A/N: Princess Pinky: I love the character that Natalie has become! I just can't resist throwing her in where I can. About Paige and a love interest: there might be something in the sequel for you look forward too in that area (winks). ka-mia2286: Thanks so much for taking the time to review again! PrueTrudeau: I have been trying to build some tension between Amanda and Prue, for a brewing sub-plot, but I haven't had Prue purposely ignore her for Ally. In the last chapter, Amanda didn't want to go to Prue, when Prue reached out. Zythe, thanks for catching my goof. I don't really know too much about the goddess, Sophia. Maybe you could enlighten me a little? Wyatt333: I think your question will be answered in this chapter.
Charmed in the Afterlife: Witch Road Leads Us to be Charmed?
Everyone stared at the Angel and Prue awaiting further explanation.
"A choice, I don't understand?" Prue said slowly. Could she still really have a life with Andy and her daughters? How would that be possible?
"As High Priestess to the realm, you can choose your vision of Utopia" Melinda explained. "You are free to create a place here free of demons and raise your children as if evil did not exist"
"That's why Andy is turning back into an apparition" Leo explained, "It's so that he can travel back and forth into the realm and still be called upon to act as the mortal Tracer"
"Precisely" the angel of destiny agreed looking at Prue. "Your original destiny included a life with the love you were forced to sacrifice. A life which would include angelic children, that would never be subject to the ramification of mortal or demonic evil"
Prue's brow furrowed. "But my children are mortals. They aren't allowed here"
"That is why destiny is prepared to make you an offer of partial immortality. You are free to begin a new destiny here with your eternal soul mate and new children here in the afterlife, where your current children are raised as mortals by your sisters in a world in which demonic rule no longer exists. Your sisters would be completely stripped of their powers and off the demonic radar for good free to live normal lives without magic or the threat of evil."
The angel paused for a moment, letting Prue and her sisters entice the idea. "Or you may choose a destiny in which you are allowed to return to mortal earth where you and your children will continue to be the subjects demonic anarchy. "
"You mean Prue can return to earth and be just like she was before?" Phoebe interrupted excitedly.
"Not exactly" The Angel's lips pursed.
"I knew there would be a catch" Piper droned softly, "there always is".
"Prue would be still required to perform her duties as the reigning high priestess, therefore she would need to abide her time between earth and the afterlife. She would also be subject to many demonic attacks and with the ruler of wiccan realm living on earth unprotected, the Source will stop at no avail to destroy our world".
"But the Source couldn't kill her, because she's partially immortal" Leo added knowingly causing the angel to nod.
"That is correct. As an angelic being, Prue's only true mortal enemy is the Dark Priestess to the other side, but that is not to say the same for her children and her sisters. They would all be subject to the mortality laws which exists now" the angel paused again, "and their entire lives would revolve around being the Charmed Ones, fighting demons constantly"
"Like that doesn't happen already" Piper added, earning herself a jab from Leo.
"Piper that's disrespectful" he hissed. Piper glared heatedly for moment and then turned her attention to Prue.
"It's your decision. Phoebe, Paige and I will support whatever you decide"
Prue swallowed, overwhelmed by her options. A life where she and her sisters, could all live demonic free lives, or one in which demonic attack would seemingly never end? Her glance shifted to Amanda pondering further. If she chose life on earth with them would they be subject to die young like she and her mother had? She then flicked her gaze to Phoebe and Cole. What would happen to them and their love?
Prue spoke looking directly at Cole. "If I choose, a vision of Utopia for me and sisters, what will happen to the demons who are currently living on earth?"
The angel followed her glance, "They would all be subject to the Sources rule, but there is a possibility that a demon working for our side could be cloaked or masked to protect him from demonic ramifications. A demon that is also partially mortal could also be stripped of his power."
Prue quickly turned to Grams, "so then Phoebe would be free to marry to Cole?"
Penny opened her mouth to speak, but the words that came out were Phoebes, "Prue don't make this decision for us. Make it for yourself. We want you to be happy. You don't always have to be the one to make a sacrifice," Phoebe said calmly.
Prue looked at Andy and her sisters, "I need some time"
"Very well" the angel nodded "take as much time as you like". The angel then disappeared, as quickly as he'd came.
A set of familiar chimes sounded above Leo's head, causing him to look upward, "That's our signal, it's time for us to go".
"Bye" Paige frowned hugging her oldest sister one more time followed by the transparent Phoebe and then Piper.
"Take your time, thinking about this and listen to Phoebe. This is your afterlife, you don't have to make any more decisions for us" Piper whispered, before taking Leo hands.
"I'll orb myself and the girls down in a few minutes," Andy told Leo wanting a little alone time to talk to Prue.
"Of course," The foursome along with Cole then joined hands leaving Pure and Andy to watch the trail of orbs. When they were gone, Andy tenderly kissed Prue's forehead, letting his hand slide behind her neck.
"It looks like you have some thinking to do".
Prue flicked her gaze upward revealing unshed tears in her eyes, "Either way, I lose". How could she choose: a life without her daughters, or one where her sisters and children would continue to live under the threat of demonic destruction? Prue handed Ally to Andy and then bent down to pick up Amanda.
"I love them all so much," Prue huffed, kissing the child's hair.
Still feeling abandoned, Amanda tried to wriggle free from Prue's arms, reaching for Andy. "No baby stay with Mommy" her father tried to coax.
"It's okay," Prue handed Amanda back to Andy so that he was now holding both children.
"Either way you still have me. Destiny has promised you that much" Andy grinned trying to make Prue smile. A slight curve came to her lips, as she leaned in to kiss him.
"Andy, I could never ask you to choose between me and the girls" If she chose, Utopia for her family, she would stipulate, that Andy remain on earth to be with their daughters. When the kiss broke, Andy adverted his eyes to Natalie who was standing nearby watching, still clutching her book.
"No offense, Prue but I don't think that's part of the deal. We're in this together".
"Then we make the decision together, "Prue swiped at her face, as he slowly prepared to fade away.
Natalie rolled her eyes, nauseated at their scene of affection, "Such decisions should not be rushed".
"What are you saying?" Prue's left eye squinted curiously in time with Andy's grin.
"I think she's saying that maybe I should stick around for a bit longer"
Prue and Andy both watched Natalie's knuckles turn white against the book. Deep inside they knew it had to be killing her to admit, that Andy and the girls could stay. "The elders have granted their permission for you to remain here until a decision has been made" she said hastily, but that doesn't mean they have granted you all of eternity"
Prue giggled leaning against Andy as Natalie faded into a frustrated set of orbs. "Oh it's going to be fun spending eternity with her."
Back at the manor, each sister weighed the options in Prue's choice, Piper sat on her bed with her legs criss-crossed, and holding Melinda while Leo paced back and forth. "So what happens to us, if Prue chooses this vision of so called Utopia? Will our lives really be normal?"
Leo stopped at the window, crossing his arms over his chest, "well it's hard to say. My destiny is be a white lighter"
Piper closed her eyes, "I know that Leo but what I'm asking you is would the Elder's let us stay together?"
Leo lowered his eyes, "They aren't allowed to interfere with the sacred bond of marriage"
"Yeah, and I heard that one before," Piper sneered, looking down at Melinda who was sound asleep."
"Piper" Leo moved towards the bed, "I think what we really need to consider is that we are looking at possibly facing a life, where I would be able to use magic and you and Melinda would not"
"Would you mind watching Melinda for a little there's something I need to do" without warning Piper pushed from the bed, handing Leo their daughter before heading out the door.
"Piper?"
Phoebe stood in the basement, gazing at Patty's wedding dress from where it hung sheeted in plastic on an old coat rack. "This is Mom's dress," she said softly feeling Cole shimmer in behind her.
"It's beautiful," Cole said trying to sweep a kiss to her transparent neck. Feeling his lips slide right through her, he quickly jerked back.
"I just wonder if I'll ever get to wear it?" Phoebe turned to face him. "If Prue chooses, this demon free life will things really be perfect?"
Cole rubbed the back of his neck, "I don't know. Even if the Elders find a way to mask me, I think it will just be a matter of time before the Source figures it out. He won't give up"
"I know" Phoebe swallowed, "and without my the powers of my sisters to protect you could be a sitting duck"
"I don't need your protection," Cole returned chauvinistically, "It's you that I'm worried about." The Source could use a mortal Phoebe as means to get to Cole with her powers she would be all the more vulnerable.
Reaching up, Phoebe grabbed his chin with her transparent hand. "Either way, I still want to be your wife". The two shared a soft but awkward kiss.
"What about being married by a high priestess?" Cole asked when they pulled apart.
Phoebe turned back to the dress fingering it through the plastic; "I think I know one that will do it without fear of consequence"
Cole smiled. The two were about to attempt in another kiss when Piper suddenly came thundering down the stairs. "Phoebe, Phoebe, I need you to come with me"
"Why and Where?"
"I'll explain in the attic" Piper reached for her sister's transparent hand. "Do you know where Paige is?"
Phoebe shook her head, stumbling as if Piper were actually pulling her along. "I don't know. She orbed out of her a little while ago"
"Then we'll have to use Cole"
Dimension of the Lost
Paige stood in the gloomy darkness looking about at the orphan spirits. Was this their real destiny? She thought peering into their sad hallow faces. Sure, she'd found Shaylee here and she'd been demonic, but that mean that they were all that way?
"Natalie!" Paige waited expectantly for the sight of orbs. Natalie appeared, answering her call immediately.
"Yes, Paige?"
Paige cocked her head slightly, studying her appointed trainer, "what will happen to this place if I'm no longer the guardian? Will there be another one appointed?"
"Most likely if you are unable to fulfill your obligation another will be appointed to take your place."
"Oh" Paige answered softly, toying with a thought in her mind.
Sensing her charges distress, Natalie reached out to the young witch, "is there something else you want to tell me?"
Paige nodded, feeling a pang of betrayal towards her chosen sister, "What happens if Prue chooses this demon free life for us and I still want to be a witch? Can I still have my destiny as guardian to this dimension?"
Natalie's lips pursed, "I don't know that is possible but if it were you would need to think about the possible destruction that could occur, if you kept your powers and your sisters did not. It is most likely that it would not be safe for you to be near them"
Paige looked down at the fog swirling at her feet, "Just because we get a magic free demonic life doesn't mean that everyone else does, does it?"
"No, it does not. It only ensures that you are your sisters would live demon free and safe from there harm. The rest of the world will not".
"Thank you" Paige let out deep sigh, "I think I need to go home and talk with my sisters"
Paige orbed home into the living room. "Where are Piper and Phoebe?" she asked Leo.
"They're in the attic with Cole." Leo replied, hearing his calling chimes. "I've got to go. Melinda is asleep in the nursery"
"Okay" Paige took the stairs two at time and found her sisters hovering over the book. Piper was speaking softly under her breath, "damn it! We need Ally". A hand fell into her hair raking it back.
"We need to summon Prue" Phoebe counted as Paige stepped up to their side.
"Funny, that's just what I was going to do".
Phoebe look at her sister, strangely as they all started to chant the words to the summoning spell. "Hear these words, hear my cry, Spirit from the other side, cross now the great divide!"
Prue felt the call from the other side.
"What is it?" Andy asked sensing her tension.
"My sisters, they're calling me home"
Orbs and white apparitional swirls appeared in the ceremonial circle, "what is it?" Prue asked making herself whole. Andy and the girls were beside her.
"We need to talk you," Paige blurted just as Phoebe cut her off.
"I want you to marry me and Cole!"
"What?" Prue looked to Piper thinking that both of her other sisters had lost their minds.
Piper stepped in front of both Phoebe and Paige and took a hold of Prue's hand. Nevermind them there's something we need for you see"
Phoebe, graciously took Ally from Andy's arms, "C'mon Ally we need your help on this one. Paige will you orb us?"
"Sure just tell me where we're going" Paige joined hands with Piper and Phoebe.
"We're going back to the first day, that Prue, Phoebe and I became witches" Piper replied. "In order for her to make the right choice, she needs to see everything again from the beginning".