A/N: Hello all. How's it going?

I didn't quite get this up as quickly as I planned but...well it's here now.

13. Experiencing the Nightmare

Phoebe tried to scream but all that came out was a muffled whimper and a heavy sniff. The gag restricted any adequate sound, which would alert anyone to her state. She also struggled against her bounds that held her in place to the uncomfortable chair, although the only outcome was the pain of the rope burning her skin.

Once again she tried to make some noise, which did very little.

Tears streamed down her face, as she glanced in all directions. It was dark and shadows etched across the surfaces, making it difficult for her to focus.

She needed light, she needed reassurance. In fact Phoebe would make do with anything at this point.

Suddenly, as if on command a light flicked on behind her and also to her right. She instantly recognised her surroundings as the manor's basement. All of Phoebe's childhood fears came flooding back, causing her to thrash her head to the side, trying to block everything out.

However, her eyes focused on the steps that would lead to the kitchen. To safety.

Stood as a group was her family. Piper and Paige, with Leo resting a supportive hand on his wife's shoulder as he stood behind her sisters. Phoebe's eyes trailed to Cole, who watched her with a stoic expression.

She sniffled at their gazes, noticing how no one came to help. Trying to suppress her desperation, she removed all eye contact.

It was then she noticed the male figure, who stood at the top of the stairs, completely covered in shadow. Phoebe felt as if he was responsible for why she was tied to a chair. It was as if he was surveying his work, his creation.

Panic set in and Phoebe tried to gain her families attention for rescue. Again to no avail, as they remained expressionless.

Movement in front of her caught her attention. Somebody was walking towards her, but like the figure stood above them on the steps, they too were covered in shadow.

"Phoebe, Phoebe, Phoebe." Prue's voice floated in from the darkness. "..They aren't coming for you. No one is."

Prue stepped out into the dim lighting and smiled sadistically at her sister, who again began to struggle and whimper.

The eldest Halliwell laughed sympathetically. "Just hold still and this won't hurt a bit." she commented, as Phoebe watched the fireball dance in her sister's hand.

Phoebe shot up in bed, panting hard as the wiped her brow with the back of her hand. She gazed around her room in a scared manner, then settled as realisation dawned on her. It was just a nightmare. Just a nightmare, she thought.

She laid back down and noticed the other side of the bed was empty. Cole had yet to make an appearance, something she was hoping he had a good explanation for.

Sighing, she closed her eyes. It was just a nightmare, she told herself again.

----------

Cole skulked through the walkways of the Underworld, insuring his hooded cloak covered his recognisable face.

Phoebe would surely kill him if she ever knew where he was but he needed to find answers. He wanted to reassure the Halliwells that Prue was now safe, although he knew they were all far from it.

The half demon could only figure that his need to help was spurred on by the guilt he felt for what had happened. He was the catalyst that had consequently condemned the eldest Halliwell, even though she had sacrificed herself willingly, she never would have had to, had he not put Phoebe in that danger.

Voices bring Cole out of his thoughts, as he presses his body against the hard wall. Last thing he needed was to be caught eavesdropping.

"He grows impatient." one demon stated.

"Well, what did he expect? He should have sent his best." another remarked, clearly thinking he was unappreciated.

Cole heard an additional set of foot steps approach. These were lighter than any demon, making him suspect it was a warlock or someone in human form at least.

"He did." the new voice stated confidently, as Cole suddenly felt as if he had heard it before, causing him to carefully peer around the corner.

"We'll see." the second demon scoffed, moving on.

Cole only caught a brief glimpse of them before he ducked back in and covered his face.

When the demon passed, Cole glanced up and stepped out into the corridor. Sorry Phoebe, he thought as he moved to follow the warlock.

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Phoebe walked into the kitchen, looking worse for wear with her hair a mess from sleep, although her features showed it had been restless.

"Morning." she mumbled to Paige and Piper, who sat at the table both with half finished coffee. They both turned to face their sister at her unexpected voice.

"Morning Pheebs." Paige replied, while scrutinizing her sister's appearance. "I would ask how you slept but…um, the hair says it all."

Piper smiled softly at the comment. "You okay? Pheebs."

"Urgh, I feel like crap and thanks Paige, it's nice to have your sisters for support." Phoebe muttered, grabbing the coffee from the side.

"Hey, I am supportive…just never leave the house with that hair, okay?"

"I'll keep that in mind." Phoebe quipped, taking a seat next to Piper.

"Why do you feel like crap?" the elder of the three asked, taking a sip of her coffee, grateful this one had not gone cold like yesterdays.

Phoebe glanced at her, then to Paige, instantly wondering how much her younger sister knew. "Bad dream." she answered.

"What about?" Paige asked innocently over the rim of her mug.

Piper caught Phoebe eyes as they shifted to her then back to Paige. "You know the usual; big scary demon, lots of shadow, slow painful death." she answered with a shrug but Piper could tell there was something else.

"See this is why I avoid horror films." Paige returned looking between both her sisters.

"Maybe I should." Phoebe laughed.

"Maybe you should what?" Prue questioned, appearing from the basement door, causing the younger sisters to jump and turn to face her.

Phoebe's face went slightly pale at the sight before her. "What you doing in the basement, Prue?"

"That's not fair I asked first." her eldest sister smirked, moving towards the three.

"Oh, I…uh, just said maybe I should stop watching horror films. Giving me nightmares." Phoebe answered, unable to remove the image of Prue and a fireball in her hand from her head.

"We live in a horror film pretty much anyway." Prue shrugged, moving to get some coffee as well.

"I would agree." Piper remarked quietly. She had yet to speak to Prue about yesterday and the more she thought of doing it, the more terrified she got.

Phoebe watched Prue and smiled before returning to her previous question. "Your turn. Why were you in the basement?"

"Thought I'd see if I'm able to salvage the ol' dark room." Prue answered.

"That'll be quite cool." Paige commented, looking up at her eldest sister.

"Yeah, do you need a hand?" Piper asked, deciding to take the plunge.

Prue shook her head at the offer. "Nope, I've got it covered." she replied quickly, taking a gulp of the bitter liquid. "I've got to go grab some stuff from my room."

Phoebe watched her sister leave and slowly turned back to the table, gazing at her mug.

"Pheebs, are you okay?" Paige questioned in concern, her voice causing Phoebe's head to shoot up.

"Yeah, why?"

"You seem distant." the youngest responded.

"I think Prue is more so at the moment." Phoebe commented, glancing at both of her sisters, looking for any sign they agreed.

Piper raised her eyebrow slightly. "I don't really blame her, Pheebs."

The second youngest sighed. "I know." she stated, running a hand through her hair. "I'm going to get showered."

----------

Feeling refreshed, Phoebe emerged from her room, ready to forget the past night and put it behind her. Moving past Prue's bedroom, she noticed her sister seemed lost looking through a box.

Intrigued, she knocked gently on the door, causing Prue to turn and face her.

"Hey, what you looking at?" she asked carefully.

Prue closed it and pushed it under her bed. "Nothing important."

Phoebe chose to leave the topic, although she would probably peak later. "Are you happy to be back, Prue?" she found herself asking instead.

"Of course." was the short response she received, while Prue busied herself with stuff in her room.

"See I don't believe you." Phoebe laughed softly.

Prue spun at the younger witch, her eyes darkening by the moment. "How the hell would you know how I feel?" she spat, causing Phoebe's eyes to widen in shock.

"Maybe because I'm your sister."

The eldest Halliwell scoffed at her pathetic answer. "Sister? Please. Sisters don't abandon each other."

"We didn't abandon you. We lost you because you have to be so stubborn and protective."

"I saved you." Prue yelled.

"Yeah you did." Phoebe replied calmly. "..and if you hadn't, we would have still lost you. Your pride, guilt and grieve would have eaten at you."

"Why you…" Prue sneered, grabbing Phoebe's arm.

Although Phoebe expected to feel a blow to her face, it was actually her mind that took the brunt as she was pulled into a premonition.

Prue was chained to a wall, covered in blood and bruises. Her head hung on her chin as she dangled from the cold metal wrapped around her wrists, imbedding itself deeper into her skin.

She looked lifeless. Her clothing covered in the reddish brown colour of dried blood.

"Prue, Prue, Prue." a gloating voice floated in from the darkness. "..They aren't coming for you. No one is."

Prue's head shot up as she screamed in pain.

Phoebe recoiled on the floor holding her head in her hands, crying as the pain from the images subsided. Never had it been so powerful and hurtful.

She glanced up through clouded eyes, to find Prue glaring down at her.

"I'm so sorry." Phoebe whimpered, watching as Prue averted her eyes. "Prue, please.." she begged.

However the sound of a crash from downstairs stopped the conversation from going any further. Phoebe wiped her eyes and scrambled to her feet as she and Prue ran from the room.

A/N: Dum de dum de dum...

ultimantegilmoregirl; thanks for the review, glad you liked the chap. I thought I'd add a bit of Paige/Prue as you seemed to like but also there might not be much coming up. About Prue being evil; only time will tell, lol...and I'm glad that on some level it makes you think. :o)

Thanks to all who reviewed, you all need a big ol' treat this halloween, lol.

Which actually leads me to my next point, I shall try to have the next update for ya all on HALLOWEEN...but only if my house doesn't get egged...and also if I decide to play with water and flour, that may delay me. Other than my utter pointless ramble, I have nothing more to say...so I'll typed to you soon.