CORRUPTED

Note: Piper is still evil. She's about as confused as you are! She doesn't know if good or evil. Well, she knows she's evil, but she can't help but be compassionate at times. It's frustrating her though.

piperperson, thanks for always reviewing

Harry, um. I'm not exactly a fashion person. I might try my best to describe her clothing later, or perhaps you could give me some advice?

Charmed Fanatic, wow, thanks for taking the time to write such a long review! I really appreciate it.

Piper13, sorry. I killed Paige off before reading the review. I hope you don't mind. but hey, it's an alternate reality fic. and I don't know, maybe she could pop back later. because I personally have no idea where I'm heading. I'm just writing.

Chapter 16

-Phoebe's Room-

Phoebe stared teary-eyed at the photo frame with a picture of the three of them. 'We were so happy', she thought, gingerly touching Paige's smiling face. She had been leaning on Piper's shoulder ever since they arrived home two hours ago. After the doctors announced Paige's time of death. Piper had surprisingly remained calm, and had managed to get the both of them home safely. Phoebe couldn't believe that Paige was no longer here with them. they barely even know her. only two years. Such a short time, it doesn't seem fair to Phoebe. She embraced the craft before, doing her very best to fulfill her destiny. Even after Prue's death, she and her sisters still carried on. Now, it's just her and her 'sister', no more 'sisters'. Her sister, Piper. From the beginning, till the end. Phoebe was starting to understand why Piper was so against the craft. They risk their lives everyday to save others, and fate returns the gratitude by killing off each and every single one of her family. Mom. Grams. Prue. Cole. Leo. Paige.

'Leo', she thought. 'Oh no. Piper. she must be even more devastated by Paige's death than I am.' Phoebe felt guilty for breaking down first. Her sister just witnessed the death of her husband and her sister within two days! She must be torn by all this. Taking a deep breath, Phoebe forced herself to relax, using the various meditation techniques she has learned over the past few years.

"Piper," Phoebe whispered, "It's okay, I'm alright now. Let it go, baby. I'm here for you."

Piper looked uncertain for a moment, before she spoke. "Phoebe, you're all I have left. after all these times. it's just the two of us. Phoebe, I can't bare to lose you!"

Phoebe smiled sympathetically and hugged Piper tenderly. "I'm not going anywhere, sweetie."

"We'll always be together."

"You bet," Phoebe whispered.

"You promise?" Piper asked solemnly.

"No doubt about it," Phoebe replied sternly.

"No matter what I become?"

"I love you, Piper. You're my big sister. My family. I promise you. no matter what, I'll always be with you," Phoebe whispered comfortingly.

Piper debated with herself. She's turning soft! Not only did she save Paige, even though she did die in the end. but that's besides the point. but she's also planning to spare Phoebe! 'You can't go soft. The Underworld will not tolerate a weak leader! Get your act together before you lose everything you have worked so hard to gain.' Nevertheless, Piper couldn't stand another loss. Phoebe was her baby sister! No, she cannot harm Phoebe. She'd soon die.

"Phoebe. please, join me."

"You mean like we did when we were younger? Sure, let's sit by the fireplace and drink hot chocolate until we get sick!"

"Uh. sure," Piper muttered, slapping herself mentally for being so ambiguous. 'Just get it over with.'

-Fireplace, Manor-

Phoebe shoved in the logs absent-mindedly. She was deep in thought regarding Piper's odd behaviour and Paige's. Paige's death. Phoebe was extremely worried about Piper, believing her to be in shock. After all, Piper seems uncertain, and frightened. asking her all sorts of insecure questions in fear of losing Phoebe.

Piper arrived then, with two mugs of steaming hot chocolate and a bag of marshmallows. "Hey."

"Hey."

The two of them sat in silence, staring intently at the fire, watching each blaze dance.

"Phoebe," Piper interrupted the silence.

"Yeah?"

"Phoebe, rule the Underworld with me."

"What?" Phoebe asked, clearly confused.

"Paige was right, Phoebe. I am evil. Ever since Cole's demonic powers entered me, I've never felt more powerful. I'm the new Source."

"We vanquished the evil though."

"You thought you vanquished it. I was a Charmed witch before, Phoebe. I know how to use potions and spells. I can still touch the book of shadows. After, I still have Warren blood in me."

"I can't believe you would lie to me." Phoebe whispered, feeling hurt.

"I didn't mean to. But your sense of duty would ruin my plans."

"Did you kill Leo and Paige?"

Piper was silent for a moment. "Yes, I did."

"How could you?!" Phoebe cried hysterically. "You husband and your sister! No, Piper, I am not going to join you in your massacre of innocents."

"You said you would stay with me forever."

"Yes, I would, but you're not Piper. You're the Source. I'm sorry, I am not turning my back on innocents and my heritage."

"Phoebe."

"NO! Get out!"

Piper's eyes flashed dangerously for a second, before conjuring an energy ball. She struggled briefly, before closing her hand and extinguishing the energy ball. "Consider yourself lucky."

She shimmered out.