Lost Soul
Part 6
By: Silverstar
Hello all! Again, I apologize for my long absences between updates, but I do try. ^^' Actually, I've been trying to update for a while but FFN isn't cooperating...^^
Anyway, I hope everyone enjoys this chapter. I enjoyed writing it, as I do for all the chapters of my fics.
Disclaimer: I do not owned Charmed. If I did, I would be the happiest girl on earth.
PS: There is major violence in this chapter, but I think you'll like how Paige handles it. She has a bad mouth.
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*(PAIGE)*
Looking around, I saw the familiar walls of the Cave...*shudder* It was dark, the cave was cold, and I was alone. Worse yet...my sisters were no where in sight. A feeling of dread and fear slowly crept up my spine and into every pore of my weak and shaking body. It was coming...I could feel it. A moment later I was shoved against the cave wall by some invisible force and the shackles were around my wrists.
"Phoebe!...Piper!..." I wailed, but all I got for a response was a sinister cackle coming from the shadows...The Yellonius...In the back of my mind I held onto the fact that my sisters wouldn't leave me...they were here somewhere...but panic and fear still overtook me and I couldn't help but cry.
"Oh...poor baby...are we crying now?" The Yellonius taunted, but I just let my head drop and continued to sob. "Look at me when I'm talking to you!" he screamed, and I heard a crack as his fist hit under my chin and my head slammed back into the cave wall. Everything was silent for a moment as the pain numbed my head..."I said look at me!" The Yellonius screamed, and I slowly brought my head back down to look at his ugly sneering face. It was at this movement that my head started to throb...I felt like I had cracked my skull open. Nothing could stop the tears from falling, but I refused to cry out as I looked at the demon.
"You're not real..." I said as loudly as I could muster. "You're dead...just a memory. Why don't you really show yourself...Show me your filthy face Darden!" I screamed out, but the burst of energy and the noise that I sent forward hurt my head, and tears continued to overflow from my eyes. I winced as the Yellonius laughed and grabbed me with his hand, under my chin and on the side of my head.
"His time has not come yet little witch," he sneered before laughing again. "First, I get to have a little fun with you." I looked at my assailant, fear in my eyes, my heart, and my soul. The only thing that kept me from breaking down was the thought of my sisters. They were here in this world somewhere...they might make it to me before Darden revealed himself...My hope was miniscule and in the back of my mind, but it was there...I had to hold on...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PHOEBE)*
I heard...silence. Sensing that the spell was over and that it had worked, I slowly opened my eyes and looked around at my surroundings. I blinked in surprise when I found myself in a dark, cold, and creepy ally. I remembered that I had been here before on demon hunts...it was near P3. Slowly getting to my feet, I couldn't help but notice the eerie silence. Neither Piper nor Paige was anywhere in sight and I sighed in frustration. It looked like I was on my own. Brushing myself off, I walked quickly towards the end of the ally and towards civilization. But...I blinked a few times and rubbed my eyes, stopping suddenly. The exit seemed farther than it had before...Cautiously taking another step, I noticed that the exit was indeed moving farther and farther away. At this rate I'd never get out!
"Why me!" I screamed towards the sky, and then walked over to lean against the ally wall. "Okay...it's important not to panic," I whispered to myself, taking a few deep breaths. Clearly, when we went into the Dream Reality we were able to travel to every dream Paige had ever had. Unfortunately, this one was creeping me out. No matter how far or fast I ran, I'd always be stuck here, in the ally. *sigh* What was I going to do? Not being able to think clearly, I sprinted from the wall down towards the moving exit. Putting a determined face on, I took a deep breath and started to run as fast as my legs could carry me. With luck, maybe I'd get out...
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*(PIPER)*
Leo's face slowly vanished as my world started to spin around me. Suddenly, everything stopped. Quickly opening my eyes, I was surprised to find myself in P3...Paige hadn't mentioned P3 being in her dream...then again, the spell hadn't been specific. It seemed like I had gotten placed inside a different dream. Looking around, I saw that Phoebe and Paige were no where in sight, and that the club was empty. The music was playing, drinks were set out everywhere, and the lights were on...but it looked like everyone had left in a hurry. Suddenly, I was sitting at a table...it was Paige's favorite. The one she use to sit in all the time before she found us...her family. I was surprised at the sudden change of location, but the again this was a dream world. I was living Paige's dream as her...wasn't I? Suddenly, a bright white light filled the room. When the light dimmed, I uncovered my eyes with my arms and gasped at what I saw...
"P-...Prue?" I asked, unsure at what my eyes were showing me. Still, Prue didn't say a word and just stood there. Slowly...almost like I was in slow motion, I got up and started to run towards her. Just before I reached my sister she disappeared and I was sitting at our little corner in P3. The club was full, noisy, and lively...But where was Prue? "Prue!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
Uhhh...it seemed like it would never stop...the torture...All I could hear was the throbbing noise of my pounding head, but I think I had been hearing crys...yes...They were my screams and shouts of despair mixed in with those of pain and sorrow.
"Have you had enough witch?" Yellonius said as he spat on me. I slowly opened my eyes to look at the disgusting creature.
"I-...I'm...I'm not a-afraid of you," I managed to get out before my head hurt too much to talk.
"Hmnn...Not afraid? Well then..." I felt a wave of dizziness as the shackles disappeared from around my wrists and I hit the floor. When I looked up, I was at my old loft. Hardly able to move, I managed to sit up on the floor and look around. There was a strange wind blowing around me, yet no windows or doors were open. Then...
"Paaaaaige...Paaaaaige..." That voice. I looked around, but saw no one.
"Show yourself Darden!" I yelled as loud as I could without having a migraine.
"Hush!" Came a loud demand as I was thrown back down on the floor by the strong and fierce wind. "There is no point on screaming and yelling. It was very clever you know...bringing your sisters in with you...but they will never get here in time. Each one is trapped in one of your various dreams, a dream that you have had that relates to each of them the best. Unless they figure out the dream and conquer its meaning, they will never find you. You are mine, and there is nothing you or anyone else can do. With you gone your sisters will be trapped and will die as well. With that, I felt the wind come beneath me and lift me into the air. The last thing I saw was the hard wall of my loft as I went hurling towards it.
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*(LEO)*
I paced in front of my charges nervously as seconds passed into a minute, and a minute passed into ten. I immediately noticed that Paige's dream injuries had returned, but they were far more severe. I couldn't take it any longer as I watched the blood drip from her wrists and a cut appear on her head along with swelling and bruises. Shaking my head in worry, I bent down and put my hands over Paige. A light glow emanated from them, but there was no change in Paige's state.
"It's useless." I turned around to see Cole standing behind me. "You already know that there's nothing you can do." I looked at Cole for a moment, and then stood up.
"That doesn't mean I'm not going to try. Look at them Cole," I said with exasperation, waving my hand out towards my sister-in-laws and my wife. "Paige looks like she's in serious trouble and ..." I trailed off as I watched Piper and Phoebe. Both looked out of breath and afraid. "Something isn't right..." I dropped down next to my wife and placed my hand gently on her cheek. She looked so troubled...What was going on?
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*(PHOEBE)*
My lungs were bursting with pain as I slowly came to a halt. I was getting no where. Feeling defeated, I slumped to the ground to catch my breath. I was crushed and alone...Always alone, and in a horrible place.
"Phoebe..." I jumped up, looking around for the one who spoke...That voice..."I'll be in your heart, and your soul. If things get rough, then think of me." It was Cole...What he had said to me before the spell was read. I wasn't alone, and neither was Paige. We all have each other every day. Smiling, I looked up at the sky to find that it was becoming lighter.
"Thanks Cole..." With that, I gasped as the ground beneath me disappeared and I fell...
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*(PAIGE)*
Opening my eyes, I found myself on the ground of my loft. Oh God...the blood...it was everywhere...All over the walls in which I had been thrown at, the ceiling, the ground, and myself. It was a wonder that I was still alive. All at once, a burst of air forced me down and the floor gave way. I was falling...falling...falling...*THUMP* I hit the ground hard and whimpered in pain as my ankle bent at an odd angle...just like last time. My heart stopped as I remembered what happened next...Slowly, I turned around to find a nightmare...Dalei was standing right behind me, but this time she wasn't just standing there...she had a whip.
"Hello little Paige. It looks like it's my turn."
"Wha..."
"You didn't think my father wouldn't let me have my revenge, did you? Awww, you did, didn't you? Well, now you know better!" With that I saw the whip coming towards me...*SMACK* Panicking, I ducked at the last minute, causing the whip to smack back on Dalei's hand.
"I dare you to lay a hand on me you evil son-of-a-bitch," I spat, preparing myself for sudden movements if necessary. I smiled a little to myself as she cried out in pain when the whip backfired and hit her hand. Let's see how she likes it. My small smile faded as the evil mistress lunged towards me and we began rolling around the floor, me fighting to get away...her fighting to kill.
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*(PIPER)*
I sat and wept...My sister had spoken with Paige and with Phoebe...but she had left me. Not even so much of a word. What was wrong with me? What had I done? Maybe I hadn't been a good enough sister for her...maybe I'm a failure. I was drowning in self-pity, but I knew I had to get up and help Paige...only...I couldn't stop thinking of Prue. Blinking, I found myself at the beginning of the dream. The club was silent once more as Prue appeared to me. This time however, when the light faded and I saw Prue there, she stood and smiled at me. I watched in shock and joy as she blew me a kiss, and then I found myself back in our corner, the music loud, and the club full.
"Piper..." I looked around, clearly hearing Prue's voice, but not seeing her anywhere. "Don't you remember my visit with you guys last month? I told you how much I love you...Right now Paige needs you. I can't be there for her or Phoebe or you. Phoebe is already on her way. Don't make them wait...Go kick some demon ass!" The voice slowly faded as enlightenment hit me. After Prue died everything changed...I even got a new family. That doesn't mean that I forgot Prue or that she had forgotten me...Things are different, but she'd always been there along with the rest of my family. Smiling, I took a deep breath as the floor below me crumbled and I started to fall.
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*(PAIGE)*
"Get off...of me!" I managed to yell out as Dalei began punching my already bruised and battered body. I quickly rolled away and managed to land a kick on her stomach, but by that time I could feel my body giving in. It was such a struggle to move...I was going to die...I just knew it. As Dalei leaned over top of me, ready to land a punch straight between my eyes, I saw her glimmer. In a moment Dalei was gone, and a man was in her place. He was tall, had black hair, yellow eyes, and was covered in black clothing.
"We finally meet..." he hissed as he stood up and towered over me. I took in a deep breath only to cough all of the air back out...something was wrong...A sharp pain filled my chest the next time I tried to breathe.
"B....Bastard..." I whispered as I struggled to get up or move away...I could barely move. What was I going to do? He was just standing there...glaring down at me...evil emanating from his presence...and I couldn't move. I couldn't even defend myself.
"Don't even try to run witch," Darden sneered and I grimaced as he laughed sinisterly. "I can take the dream to wherever I want. If you try to get away you'll find yourself right back here within seconds. You are mine." I watched in horror as he slowly came towards me, his hand outstretched and reaching for my throat. "With you dead the Charmed ones will fall...and I will get what I want, and what I deserve. Goodbye witch." I struggled to get away from Darden, but my tries and my hopes were to no avail. As his hand closed around my throat and a haziness came into my vision I had only one thought...sisters...
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*(PIPER)*
As I was falling I felt a sense of freedom and closure come over me. I'd do what Prue wanted...I'd kick some demon ass! As I felt myself slowing I could feel the presence of my sisters. Reaching out my hand as I fell, I found Phoebe. She was falling next to me and quickly grabbed my hand as I reached for her. As we slowed even more rapidly I tried to make out my sister's face in the dimly lit area we were descending to. She looked...confident...proud...and wiser. I believe I held a similar expression on my face. I closed my eyes as a bright light surrounded us and I felt a solid floor under my feet. My immediate reaction was to stumble to the ground, but the bright light surrounding both Phoebe and I held us up...it kept us strong.
"Thanks Prue," I whispered as the light slowly faded to reveal Paige and Darden.
"Step away from her!" Phoebe shouted when we saw what was happening. Darden was standing over Paige, hands on her throat, and it looked like Paige had blacked out. Outraged, I almost barged forward to stop him, but Phoebe's hand held onto mine and stopped me. Oh right...If anything happened...I wouldn't be able to be healed. Darden had looked up at us upon our entrance, clearly surprised that we had found our way to our sister. After Phoebe had shouted at him he had stopped what he was doing and turned to look at us. Slowly...very slowly...he let up in his grip of Paige's neck and stood all the way up to face us. I frantically looked over at Paige, searching her for any movement. I heaved a sigh of relief when I saw her take a short and staggered breath, but a breath none-the-less. Reassuring myself that Paige was indeed alive, I turned my full attention to Darden. He was eying us cautiously, but didn't seem impressed at our appearance. I wanted to smack that grin straight off his face.
"Welcome Charmed ones," he said slowly as a dagger appeared in his hand. "Thank you for joining us. Now I will have the magnificent pleasure of killing you all!" Phoebe and I quickly parted, her moving to the left and me to the right, as Darden rushed forward to attack us. I held my breath as he turned to his right and went after Phoebe. She knew martial arts, so she'd have more of a chance against him than I would. Knowing that this was my chance, I rushed over towards Paige ad kneeled down by her head.
"Paige, can you here me? Paige?" I asked softly, but urgently, shaking her a little to wake her up. If the vanquishing spell was going to work we'd need her to say it with us. "Paige!" I said a little more urgently as I looked up to see Darden taking a stab at Phoebe with his dagger. She mover to the side just in time, but Darden didn't miss his target all together. I winced as it sliced against her right arm, leaving a huge and nasty gash. Luckily, Phoebe didn't falter and continued to fight as I urged my sister to wake up. I smiled in joy, excitement, and relief as Paige slowly opened her eyes and looked up at me. She seemed to stare at me in confusion for a moment before her eyes widened and she smiled.
"P...Piper," she whispered, but I quickly shushed her.
"Save your strength, we have a demon to vanquish," I told her and she nodded slightly to show me she understood. I gently put my arm under her back and eased her into a sitting position. "Will you be alright?" I asked her and she nodded. Good...I had to help Phoebe. She looked tired and had accumulated a few more injuries due to close calls with Darden's dagger. Giving Paige one last nod, I jumped up and rushed off to help Phoebe.
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*(PAIGE)*
I sighed inwardly as I looked at my older sister. She looked so concerned, but...she had some sort of glow about her...it shone off of her as confidence and determination. I couldn't really speak without pain...I thing Dalei had done something to my rib cage...but I let Piper understand that I knew what she had to do. I watched as she rushed off to fight Darden, help Phoebe, and protect me. I hadn't actually seen Phoebe yet, but when my eyes followed Piper into battle they came to an abrupt stop a Phoebe. She looked beat up a little, but not as bad off as me by far. Still, she seemed confident, the same as Piper. Something had happened to them...they were stronger, in body and in spirit. I could use a little of that right about now. Knowing that I needed to help my sisters, I attempted to get to my feet. Slowly placing my right foot on solid ground, I lifted myself up only to fall with a thud. I had no energy left and every movement sent floods of pain throughout my whole body. Looking up at my sister, I watched as Piper kicked an unsuspecting Darden from behind, allowing Phoebe to get the upper hand as she attempted to kick Darden's dagger from his hand. Feeling defeated, I slumped farther to the ground and closed my eyes. He was too strong for my sisters...without our powers...no matter how long we fought we'd still loose.
~*~*~*~(FLASHBACK)~*~*~*~
"MOOOOMMMMMY!" My eyes popped wide open and I bolted up from my dreams, covers clutched tightly in my little fists. "MOMMY!!!!!!!" Tears overflowed from my eyes as I watched the darkness around me with suspicion. My breath was released as my bedroom door swung open and a figure reached up to turn on the light.
"Paige sweetie, what's wrong?" Mommy asked, and I cried into her shoulder as she sat down next to me on my bed. I quieted down just a little as her perfumed scent of lilies filled the air and the warmth of her hug helped to slow my beating heart.
"Mommy...A monster visited me in my dreams," I sniffled, as Mommy wiped my eyes dry with a tissue and placed her hands on my shoulders.
"Paigey, I wouldn't worry about any monsters. It was just a dream."
"But it was so real," I told her, tears threatening to fall again. "I don't want it to eat me. Please, don't leave." I begged my mom with my eyes not to go, but she just smiled and shook her head.
"You know as well as I that you're a big girl now Paige, and I can't sleep in here with you." I felt my heart beat faster as fear overtook me, and I grabbed onto Mommy's sleeve with my hands. "But, I'll tell you what." Mommy said, giving me a kiss on the head. "I know a way that the monsters will never eat you or touch a hair on your head."
"What? What?" I asked eagerly, pulling on Mommy's sleeve even harder so she would tell me the answer.
"All you have to remember is that the monsters are not real. If you stand up to them, they'll go away. You watch and see."
"How do I stand up to them?"
"You just tell them that you're not afraid, and say it like you mean it. Remember this Paigey, dreams are just in your head. You can control them. No matter how afraid you are, you just wish with all your heart and anything you want to happen will come true."
"Really?"
"Really."
"You mean that if I wish for the monster to turn to a bunny, then he will?" I smiled when Mommy laughed and shook her head yes.
"Now, next time a monster comes you just send him away. All that power is right here inside of you." I giggled as she poked me in the stomach and then nodded my head.
"Okay."
"Goodnight my little sweet P. I'll see you in the morning."
"Goodnight," I whispered as I reached up to give Mommy a hug and she kissed me again on the head. I watched as she slowly got up and went towards the light. Then, she hesitated.
"Oh, and Paige? I'll leave the light on for you. Monsters live in the darkness, so whenever you're afraid, you just turn the light on. Okay?"
"Okay," I whispered as Mommy said goodnight again and left the room. Taking in a deep breath, I threw my covers off and went towards the light switch. Nodding to myself, I reached up as high as I could and shut the light off.
~*~*~*~(END OF FLASHBACK)~*~*~*~
Snapping my eyes opened, I found that Phoebe was on the ground, struggling to get up, and Piper was desperately fighting Darden while trying to defend Phoebe from his attacks. They needed me.
"Thanks Mom," I whispered as I concentrated with all my will...drawing on my powers, my aura, and my soul. Slowly, a blinding light penetrated the room and I felt myself being lifted to my feet. When the light receded I saw Darden standing there with his arms over his face. Piper was next to Phoebe on the ground and both of them were looking over at me. I smiled and in a moment they were at my feet. This was my dream, and my mind. I wasn't going to let some demon screw with it. Finally, Darden looked over at us and sneered.
"So, you've found the strength to control this dream, have you Paige? Well, I wouldn't get too cocky. My powers are a lot stronger than yours in this world." I just grinned and stared ahead at him.
"We'll see about that." I sneered back at him. With that, I felt a mental jolt as Darden tried to take the dream back under his control. Holding onto the memory of my mother, I felt her presence as I fought Darden's wishes to separate me from my sisters. I smiled to myself when I felt Phoebe grab my right hand and stand up next to me. Piper did the sane with my left.
"Now's our chance for the spell," Phoebe whispered and I saw Piper nod. "Can you do it Paige?" I hesitated, but in a moment I felt stronger than ever. I knew it was my Mom helping me to fight the demons in my dreams. Yes...I could do it.
"I'm ready," I said determinedly as I fought with Darden to keep my sisters by my side with our fingers interlocked.
"Okay, repeat after me," Phoebe instructed, and with that we started the spell.
"Demon of dreams and realities untrue,
We stand before thee to vanquish you.
Your evil and wickedness throughout the night,
Will come to an end as we assert our might.
The power of three will overcome,
Here we are to vanquish this scum."
I stood tall and strong as I repeated the vanquishing spell with my sisters and collapsed in exhaustion as Darden went up in flames.
"Paige! Paige, you did it!" Piper shouted as I slowly opened my eyes. My wounds were still real and aching, but I smiled anyway.
"Hey," Phoebe whispered, as she slumped down next to me. "Let's go home." Home...I liked the idea. Nodding, I closed my eyes and fell back into a deep sleep...back into my real body. Darkness overcame me, but I knew that Phoebe and Piper would be out of that world as soon as I was...if blacking out was the only way...besides, it was kind of peaceful.
TO BE CONTINUED...
I hoped you all liked it. I know everyone had to wait longer than I said you would have to, but find comfort in the fact that there will probably only be one more chapter. Thanks for reading and please review.
~Silverstar
Part 6
By: Silverstar
Hello all! Again, I apologize for my long absences between updates, but I do try. ^^' Actually, I've been trying to update for a while but FFN isn't cooperating...^^
Anyway, I hope everyone enjoys this chapter. I enjoyed writing it, as I do for all the chapters of my fics.
Disclaimer: I do not owned Charmed. If I did, I would be the happiest girl on earth.
PS: There is major violence in this chapter, but I think you'll like how Paige handles it. She has a bad mouth.
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*(PAIGE)*
Looking around, I saw the familiar walls of the Cave...*shudder* It was dark, the cave was cold, and I was alone. Worse yet...my sisters were no where in sight. A feeling of dread and fear slowly crept up my spine and into every pore of my weak and shaking body. It was coming...I could feel it. A moment later I was shoved against the cave wall by some invisible force and the shackles were around my wrists.
"Phoebe!...Piper!..." I wailed, but all I got for a response was a sinister cackle coming from the shadows...The Yellonius...In the back of my mind I held onto the fact that my sisters wouldn't leave me...they were here somewhere...but panic and fear still overtook me and I couldn't help but cry.
"Oh...poor baby...are we crying now?" The Yellonius taunted, but I just let my head drop and continued to sob. "Look at me when I'm talking to you!" he screamed, and I heard a crack as his fist hit under my chin and my head slammed back into the cave wall. Everything was silent for a moment as the pain numbed my head..."I said look at me!" The Yellonius screamed, and I slowly brought my head back down to look at his ugly sneering face. It was at this movement that my head started to throb...I felt like I had cracked my skull open. Nothing could stop the tears from falling, but I refused to cry out as I looked at the demon.
"You're not real..." I said as loudly as I could muster. "You're dead...just a memory. Why don't you really show yourself...Show me your filthy face Darden!" I screamed out, but the burst of energy and the noise that I sent forward hurt my head, and tears continued to overflow from my eyes. I winced as the Yellonius laughed and grabbed me with his hand, under my chin and on the side of my head.
"His time has not come yet little witch," he sneered before laughing again. "First, I get to have a little fun with you." I looked at my assailant, fear in my eyes, my heart, and my soul. The only thing that kept me from breaking down was the thought of my sisters. They were here in this world somewhere...they might make it to me before Darden revealed himself...My hope was miniscule and in the back of my mind, but it was there...I had to hold on...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PHOEBE)*
I heard...silence. Sensing that the spell was over and that it had worked, I slowly opened my eyes and looked around at my surroundings. I blinked in surprise when I found myself in a dark, cold, and creepy ally. I remembered that I had been here before on demon hunts...it was near P3. Slowly getting to my feet, I couldn't help but notice the eerie silence. Neither Piper nor Paige was anywhere in sight and I sighed in frustration. It looked like I was on my own. Brushing myself off, I walked quickly towards the end of the ally and towards civilization. But...I blinked a few times and rubbed my eyes, stopping suddenly. The exit seemed farther than it had before...Cautiously taking another step, I noticed that the exit was indeed moving farther and farther away. At this rate I'd never get out!
"Why me!" I screamed towards the sky, and then walked over to lean against the ally wall. "Okay...it's important not to panic," I whispered to myself, taking a few deep breaths. Clearly, when we went into the Dream Reality we were able to travel to every dream Paige had ever had. Unfortunately, this one was creeping me out. No matter how far or fast I ran, I'd always be stuck here, in the ally. *sigh* What was I going to do? Not being able to think clearly, I sprinted from the wall down towards the moving exit. Putting a determined face on, I took a deep breath and started to run as fast as my legs could carry me. With luck, maybe I'd get out...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PIPER)*
Leo's face slowly vanished as my world started to spin around me. Suddenly, everything stopped. Quickly opening my eyes, I was surprised to find myself in P3...Paige hadn't mentioned P3 being in her dream...then again, the spell hadn't been specific. It seemed like I had gotten placed inside a different dream. Looking around, I saw that Phoebe and Paige were no where in sight, and that the club was empty. The music was playing, drinks were set out everywhere, and the lights were on...but it looked like everyone had left in a hurry. Suddenly, I was sitting at a table...it was Paige's favorite. The one she use to sit in all the time before she found us...her family. I was surprised at the sudden change of location, but the again this was a dream world. I was living Paige's dream as her...wasn't I? Suddenly, a bright white light filled the room. When the light dimmed, I uncovered my eyes with my arms and gasped at what I saw...
"P-...Prue?" I asked, unsure at what my eyes were showing me. Still, Prue didn't say a word and just stood there. Slowly...almost like I was in slow motion, I got up and started to run towards her. Just before I reached my sister she disappeared and I was sitting at our little corner in P3. The club was full, noisy, and lively...But where was Prue? "Prue!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
Uhhh...it seemed like it would never stop...the torture...All I could hear was the throbbing noise of my pounding head, but I think I had been hearing crys...yes...They were my screams and shouts of despair mixed in with those of pain and sorrow.
"Have you had enough witch?" Yellonius said as he spat on me. I slowly opened my eyes to look at the disgusting creature.
"I-...I'm...I'm not a-afraid of you," I managed to get out before my head hurt too much to talk.
"Hmnn...Not afraid? Well then..." I felt a wave of dizziness as the shackles disappeared from around my wrists and I hit the floor. When I looked up, I was at my old loft. Hardly able to move, I managed to sit up on the floor and look around. There was a strange wind blowing around me, yet no windows or doors were open. Then...
"Paaaaaige...Paaaaaige..." That voice. I looked around, but saw no one.
"Show yourself Darden!" I yelled as loud as I could without having a migraine.
"Hush!" Came a loud demand as I was thrown back down on the floor by the strong and fierce wind. "There is no point on screaming and yelling. It was very clever you know...bringing your sisters in with you...but they will never get here in time. Each one is trapped in one of your various dreams, a dream that you have had that relates to each of them the best. Unless they figure out the dream and conquer its meaning, they will never find you. You are mine, and there is nothing you or anyone else can do. With you gone your sisters will be trapped and will die as well. With that, I felt the wind come beneath me and lift me into the air. The last thing I saw was the hard wall of my loft as I went hurling towards it.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(LEO)*
I paced in front of my charges nervously as seconds passed into a minute, and a minute passed into ten. I immediately noticed that Paige's dream injuries had returned, but they were far more severe. I couldn't take it any longer as I watched the blood drip from her wrists and a cut appear on her head along with swelling and bruises. Shaking my head in worry, I bent down and put my hands over Paige. A light glow emanated from them, but there was no change in Paige's state.
"It's useless." I turned around to see Cole standing behind me. "You already know that there's nothing you can do." I looked at Cole for a moment, and then stood up.
"That doesn't mean I'm not going to try. Look at them Cole," I said with exasperation, waving my hand out towards my sister-in-laws and my wife. "Paige looks like she's in serious trouble and ..." I trailed off as I watched Piper and Phoebe. Both looked out of breath and afraid. "Something isn't right..." I dropped down next to my wife and placed my hand gently on her cheek. She looked so troubled...What was going on?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PHOEBE)*
My lungs were bursting with pain as I slowly came to a halt. I was getting no where. Feeling defeated, I slumped to the ground to catch my breath. I was crushed and alone...Always alone, and in a horrible place.
"Phoebe..." I jumped up, looking around for the one who spoke...That voice..."I'll be in your heart, and your soul. If things get rough, then think of me." It was Cole...What he had said to me before the spell was read. I wasn't alone, and neither was Paige. We all have each other every day. Smiling, I looked up at the sky to find that it was becoming lighter.
"Thanks Cole..." With that, I gasped as the ground beneath me disappeared and I fell...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
Opening my eyes, I found myself on the ground of my loft. Oh God...the blood...it was everywhere...All over the walls in which I had been thrown at, the ceiling, the ground, and myself. It was a wonder that I was still alive. All at once, a burst of air forced me down and the floor gave way. I was falling...falling...falling...*THUMP* I hit the ground hard and whimpered in pain as my ankle bent at an odd angle...just like last time. My heart stopped as I remembered what happened next...Slowly, I turned around to find a nightmare...Dalei was standing right behind me, but this time she wasn't just standing there...she had a whip.
"Hello little Paige. It looks like it's my turn."
"Wha..."
"You didn't think my father wouldn't let me have my revenge, did you? Awww, you did, didn't you? Well, now you know better!" With that I saw the whip coming towards me...*SMACK* Panicking, I ducked at the last minute, causing the whip to smack back on Dalei's hand.
"I dare you to lay a hand on me you evil son-of-a-bitch," I spat, preparing myself for sudden movements if necessary. I smiled a little to myself as she cried out in pain when the whip backfired and hit her hand. Let's see how she likes it. My small smile faded as the evil mistress lunged towards me and we began rolling around the floor, me fighting to get away...her fighting to kill.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PIPER)*
I sat and wept...My sister had spoken with Paige and with Phoebe...but she had left me. Not even so much of a word. What was wrong with me? What had I done? Maybe I hadn't been a good enough sister for her...maybe I'm a failure. I was drowning in self-pity, but I knew I had to get up and help Paige...only...I couldn't stop thinking of Prue. Blinking, I found myself at the beginning of the dream. The club was silent once more as Prue appeared to me. This time however, when the light faded and I saw Prue there, she stood and smiled at me. I watched in shock and joy as she blew me a kiss, and then I found myself back in our corner, the music loud, and the club full.
"Piper..." I looked around, clearly hearing Prue's voice, but not seeing her anywhere. "Don't you remember my visit with you guys last month? I told you how much I love you...Right now Paige needs you. I can't be there for her or Phoebe or you. Phoebe is already on her way. Don't make them wait...Go kick some demon ass!" The voice slowly faded as enlightenment hit me. After Prue died everything changed...I even got a new family. That doesn't mean that I forgot Prue or that she had forgotten me...Things are different, but she'd always been there along with the rest of my family. Smiling, I took a deep breath as the floor below me crumbled and I started to fall.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
"Get off...of me!" I managed to yell out as Dalei began punching my already bruised and battered body. I quickly rolled away and managed to land a kick on her stomach, but by that time I could feel my body giving in. It was such a struggle to move...I was going to die...I just knew it. As Dalei leaned over top of me, ready to land a punch straight between my eyes, I saw her glimmer. In a moment Dalei was gone, and a man was in her place. He was tall, had black hair, yellow eyes, and was covered in black clothing.
"We finally meet..." he hissed as he stood up and towered over me. I took in a deep breath only to cough all of the air back out...something was wrong...A sharp pain filled my chest the next time I tried to breathe.
"B....Bastard..." I whispered as I struggled to get up or move away...I could barely move. What was I going to do? He was just standing there...glaring down at me...evil emanating from his presence...and I couldn't move. I couldn't even defend myself.
"Don't even try to run witch," Darden sneered and I grimaced as he laughed sinisterly. "I can take the dream to wherever I want. If you try to get away you'll find yourself right back here within seconds. You are mine." I watched in horror as he slowly came towards me, his hand outstretched and reaching for my throat. "With you dead the Charmed ones will fall...and I will get what I want, and what I deserve. Goodbye witch." I struggled to get away from Darden, but my tries and my hopes were to no avail. As his hand closed around my throat and a haziness came into my vision I had only one thought...sisters...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PIPER)*
As I was falling I felt a sense of freedom and closure come over me. I'd do what Prue wanted...I'd kick some demon ass! As I felt myself slowing I could feel the presence of my sisters. Reaching out my hand as I fell, I found Phoebe. She was falling next to me and quickly grabbed my hand as I reached for her. As we slowed even more rapidly I tried to make out my sister's face in the dimly lit area we were descending to. She looked...confident...proud...and wiser. I believe I held a similar expression on my face. I closed my eyes as a bright light surrounded us and I felt a solid floor under my feet. My immediate reaction was to stumble to the ground, but the bright light surrounding both Phoebe and I held us up...it kept us strong.
"Thanks Prue," I whispered as the light slowly faded to reveal Paige and Darden.
"Step away from her!" Phoebe shouted when we saw what was happening. Darden was standing over Paige, hands on her throat, and it looked like Paige had blacked out. Outraged, I almost barged forward to stop him, but Phoebe's hand held onto mine and stopped me. Oh right...If anything happened...I wouldn't be able to be healed. Darden had looked up at us upon our entrance, clearly surprised that we had found our way to our sister. After Phoebe had shouted at him he had stopped what he was doing and turned to look at us. Slowly...very slowly...he let up in his grip of Paige's neck and stood all the way up to face us. I frantically looked over at Paige, searching her for any movement. I heaved a sigh of relief when I saw her take a short and staggered breath, but a breath none-the-less. Reassuring myself that Paige was indeed alive, I turned my full attention to Darden. He was eying us cautiously, but didn't seem impressed at our appearance. I wanted to smack that grin straight off his face.
"Welcome Charmed ones," he said slowly as a dagger appeared in his hand. "Thank you for joining us. Now I will have the magnificent pleasure of killing you all!" Phoebe and I quickly parted, her moving to the left and me to the right, as Darden rushed forward to attack us. I held my breath as he turned to his right and went after Phoebe. She knew martial arts, so she'd have more of a chance against him than I would. Knowing that this was my chance, I rushed over towards Paige ad kneeled down by her head.
"Paige, can you here me? Paige?" I asked softly, but urgently, shaking her a little to wake her up. If the vanquishing spell was going to work we'd need her to say it with us. "Paige!" I said a little more urgently as I looked up to see Darden taking a stab at Phoebe with his dagger. She mover to the side just in time, but Darden didn't miss his target all together. I winced as it sliced against her right arm, leaving a huge and nasty gash. Luckily, Phoebe didn't falter and continued to fight as I urged my sister to wake up. I smiled in joy, excitement, and relief as Paige slowly opened her eyes and looked up at me. She seemed to stare at me in confusion for a moment before her eyes widened and she smiled.
"P...Piper," she whispered, but I quickly shushed her.
"Save your strength, we have a demon to vanquish," I told her and she nodded slightly to show me she understood. I gently put my arm under her back and eased her into a sitting position. "Will you be alright?" I asked her and she nodded. Good...I had to help Phoebe. She looked tired and had accumulated a few more injuries due to close calls with Darden's dagger. Giving Paige one last nod, I jumped up and rushed off to help Phoebe.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
I sighed inwardly as I looked at my older sister. She looked so concerned, but...she had some sort of glow about her...it shone off of her as confidence and determination. I couldn't really speak without pain...I thing Dalei had done something to my rib cage...but I let Piper understand that I knew what she had to do. I watched as she rushed off to fight Darden, help Phoebe, and protect me. I hadn't actually seen Phoebe yet, but when my eyes followed Piper into battle they came to an abrupt stop a Phoebe. She looked beat up a little, but not as bad off as me by far. Still, she seemed confident, the same as Piper. Something had happened to them...they were stronger, in body and in spirit. I could use a little of that right about now. Knowing that I needed to help my sisters, I attempted to get to my feet. Slowly placing my right foot on solid ground, I lifted myself up only to fall with a thud. I had no energy left and every movement sent floods of pain throughout my whole body. Looking up at my sister, I watched as Piper kicked an unsuspecting Darden from behind, allowing Phoebe to get the upper hand as she attempted to kick Darden's dagger from his hand. Feeling defeated, I slumped farther to the ground and closed my eyes. He was too strong for my sisters...without our powers...no matter how long we fought we'd still loose.
~*~*~*~(FLASHBACK)~*~*~*~
"MOOOOMMMMMY!" My eyes popped wide open and I bolted up from my dreams, covers clutched tightly in my little fists. "MOMMY!!!!!!!" Tears overflowed from my eyes as I watched the darkness around me with suspicion. My breath was released as my bedroom door swung open and a figure reached up to turn on the light.
"Paige sweetie, what's wrong?" Mommy asked, and I cried into her shoulder as she sat down next to me on my bed. I quieted down just a little as her perfumed scent of lilies filled the air and the warmth of her hug helped to slow my beating heart.
"Mommy...A monster visited me in my dreams," I sniffled, as Mommy wiped my eyes dry with a tissue and placed her hands on my shoulders.
"Paigey, I wouldn't worry about any monsters. It was just a dream."
"But it was so real," I told her, tears threatening to fall again. "I don't want it to eat me. Please, don't leave." I begged my mom with my eyes not to go, but she just smiled and shook her head.
"You know as well as I that you're a big girl now Paige, and I can't sleep in here with you." I felt my heart beat faster as fear overtook me, and I grabbed onto Mommy's sleeve with my hands. "But, I'll tell you what." Mommy said, giving me a kiss on the head. "I know a way that the monsters will never eat you or touch a hair on your head."
"What? What?" I asked eagerly, pulling on Mommy's sleeve even harder so she would tell me the answer.
"All you have to remember is that the monsters are not real. If you stand up to them, they'll go away. You watch and see."
"How do I stand up to them?"
"You just tell them that you're not afraid, and say it like you mean it. Remember this Paigey, dreams are just in your head. You can control them. No matter how afraid you are, you just wish with all your heart and anything you want to happen will come true."
"Really?"
"Really."
"You mean that if I wish for the monster to turn to a bunny, then he will?" I smiled when Mommy laughed and shook her head yes.
"Now, next time a monster comes you just send him away. All that power is right here inside of you." I giggled as she poked me in the stomach and then nodded my head.
"Okay."
"Goodnight my little sweet P. I'll see you in the morning."
"Goodnight," I whispered as I reached up to give Mommy a hug and she kissed me again on the head. I watched as she slowly got up and went towards the light. Then, she hesitated.
"Oh, and Paige? I'll leave the light on for you. Monsters live in the darkness, so whenever you're afraid, you just turn the light on. Okay?"
"Okay," I whispered as Mommy said goodnight again and left the room. Taking in a deep breath, I threw my covers off and went towards the light switch. Nodding to myself, I reached up as high as I could and shut the light off.
~*~*~*~(END OF FLASHBACK)~*~*~*~
Snapping my eyes opened, I found that Phoebe was on the ground, struggling to get up, and Piper was desperately fighting Darden while trying to defend Phoebe from his attacks. They needed me.
"Thanks Mom," I whispered as I concentrated with all my will...drawing on my powers, my aura, and my soul. Slowly, a blinding light penetrated the room and I felt myself being lifted to my feet. When the light receded I saw Darden standing there with his arms over his face. Piper was next to Phoebe on the ground and both of them were looking over at me. I smiled and in a moment they were at my feet. This was my dream, and my mind. I wasn't going to let some demon screw with it. Finally, Darden looked over at us and sneered.
"So, you've found the strength to control this dream, have you Paige? Well, I wouldn't get too cocky. My powers are a lot stronger than yours in this world." I just grinned and stared ahead at him.
"We'll see about that." I sneered back at him. With that, I felt a mental jolt as Darden tried to take the dream back under his control. Holding onto the memory of my mother, I felt her presence as I fought Darden's wishes to separate me from my sisters. I smiled to myself when I felt Phoebe grab my right hand and stand up next to me. Piper did the sane with my left.
"Now's our chance for the spell," Phoebe whispered and I saw Piper nod. "Can you do it Paige?" I hesitated, but in a moment I felt stronger than ever. I knew it was my Mom helping me to fight the demons in my dreams. Yes...I could do it.
"I'm ready," I said determinedly as I fought with Darden to keep my sisters by my side with our fingers interlocked.
"Okay, repeat after me," Phoebe instructed, and with that we started the spell.
"Demon of dreams and realities untrue,
We stand before thee to vanquish you.
Your evil and wickedness throughout the night,
Will come to an end as we assert our might.
The power of three will overcome,
Here we are to vanquish this scum."
I stood tall and strong as I repeated the vanquishing spell with my sisters and collapsed in exhaustion as Darden went up in flames.
"Paige! Paige, you did it!" Piper shouted as I slowly opened my eyes. My wounds were still real and aching, but I smiled anyway.
"Hey," Phoebe whispered, as she slumped down next to me. "Let's go home." Home...I liked the idea. Nodding, I closed my eyes and fell back into a deep sleep...back into my real body. Darkness overcame me, but I knew that Phoebe and Piper would be out of that world as soon as I was...if blacking out was the only way...besides, it was kind of peaceful.
TO BE CONTINUED...
I hoped you all liked it. I know everyone had to wait longer than I said you would have to, but find comfort in the fact that there will probably only be one more chapter. Thanks for reading and please review.
~Silverstar