Here's the next chapter. I hope you like it.

Ch.6

Phoebe walked past her stunned sisters and made her way upstairs. Prue, Piper, and Paige all looked at each other. They stood there glued to their spots trying to absorb what just happened. Piper sighed and broke the deafening silence.

"I don't mean to sound cold hearted but with or without Phoebe we need a plan."

"I agree."

"Prue, we need Phoebe. She's vulnerable alone."

"Without a plan, we're vulnerable no matter what Paige."

"Yeah but I'll be there to save the day like always right?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means you take me and my power for granted."

"No I don't."

"Yes you do. You take for granted the fact that I'll feel you when you're in pain so you can be as reckless as you want. What do you care? You have your own personal guardian angel."

"Why are you putting this on me?"

"Haven't you realized? I can only sense you not Piper or Phoebe. You knew that and you took advantage of it."

"Paige."

"Don't deny it Prue. That crack you made to them earlier about you not being worried because you knew I'd be there, that ring any bells?"

"What about it?"

"That's a prime example of what I'm talking about. It's not fair to them or me. You get to be as reckless as you want while we're holding on to the railing praying that we don't lose our grip."

"When I am reckless? I have been nothing but careful."

"Yeah with everything else but magic where it really counts."

"So what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that one of these days you're gonna be in danger and when you turn around, I won't be there."

"So that's it? You're just going to leave me out there to dry?"

A look of disbelief crossed Paige's features. Her eyes narrowed at her older sister and before she could stop herself, she slapped her. Piper gasped, not expecting that out of her baby sister. Prue placed a hand on her cheek and looked at Paige shocked. Paige felt tears well up in her eyes.

"What the hell was that for?"

"How could you say that to me?"

"I'm just trying to understand. Obviously, I did something that upset you and I'm trying to make it right."

"No, you're just trying to justify your actions. You're always right Prue or have you forgotten that?"

"Paige . . ."

"I would never leave you to fight alone. We're sisters and no matter what we're always there for each other."

"I know that and I thought you knew that too."

"I did and I do."

"So what is this 'I won't be there' nonsense?"

"One of these days I'm gonna be too late."

"That's not true."

"I hope so."

"Paige."

Paige looked at her sister sadly before walking upstairs. Prue saw her wipe her eyes and realized that she was crying. She looked at Piper and sighed. Upstairs, Paige walked into Phoebe's room and slammed the door. Phoebe looked up startled.

"Uh, your room's down the hall."

"I know. Don't worry I'm not here to talk to you."

"You're not?"

"No, even if you do change your mind, I still have to change mine."

"Uh, did something happen downstairs after I left?"

"Yeah."

"Are you going to tell me?"

"I don't really want to talk about it."

"And you're here because?"

"Half my room belongs to Prue!"

"So you had a fight with Prue."

"I'm just so mad at her. Well, frustrated is more like it."

"Why?"

"Nice try Pheebs."

"Look, I'll talk if you talk."

Paige smiled slightly at her sister and sighed before telling her the whole story. Prue and Piper made their way to the attic. Prue was pacing around while Piper looked through the Book. She was flipping through the pages rapidly when something caught her attention.

"What the . ."

"Piper?"

"That's not possible."

"What's not?"

"This is the same exact spell Paige used on the demon."

"So?"

"She made it up Prue. It was off the top of her head."

"Maybe she saw the spell before you guys came."

"We didn't have a spell remember?"

"So what are you saying?"

"Since when do the spells we make up write themselves in the Book of Shadows?"

"They don't unless we write them."

"Which means it had to have already been here."

"So it's just a coincidence."

"How did she remember it? How did she know it would work?"

"I don't know. We should ask her."

"Oh no. You're not going anywhere near her. She needs a cool down period."

"This can't be happening."

"Prue?"

"Yesterday, everything was fine. We were happy and today, we're falling apart."

"It's just one of those bumps in the road."

"Do you honestly believe that?"

"No. I am very worried. With Phoebe on strike and Paige pissed, we're not the power of four anymore."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying if a demon attacks us, we're screwed."

"Maybe but let's take this a day at time."

"Fix this Prue."

"I don't even know where to start."

Piper looked at her older sister and sighed. Back in Phoebe's room, Phoebe and Paige were sitting in silence. Phoebe placed a hand on her sister's back.

"She meant well."

"I know but just imagine her saying that she knew she was going to be okay because she knew you'd see her in danger and come running."

"Yeah, that does sound a little demeaning."

"For some reason I couldn't handle it from Prue."

"You and Prue have this special bond you know? It's gonna hurt more because it's her."

"I don't want to be mad at her but I feel like I don't have a choice."

"Give yourself some time to work through this. After all, time heals all wounds."

"Who told you that load of crap?"

"Grams."

"Oh. Sorry Grams. You're a wise witch and all but I'm just not in the mood."

"It's alright."

Paige's head shot up and she started looking for the source of the voice. A spirit materialized in front of her in the form of a familiar face. Phoebe and Paige stood up and got closer to her. Phoebe broke the silence.

"Grams?"

"Hello my girls."

"How is this possible? I mean mom wasn't even allowed to talk about you."

"All things are possible Paige. It's just a matter of you being able to do them."

"Not that we're not thrilled to see you but what are you doing here?"

"You both summoned me, unconsciously of course. Something has gone terribly wrong Phoebe. The Power of Four still exists but if you're not careful it could be gone in a matter of seconds."

"But how? We disagree all the time. Believe me, it's not the first time Phoebe's rebelled."

"Paige."

"The Power of Four is rooted in your bond as sisters. If the issue is strong enough, you'll all be powerless."

"Like we need that on our plates."

"It doesn't sound like we have much of a choice Paige."

"So what? It doesn't make either one of us change our minds any faster."

"True."

"I know you're upset with Prue but you're upset for the wrong reasons."

"What do you eavesdrop on our conversations now?"

"Paige!"

"It's alright. I merely watch over you girls. Paige, you're not angry at Prue because she takes advantage of your power. You're angry at her because her aggression could get her killed and it would be your fault for being too late."

"What? Is that true?"

"Some part of it. I don't know."

"Did you ever consider that maybe she feels that way too?"

"This isn't about Prue. She's not the victim. She's worn that role out by now."

"You and Prue are more alike than you think. If only you two looked the same, you'd truly be identical."

"Is that good or bad?"

"Pai . . actually I don't know."

"Talk to Prue. Forgive her and she'll forgive you."

"Forgive me for what? I did nothing wrong."

"You know Grams, even if Paige and Prue resolved their issues, they'd have the Power of Three at the most."

"Phoebe, I know you're hurting. You all are but you can't let that get in your way."

"I can't do it. They killed you and nearly killed Paige and Prue. How am I supposed to find the good in it anymore?"

"They're alive because of the good."

"You're not."

"The greater good must come first."

"Grams, what kind of excuse is that? Are you seriously telling me that if Prue or Paige were dead, you'd stand here and tell me 'The greater good must come first'?"

"Of course not. That's different."

"How?"

"You're the Charmed Ones."

"And that makes you less important?"

"Phoebe, there are some things you're not meant to understand."

"And there some questions better left unanswered. What else should I knit on pillows?"

"You can knit?"

"Paige."

"Right. Look, Grams, we appreciate you coming here and everything but this isn't one of those times a pep talk can fix everything. It's going to take time and space."

"The weaker your sisterly bonds are, the weaker your powers get. What happens when a demon attacks? You just magically come together and fight like nothing happened? It doesn't work that way."

"We know but Rome wasn't built in a day."

"But your relationship was destroyed in a matter of minutes Phoebe."

"It wasn't destroyed. It was more like damaged."

"What difference does it make? As long as your relationships are broken, you're vulnerable to all the evil out there. The longer you're apart, the more unwilling you'll be to make peace of what's happened and if that happens well . . I think you know. "

"Grams stop! It's not always about magic! It's about sisterhood. After all, that's what's most important. Please, for once stop dwelling on magic."

"You're right. I'm sorry. I was only trying to make you see what could happen if you're not careful."

"We know but together or not we can't keep on vanquishing demon after demon or the Source for that matter. The cost is too great."

"It's your destiny Phoebe."

"How? We're just kids. We're alone."

"You're anything but. You have the entire Warren line to help you but most importantly you have each other. Never think that you're alone. Be good to each other and don't let your fear consume you. A witch dominated by her fear is powerless and fearful sister is useless altogether."

Grams looked at Paige and Phoebe and sighed softly. She held out her arms as if to hug them anddisappeared in a swirl of white lights. Paige flopped down on Phoebe's bed and screamed into a pillow. The next morning Paige walked into the kitchen and started digging through the fridge for some orange juice. She closed the door only to Prue staring back at her. Paige saw her pleading expression but chose to ignore it. She moved around her and grabbed a glass from the cupboard. Piper walked in and noticed how silent her sisters were. Prue walked up to her and crossed her arms.

"Well, this is a lovely morning isn't it Prue?"

"Is that a rhetorical question?"

"Could you not be a smart ass?"

"It's what I do."

"Unfortunately."

"Nice try Piper."

"Paige."

"Nope."

"I gave it a shot."

"I know. Thanks though."

"You want some breakfast?"

"Sure."

"Paige?"

"No thanks."

"What, you won't even eat breakfast with me anymore?"

"Wow."

"What?"

"Everything isn't always about you Prue."

"I know that."

"Do you?"

"Yes."

"Good. And F.Y.I, I said no to Piper's breakfast because I have to study for my Algebra test and there's some homework I need to do before tomorrow. I haven't had a chance to do it with the demon hunting interruptions."

"So the day we spent together, that was a demon hunting interruption?"

"No. Stop putting words in my mouth especially if I don't mean them."

"I don't do that."

"You just did. If you want to know what I mean, just ask."

"I do but you look at me like I'm already supposed to know."

"Sometimes you are."

"Okay, round 2 is over. Prue, go upstairs and make yourself pretty."

"Excuse me?"

"Just go."

Prue glared at Piper and left the kitchen. Phoebe passed her on her way in the kitchen. She poured herself some orange juice and stood at the island across from Paige.

"Good morning Phoebe."

"Good morning. Where's Prue going?"

"If we're lucky, somewhere really far away."

"Oh come on Paige. You can't be that mad at her."

"I'm not."

"Did I show up to the party late? What happened before I got here?"

"Prue and Paige Round 2."

"Oh."

"Round 1 was better."

"Piper, that's not helping."

"I don't see you making a contribution."

"Okay enough. I surrender."

"Hey let me ask you something."

"What?"

"That spell you made up yesterday . . ."

"What about it?"

"You made it up right?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Somehow it's in the Book of Shadows."

"How? I just made it up."

"I know. I mean you study the Book, is it possible you saw it before?"

"It's possible."

"Okay, Piper that was a lame attempt to change the subject."

"It worked didn't it?"

"Yeah but Paige really needs to address this Prue issue."

"I've done enough addressing thank you."

"Paige."

"Look Phoebe, the truth isI just made it a big deal because it's her."

"What's so special about her?"

"I don't know. I've just always felt the need to protect her. It's like an involuntary action. After talking to Grams, I realize that I really need to resolve this thing, whatever is, with Prue but I'm just not ready yet."

Paige walked out of the kitchen and went upstairs. She walked into her room and grabbed her backpack. Prue was sitting on her bed applying make up. She watched as Paige moved about their room and ultimately to the door. Paige looked at her and smiled a sad smile before walking out. She made her way to the attic and started her homework. Back in the kitchen Piper turned to Phoebe with a confused look.

"Grams?"

"Yeah. She stopped by last night."

"Why?"

"We sorta summoned her."

"Phoebe!"

"What? It's not our fault. We did it unconsciously. She just sorta appeared."

"Okay, and?"

"She gave us a pep talk."

"Ah, one of the infamous 'Grams knows all' pep talks. Always worked too."

"Not this time."

"For you or for Paige?"

"Both but don't worry Piper we'll be fine."

"Yeah well you better be fine soon. With you on thepicket line and Paige pissed ashell, who knows what could happen.I don't want to be caught in the middle. One feud is bad enough but two?"

Piper made breakfast and needless to say it was relatively quiet. A couple of hours later, Paige was still in the attic. She had finished her homework and started to study. Phoebe walked in with a tray of food and drinks. She set it down next to her.

"Thanks."

"No problem. I'm gonna do some homework. I'll join ya."

"You doing homework? I've died and gone to heaven."

"Funny."

Phoebe grabbed her backpack from her room and joined Paige in the attack. They sat side by side working in silence. Out of frustration, Paige started stabbing her notebook with her pencil. Phoebe knew it was Prue that was making her this way. They were so wrapped up in their homework that they didn't notice the Book of Shadows glow. All of a sudden they were ripped out of their train of thought by a shrill scream.

"Did you hear that?"

"I think so. It sounded like Piper."

"Phoebe."

"She probably burned herself in the kitchen."

"Phoebe! Paige!"

"Or not."

Phoebe followed Paige downstairs only to see a gust of wind throw Prue against the wall. Phoebe and Paige ran over to Piper. Prue got back up to her feet and joined the other three.

"Piper, freeze him."

Piper tried to freeze the demon but nothing happened. She tried repeatedly but nothing ever happened. Piper looked at her sisters with an uncomfortable smile and cleared her throat.

"Uh that didn't work so either he's immune to our powers or he came here with magical protection. Either way we're screwed."

"No we're not Piper. Book of Shadows, come on."

"Prue."

"I know Phoebe but please just this once."

"I am doing this under protest."

"Whatever."

The girls ran upstairs to the attic and locked the door. The pounding on the stairs told them the demon was following them. Piper walked over to the Book of Shadows and just as she was about to open it, something on the cover caught her eye.

"Oh no."

"What?"

"We're even more screwed now."

Piper looked at her older sister before looking at the other two. She gestured for them to come closer and then pointed at the Book. They gathered around her and finally saw what she saw: the symbol on the cover of the Book of Shadows . . . in four pieces.

Okay, since it was the four of them I didn't know what to call the symbol. Anyway I know it wasn't the best chapter but what do you think? Should I continue?