Disclaimer: The Charmed Characters are the property of Aaron Spelling and Constance Burge. I just borrow them for your enjoyment and my writing addiction.

Sept 14, 2004

When was the first one? That night? A few nights after? Everything playing back in her mind like a slow motion picture. Each time it was the same as she felt the blade rip into her as her own life was sucked away.

Once again she sat up on her bed clutching her stomach in pain as she waited for it to pass. She crawled back under her covers as the lone tear ran down her face. How close had she really come? How close would the next time be?

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Piper stood at the counter replaying the events of the last few days. Once again a warlock had tried to come between them and take one of them away from the other two; permanently. She wasn't sure if this witch thing was going to be a good idea. She couldn't even think of losing one of her sisters.

Phoebe's words kept playing in her mind. And the look on her baby sisters face as she looked at Prue 'I saw you die.' All Piper had seen then was fear and the look of one that was very scared. That night Phoebe had gone to bed without a word. And it was that fear that Piper knew she felt.

Now days later, Piper knew that her youngest sister was still hiding from something.

Prue walked down the stairs of the Manor, the last few days playing in her mind. The thought of her baby sister seeing her death was playing heavy on her mind and her heart. "Morning Piper."

"Prue." Piper handed Prue her cup of coffee as she did every morning. "How'd you sleep?"

"Same as you I am guessing." Prue sat down, "she up yet?"

"No. And I think it is the same as every morning since the other day."

Prue held Pipers gaze a bit longer before getting up and starting for the stairs.

Prue wasn't even sure where to start, but she knew Phoebe had been hiding something since the day she got that first premonition.

She remembered every word Phoebe had said and it scared her. Her sister saw everything, but this was to close to home. And it was that fear that made her fight for everything to stay alive and beat the warlock. She couldn't even imagine leaving her sisters. And she had no intention of doing it soon.

Prue knocked softly on the door before her but received no answer. Knocking again with one hand as the other reached down and gently turned the handle. "Phoebe? Sweetie are you ok?" Prue looked into the darkened room. Her sisters' blinds were still shut and she could make out the form of her sister under the covers.

Prue walked quietly across the floor not wanting to startle her younger sister as she moved and sat on the bed next to her. "I know you are scared Phoebe. So was I." Prue placed a hand on Phoebes back and drew circles on it. It was something she learned a long time ago that always eased her sisters' pain and calmed her.

Phoebe rolled over and placed her head on Prue's lap taking in her sisters' love. She had been scared, it felt so real and every night it felt more real. Like she was losing a part of herself in that one moment. "It hurt so much."

"I know baby."

"No you don't Prue." Phoebe sat up and looked at her sister, "It wasn't the pain of the sword. It was the pain in my heart. The pain of losing you!" Phoebe spoke as she pulled away from her sister. She didn't want to get closer, she was too afraid; afraid of losing her forever. Sure they had defeated Gabriel but the threat would always be there, by some other demon.

Prue looked up at Phoebe and saw the tears in her eyes. Tears that were now making there way down her face freely, like river water over its bed.

"Oh Sweetie." Prue reached to Phoebe only to have her pull away. "Phoebs. Come on. We beat him. And we will beat the others. I am not going away that easily." Prue reached out to her sister as their eyes met a fraction of a second before Phoebe fell forward her tears finally taking over her body and the need for love taking over everything.

She had held it in so long she had forgotten when it started. Was it the day the premonition invaded her mind? Or was it a few days later? Was it when they finally vanquished him? She lost track of everything around him except that one thing. That one time when she felt her sister die. Her sister, but more as a mother to her then anything. But now, as Prue held her in her arms she felt safe. Safer than she had in the last few days. The warlock was gone, and her sister was still with her.

Prue held on to Phoebe as her sister cried in her arms. But slowly, with some coaxing from Prue, Phoebes cries became quieter and soon where soft heave in her sleep.

Piper watched from the doorway not wanting to disturb them. "She needs the sleep." Piper finally spoke a she moved quietly in the darkened room

"I know." Was all Prue said, as she sat up on Phoebes bed holding and comforting her baby girl as she slept peacefully. The first time in days. Days when she had seen her protector killed at the hands of evil.

It was a bound evil would never break. But one day, it was destined they would. To break the bound of the sisters three would give evil the victory they needed. But that day was not to come, not yet anyway. Today it was each of them alive and ready to fight another battle. Until that fateful day that was destined.

"I love you Prue." Were the words spoken softly as Phoebe cuddled closer to her sister. Taking in the love she would hold in her heart forever.