FIVE
"No, I didn't say you were crazy," said Leo. "When humans get new powers it takes them time to adjust to those powers. If you don't adjust properly it can affect you in different ways. In your case it's could be causing you to have visions that aren't real."
"Yeah, I'm crazy," said Phoebe.
"Leo isn't saying that," said Prue. "I think he's saying your power is just kind of out of whack, that's all."
"So why am I having these 'visions' about this boy?" Phoebe asked. "Why is he appearing now? We've had our powers for months. More than a year, in fact. Why am I suddenly having these false visions now?"
"I can't answer that," said Leo. "I'm just suggesting that maybe there is no boy. That somehow your power is creating him somehow. That's why Prue and Piper didn't see him. He's not real. He's only in your mind."
"And that's not crazy?" Phoebe asked.
"No, Phoebe, it's not," said Piper. "It simply means that your subconscious is trying to deal with something and this is its' way of dealing with it."
"Look who's the psychiatrist all of a sudden," said Phoebe sarcastically.
"I did take some psychology classes in college," said Prue. "And Piper is right. Sometimes you mind can play tricks on you. Some people believe that's what dreams are. The mind trying to work out problems it encounters during the day. That's probably what this is. Your mind trying to resolve something in your subconscious."
"So I'm not crazy?" Phoebe asked. "I'm not loosing my mind?"
"No," said Leo, smiling at her. "You're new to magic. You're going to find out that things are not always the way they appear. I'm sure whatever is going on will be resolved quickly."
"Leo," said Piper, "are you sure this isn't demonically related?"
"I never heard of a demon that only appeared to one person," said Leo. "And you said he hasn't made any aggressive moves against you."
"No," said Phoebe. "He just seems to be looking for something, that's all."
"Well, there you go," said Leo. "If it were a demon he would have done something by now. I doubt he'd just be looking around your makeup and childhood pictures."
"Maybe you're right," said Phoebe. "But he seemed so real. Just as real as the rest of you are right now."
"I know it seemed that way," said Leo. "If they didn't seem real they wouldn't be hallucinations. You'll probably be okay in a few days. You just have to figure out what your mind is trying to tell you."
"What if he shows up again?" Phoebe asked. "What do I do then?"
"You might try asking what he wants," said Piper.
"I tried that in the attic," said Phoebe. "He just vanished like he did from the bedroom."
"Vanished?" Leo asked. "Phoebe, just how did he vanish?"
"What do you mean?" Phoebe asked.
"I mean did he orb out?" Leo asked. "Or did he shimmer like a demon? Just how did he vanish?"
"One minute he was there the next minute he wasn't," said Phoebe. "He didn't shimmer or orb or anything. He just disappeared."
"It could be teleportation," said Leo. "But that would be if he were real. It's another indication that he's been conjured by your mind. If he were real there would be some effect when he vanished. Magic has very visible effects. That's why I orb instead of just vanishing. Or why demons shimmer. If there was no visible effect when this boy vanished it's a very strong indication he's not real."
"It still sounds like you're saying I'm crazy," said Phoebe.
"No, not at all," said Leo. "Like I said, your mind is conjuring this boy to work out something in your subconscious. It could be the conflict you have between the magical world and the mortal world. That's why it's taking the form of a boy who can just vanish into thin air."
"And what he's searching for?" Phoebe asked. "It's my mind searching for the answer to whatever this dilemma is?"
"That would be my guess," said Leo. "I'm not a psychologist but I have learned some things as a White Lighter. Enough to know that there's really nothing wrong with you. You're mind is trying to sort something out and this is its' way of dealing with it, that's all."
"And when it's sorted out whatever the problem is?" Phoebe asked.
"The boy probably won't be back," said Leo.
"Thanks, Leo," said Phoebe. "I feel better. I thought I was loosing my mind."
"You did that a long time ago, little sister," said Prue, smiling at Phoebe.
"Very funny," said Phoebe. "At least we don't have to worry about a demon attack. I was beginning to think I wouldn't be of any use to Prue and Piper again if I was loosing my mind."
"You're fine, sweetie," said Piper, hugging Phoebe. "And like Leo said, as soon as your mind works out whatever it's working on you'll be back to normal."
"Okay," said Phoebe. "I just hope it doesn't take too long."
"It will take as long as it takes," said Leo.
"Well, I'm kind of tired," said Phoebe. "I think I'm going to go to bed early."
"Sure, honey," said Prue. "You go ahead. We'll see you in the morning."
"So, it's just her mind working something out, huh?" Piper asked Leo as Phoebe went upstairs.
"I hope so," said Leo. "I didn't say anything to her because I didn't want to upset her anymore than she all ready is. But it might be more serious than that. I need to talk to the Elders."
"What could it be?" Prue asked.
"As I told Phoebe," said Leo, "she might have gotten her powers too soon or too quickly. If that's true it's possible she's having an adverse reaction to them. And it could escalate. If that happens it could drive her insane. In order to protect her, her powers may have to be stripped from her."
Leo orbed out of the manor leaving Prue and Piper very concerned for their little sister. They had been through a lot since getting their powers. And it had helped Phoebe to mature to a more respectable, responsible adult. It saddened them that they may have to strip her powers to protect her.