Hey all :-)

If you've gotten this far, then I congratulate you (and thank you profusely, naturally)

I started posting this story on the 5th of June, 2002 (approx). It's now June 2003 (which I tell you, it was a shock to discover.)

I know that there are people who have stuck around since the first chapter was posted - and believe me, if I had known that my tiny little 'distraction' fic, would turn in to this monster, I might never have done it.

Now, you're all probably aware of the latest happenings in Charmed, the show - well, I admit, I stopped watching it with the new season. The reason that this story was even continued, was all of you...the readers that have stuck with it. So, this is for you guys...I hope you enjoy it. (I'd thank you all by the names left with your reviews, but you'd never get to the story ;-))

And to the person who noted the lack of memories in their review - I have to be honest, I thought that they were more of an annoyance to you guys, hence my leaving one out. Well, there are actually three short memories in this one, hope you like them. ;-)

I honestly hope you like this, and you don't think it's a let down after the build up, or anything.

I have another story - no where near the length of this one, naturally. It needs tweaking, but it does feature all three original Charmed ones - and was actually the first Charmed story I wrote (over a year ago.)

So, thank you so much again... this is for you all. :-)

Kiva.

~~

With a sigh that gusted out from between her full lips, Phoebe dabbed at her eye with the tissue in her hand.

"Oh, come on," Prue scoffed. "That movie had all the depth of a shallow puddle."

Phoebe shrugged. "Yeah, but the idea of the heroine over-coming all of that, just to go and die in some stupid accident...it just got to me, that's all. She had so much to live for."

"You mean like the dashing Julian?" Piper said dramatically, fanning her face with one hand while the other dived in to the bowl containing the left- over popcorn.

"Hmm, yeah," Phoebe sighed again, this one followed by a wicked grin.

Prue shook her head fondly, grabbing a few pieces of popcorn and throwing them at her sisters.

"Hey!" the pair protested almost simultaneously, hands coming up to bat away the flying objects.

"You know," Phoebe declared, her voice rising in pitch and taking on the strange child-like quality she used when she wanted to make a joke. "I could throw some back at you, but I wouldn't wanna waste it."

"Yeah," Piper agreed, sidling closer to Phoebe on the couch.

"You're just chicken," Prue countered, unsure of why she was actually *goading* them to make another move. She, for one didn't want to be prying up tiny pieces of popcorn from the couch and carpet for days on end. But she couldn't deny that rush of emotion she'd received when she'd done something so simple - so childish, if she was truthful - as start a food fight with her sisters. A feeling of just not caring...putting away all of the rules and regulations of her life...all of the worry about the dangers they would face in their roles as Charmed Ones.

"Ohhh," Piper drawled. "You've just bought yourself a popcorn fight, missy," she told Prue, her hand scrabbling at the bottom of the bowl for more ammunition.

"Yeah, we'll show you who's chicken," Phoebe promised, getting in to the spirit for the same reason as Prue - a sense that this was all they were. Three sisters who lived together...and the chance to forget about the demons and other evils that came as part and parcel of their current life.

Prue smirked, her eyes going to some popcorn on the floor. With a small narrowing of her eyes and a wiggle of her finger, she sent them flying towards Piper and Phoebe.

"Ah, no fair!" Phoebe cried. "You can't use your powers for personal gain!"

"Hey, all's fair in love and war," Prue sent back smugly.

Phoebe growled this time, exasperation - fond or not - showing clearly on her face. "You're right about that, Prue," she informed her sister, a gleam in her eye. "This is war."

And with that, although occasionally punctuated by screams and squeals of laughter, the battle continued.

~~

Back in the park, her body tensed in readiness, Prue nodded to herself. "You *were* right, Pheebs," she whispered. "This is war."

Three shadows came towards Prue at a rapid clip, resolving in to human- looking demons as soon as they left the darkness. Denying herself time to even think, she swept her arm out, throwing them back in the direction they had come from.

An energy ball sent as a last ditch-effort on the behalf of one of the demons skimmed her arm, making her hiss. But she ignored the pain, focusing again.

Watching as their fellow demons fell did nothing to deter the rest from advancing, pairing up to try a double-pronged attack on her, Prue practically spinning in circles as she tried to deal with all-comers. She could feel her concentration waning already at the continued use of her powers, her limbs becoming leaden the more she used them and her eyes itching. But she couldn't stop. She *wouldn't.*

While Prue was dealing with her own trouble, Piper had some of her own.

No less than five figures came her way, hands and weapons raised. Throwing her hands out, she froze them, her hands then jerking in each's direction, blowing them up one by one.

"I thought these guys wanted us alive!" she shouted, not really caring who answered her question as she prepared to fight again. She screamed slightly as something singed her hair, but she ducked before damage was done to her body.

She began to care, however, when her reply came from the source of their problems.

"Oh, did I say that?" Xium asked, his voice dripping mock-innocence.

"I'll take that as a no!" Prue grunted, forcing more demons back.

Xium laughed, the sound seeming to echo all around the open park space, reflecting from the trees and surrounding the witches and their Whitelighter.

"I reign over magics that you cannot even *begin* to conceive of...it is but a simple thing for me to take your lifeless forms and fill them once more with your spirits."

Shivering slightly as she thought on that particular sentiment, Piper did her best to keep her eyes on her surroundings, her hands jerking without rhythm as she alternated between freezing and blowing the creatures up.

Her hands a blur as she took care of a couple of creatures who looked like blobs on stilts, Piper didn't see the energy bolt sizzling her way.

Leo did, his body dissolving in an automatic response, his form just a blue blur as it sped Piper's way, enveloping her, cradling her within it's mass and shooting back the way it had come. It stopped suddenly, the brightness expanding, becoming two separate beings as Leo and Piper reappeared.

"Piper," Leo whispered, his hands tightening on his wife's shoulders. Before he could continue, however, a displacement of air from his left had him turning, just in time to see an arrow - a Darklighter's arrow - heading straight for him.

He didn't have time to orb, to try and deflect the bolt somehow - all he could do was take a deep breath, thinking desperately of the Elder's warnings about interference.

'I'm sorry, Piper,' his mind whispered, his eyes cutting towards her, watching as time seemed to slow down, Piper's movements progressing at a fraction of the speed they should have been. Wait, movements?

Quicker than Leo's mind could process, Piper's hands came up as swiftly as they had since this battle had begun, freezing the arrow mid-air.

"Prue!" she shouted, grabbing her sister's attention.

"Got it!" Prue hollered back, one hand flying out to deflect the arrow, sending it shooting in to the nearest object, which just so happened to be another Darklighter, drawn by Leo's orb and busy lining up his next shot - a shot never completed as the first arrow found its mark, the Darklighter exploding in a shower of black lights.

'My God,' Leo thought dazedly, realizing what had happened. The Elders warning had been true - had he never interfered, never orbed over to save Piper, he wouldn't have wound up in the Darklighter's path. But Piper had saved him, just as he had saved her. He thought that the risk had been justified.

There was no more time for thinking as Piper disposed of the first Darklighter, and another wave of demons pressed forward.

"Orb me to Prue," Piper told Leo breathlessly, finding herself standing next to her sister a few seconds and an orb later.

Prue only had time to give them one quick, tight smile. Leo saw the blood on her arm, a swift grip of his hand on the injured flesh repairing it instantly.

"You knock 'em back, I'll blow 'em up," Piper grinned at Prue, the sight of her seeming to add new energy to her heavy arms.

They continued on in this manner for a few more minutes, their attack focused one way while Leo kept an eye on their backs, warning them every time a demon, energy or fire ball, came their way. They knew they were badly outmatched, minor injuries occurring during the course of the fight, scratches, cuts that could be taken care of later...until the tides seemed to change.

Cole had arrived.

He shimmered in, an energy ball already sizzling on his hand. His cool blue eyes swept the area, focusing on a demon who had decided to take advantage of the Halliwell's surprise at his sudden entrance, sneaking up behind the three figures, what looked to be an oversized scythe in his hand - obviously the demon preferred the hands on approach, Cole mused darkly. It didn't change his course of action, as he tossed the energy ball, killing the demon before he had a chance to swing.

With the demon gone, the scythe-like weapon dropped, startling Leo - who narrowly avoided losing some toes.

"Prue," the blond man said urgently, securing her attention. Prue looked in the direction he had pointed, spotting the weapon. She flashed him a brilliant smile as her arm whipped out with a grunt of effort, sending the object sailing through the air, taking out several Warlocks and demons as it went. It landed finally, embedding itself blade-first in a tree.

Cole's hands shot forward in a rhythm, one after the other, each movement ridding them of one of Xium's army. Unfortunately, such exertion after the illness he had just battled left his body progressively weaker, his flashing hands shaking now, his energy balls dimming slightly, shrinking a little in size. That didn't stop him, however, as he tried to call on some of the energy of his demon half, it's absolute rage at being suppressed in the midst of battle feeding him, allowing his body to keep on. It wouldn't last, he knew that. And with the dire warning of the seeds of evil planted by Xium's machinations, Cole just hoped that Belthazor would stay trapped. For he had no idea of the consequences if he did not.

Watching her sister and her brother-in-law work, along with her own and Cole's continued efforts, for an instant, Prue knew that they were almost there...the little army of demons had been cut in half, with more of them falling every second. And in that instant, she believed that they *would* be victorious. It lended some energy to her body, but she knew her power needed a rest - however brief. Figuring that Piper would be in the same condition - as well as Cole, but there was nothing she could do for that right now - she remembered the other small advantage they'd brought with them.

"Piper, Leo" she called. "If you see something you know, use a potion."

The other two nodded, not taking their eyes of their foe as they delved in to their pockets for the potions stashed there. Drawing them out, they slammed them down at the feet of any approaching demon/Warlock, sometimes hitting them directly with the small bottles, the tinkling sound of breaking glass mixing with the other noises of battle.

Xium's eyes flashed angrily, the glow illuminating a small section of his black, scarred face. This was not at all how it was supposed to happen. However, he still had one thing to fall back on.

"Enough!" he bellowed, catching everyone's attention, with even those in his evil army pausing to hear his words. "Belthazor!"

"I have told the Halliwells of my endless power...perhaps it is time *you* learned of it, as well."

"Oh, please," Cole muttered, trying to catch his breath now, aware from his century-plus dealings with such, that demons tended to have *the* biggest egos. He turned away from the shadowy figure, not particularly interested in anything he had to say, when Xium's next words caught his attention.

"I can give her back to you, " he hissed. Then he watched in satisfaction as Cole turned to him.

"It is a simple matter to return the dead to the living," he continued. "Give in to my power...do as your entire being begs of you! Join me...and I will give you back the witch."

"Phoebe," he breathed, in no doubt as to who Xium was speaking of.

Cole shook his head, actually able to *feel* Belthazor straining once more to be free from inside of him, apparently able to sense the surprise and indecision of his human-half. And before he could censor himself, his voice spoke. "What would I have to do?"

He ignored Prue's dismayed gasp, how Leo moved closer to them, perhaps in the vain hope that he could somehow protect them. All that mattered now, was Xium's words.

"All you have to do," Xium practically purred, "is bring me the last two Halliwells." He paused. "Dead or alive, it matters not to me...though I suspect that you would most likely find more pleasure with the former."

"Cole," Prue whispered, able to see him thinking on it. "Cole, no."

He didn't even hear her. He was too focused on his inner battle. The illness had left him bone-weary, and Belthazor lurked just beneath the surface, growling to be released.

And Cole? Cole could feel the temptation growing, weakening his resolve to deny Belthazor his freedom.

Belthazor had never liked Phoebe, blaming the witch for corrupting his human half, a part of him that he had enjoyed raising hell with for over a century. But now...he didn't care. Maybe the witch would be the instrument for bringing Cole back in to the fold...and releasing him.

Cole was struggling. He could see Phoebe's face in his mind, feel her touch on his skin. He needed her...more than he'd ever felt possible. And all he had to do to get her back, was kill a couple of witches....

'No!' he shouted in his mind. 'That isn't just a couple of witches. It's Prue and Piper, the people who meant more to Phoebe than her own life! I can't....'

...You can....a voice seemed to whisper, coming from somewhere deep inside.

...You *must*....

Cole felt power - dark, primal power - well up inside of him. Spreading out from the pit of his stomach, swelling in to every limb, burning the tips of his fingers. It was *everywhere.* In every vein, in every cell...*everywhere.* All his for the taking.

Suddenly it was *so* clear. A simple trade...to get back the only woman he'd truly loved. He gave in to his instincts...became almost a hunter. It had been far too long since he used these skills.

He could smell blood - witch blood - and he turned to his prey, moving slowly forward. They retreated, predictably. Trying to distance themselves from his wrath. And he *was* wrathful. Because he recognized at least two of these pathetic creatures - the third didn't matter, not now. They were the two who had plotted to keep him away from Phoebe. They were the ones responsible for her death! And they would pay....

"Cole, think about it," one of those responsible tried. "Phoebe loved you, Cole...she wouldn't want you to do this."

"Piper's right, Cole," the other one spoke. "Remember her, Cole...I can admit now that she loved you...and I truly believe that you love her. I let my feelings towards demons and my fear that Phoebe would get hurt cloud my judgment."

Cole realized that his prey sounded...tearful?

"And I'm sorry...*so* sorry that I didn't support you two like I should have when I had the chance. But you can't do this Cole."

Cole paused, wondering at the wetness tracking down his prey's cheeks. Was this some sort of trick?

"But I have to, Prue," a part of Cole answered, the name of his newest victim springing easily to his lips. "Phoebe would want to live...I'm doing this for her."

"Don't you dare say you're doing this for Phoebe!" Prue hissed, her rage at Cole's excuse overwhelming her fear momentarily. "If you're too weak to fight Xium's poison, that's your own problem...but don't you dare bring her in to this. She would *never* want this of you...not to save herself...not even to save her sisters."

Cole thought this over, feeling the power building to almost unbearable levels. He had known Phoebe...known her better than he'd known himself. *Would* she want this?

Prue bit back the emotion that wanted to break free.

"I would do anything, *anything,* to have my baby sister back," she continued, not even caring that she was practically baring her soul. "But she wouldn't want this, you *know* that. Remember her Cole, and you'll know what to do."

There. That was all that she could do.

Unbidden, a memory rose, slamming in to his consciousness with all of the subtlety of a truck. The world around him faded slightly, losing focus, the edges blurring as he remembered.

~~~~

Stretching out her body under the still-warm sheets, Phoebe looked up at Cole through half-lidded eyes.

"Are you sure you have to go?" she murmured, careful not to turn it in to a whine.

Cole finished pulling his black sweater over his head, sinking down on to the bed next to her. "I'm sure. I wish I didn't, but...."

"If you don't, a bounty hunter might catch up to you, I know," Phoebe replied, well aware of the fact. "Doesn't stop me from missing you, though."

Cole smiled, soft and genuine, leaning forward and catching Phoebe in a deep kiss. It seemed to last forever, but could only have gone on for a few minutes, both pulling back reluctantly to draw breath.

"You know," Phoebe whispered, her eyes on the sheet as she twisted it slightly between her fingers. "Sometimes...sometimes I wonder. If you think this is all worth it. The constant running and hiding...only able to snatch a few moments together now and then."

She finally met his gaze. "If maybe you wouldn't have been better off without ever having met me."

Cole's hand covered her's, stopping the absent worrying of the material and squeezing the captured fingers lightly. "Don't think that...ever. It's worth this, and more."

He moved even closer to her, their body warmth mingling. "*You* are worth it. This might sound strange Phoebe, but in one respect, I'm finally free."

She looked confused, and he let go of her, standing up and beginning a restless pace. "I - for the last century, I've been...denying my human- half. Pretending that I had no emotions except for anger and hatred. For a long time, it worked."

He moved over to her again, his words fervent as he crouched down. "But you showed me that there was more...that there was happiness. Joy, even. Love...oh, it is *definitely* worth the trade for me, Phoebe."

She nodded, her eyes and nose stinging uncomfortably as his words sank in. God, she loved this man. She told him so, her eyes closing in bliss as he repeated the words back, nuzzling his stubbled face in to her neck and face, kissing her flesh repeatedly, calling forth more passion, more heat as they decided to forget about evil, forget about bounty hunters...to just feel.

__

Later, with bodies exhausted, they curled up around each other, drowsing slightly.

"You know," Phoebe said softly. "I can kind of understand. I mean, I've never experienced evil quite like you - not as a part of me, to that extent. But...I have been tainted by it before. Manipulated."

She raised her head slightly, propping her chin on to his chest so that she could see him eye-to-eye. "I remember...when the Woogy took over me. I could have killed Prue and Piper...it wanted me to. Wanted to consume me completely. And I nearly let it...because I was scared. If it hadn't been for Prue and Piper, I don't know what...."

"Shh," Cole whispered, able to feel the subtle tremors racing through her body as the emotions from what was obviously a traumatic experience, welled up inside her, taking her by surprise.

"The point is," she continued, a grateful look being shot his way. "That I don't ever want to feel like that again. It offered me my life - in exchange for my sisters. Untold power...and all I had to do, was destroy a part of my world so vital, so needed in my life." She shook her head. "I never want to have to make that choice again. Never."

Her eyes were far away, probably focusing on the memories. It troubled Cole to see her like this, so he tried to bring her back, laying a long, heartfelt kiss on her mouth.

"Hmm," she murmured when he pulled back.

He grinned. "Let's forget all of this evil crap...leave it for another time. I think there are more...enjoyable...things we could be doing."

Phoebe bit her bottom lip, the pressure making her kiss-swollen lips darker, even fuller than before. "Fine by me," she whispered, leaning up slightly to help him make good on his suggestion. Then all thought was suspended, as they gave themselves over again.

~~~~

"No," Cole whispered, shaking his head slightly. "She wouldn't."

He knew now...Phoebe would *never* want that for herself. Phoebe believed in good - in *right.* No matter the personal cost for her. It was one of the things that had helped him fall so in love with her...had made him change, *want* to be a better person. How could he betray that?

Prue held her breath, able to see the battle being waged. Piper was waiting to try and freeze Cole if it looked as if they couldn't convince him to act otherwise, but Prue knew logically that if he did, there would be nothing that they could do to save themselves. If Piper did somehow manage to contain all of that power and rage, then the other demons would most certainly attack. And if Leo managed to orb them out in time, they would all just come looking for them. There was only one chance for them...and he was over there, locked in a battle of wills with himself.

...You must....the voice whispered again. ...It is as she would wish....you know this....

'No!' Cole cried in his mind. 'She wouldn't want this - she'd *never* want this.'

But the incredible power was still bubbling up in him, making his body itch all over. He could hear growling, knew it came from a part of him that wanted to latch on to that power, ride it to the surface. Belthazor. And Cole knew then that he could not allow that to happen.

...You must....

'I will not!' he screamed back, the sound lost within the battleground his body had become.

The energy rose, consumed, arcing between his fingers now, sparks flying about indiscriminately. Growing, rising, breaking free with an almighty scream, the agony of the release driving Cole to his knees.

Prue knew Cole had lost a battle as he screamed, a horrible, tortured sound. She reached out for Piper and Leo, gripping them as tightly as she could, hiding her face in Piper's shoulder as the light grew, illuminating the park. She didn't know what she expected next - agony, oblivion - but it certainly wasn't the agonizing noise of Xium's own screaming, disbelief audible even to her increasingly sore ears, the sounds flying around almost to much for her eardrums.

Her head shot up, her eyes unable to open fully as they took in the writhing form of the demon who had started this whole battle, his robes aflame as his army rushed to him.

"You will not exist long enough to celebrate this!" he promised in a deep bellow, his voice loud enough to be heard over the rest of the cacophony. "I will see to it! You have won nothing! Merely lengthened the time that I will have to exact my revenge and complete my plan! Soon, I swear it!"

And with that, he simply disappeared, his army soon following.

An eerie, heavy silence followed his departure, not even their breathing heard. Then Cole broke the silence.

"Well, that was a lame speech," he said strangely. It reminded Prue of something that Phoebe would say, but she was unable to dwell on it any more, as Cole's blue eyes rolled up in his head, and his body fell backwards.

*****

Releasing a deep, shuddering breath, Prue tried to relax her body. It was over. She gave a slight, almost unbelieving laugh. Not for good, no, the demon didn't seem the type to let a grudge of this magnitude go, but...it was over.

After Cole's collapse, the two witches and their Whitelighter had taken a moment to move, not quite able to grasp that it was done. When the momentary paralysis had worn off, they had rushed over to the prone man, trying to assess his condition. His skin had been warm, too warm, taking Prue back to his recent illness. He appeared to be unconscious, and she'd immediately had Leo orb them all back to the Manor. Once there, they maneuvered him in to a bed - Prue's bed, for she had decided to bunk in Phoebe's room tonight, a need to seek comfort from the memory of her late sister, burning within her.

They had feared that Cole may have been suffering a relapse, but were all relieved when the heat had seemed to leach from his body gradually, his fitful and restless motions in unconsciousness slowly changing in to a healing slumber, leaving his skin sweat-soaked but cool. He hadn't woken yet, but Prue figured that they were all due a little downtime now.

After Leo had healed all of her remaining cuts and bruises, doing the same to Piper next, she had found herself too hyped up by the fading adrenaline left over from their fight to do anything like rest. But now she found herself in an almost zombie-like state, actually coming close to bumping in to walls on several occasions, as she tried to get to Phoebe's room.

Settling down on to the mattress - still made up exactly as it had been when Phoebe was alive, Piper coming in to change the sheets and dust the room as if they had never lost her - she was grateful for the warmth as she pulled them up over her shoulders, rubbing her cheek on to the soft pillow. Her eyes blinked repeatedly, the heavy lids closing soon, sending Prue in to a nice, restful sleep. And just before she lost awareness of her surroundings, she could have sworn she felt a faint breeze ruffle her dark hair - even though there was no windows open.

*****

Trying to force oxygen in to her over-worked lungs, Piper groaned, the sound ending in a slight laugh.

"Now *that*...that is what I call a *great* celebration for a battle won."

Leo managed to move his head, glancing at his wife, who lay next to him, her limbs spread like a starfish in exhaustion.

"I completely agree."

Piper finally made her body respond, rolling over until her head rested on Leo's shoulder, her arm thrown over his middle.

"We did good, huh?"

Leo nodded, squeezing her shoulders to his body. "We did, Piper. We really did."

They were silent for a moment until she spoke again. "It isn't the end of him, though, is it?"

Leo couldn't lie to her. "No, I don't think it is."

Piper shrugged. "Well," she said bravely. "We kicked his ass once. We can do it again."

Leo laughed, stroking her hair until he felt her give a contented sigh, her body relaxing in sleep. 'Yes,' he thought before he followed. 'I have no doubt that we will.'

~~~

"Phoebe, what's wrong?!" Piper asked, rushing over to her little sister. Phoebe sat on the steps to the Manor, her full lower lip trembling - boy, were they going to be in trouble when her baby sis' hit puberty - and tears making her dark eyes sparkle. There were holes in the knees of her jeans, and Piper could make out the scrapes that colored the skin beneath, Phoebe rubbing the no-doubt stinging injuries through the material.

"Bobby Samples pushed me off my bike," she hiccuped, her arms reaching up in the classic childhood pose of 'lift me,' wrapping them tightly around Piper's neck as her big sister settled her on her lap.

Piper narrowed her eyes. Bobby Samples, neighborhood bully - even though she was four years older than the little idiot - which put him over a year older than Phoebe, anyway - she had still been victim to his mean ways. "It's 'kay, Pheebs," she promised, her high voice raising even more in pitch. "You just wait 'til Prue and Grams get back. We'll go 'round to Bobby's house and tell his mom."

Phoebe's breath simply continued to stutter. "It won't work, Piper," she told her mournfully, drawing out her sister's name in misery. "Sammy Johnson - she used to live down the street - well, she got her mom to try that, but Bobby kept it up and they moved."

Piper just rocked Phoebe, admitting to herself that the action would no doubt make the little bully worse. Before she could offer any verbal comfort, however, she spotted Grams walking up the path, Prue trailing slightly behind. Grams eyes widened as she took in the sight of her youngest grandchild, obviously upset, though Prue tried to hide her reaction - she and Phoebe had rowed the other day, and she didn't want her sister to think that she cared or anything. She didn't. Even though Phoebe looked so sweet and vulnerable, it didn't bother her. Really.

"Phoebe, sweetheart...what on Earth happened?" Grams asked, managing to settle on the step next to the two of them, though her old bones tried to tell her that it was a bad idea.

Phoebe's mouth opened to tell her Grams all about the terrible injustice visited upon her, but Piper intervened before she could.

"She fell off her bike," the middle Halliwell answered. "I think maybe her wheel was loose or something - Prue, you wanna help me check it out?"

Prue tried to understand the silent signal that Piper seemed to be trying to tell her with her wildly rolling eyes, but decided to go along with it regardless - for now.

"Well," Grams said. "Why don't you girls go take a look at that bicycle - Phoebe, I expect you in the house in five minutes to get those knees taken care of, understand?"

"Yes Grams," Phoebe whispered, her voice low as her eyes welled up again. Piper tightened her grip, telling her grandmother that she would take care of her, while Prue continued to try to look unaffected.

As soon as the woman was gone, Piper began filling Prue in, her voice so urgent that her words got confused at times, stumbling over one another as they spilt out of her mouth. But Prue got the general idea.

"Why, that little rat!" she hissed, her foot stamping in a fit of childish anger. "Who does he think he is, hurting my sister like that?"

Phoebe looked up at Prue's question, her eyes sparkling for a different reason now as her mouth quirked in to a grin. "You mean that, P'ue?"

Prue winced a little as Phoebe's pronunciation of her name sounded a little more like what she'd seen certain dogs do on the street, minus the end 'p' - but moved to sit next to her sister. "You bet, squirt. And we're gonna make that airhead pay, right?"

"Yah!" Phoebe shouted, her arms waving enthusiastically as she pulled Prue in to a quick hug, moving back when Prue started needing air. Then Prue put her hand out, palm down. Piper was next, her hand settling over Prue's, and then Phoebe's slapped down happily over that.

"Alright!" Prue grinned, sharing a moment with her sisters, one that would stay with them for the rest of their days.

She was also unaware that her grandmother was watching them through a parted curtain, with a knowing twinkle in her eyes.

'Hmm,' she mused. 'Perhaps a small protection spell?'

She saw Prue help the other two up, Piper holding Phoebe awkwardly in her small, thin arms.

'Bobby could probably use it,' she smiled.

~~~

In the bedroom in the Halliwell Manor that once belonged to her sister, Prue rolled over in the bed she lay in, a smile turning up the corners of her mouth even in sleep. And in another bedroom, this one that of her married sibling, Piper did the same.

*****

Prue lay in bed, still feeling quite drowsy under the warm blankets. She felt as if she could stay here forever - but as if that thought was some sort of signal, a knock sounded at the door, and she knew her rest had just come to an end.

"Hey," Piper greeted, poking her head around the door.

"Hi," Prue smiled back.

"Prue, Leo just checked on Cole...he thinks that he's waking up."

Prue's eyebrows rose, her hand flinging away the covers as she sat up, standing to get changed - she was still wearing the clothes she'd had on the night before, weariness preventing her from changing last night. It was then that she remembered where she was - specifically, in relation to where *Cole* was.

Piper seemed to read Prue's thoughts, her arm coming out from behind the door and throwing Prue some clothes. "I snatched these before I came," she explained.

"Ah! Thanks, Piper," Prue smiled, giving her sister one final wave as she left. Then she set about undressing, eager to get in to the shower and be clean.

*****

Walking cautiously in to her own room, Prue was relieved to see Cole sitting up in the bed, a glass of water in his hand. He was still too pale, shadows marking the area under his eyes, but he was awake and talking, a vast improvement on his recent condition.

"Hey," she smiled, and Cole returned the greeting.

Piper and Leo sensed that the two needed to talk, and bid their farewells, exiting the room as quickly as possible.

"So," Prue said.

"So," Cole repeated. Both at a loss as to what to say, Prue decided to take the first step.

"You know...we couldn't have done that without you," she told him sincerely. "Thank you."

Cole seemed unsure as to how to respond, but he finally settled on, "you're welcome." But he felt that more needed to be said. "And I have to thank you...both of you. If you hadn't said what you did...I might have killed you. Your words...your reminder of Phoebe and what she held dear...well, I guess you could say it kind of woke me up. Gave me the strength to resist the temptation."

Prue shrugged, as always wishing that Phoebe could have been here to see this...Prue and Cole, actually being civil to one another. She gave a choked laugh, something in her needing to lighten the mood. "Well, well, is the big bad Cole Turner admitting that he needed *help*?"

Cole smirked, well aware of what she was doing. "Did I say that?" he asked nonchalantly.

Prue just bit her lip, shaking her head as another smile threatened to break free.

Just then, Piper's voice called out from her room. "Prue! I think that was the door! Can you get it?"

Prue frowned for an instant, wondering why Piper hadn't just gotten it herself, when her sister's somewhat embarrassed voice, rang out again.

"I, er...Leo and I are kinda...*busy.*"

Prue smirked now, a very good idea of just how the two of them were *busy.*

"Sure, Piper," she called back. And with one final smile to Cole - safe in the knowledge that they now had time to sort out the residual stuff - she left.

*****

Practically skipping down the stairs, Prue heard the bell ring again. "Coming!" she called out.

She pulled the door open, surprised to see two young women standing there. One was carrying a familiar bundle, and Prue smiled as she recognized Lindsay.

"Hey!" she smiled, drawing the word out. "What are you doing here?"

Lindsay smiled, shifting the bundle in her arms, the baby letting out a happy gurgle at the motion.

"Um...your cell phone. Remember, you gave me your number. I looked it up, figured it would be better to give you it back face-to- face. I tried to phone a few times, but there was no answer, so...."

Prue's smile grew - she knew she'd been right to trust this woman. "Oh, well, come on in."

The two women entered, and Prue looked inquiringly at Lindsay's friend. Her dark hair was loose, her full lips painted a bright red, a stark contrast to her pale skin.

Piper and Leo came down the stairs, still hastily tucking rumpled clothes in.

"Finished whatever had you so *busy*, huh?" Prue teased. Piper just flushed a little, sharing a heated glance with Leo.

"Prue, you gonna introduce us?" she asked, her voice bright as she tried to redirect the conversation.

"Oh, of course. Piper, this is Lindsay, a woman I met the other day while I was searching for Cole - I'll tell you all about it, later. Lindsay, this is my sister Piper, and her husband Leo."

"Nice to meet you," Lindsay smiled, and Prue was struck for a moment how *happy* Lindsay looked. As Piper set to cooing over the baby - Prue had always believed that she would make a great mother one day - Lindsay apparently sensed Prue's gaze, still on the unidentified woman.

"Oh, Prue...this is a friend of mine," she answered Prue's unasked question. "I was...going through some stuff, and we met, by accident, really, and we got to talking and found some stuff out about each other. She convinced me to go down to South Bay Services and really helped me with some things. That's why I needed a phone the other day, to make an appointment for some other things."

"Yes," the dark haired woman said. "Lindsay told me all about how you helped her. That was a very nice thing to do."

"Well," Prue smiled. "I had a very good feeling about her, miss....?"

"Oh," the woman breathed. "Sorry. My name is Paige. Paige Mathews."

And suddenly, from absolutely no where, Prue knew that this would not be the last she saw of Paige Matthews.

*****

That evening, the two Halliwells, their Whitelighter, and their new half- demon ally, sat around in the living room. Joined by Darryl - the mortal detective, who, confused and worried at the continued silence from his friends over the last few days, had decided to drop in tonight.

They had been talking for a while now, everything from the dangers they had just faced to the woman absent from their lives for the last year.

At the mention of their sister, Piper shared a look with Prue, nodding slightly.

"Listen, guys...um, speaking of Phoebe...Piper and I were discussing the other day that...well, it's Phoebe's birthday tomorrow. And...as such, we kind of...well, we wanted to do something. To celebrate."

A look of understanding spread over Darryl's face - he hadn't missed the nervous energy that seemed to fill both women all night - while Cole simply looked as if his guard - tentatively lowered around these people in light of recent events - made a swift reappearance.

"Something like what?" Leo asked.

"Just a little ceremony," Piper answered her husband. "Light a few candles, say a few words, that sort of thing."

Surprisingly, it was Cole who was first to speak up. "Uh...well, I think it's - it's a good idea. I think Phoebe would really like that." His words were slightly hesitant, but as Prue looked, she saw that the wall presented only moments before, had melted, turning Cole's eyes a warm blue.

"Good," she said quietly. "Darryl, we'll probably start at about midnight...will you be able to stay?"

"Of course," he smiled, glad to have been included. "My wife is at her mother's with the kids this week, so I don't even have to make up an excuse."

The two sisters smiled. "Well then," Piper said finally. "Shall we get ready?"

*****

At exactly 12:00, midnight, the Halliwells and their guests gathered in the attic. Candles were placed on the floor in a circle, each one being carefully lit by Leo right now, with one - different from the rest - planted directly at the center. They had decided that the others might find it strange just standing there and addressing thin air, so they had come up with using the candle as a focal point.

As the preparations continued, Piper finally noticed that Prue looked troubled, and asked her what was wrong.

"Do you - I mean, do you think we should -" She sighed in frustration. "Do you think we should ask Grams or mom if we can...if maybe now we can see Phoebe? I mean, it's been a year...and I miss her so much Piper."

Piper nodded, her own eyes stinging. "I know. Me too." She sniffed deeply. "I think it's worth a shot. So, how 'bout we do the ceremony, then try and summon Grams or mom here."

Prue nodded, moving to stand next to her sister. She linked hands with her, squeezing slightly.

"Phoebe," she started. "Pheebs. I don't know if this isn't a waste of time, but...I think I've waited long enough to say this. Maybe too long." She gripped Piper's hand tightly now. "I love you. And I miss you so much." She felt the first moisture slip down her cheeks, knew from the stuttering breaths to her right that Piper was in a similar state. "We didn't always see eye-to-eye. But you know, I think that was one of the things I loved best about you. How brave you were - how you'd stick to your guns no matter what. I just - I just wanted to let you know how much you meant - how much you *still* mean - to me. It won't ever be the same without you, sweetie."

She nodded to Piper, indicating it was her turn.

"Hey Pheebs," Piper smiled. "So...have you got all the guys upstairs wrapped around your pinkie yet? I bet you have, you know," she laughed, the sound turning in to a sob. "You know, it's kinda boring down here, now. No verbal sparring between you and Prue to watch." This time Prue joined in the laugh. "But...well, I just wanted to say that I love you - *so* much. And that I miss you...and that I'll always think about my baby sister. I love you Phoebe," she repeated in a whisper, turning to Prue as another cry broke loose, shuddering in her sister's embrace as she cried.

Prue just hung on, keeping her eyes away from anyone else's as they all took turns to say their piece. Leo, Darryl...and finally, Cole.

He cleared his throat. "You know...ahem. I, uh...I know for a fact what's out there. Know all about the afterlife, spirits and so forth." He kept his gaze firmly on the candle. "But, I...still feel weird doing this." He straightened his shoulders. "But hey, if Prue can do it, I can give it a go, huh?"

Prue smiled as Piper huffed a chuckle in her arms, before listening to Cole go on.

"But...I'm with them. You...you made me a better person, Phoebe. You made me see *goodness*. And I'll always be grateful for that. I love you Phoebe - I think I fell the first instant I layed eyes on you. And I'll love you for as long as I exist - and probably beyond that, too."

Piper pulled back as Cole finished, the two women going to the Book Of Shadows, now sitting on its pedestal.

Prue opened it to the right page, and together they recited the spell that should grant them a visit by their Grandmother.

"Here these words, hear my cry, spirit from the other side. Come to me, I summon thee, cross now the great divide!"

Brights lights appeared, bubbling fitfully before taking form. It was a real treat this time. Not only their Grams - but their mother, as well.

The two women sighed the names of their visitors, each moving until they were centimeters apart. They couldn't touch, but just to be in their presence...it was enough.

"Ah, my girls," their mother sighed. She raised a hand to each of their faces, just stopping short. It didn't stop Piper and Prue from leaning in to the touch, though.

"It's so good to see you," Prue smiled.

"And I, you," Patty said. She took in the attic. "But something tells me...that this wasn't the whole reason we were summoned here."

"No," Piper answered. "We just - we wondered if...enough time had passed...so that we could...."

As she trailed off again, Prue helped her out. "Mom, we want to see Phoebe. It's been a year...please, we have to see her."

Tears fell again as she heard her own plea, but Prue didn't care. Her eyes were fixed to her mother as she exchanged looks with her Grams.

"I think it's time," Grams said.

Patty looked back at her two living children. "Your battle with the demon Xium...you did well." Her eyes included Leo and Cole. "All of you. As such, the Elders are prepared to offer you a reward."

As she finished speaking, more lights began to swirl behind her, resolving slowly in to a form.

"Phoebe," Prue choked in a small voice, almost unable to believe her eyes.

"Hi Prue," Phoebe smiled.

"Oh my God," Darryl muttered.

Phoebe looked - radiant, was the only word Piper could come up with. Her thick hair was shining, the long, vibrant-colored dress making her skin glow.

"Pheebs," Piper breathed.

"Hey Piper," Phoebe replied.

Cole walked slowly forward. "Phoebe...."

Phoebe laughed. "You know, if you guys aren't careful, you'll wear my name out."

Cole stepped closer, one hand reaching out as if on automatic. He whispered her name again as she came closer. "You're..."

"On borrowed time," Grams interrupted. "I'm sorry, girls...Cole," she added, able to see with her own eyes the depth of the half-demon's emotions for her granddaughter.

"She's right," Phoebe said regretfully. "I heard the ceremony, guys...saw it. And I want you to know that I miss you all too...it's not the same just watching you guys -"

"You've been watching us?" Leo asked.

Phoebe nodded.

"I always felt as if you were around me," Prue whispered, Piper nodding her agreement.

"I was," Phoebe replied. "And I'll continue to be, for as long as you need me. Know that I can *always* hear you."

She turned as her mother and grandmother began to glow, clearly preparing to return. Her eyes fell on her Grams, who nodded once.

With a deep breath - unnecessary, really, since she didn't breath - Phoebe took a step forward, walking out of the circle. As soon as she had passed the barrier, the lights disappeared, her body becoming real.

"Pheebs?" Prue asked.

"The Elders granted me form for a few minutes," she answered. "Sort of an extra bonus for the great ass-kicking you gave that guy." That was all her sisters needed, the pair of them throwing their arms around her simultaneously. They were all crying, even Phoebe, who was kind of surprised that she *could* now.

They pulled back, disentangling reluctantly, as she moved to Cole. She raised one hand, stroking his stubbled face, and he leaned down, capturing her mouth in a brief - but very powerful - kiss.

"I love you, Cole," she said when they pulled back. "Thank you for helping my sisters...and never doubt my feelings for you."

He shook his head. "I won't...ever. And I'll always love you."

He let go of her, even though he didn't want to, and she looked over to Leo and Darryl. "Hey guys," she smiled. They just nodded, the mortal still a little stunned at what was happening.

She returned to her sisters, able to feel the tingling sensation in her body that told her that her time was running out.

"Piper," she murmured, hugging her again. "I love you, sweetie. Never forget that. There was nothing you could have done that day."

Piper nodded, her body shaking as she cried. ""I know, I know...I just - I don't want you to go, Phoebe."

Phoebe pulled back. "I don't want to go either, Piper. But this was destiny...it sucks to say, but this was meant to be." Giving her a sad smile, she squeezed her sister's shoulders. "Thank you for helping Prue, as well. I know it wasn't easy, but...I'm glad that you two pulled together."

Piper nodded, whispering one final "love you."

Phoebe moved on to Prue, the elder Halliwell pulling her in to the embrace.

"Same goes for you, Prue," Phoebe said against Prue's hair. "Wasn't your fault...none of it was. And we were all together in the end. That's what's important."

They moved back. "I know, Pheebs," Prue said bravely. "I just - never doubt that I loved you. I know I could be an idiot sometimes, but...I love you. 'Kay?"

Phoebe nodded, unable to speak as she pulled away, stepping back inside the circle. "Take care of each other, guys," she managed.

Prue and Piper gravitated to one another, arms going around waists. "You take care too, Pheebs," Piper said.

"Are you kidding?" Phoebe scoffed. "I've got the guys up there wrapped around my pinkie."

Piper nearly blushed as she realized that Phoebe had heard what she'd said, but relaxed at Phoebe's grin. "I bet you do," was all she said.

"I love you guys," Phoebe said at last. "And just remember...we all have a destiny. Soon...you'll know a bit more about it."

And with that cryptic message, the lights appeared, whisking Phoebe away with her mother and grandmother.

"Bye Pheebs," Prue whispered. Looking at Piper, she felt a smile take control of her face. Phoebe wasn't truly gone...she never would be, really. She would be up there, watching over them.

As Leo came forward, resting his arm on their shoulders in support, Prue caught Cole's eye.

'No,' she thought. 'Because the good fight is never over.'

And she smiled.

*****

Epilogue -

In a place known to no other one and no other thing, the demon Xium prepared. Touching the new scars that existed thanks to his battle with the Charmed ones and their pet half-breed, he growled. Victory would be his. He would be sure of it.

The End...for now B-)