered while taking her shower yesterday.

“I noticed it yesterday after coming home from class. As for the how I don’t know for sure. I mean I don’t recall... Wait! Maybe it happened when he knocked me down.” recalling the incident on her return home.

“Who knocked you down?”



“HHIMM!” Phoebe stammered out fear gripping her heart as their eyes locked.

“Who?” Prue asked again not seeing the stranger only seeing the scared sister staring past her.


“Aye, that’d be me lass.”

Allowing his eyes to meet the gaze of each sister independently he slowly pulled out the athame and then without warning he lunged towards her, setting into motion phase 2 of his foolproof plan.
The events in the living room played out, just like a scene from a bad horror film.

The tip of the blade masterfully placed on her pulsating jugular.

The mounting fear seen in the eyes of both sisters.

The malevolent grin plastered on the proverbial evil villain.

The only thing missing was the climactic music to build suspense and hide the exposition.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“What Do You Want?!?!” She shouted, while she refused to let her eyes leave the face of her sister.

“Why do all of ye always ask the question, ye already know the answer too?”

His now glowing eyes boring into her very soul.

“Leave HER alone. It’s ME you want.”

“Aye, that it is, or rather, what ye be possessin'. No harm shall befall your sisters, if ye be doin’ what me asks.” Saying, as he still held one sister in a physical death grip, and seized the other with her very own emotions.

“WHO ARE YOU?!?!?!” She asked, her words dripping with pure, unadulterated fury.

“Aye, I see ye are the narky (cranky) one.” Smiling as, she thrashed within his arms.

“Me, name is Aengus. I am a Power Broker. And a client is payin’ a hefty purse for that mystical gift of yours.” Saying this, he looked at her as though, what she was in possession of, utterly repulsed him, but not enough to risk facing the Charmed Ones. No, it was worth the danger, for the bounty he would be rewarded with.

“Why just mine? Usually the greedy bastards want all three.”

“Yeah, I mean why the liaison? Why not just skip the middleman and save us all the drama?” Hoping her sarcasm would cause him to slip up and give out more information than he intended.

“Tis true, but the client is a gobdaw (idiot), and since me services are highly sought after for such scarce acquisitions, he’s willin' to pay me price. Your type of power in and of itself is rare, but if retrieved from a Charmed One is well, one of a kind and therefore extremely desirable.”

Seeing he had the undivided attention of both sisters, he continued. “Look, me power is also passive and I can’t hurt ye. However, that poison runnin' through your veins is lethal without this antidote.” Confidently he pulled a small vial filled with a pink liquid, out of his vest pocket.

Prue attempted to astrally project herself free. Nothing happened. She tried to telekinetically draw the vial out of his hand, but the bottle stayed.

As if knowing what she was trying to do said. “Ye power and your other sisters, Piper is it? Ye powers won’t be workin' until me interns your wee sister’s power into this protected lantern.”

With a wave of his hand a unique oriental lamp appeared on the table.

“How did...” Phoebe started but stopped. A wave of enormous weakness came over her as the lamp started to glow.

“Look familiar, lassie?”

Prue stared at the object that, in the not so distant passed, once actually held all three of their powers. Albeit, temporarily.

Breaking into the eldest’s thoughts.

“Ye are not havin’ much time. Here are me conditions, that if obeyed will result in me allowin' ye the antidote. But if ye be refusin', it will end her death.” Pointing to the now lifeless body of Phoebe.

Prue suddenly taking in the condition of her sister, rushes to her side. Relieved to find a pulse, however faint, grabs Phoebe in her arms as she tries to will her sister life.

As he watches the touching scene between the conscious and unconscious, he says. “Ye see, if she willingly gives up her powers, I will give ye this vial that will restore her health. But should she decline, she’ll be payin' with her life, thus releasin' her powers into me possession. ”

“How long?” Prue scratches out while still holding her stricken sister.

“She’ll wake soon, me lantern is very draining. But the balance between life and death will tip one way or the other in 24 hours.”

Picking up his ‘power receptacle’ readying to leave. Phoebe stirred as the lamp was distanced from herself. While she had laid muted, she heard all that Aengus said.

With all the effort she could muster, said

“Whaat, abbout my sssiters?”

“I be havin' no use for their powers. Once I have yours they are no longer charmed and frankly then will be just as common as any other witches. Ye have me word.”

Looking at Prue. “I’d be suggestin' ye convince her in the right way or spend the remainin' moments sayin’ your last goodbyes.”

With those words he made his dramatic exit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rain Pounded
Thunder Roared
Lightning Flashed
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the storm outside grew to a crescendo, so too was the tempest inside the Manor.

Would the damage caused by the later forever change its victim’s lives?
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is not a secret if is known by three people. ~ Irish Proverb
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leo turned the last page of the last magazine that could be found in the posh guest lounge, adjacent to Ali’s office. Typical L.A. decor, cold, stilting and uninviting. Leo preferred the ambiance of romance and hominess that the antiques and Victorian era furnishings provided back at the Manor.

Glancing at his watch.

It had been three and half-hours since he last saw Piper. How long does it take to hammer out all the details? He mused to himself. Not really minding. He waited two and half years to marry her, so what was a few lousy hours? Sipping on his second bottle of Perrier and popping another Godiva, Grande Mint in his mouth, he said out loud. “Now, THIS I could get use to!” He then placed two crossed legs on the top of the all glass table that sat in front of the overstuffed leather couch. Just as he was getting comfortable the door opened, startling him causing the bottled water to spill, and in the process of untangling his legs he managed to knock over the floral arrangement, that gave the room it’s only color.

“Uhh, I’m sorrryy...” he said as a deep blush started to creep over the top of his collar quickly heading towards his face.

The office assistant did all she could to not laugh at the handsome man, as he fumbled in awkward embarrassment. Hoping to put him at ease, she said. “Frankly, I like it better this way. Gives it some character.”

He offered her a grateful smile at not humiliating him any further for his faux pas.

“Your wife wanted me to let you know that she would be finishing in about a half-hour. And to thank you for your patience.” With her message given she left Leo to regain his composure.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once Prue was satisfied that Phoebe was settled and resting, she headed to the attic to get the BOS and to call for back up.


In the Attic:

“LEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!”

“LEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Get your ass back here RIGHT NOW!!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Feeling the URGENT calls from one of his charges, no, it was the GUT WRENCHING cries of his oldest sister-in-law.

Being pulled in two directions: Stay and wait for Piper or go to the person behind the distressed plea? He opted to go to Prue. Piper would be finished soon and he would come back for her. He had a feeling the rest of the weekend would be spent fending off evil, once again.

With one quick glance he orbed to the ones he had grown to love. His Family.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Slamming closed the Tome which held their family heritage, Prue allowed the tears to fall, as frustration and the total feeling of helplessness took over. She went through the book two times, begged for the routine assist that usually came without asking and was still waiting for Leo to answer her call.

Blue lights illuminated the attic.

“FINALLY!!”

Prue fell into the arms of her brother-in-law. “Phoebe’s in BIG trouble and I don’t know how to fix it. She has less than 24 hours or we will loose her. I CAN’T loose her Leo, I just found her again. I can’t do this to me again. I can’t, no I WON’T let it happen. Can you FIX this?” Prue rifled off her words like a machine gun.

“WHOA, Prue, slow down. We are NOT going to let anything happen to Phoebe. Now catch you breath and tell me EVERYTHING.”

Prue calming down, went from upset to just plain pissed off!! No one was going to tear her family apart, not if she could help it!

As both Leo and Prue headed downstairs, with the Book in hand, Prue filled him in on their evil visitor and what measures he had taken so far to rid Phoebe of her power and / or her life. Which in Phoebe’s case, were so intertwined that the situation seemed to be a catch- 22.


Upon entering the living room, they saw Phoebe attempting to place herself in an upright position. Leo became visibly shaken at the condition of his charge, friend and sister. Of both Pipers’ sisters, he had grown the closest to Phoebe. The one who goaded, a then shy, Piper into expressing her true feelings for him, the one who kept his secret of being a White lighter, the one who tended his wounds when the Dark lighter forced his secret out into the open, causing Phoebe to face the anger of a sister who felt betrayed, the one who made every attempt at salvaging their wedding day, by helping Prue to deal with her Freudian issues. Yes over the years he developed a bond with his youngest, Charmed charge that could not be expressed in mere words, but only by the silent language of the heart.

Regaining himself, Leo went to Phoebe and helped her get situated.

“Hey, Leo.” She managed to get out between pants.

“Hey, yourself.”

Prue and Leo flanked an ebbing Phoebe. Prue mostly talked to save Phoebe’s remaining strength.

“He said he wasn’t interested in all three powers? That doesn’t make sense. Are you sure he wasn’t using that as a smoke screen, you know, trying to throw you off?” Leo asked confused at the motive of the Power Broker.

“Yeah, that’s what he said, but I don’t think it was a smoke screen. He genuinely showed not interest in either Piper or my powers, other than to disable them to avoid us using them to thwart his plan.”

Phoebe with her head laying against Prue’s shoulder took in all that her sister and Leo were saying. With Mr. Fuzzy once again back in her hands, she ran her finger over his fur wishing for comfort, but was rather, rewarded with the pulling sensation of a premonition.

Prue feeling her sister’s body stiffen, and hearing the characteristic gasp, though weaker than normal, knew Phoebe was being hit with a vision. Knowing that it would only sap her precious reserve of energy, but also aware that there was little she could do. So she did the only thing she could, she rubbed her sister’s back letting her know she was there and waited for her to come out of it.

Her world turned black and white, the time was a little over a year ago, soon after they had returned from the future. She found herself in the attic. Peaceful, calm and serine. Someone was with her, yet she was not afraid. They looked as if they were looking at a piece of paper. But the images started to fade, her powers weakened by the toxin in her system, she found she was being drawn out her out of her vision sooner than she generally would. But she stayed in her trance long enough to recall the incident and the day it took place.

As she began to return to the here and now, her body began to shake uncontrollably and her teeth started to chatter.

After wrapping another quilt around her sister Prue pulled her close, allowing her body heat to help aid in bringing warmth back to her sister.

About a half-hour later, Phoebe asked Prue. “Couuldd yyou pleease bbringg mee a a hottt ccup of teaa? Maybee tthatt willl warrm mee upp.”

“Sure honey, I’ll be right, back.” Not wanting to leave, but hoping that by doing something, it would help ease her frayed nerves.

“Leoo?”

“Yeah?”

“Iss itt truee, that hhe won’tt hharm myy ssiterss?” Her chattering teeth causing her to stutter so badly Leo had a hard time understanding her.

“Well, I can’t be sure, but once I get Piper back here, I will pay a visit to the Elders and see if they know anything more about this Aengus fellow.”

Once Prue came back with the hot herbal drink, Leo said he would go and bring Piper back.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Piper paced, only this time it was not from excitement, she was scared. She went to meet Leo in the lounge over an hour ago. “This better be good, or I’ll kick his ass all the way back to San Francisco.” Saying more out of fear than anger. She had just finished ranting when the blue sparks could be seen reflecting in the glass coffee table.

“Where the hell...” Was all Piper got out as she saw the distressed look in her husband’s eyes. Only once before had she seen that look. When he drew her spirit to that tranquil place, risking everything to heal her.

Knowing immediately that one or both of her sisters was in trouble. She screamed.

“Orb, FASTER, FASTER.”

Within seconds she found herself rematerializing in the hallway. Pulling away from his hold she rushed to where she saw her sisters.

Phoebe was now lying down, no longer able to hold herself up. Ashen, lethargic, and having great difficulty breathing. Sitting next to her was her tired, worried and tear spent big sister.

“Hey.” Piper said softly not wanting to scare either them.

“Hey.” They both said. Neither with much enthusiasm.

Piper then bent down and ran her hand over the cheek of her very sick sister. Tears forming, wanting to say something but not knowing what.

So silence filled the room. Deafening Silence.

Leo seeing that his family was together again, orbed to gain any further information on what their course of action should be.

Prue sat motionless, she was emotionally exhausted. Exhausted from her constant vacillation between fear and her need to keep it together for the sake of her sisters. After making up some excuse to leave the room, Prue excused herself.

“Go go to to hherr. Ssh she nne needs yo you. I I I will b be o ok. Go go.” Phoebe said as she slowly placed her hand on Piper’s, closing her eyes as sleep claimed her body.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Piper entered the kitchen. Her heart broke. There in the middle of the floor was her big sister, the Strong One, the Protector, totally and utterly lost in a stormy sea of emotion that would cause many a sailor to capsize. Piper, at the sight of the one, who always gave her strength, knew it was time to pay her sister back for the many occasions Prue had lent her the courage to go on. Gently, she drew her into her arms as they both wept for not only each other but for the sister who was missing from their embrace.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Leo orbed back, he knew the knowledge that he had gained would be received with mixed emotions.

As Leo entered the room, Phoebe could sense the brightness through her still closed eyes. Slowly, as if all her effort was focused on that one task, she opened her eyes. No longer strong enough to react to the ice cold sensation that had captured her body, her impaired speech disappeared, leaving her with only the capacity to speak, just above a whisper.

Her faint voice drifted up from the couch, barely reaching Leo’s ears.

“What did They say?”

“He spoke the truth. He has no interest in your sister’s powers. He deals exclusively in rare and hard to acquire entities. Aengus’ type are greedy but for monetary gain not magical. He poses no threat through deception. Those he works for are generally obsessed with securing the object they crave, but are inferior in obtaining it themselves, thus, their employment of a Power Broker. While we can’t rule out his client won’t attempt something; They seem quite convinced that if Aengus, should fail to procure your power, that the one who sent him will head for the hills in fear of facing the scorn of the Charmed Ones.

“You mean WHEN! WHEN he fails!! Because we are going to vanquish his sorry ass into oblivion.”

Hearing her sister’s confident Battle Cry Phoebe weakly smiled. Knowing that during the time her sisters spent alone in the kitchen, Piper had worked her magic. And pushed all the right buttons, reviving Prue’s fighting spirit.

It was that fighting spirit that she was counting one, if the plan she had come up with was going to work.
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“There is no strength without unity.” ~ Irish Proverb
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“How in the HELL are we going to do THAT?”

She can’t EVEN move. She would NEVER be able to withstand the Power of Three chant!!”

“Besides he said our powers won’t work REMEMBER?”

“NO!! There HAS to be another way!!”

Leo sat muted as both Prue and Piper lambasted him. The duo figuratively standing him up in front of a verbal firing squad. This was the other half of his news that he had dreaded speaking of, just for this very reason.

“LOOK, DON’T shoot the messenger!!” Leo said in an uncharacteristic moment of aggression that was mixed with the same worry that caused both sisters to lash out at him.

Temporarily stunned into silence, both sisters were shocked at Leo’s suppression of his pacifistic nature.

“We’re sorry Leo.” They both said with such sincerity that Leo soon reverted back to his typical demeanor.

Continuing with his report. “That is what They said, that the only way to defeat Aengus is to use the Power of Three spell.”

“Well, we know THAT is not an option.” Prue said as she went to the BOS, once again hoping to miraculously find a magical way out for her little sister.

“Uh,Guys?”

A pacing Piper picked up where Prue had left off. “The poison is draining her of her life force and with it her ability to contain her powers.”

“Uh, Guys?”

“I Know, but you have been through the Book more times than I can count and found nothing. What I think you need to do is concentrate on how you can preserve what is left of her powers in hopes, that when he returns, there will be enough to vanquish him or at least slow him down, buying us more time to find an alternative.” He said, realizing that the words, even to him, sounded lame.

“Uh, Guys?”

“We are not going to take a defeatist attitude Leo, not when it involves one of my SISTERS.”

The trio continued going back and forth, all talking at the same time. Totally ignoring Phoebe’s attempt to get their attention.

With as much strength as possible she said.

“GUYS?”

“WHAT?!?” They all cried. So caught up in their endeavor to save her they forgot she was even in the room.

With all her energy spent in trying to gain the audience of her family, she said, “I think I might know a way.” just before she passed out.

She begged Leo over and over to heal her. He tried so many times he was empty. Nothing more to give. Feeling useless and in the way he left the sisters alone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She wanted to stay. Stay in the dark abyss of nothingness. Free from the heaviness surrounding her every thought. Absent of all effort. Liberated from her languid soul. Released from her obligation to go on. But her sweet soliloquy was broken into by gentle voices beckoning her to return. Drawing her away from the shadows she so desperately wanted to blend herself with.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prue sat there and held her hand, a hand she had memorized over the years. The hand that was tightly wrapped in hers, as she walked her to her first day of school. The hand that was always turning the knob to her bedroom when the monsters came in the night. The hand that was always attached to a ‘borrowed’ piece of clothing. The hand that was held up in surrender when truth was blinded by anger, refusing to believe. The hand that closed the door on the life she knew, knowing distance was best. The hand that opened that same door, realizing nearness was necessary. The hand that gently wiped away tears from a face filled with doubt and guilt. The hand that reached out to restore our relationship and found my hand reaching back. Just like our hands, time has linked our hearts.

“Please don’t leave me.... Come back.” Prue said over and over again with gentle urgency. Her words became lyrical, almost enchanting, wishing her sister, her daughter, her forever friend, back to her side.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Piper stood looking out the window. Tears trickling down her cheeks, mirroring the rain that descended from the heavens. The sky weeping in concert with her soul.

Memories she had long forgotten came rushing her thoughts, willing her to go back in time. Vignettes of nostalgia, scraps from the past, played through her inner eye.

Her tiny feet trying to keep up as she shadowed my every move. Her eyes that were filled with tears as the thunder rushed her into my arms. Her voice filled with such excitement, as she told me of first kiss. Her arms as they held me not wanting to go, but knowing she couldn’t live a life of maybes and what ifs. Her courage to return to me. Her compassion as her hands intertwined in mine as her words of comfort, ‘it’s hard to lose someone you love’ touched my soul. Her way of always wearing her heart on her sleeve, as I saw the fear of loss staring down at me, when illness nearly separated us. Her pride in my achievements; as she always championed my dreams, believing in me even though I never asked her to. “Your right Phoebe, it’s hard to lose someone you love.”

Walking over to her prone sister she said “Please don’t leave me.... Come back.” Her voice joined with her oldest sisters as they tried to penetrate the obscurity that their baby sister was trying to succumb to.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hesitantly she opened her eyes.

Blackness gave way to a dimly lit room and stillness to the pleadings of her loved ones. No she couldn’t leave them, not willingly anyway. But she knew she was dying and that if her plan failed the consequence of that failure would be her life.

No I will not go willingly, but if I must, I am no longer afraid.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Feeling her sister stir under her hand. Relief washed over Prue’s face. Knowing her sister’s fighting spirit would not allow her to lose a battle so easily.

“Hey, sleepy head. Time to wake up.”

“Five more minutes, Pweease?” Playing along to the morning routine they shared as kids.

Piper smiled knowing that circumstances may try and tear them apart and death may attempt to separate them, but their love for each other would transcend all obstacles. Making room for hope in their hearts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Glancing at the clock and seeing precious minutes pass. Prue knew that Phoebe’s plan maybe their only chance. Aengus was due back in less than five hours.

“Ok, what’s this idea of yours?” Her face showing apprehension, knowing Phoebe’s plans always involved high risk.

Piper looking on with as much uneasiness as Prue.

“I give up my power.”


“WHAT?”

“WHAT?”

Prue and Piper shouted one right after the other.
Poetry Acknowledgement: The poem contained in this story, A Legacy Of Love by Anna Mckenzie, is solely the property of the author. The only thing I claim is my admiration for her talent.
“Like HELL you will!”

“Yeah Pheebs, of all three of us, you were the last one I would have thought would give up so easily.” She said trying to take the sting out of her sister’s words.

“We will find a way to save BOTH you and your power. I’ll be damned before I’ll let you just give up! I’ve known you all your life and you NEVER held back or gave in. You’ve always fought to the DEATH!”

Phoebe lay there shocked. What just happened, did Prue and Piper switch bodies? I mean Piper has NEVER yelled at me, even when I deserved it. Doesn’t she know I am not giving up? That I AM FIGHTING to the death, maybe literally?

Hearing all the yelling, Leo came running back into the room. Listening to his wife raging he tried to offer a sense of reason.

“Maybe we should let Phoebe explain before...” But Leo was cut off by a still ranting Piper.

“Explain what?!? How THEY are so eager to throw our heritage out the window without even an assist? Willing to disband the Power of Three, just so They can save face? What about the Innocence were meant to protect? HUH? What about them? Did They think about that? Did THEY think how I CAN’T lose my baby sister?”

“WHY!? WHY ARE THEY ALLOWING THIS TO HAPPEN, AGAIN!?!?!?!?!?”

With each word Piper became more and more distraught. Her anger no longer directed at Phoebe, but to those she felt never gave them a break. Always allowing pain to plague their lives. But she was only using the Elders as a scapegoat. Her fear was coming from that dark corner in her subconscious where her greatest fear was born, the night her daddy left and never came back. Ever, since that moment, when she experiences happiness, tragedy follows. Her Mom. her dad and now... she couldn’t even finish her thought. Everyone she loves leaves. She didn’t think she could handle anymore losses and survive herself.

Piper crumbled to the floor as her pent up fury was released from her heart.

“Piper, shh, honey, come on we can’t let our fears overcome us or we will lose everything.” Leo said, as he tenderly wrapped his arms around her shoulders as she rocked back and forth.


Prue just stood there as waves of guilt, that she had grown use to over the years, fell upon her. How can I be letting this happen? It’s all my fault. I’m the one who has to make this right. Why can’t I save her, save her powers? Prue physically turned around to see if the Dark lighter from her past had returned. But no, she knew it was her own inner demon causing her to want to shoulder ALL the blame.

“Prue, it’s not your fault. Aengus did this, HE is responsible for this. But Prue I need you. Please!! We don’t have much time, and what time is left I want to see if we can save me or at least my power.” “Please, hold on for me just a little longer.”

Hearing the whispers of her sister rising from the couch and feeling her hand slip into hers, Prue knew the ‘final hours’ had come. They would soon know if they would live as sisters Charmed, live as mortal sisters, or live forever wishing they could erase the events of the last 48 hours.

“Prue, please get Piper, I have to do this while I still have the strength.”

Kneeling down to her emotionally stricken sister she said. “Piper, come on sweetie, we need to do this together, our baby girl needs us. Please help me help her.”

Gathering the courage she didn’t think she had she rose and went, with resolve, to prepare for a battle she did not want to face, but knew she must. If not for herself, then for Phoebe.

Phoebe took a moment to look at her family. All these tears all this drama was because of her. She didn’t want to leave them. She wanted to stay, but if giving up her life would save them. Then she’d do it without hesitation.

Piper coming to her side first, “Phoebe, I am so sorry.”

“No, it’s me who’s sorry, I shouldn’t have blurted it out like that, I didn’t mean it the way it came out, it’s not what you think. My plan IS NOT to give up or let that Irish dirt bag win.” Pausing to catch her breath before she continued. “Look, Aengus will be back in 3 hours, we need to focus. I need you to get a couple of things from upstairs and when you come back I will do my best to explain everything.”

Seeing the effort it took just to say those few sentences and hearing the urgency in her voice. The two sisters nodded their agreement.

“I need you to go in my room. Under the bed you’ll find my ‘box of secrets’. You know the one Gram’s gave me to keep all my secrets in?

Spotting the look on her sister’s faces, Phoebe said, “Just do it.”

You’ll need to go to the attic for the key. It’s in a book on the corner bookshelf. Middle shelf, fourth book in, page number 333.

Feeling the intensity of life leaving with every word. Recognizing it would take everything in her to carry out her plan. She knew little time could be wasted, and that included say any good-byes. She knew destiny paved the way to this moment and it would have its way. She was thankful that she had prepared for this, though not realizing that it would play out like this. Forewarned is forearmed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prue and Piper head up the stairs each in there own thoughts.

We’ve had many close calls, but this time it felt, like well, the end. The end of the Charmed Ones, but that took a backseat to the end of a sister.

I just wish I could freeze time, say I love her one more time, look into her eyes and let them speak all she means to me.

Time is not allowing any breathing room. Usually, we have a heads up and are somewhat prepared. But that luxury would not be afforded.

I just wish I could push time back, back to when scraped knees and scary dreams were all that hurt, back to when a kiss would make everything ok.

I wish.

I wish.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Together they stood outside her door. A door that always stayed open. Open for conversation, tears, laughs, and love. Yes, just like the door to her heart.

Hand in hand, they entered. The unmade bed that Leo carried her from, her glasses folded on the nightstand, the picture that captured the trio in a moment when the events of the past few days would have never been believed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Let’s just do this.” Prue said as anger and sadness gave way once again to resolve.

Piper bent down and pulled the ornate, almost gaudy, metal box from under the bed. “Ok.”

Leaving just as they came hand in hand. They headed to the attic and then back to lay Phoebe’s trap.

As they entered Prue took the lead, going to the bookcase and retrieving the book Phoebe had directed them to.

Taking it with her to the old couch that lined the sidewall of the attic. Piper followed her. As Prue was about to go the page that held the key. It started to flip just like the BOS does when assistance is needed. As the pages settled, both sisters were drawn to the neat script they knew to be Phoebe’s.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My dear sisters,

If you are reading this, I must have sent you for this key. Which means this vanquish maybe my last.

If it is ~ Please don’t mourn me long.

My life has been enhanced for having known you and forever changed for having loved you.

I found this poem the day after we came back to the future. While I didn’t place the ink upon the page, it is as if I had, for these words say what’s in my heart.

My last wish, whether it comes now or hopefully later, is that you heed these words and know that I will always be just, a breath away from where you are.

Always and Forever,
Phoebe

Allowing their tearing eyes to drift to the poem just below her ‘love letter’.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Legacy Of Love

As darkness slowly seeps into the air
The September Sun sinks further into the pillows
That are made of mountains
I feel drawn to the night
Which I once so fiercely fought.

Velvety soft wings envelop me
And my heart is full of you.

If tomorrow comes without me
If the darkness should carry me softly away
If I have heard my last dawn chorus,
Seen my last bright sunrise, lived my last sweet day

Wrap my love around you like a blanket
When winter comes, to keep you warm.
And forgive me that I am not with you.
Let my love carry you through the storm.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The tears of both sisters blended together as they fell onto the pages. Causing the ink to bleed into the paper.

“How could she think I could go on without her?” Piper cried.

Not knowing how much more any of them could take and numb from what they had just read; Prue on auto pilot, she just gathered Piper in her arms letting her cry out her pain.

As Prue rocked Piper back and forth, attempting to soothe her with empty words of comfort, her mind was not in the moment. No her mind was oblivious to all else except for the two words playing over and over in her mind.

“She Knew.”
Leo paced back and forth in front of the fireplace, a habit he picked up from his wife.

“Leo, would you stop that already, you are making me dizzy!”

“Uhh? What? Oh, sorry.”

“Phoebe this is driving me crazy. Damn it! I can't just sit back and do nothing. I have to help. I’m going to go back up and demand They give me some answers.”

Blue lights start to fill the room, but are stopped by Phoebe’s voice.

“Leo, wait!”

Seeing the urgency in her face, hearing the pain in her voice, he bent down, so as he could hear her better.

“Look Leo, if this doesn’t work, I am going to die. I don’t want my sisters to see that. I want you to promise me that if it looks like there’s no more hope, that you’ll orb them out.”

“But, Phoebe!”

Placing her hand on his cheek she said.

“Consider it payment for one of those favors you owe me.”

Knowing Phoebe wouldn’t take NO for an answer, he agreed.

“One more thing. Please take care of...”

But it was Leo’s turn to place his hand on her cheek as he stopped her request.

“You don’t have to ask Phoebe, You know I will. Always.”

“Thanks Leo.”

“No Problem.” And allowing no time for his tears to betray his heart, he orbed out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Piper we need to get back downstairs.”

She only nodded as she rose and made her way to the attic door. Nothing more to give. Emptied of any and all emotions.

Prue herself devoid of feeling, save for her mounting temper as to why her sister kept this from them; she too got up and joined a waiting Piper.

With key and box in hand, they slowly closed the attic door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebe lay with her eyes closed. Dreading the confrontation she knew would soon take place. Hearing the creaking of the old Manor’s stairs, she knew that her sisters were coming and with them all the questions that their journey upstairs begged answers to.

Silently they entered the room, making their way over to the youngest Halliwell.

After several awkward minutes, Prue asked what Phoebe knew she would. Of both her older sisters, it was Prue that could always read between the lines.

Trying to keep the anger she felt from penetrating into her voice, but knowing, as always she had failed.

“You knew, didn’t you!?!”

Keeping her eyes closed, hoping the darkness would give her courage as she could feel the tension filling the room; and fear, which Phoebe felt from childhood when Prue took that tone with her, filling her heart, she answered.

“Yes. I mean no. Well sort of. I knew something was going to happen but I didn’t know the who, what, when, where, or how.”

Prue gaining no compassion from her little sisters explanation, continued on with her barrage of ‘holier than thou’ accusations.

“All this time and you knew.” What the hell were you thinking? This is so typical, we had all this time and you wait until NOW to clue us in? I can’t believe you. I mean of all things to ACTUALLY keep a secret you choose this? You’ll have to do better than ‘Well sort of’ to convince me that you were justified in keeping this from us.”

“I was told I couldn’t.”

Piper watched her baby sister fighting her inner battle between truth and fear. The pained look in her now dull brown eyes and the crease playing across her paling forehead revived her emotions, as barrenness gave way to empathy.

“By who?” Piper cutting in before Prue could throw another round, at an already down for the count, Phoebe.

“If you will help me up I’ll try and explain.”

Once they had Phoebe centered between the two of them; she began her attempt to explain how the events of little over a year ago brought them to this moment in time. But as the words formed in her mind, the fear of her sisters’ reactions, especially Prue’s, prevented them from reaching her lips.

Piper reached up and tenderly brushed her hand across the creases on her sisters brow, and with the touch that only she could provide erased the furrows that were there.

“Pheebs, honey, whatever it is you can tell us. I promise we won’t get angry. Will WE Prue?” Piper emphasized the ‘we’ as she locked eyes with her oldest sister.

“Yeah, Phoebe it’s ok.” Prue replied although with some hesitation.

Phoebe looked at both her sisters, believing one and holding out little hope for the other. She took in a deep breath and began.

“You see, after we came back from the future I had a hard time adjusting. It was not so much death that scared me as it was separation. Separation for both of you. The torture of being separated from you guys, even for that short time, was more agonizing than any pain the flames inflicted on me.”

Prue instinctively placed her hand on Phoebe’s, recalling how withdrawn her sister was in the months following their ‘magic being used for revenge’ lesson.

Phoebe relaxed slightly at her big sisters attempt at softening her latest words.

“Let’s face it, there are no guarantees in this line of work. So I wondered if there was... well, if there was some way that if I were to actually die, that I could leave a part of me with you, so that whatever happens we would always be together.”

Before either sister could say anything she continued.

“I... I wrote a spell. I worked on it for months. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t doing in solely for personal gain. So when I had it where I thought it was mostly gain free, I summoned Grams to ask her to look at it and see if it would work.”

Phoebe, though not wanting to, had to stop and catch her breath. This gave Prue an opportunity to ask a question. Her anger resurfacing yet again. She was not liking at all where Phoebe was heading with this.

“Well, what did she say!?!”

“She didn’t come.”

“Then that must mean whatever you’ve got going on in that head of yours is NOT going to work!!!” Prue’s voice dripped once again with her irritation, or was it that her words and actions were coming from the panic she so masterfully disguised as displeasure.

Pausing only a moment before she jerked her hand from Phoebe’s, she got up and started to pace.

Becoming visibly shaken, Phoebe always hated when Prue showed her disappointment in her.

Just above a whisper she said.

“She didn’t come.... Mom did.”

“WHAT!?!” Both her sisters said in unison.

chapter 12b

“ I was shocked too. I mean They NEVER sent her.”

“Wow Phoebe, what did she say.” Piper asked, still reeling from the news of who Phoebe’s visitor was.

“Well at first neither of us said anything. We just hugged. I embracing the mother I never knew and she the daughter that went on without her.”

“You mean, she didn’t come in spirit form?” Prue questioned, now sensing some validity in Phoebe’s actions.

“No, she was real.” A smile playing on her face as she could still feel the warmth.

“I started to explain what I was doing, but she stopped me. She said she already knew and that They had sent her to me. Mom told me that something that destiny set into effect years ago would lead me to use the spell I had written. She helped me with some of the wording, ensuring it would be consequence free. Then together we wrote a reversal spell just in case.”

Phoebe had to stop yet again. Her breathing becoming irregular and her voice strained, both from the emotions of the memories and the poison further degenerating her already failing system. Her body was beginning to shut down.

She placed her head back against the couch, as she inwardly ordered herself to continue.

“When I questioned her regarding my motives she assured me that, while my initial purpose was for selfish reasons, that when the time came I would use it not for those reasons, but rather for the greater good.”

Prue stayed silent the whole time Phoebe weaved the events of the past with the reality of the present, which offered a tapestry of providence that none of them could have prevented no matter how much time they had to prepare. Now knowing her anger was so unjustified, so unnecessary if she had just shut up and listened, but NO she had to mouth off to a sister that has be asked to have the weight of the world placed on her shoulders and then forbidden to share that knowledge or allowed to have the burden eased by the ones she always turned to for comfort.

“Did Mom say when?” Piper asked.

“No, she only said that when the time was right, she would let me know.”

Prue continued to pace, as she still tried to assimilate all that she was hearing and feeling. But she stopped mid stride when she heard Phoebe’s last words.

“Mr. Fuzzy.”

“What? Prue did you say something?” Piper asked.

“Mr. Fuzzy. Your last premonition you were holding Mr. Fuzzy. Is that...?”

Phoebe still not meeting the eyes of her sister fearing her further wrath. Solemnly answered.

“Yes.”

“Oh Baby, I am so sorry!!!!”

“I can’t begin to tell you how awful I feel. Not only have you carried this for so long by yourself, but when you come to us for help I throw it back in your face.”

“PLEASE FORGIVE ME!!??”

I am sorry, I I I wanted to tell you but Mom made me swear. She said that if I did the future, YOUR future, might be changed forever. I couldn’t risk you guys being in danger. Don’t you see I couldn’t, I just couldn’t!!”

The floodgate flew open for Phoebe. A year of never knowing when, a year of keeping it from her sisters and two days of pure emotional and physical hell. She couldn’t bear up under its weight any longer.

“ARRGH!!” Phoebe cried out as she slumped over clutching at her heart, feeling as if something were trying to rip it out. The last phase of the poison reaching it’s destination.

“WHAT!? PHOEBE, WHAT IS IT!?!”

“HONEY, WHAT’S WRONG???” Piper barked out in panic.

But it was Prue she called for.

“PRUE, PLEASE!!!! HELP ME, I CAN’T TAKE MUCH MORE!!”

The vision of her broken sister, both in body and spirit, cut to her very soul, but the anguish of her little sisters pleadings nearly caused her heart to stop.

Prue went and gathered her sister to herself. Willing if it were possible to trade places, knowing if it were, she would have already done so.

“Hush sweetie, I’ve got you, I’m hear, I’m not going anywhere. Remember that promise I made? I promised you that until my last breath I would do everything in my power to NEVER lose you again! I’m NOT backing out on you now, not EVER!!”

Prue soothingly rubbed Phoebe’s back, lulling her into a state of calm. Her voice of fury moments ago replaced with hushed loving tones that she was just as capable of using and with as much veracity.

“Why this has to be this way, I don’t know, but it is and we have to deal with the hand we’ve been dealt. I do know however, that I am so proud of you. I can’t even imagine what you’ve been going through these past two days, hell the past year. No one and I mean NO one should have to go through what you have. But I know that They picked the right Halliwell. I know of the three of us you were the strongest for this challenge, that’s why you were chosen. Don’t worry Little One, Piper and I will never leave you to face this alone.”

Lifting Phoebe’s face so the brown stared into blue. “Come on Pheebs, please hold on for me, just a little longer. Ok?”

Phoebe hugged her answer to her sister’s last question.

“Now how about telling us this crazy plan of yours that will send Aengus’ ass straight back into the pit of hell where he belongs.”

Smiling at her oldest sister, Phoebe felt the peace she was going to need to face this, fall over her.

Piper took in her two sisters. Not hurt or surprised that in Phoebe’s deepest need it was Prue she called for. She knew it was Prue’s assurances that would give her the courage to complete the mission none of them asked for.

“Phoebe, are you ok now?”

“Emotionally yes, physically well, the juries still out.”

Knowing they had their Phoebe back, and seeing that their destiny was only two hours away, Piper asked

“So what does your spell do?” Already knowing the answer.

“It’s a Power Transfer Spell.”
/N: The time frame of this story would indicate that Phoebe has her power of levitation, but I chose not to include it in this story. The brief quote at the beginning is a verse taken from the song Let Me Fly (From Cirque De Soleil). I claim no ownership.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Someone I am
Is waiting for courage
The one I want
The one I will become
Will catch me
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As night’s darkness began its descent over the city of San Francisco, light rays of hope broke into the darkness of the hearts inside the old Victorian manor.
Trepidation was being replaced with tranquility, desperation with determination and resignation with resolve.

“You are so smart Pheebs, A Power Transfer spell is brilliant.” Hugging her sister at her ingenious epiphany. “This could work. I mean if you transfer your power to one of us it will reinstate the Charmed Ones. Giving us the ability to use the Power of Three spell. If we can fool him into believing the poison is still blocking our powers and he feels no threat, he’ll probably be more than happy to hand over the antidote. And once he does we can 86 his Irish ass!”

Piper listened to Prue and wasn’t totally convinced.

“Probably? Probably isn’t good enough. What if he really wants her power for himself. What if he has other ulterior motives?”

Prue sensing her sister’s anxieties tried to reassure her.

“I don’t think that’s the case here, Pipe. Remember what Leo said? Aengus is in it for the money not magical profit. I’m banking, that if we can genuinely convince him we are willing to give up the Power of Three to save our sister and can make him think we have done nothing to hinder he plan, he will drop his guard and give us the antidote to collect his bounty.”

“And if he doesn’t? What if we don’t get the antidote, Phoebe will die. Are you willing to bank THAT on a probably?” Piper countered as her irritation level grew.

Phoebe sat there taking in all her sisters were saying. Admiring the qualities in both of them. Prue direct, focused and confident. Piper cautious, thorough, and determined. Knowing that if this would work all those traits would be needed.

Phoebe then cut into her sister’s debate. “Piper relax, if it comes to that, then you and Prue will do what you have to do, you’ll vanquish him for the greater good. Look it’s not about me anymore. We can’t let him do this to anyone else. It has to end with me. We have to succeed whether I continue on as part of the equation or not.” She then placed her hand over Piper’s and offered her a smile of understanding.

Both sisters were sobered not only by Phoebe’s words, but by the sound of resoluteness behind them.

Not wanting to go down the path of what ifs again and seeing Phoebe was barely hanging on. Piper broke the silence.

“Uh, getting back to our strategy. I have another question. If our powers are blocked by the poison, how do we get them unblocked?”

Phoebe explained. “The way the spell is written, you should regain your powers when I transfer mine.”

Observing Phoebe growing restless and rubbing her legs. Piper asked “What is it? Are you getting worse?”

“I just so tired. I can’t seem to... I think I need to lay down.” Phoebe said.

“Here honey, put your head on my lap, and Piper could you get an extra...” But Prue stopped as she was being handed another quilt.

“Is that better?”

“Some, thanks.”

Wanting to ask Leo if he could do anything for Phoebe asked where he was.

“He orbed to talk with the Elders, but that was before you came back downstairs.”

“Figures!” Piper said in obvious frustration.

Settling in at Phoebe’s feet, Piper’s analytical mind was once again at work. “If the Transfer spell will reinstate our powers why can’t just freeze him, get the antidote and then we can do the big old vanquish?”


“Well, we could, but it’s way too risky. Too many variables, the most concerning of which is, what if he somehow made himself immune to our powers. I mean we haven’t had them to try out against him. If we tried and he was immune then we would be exposed and lose our edge.” Prue answered, but then had a question of her own. “What’s to say the poison won’t block your power not allowing you to cast the spell.”

“I thought of that as well, but then realized that my power has not been effected. I mean, I’ve had two premonitions since this all started. I don’t think it has the ability to cloak the powers it is trying to weaken. I think in order for Aengus to receive a power he has to leave the option of choice open. I’m hoping that this crack in his foundation of a plan will be his undoing.” Panting out her last words Phoebe’s hand went into Prue’s hoping to channel some of her strength into her body.

“Uh Guys? I need to cast that spell now.”

“Phoebe, we have a little time left, why don’t you try and rest see if you can catch your breath.” Piper trying to delay the enviable.

“No I can’t . I I I can’t feel, I can’t feel my legs. I have to say it while I still can.”

Both sisters knew that loss of any sense or motor skill was a key indicator that the body was shutting down and that death would soon follow if they didn’t succeed.

~~~~~~~~~~

No words in ANY language can adequately describe the gut wrenching agony that a loved one suffers when they are faced with possibly losing someone they love. How do you verbalize the overwhelming sense of terror that grabs the heart and twists without mercy. How do you effectively articulate the trauma to the nervous system when jolts of electricity embed themselves into the soul. How do you sufficiently express the devastating comprehension that no matter how much you want the world to stop, it will go on. No, that is something that no vocabulary can convey. Experience is the only voice that can speak authenticity to such emotion.

~~~~~~~~~~~

While the poison coursed through the body of one sister its effects were felt by all three. Prue and Piper gathered their sister in their arms as they all wept bitterly. No words, just primal wails echoed off the walls of the house that death seemed to frequent all too often.

Gathering the courage to face what must be done. Phoebe said softly. “Help me up.”

Once Phoebe was in a sitting position they gently placed the box on her lap. With trembling hand she tried to unlock the clasp that held the spell that was written for this very moment; seeing their ‘baby’ struggling they each tenderly placed a hand on hers allowing her to place the key into the lock.

Taking out the reversal spell first, she handed it to Piper. Her Advocate, her Shoulder, her Best Friend. With eyes that had lost all expression except for love Phoebe met her sisters. “I know you will know when the time is right to use this, don’t use it before then.” Shifting those same eyes to Prue. Her Protector, her Inspiration, her Kindred Spirit. “I trust you. I know you will not break your promise.”

“I love you both!”

She then took out the transfer spell slowly she unfolded the parchment, taking a deep breath and each of her sisters hands she began, with ragged voice, to read:

Take my power
Blessed be
Transfer it now
Set me free

Let my sight
No more I know
To my sisters
Make it go

Restore in two
What once was three
Unbind my power
Hear my plea

A solitary tear slid down Phoebe’s cheek as the magical ball of light that contained her power was released and absorbed into her sister.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He sat in the conservatory, as the day became night relishing in all that he had heard.

“The best laid plans of mice and men. Oh, you stupid witches, did ye think it would be THAT easy to put the nail in me coffin, ye have no idea who ye are up against. Now I am the one with the edge, for not only do I know me own plan I now know yours.”

Pulling out his pocket watch he added. “Just in time to inform me client of the change of events.”

Until we meet again.
The location of their meeting was just as ominous as last time, but the ambience mattered little to him. He could almost taste her power as his palms began to sweat and his heart raced. The minutes tantalizing his passions for an object of desire that would significantly raise his status in the social society of the underworld. Yes soon his colleagues would take notice of him. Give him the respect that they had not afforded him in years. The same colleagues that ridiculed him, would now hold him in esteem.

“Sorry to keep ye waiting, but I was a wee bit delayed.”

“Did you bring it? Where is it? Where’s your lantern?”

“Easy lad, sorry to be disappointin’, but ye were only a part in me master plan.”

“What? What are you talking about? What plan?”

“You really are as thick as they said ye were. Bein’ the sleeveen that I am I tricked ye. Ye were only a prop, although ye have brought me much amusement. I had to look me part. I had to let them think I was only representin’ a client or their White lighter would have gotten suspicious.”

“Scram! Off with ye now, while me generosity is still allowin’ it.”


“I don’t believe it! You want the power for yourself!? Don’t YOU!?! Well, I haven’t waited this long for nothing, I’ll be damned if you try and steel my thunder!!!!” In fury he raised his hand producing a fireball, on the ready to take aim.

“As ye wish.” Moving faster, he effectively threw his green energy ball, landing it straight in the middle of his chest, consuming him instantly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prue, tenderly reached up and wiped the tear away from Phoebe’s face. She mused that she had to do this more times in Phoebe’s life then was fair. But no one ever said life was fair. “I hate that saying!”

“What?” Piper questioned as her older sister’s voice broke into her thoughts.

“Never mind. I think we should try and see if the spell worked. Let’s see if we have our powers back.”

Prue got up, picking up a pillow. She tossed up in the air, Piper threw her hands out causing it to freeze, Prue then sent it sailing across the room.

“It. It really worked.”

“Yeah Pheebs, you did good. Come on sweetie, lets get you laying back down.” Prue drew on all her inner resources to stay calm, showing confidence she didn’t feel.

“Well, I am guessing since the magical ball of light landed on me, I will be the one with the power of premonition!” Piper stated.

“Good!!”

“What?!?”

“Sorry, Piper.” Prue said with the first smile any of them had in nearly 24 hours.
“But I had it once before, remember when YOU switched our powers? Those things are awful.”

“Thanks for the ALL the encouragement.”

“Considerate it payback. And you’re welcome!”

Phoebe broke into their banter. “Piper? Prue? Where are you?!?”

Quickly making their way over to the couch, both sisters said.

“We’re right here. We’re right by your side. Calm down honey!”

“I can’t.. I can’t see you!!! Where, where ARE YOU!!!!!!!!”

Prue took her hand and placed it on a now panicking Phoebe. Piper mirrored her sister’s actions.

Phoebe instantly calmed at the feel of both her sisters. Knowing this was it. Knowing she would become comatose in matter of seconds.

“I need...tell... something. Cast... Hearing thoughts.... before... comes. Give... upper hand.” Phoebe’s voice was fading, just like a cell phone going out of range.


“What? Phoebe I didn’t hear everything. What do you want us to do?”

“Hearing... thoug.... Love...”

“Phoebe!?”

“Phoebe!?!”

“Come on PHOEBE, WAKE UP!!!!!”

“PRUE! DO SOMETHING!!!!!!!”

Prue place her fingers to her baby sister’s neck, feeling a very weak throbbing under her touch.

“She’s unconscious.”

“NO she can’t be, maybe she is just playing, you know like when she was little. Yeah that’s it, she’ll jump up any minute and scare the crap out of us. No she’s just pretending, I know she is.” Piper rattled on in a daze of denial.

Prue went over to Piper and grabbed her by the arms and gave her a hard shake, attempting to prevent her sister from totally breaking down.

“PIPER!! STOP!! We NEED to keep it together!!! We HAVE to figure out what she was trying to say before Aengus gets here.”

Piper was jolted back by her sisters shaking and urgency. The words beginning to return her from hysteria.

“Better?”

“NO!! But I will be WHEN we get her back!!”

“Attagirl, Pipe! Let’s go and get our sister back!”

“Now, what was she trying to say?” Prue queried

“I’m not sure, something about casting a spell, I think.” Piper said trying to replay the stilted words Phoebe had said only moments ago.

“Hear.. though...? I got it! The Hearing Thoughts spell, she wants us to cast the Hearing Thoughts spell.” Prue deduced.

“It makes sense. It would give us an edge. We could hear his thoughts and communicate to each other without his knowledge.” Piper said just before she started to feel the grip of a premonition hitting full blast.

Prue waited for Piper to come out of the vision. Anxious for her sister, she did what she did when Phoebe got them, she rubbed Piper’s back with one hand and held her hand with the other.

Once Piper regained her bearings she said. “We better say the spell now. He’s on his way.”

Kneeling in front of the BOS. Prue lit the candles while Piper found the spell. Casting one quick glance at Phoebe, both sisters began to recite the word that lay before them
.
~~~~~~~~~~
As flame lights shadow as truth ends fear
Open locked thoughts to my minds willing ear,
May the smoke from this candle into everywhere creep
Bring inner most voices to my mind in speech
~~~~~~~~~

A/N: Going forward anything in ( ) will indicate thoughts being heard or the sisters communicating with one another.

~~~~~~~~~

The grandfather clock struck six times, almost reminiscent of a death dirge.


(I hope this worked. It was an excellent idea.)

(It worked. I can hear you Piper and yes it was.)


Before either sister could think or say any more Aengus made his dramatic entrance. As brilliant green lights filled the living room causing both sisters to shield their faces.


“Ye wee sister seems to have a bad dose, and ye two are looking a bit knackered. Are ye ready to end this? Has your colleen decided her fate?”

“Yes. She will freely give up her powers, she wants to live.” Prue said as she took charge.

“Does she now. I find that interestin’ she struck me as the type that would give me a bit of a fight.”

Piper now getting into the role play. “She didn’t want to at first. We were the ones who talked her into it. You see I never wanted this Charmed gig. I just wanted a normal life, but that all changed two and a half years ago. This way I get two for one. I get my sister back alive AND my life.”

(Nice script Piper. Mind if I try.)

(Sure Prue, be my guest.)

“Yeah, all being witches has gotten us is too many losses. Everything happens for a reason, right? We decided this is our out. Which means we stop risking our lives all the time. Which means we stop watching the people we love lose theirs.


“Well, that is very sweet, but me need to hearin’ that from her lips. She needs to say she releases her powers to me.”

(What do we do now? She can’t do that. We have or rather I have her power.)

(I know Piper, I’ve been following.)

“Unless you have a way of waking her, you’ll have to take our word.” Prue looking at her baby sister lying there, hoping this would be over soon. “Look, we don’t have our powers we are no threat to you. You hold all the cards. All we want is OUR SISTER back!” Prue snapped back, before she reeled her anger back in.

“Mind if I be a testin’ your honesty? One can never be too careful in me line of work.”

Growing edgy by his obvious enjoyment at taunting them.

(I thought you said he was only after her power. Not interested in any magical profit. How come I get the feeling he wants more than just a commission.)

(I agree, but we have to stay calm. We can’t back down now.)

“What do you have in mind? Like I said before the poison has blocked our powers.”

“Well, if ye haven’t discovered some loophole in me plan and the wee one is willing to give up her powers; than ye won’t be mindin’ if I be just disposin’ of the antidote. I mean once me has her power, by her act of free will of course, the poison will automatically reverse itself.”

“How can we trust you? You could just be saying that.” Piper said trying to stall for time. Things were getting off track, fast.

“ Me could and ye can’t, but ye can be trustin’ that White lighter of yours now can’t ye? Didn’t he say that I be posin’ no threat through any deception?” Saying this as he slowly pulled the antidote from his vest pocket. Then without warning he sent it sailing towards the living room wall.

(NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!)

(NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!)

Both sisters cried to themselves as they purposely stood motionless, trying to not blow their cover, as the vial filled with the antidote smashed into a million pieces, and with it, their hopes of saving Phoebe.

Prue still in shock at what had just happened, but knowing that she still had to keep up the charade long enough to think. Think, of how they were going to once again tip the tables in their favor.

“Proof enough?”

(Prue, what are we going to do? If we vanquish him we lose Phoebe forever.)

Prue struggled as to what to think.

(I know, but if we don’t, he’ll find out she doesn’t have her power as soon as he tries to pull it from her.)

Aengus broke into their thoughts as his mind speech invaded theirs.

(Me lucky charms must really be workin’ their magic. I knew it would be easy, but well, this is like takin’ candy from a babe. Soon me plan will reward me the destruction of all the Charmed Ones.)

“Why, you ass...”

(Prue!! Focus. Don’t blow the only ace we have.)

(You’re right, but he’s making me so want to kick him right in those lucky charms he’s bragging about.)

While Aengus took in the torturous looks on the sisters faces, and reveling in is near victory, he missed Prue’s near faux pas.

Prue seeing no other choice. As Phoebe’s words echoed in her mind, ‘Piper relax, if it comes to that, then you and Prue will do what you have to do, you’ll vanquish him for the greater good. Look it’s not about me anymore. We can’t let him do this to anyone else. It has to end with me. We have to succeed whether I continue on as part of the equation or not.’

(PRUE!! I can’t believe you would even go there. Since WHEN have you ever listened to her? Why start NOW?)

(Because she’s right. I can’t let him do this to anyone else. And if we delay it any longer he may try and hurt one of us. Neither one of us will be able to live through this alone.)

(There’s got to be another way. I’ll make a deal with you, we try one more time to hold on to this and if we can’t then I will agree to vanquish him.)

Piper broke the silence that all had allowed the room as they were lost in thought.

“WELL, are you going to do this or what. I think we proved we have nothing to hide!!”

Dramatically placing both hands in the air Aengus began to loudly clap.

“Bravo lassies, Bravo. Your performances are sure to earn ye little tarts an Oscar!”

Prue totally confused said “Excuse me, what the hell are you talking about? Just take her power so we can have our sister back!!”

“Well, I would if she’d be havin’ it to give.”

(He knows!! We have to vanquish him NOW!)

Prue ignored her sister, the one who had moments ago been wanting to delay this. No he pushed all her buttons. She was PISSED.

“What do you mean?!!?” Seething as she bit out each word.

“Oh come off it Prue. I know all about your transfer spell.”

“Then you know that will have to vanquish your sorry ass!!”

Aengus ignored her as he continued. “It worked into me plan so nicely. Thanks for the assist.”

Piper now pissed, even more than Prue. This is exactly what she tried to warn her sisters about.

“You want ALL our powers don’t you?”

The evil grin that came across his lips was her answer. Then what happened next shifted everything yet again.

“Oh me sweet girls, it is not me who wants all three, it’s ...”