A/N: There's one part of this chapter that references another fanfic, one that's otherwise unrelated. (I like to keep them all as continuous as possible; it's sort of a character flaw I guess.) I would tell you about it now, but that might give some of this chapter away.

Lucy Knight: Wow, you really want Pam to be the hero... Of course, telling you what happens would ruin this entire story, but all I will say is that this does lead into my other story, "Pamela Halliwell: Wiccan Outcast" which from the title is obviously Pam-centered. (It's even written in first person from her POV!) You can read it if you want, since it's already published, but I will warn you that it will probably somewhat spoil this story.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Piper looked at the clock. It was two am. And she still hadn't slept a wink. Lately she had been having trouble sleeping because of all that was weighing on her mind. And opening up to her family members was too awkward, because no one understood. Even Leo, who was already dead, was no help. She had heard so many of his pep talks over the years that they all seemed repetitive by then. Besides, it was hard to talk girl talk with her husband. Was there anyone at all who would understand? Piper really needed someone to talk to.

She got out of bed and shuffled up to the attic. Slowly she got out five candles and lit them. Luckily she was able to control her hands, for the most part.

"Here these words, hear my cry, spirit from the other side. Come to me, I summon thee, cross now the great divide," Piper chanted. "If she can't help me, no one can," Piper thought.

A swarm of lights appeared and quickly formed themselves into a tall woman with long black hair.

"Piper, hi," she said, hugging her.

"Hey, Prue," Piper replied. "How's the afterlife treating you?"

"Fine, I guess. Same old stuff…" Prue looked out the window and saw how dark it was. "What time is it?"

"Oh around 2:15 in the morning, I guess," Piper replied.

"Whoa," Prue replied. "Okay, over here." She led her sister to the couch and they sat down. "If you're summoning me in the middle of the night then something is really bothering you. What's wrong?"

"Well, uh… you guys probably know about what's going on with me…"

"Yeah. Yeah we do," Prue replied solemnly.

"I… lately it's really starting to sink in, y'know? …it's been two months, and no one has any answers yet…" Piper sighed. "I just need someone to talk to. No one understands. They can't help me. You're still my big sister… I always used to talk to you…"

"I'm listening, honey," Prue said comfortingly.

"Lately I've been wondering this… I just need to know… does, does it- hurt to die?"

"Oh, sweetie, don't worry about that," Prue said, stroking her sister's hair. "You won't feel a thing. It's very peaceful, actually."

"Are you sure?" Piper sniffled.

"I was thrown through a wall, Piper. I'm sure," Prue smiled comfortingly. Piper smiled back.

"That seems so silly to dwell on all hours of the night, but it was just getting to me…"

"I know, Piper, I know." She put her arm around her sister. "Listen to me. Ever since I died, I've been watching over you guys. I've been there every step of the way. I'm here for you, Piper, and I want you to know how proud I am of you. You're handling this so well. Just stay strong, okay? And if you need me, you know how to find me."

A few tears fell from Piper's eyes. She hugged her sister and cried into her shoulder. "I'm not ready to die yet, I can't leave them… but I love you, Prue. I love you so much, a-and I miss you…"

"Shh," Prue comforted. "It's okay, I know. I love you too, and I miss you guys every day… but it's okay. I'm here now. And I don't have to go right away. If you want me to stay for a little while…"

"Don't leave me, Prue, please don't leave me," Piper cried. "I can't do this without you. I'm not as strong as you are."

"Don't be ridiculous. Of course you are," Prue ensured. "You know I can't stay forever, and I can't always physically be by your side. But just remember, I'm always watching you. I'll always be there in spirit, cheering you on, helping you through… you're not going to die now, Piper, not just yet. You're not ready."

"This… all of this… this can't be happening…" Piper mumbled.

"I know it seems like the Elders are really stupid for doing this," Prue said. "But you know as much as I do that it's all a part of destiny. Certain things can't be changed. Certain things have to happen. Like my death. It was all a part of the grand design. You know that, right? Remember when you saw how different things would be if I were still alive?"

"Y-Yeah," Piper replied.

"You see, then? We might not like certain things, but they have to happen."

"So I have to die?" Piper asked.

"I can't tell you what's in store for you," Prue replied. "You know the consequences. Just don't worry. Relax for now. Just relax…" In a short time, Piper was already asleep in her sister's arms. Prue dried Piper's eyes, laid her down on the sofa, draped a blanket over her, kissed her on the forehead, and stepped back into the pentagram of candles.

"Blessed Be…" she whispered as she left the attic in a swirl of bright lights.

A/N: When Prue was talking about the time Piper saw what things would be like if she had lived, that was in my fanfic Acceptance. It was set during season 5, before they vanquished Cole, and they thought that if they went back in time to vanquish him, everything would be fine. Instead, they seriously screwed up history. Also, in my fic The Lost Halliwell, (you already know this Lucy Knight! lol) they summoned Prue for the first time since her death, so that's why in this story Piper is reacting like seeing her is an everyday thing instead of being very emotional about her appearance. They've done it lots of times by now. :)