Charmed: Another Halliwell

by Brenna's Urbangirl Projects

Summary: Buffy Summers is the daughter of Joyce and Hank Summers. Joyce was born Patience Joyce Halliwell she was Prue, Piper and Phoebe's aunt. When Joyce dies Buffy is left in the care of her cousins. Pairings: Prue, Piper, and Phoebe (and later Paige) canon pairings. Buffy/Dawn (Yes, Forbidden Sibling Love). A/U Set during and after Charmed Season 1 and Buffy season 1.

63. Chapter 63: Wrestling with Demons

Chapter 63: Wrestling with Demons

February 1, 1999 – Monday

San Francisco Police Department

Inspector Darryl Morris entered the dimly lit room, his footsteps echoing against the tiled floor. He carried a steaming cup of coffee, its rich aroma wafting through the air as he approached the table. Seated across from him was Mr. Chang, a man whose life had been unexpectedly thrust into the crosshairs of danger, as Phoebe had foreseen.

Perplexed and visibly concerned, Mr. Chang leaned forward, his gaze locked with Darryl's. His voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and apprehension, he posed the haunting question, "I don't get it. Who'd want to kill me?"

Darryl, his tone empathetic yet resolute, responded, "We're not sure, but our sources have reason to believe that your life is in imminent danger. We're offering you protective custody—"

Interrupting, Mr. Chang's skepticism seeped into his words, "Our sources? Are you implying some sort of government surveillance? Do you have people watching my every move?"

Seeking to clarify, Darryl leaned back, his weariness evident. "Mr. Chang, your picture appeared in the Metro section today."

With a touch of frustration, Mr. Chang retorted, "Because I planted some trees."

Exhaling a sigh, Darryl attempted to shed light on the gravity of the situation. "Mr. Chang, there have been four brutal murders in the past week. The only common thread is that each victim's photograph appeared in the Metro section on the day they were killed."

Mr. Chang's eyes widened in disbelief. "The mayor's in Metro today. Are you guys harassing him too?"

Firmly but compassionately, Darryl met Mr. Chang's gaze. "Mr. Chang, please understand that I am here to help you. We are trying to prevent a tragedy."

Expressing his innocence and confusion, Mr. Chang pleaded, "I don't have any money, I don't have any enemies. Why would anyone want to kill me? This is crazy."

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

In a secluded corner outside the room, Prue, Piper, and Phoebe engaged in a hushed conversation, their faces etched with concern. The weight of the situation hung heavily upon them as they contemplated the possible outcomes if Inspector Darryl Morris failed to persuade Mr. Chang to take protective measures.

Prue took charge, her voice steady but laced with urgency, as she posed the crucial question, "Alright, what do we do if Darryl can't convince him to lay low?"

Phoebe, her spirit reinvigorated and a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes, replied with conviction, "Oh, well, we follow him, and if a demon dares to attack, we'll unleash our wiccan powers and kick some serious ass."

Piper couldn't help but smile at her sister's newfound determination. "Look who's back and badder than ever."

Phoebe's voice brimmed with confidence as she responded, "It feels good to be back. It's the best way to put this whole Cole thing behind me."

Prue, observing the change in her sister's demeanor, remarked, "Well, that's quite a turnaround."

Puzzled, Phoebe inquired, "What do you mean?"

Prue elaborated, "It's just that, until last week, you were somewhat withdrawn, showing little interest in the demonic aspects of our lives. But now..."

Phoebe's smile widened as she interrupted, "I am back. Bad guys beware. Besides being kidnapped by a vampire kind of puts things in perspective."

Buffy, with a hint of exasperation, interjected, "And too bad we don't know who the bad guy is."

Phoebe concurred, her tone tinged with frustration, "Yeah, well, at least we know who his next victim is." Just then, Darryl emerged from the room, accompanied by Mr. Chang.

Prue greeted Darryl as he approached them. "Hey."

Returning the greeting, Darryl sighed, his weariness apparent. "Hey."

"So, did you get anything out of him?" Prue inquired.

Darryl's expression turned grim as he responded, "Just a migraine. That's about it."

Piper's voice carried a hint of disbelief, "So, what, you're just going to let him go?"

Darryl's tone was resigned as he replied, "I don't have a choice. He declined protection." He glanced over at Phoebe. "Phoebe, are you sure he's the guy you saw being attacked in your premonition?"

Phoebe's conviction never wavered as she confirmed, "Oh, yeah, and it happened at night too. We can't just let him go."

Prue, ever the strategist, took charge, suggesting, "Alright, then we need to split up into teams. The first one to spot a demon yells 'vanquish.' Come on." With determination in their eyes, she, Buffy and Darryl trailed behind Mr. Chang as they left the police station and entered a dimly lit alley. Prue couldn't help but express her frustration, "Ugh, innocents and alleys. Don't they ever learn?"

Darryl, understanding the risks, agreed with a nod. "Yeah, I know. Come on."

Their attention was suddenly seized as a figure emerged from the far corner, hurling a fireball at Mr. Chang. Reacting swiftly, Prue employed her powers, deflecting the fireball away from its intended target.

Startled, Mr. Chang exclaimed, "What the hell?" His gaze darted around, searching for the source of the disturbance.

A fireball formed in Buffy's hand and reacting swiftly she threw it at the figure. It missed by a mile but startled the figure enough to cause the figure to run off. She went to chase after the figure when she felt a hand on her arm causing her to turn and look at Prue.

Darryl, questioning the turn of events, asked urgently, "What happened? Why did you let him get away?"

Prue's voice carried a mix of shock and recognition as she explained, "I know that demon. I dated that demon."

February 2, 1999 – Tuesday

Halliwell Manor

In the conservatory, Phoebe, Buffy and Darryl sat at the table while Phoebe and Buffy pored over both Book of Shadows, searching for any relevant information.

Darryl observed Piper watering the plants, a concerned expression on his face. "I think they're lost, Piper," he said, his voice filled with empathy. "Dead."

Piper, her mind preoccupied, defended the plants. "No, they're not completely," she objected, her words slightly rushed.

"Piper waters when she's nervous," Buffy chimed in, her tone filled with amusement, revealing her deep familiarity with Piper's habits.

Darryl nodded, acknowledging Buffy's remark. "There's nothing to be nervous about," he reassured. "Mr. Chang is in protective custody."

Piper let out a sigh, her anxiety bubbling beneath the surface. "No, it's not him," she confessed. "It's the whole 'my boyfriend is a demon' thing. It kind of hits a nerve with all of us, and obviously I'm not that upset because I'm with Leo, who obviously is not..."

"Piper also babbles when she's nervous," Phoebe interjected, playfully teasing her sister.

"Much like Willow," Buffy interjected. I swear you could be her twin, Piper. That's if you had red hair."

Piper shot Phoebe and Buffy a playful glare. "I resent that," she said with a hint of a smile. "I am expressing a valid concern about this continuing issue in our lives."

Prue joined them, carrying a yearbook in her hands. "What are you babbling about?" she asked, intrigued by their conversation, while Phoebe and Buffy chuckled.

"You know, if I could freeze the three of you, I would, often," Piper remarked, her tone lighthearted yet tinged with affectionate exasperation.

Prue opened the yearbook, revealing a picture of the demon they were seeking. "Alright, so here's the demon we're looking for, or at least who he used to be. Tom Peters," she stated, her voice filled with a mix of nostalgia and determination.

"Wait, I didn't know you dated the captain of the college football team. How suburban," Phoebe teased, her words infused with playful curiosity.

Prue's expression turned more somber. "Yeah, he was a great guy," she reminisced.

Darryl chimed in, sharing his knowledge. "I remember Peters. He blew out his knee three weeks into his rookie year, about five, six years ago," he said. "Rumors about gambling debts and that whole scene. He's also a missing person. It never got closed. He just kind of disappeared."

"Leo!" Prue called out.

"More like went underground," Buffy suggested, her mind piecing together the fragments of the puzzle.

"I wonder if his mom still lives in town," Prue pondered aloud, her mind already formulating a plan. She headed towards the kitchen, determined to find answers. "Leo!"

"A woman on a mission?" Darryl asked, admiring Prue's determination.

"Mmm hmm," Phoebe affirmed, sharing her sister's drive to uncover the truth.

"I guess the captain of the football team was a bigger deal than we ever knew," Piper said as she, Buffy, Phoebe, and Darryl followed Prue into the kitchen. "Uh, Prue, are you sure we should pursue this?"

"Ask Phoebe. It was her premonition. Alright, where on earth is..." Prue retorted as Leo appeared in blue and white orbing lights. "Leo, what took you so long?"

"Hi," Leo greeted, offering a quick kiss to Piper. "I had... have a situation."

Piper's voice brimmed with concern. "Uh-oh, you mean an 'us' situation or a 'you' situation?" she asked, her worry tinged with a touch of playful banter. "Oh, don't tell me they've changed their minds about us getting married because if that is the case…"

"Then I will flame up there," Buffy interjected, defending Piper. "And give them a piece of my mind. I'm thankful when it came to that test they thought of me. But if they so much as think of taking you away from us…"

Leo shook his head, trying to explain. "It has nothing to do with them. It has to do with me. I sort of, kind of, lost the wedding ring," he confessed, a tinge of guilt evident in his voice.

Darryl couldn't help but chime in with a humorous remark. "Got a great ring guy downtown if you need one," he offered, lightening the tension in the room.

"He doesn't need one, he has a ring," Piper clarified, her tone filled with affectionate exasperation. "Mom's ring. I gave it to him so he could give it back to me at the perfect romantic moment."

Phoebe's playful remark took a more serious turn. "Wow, Leo, you lost Mom's ring," she said, her voice carrying a hint of concern. "It's a good thing you're dead already."

Buffy's eyebrows rose with a frown. "You lost Aunt Patty's ring?" she asked with tinge of disbelief. "I don't envy you right now, Dad."

Leo's expression displayed remorse, his eyes reflecting genuine regret. "I had it in my pocket, Piper," he explained, his voice filled with remorse. "All the orbing in and out..."

Piper's voice turned stern as she issued a warning. "Your orbs are grass if you do not find that ring," she told him, her words carrying a mixture of playfulness and genuine concern.

Amidst the banter and concern, Prue redirected the conversation to their primary mission. "Alright, hi. Before blood is spilled, can I just ask a business question?" she interjected, her voice commanding attention. "Is it possible to turn a human into a demon?"

Leo, ever the source of knowledge, offered his insights. "Well, there are rumors, stories about demons recruiting humans," he explained, his voice filled with authority.

Buffy's curiosity sparked as she contemplated the implications. "So, join the evil and see the underworld?"

"Kind of," Leo responded. "Apparently, the demons go after humans in need and strike your classic Faustian deal. But then the humans are forced into this training academy, a program that destroys their humanity."

Piper's realization cut through the conversation. "And turns them into demons," she concluded, her voice tinged with both concern and determination.

Leo confirmed her suspicions. "Right, and when the recruits graduate, they have to kill an innocent to seal the demonic conversion permanently," he clarified, his tone weighted with the gravity of the situation.

Darryl drew a parallel, offering his insight. "It's like gang initiation," he interjected, his voice filled with understanding. "You go out and kill the first person that you see, and you're in the gang."

Phoebe connected the dots, her tone filled with realization. "Well, that explains your four random killings," she said, a mix of understanding and concern in her voice. "Maybe it's graduation time at the academy."

Prue, driven by her determination to save Dawn's father, reassured them. "Well, if it is, Tom is one human they're not going to demonize," she declared, her voice carrying conviction.

Buffy's concern surfaced as she questioned the timeline. "Prue, how do you know we're not too late?" she asked, her voice filled with worry. "I mean, if we didn't get there on time and stop him..."

Prue's response carried a glimmer of hope. "He would have killed an innocent, and then it would have been too late. But we did stop him, so now we still have time to save him," she explained, her words laced with determination and resolve. "Alright, I'm going to talk to Tom's mother, see if she knows anything. Maybe you two could come up with, like, a spell to find him or something."

Buffy looked at Prue, needing to broach a topic that had been on her mind since her Cruciamentum. "Would you like some company?"

Prue nodded. "Sure," she said as he led the way toward the door.

Streets of San Francisco

"Prue," Buffy said from the passenger seat as Prue skillfully maneuvered the car down the street, distancing them from the Manor.

Glancing briefly at Buffy before fixing her eyes back on the road, Prue acknowledged, "I knew you wanted to talk to me. What's on your mind?"

Buffy's thoughts had been brewing since her birthday, ever since that troublesome Cruciamentum incident and their conversation with Travers. She mustered the courage to express her feelings, saying, "I've been reflecting on what you said. You referred to Phoebe, Piper, and me as the Charmed Ones, rather than the Charmed Ones and the Charmed Slayer."

Prue's emerald eyes flickered with thoughtful contemplation, never straying from the task of maneuvering the vehicle. As she nodded, her silky chestnut locks cascaded gracefully over her shoulders. "In my eyes, Buffy," she began, her voice carrying a hint of unwavering conviction, "you transcend the bounds of mere cousinhood. You are as much my sister as Phoebe and Piper. Your place among the Charmed Ones is undeniable."

The rhythmic hum of the engine underscored her words as Prue continued, her gaze focused intently on the road ahead. "So, I don't view you as the Charmed Slayer, but rather as a remarkable fusion—a Charmed One who also wields the power of a Slayer. The bonds that tie us run deeper than titles and designations. You, Buffy, are my sister in all but name."

A swell of gratitude surged within Buffy, mirroring the genuine warmth that radiated from her smile. She cherished the depth of their connection, fortified by Prue's resolute affirmation. "Thank you, Prue. Your unwavering belief and love mean everything to me."

Peters Residence

Mrs. Peters sat across from Prue and Buffy, her eyes filled with a mix of nostalgia and concern. As she gazed at Prue and Buffy, memories of her son's athletic prowess resurfaced, leaving a faint smile on her lips. "He was so fast," she reminisced, her voice tinged with a hint of pride. "His coach said he could have run track too, but all Tom cares about is football."

Prue maintained a sympathetic expression. Expressing her curiosity, she inquired, "I am sorry that we lost touch, but, um, what happened after he got hurt?"

A flicker of sadness crossed Mrs. Peters' face as she recalled those difficult times. "He was depressed. I understood," she replied, her voice filled with empathy.

Seeking clarity on the rumors surrounding Tom's troubles, Buffy cautiously asked, "So, the stories that we heard about his being in trouble..."

Mrs. Peters let out a tired sigh, dispelling any doubts. "The gambling rumors? Don't believe a word of it," she asserted. "No one ever came to me looking for money, and Mr. Kellman would have told me if there was a problem."

Curiosity piqued; Prue sought further information. "Mr. Kellman?" she inquired, her tone indicating her unfamiliarity with the name.

"He was his business manager," Mrs. Peters explained, a sense of gratitude evident in her voice. "He took such good care of Tom, and he was a wonderful help to me after Tom went away."

Thoughts swirled in Buffy's mind as she tried to piece together the puzzle. Turning her attention back to Mrs. Peters, she asked, "Mrs. Peters, what do you think happened?"

With unwavering faith in her son, Mrs. Peters responded, her voice filled with unwavering conviction. "I think Tom has some things to take care of, and he'll be home when he can," she said, her words carrying a mother's unshakeable belief. "I know it in my heart. My son's a good man."

Halliwell Manor

Phoebe and Piper were sitting at a table in the middle of the conservatory. The room was adorned with flickering candlelight, casting a soft glow that added an air of mystique. The sisters chanted an incantation, their voices intertwining with the gentle flickering of the flames. "Guiding spirits I ask your charity, lend me your focus and clarity. Lead me to the one I cannot find, restore that and my peace of mind."

Buffy and Prue entered the room, curiosity etched on their faces as they observed Piper and Phoebe. "Hey, what's all this?" Prue inquired.

Phoebe swiftly extinguished the lit candle, trying to downplay their intentions. "Oh, we were just trying to locate Tom, you know, with a little spell we created," she explained.

Piper, ever the realist, corrected Phoebe's claim. "You created."

Buffy raised an eyebrow, surprised at the speed with which they had concocted a ritual. "Wow, you came up with the whole ritual that fast?"

"Actually, not as fast as you would think," Piper said as Phoebe kicked her under the table.

"Well, thank you," Prue said as she smiled at her sisters. "I really appreciate you guys doing this for me."

"She didn't exactly do it for you," Piper said.

Phoebe, eager to change the subject, swiftly redirected the conversation. "What did Tom's mother say?"

"Poor lady," Buffy sighed. "She speaks of Tom as if he's only been gone for a week, not six years. And she genuinely believes he's coming back."

Piper interjected, seeking clarification. "Based on...?"

"Faith," Prue answered. "And I would like to prove her right."

Phoebe reassured Prue, emphasizing their commitment. "We're doing everything we can," she said earnestly.

Prue took a moment to reflect on their shared history of saving troubled individuals. "Yeah, and you know what?" she said with a glimmer of hope. "We've saved bad boys before. Remember the priest with the warlock brothers?"

Piper, however, voiced a note of caution. "Yeah, but Prue, he wanted to be saved," she countered. "Can we guarantee the same about Tom or any other demon-human mix...?"

Phoebe swiftly intervened, sensing the tension rising. "This is not about Cole, okay? That's a whole other subject."

Buffy, keenly observing the exchange, noticed the truth lingering beneath Piper's words, a truth only she and Phoebe had been aware of until now.

Piper acknowledged the underlying matter, affirming its importance. "One worth discussing," she added cryptically.

Confusion tinged Prue's voice as she tried to piece together the puzzle. "Are we missing something here?" she asked glancing at Buffy who shrugged.

"Yes..." Piper responded with a heavy sigh, acknowledging the unspoken reality of what Phoebe had done.

Phoebe nodded solemnly, the gravity of the situation etched on her face. "Yes, actually, we are missing Tom, and we really need to talk about him. So, if this spell works and we manage to find him, what do we do? Do we vanquish him?"

"Well, I'm hoping that it won't come to that," Prue said, her voice filled with both optimism and anxiety.

"Yeah, but what if it does, Prue?" Phoebe pressed, the worry evident in her eyes.

Their tense conversation was interrupted by a sudden loud bang at the door, startling them all.

"What was that?" Prue inquired, trying to divert attention from the somber topic.

"You changing the subject," Phoebe retorted, her frustration mixed with concern, as they all realized the challenge that lay ahead and the emotions that swirled within them.

With a mix of curiosity and apprehension, they ventured into the foyer and swung open the front door. Prue's hand instinctively reached for the newspaper lying on the ground. As her eyes scanned the headlines, a puzzled expression crossed her face. "Huh, alright, since when did they start delivering newspapers in the afternoon?"

Flipping through the pages, they quickly noticed something amiss. All the pictures had vanished, leaving only empty spaces behind. A sense of unease settled in the air.

"Since they started taking out all the pictures," Buffy chimed in, her voice tinged with a hint of wonder, yet an undercurrent of concern.

Phoebe's eyes widened with a mix of fascination and admiration. "Wow, it's a pretty cool spell if I do say so myself."

Piper nodded, her brow furrowed with worry. "Yeah, except what is it telling us? What's the hidden message within these blank images?"

Phoebe turned her attention to the Metro section and her gaze locked onto a photograph of a woman. "Oh, that. 'Claudia Gibson will discuss the mayor's position on Net News Live today at 2:00.' Which is ten minutes ago." She swiftly retreated back inside, the urgency in her movements palpable.

"Hmm? Our next innocent?" Piper's voice carried a mix of concern and determination.

Prue nodded grimly, her eyes clouded with worry. "As in Tom's next victim."

Phoebe emerged from the house, gripping the car keys tightly. "Keys."

Buffy couldn't help but roll her eyes at Phoebe's occasional flightiness. "Sometimes I wonder about you, Pheebs."

Phoebe responded with an eye-roll of her own as she, Prue and Piper joined hands with Buffy, their collective resolve evident. In an instant, they vanished in a swirl of fiery flames.

City Hall

The tension in the air was palpable as Claudia walked towards her car, seemingly unaware of the danger lurking behind her in the form of Tom. In the shadows, Buffy, Prue, Piper, and Phoebe emerged from around the corner of the building, their hearts racing in anticipation of the impending confrontation.

Just as Tom hurled a deadly fireball at Claudia, they sprang into action, driven by their instincts to protect the innocent. Piper's wrist flicked with a surge of emotion, freezing the fireball in its tracks, saving Claudia from certain doom. They rushed over to the woman, their concern etched on their faces.

"Well, we didn't bring a vanquish, but if we throw him into the street that might do the trick," Piper said, her voice a mixture of frustration and determination, grappling with the weight of their predicament.

Prue shook her head, her emotions torn between mercy and the need to safeguard others. "We are not gonna vanquish him."

"Prue, he almost killed that woman," Phoebe interjected, her voice heavy with both fear and anger, unable to ignore the gravity of Tom's actions.

"Prue, as much as I want to save him. They're right, he may be too far gone," Buffy said, her empathy at odds with the reality they faced.

Prue's resolve wavered for a moment, the emotions within her evident in her conflicted expression. "Almost, but didn't." With a wave of her hand, she telekinetically sent the fireball hurtling into a nearby car, releasing the pent-up tension, but also recognizing the potential danger that still lurked within Tom. "Alright, we need to get him home."

"Wha- our home? You're voluntarily bringing a demon back to our home?" Phoebe's incredulous question mirrored the apprehension in all their hearts, unsure of the implications of such a decision.

Halliwell Manor

In the dimly lit attic, emotions swirled like a tempest as Buffy and Prue delved into both Book of Shadows, desperately searching for a solution. Meanwhile, Tom, bound to a chair, struggled relentlessly, his fierce determination evident in every futile attempt to break free.

The atmosphere grew tense as Piper and Phoebe entered the room, their gazes locked on the restrained and dangerous foe. Without hesitation, Piper flicked her wrist, freezing Tom in place, an outward manifestation of the turmoil within her heart.

"Did you find anything yet?" Piper inquired, her voice a mixture of hope and anxiety, her eyes pleading for some glimmer of a solution.

Buffy shook her head with a heavy heart.

"Not yet," Prue replied, her frustration evident as she combed through the pages of ancient wisdom.

Piper's voice carried a blend of determination and weariness. "Well, while we're waiting, this would be a good time to discuss something," she suggested, a solemn realization weighing on her mind.

As the phone rang downstairs, Phoebe attempted to divert Piper's attention from the impending discussion. "Oh, phone. Piper'll get it," she offered, a faint attempt to keep their focus away from Piper revealing to Prue that she had in reality not vanquished Cole.

Piper, however, resisted the distraction, her heart aching with the weight of what needed to be addressed. "Nope. Machine, remember?" she responded, the urgency of the situation pushing her to confront their deeper concerns.

"Dad was right," Buffy interjected, her eyes never looking her book.

"About what?" Phoebe questioned, curious and eager for any insights.

"About the demonic training academy. It's right here in my Book," Buffy revealed, her emotions warring between the grim reality and the hope for an answer.

Phoebe's eyes widened in surprise, trying to process the revelation. "Oh, really?" she replied, taken aback by the newfound information.

Prue, drawn by the gravity of Buffy's discovery, moved closer to her and peered into Buffy's Book. Her eyes scanned the ominous words, and her voice trembled slightly as she spoke. "A brutal training program which destroys humanity and renders the subject demonic," she read aloud. "Alright, so if Tom is completely demonic, he'll have a brand on his arm with six chevrons."

Piper carefully tugged up Tom's sleeve, her hands trembling slightly as she unveiled the markings on his arm. Five chevrons stared back at them, a sight that offered a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. "He's only got five," she announced, her voice filled with both relief and concern.

Prue's smile conveyed a mix of triumph and cautious optimism. "Good, that means he's not fully converted," she remarked, her eyes shining with a flicker of hope for Tom's redemption.

Phoebe's expression turned somber as she considered the implications. "We better vanquish him while we can," she urged, her voice tinged with a blend of urgency and a desire to prevent further harm.

Buffy, her voice laden with empathy, interjected, her words heavy with an emotional reminder. "You know, when Cole was the hybrid in question, you were all about saving him," she pointed out, her tone gentle yet questioning, seeking to stir their memories of compassion.

"Excellent point," Piper conceded, her voice filled with a mixture of admiration and introspection, realizing the parallels in their past decisions.

Phoebe let out a weary sigh, her gaze reflective. "Yes, well, I learned from my mistake," she confessed, her tone laced with regret and growth, the weight of past choices bearing down on her.

Piper raised an eyebrow, curious to delve deeper into Phoebe's statement. "And which mistake was that?" she inquired, a blend of concern and curiosity evident in her eyes.

"Believing that I could save a demon," Phoebe answered with a hint of resignation, her voice tinged with a touch of sorrow and self-realization, acknowledging the harsh lessons life had taught her.

"Hmm. Well, like I said before, this is different," Prue chimed in, her voice firm yet compassionate, addressing the complexities of the situation. She approached Tom as he unfroze, her steps filled with purpose. "Tom, look at me. Do you remember me from college?" she asked, her eyes locking with his, desperately searching for any flicker of recognition or humanity within him.

As the tension reached its peak, a fireball materialized in both Tom's and Buffy's hands simultaneously, fueling the air with danger. The two fireballs clashed mid-air, causing an explosive collision that reverberated through the room. Buffy's firm voice rang out, a reminder of her own strength. "Don't try that again," she warned. "You're not the only one who can throw those things."

A subtle mix of curiosity and concern swirled in Piper's voice as she pondered the significance of Tom's reaction. "Hmm, does that mean he remembers you or he doesn't?" she mused, her brow furrowing with uncertainty. Just then, the doorbell chimed, interrupting their contemplation. Piper's anxiety grew. "What is going on down there?" she wondered aloud, her voice laced with a tinge of apprehension.

Prue, ever the pragmatic one, offered a solution. "Why don't you guys go and find out?" she suggested, her tone assertive.

Phoebe hesitated, her protective instincts kicking in. "And leave you alone with him?" she questioned, a touch of worry seeping into her words, aware of the potential danger lurking in the room.

Prue reassured them, her voice steady and resolute. "I can handle him, it's okay," she asserted.

Buffy, displaying her own strength and resolve, chimed in, extending her support. "I'll stay, guys. We'll be fine," she offered, her voice filled with both determination and a touch of reassurance, understanding the importance of Prue's conversation with Tom.

As Piper and Phoebe made their way downstairs, uncertainty hung in the air, leaving Prue alone with the enigmatic figure tied to the chair. A hint of defiance colored Tom's words as he attempted to dismiss the threat they posed. "You two don't scare me. I've been trained to deal with witches," he taunted, his voice layered with a mixture of false bravado and misplaced confidence.

Prue shook her head, memories of their past connection resurfacing. "I'd forgotten how proud you were when we knew each other," she reflected, her voice tinged with a touch of nostalgia, tempered by the weight of the present situation.

Tom's response was cold, devoid of any recognition. "I've forgotten you completely," he retorted, his words striking a chord of hurt within Prue's heart, evoking a mixture of disappointment and sorrow.

Determined to break through the walls he had erected, Prue confronted him with a gentle yet firm accusation. "You don't want to tell us what happened because you don't want to admit how badly you screwed up," she asserted, her voice carrying a blend of understanding and a plea for honesty, hoping to reach the remnants of his humanity.

Tom's denial rang out, echoing through the room. "I didn't," he stated defiantly, his words a shield against the truth, a reflection of the internal struggle he faced.

Prue's words cut through the air like a knife, her emotions raw and evident as she confronted Tom. "It's obvious. While you were still human, you were stupid enough to enter into some demonic contract," she said, her voice laced with a mix of frustration and sadness, grappling with the painful truth that lay before them.

Tom's retort was sharp and dismissive. "I was never human," he insisted, his words carrying a bitter edge that belied the confusion lurking within.

Buffy, refusing to accept his denial, shook her head, her voice imploring. "You had to have been. Otherwise, you wouldn't have made it into the academy," she reasoned, her tone tinged with a touch of desperation, seeking to break through the wall he had erected around his past.

Tom's raised eyebrow only served to heighten the tension. "Yes, we know about the academy. We know about the chevrons. We also know that you haven't killed your innocent, yet," Buffy revealed, her emotions churning with a mix of concern and a faint glimmer of hope.

"I will," Tom declared, his words carrying the weight of his allegiance to Kellman and the darkness that loomed over him.

Prue, unwavering in her determination to protect the innocent, shook her head resolutely. "You'll have to get past us first," she asserted, her voice firm yet tinged with a hint of sadness, knowing the battle that lay ahead for Tom's soul.

Tom's expression was filled with conflict, torn between the forces that held him captive. "Kellman'll kill us all if I don't," he revealed, his voice tinged with both fear and resignation, trapped in a deadly web of choices.

"Kellman," Prue muttered, recognizing the name from their earlier conversation with Tom's mother. Her emotions brimming with compassion, she desperately tried to reach the person he once was. "Tom, I know who you are, the person that you were, alright, and I know that somewhere in there it still exists," she pleaded, holding out a glimmer of hope to him. She picked up her college yearbook, her fingers trembling slightly, and showed him his own picture. "This is who you are, alright? This is who your mother is waiting for," she implored, her voice a lifeline in the darkness that had consumed him.

Amidst the tension, Buffy's fiery defiance flared up, her emotions entangled with her powers. "Vanquish me, or I will kill you, witches," Tom challenged, his voice a mix of despair and desperation.

"Are you really ready to die?" Buffy questioned, a fireball forming in her hand, her emotions warring within her, torn between the desire to protect and the need to find another way. "I doubt it," she added, her voice a plea for him to reconsider.

Prue frowned, her concern evident as she stepped in to prevent any rash actions. "Buffy," she warned, her voice tinged with caution.

"Just making a point," Buffy said, her emotions still raw, her heart weighed down by the choices they faced, each decision entwined with the potential for redemption or destruction.

A mixture of determination and compassion filled Prue's eyes as she nodded resolutely. "Neither is going to happen, alright?" she asserted, her voice steady but underscored with a sense of urgency and conviction, determined to find a way to break the vicious cycle that had ensnared Tom.

Her gaze locked onto Tom, Prue's heartache palpable as she addressed him directly. "I am going to save you from yourself whether you like it or not," she declared, her voice tinged with emotion, a fierce determination to rescue him from the darkness that threatened to consume him. With a graceful gesture, she telekinetically loosened the ropes that bound him.

Leaving the attic, Prue's steps carried a mix of purpose and vulnerability, her emotions raw and exposed, her heart burdened by the weight of their predicament. Buffy's frown mirrored her own inner turmoil as she hurriedly followed Prue, sensing the gravity of the situation and the bravery it took to face the challenges ahead.

"What the heck, Prue!" Buffy exclaimed, her voice a blend of concern and frustration, but also a deep appreciation for the profound love and dedication Prue displayed.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Buffy's voice trembled with concern as she attempted to coax the truth from Prue. "Prue, you want too..." she started, her words trailing off, her voice heavy with a mix of curiosity and worry, desperately wanting to understand Prue's motivations behind freeing Tom.

As they entered the kitchen, the sight that greeted them evoked a shared sense of awe. The room was cluttered with an overwhelming assortment of objects, leaving them momentarily speechless. "Whoa," Buffy uttered, her voice filled with a mix of surprise and wonder.

Prue, her mind still preoccupied with her recent actions, attempted to gather her thoughts and share her plan. However, her own astonishment mirrored Buffy's as she took in the chaotic mess. "Okay, so I think I have an idea of how to..." Prue began, her words faltering as the reality of the situation sank in. "Whoa," she repeated, her voice a whisper of disbelief.

Phoebe, her tone tinged with a touch of amusement, revealed the cause of the chaotic clutter. "My lost and found spell's a little too enthusiastic," she confessed, her emotions mixed with a hint of self-deprecation, recognizing the unintended consequences of her magic.

Piper's voice carried a hint of exasperation as she explained the extent of the situation. "We're finding stuff all over the house. It's endless," she lamented, her frustration apparent in her words, aware of the challenge they faced in restoring order.

Darryl, standing nearby, interjected with a touch of skepticism, his voice tinged with concern. "I don't mean to sound paranoid, but after all these years I think I've earned that right. How do you know your spell is not gonna find demons that you've already vanquished?" he questioned, his emotions reflecting a mix of wariness and the need for caution.

"Oh, you mean like Belthazor," Piper suggested, looking pointedly at Phoebe.

Prue, refocusing on their pressing matters, shook her head with determination. "Okay, one demon at a time. Did you get anything on Tom?" she inquired, her voice carrying a sense of urgency, her eyes filled with a blend of hope and trepidation.

Darryl handed Prue the missing persons file, his expression reflecting a mix of sympathy and concern. "Just a missing persons file," he revealed, his voice laden with the weight of the truth they had uncovered.

Prue's eyes scanned the file, her heart pounding as she sought more information. "Alright, anything on a man named Kellman?" she pressed, her voice barely audible as the sound of the front door slamming shut pierced the air, interrupting their conversation.

The sudden noise caught them off guard, their emotions shifting to high alert, each of them grappling with the uncertainty of what lay beyond the closed door. "What was that?" Piper questioned.

A mixture of disbelief and frustration washed over Buffy's face as she looked at Prue. "That would be Tom escaping," she revealed, her voice carrying a sense of disappointment, directed not just at the situation but also at her sister's decision.

Phoebe's surprise was evident as she processed the revelation. "What?" she exclaimed, her emotions mirroring her shock, grappling with the implications of Prue's actions.

Seeking answers, Buffy's voice was tinged with urgency and concern. "That's what I want to know," she pressed, her eyes locking onto Prue's, seeking an explanation for the seemingly reckless move.

Prue, her expression a mix of determination and vulnerability, stepped forward to take responsibility for her actions. "Yeah, I loosened his ropes. I'm hoping to track him down to the demon that turned him, break him, break his hold on Tom," she revealed, her voice a blend of determination and desperation, her heart heavy with the weight of the risk she had taken.

Her focus shifting back to Darryl, Prue's emotions were palpable as she implored for any information that could aid her in their mission. "Anything that you can get me on Kellman I'd appreciate, okay?" she requested, her voice tinged with both gratitude and hope, understanding the vital role Darryl could play in their search.

Phoebe's voice was tinged with resignation as she realized the urgency of their situation. "Alright, I guess we're going now," she said, her emotions intertwined with a sense of determination to help her sister, even if it meant facing dangerous adversaries.

Piper, ever the pragmatic one, raised a crucial point. "Shouldn't we reverse the spell first?" she questioned, her voice carrying a touch of concern, aware of the potential consequences of leaving the lost and found spell unresolved.

As they left the kitchen, the room seemed to come alive with an eerie wind, stirring unease in Darryl's heart.

Kellman's Office / Demonic Training Academy

Tom's footsteps echoed in the corridors, each step laden with determination as he made his way to Kellman's office. Behind him, Buffy, Prue, Piper, and Phoebe followed at a distance, their hearts pounding with a whirlwind of emotions, their shared mission driving them forward.

Amidst the tension, Prue turned to Buffy, Piper and Phoebe, her eyes filled with resolve and hope. "Alright, you ready?" she asked, her voice tinged with both determination and vulnerability, aware of the risks and the profound implications of their actions.

Phoebe, still trying to grasp the intricacies of their plan, questioned Prue's intentions. "Ready for what?" she asked, her emotions a mix of confusion and anticipation, trying to comprehend the true extent of Prue's plan.

Prue's smile was tinged with a sense of purpose as she offered an answer that resonated with her deep sense of compassion. "To save him," she replied, her voice carrying the weight of the responsibility she had taken upon herself, determined to break the hold that Kellman had on Tom.

The four sisters entered Kellman's office with a mixture of caution and determination, searching for any sign of Tom. The room appeared empty, perplexing Buffy and Prue. "Where'd he go?" Buffy inquired, her voice edged with concern and a raised eyebrow, struggling to understand how Tom could have vanished from their sight.

Prue shared in Buffy's confusion, her emotions tangled with worry and a sense of urgency. "Doesn't make any sense. If he could vanish, he would have done it before," she mused, her thoughts racing to unravel the mystery that lay before them.

Piper's unease was palpable as she confessed her apprehensions. "I got a bad feeling about this," she admitted, her emotions swirling with a mixture of fear and determination to protect those she loved.

Buffy's intuition, honed through her experiences as a Slayer, echoed Piper's sentiment. "So do I. My spidey sense is going off," she acknowledged, her emotions reflecting her heightened awareness of the danger that lurked in the shadows.

As they began to piece together the puzzle, Piper picked up a soccer ball left behind, her emotions a mix of confusion and curiosity. "This is weird. So Kellman poses as a human and then what? Gives athletes a way out of their problems?" she pondered aloud, her voice laden with intrigue.

Phoebe nodded in agreement, her understanding deepening. "Yeah, a demonic way out," she confirmed, her voice tinged with sadness and realization, knowing that Kellman's supposed solutions came at a sinister cost.

Buffy's question hung in the air, her voice a mix of hope and concern as she turned to Phoebe, seeking a solution in the face of uncertainty. "Alright, what about your lost and found spell? Do you think you could rewrite it to find Tom?" she inquired.

Phoebe's eyes sparkled with a glimmer of determination as she considered Buffy's request. "Maybe," she replied thoughtfully, her voice tinged with both uncertainty and a sense of hope. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before beginning the chant, her words infused with raw emotion. "Uh, how about… Show me the path that I cannot find, to save Tom and restore Prue's peace of mind," she chanted, her heart pouring into the spell, hoping it would lead them to Tom.

As if responding to Phoebe's earnest plea, an elevator materialized on the wall nearby, leaving Piper and Prue astonished. "Oh, whoa," Piper exclaimed in surprise, her emotions a mix of shock and admiration for her sister's magical prowess.

Prue's smile radiated a mix of pride and gratitude as she praised Phoebe. "Way to go, Pheebs," she complimented, her voice laced with warmth and affection, acknowledging the magical achievement and the unwavering support they gave each other.

Amidst the excitement, Piper couldn't help but voice her concerns. "Remind me again why we are doing this," she questioned, her emotions a blend of trepidation and love, struggling to reconcile the dangers they faced with the unyielding drive to save those in need.

Phoebe's smile held a hint of playful mischief as she teased her sister gently. "Because your sisters have a thing for saving bad boys," she quipped, her words filled with both fondness and a touch of self-awareness, aware of the pattern they sometimes fell into.

Piper's frown deepened, her emotions wrestling with the weight of responsibility. "If I die before I get married, I'm gonna be really mad at the three of you," she stated with a mixture of humor and seriousness, her love for them evident in her words.

Buffy looked at Piper sympathetically, understanding the weight of her words and the bonds that held them together. She turned to Prue and Phoebe, her voice echoing Piper's sentiment. "So will I," she affirmed, her emotions blending with theirs, a reminder of the deep bond they shared.

Together, they entered the elevator, the doors closing behind them as they began their descent.

The sight that greeted them in the underground cavern left Phoebe's heart pounding in her chest. "Oh god," she whispered, her emotions a mix of shock and trepidation as the elevator doors opened to reveal the unexpected training ground, complete with a wrestling ring. The cavern's eerie atmosphere sent shivers down her spine, leaving her feeling unnerved and uncertain about what lay ahead.

Piper's voice wavered with a touch of fear as she voiced her concerns. "Okay," she interjected, her emotions heavy with a sense of foreboding. "I'd still like to point out that I have a really bad feeling about this," she admitted, her instincts screaming for caution.

Buffy, too, was on edge, her emotions mirroring Piper's unease. "My spidey sense just shot through the roof," she quipped, trying to break the tension with a hint of humor, but her concern remained palpable as they stepped out of the elevator.

Their eyes widened in disbelief as they saw demons wrestling in the ring. The unexpected scene left Prue speechless, her emotions swirling with surprise and confusion. "What the...?" she muttered, struggling to make sense of the bizarre situation before her.

The gravity of the danger became apparent to Phoebe, who felt a sense of dread wash over her. "Oh, no," she whispered, her voice trembling with fear and worry for their safety.

As the demons continued to grapple in the ring, a sense of menace hung in the air. The tension escalated when a wrestler boasted, "I'm the man!" and pinned his opponent to the mat. Just as a hole opened up beneath the defeated wrestler, the others gasped, witnessing the horrifying sight of the fallen demon being consumed by the fiery depths below.

With Kellman's sinister presence lingering, Tom stepped into the ring, causing Prue's heart to ache at the sight of her friend ensnared in darkness. "Tom," she called out, her voice filled with concern and compassion, her instinct driving her to reach out to him.

But Buffy, Phoebe, and Piper, held her back, their touch a mixture of love and protectiveness. They understood the danger that lay ahead.

"Hey, hey, hey, hey!" Piper's voice cut through the uncertainty, her words tinged with concern and urgency, trying to halt Phoebe's impulse to retreat.

"Where you going?" Buffy's inquiry carried the weight of their shared mission, a reminder of the dangerous path they had embarked upon.

"Whoa!" Phoebe exclaimed, her emotions a whirlwind of fear and doubt, her heart torn between the desire to protect her sisters and the need to consider their own safety.

Piper's voice trembled with a mix of worry and disbelief. "Are you nuts?" she questioned, her love for her sisters evident in her concern.

Phoebe nodded, her heart heavy with the burden of their predicament. "Maybe we need to go back up top and rethink this whole thing," she suggested, her voice reflecting a mixture of vulnerability and a desire to find a safer solution.

But Prue's emotions were etched with a sense of determination, her heart torn between the responsibility to protect the innocent and the danger they faced. "Oh, well, you know what, Phoebe?" she said, her voice tinged with frustration. "That would be such a great plan if Tom weren't seconds away from annihilation."

Phoebe sighed, the weight of their choices bearing down on her. "Okay, so we're supposed to risk our lives to save a demon? Of course, it's okay now that it's your demon, right?" she questioned, her words laced with a mix of frustration and resentment.

"The thing is, isn't it silly for the four of us to sacrifice ourselves for one guy, whatever kind of guy he was?" Buffy's question lingered in the air, her voice reflecting the inner conflict they all felt.

Prue let out a sigh, her emotions raw and exposed. "Alright, what kind of witches would we be if we started playing the odds, if we started picking and choosing our innocents? I mean, this is what we do, isn't it?" Her voice carried a mix of determination and vulnerability, her conviction stemming from a deep sense of duty and the belief in the importance of their mission.

"Then let's do it," Phoebe said, her voice resolute as she made her decision, embracing the risks that lay ahead.

Prue's smile held a bittersweet mixture of love and resolve as she nodded in agreement. "Okay," she said, her voice carrying the weight of the sacrifices they might have to make, but also the strength of their bond and their unwavering dedication to the greater good.

"But..." Buffy and Piper began to counter, their emotions a mix of concern and desperation, knowing the dangerous game they were playing.

"Tom!" Prue called out, her voice filled with urgency and determination, hoping to reach her friend and break through the darkness that surrounded him.

As the demons charged toward them, Piper acted swiftly, flicking her wrist and freezing them in place. The room was now eerily silent, with only Kellman, Tom, and the wrestler remaining unfrozen. Kellman, the mastermind behind the sinister plot, conjured a deadly ball with blades hovering near Tom's vulnerable neck, his voice laced with sadistic arrogance.

"Your little parlor tricks may work on some of the newer boys, but the rest of us will be a little tougher," Kellman taunted, his voice dripping with malice and superiority. The sight of eight chevrons on his arm served as a chilling reminder of the malevolence they faced. "You girls are way out of your league down here. You have no idea."

Prue's voice was steady, her emotions a mixture of determination and concern as she confronted Kellman. "Well, we know that you have a deadline, Mr. Kellman," she asserted, her voice tinged with defiance, refusing to back down in the face of his threats. "Time to deliver your recruits?"

Kellman's response was a sinister smirk, his dark eyes gleaming with malevolence. "And you think you can stop me, hmm?" he taunted, relishing the confrontation. "Think you can save him? I kind of admire that level of arrogance."

Prue's smile held a glimmer of courage and resilience. "Thanks. We kind of like to think of it as confidence," she replied, her voice firm and unwavering, her spirit unyielding in the face of evil.

Kellman's dismissive words couldn't break Prue's resolve. "Well, get over it. He's lost," he declared, his cold-hearted demeanor underscoring the grim fate that awaited Tom.

Yet, amidst the darkness, Tom found a voice, standing by the decision he had made. "I made a deal. I stand by it," he asserted, his voice tinged with resignation, a reminder of the hold Kellman had on him.

The ball at Tom's neck vanished as he moved to stand next to Kellman, his surrender to the darkness evident. Kellman's smirk widened with sadistic pleasure. "Now, you see that? Now, that's what I call a quick recovery, huh?" he gloated, relishing in Tom's transformation. "Knocked the humanity right out of him, and we got a perfect kill for him too," he boasted, a chilling indication of his cruel intent.

Tensions soared in the underground cavern as Piper's words echoed with a mix of defiance and desperation. "Uh, not if we put him on ice," she declared, her voice trembling slightly, her emotions a whirlwind of fear and determination. With a flick of her wrist, she froze Tom, her heart heavy with the knowledge that this was the only way to prevent further harm.

Buffy couldn't help but smirk at Kellman's frustration, her emotions a blend of satisfaction and apprehension. "Kind of hard to make him kill an innocent now, huh?" she taunted, her bravado masking the anxiety she felt.

Kellman's demand to unfreeze Tom met with resistance, and Buffy's smile widened. "I don't think so," she retorted, her voice carrying a touch of defiance and a glimmer of hope that they might have the upper hand.

Piper stood her ground as Kellman approached, her emotions a tumultuous mix of fear and determination. "Ah! If anything happens to me, he's gonna stay that way," she warned, the tremor in her voice revealing the weight of her words.

The uncertainty in the air was palpable as Phoebe whispered to Buffy, Piper and Prue, seeking reassurance and guidance. "Is that true?" she inquired softly, her voice filled with worry and a touch of desperation.

Buffy, Piper, and Prue exchanged knowing glances, their eyes reflecting a profound understanding of the dangerous game they were playing. "Doesn't matter if it is," Buffy whispered back, her voice laced with a sense of conviction. "As long as Kellman believes it to be true."

Kellman, ever the manipulator, tried to call their bluff, but uncertainty flickered in his eyes. "You're bluffing," he asserted, his voice tinged with arrogance and suspicion.

"Are we?" Buffy questioned, her tone challenging, yet tinged with a hint of vulnerability. She held her ground, her emotions a tumultuous mix of fear and determination, knowing that their bluff might be their only hope to protect Tom and themselves.

Kellman paused, his calculating gaze assessing the situation, and then he relented, acknowledging the potential consequences of underestimating the Charmed Ones and the Charmed Slayer. "I'm listening," he finally conceded, his voice holding a touch of begrudging respect, though the danger was far from over.

Prue's bold proposal hung in the air, her voice laced with determination and sacrifice. "Alright, how about four witches, one of which happens to be a Slayer, in exchange for Tom's soul?" she suggested, her words carrying the weight of a desperate gamble.

The surprise and concern on Phoebe and Buffy's faces mirrored the tumult of emotions they felt. They couldn't fathom the risks Prue was willing to take, the lengths she was prepared to go for Tom. "Prue!" they exclaimed simultaneously, their voices filled with a mixture of shock and worry.

But Prue remained resolute, her focus solely on the plan she had set in motion. She continued speaking, addressing neither Piper's nor Buffy's concerns. "If we win, we get Tom back," she explained, her voice steady and unwavering. "If we lose, you get Tom and the four of us. Risk one to gain five."

Phoebe and Buffy exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting their growing unease. The weight of the impending challenge loomed over them, their hearts heavy with the potential consequences.

"You really think you can win in the ring?" Kellman questioned, a glint of amusement in his eyes.

Prue nodded, her confidence shining through the uncertainty. "Well, you know, we don't really have much of a choice," she admitted, her voice tinged with determination. "But if we do win, we don't go into the training program. We go free."

Kellman's smile revealed a mix of satisfaction and curiosity. "Did your homework," he mused, his voice dripping with a calculated appreciation. "Okay, you got a deal. You win, you go free. But if you lose, you die. I can't control what happens in the ring, only the Source can."

Prue's acceptance was resolute, her emotions tightly held within. "Understood," she acknowledged, her voice steady and composed.

Buffy, Piper, and Phoebe pulled Prue aside, their concern etched on their faces. They could no longer ignore the growing unease that permeated their thoughts and instincts.

"Hey, you know that bad feeling I was talking about? It's getting stronger," Piper confessed, her voice trembling with fear and uncertainty.

"My spidey sense is not getting any better, Prue. On top of that, I'm beginning to wig out," Buffy added, her voice filled with a mix of vulnerability and anxiety.

Prue's gaze softened as she met their worried eyes. "Alright, you need to stay here and keep Tom frozen, okay?" she instructed Piper, her voice gentle yet firm. Turning to Buffy, she continued, her voice laden with a sense of protectiveness. "Buffy, stay with Piper, keep her safe."

Emotions ran high in the dimly lit underground cavern as Piper voiced her frustration, her words laced with a mix of annoyance and fear. "I hate this crappy freezing power!" she groaned.

Prue's voice cut through the tension, her determination evident even in the face of their limited effectiveness. "Okay, our powers seem to have a limited effect on these guys. So we're gonna have to outmaneuver them," she stated, her voice carrying a touch of optimism and resilience.

Phoebe chimed in with a dash of humor, her attempt to lighten the heavy atmosphere. "And outsmart them and keep our shoulders off the mat. Piece of cake," she quipped, her words carrying a mix of bravado and uncertainty.

But Buffy's sigh betrayed her worry, her emotions raw and exposed. "Be careful," she implored, her voice filled with concern for her sisters. The weight of the impending challenge weighed heavily on her heart, the fear of losing those she loved driving her to keep them safe.

"Always am," Prue responded, offering a small smile to Buffy. The gesture held a shared understanding between them, as they both knew Buffy's deepest fears. For Buffy, losing anyone she cared about was a haunting prospect, and watching her, Piper or Phoebe face danger was a special kind of torment.

"So I guess we're as ready as we're ever gonna be," Prue continued, her voice tinged with determination, trying to remain optimistic despite the odds stacked against them.

But amidst the tension, Phoebe decided it was now or never to reveal the truth about Cole. Her voice held a hint of urgency, knowing that time was of the essence. "Uh, Prue, there's one more thing," she said, her words carefully chosen as she broached the sensitive topic.

"Now? Now is your perfect moment?" Piper interjected, her voice carrying a mix of surprise and exasperation. The realization dawned on her that Phoebe was about to share a significant revelation, and she worried about the timing.

"Piper, we might die in there," Phoebe explained, her emotions a whirlwind of uncertainty and a desire to ensure that Prue knew the truth.

"That doesn't mean you should tell her now," Piper responded, her protectiveness for Prue evident in her words.

But Prue's curiosity got the better of her, her emotions now tinged with both concern and curiosity. "Okay, tell me what?" she questioned, her voice holding a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.

Phoebe's admission hung in the air like a weighty secret, her voice filled with a mix of guilt and vulnerability. "Cole is still alive. I never really vanquished him," she confessed, her words revealing a hidden truth that she had carried for too long.

Prue's surprise was evident in her voice, her emotions a swirl of shock and confusion. "What?" she exclaimed, struggling to process the revelation.

Kellman's sinister smirk only added to the tension, his voice dripping with malevolence. "By the way, since your witches, I think it's only fair that I even the playing field," he taunted, his words a chilling reminder of the danger they faced. Two formidable wrestlers emerged from the shadows, towering over them like giants.

Their intimidating presence was undeniable, and one of the wrestlers wasted no time boasting about his strength. "You look at this face!" he roared. "This is the face of pain, and I'm the bringer of pain! And I'm gonna destroy you! You can cry for mercy, but I don't know the meaning of the word!"

Prue's eyes rolled in exasperation, her emotions a mix of annoyance and amusement amidst the perilous situation. "Alright, and people think this is entertainment," she muttered, her voice tinged with sarcasm.

Phoebe reached out to Prue, seeking a connection amidst the turmoil, her emotions wavering between hope and anxiety. "Prue..." she began, trying to bridge the gap that had grown between them.

But Prue pulled away, her emotions on edge, a wall of distance erected between her and Phoebe. "Ooh!" she exclaimed, her voice holding a touch of hurt, her actions betraying the rift that had formed between them.

Phoebe's hopefulness dwindled, replaced by a sense of uncertainty and remorse. "Are we okay?" she asked, her voice filled with a yearning for reconciliation.

Buffy sighed, empathizing with the tension between them, her emotions mirroring the weight of their shared history. She glanced at Prue. They had done no better when it came to Angel than Phoebe had with Cole. Prue had reluctantly kept her secret till Xander had found out and she had been forced to tell everyone. Phoebe and Piper had been disappointed in her to say the least.

"Not by a long shot," Prue answered, her voice heavy with unresolved emotions. "Look, Phoebe, if you waited till now to tell me about Cole in hopes that we would die and you wouldn't have to deal with me, you have another thing coming." Her words were raw and unfiltered, reflecting the hurt and betrayal she felt. The fear of losing each other had only intensified the impact of Phoebe's confession, leaving their relationship in shambles.

The air crackled with tension as Buffy attempted to mediate, her voice tinged with empathy and understanding. "Prue, don't be too hard on Pheebs. It wasn't too long ago both of us were in her position with Angel," she implored, trying to bridge the gap between the sisters with a reminder of their shared struggles.

Prue's glare softened, revealing a mix of frustration and vulnerability. Her emotions were in turmoil, torn between her desire to protect and her hurt over Phoebe's long-kept secret. With a heavy sigh, she turned away from Buffy and walked toward the ring, her heart heavy with the weight of the situation.

"I think that went well," Phoebe said sadly, her voice tinged with regret as she followed Prue into the ring. The emotional distance between them was palpable, their once strong bond now strained by the revelation and Prue's reaction.

Prue's determination burned fiercely as she faced the looming challenge, her emotions a mixture of anger and determination. "Alright, I am going to win this fight and save your ass. That way I can kick it myself later," she declared, her words carrying a touch of both bravado and vulnerability. She couldn't help but glance briefly at Phoebe, the hurt still present in her eyes, yet a flicker of hope remained, buried beneath layers of complicated emotions.

Phoebe looked at the wrestlers, her emotions on edge as the danger became imminent. The weight of her secret, the fear of losing her sister's trust, and the impending battle all weighed heavily on her heart.

"Oh boy, oh boy," Piper echoed, her worry etched on her face as she watched her sisters prepare to face the daunting opponents in the ring.

"You're telling me," Buffy agreed, sharing Piper's concern.

With a burst of energy, Prue leaped into action, her emotions channeled into swift and powerful kicks to the wrestlers' heads. The display of strength and skill was both impressive and concerning, as Phoebe followed suit, joining the fight with newfound determination.

As the battle ensued, Piper's anxiety grew, her emotions a whirlwind of fear and desperation. "Okay, oh god, oh god, come on, do something!" she pleaded, her voice wrought with worry as she watched her sisters fight for their lives.

"You're telling me," Buffy agreed, her voice filled with a mix of concern and camaraderie as she shared Piper's thoughts. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on them, the threat to their sisterhood stirring their emotions.

With determination burning bright in her eyes, Prue leaped into action, her movements a testament to her fierce protectiveness over her sisters. She delivered swift and powerful kicks to both wrestlers' heads, her emotions channeled into each strike.

"Wow," Phoebe marveled as she joined the fray, her voice tinged with both awe and anxiety. The adrenaline pumped through her veins, driving her to stand strong alongside Prue.

As the intensity of the battle heightened, Piper's worry grew, her emotions on edge as she watched her sisters fight for their lives. "Okay, oh god, oh god, come on, do something!" she pleaded, her voice wrought with desperation.

Buffy's voice cut through the chaos, her own emotions a mix of concern and encouragement. "Get angry! Focus! Get motivated!" she called out, trying to ignite a fire within Prue and Phoebe to match the intensity of the fight.

Piper took a deep breath, her voice shaking with emotion as she urged Prue to embrace her anger. "Prue, listen to me," she implored. "She lied to you big time. Big time lied to you. Come on, get angry! Come on, or else we're in big deep. Phoebe, she thinks you're a weakling, like, big time sucker for love. Oh god!"

Unbeknownst to Piper and Buffy, the danger escalated behind their backs as Kellman conjured two deadly balls with blades. With a quick flick of his wrist, the blades embedded in them, and Piper and Buffy fell to the floor. The suddenness of the attack left Phoebe and Prue stunned and fearful, their eyes wide with shock as they witnessed their sisters' collapse. "Piper! Buffy!" they cried out, their emotions a tumultuous mix of fear and panic.

Kellman smirked with a sense of superiority, reveling in his cruel victory. "Called your bluff," he taunted, the satisfaction evident in his voice as the wrestlers continued to beat on Prue and Phoebe. "Let's go see how mom's doing, shall we? Slammer. Yeah, baby." With sinister intent, he led Tom toward the elevator, leaving Phoebe and Prue desperate to protect the Buffy and Piper and save themselves.

One of the wrestlers pinned Phoebe down on the mat as the ominous hole began to open. The fear in Phoebe's voice was palpable as she cried out, "No! Aah, Prue!" But true to their sisterly bond, Prue rushed to her aid, kicking both wrestlers and helping Phoebe to her feet. "Thank you," Phoebe whispered, her gratitude mixed with determination to continue the fight.

With adrenaline coursing through their veins, Prue's determination was unwavering as she insisted, "Alright, we have to save Piper and Buffy." Her voice was filled with urgency and love for her sisters, pushing her to take decisive action.

Phoebe's worry and doubt were evident as she asked, "How do we do that?" Her emotions were on edge, the fear of losing her sisters hanging heavily on her heart.

Prue's response came with fierce resolve, her voice laced with determination. "By kicking ass," she declared as she and Phoebe synchronized their movements, delivering swift and powerful kicks to the wrestlers' heads. The impact sent the wrestlers crashing to the mat, momentarily immobilizing them.

The sisters wasted no time, seizing the opportunity to take control of the situation. They quickly jumped on the wrestlers, pinning them down as the hole began to open beneath them. "Alright, 1, 2, 3," Prue counted as she and Phoebe moved out of the way, allowing the wrestlers to fall into the fiery abyss below.

With the immediate threat neutralized, Prue and Phoebe rushed over to Piper and Buffy, their concern palpable. The sight of their unconscious loved ones shook them to the core, amplifying their determination to protect and save them.

"Anyone else want a piece of this?" Prue challenged, her voice defiant as she glared at the demons who dared to threaten their family. In the face of her fierce protectiveness, the demons cowered and fled, seeking safety in their retreat.

As the reality of the situation settled in, Phoebe's voice quivered with fear. "Prue, it looks really bad. I don't know if we're gonna make it to Leo," she confessed, her concern for Piper and Buffy weighing heavily on her mind.

"We will, come on," Prue reassured, her voice unwavering as she grabbed Buffy while Phoebe grabbed Piper. Their determination to save Buffy and Piper was unyielding, driving them forward despite the odds. They rushed their Piper and Buffy to the elevator, their emotions a tumultuous mix of hope, fear, and fierce determination to save those they loved.

In Kellman's office, Leo's heart pounded with worry and love as he rummaged through Kellman's belongings. The elevator doors opened, and his surprise was evident when Prue and Phoebe emerged, carrying an injured Piper and Buffy.

"Leo!" Phoebe exclaimed, her eyes wide with astonishment at the unexpected sight of the Whitelighter waiting for them. The relief of seeing him was tinged with concern for their injured loved ones.

Leo's gaze locked onto Piper and Buffy, his emotions overwhelming him as he saw the injuries they had suffered. His love for his fiancé and his daughter surged through him, intensifying his determination to help them. "What happened?" he urgently inquired, moving swiftly to their side.

"Hurry! I think Piper's stopped breathing," Prue urgently called out as she and Phoebe carefully laid Piper and Buffy on the ground. The urgency in her voice mirrored the gravity of the situation.

Without hesitation, Leo carefully removed the sharp balls embedded in Piper and Buffy's backs. His hands glowed with healing energy as he focused on saving Piper first. "It's working," he reassured them with a grateful sigh, relieved to see Piper responding to his healing touch.

"First off, hurry, you still have your daughter to do too, remember?" Phoebe reminded him, her concern for Buffy evident in her words. "Second, it's not that I'm not thrilled to see you, but what are you doing here, Leo?"

Leo met Phoebe's gaze with a mixture of determination and love. "I was looking for you," he informed them. "I thought I'd start with Kellman." His voice conveyed his unwavering dedication to his charge as a Whitelighter and his determination to protect them.

"He's the recruiter," Prue replied, acknowledging that Kellman was the one responsible for the demonic training program that had ensnared Tom and threatened them all.

"I figured. The Elders think the key to destroying him is to turn one of his recruits against him," Leo revealed.

Phoebe's mind raced with possibilities as she processed the information. "So first we have to figure out a way to save Tom," she concluded, her emotions focused on finding a solution.

"Alright, so I'll call Morris, get him to bring Tom's mom to the manor. Then we just have to figure out a way to get Tom there," Prue stated, her voice tinged with determination and a glimmer of hope for finding a solution to save their troubled friend.

At that moment, Piper's eyes fluttered open, and she gasped in surprise upon seeing Leo. A smile graced her lips as she spoke, "Hey, guess what? I found mom's ring." Her excitement was evident, even in her weakened state.

Leo's heart swelled with love and relief as he pulled Piper into a gentle embrace. It was a tender moment, a brief respite from the chaos surrounding them. He then shifted his attention to Buffy, beginning the healing process with focused determination, his care for his daughter shining through.

"Wait, you want Tom and his mother in the same house?" Phoebe questioned, her brows furrowed with concern as she considered the potential risks.

Prue nodded, her resolve unwavering. "Yeah, she's got to be the key to saving him, otherwise why would Kellman want Tom to kill her?" Her voice carried a mix of determination and logic as she connected the pieces of the puzzle.

Phoebe's mind worked quickly, offering a possible solution. "Okay, well, maybe I could figure out a way to tweak the lost and found spell again, lure him to the house. After all, Tom's a lost soul, right?" Her hope and determination were evident as she proposed her plan.

Glancing at Buffy with concern, Prue asked Leo, "She gonna be okay?" Her emotions were torn between Buffy's well-being and the pressing need to save Tom.

Leo nodded reassuringly. "Yeah, go. I'll take care of Buffy." His voice was gentle and confident, emphasizing his commitment to his daughter's well-being.

"You sure?" Prue questioned, wanting to be certain of Buffy's safety before leaving.

Leo's nod was firm. "Prue, she's my daughter. I'll make sure she's fine and will send her to you when she's ready." His words held a father's unwavering love and determination to protect his child.

Seeing Piper and Phoebe nod in agreement, Prue made her decision, trusting Leo to care for Buffy. With a shared understanding, they headed out the door, the weight of their mission and the well-being of their loved ones resting heavily on their shoulders.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Buffy's eyes snapped open, her breath catching in her throat as she found Leo standing before her, finishing the healing process. "Dad?" Her surprise and relief were palpable as she processed his presence. She let out a weary sigh, sitting up with a mix of exhaustion and gratitude. "I thought I was done with the dying thing."

Leo's heart ached at the weariness in his daughter's voice. He was grateful that he had been able to intervene in time, but he knew the emotional toll such experiences took on Buffy. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her close in a heartfelt embrace. "At least this time you didn't die," he said, his voice tinged with relief. "Are you okay? And I'm not talking about the physical injuries."

Buffy's defenses crumbled in her father's arms, and she let her vulnerability show. "You know my fears, Dad," she admitted, her voice soft and pained. "The only thing worse than myself dying is watching Prue, Piper, and Phoebe die." Her emotions were raw and exposed, revealing the deep love and connection she shared with her sisters. "So, no, I'm not okay." The weight of her words carried the weight of her fears.

Leo tightened his embrace, understanding the weight of Buffy's burden all too well. As a Whitelighter and her father, he had witnessed the struggles and sacrifices she made for her family and the world. His heart went out to her, knowing that she carried a heavy responsibility that few could comprehend.

"I know, Buffy," Leo said softly, his voice full of empathy. "I wish I could take all that pain away from you, but I can't. All I can do is be here for you, support you, and help you in any way I can."

Buffy nodded, feeling the reassurance in his words. In the midst of their shared fears and vulnerabilities, she found strength in his support. "Thank you, Dad," she murmured. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Leo smiled warmly, his heart swelling with love for his daughter. "You'll never have to find out," he said tenderly. "I'll always be here for you, Buffy. No matter what happens, you can count on me."

Buffy's eyes darted anxiously as she tried to locate Prue, Piper and Phoebe. "Where are they?" Her voice trembled with worry, her heart racing with the urgency of reuniting with them.

Leo's eyes softened with concern as he observed Buffy's shaken state. "They're at the manor," he replied gently, reaching out to support her. "Are you okay to go to them?"

Buffy nodded, determination flickering in her eyes despite her wobbling stance. "I'll be fine," she insisted, summoning her Slayer strength to stand on her own. But her body still felt weakened from the recent ordeal.

With a sympathetic smile, Leo understood her resilience. He knew his daughter's determination was unmatched, but he also sensed the emotional toll the encounter had taken on her. "Let me help," he offered, extending his hand towards her.

Gratefully, Buffy accepted his assistance, finding comfort in his presence. "Thank you, Dad," she murmured, feeling his supportive energy flow through her. Though she was physically exhausted, the strength of their bond gave her renewed hope.

Leo gently wrapped his arms around Buffy, preparing to orb her back to the manor. "Hold on tight," he said reassuringly, his embrace offering both comfort and stability. In blue and white orbing lights, they disappeared from the office.

Halliwell Manor

"What was that? What are those noises?" Mrs. Peters asked, her heart pounding with anxiety, as she and Darryl cautiously stepped through the creaking front door. The strange sounds in the dimly lit house sent shivers down her spine, and she couldn't help but feel a mixture of fear and curiosity.

Darryl, trying to appear composed, shrugged and replied, "I'm not quite sure." But even he couldn't hide the unease in his voice. The arrival of Piper, Prue, and Phoebe behind them brought a bit of relief, but the tension in the air remained thick.

"Thanks for coming, Mrs. Peters," Prue said, her expression masked with a sense of purpose, but Mrs. Peters couldn't help feeling bewildered.

"But I don't understand," Mrs. Peters said, her confusion deepening.

"You will soon," Prue responded cryptically before turning her attention to Darryl. "Any sign of Kellman?"

Darryl shook his head, his eyes scanning the eerie surroundings. "No, but there are plenty of other signs," he said, his concern evident.

As Phoebe noticed ethereal spirits floating around the living room, she couldn't help but utter, "Uh-oh, seems like some lost souls were found," her voice tinged with both intrigue and trepidation.

Piper chimed in, her voice urgent, "Yeah, we need to reverse this spell quick."

Suddenly, Mrs. Peters remembered her missing son, Tom, and anxiety mixed with hope surged within her. "Where's Tom?" she questioned just as Kellman and Tom appeared at the doorway.

"Tom!" Mrs. Peters exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she started moving towards her son, her maternal instincts taking over.

"No!" Darryl intervened, stopping the eager woman before she could get close to Tom, his voice firm and protective, knowing they couldn't afford any risks in this dangerous situation.

"How did you..." Kellman's voice trembled as he looked at Prue, Piper, and Phoebe, his eyes filled with bewilderment.

"Because we're not done with you yet," Prue retorted, her voice laced with determination and a hint of righteous anger, refusing to back down in the face of darkness.

"I told you it was too late to save Tom," Kellman interjected coldly, his words carrying a chilling weight. "But thank you for leading us to the victim. Kill her, Tom."

A fireball materialized in Tom's hand, and with malicious intent, he flung it towards his own mother. Panic surged through the room as Darryl, driven by instinct, heroically pushed Mrs. Peters out of harm's way.

In response to the threat, Prue's emotions flared, and with a forceful wave of her arm, she telekinetically sent Kellman staggering backward. But the situation remained perilous as Tom stood under Kellman's dark influence.

"Listen to me. Look at your mother," Prue pleaded, her voice tinged with compassion and desperation. "Remember what it felt like to be human. Remember what it feels like to be loved."

Yet, amidst the chaos, Kellman conjured another deadly sphere hovering dangerously close to Mrs. Peters' neck. The room filled with lost souls, their restless presence adding to the sense of impending doom.

"Prue, we're about to have other problems from other worlds," Phoebe warned, her voice tinged with concern as she kept a watchful eye on the ethereal spirits, while still being determined to stand strong.

"Tom? Help me!" Mrs. Peters pleaded, her voice wrought with heartache and desperation, desperately hoping to reach her son amidst the darkness that had consumed him.

"Kill her, damn it," Kellman ordered Tom with a ruthless edge to his voice, urging him to forsake his humanity.

But in that crucial moment, a glimmer of Tom's true self emerged. He hesitated, torn between darkness and the memories of love he once knew. Gathering his resolve, Tom finally made a choice – he flung the deadly ball back at Kellman, a mix of defiance and remorse in his eyes.

"What the hell is happening?" Piper's voice quivered with fear and disbelief as the lost souls swirled and fluttered around Kellman, an eerie scene unfolding before her eyes.

"I think there are some lost souls welcoming a new friend. Get rid of them," Prue replied, her voice steady but holding a hint of concern, knowing they had to act swiftly to confront the spectral chaos.

Phoebe took a deep breath, her heart racing, and began her chant, her voice imbued with determination and a touch of desperation. "I return what I didn't want to find, let it be out of sight, out of mind." As she finished the incantation, a wave of mixed emotions washed over her as not only did the lost souls vanish, but Kellman, the malevolent presence that had plagued them, was vanquished.

Tom, feeling the weight of his past actions, stared at his arm where the ominous chevrons had once been. He then turned his gaze towards his mother, the woman he had unknowingly put in harm's way. "Mom. Mom, I'm so sorry," he uttered, his voice choked with regret and sorrow as he pulled her into a heartfelt embrace.

Mrs. Peters smiled through her tears, overwhelmed with relief and joy as she returned the embrace, feeling the warmth of her son's love and redemption. "Oh! Oh, Tommy! It's alright. Everything's alright," she reassured him, her voice filled with the love that only a mother could give.

Phoebe looked on, touched by the powerful scene before her, her heart swelling with a mix of happiness and melancholy. "I guess some guys are worth saving after all," she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of the journey they had all been through, and the realization that redemption and love could still prevail even in the darkest of times.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Buffy, Prue, and Phoebe sat huddled around Piper and Leo, their eyes fixated on the glimmering ring adorning Piper's finger. "Isn't that beautiful?" Piper's voice quivered with a mix of joy and disbelief, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude.

Prue couldn't help but smile, her emotions mirroring Piper's. "Yes, and it's right where it belongs. So is Tom, by the way, at home with his mom," she replied, a sense of relief and contentment evident in her voice.

Buffy, her heart still fluttering from the recent events, contemplated the consequences of the spell. "So maybe the spell wasn't such a bad thing after all," she suggested, her voice carrying a sense of wonder and reflection.

Piper chuckled, but a hint of worry crossed her face. "Are you kidding? We're gonna have to hold a huge garage sale every Saturday for like the next three months to get rid of all the stuff that came back here," she remarked, her tone a mix of humor and exasperation, yet grateful that the lost souls had finally found their way home.

Leo chimed in, emphasizing the importance of their actions, "Yeah. Who knows what trouble may have been caused if those lost souls had stayed around," his voice tinged with a sense of responsibility and the understanding that their mission had been crucial.

Phoebe, feeling a sense of determination, took the initiative to fix the situation. "Okay, okay, I will fix it. You guys go and have a nice dinner," she said, her voice brimming with determination, knowing that she needed to set things right.

As Piper and Leo stood up and made their way towards the front door, she moved purposefully towards the fireplace, ready to rectify the situation. "So now everything's back to normal," she declared as she tossed the spell into the fireplace..

Buffy, ever observant, couldn't help but notice the change in Phoebe's appearance. "What about your hair?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Phoebe's smile held a playful undertone. "Mmm, I'm tempted to keep it, but I don't know, I think the blonde's coming back," she admitted, her words revealing a willingness to embrace change and restore her familiar self.

Prue, intrigued by the question, interjected, "Is anything else?"

Phoebe's head shook with regret, her emotions laid bare. "No. You were right about Tom, and I was wrong about Cole. I'm sorry," she admitted, her voice tinged with guilt and vulnerability.

Prue, feeling hurt and betrayed, challenged Phoebe's apology. "And you think that just takes care of it? I'm sorry?" she asked, her tone a mix of frustration and disappointment, struggling to reconcile her feelings.

Buffy, ever the mediator, let out a weary sigh, casting a meaningful look at Prue, urging her to show compassion. "Prue, neither of us has the right to judge Phoebe," she reminded, her voice carrying a sense of empathy and understanding.

Phoebe stepped in to defend herself, her voice wavering but determined. "It's alright, Buffy. You guys had a good reason not to tell us about Angel," she acknowledged, her words touched with a sense of acceptance. "Anyways, obviously an apology doesn't fix it, but I'm not stupid, Prue. I know that I made a bad choice."

Prue couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal, her heart aching with conflicted emotions. "A choice that betrayed us," she stated firmly, her pain evident.

Phoebe's admission hung in the air, her voice filled with honesty and remorse. "I didn't do it to betray you, Prue. I did it out of love," she confessed, her love for Cole not justifying her actions but offering insight into her motivations.

Prue, still grappling with her hurt and anger, replied, "Right. Love. Love that almost got all of us killed."

Buffy, drawing from her own experiences, tried to bridge the divide between them. "You wanted to save Tom after, I don't know, after how many years? Why can't you understand how she felt about Cole? It's exactly how I felt about Angel when he came back," she explained, her voice imploring Prue to find empathy and see things from Phoebe's perspective.

Prue sighed, feeling torn between her feelings and Buffy's plea for understanding. "Buffy!" she groaned in frustration before turning back to Phoebe. "Phoebe, what I don't understand is how you could have lied to us. Buffy, Piper, and me, a lie that still poses a threat to all four of us," she voiced her concerns, her voice laced with hurt and worry. "Even when Buffy and I lied about Angel, we knew he didn't pose a threat. If I had thought for a moment that Angel even posed a threat, you would have seen me on the front lines wanting to vanquish him."

Phoebe, genuinely seeking resolution, questioned, "Where do we go from here?"

Prue's response held uncertainty, mirroring her mixed emotions. "I don't know," she admitted, the path to reconciliation still unclear and challenging.

Streets of San Francisco

As Piper steered her jeep down the street, the engine's hum seemed to echo the heavy atmosphere inside the vehicle—a palpable mix of concern and empathy that weighed on their hearts. Leo, struggling to find the right words, finally mustered the courage to broach the subject of Buffy, his voice laced with worry and tenderness.

"Piper," he began, his voice trembling with a hint of hesitation, "after you, Prue, and Phoebe left to deal with Kellman. When Buffy regained consciousness after I finished healing her, she was..." Leo's voice trailed off, the gravity of his next words settling like a heavy burden on his soul.

"A mess," Piper interjected, her voice carrying not just understanding but also a deep sadness. She knew Buffy inside out, able to grasp the profound toll that facing mortality and yet another near-death experience had taken on her cousin's spirit. The weight of Buffy's fear and vulnerability must have been overwhelming, leaving her emotionally shattered. Piper's heart ached as she empathized with the pain Buffy had endured. "The only thing worse for her is losing me, Prue, and Phoebe," Piper continued, her voice soft but charged with heartfelt emotion. She glanced at Leo, fully acknowledging the vital role he played not only as Buffy's Whitelighter but also as her father figure. "Or you," she added, the weight of Leo's connection to Buffy evident in her words.

Piper's voice grew heavier as she recalled recent events, and the memory of Buffy's birthday came to the forefront. "And with what happened at her birthday just a couple of weeks ago..." Her words trailed off, a haunting recollection of Buffy being stripped of her Slayer, witch, and Whitelighter powers—forced to face a vampire as a mortal. The emotional toll of that ordeal weighed heavily on everyone present that day, and Piper couldn't help but feel a mix of anger and sorrow at the injustices her cousin had faced.

Leo reached out and placed a comforting hand on Piper's, a silent gesture of support and solidarity. "She's been through so much," he murmured, his voice laden with compassion and sorrow for the struggles Buffy had endured.

Piper's determination was etched across her face as she nodded, her grip on the steering wheel tightening with a resolute resolve. "Call for her. Let's take her to dinner with us," she insisted, her voice conveying a deep yearning to extend their love and support to Buffy in a tangible way.

Leo's smile softened, filled with affection for both Piper and Buffy. "Buffy," he called out, his voice gentle and welcoming, eager to include his daughter in their plans.

In the blink of an eye, Buffy appeared in the backseat, her arrival accompanied by a swirl of fiery flames. Her response was laced with curiosity and a hint of vulnerability as she addressed her father. "Yeah, Dad?" she answered, her voice betraying a mix of emotions she was grappling with.

Piper, glancing at Buffy through the rearview mirror, couldn't help but feel a surge of empathy and love for her cousin. "We were just talking, Buffy," she interjected, her voice exuding warmth and understanding. "Your father was telling me about what happened after he healed you. And we thought, maybe you would like to go to dinner with us."

However, Buffy's hesitation became apparent as she raised a concern, feeling torn about intruding on their special celebration. "But," she began, "this is supposed to be your dinner in celebration of the Elders finally lifting the restriction and allowing the two of you to get married."

Leo, ever the caring father, acknowledged Buffy's feelings with grace and compassion. "That is true," he conceded, "but you are my daughter. Which means, I want you part of that celebration."

Tears welled up in Buffy's eyes as she absorbed her father's words, her heart swelling with a mixture of gratitude and love for both her father and her cousin.