Disclaimer: I do not own "Charmed" or its characters or its demons, I make zero financial profit from this nor would I like to as it is merely for fun

Episode 2: Time Out

Prologue

"I really hope you don't mind me dropping in to check the book," Phoebe was thanking her sister as they climbed the stairs to the attic in the Halliwell Manor, "again. I know you don't think its important but I am really beginning to lose sleep over having these visions."

You can sleep when you've stopped the cult

"And then of course there's the person or thing who keeps giving me these visions and talking to me," Phoebe continued wishing she could glare at the speaker, "haven't decided yet whether he's good or evil or if this cult even exists considering the Book has nothing on them."

The Book has nothing on them because they haven't become active until more recent years

"It's okay Phoebe really," Piper responded as they reached the attic, "the sooner you stop talking to yourself and having these visions the sooner we can carry on with our nice, normal lives."

"Piper... where's the Book of Shadows?" Phoebe asked slowly and worriedly with an increase in panic as she saw it was missing.

"Damn it," Piper muttered with a frustrated sigh.

"Piper out legacy of magic is missing, I don't think damn it quite covers the seriousness of the situation!" Phoebe exploded anxiously.

"It's just Chris," Piper explained turning them back around to head down the stairs, "he is now obsessed with magic and obsessed with the Book, I practically have to pry it away from him at night only for him to orb up and take it back."

"Oh honey I'm sure he's just going through a faze," Phoebe offered comfortingly putting an arm around her sister.

"Well its not a very healthy faze," Piper pointed out leading them to Chris' room where the book was neatly lying on Chris' bed, "I am very, very worried about him."

"Well don't be, his room is cleaner than any of mine and they're girls," Phoebe stated sitting on his bed and taking up the Book.

"Phoebe I'm serious," Piper moaned, "ever since the Grimlocks he's been withdrawn and distant and obsessed with magic."

"He's probably just traumatized a bit, give him time," Phoebe offered gently.

"I am! I just... feel like there's something more going on with him," Piper answered heavily, "something he's not telling me which is weird for a boy who a week ago would tell you when he took a cookie without permission."

"Have you tried talking to Leo about it?"

"Leo thinks I'm overreacting but I'm not. At least I think I'm not," Piper sighed before the doorbell broke the silence, "hold that thought I will be right back."

With that Piper stood and took her leave and Phoebe returned to flicking through the Book, looking for anything even remotely useful.

I think we've established the cult are not in the Book

"I'm not looking for the cult," Phoebe hissed, "I'm looking for you."

I'm not in the Book

"How do you know what's in here?" Phoebe retorted.

I don't. I just know I'm not

"Maybe if you told me who you are."

I'm not anyone

"You sure as hell have to be something," Phoebe snapped, "or else I wouldn't be able to hear your annoyingly unhelpful voice or see your annoyingly unhelpful visions."

I'm just trying to save the world, is that really so wrong?

"If you're telling the truth and even then, can't you give me one day off and go bug someone else?" Phoebe sighed, "I have a life you know, children and a husband I am spending less and less time with because of you."

I've tried. You're the only one I can interact with on any level and even that is difficult but I'm getting better

"I noticed," Phoebe growled just as Piper reappeared with Billie in tow, "hey Billie, what's up?"

"Nothing I came by for lunch with Piper while I'm on break," Billie answered scowling, "still looking for anything to do with the cult and those visions?"

"Yep."

"Found anything?"

Nope

"Unfortunately no," Phoebe answered closing the Book, "but I'm meeting with Patrick in like half an hour to see if he knows anything, we've been out of the demon hunting game for awhile and he seems to be in the thick of it so he might know something."

"Patrick as in the witch who helped save Chris?" Billie questioned perking up, "you're meeting him?"

"Yes... why?" Phoebe questioned raising an eyebrow.

"No reason... but since you're going maybe I could tag along," Billie told her hopefully, "you know in case you need an extra pair of hands."

"What about our lunch?"

"Well we can reschedule... right?" Billie offered nervously, "I mean come on, how often do we meet another witch like that and we don't know how long he is in town for."

"He lives in San Fransisco," Phoebe pointed out.

"Oh does he? I had no idea... Still you might be attacked by a demon. And need back up," Billie said awkwardly as Phoebe's scowl deepened, "please? Its not everyday you meet a cute guy who saves your life and oh yeah is also totally okay with my being a witch because he is one too."

"It's not exactly a social call, we're purely meeting to discuss magical happenings," Phoebe explained, "I ask him about the cult and he asks me about some crystal thing. If you are interested then why not just talk to him yourself."

"Because I don't want to seem desperate."

If we don't leave soon then it won't matter who's coming

"Fine you can come. If its okay with Piper," Phoebe gave in.

"It's okay, I should be getting back to the restaurant anyway," Piper sighed, "by the way tell Patrick thanks again for helping save Chris... and that I'm sorry. For nearly vanquishing him."

"Will do."

Note: Sorry for the slow start, chapter was getting kinda long. More supernaturally magic stuff next chapter I promise. Also the italics in the story is the man from Phoebe's visions talking to her in case that wasn't clear. Please review :)