Episode 5: Devil's Thunder

"Are they really supposed to be this nice?"

"I know, kind of makes you want to go to rehab, doesn't it?"

Piper Halliwell, void of all vacillation, flicked her eldest son behind the ear. He immediately flinched, hissing slightly, though filling with remorse.

"Sorry, not funny," Wyatt mumbled as he rubbed the back of his head.

The dining room table was a mess with pamphlets, brochures, and paperwork, and hovering over the array of items was Sam. Lines of stress streaked her forehead as she flipped through one of the shiny booklets, studying the pictures of the beach with uncertainty.

"She'll be well taken care of this way," Phoebe said to her niece.

"I just don't know. Maybe we're moving too fast," Sam sighed.

Piper and Phoebe exchanged glances behind their niece's back, both confirming that the other remained on the same page. Wyatt bowed his head as he sat, quietly picking at his waffles. Chris shifted his gaze up from where he was studying one of the pamphlets, ready to jump in if need be.

The decision was a hard.

But all in all, there was no denying that it was the right one. The family no longer had the tools or resources to help Kate. While no one wanted to go down the rather grueling path of a rehabilitation facility, it seemed like the safest and smartest option. Between Phoebe, Piper, Leo, and Sam, along with a little insight from Chris and Lila, the family settled that they would admit her.

"This is what she needs, sweetie," Phoebe told Sam. She squeezed her shoulder in encouragement.

"The longer we let this go on, the worse it will get," Chris added as he leaned on one of the dining room chairs. Piper nodded in agreement.

"It just seems so unreal," Sam said, shaking her head. "I mean, maybe it's not that bad."

"I know it's hard to face, but living in denial is only hurting Kate," Phoebe said.

"We've all seen the extent of her drinking. She was drunk at the New Year's Eve party. And Chris dealt with her on a number of occasions. She put her charges in jeopardy. The Elders wouldn't have taken her powers if there wasn't a problem," Piper replied.

"We can fix this. But we all have to be on the same page," Phoebe said.

Sam nodded, though a frown pulled at her face. She twiddled with her fingers, avoiding eye contact with the rest of the family. "What if she won't go?"

"That's what the intervention is for," Phoebe advised. "We tell her what we've noticed, how it makes us feel, and we give her the chance to change. We have to set boundaries. We let her know the consequences of not going to rehab."

"We're going to have to give her some tough love," Piper murmured with a sad smile.

"Most of all we have to present a united front."

With a heavy sigh, Sam ran a hand through her hair. "I don't know if I can do this," she moaned.

"You can do it," Wyatt encouraged.

"We'll do it together," Piper assured. "You're not alone."

"Have you decided who you want to be here?" Phoebe asked.

Sam gave a nod. "Yeah, obviously you two and uncle Leo. Joey's going to take her to lunch and they'll meet us here this afternoon," she said. "I think the entire family would overwhelm her, but I was hoping Chris and Lila could come, since they've been up close and personal with her behavior."

"I'll be here," Chris said. He looked to his brother. "Wyatt, maybe you can help Laura and Lucy since Lila and I will be busy?"

Wyatt eagerly nodded. "Of course."

"Help them with what?" Piper asked.

"You just can't stand not being in the middle of things, can you?" Chris scoffed with a chuckle at his mother. Wyatt also grinned widely and Piper only glared.

"Christopher Perry, you better tell me."

"Look, it's killing her!"

"Chris, tell us," Phoebe butt in.

"Okay, okay," he sighed. "We're following a lead. That antidote, the one from the hospital, was created by a Dr. Maxwell Salt."

"So?"

"So, that means he figured out that it takes the Power of Three too. He knew it would take Laura, Lila, and Lucy's blood to cure the virus. We don't know if he's friend or foe but Salt has some sort of connection to all of this," Chris explained.

"Dr. Salt? Does he works with Laura?" Phoebe asked.

"Yeah," Wyatt nodded.

"Well, that means he could be the inside guy, right?" Piper asked.

"It's a possibility. That's why we're going to pursue him as a lead," Chris agreed.

"But today our focus is Kate," Wyatt spoke up as he rose from the table. Phoebe, Piper, and Chris immediately blushed at their keenness to pursue demonic foes opposed to dealing with the current crisis. Sam, however, remained unaffected.

"No, it's all right," she assured. "Demons don't rest for family angst."

"That's for sure," Chris smirked.

"It'll all work out," Wyatt told his cousin, gently patting her shoulder. "I'm going to go meet up with the girls. You guys just call if you end up needing me."

"Wait, Wy, I'm going with you," Sam said frantically. She blushed nervously, trying her best to remain under control. "I need to talk to Lila anyway."

"All right," he replied. "We'll see you guys later then…"

The two swirled out in identical orbs, leaving Piper, Phoebe, and Chris behind. He swallowed hard. "Do you think it's going to work?"

"What? The intervention?" Piper asked.

"Yeah."

"I think so," Phoebe answered. "Kate needs our help. We may not have seen it before, but it's better late than never."

With a painful groan Joey greeted the morning. A few streaks of light fell across his face, stinging his eyes as he blinked them open. Hardly coherent he looked over at the bedside clock, examining it in regret. It was half past ten. If he didn't hurry he would miss his class at SFU before partaking in the intervention activities that were to commence.

Joey was responsible for keeping Kate occupied and in the end, getting her to the manor for the dreaded event. He had yet to decide how he felt about it. Deep down, he knew Kate needed help. He knew that sooner than anyone else had actually. He could feel it in her embrace only hours after their mother's burial. Since then things spiraled out of control. As he stared up at the blank ceiling, he remorsefully pondered whether he could have helped. Whether he had simply ignored what was obvious. And then he quickly reminded himself that it was too late.

It wasn't until he untwisted himself from the sheets that he realized he had a visitor. Strung across his bed were a variety of clothing items that were not his own, including a lacey, pink bra and a pair of heels. He realized the shower was running and whoever his night guest was, had already woken up.

Running a hand through his tangled brown locks, Joey slowly stretched and stumbled out of bed, throwing on a t-shirt and shuffling out in his boxers. "Natalie . . ." he mumbled. "That had to have been it. Natalie . . ."

The apartment was quiet and he assumed Melinda was out. Still rubbing his eyes, he entered the kitchen, blindly finding a coffee cup in one of the cabinets. He poured the remainder of the brew from the pot into his mug, and leaned against the counter. "Or was it Nadine?" he muttered to himself.

Just as he started to wake up, slurping down a portion of his coffee, the front door swung open. He quickly looked up, immediately scowling when he realized who entered. "Hey," the man nodded awkwardly, hands on his hips as he caught his breath. Clamoring in behind him was Melinda, equally winded but grinning.

"You're up," Melinda said to her cousin.

"Yeah," Joey nodded, eyes still set on Jack. "Didn't know he was here."

"We just went on a run," she replied.

"She kicked my ass," Jack smirked.

"I took you for an athlete Jack," Joey said. "Or are you just one of those guys who writes about athletes?"

"Ignore him," Melinda told Jack. She gave Joey a scowl. "Who's in the shower, Joe?"

"Oh, uh, my friend," Joey answered.

"What you don't know her name?" Melinda asked.

"I know her name."

"Then what is it?"

"Natalie and she is a very nice girl," he replied, taking a long drink of his coffee. "Why are you getting all up in my business?"

Melinda pinched his ear as she passed him. "If I didn't love you so much and you weren't dealing with other things, I would tell you right where to put it," she groaned.

"And where's that?" Joey called after her.

The kitchen went quiet as Melinda closed the door to her bedroom, leaving Jack and Joey to face each other's company. "So . . ." Jack started. "Nice boxers."

Joey flicked the man a glare. "Nice haircut."

"You feeling better?"

"From the virus?" he clarified. "Yeah. Symptom free for a week now. How about you?"

"I feel fine," Jack nodded. The two fell into an awkward silence and Jack sighed. "Listen, I know you don't like me, and to be honest, I'm not sure why . . ."

"You just haven't earned my trust yet," Joey shrugged.

"You're all pretty protective of Melinda, aren't you?" Jack asked.

"We're all protective of each other," he said. "That's how things work in this family."

"You don't need to protect her from me," Jack replied.

"Sure I don't," Joey said. "I mean, she falls for you in what, a few weeks?"

"We've been dating nearly a month."

"Whatever. I just don't like it. How do I know you're not just a smooth talking jerk who swooned her because you prey on girls like Melinda?"

"Prey on girls like Melinda?"

"Vulnerable, sweet, and far too trusting."

"Listen, Melinda's a big girl. You can hate me all you want, but one of these days she's going to have to face the world without you or her brothers making decisions for her," Jack reasoned. "But I care about her, Joey. I'm going to be around for awhile. So we can start getting along or you can keep making this painful for everyone involved."

"You have sisters Jack?"

"No."

"Are you close with your family?"

"Not in particular."

"Then you couldn't understand. Not until after you've seen them betrayed, and hurt, and in danger, and mourning, and completely broken and self-destructive, could you ever understand why you protect the ones you love," Joey said.

"What do I have to do to make you trust me?"

"Why are you so worried about earning my trust, Jack?" Joey challenged, raising an eyebrow.

Interrupting the pair was the sound of footsteps coming from the hall, causing the two men to turn attention to their visitor. Stalking toward them with a towel over her wet blonde hair and one of Joey's t-shirts on was his most recent one-night-stand. She smiled at Joey as she approached, far from bashful despite being scantily clad. "Morning," she chirped.

"Morning," the two men greeted.

Melinda came up behind the girl, eyebrows raised as she glanced to her cousin. "Aren't you going to introduce me?" the girl asked.

"Of course," Joey answered. "This is my cousin Melinda and her boyfriend Jack. Guys, this is Natalie."

"Nice to meet you," she said, shaking both Melinda and Jack's hands. She then glared at Joey. "And my name's Nicole, you asshole."

His face dropped slightly as Nicole retreated down the hall, slamming the door to his bedroom behind her before she presumably gathered her clothes. "I meant Nicole," Joey told Melinda.

"Oh you did?" she snorted. "Well, she seemed like a very nice girl. You should bring her to family dinner sometime."

"Shut up," Joey said.

"I better get going," Jack spoke up, trying to suppress his amusement at Joey's encounter. He kissed Melinda on the cheek. "I'll see you later."

"Sounds good," she said.

"Oh, and Joey, I know you're not very fond of guys who write about athletes, but I get a lot of free tickets. How about me and you catch a Giant's game sometime," Jack offered.

Joey gave a slow nod, arms still folded across his chest. "We'll see," he said. Jack gave a reserved nod before slipping out the door, leaving Melinda and Joey behind.

"He's making an effort, Joey," Melinda told her cousin.

"I just don't trust him, Mel."

"What is there not to trust?"

"I don't know. He's too nice or something…" Joey groaned as he made his way for the hallway. "Have you introduced him to Wyatt and Chris yet?"

"What does that have to do with anything?" Melinda asked.

"Perhaps they won't think I'm crazy."

"Jack hasn't done anything wrong. He makes me happy and if you wanted to make me happy too, you'd give him a chance."

Joey stopped his tracks and sighed. "I'll try, okay?" he said. "But only because you didn't give me shit about Nadine."

"Thank you," Melinda smirked. "And her name's Nicole."

"You done with that?"

"No."

"You're hogging the newspaper."

"I gave you the business section like two seconds ago. What'd you do, only look at the pictures?" Laura asked, still not pulling her gaze from the front page.

"No, it's just boring. I could care less about the stock market," Lucy grumbled as she returned her attention to the cereal in her bowl. "Maybe Sam can get us another subscription to the Bay Mirror."

"We don't need two newspapers," Laura chuckled. "Of all the transitions we've made living together, I can't believe sharing the newspaper has been the most difficult."

"I like my current events," Lucy said. "It's a good thing Lila doesn't bother to read; otherwise we'd have a real problem on our hands."

Laura shook her head, drinking down the rest of her coffee as she passed her youngest sister the newspaper. Morning was just beginning to break through the window of the breakfast nook, casting a warm golden hue over the girls. In comparison to their usually hectic lives, the Sunday breakfast was a nice dose of relaxation. The two still lounged in their pajamas and enjoyed a quiet cup of coffee without any demonic foes intruding.

"You think we should wake up Lila and Gage?" Lucy asked as she turned the page.

"Lila and Gage?" Laura repeated. "He spent the night?"

"When doesn't he spend the night?" Lucy scoffed. "Granted, I guess you wouldn't know since you're in bed by eight o'clock these days . . ."

"You would be too if you worked twelve hour shifts at the hospital," she replied with a yawn.

"I think they're going to get married," Lucy said.

Laura nearly choked on her coffee as she placed the mug down. Her maple eyes were wide in surprise. "What makes you think that?"

"Uh, I don't know, they've been together for two years and he still hasn't bailed," she answered nonchalantly. "They seem pretty content with each other. I'm just saying I wouldn't be surprised. Why? Is it weird for you because you're the oldest?"

"No," Laura answered quickly. "No, that doesn't have to do with anything. I mean, it shouldn't matter. It doesn't."

"Right," Lucy muttered. She carefully glanced up from her reading. "So, how are you and James?"

"We're fine."

"Fine? That's it?"

"What do you want to know?"

"I don't know," Lucy shrugged. "You don't bring him around often. Actually, I don't think you've ever brought him here. It's like he went back into hiding after the New Year's Eve party."

"We're in a good place right now," Laura explained. "In order to maintain that I keep him away from demons, magic, and our crazy family."

"Those are all kind of the same thing," Lucy said. "I'm not going to judge. But are you ever going to disclose the little detail that you're a witch?"

"Eventually…" Laura murmured.

"You know, the longer you keep it a secret, the worse it's going to be when you tell him."

"I appreciate your concern, Louie, but I'm not going to worry about it now," she insisted.

"Fine," Lucy sighed, returning her attention back to the paper. "Hey, what's your sign again?"

"What sign?"

"Your sign. You know, I'm an Aquarius, Lila's a Cancer . . ."

"Scorpio," Laura answered.

"Like Chris and aunt Prue," Lucy remembered. "Well, here, listen to your horoscope: 'You will need to be honest with a loved one today'…"

"That is such crap," Laura chuckled. "I bet you made it up."

"Horoscopes don't lie."

"But younger sisters do, now let me see that," Laura said, reaching over for the newspaper. Lucy quickly squirmed away, scooting down the breakfast nook bench.

"It's a sign! You should tell James the truth."

"It's a sign that you are far too concerned about my love life."

Before the tussle for the newspaper could begin, a bright swirl of blue lights landed in the kitchen. The two girls swiftly set their attention on their cousins. "Good morning, ladies," Wyatt greeted.

"It's too early for your perkiness," Lucy groaned, swiping her empty mug from the table and heading toward the coffee pot.

"How's it going?" Laura asked them. Wyatt remained standing as Sam plopped down in a seat.

"It's going," Sam answered.

"You ready for today?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," she replied.

"What time do you want us there?" Lucy asked as she returned with a full cup. Wyatt sat down in the breakfast nook after his youngest cousin slid into a seat.

"Actually, we've decided it's probably best if we don't make a big family spectacle of this. I think it will be overwhelming enough without having twelve people there," Sam explained.

"Makes sense to me," Laura nodded. "But if you need us, we'll be there."

"Thanks," she said. "I was actually hoping I could talk to Lila. I think aside from Joey and myself, I want her and Chris there too."

"Her and lover boy are still in bed," Lucy told Sam.

"Gage?" Wyatt chuckled. "When are they going to just get married already?"

"Okay, why is everyone saying that?" Laura asked.

"I think the idea of Lila getting married first is getting to her," Lucy whispered to Wyatt.

"It is not," she rolled her eyes. "I just didn't realize they were so serious."

"I mean, she is a Cupid. Why would she waste her time with anyone who wasn't her true love?" Sam asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Shallow, but an interesting theory," Wyatt smiled.

"I liked your opinion on Senator Murdoch by the way," Lucy said.

"Thanks," Sam replied modestly. "Just doing my part in analyzing the political machine."

"Whoa, I didn't know we were having another family gathering here," Lila yawned as she shuffled into the kitchen. Gage tripped in behind her, wearing only a pair of boxers. It seemed he would have been wearing more if his girlfriend hadn't stolen his shirt.

"Long night you two?" Wyatt asked.

"Ew, I don't want the details," Lucy said. "And Gage, while we all admire your God-like body, can you wear a shirt?"

"Sorry," he mumbled as he poured himself a cup of coffee. "I didn't think we'd have an audience."

"Not that I don't love you both but can I ask what you're doing here?" Lila asked as she sat next to Wyatt. Gage stretched as hopped onto the island in the center of the kitchen.

"Well, as you know, Kate's intervention is this afternoon," Sam said slowly. "I don't want the whole family there but I was hoping you would come. You saw Kate at her worst. You were with her after her wings were clipped and you two spend a lot of time together as it is . . ."

"Of course I'll be there," Lila assured. "I planned on it."

"Have you guys found a rehab center?" Laura asked.

"Yeah, there's one in Pasadena," Sam nodded. "The only good thing about her wings getting clipped is she won't be able to orb herself out of rehab."

"That would be a problem," Gage smirked.

"And while Chris and Lila and everyone else are at the intervention, I have been sent to aid you in continuing our investigation," Wyatt told Laura and Lucy.

Lucy groaned. "It's a Sunday. I have a paper to write for my stupid urban architecture class and the professor hates me and if . . ."

"Lou, we're talking about the Source of All Evil," Lila cut her off.

"Yeah, it's my day off too," Laura said. "But we may not get a lead like this again."

"Exactly," Wyatt nodded.

Sam cleared her throat. "Listen, guys, I also came because I have some information to pass on," she said timidly. The kitchen went silent and instantly everyone's gazes fell on her. She swallowed hard. "The name of the Source is Malum. He's an experienced businessman and he's been running the Underworld like some sort of human corporation. He's dangerous. He's married to another demon named Aliah. Her son is head of the Brotherhood of Thorn."

"How do you know all this?" Lila asked.

"I've just done a little research of my own."

"But Sam . . ."

"Please, don't ask," she said. "This is why I didn't want to say anything in front of Chris, all right? Just take the information I've given you and use it. Claim it to be your own."

"Sam, I'm sorry, but you're scaring the shit out of me," Laura said. "What have you been doing?"

"I've been careful and everything is fine, I promise," Sam assured. Before anyone else could jump in, she continued. "As far as the Brotherhood is concerned, I think we need to start seriously pursuing Cole Turner. The Brotherhood of Thorn is based on a bloodline. That means a descendent or an original member is responsible for resurrecting it."

"Cole Turner may be alive, but he's dangerous," Wyatt said. "Are we sure that's the safest option?"

"It's just an idea. Do what you want with it," Sam advised. "But I think whether we want to face it or not, Cole could be our best shot at figuring this out."

"What are we trying to figure out exactly?" Lucy asked.

"We'll know when we find it," Laura murmured. Sam nodded in agreement.

"Kate lost herself trying to find mom's killer," Sam said. "I don't want that to be in vain."

"We won't let it be."

Despite the shade of an umbrella, intense sunlight beat down on the small café. Round tables lined the sidewalk, tucked away from the marketplace that crowded the cobblestone courtyard. Aging buildings were crammed together, slumping into one another with balconies protruding into the daylight. Laundry lines were hung between residences, weighed with damp clothes that basked in the morning warmth for drying.

"You're quiet, Dell," a voice cooed.

There was no response to the woman's observation. Oversized sunglasses rested on the bridge of her nose, hoop earrings dangled from her ears, and a floppy hat shaded her from the rays of sun. She swirled a glass of pinot, watching her companion with astuteness.

"Dell?" she tried again. "Delezar, I'm talking to you."

"What? Sorry mother," he sighed, rushing his gaze over to meet that of hers. She pursed her lips in frustration.

"Not used to that name are you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Should I start calling you Jack? Would that be easier?" she snipped.

"No mother," he answered warily.

"What is wrong with you? You love Venice," Aliah said in confusion.

"No, you love Venice," Jack chuckled.

Aliah seemed less amused. She was surrounded by shopping bags and sat with legs crossed, one foot bouncing impatiently. "I don't understand what's wrong with you."

"There's nothing wrong with me," he said.

"Oh there's not?" she challenged. Her small jaw clenched in frustration as she gritted her teeth together. "This isn't the demon I raised you to be!"

"Shhh," Jack growled, glancing over his shoulder anxiously, desperate to make sure no one in the crowded outdoor café heard them. "What is the matter with you?"

"You tell me, darling," Aliah hissed, raising an eyebrow. She bitterly drank back her wine and he gave a long sigh.

"It's a little early for that, don't you think?"

"This is what I'm talking about! What is going on? When did you become like this?" Aliah asked. "Malum thinks that you've gone soft . . ."

"I haven't gone soft," Jack mumbled. "And why would you listen to Malum?"

"I can see it too. You've changed," Aliah said. She brought a hand to her mouth in melodramatic flare. "And you're breaking my heart."

"Mom," he sighed. "Don't cry . . ."

"Delezar, didn't you think about what this could do to your mother? After all I've done for you," she blubbered. She brought a napkin to her cheeks, patting them dry with each forced sob. A few people glanced over at the table and Jack quickly blushed.

"Ma, I'm sorry," he said, patting her hand. "I've just been a little distracted I guess."

"Who is she?" Aliah asked. Miraculously her tears stopped and she tensed with seriousness.

Jack's mouth dropped in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I'll kill her," she continued coldly. She leaned in closer, removing the sunglasses from her eyes, glaring into her son's. "Who is she, Jack? Let mother help you."

"There's no one," he answered.

"You lie!" Aliah growled. "I can tell when you're lying, darling."

"My job is to get close to the Halliwells," Jack murmured.

"Is it the one from the newspaper that you work with?"

"No, mom, stop."

"Jack, I don't care who you take to bed, but at the end of the day you need to remember your job. Your allegiance," she told him. "If this girl is a distraction . . ."

"There's no distraction," Jack said.

Aliah shook her head. "You remember when I sent you to college in Chicago?"

"Northwestern," he clarified with a nod.

"Yes and I vividly recall you saying you very much enjoyed it," Aliah said.

"I did," Jack replied.

"Well, I didn't send you to enjoy it. I sent you so that you could one day blend into the human world. And you weren't sent up here to enjoy things either! You were sent to bring down the Halliwells," she hissed. She was flustered as she snatched up her empty glass and glared around. "Waiter! I need another!"

"That's what I'm trying to do," Jack whispered. "I've been trying to get close to them so that I can make a move."

"No, you've been up here pretending to be a human for so long that you believe it yourself! So much so that you've become pathetic!" Aliah shouted. By now a nervous server appeared, trembling as he filled Aliah's glass. She gave him a glare when he finished. "That's all, thank you."

"It means nothing," Jack insisted.

"I'll make sure of it," she said. "I will not let you fail, Delezar. You're my son and I want what's best for you."

"Thank you, mother."

"Malum is extremely disappointed in you."

"I don't care what Malum thinks."

"He's your father."

"He is not my father!" Jack snapped.

Aliah smiled. "Oh see, there's the demon I raised."

"Malum is slime. I can't believe you married him."

"Darling, he's the Source and needed a Queen. Of course I married him," Aliah sighed as she examined her cuticles. "I just wish you'd do as he asks."

"I'll do my best mother," Jack sighed. He bitterly rose from his chair, prepared for a swift departure.

"Where are you going?"

"Back to San Francisco. I have a job," he said.

"Oh please, you don't actually take that seriously, do you?"

"It's all a part of my cover," Jack replied.

"Just remember one thing my darling," Aliah told him. "I will kill her for you."

"You're a sweetheart," Jack said.

"I can still remember when you killed your first innocent . . ." she said adoringly. "It was like yesterday. Now look at you . . . all brawn and evil."

He grudgingly kissed her on the cheek. "I'll see you later."

"Bye!" Aliah sighed. She watched as he stalked down the sidewalk, disappearing into the large Italian crowd. With a shake of her head she raised her glass and sipped down more wine.

This was bad and she knew it. Delezar was drifting and she could feel it. The mission would be in jeopardy. And she wasn't sure how much longer she could protect him. But she would be damned if she didn't find a way.

With a dense feeling in his stomach Joey punted the kickstand of his motorcycle, steadying the bike along the sidewalk. The black vehicle gleamed in the sunlight, sleek and powerful with its two wheels and leather seat. Joey pulled the dark helmet from his head and unzipped his leather jacket. In the midst of paying student loans and earning a meager paycheck as a part-time bartender, Joey's motorcycle was perhaps one of his most prized possessions. He earned it after long shifts bussing tables at the Triquetra and later working the counter at P3. His mother of course had always been against the bike, claiming it was too dangerous. As naïve as it was, however, Joey liked to believe despite his lack of powers he could live life on the edge. Though a motorcycle was hardly comparable to powers or fighting demons, it was at least something he could call his own. It made him unique and in some ways, filled the deep hole existing where his magical abilities should be.

As he fixed his hair with a shake of his head, Joey stared up at the apartment complex with trepidation. Surely there was nothing good awaiting him.

Joey loved his sisters. That much was certain. Since he could remember he idolized the twins no matter how much they tormented and teased him. In the end they took care of him. They were protective and reliable and would do anything for him. In return, Joey provided the same.

He loved different things about them. Sam was perhaps more maternal and compassionate than Kate. She was sensitive and sometimes a little controlling. She was the kind of sister always making sure he had cleaned his laundry, ate all his food groups, and stayed out of harm's way.

Kate on the other hand showed love in a different way. For starters, she was pure power. She was strong and confident and dependable. Joey knew he could count on her when things got out of hand. He came to her for advice. More importantly, they were bonded by interests. Both were athletes, playing at the collegiate level after high school. They were groomed with the same mentality and driven by the same sort of desires. They understood and respected one another.

But now everything was in the shitter.

Kate was gone for starters. His once secure sister was falling apart. The twin's relationship was just as strained. It seemed Kate and Sam were inseparable. Now as his sisters distanced from one another, angered and bitter, Joey felt like a small child whose parents were getting a divorce. There was no way to take a side and deep down he wanted nothing more than them to be together and happy again. So he was caught in the middle, lost and void of direction.

Already he dreaded the intervention. As far as Kate's drinking was concerned, he kept his distance. Maybe it was denial or avoidance, but Joey had yet to accept that it was even bad enough for such drastic measures. Or perhaps he just wanted to believe that his sister wasn't capable. After all, Kate was about self-preservation and discipline, not excess and overindulgence.

Still, he agreed. He would be the first culprit in the process, taking Kate out for lunch and eventually leading her back to the Manor for the intervention. As he climbed the steps to the apartment his sisters shared, guilt clung to each step. It felt wrong to blindside her in such a way. The Kate he knew would be able to see right through him. She would ask what he was up to.

Joey could only proceed under the assumption that this wasn't his Kate anymore.

He knocked on the door, trying his best to keep his composure. He shifted the helmet in his hand and bounced on his toes, impatiently awaiting an answer. Joey hesitantly knocked again, unaware that his sister was only blinking open her eyes on the other side of the door.

"Fuck," Kate mumbled as she woke. She was on her bedroom floor, her comforter tangled about her. Her temples pounded incessantly with a headache and as she pulled herself up with the help of the bed frame she took note of an empty bottle hidden away.

"Kate? You in there?"

She scrambled to put on a shirt and jeans, tripping over loose items along the ground. Her stomach swirled with nausea and she was desperate to escape the pain in her neck and back. She rammed into the doorframe on her way out of the room, clumsily stumbling down the hallway as the knocking continued.

"It's Joey!" he called. "Kate? Is everything okay? I'll break down this door.."

"I'm coming!" she assured. She frantically rifled through her bag that was on the couch in the living room, not stopping until her fingers traced over the familiar silver flask. It was her father's flask. One of the many things of Henry's she had taken and used as her own. Ignoring her brother's impatient pounding; she urgently chugged down as much of the liquor as she could. Nothing to cure a hangover like more alcohol.

"Kate!" Joey barked.

She tossed the empty container into her purse and scrambled for the door, pulling it open as she panted for air.

"You okay?" Joey asked, taken back by her display of messy hair and heaving.

"I'm fine," she breathed, hands on her hips. "Why? What are you doing here?"

"We're going to lunch," he answered as he brushed past her, entering the apartment without invitation. "Remember?"

Kate closed the door and swallowed down hard. "Of course I remember," she nodded.

"I haven't seen you for awhile," Joey said. He studied her closely. "How have things been?"

"Everything's fine Joey. Why do you keep asking that?"

"I don't know, because you hardly talk about how you feel anymore," he shrugged. "I worry, I guess."

"Well don't."

"A lot of things have happened and all you have to say is that you're fine."

"What do you want me to say, Joe?" Kate snapped. "That it sucks? That without my powers I don't know what to do with myself? That I'm humiliated and embarrassed and sit around with nothing to do?"

Joey lowered his head and quickly regretted provoking her. She remained unemotional with her words but he could detect the hurt. "We're all here to support you, Kate," he said.

"Did they send you to tell me that?"

"No, I came because I miss my sister," Joey replied. "I want us to be how we used to be. You, Sam, and I…"

"We still are," Kate insisted.

He frowned. He wasn't going to argue but it was near impossible to agree with her. If she was going to live in denial he would let her, because in reality things were far from the same. If she couldn't see that, perhaps she really was in need of help. "Let's go get some lunch," he said.

"Right and how do you expect to get there?" she asked. "In case you forgot, I can't orb."

Joey's mouth dropped and an amused smile curled his lips. "Are you kidding me? Are you really that reliant on your powers?" he chuckled.

"I'm glad you find this funny but I orbed everywhere, Joe," Kate answered, arms folded across her chest. "And I don't have a car because I never needed one."

He grinned. "Well, come on, I'll show you how us mere mortals travel."

"Last I checked you don't have a car either," Kate said as she followed him toward the door, grabbing her purse on the way.

"No, and that's why I brought an extra one of these," he said, handing her his helmet. "I may not be able to orb but you'll find your brother rides in style."

"We'll see about that."

Phoebe tried to disguise her frown as she stared into the steaming cup, aimlessly playing with the tea bag that floated inside. "It's post-traumatic stress disorder," she mumbled. "It was so obvious. I have a masters in psychology for God's sake and I couldn't diagnose my own niece."

"You can't beat yourself up," Piper told her younger sister. She sighed as she moved away from the kitchen counter and joined Phoebe at the small table. "We've all been a little preoccupied..."

"I just can't help but think that if we had noticed that it was PTSD sooner, maybe she wouldn't be here. She wouldn't have resorted to the alcohol. We could've gotten her to talk to someone . . ." Phoebe said, running a hand down her face and pinching the bridge of her nose. "And what kills me the most is that she's . . . she's . . ."

"Paige's daughter," Piper whispered gently. "I know. I've been thinking it too."

"I feel like we failed her," she said. Phoebe's dark eyes were filled with remorse as she finally sought out her sister's gaze. "That if it was one of us, Paige wouldn't have let this happen to our kids."

Piper shook her head. "Phoebe, we can't blame ourselves for this. They're grown adults," she said. "They make their own decisions now. We can only try to support them."

"That's a scary thought," Phoebe muttered.

"I know, it's certainly something that's taking me some getting used to," Piper smirked. "As much as I love your girls, sitting back and watching them do our Power of Three thing drives me crazy sometimes."

"I know. It's like teaching them how to drive. You want them to learn but it's scary and it'd be a whole hell of a lot easier to take back the wheel," Phoebe chuckled.

"Yeah, unfortunately I don't think we'll get it back," she replied. "I never thought I'd miss it so much."

"Yeah, what happened to your desire for a normal life?"

"I'm as confused as you are," Piper answered with a laugh. "I guess I didn't realize how much apart of us it became. Not to get sappy, but I feel a little empty without it."

"We're still witches Piper."

"I know, I know. But it's not our fight anymore," she said. "I think maybe the hardest part is that we can't protect them anymore."

"No, it's their turn to protect us," Phoebe replied. "Don't think of it as such a bad thing. It gives us time to enjoy ourselves for once . . ."

"Now you sound like, Leo," Piper told her. She raised an eyebrow. "You know, I've heard you've been enjoying yourself lately."

"Oh God, I should've known this was coming . . ."

"Phoebe! You and Coop, need I say more?"

"Yes, we slept together," Phoebe groaned. "Well, have been sleeping together."

"I knew it!" Piper said. "I just thought you'd tell me sooner."

"Well, between demons, our children, family, the virus, and the Source of All Evil, I didn't think it was an appropriate time," she sighed.

Piper smiled. "So, what does it mean for you two? Are you back together?"

"I don't know what we are," Phoebe answered. "I feel like it's too late for us."

"It's not too late, Phoebe."

"Easy for you to say. I have three ex-husbands and you're married to an angel," she replied. "I think maybe I'm done with the marriage thing."

"But you and Coop obviously still love each other."

"And it wasn't enough," Phoebe said. "It never seems to be enough. It wasn't enough with Cole…"

"He was the Source of All Evil, honey," Piper reminded her. "That was doomed from the start. But you and Coop had something very special."

"And we still couldn't make it work," Phoebe groaned. "You weren't there when we had a mini family reunion when we thought Laura might die. The way the divorce tore the girls apart and . . ."

"It's in the past," Piper told her.

"Laura and Lila spent their childhood hating each other because of Coop and I," she spouted off. "And Lucy . . . Lucy never talks about it. I mean, it's no wonder she just deflects everything . . ."

"But look at them now. Phoebe, they're the Power of Three. They're close again, they're living together, and they're protecting innocents. What more could you ask for? You can be as hard as you want on yourself, but you did something right. They're strong, independent, and resourceful young women who are doing as good if not better than we ever did," Piper assured her. "You're going to have to forgive yourself eventually. And you can't let the past jeopardize your chance for happiness in the present."

"You're right," Phoebe grumbled. She chuckled to herself. "When'd you get so good at giving advice? Maybe you should start writing my books for me."

"Right, lets not get ahead of ourselves," Piper replied.

Thank you so much for all the reviews last chapter! I can't tell you how great it felt to get so much feedback. Episode 5 is starting a little slower but will hopefully pick up as we go along. It's getting a little harder to tie up story arcs and create new ones and continue important ones, so try to stick with me! I'll try to continue updating frequently but with so many characters and ideas it definitely takes more pacing. Oh and I think I mentioned it before but there's a wiki for this story (my homepage) and I've finally finished up all the bios for the characters (at least the kids) so feel free to check those out. There's some fun tidbits and such...uh that's about it. Hope to continue seeing reviews and I appreciate you reading! Thanks ~ Sammy