Okay, once again sorry for the lack of updates. My comp has this weird thing going on.....every few days, it will suddenly cease to function at all. Then a few days later, will pop back on, as right as rain. This is making updates incredibly difficult. As for the story itself, REALLY short chapter this time, but the next update will makeup for this hopefully, as I think it will be LONG. So, sorry for playing with you.....really ....::bats eyelashes innocently::

I have to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their wonderful comments / suggestions. You guys are helping to make this fic what it is ( whether or not that's a good thing....G)

So thank you.

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It was three solemn and shell shocked people that materialised in the Foyer of Halliwell Manor. They made no move, simply standing in silence until Leo spoke up.

"I have to, er.....I have to report to the Elders."

Prue gave no indication that she had even heard Leo speak, so Piper gave herself a mental shake and answered her husband.

"Yeah, erm.....okay, honey. See you later."

He gave her an understanding smile at the faintness of her voice as he leant down to kiss her cheek, then patted Prue's shoulder and orbed.

"Wait!" she suddenly called. The blue lights surrounding Leo paused, before swirling away to reveal her husband. "Do you....I mean, should we try to summon Belthazor? I know it's risky, but.....we need to know what Cole's been up to. If he *has* been the one risking his neck for the good guys, he may have some important information about the underworld....he obviously has sources, otherwise he wouldn't know where to show up."

Leo frowned. "I don't know, Piper.....I think we should wait....give him a chance to show up here, save tracking him down. He might not take too kindly to that, on the side of good or not."

"Okay....well, then we hold off on that.....what do you think, Prue?"

There was no answer from the eldest Halliwell, and Piper and Leo exchanged worried glances.

"Alright," Piper proposed to Leo. "Why don't you go 'up there,' and I'll try and get through to Prue."

"Okay......I'll be back soon."

Piper nodded, mouthing the word 'yeah.' She didn't have the energy to speak, or even to squint as the brightness of Leo's orb blinded her slightly as he left.

"Prue? Do you.....do you want a drink? Some coffee, tea? Whiskey?"

Prue finally gave Piper her attention. "A drink? Piper, the half demon who our sister fell in love with, who we haven't seen since her death a year ago, was just revealed to be the mysterious person who has been interferring with our destinies as witches. And you're asking me if I want a drink?"

"Yes," Piper replied quietly.

At Piper's calm answer, the anger that had fueled Prue's outburst drained away, and she smiled at Piper in apology. "I'm sorry. I don't really feel like a drink.........thank you, anyway. I just....I think I need time to adjust.....digest."

"Okay.....well, if you need anything...."

"Thanks," Prue said again. As she turned away though, she was seized by a sudden impulsiveness, and spun back to throw her arms around Piper's shoulders, burying her head in her sister's neck. "We're going to get through this.......okay? No matter what happens.....we'll face it together."

Piper squeezed Prue tightly. "Yeah, we will."

Prue pulled back, sending Piper a final smile before she went to the stairs, bounding up the steps to her room.

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