The battle in the Park.

Paige stumbled over a hill and found herself in a large deserted grassy area that sloped down to the south. Despite the trees that covered the bottom third of the hill, a cold wind made the hill side unpleasant which explained the lack of people. With a shiver of fear, Paige realised that with no one around, she was now vulnerable to attack without the risk of magic being exposed. She turned to retrace her steps, only to find Glen standing on the top of the hill, looking down at her.

An overwhelming sense of evil rolled off him, that seemed to darken the air around him.

As she backed away from him, a look of triumph appeared on Glen's face and he followed her, forcing her further down the slope and away from any help.

"Who are you?" Paige demanded, "I know you are not Glen".

"I am death, your death if you don't agree to my terms" replied the Source of all Evil.

"I am the greatest power in the world, more powerful than anyone or anything and beyond good or evil. If you don't agree to abandon the Charmed ones and join with me, I will destroy you and this pitiful mortal I am currently inhabiting".

"I know you now" said Paige in a weak voice, full of fear, "you are the Source of all Evil".

"Correct, and now you must make your decision witch, choose, live or die" replied the Source.

Desperate, Paige tried to play for time "What will you do to Glen?" she demanded. "This mortal, I will leave him here, unhurt" he answered. All of Paige's magical senses were telling her that the Source was lying. Glen was going to die, if he wasn't already and then so would she.

Suddenly anger boiled up inside her, Paige yelled "Then let him go, show me what you look like coward, don't hide inside him". With a laugh, the Source ripped himself free of Glen's body, which dropped bonelessly to the grass. Glen did not move at all and appeared dead. In his place a large hooded man covered in deep red robes and with a hood that completely covered his face appeared. Hands with long red fingers and sharp hooked nails emerged from the cloak and lifted to pull back the hood.

Paige could not help herself, as she screamed at what she saw. A single eye, the iris all black stared at her from the left side of his face. The whole of the right side of his face was just a patch of scarred skin, that covered the missing right eye and ear. Tattoo's covered the rest of the face and extended back over his bald head.

"Choose now" he repeated, "I grow inpatient". Then in a softer, seductive voice he continued "Under my patronage, you will be great, you will enjoy power and privilege". Only two things entered Paige's mind, the Angel of Destinies comment, 'that free will, will always be part of your destiny' and the feeling of belonging with her sisters that still burned within her. It took her only a second to decide.

"No" she said in a scared and barely hearable voice, then as her courage started to return, she added in a louder more determined tone "I won't join you, my sisters will avenge me". "So be it, I will enjoy this" the Source answered as he pulled the hood back over his face.

As the Source approached a frightened Paige, he smiled grimly at her, enjoying her fear. "Since you will not turn to evil, you will die and the Charmed one's will lose their new sister". Lifting his hand, he generated a large fireball and threw it at Paige. Reacting the only way she knew how, she orbed out and the fireball continued into the tree's, exploding and setting a tree on fire.

Waiting for Paige to reappear as he knew she could not orb far, the Source generated another fireball. As she reappeared in the same spot, he waited just long enough for Paige to see him and then threw it at her. Again she orbed out, just in time.

Laughing as he enjoyed her terror, the Source again created another fireball and waited. This time Paige returned a short distance from where she orbed out and it gave her sufficient time to call for Leo. Again the Source forced Paige to orb as he threw yet another fireball. As Paige returned, this time further from the Source, she almost collapsed onto the ground as her strength started to leave her.

"You are almost mine" the Source said, "you have little energy left to escape me" as he walked closer to Paige. Readying another fireball, he again threw it at Paige. With a snarl of anger, he watched as again Paige successfully orbed out. Waiting impatiently, he readied the final fireball. It was time to end this.

Neither saw Prue appear on the top of the hill in time to see what was happening, and then just as quickly disappear.

An exhausted Paige orbed back into the park, this time collapsing on to the grass next to the unconscious Glen. The Source turned and walked closer so that he would not miss. Paige through her tears, kept calling for Leo. With a laugh, the Source said "Keep calling your Whitelighter witch, I am cloaking you with my power so he can't hear your call. You are all alone with no one to help you".

A loud "freeze" echoed across the hill side and with a snarl the Source turned to see two police officers, guns drawn approaching. Without hesitation, the Source threw the fireball, striking the closest officer in the chest, killing him immediately as his body burned into ashes. The second officer, immediately opened fire, emptying his gun within seconds and hitting the Source with several bullets. None had any effect on the Source as he generated yet another fireball. As the last officer was attempting to reload, the Source hit him with the fireball, killing him as he burned into ashes.

Turning back to deal with Paige, the Source stopped as a cloud of orbs surrounded her, as her three sisters and Leo arrived. Piper immediately attempted to freeze the Source, however within seconds he was able to throw the freeze off and throw yet another fireball. Prue successfully deflected it back at him, and the Source was rocked back several steps as it hit him. Leo urgently said "I can't orb you all, not while he is here" as he looked at the Source.

"Help Glen, the Source possessed him" said Paige, "he's been hurt". Prue looked down and said, "Quickly Leo, orb him to the Manor, we can hold off the Source". As Leo tried to protest, Piper added in a no nonsense tone "Don't argue, do it". Leo disappeared in a cloud of orbs with Glen, leaving all four sisters to face the Source.

"Power of Three time I think" said Prue calmly as Piper grabbed her left hand and Phoebe her right as they stood between the Source and Paige. Led by Prue, all three sisters started chanting "The Power of Three, will set you free". Repeating the spell in a firm and measured manner, they faced the Source. Paige, now sitting upright on the ground, could feel magic gathering around her sisters, forming a shield that gained in strength as the spell was repeated.

The Source again snarled his hatred as he threw fireball after fireball at the sisters, at first gaining some success as he almost penetrated the shield. However as the sister's power increased, so did their confidence and they strengthened the shield to the point where what ever the Source threw at them, it either exploded harmlessly before it could reach them or was deflected to one side.

Prue, the focus of the sisters efforts, then reached out with their combined power to throw the Source backwards across the park. Before he hit the ground, he flamed out and disappeared.

Stopping the chant, both Piper and Phoebe let go of Prue's hands and they turned to check on Paige. As they helped her to her feet, Paige thanked them profusely, only to yell as the Source returned less than 20 meter's away, this time with reinforcements.

With him was not only the Triad but many other demons as well, as they formed a semi circle around the four women.

With a laugh straight from any bad horror film, the Source said "This time, all of you will die, kill them". All present, produced a mix of fireballs, energy balls while the Triad, grouped close together and prepared an attack of their own.

"Quickly" said Prue as Piper and Phoebe turned to face outwards and again grabbed Prue's hands. Forming an arc around Paige to protect her and without pausing, they started the chant. As before but more quickly this time, a shield formed around all four sisters. However this time it was obvious that the combined demonic power was too much, as Prue, Piper and Phoebe showed increasing strain as they tried to stop a never ending series of fireballs, energy balls and the Triads lightening attacks.

"Don't stop" ordered the Source, "here they will all die".

Paige, remembering the second attack in the Manor, realised how she could help. Carefully she reached out to hold both Piper's and Phoebe's other hands, forming a circle, with her facing, like her sisters, towards the demons. Magic exploded into Paige as she found herself merging with her sisters. Her exhaustion vanished to be replaced by an almost unbearable feeling of power, that lifted and energised her. Joining their chant, Paige felt her own power and control increase as it became available to all the sisters. Now the shield strengthened to the point where the combined attack no longer threatened the sisters. All around them, energy bled off in all directions in the form of massive flames or electrical discharges.

Now Prue found that she could now reach out with far greater power and control than even before, which she now used to launch an attack. A powerful burst of magic, driven by her telekinetic power hit a group of demon's, ripping many apart and flinging others across the hillside or into the sky.

Piper then attacked, as a similar feeling of overwhelming power allowed her to sent a burst of magic at the Triad. Demons clumped around the Triad exploded and the Triad stumbled backwards as they lifted their arms to protect their faces from Piper's attack.

Phoebe not to be left out, realised that she could sense what many of the demons were about to do, and without knowing how she did it, channeled one group of demon's powers, so that their attack, was turned back on them. Again demons vanished in bursts of flame.

As more demons appeared to aid the Source, the sisters, first concentrated on protecting themselves. This time however, it was far easier than before. Without having to discuss it, they knew that Paige was somehow combining their powers, linking them so that their combined power was not only greater than before but their control of it was unparalleled.

Deep from within their magic, Prue, Piper and Phoebe repeatedly took turns to reach out to hit back at the demons, killing many and forcing others to retreat. Then as both Prue and Piper combined to attack the Triad, they faded down below before the sisters could hit them.

With a cry of "Cowards", the Source redoubled his attack. But within seconds, he too was forced onto the defensive as all four of the sisters, focussed their attack on him. As other demons retreated from what was now a losing battle, the Source was left with no option.

He too flamed out. The remaining demons either followed, or were vanquished.

As the last demon vanished in a burst of fire, the sisters paused, then stopped chanting and let go of each others hands. An overwhelming feeling of exhaustion came over all of them with Paige again collapsing as all her strength left her. Even Prue staggered initially as she tried to keep her balance. Piper remained standing, but bent over and placed her hands on her knees as she took deep breaths. Phoebe went down on one knee and also was forced to start breathing deeply to recharge her system. Turning to Paige, Prue became increasingly concerned as Paige lost consciousness, her breathing became rapid and shallow and her eye's turned back into head, exposing the white.

Frantically calling for Leo, a scared Prue, sighed in relief as he orbed alongside her. She said "Its Paige, she's in trouble". As Piper and Phoebe continued to watch out for any more demons, Leo held his hands over her head. As his healing power bathed her head, he moved his hands down her body until he reached her heart. Her breathing eased, becoming slower and deeper, however she remained unconscious. Stopping Leo said, "She will be fine, she's just completely exhausted". Looking at the other three sisters, he added "and so are you".

As they looked around, they were shocked by the devastation around them. They stood in a small circle of grass, surrounded by a hillside of mostly burned charred grass and fused, ripped dirt, some spots still glowing. Behind them, most of the trees, some shattered were burning fiercely, which showed just how much energy had been used in the battle.

Multiple sirens could be heard approaching, both police and fire engines. "We need to leave now" said Leo.

Phoebe added "I have nothing left in me, I couldn't light a match".

Holding Paige with one arm, Leo reached out to hold Piper's hand. Prue and Phoebe also joined hands and grabbed Leo's arm. They vanished in a cloud of orbs and reappeared in the Manor's Sitting room.

Phoebe helped a now exhausted Leo, place a still unconscious Paige on a sofa and then she sat alongside her, first carefully stroking her hair back from her face then adjusting several cushions, to make Paige as comfortable as possible, Phoebe asked in a worried voice "She will be OK, won't she". "She will be, she just completely drained, sleep is what she needs now. There is not much more I can do for her as orbing you all and Glen around, has taken most of my energy" replied Leo.

Prue walked into the conservatory, looked around, picked up the TV remote, and turned on the TV. Selecting a news channel, she turned the volume down enough so that she could listen to both the TV and what was being said in the sitting room.

Once again, Kit appeared from somewhere and showing signs of distress, abruptly jumped onto the sofa and curled up alongside Paige's head. She started to purr loudly as no one seemed prepared to push her away.

A relieved Phoebe turned to discover Glen looking at her from the conservatory with a scared look on his face. "What the hell is going on here and what have you done to Paige ?" he demanded. " Not now" said Piper, "we have just saved your life and Paige's, to say nothing of yet another demon battle". "Demon?" said Glen.

Phoebe got up and walked over to him and asked "Please come over and help us with Paige, she is just really tired and should wake soon. The more friendly faces, the better and we can fill you in on what happened". He followed Phoebe over to the sofa and sat alongside Paige, as he held one of her hands, he carefully watched for any sign of recovery. As Glen listened to Phoebe's explanation of what Paige and the sisters were and what had happened, he found it increasingly difficult to except.

Finally he said "Thats enough, a girl who I have known from childhood is suddenly a witch with incomprehensible powers, so are all of you, some demon possessed me and you have just fought a massive battle with evil".

Prue added "Have a look at this" as she turned up the volume on the TV set. A breaking news story showed the section of the park where the battle had taken place. The camera panned across the hillside, showing a huge area that had once been grass, was now black and charred. The ground was ripped and torn, as if it had been clawed by some impossibly large beast. Tree's still burned at the bottom of the hill, as fire crews struggled to put them out. A stunned Glen, watched in disbelief as a reporter described what witness's had seen. Explosions, objects, weird flames, flashing lights and lightening had been seen by many people and even videoed. While none had been close enough to see what had caused it, something incredible must have happened to cause this much damage.

A reporter stated "While neither the Police or Emergency services are prepared to make a statement on what caused all this, off the record comments seem to indicate that some form of incendiary or explosive device must have been used. Until forensic analysis is complete, exactly what happened will not be known. What is of considerable concern, is the fate of two people, a man and woman seen walking near here. It is understood that they may have been involved in an argument. And two police officers who radioed that they were investigating what appeared to be a fight. None has been seen since and the missing police officers are not responding to radio calls. Grave fears are held for their safety. The public are asked for help in identifying and finding these people, who may have information that could help with the investigation. Also it is hoped that two women who asked some park rangers for help regarding their sister would come forward. If anyone else has any information, please contact the police helpline or the park ranger station".

Prue turned the volume down and with a stricken look on her face, turned to face the others and said "There were two police officers there?, I don't remember seeing them".

As the probable fate of the two officers sank in, all of the sisters found the implications highly upsetting. Had two innocent police officers died as part of the battle?. Only Paige might be able to answer that question and it would be some time before she would wake up. Leaving the TV on with the volume turned down, both Prue and Phoebe watched the developing news story. Hoping that Darryl was not one of the two officers, they wanted to see him on TV.

Glen remained with Paige, sitting alongside her as he continued to watched her carefully.

Leo sat on one of the arm chairs, also watching Paige as Piper sat down alongside him on the arm rest and leaned over to wrap her arms around Leo shoulders. Leo turned and reach up to comfort his wife. "I was so afraid, there were so many" she said.

"What happened after I left" Leo asked.

The sisters tried to make sense of what happened as each told what they remembered of the battle.

Piper "Only the Source was present. We used the Power of Three spell and we not only blocked the Source's attack but Prue was able to hit back. She drove him off".

Prue "But then he returned, with so many demons, some that I recognise from the Book of Shadows like the Triad but so many others. They had so much power, even using the Power of Three spell was not enough. They were too powerful."

Phoebe "Then Paige joined us and something changed. Not only did I feel more power but I could feel Prue, Piper and Paige. We could share and coordinate better. When Prue attacked, she led but I was alongside helping as was Piper and Paige, the same when Piper attacked and I could feel all of you helping me when it was my turn".

Leo "Thats what the Elders thought might happen, Paige hasn't changed the Power of Three into Four. You all are still the Power of Three, Prue, Piper and Phoebe, each with an active power but Paige has become the link between all of you. Remember her Whitelighter powers complement yours so that she creates the link that lets you fight as one."

Prue "I had so much power".

Piper "My power worked differently, demons exploded when I attacked them".

Phoebe "I could make the demon's powers turn against them".

Leo "The Elders predicted this as well, although they never expected your powers to develop so fast. The battle showed you what your powers will become in the future, how they will advance and develop. Paige helped you achieve them when you used the Power of Three".

Prue "You mean this is what our powers will become, just like when we went into the future?"

Leo "Yes, and now, because of Paige, it seems they will develop faster and other powers may manifest. All of you used abilities that you don't have yet but will gain in the near future. Remember few witches have more than one power, and even the oldest and best are not as strong as any of you four. All of you have shown that you will have several powers, with the possibility of even more, and all of them will be strong".

Phoebe "Oh my God".

Glen "Then why is Paige unconscious?"

Leo "She has only been a Charmed One for two days, her powers have only just begun to develop and when the fight started, she must have been already weakened by the Source's attacks".

Glen "She will recover, won't she?"

Leo "Yes, rest is the only cure, you all need it, we all need it. We can talk more later, especially when Paige is awake". All three sisters turned to look at Paige, their fourth sister who they now realised, was the key to unlocking the full power of the Charmed Ones".

Prue returned to the TV to gather more information, hoping that she would see Darryl, Phoebe joined Glen by Paige's side and Piper relaxed as she hugged her boyfriend.

The phone rang and Prue was the first to pick it up. With a sigh of relief she said "Its Darryl". After listening for almost a minute, then in a conversation, marked by extended pauses, she said "Yes we were there, and a lot of demons, .... most of them, I think and they tried to kill all four of us, .... yes Paige, Piper, Phoebe and me, but we managed to kick their butts. .... We don't know about the two missing officers, .... how do we know, its all over the TV. We didn't see them but Paige was there before we arrived and she might know something. .... She's still unconscious, but we will call you if we find out anything. Bye Darryl, let us know if we can help". Hanging up the phone, a somber Prue turned and said "Two police officers are definitely missing, one has a family. And they are looking for two women that look like us, they must have talked to the two rangers, what the heck are we going to do?".

Leo replied "There is nothing we can do, we can't change what has happened. I just hope that Paige will remember when she wakes up".