Charmed: The Faith Chronicles

by Brenna's Urbangirl Projects

Faith Lehane was born in Boston to a drunken mother and absentee father, or so she had believed for 17 years. Then she was called as the Slayer and things took a turn for the worse when she accidentally killed the Deputy Mayor. The Watcher's Council learns of the death and tries to return her to England. She manages to escape and in so doing finds out that she had been adopted

5. Chapter 4: Just Harried

Chapter 4: Just Harried

February 23, 2001 – Friday

Halliwell Manor

"Careful, Faith," Prue cautioned, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and anticipation. Prue, Grams, and Phoebe, stood together, their collective gaze fixed on Faith as she maneuvered the delicate floral arch for Piper's impending wedding. The air buzzed with a mixture of excitement and the tension that often-accompanied important moments.

"Okay, that should do it," Phoebe declared, her voice carrying a subtle note of relief as Faith carefully settled the arch into place. The anticipation in her eyes hinted at the significance of the occasion.

"I'm thinking more to the left," Grams chimed in, her voice a blend of wisdom and a touch of whimsy. Faith let out a resigned sigh, caught between the expectations and the challenges of creating the perfect setting for love to blossom. "Uh, is this the biggest arch you could get?" Grams inquired, her expression a gentle mix of curiosity and mild disbelief.

Prue, ever the pragmatic one, injected a hint of humor into the conversation, "Without opening a fast food franchise, yeah."

"Well, just remember, if love is the quest, then marriage is the conquest," Grams mused, her eyes reflecting a lifetime of experiences and a deep understanding of the complexities of love. "This place must be like victory."

Phoebe, the eternal romantic, couldn't resist a wry comment, "And here I thought weddings were supposed to be romantic."

Grams shook her head, her gaze fixed on Phoebe with a mixture of fondness and a touch of amusement. "Oh, my dear sweet child," she sighed, her voice carrying the weight of years filled with both joy and hardship.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Faith questioned, her brows furrowing in a mix of confusion and curiosity.

Prue, ever the pragmatist, interjected with a hint of humor, "It means that you could always calculate Grams' age by the number of rings on her fingers." Her words carried a sense of familiarity, a shared understanding of the family's quirks that brought a warm dynamic to the conversation. "Alright, wedding arch is done," she declared, casting a satisfied gaze at the completed task. However, fatigue lingered in her expression, and she couldn't stifle a yawn.

"The next thing to do," she continued, her voice betraying the weariness of a long day, "on the To Do list is…"

"Is sleep," Faith interjected, her tone both firm and caring. "You've been yawning all day, Mom."

"Try all week," Prue admitted, a weary smile playing on her lips. "It's this recurring dream I keep having. It's keeping me awake."

"Really? What's in the dream?" Phoebe inquired, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and genuine interest.

"Well, uh, there was this biker guy, and he's kind of cute and kind of dangerous," Prue confessed, her words carrying a hint of both excitement and uncertainty. The air in the room seemed to crackle with a mixture of laughter and curiosity as her sister and daughter leaned in, eager to hear more about this mysterious figure.

"Sounds kind of yummy," Phoebe chimed in with a mischievous glint in her eyes, her words laced with a playful sense of adventure that only she could bring to the conversation.

As the conversation unfolded, Piper entered the room, her presence immediately drawing everyone's attention. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she surveyed the surroundings.

"Piper, sweetie, well, what do you think?" Grams inquired, her hands gesturing gracefully toward the floral arch that stood as a testament to the collective effort of the sisters.

Piper's face lit up with genuine excitement. "It's beautiful," she exclaimed, her joy radiating through the room like a beacon of happiness.

"Yeah, and the best part about it is, it's finally happening," Phoebe added, her words a celebration of the love that had brought them all together for this momentous occasion.

"Flowers, bows, Faith, and Grams," Piper began listing the elements that made up the tapestry of her upcoming wedding. However, a thoughtful pause hung in the air as she considered what was missing. "The only thing missing is…" she started, her voice trailing off with a mix of nostalgia and longing.

"Mom," Prue finished the sentence, her understanding gaze meeting Piper's. In that shared moment, the absence of their mother cast a bittersweet shadow over the room, a reminder of the irreplaceable bond that transcended the tangible elements of the wedding preparations.

"Grams, are you sure that you can't do..." Piper began, her eyes fixed on her grandmother with a hopeful yet hesitant expression.

Grams, her demeanor a blend of wisdom and a touch of regret, shook her head in response. "No, nothing. I'm only here because you need a high priestess. They want me back by the witching hour tomorrow."

"I thought maybe this could help," Phoebe interjected, breaking the momentary silence as she held up a photograph of Patty. The air seemed to shimmer with a mix of nostalgia and longing as the image served as a tangible connection to a beloved presence no longer physically with them.

"You okay?" Prue inquired; her voice laced with genuine concern as she turned her attention to her middle sister. The dynamics between the three sisters were a tapestry of shared experiences and unspoken support.

"Yeah, I just, I can't believe how close I came to sabotaging my own wedding," Piper admitted, her vulnerability on display. The weight of the impending union, mixed with the complexities of their magical world, seemed to bear down on her shoulders.

"What do you mean?" Faith wondered, her straightforward nature cutting through the emotional tension.

"Well, with the demons and the false start and 'them,' I, you know, I told myself if one more thing went wrong, then it just maybe wasn't meant to be," Piper confided, her voice tinged with a mix of exhaustion and vulnerability.

"Oh, darling," Grams responded with a compassionate smile, her eyes reflecting both understanding and pride. "There's no need to think that way. I mean, you made it."

"Yeah, and I will personally butt-kick any demon who tries to ruin it for you," Prue declared, a protective fire burning in her eyes.

"So, will I," Faith chimed in, her gaze unwavering as she watched over her family. However, her concern shifted as she noticed her mother yawning. "But I think I might be doing it alone if Mom doesn't get some sleep. Come on, I'm tucking you in."

"That's a change," Prue remarked with a light-hearted laugh. "The daughter tucking the mother into bed."

"Sweet dreams. Bye," Piper bid them farewell as Prue and Faith made their way up the stairs.

Faith gently guided Prue up the staircase, the soft glow of the hallway lights casting a warm ambiance. The exhaustion on Prue's face was evident, lines of weariness etched into her features.

As they entered the bedroom, Faith guided Prue toward the bed, the soft sheets inviting her to surrender to the embrace of much-needed sleep. "Easy does it," Faith murmured, her voice carrying a soothing quality as she helped Prue settle into the bed. The comforter enveloped Prue like a protective cocoon, offering respite from the demands of their supernatural lives.

Faith couldn't help but smile at the role reversal, the daughter now caring for the mother. She tucked the blankets around Prue, her movements gentle and practiced, a silent acknowledgment of the love and care that bound them.

"Sweet dreams, Mom," Faith whispered, brushing a tender kiss on Prue's forehead. The room seemed to exhale, the weight of the day lifting as Prue succumbed to the embrace of slumber.

Turning off the bedside lamp, Faith lingered for a moment, watching over her mother with a quiet sense of guardianship. As she closed the door, the room remained bathed in the soft glow of familial warmth, a testament to the enduring strength found in their unbreakable bond.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Five minutes later, Faith descended the stairs, her leather-clad figure moving with purpose. The front door beckoned, a portal to the night filled with mystical uncertainties and potential dangers. The living room, bathed in the soft glow of lamps and the flickering light of candles, served as a backdrop to the impending departure.

"Patrol?" called Piper, her voice carrying a mixture of concern and understanding from where she sat in the cozy living room, surrounded by wedding preparations.

"Yeah," Faith affirmed with a nod, her commitment to the nightly duty evident in her gaze. "I promise, Aunt Piper, I won't stay out all night. I don't plan for your ring bearer slash third bridesmaid to miss your wedding."

A small smile played on Piper's lips. "You better not," she teased, her tone holding a playful edge. "Don't forget if you need one of us to call for Leo," she reminded, concern etching her features.

"I will," Faith assured, her voice carrying a blend of gratitude and determination. With a final nod, Faith opened the front door, stepping into the night.

The Wooden Nickel

Faith stood confidently between two men, the dim glow of the pool hall casting shadows on the green felt of the table. Her eyes were focused, and with a skillful stroke, she called out, "Four ball, corner pocket," sinking the ball effortlessly. The clatter of the balls echoed through the room as she showcased her prowess at the pool table.

Having gone out on patrol as promised to Piper, Faith found herself in the bar after an hour of uneventful roaming. It was a place that didn't bother carding her at the door, a perfect spot for a bit of relaxation. "The more I play, the luckier I get," she quipped, her grin hinting at a mischievous satisfaction as she circled the table, lining up another shot. "So that would be, uh, twenty bucks that you owe me."

"I never agreed to a bet," one of the men retorted, a hint of protest in his voice.

"Rules of the house say loser pays twenty bucks," interjected TJ, appearing next to Faith like a guardian of the bar's unwritten laws. His presence added a layer of authority to the situation. "Maybe you want me to take you out front and teach you those rules."

"Alright," the man conceded, reaching into his pocket and reluctantly handing Faith a twenty. She accepted it with a victorious grin, smoothly tucking the bill inside her bra.

"Thank you," Faith said, acknowledging the win with a nod of her head. Her eyes shifted to TJ, a fellow player in this impromptu game and the enforcer of the bar's unspoken rules. "Thanks for the help."

"No problem," TJ replied with a casual shrug, his attention already drifting toward a woman at the bar.

"I suppose that you want something for me asking you to help her," the woman inquired, her tone holding a hint of skepticism, as if she were negotiating the terms of an unspoken agreement with TJ.

TJ's response was a charming smile, the kind that hinted at a smooth operator who was used to navigating the complexities of life. "You could say that," he replied, a touch of playful confidence in his voice.

"Well, you'll have to win it," the woman declared with a playful challenge, setting the stage for a game of skill or chance.

Faith, intrigued by the exchange, finally got a proper look at the mysterious woman as TJ playfully grabbed her. Her eyes widened in disbelief and recognition as she realized that the woman before her was none other than her own mother, Prue. "Mom?" Faith exclaimed; the shock evident in her voice. She hurried over to where TJ and Prue stood, a mixture of confusion and curiosity etched on her face. "Mom?"

"Mom?" TJ echoed, a flicker of confusion crossing his features as he tried to make sense of Faith's sudden revelation.

Prue, with a knowing smile, addressed Faith's astonishment. "Can you blame me for having a daughter?" she quipped, a hint of mischief in her eyes. Her gaze shifted to Faith, a motherly warmth replacing the playfulness. "Having a good time, Faith?"

"Yeah," Faith replied, a furrow forming on her brow as she tried to make sense of the unexpected encounter. "Mom, what are you doing here? When I left the house, you were asleep."

Prue, her expression veiled in a cryptic smile, responded casually, "Having a good time, just like you." She turned her attention back to TJ, and without hesitation, she kissed him, leaving Faith momentarily taken aback. Prue's actions hinted at a side of her mother that Faith hadn't expected, a revelation that added another layer of complexity to their relationship.

"Well, I have to go," Prue announced, breaking the kiss and starting to walk away, her movements carrying an air of mystery. Faith quickly followed, a mix of confusion and curiosity etched on her face.

"No, I want you to stay," TJ called out, his voice tinged with a plea as he tried to prolong the fleeting moment.

"Yeah, I know. You know that I can't, alright, I have..." Prue began, her words trailing off as she grappled with the delicate balance of her responsibilities.

"Responsibilities, right," TJ finished, a note of understanding in his voice. "That's what you say every night, then you cut out."

Faith, catching up to her mother, couldn't help but interject with a raised eyebrow, "You've been here before?"

Prue's gaze lingered on Faith, a subtle mix of regret and reluctance painting her eyes with a layer of complexity. She then turned back to TJ, whose insistence on embracing the freedom of choice echoed through the dimly lit pool hall. "TJ, I would love to leave my responsible half behind, but I can't."

"You can," he insisted, his voice carrying a passionate plea. "What are you going to miss? Work? Blow it off. Your daughter, bring her along. There's a freedom that comes with making your own choices."

Prue hesitated, torn between the longing for that freedom and the weight of her obligations. "Yeah, and I want to know what that's like, but…" she trailed off, a conflicted expression on her face. In a moment of impulse, she kissed TJ again, a fleeting taste of liberation before reluctantly pulling away. With Faith by her side, the two women made their way toward the exit, leaving behind the allure of the dimly lit bar and the promise of a different kind of life.

"Mom?" Faith questioned, seeking an explanation for the unexpected revelation and the lingering tension that filled the air.

As they walked past the man who had lost to Faith earlier, he interjected, "Hey, you've got my money."

Faith, with a sly grin, countered, "Hey, you have a good memory."

"Yeah, yeah, maybe I'll just kick it out in trade, huh? Come here," the man sneered as he reached for Faith, his intentions ominous. Faith, however, was quick to react. With a swift spin, she freed herself from his grasp and executed a powerful kick to his face, sending him sprawling backward.

Seizing the opportunity to defend her daughter, Prue acted decisively. She grabbed a nearby piece of wood and swiftly struck the man in the stomach, the impact causing him to crumple to the ground, unconscious. The atmosphere crackled with tension as Prue, standing over the fallen assailant, glanced toward Faith, her expression a mix of determination and concern.

"No, I don't want to go," Prue asserted, her gaze briefly locking with Faith's before, in a sudden burst of red light, she disappeared, leaving behind a sense of mystery and unanswered questions.

"Mom?" Faith exclaimed in clear surprise, her eyes scanning the now-empty space where her mother had stood. The abrupt departure left Faith with a sense of bewilderment.

Fueled by a mix of confusion and urgency, Faith sprinted to her car and hopped in. The engine roared to life as she muttered to herself, "Why couldn't I have had a power like Buffy's?" The car peeled out of the parking lot, its tires screeching against the pavement as Faith raced home, the events of the night swirling in her mind, leaving her with a profound sense of unease and a burning desire for answers.

February 24, 2001 – Saturday

Halliwell Manor

The next morning, Faith stood on the front porch of the Manor, the early sunlight casting a warm glow on the surroundings. Her mind raced as she reflected on the events of the night before. The air held a sense of quiet anticipation, a calm before the storm of wedding preparations and magical festivities.

Debating whether or not to share what she had witnessed with Piper and Phoebe, Faith wrestled with the weight of the information she now carried. The decision hung in the air, each option fraught with its own set of consequences. On one hand, revealing the unsettling truth could cast a shadow over the joyous occasion of Piper's wedding. On the other, keeping it to herself might mean depriving her family of the chance to prepare for whatever mysterious force was at play.

In the end, Faith chose to bide her time. The prospect of her aunt experiencing a happy day, free from the worry of what might be happening to her eldest sister, swayed her decision. There was a palpable sense of loyalty and love that guided Faith's actions, a determination to ensure that Piper's wedding day remained a celebration unmarred by the looming uncertainty.

As Faith stood on the front porch of the Manor, her thoughts still entangled in the decision she had made, a familiar voice interrupted her contemplation. Buffy emerged around the corner of the house. "Hi, Faith," she greeted, a warm smile on her face.

Faith returned the greeting, a mixture of surprise and genuine affection in her tone. "Hey, B. I thought you were coming down with your mom."

Buffy shrugged slightly, her expression conveying a touch of nonchalance. "She had some last-minute stuff to do for the gallery. So, she let me flame here by myself."

Faith couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, a hint of teasing in her response. "I thought you were supposed to be ungrounded by now."

"Officially I am," Buffy admitted with a wry grin. "Technically not yet. She's kind of afraid of me flaming someplace on my own and getting lost or kidnapped or something. She wants me to get some more practice in learning control. I don't blame her, of course. It has to be scary for her watching me practice these powers."

Just then, the tranquility of the moment shattered as they heard Piper's scream resonating from inside the house. Buffy and Faith exchanged a swift glance before tearing through the front door. They found Piper standing on the stairs, strategically hiding behind the railing from Leo, who stood at the base of the stairs.

"It is bad luck to see the bride's dress before the wedding," Piper explained with a hint of exasperation in her voice.

Faith couldn't help but roll her eyes at the superstition. "Aunt Piper, you don't even have your dress on," she remarked, injecting a dose of practicality into the situation.

Piper shot her niece a pointed glare. "The same rule applies to the bride's... curlers," she said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining tradition even in the midst of wedding preparations. With that, she turned her attention back to Leo. "Go away," she declared, dismissing him with a wave of her hand. Piper then pivoted and ascended the stairs.

As Piper disappeared from view, Prue and Phoebe emerged from the kitchen, making their way through the dining room toward the commotion.

"Oh, good, you're here," Prue greeted Leo and Buffy, her tone a mix of relief and urgency.

"Yeah, I'm just looking for a place to change," Leo explained, holding up a robe.

"Uh, what's with the robe?" Buffy inquired; her curiosity evident in the furrow of her brow.

"Oh, it's my formal Whitelighter wear," Leo explained with a lighthearted chuckle.

"Um, yeah, I—I hope you don't mind, but we sort of decided that you should be a little bit more traditional, so we rented you a tux," Phoebe chimed in.

As the group engaged in the playful banter about Leo's wardrobe, Victor walked in behind Faith and Buffy. "Anybody home?" he announced, his voice carrying a touch of humor despite the obvious evidence of the family gathered in front of him.

"Daddy!" Phoebe exclaimed, her face lighting up as she rushed over to Victor and enveloped him in a warm hug. "Hi."

"Hi, baby," Victor reciprocated, returning the embrace with a fatherly. His gaze shifted to Leo, acknowledging the presence of the Whitelighter in the midst of the familial reunion. "Leo."

"Victor," Leo replied, his acknowledgment accompanied by a friendly nod.

Victor, turning toward Faith, greeted her with a warm smile. "Hey, Faith."

"Hi, grandpa," Faith responded, her words met with laughter from the others gathered on the porch. Faith's casual use of the term "grandpa" added a layer of familial intimacy that resonated in the air, drawing a lighthearted response from those present.

"What's so funny?" Faith inquired, her confusion evident as she scanned the amused faces around her.

"It's just you calling him grandpa," Buffy explained, a grin playing on her lips. "Just last week it was too soon."

"I know," Faith admitted, a hint of playful defiance in her tone. "But Grandpa Victor and I have had time to get to know each other. Right, Grandpa?"

"Right, Faith," Victor agreed, his expression reflecting the genuine affection that had grown between them over time. The title of "grandpa" now carried a sense of belonging and familial connection that transcended the short timeframe since their reunion.

As the laughter subsided, Prue walked over to join the group. "Hey, dad," she greeted, a warm smile on her face.

"Hey," Victor responded, his affection evident as he leaned down to kiss the top of Prue's head.

"Well, I know that you have a lot of joy and laughter to share, so I'll just take you down... whoa," Prue exclaimed, her cheerful demeanor giving way to sudden dizziness that seemed to grip her unexpectedly.

"Mom?" Faith exclaimed; her worry etched on her face. Victor's concern mirrored hers as he asked, "What's the matter?"

"Uh, just a, uh, dizzy spell," Prue explained, her voice carrying a reassurance that masked the underlying unease. She lowered herself to sit on the stairs, a momentary pause in the midst of the family gathering. "I've been getting them ever since those dreams began," she revealed, addressing the curious expressions that now turned toward her.

"What dreams?" Leo inquired; his gaze focused on Prue as the group collectively shifted from the lighthearted banter to the more serious matter at hand.

"Oh, you know, those dreams... uh, you know, it's nothing," Prue attempted to downplay the significance of her unsettling experiences, her words laced with a hint of reluctance to burden her loved ones with her concerns.

"You sure, Mom?" Faith inquired, her worry palpable as she knelt down next to Prue. The maternal instinct to protect and reassure her daughter flickered in Prue's eyes as she offered a weak smile.

"She's fine," Phoebe chimed in, sensing the need to alleviate Faith's worries. "Certainly, nothing to worry about." With a glance at Leo and Victor, she took charge of the situation. "Okay, you two, follow me." She turned her attention back to Prue. "You just sit there and relax." A reassuring touch on Prue's shoulder emphasized the directive, providing a momentary respite for the elder Halliwell sister.

Phoebe then shifted her focus to Faith. "Why don't you show Buffy where she can get ready?" Faith nodded in acknowledgment, accepting the distraction as she led Buffy up the stairs. "I'll be right back," she assured Prue before turning and leading Leo and Victor out of the room and toward the kitchen.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

"Do you think Aunt Phoebe is right?" Faith questioned, a note of uncertainty in her voice, as she and Buffy entered her room.

"I don't know," Buffy admitted, her expression reflecting a mix of concern and curiosity. She placed her dress bag on Faith's bed, the fabric rustling as she prepared for the upcoming celebration. "But something has you worried."

Faith shot her a skeptical look, a silent acknowledgment that Buffy had indeed caught on to her inner turmoil. "I know that look, Faith," Buffy continued. "It's the same look you had on your face when I mentioned Kakitos."

Faith couldn't help but laugh at Buffy's mispronunciation of Kakistos' name. "You're right, as always," she conceded. "I went out on patrol last night. Didn't find any vamps. After an hour of that, I decided to unwind, so I found this bar that didn't card me. I found Mom there. Before I left the Manor, she was asleep in bed. Then, a couple of hours later, she was at that bar as well. Then the strangest thing happened. We were leaving, and she just disappeared."

"Disappeared?" Buffy echoed, her eyebrows furrowing with concern.

"Yeah. When I got back here, she was asleep in bed," Faith explained, a hint of bewilderment in her tone. The supernatural twists in her story hinted at a mystery that defied rational explanation.

"Tell you what," Buffy suggested, her tone reassuring. "I'll keep an eye on her. You wouldn't worry if it wasn't something major, right?"

"Right," Faith agreed, a sense of gratitude washing over her.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Downstairs in the dimly lit foyer, Phoebe and Prue found solace on the cool, worn steps. As they nestled on the bottom stair, the weight of their responsibilities hung in the air. Phoebe, her eyes reflecting concern, leaned in, her voice a gentle cadence in the hushed atmosphere.

"Prue, okay, we've got everyone convinced that we have things under control," Phoebe reassured, her words carrying a hint of determination. "Now you have to convince me."

Prue, wearied by the ceaseless burden she bore, let out a weary sigh. "I can't do that."

Anxiety crept into Phoebe's expression as she listened to Prue's admission. "Oh, no," she said, a ripple of worry in her tone. "What are you feeling?"

Prue's shoulders slumped, a visible manifestation of her exhaustion. "Tired all the time," she confessed, her voice tinged with fatigue. "I mean, when I fall asleep, my dreams are so real, they don't allow me any rest. It's like I'm awake twenty-four hours a day."

A pained empathy crossed Phoebe's face as she tried to comprehend Prue's ordeal. "Is the dream sorcerer back?" she wondered, her concern etched in the furrow of her brow.

Prue, grappling with the elusive nature of her troubles, shrugged. "I don't think so, but I'm not ruling anything out."

"Well, remember what Piper said," Phoebe said, her words weaving through the air with a touch of concern. "If one more thing goes wrong, she was going to call off the wedding."

The gravity of Piper's ultimatum lingered in the quiet space, casting a shadow over Phoebe and Prue. The weight of their responsibilities loomed, threatening to unravel the delicate threads of plans and dreams. Prue, feeling the strain, responded with determination, "No, we can't let that happen."

A gentle smile curved Phoebe's lips as she formulated a plan. "Okay, why don't you let me handle this almighty To-Do list, and you go upstairs and get some rest. Don't sleep, just rest."

"Okay," Prue agreed, a hint of relief in her voice, as both sisters rose from the stairwell, ready to tackle their respective roles.

"Huh, wow, so you're relinquishing control to your little sister," Phoebe teased, a playful glint in her eyes. "You must really be tired."

Prue, though fatigued, managed a faint smile. Turning to ascend the stairs, she paused and looked back at her sister. "And Phoebe, don't tell Faith."

"I didn't plan to," Phoebe assured, her tone carrying a sense of understanding. "Faith has enough on her plate to deal with, with learning to use her powers, patrolling, and being in this family."

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

A few minutes later, the weight of the world pressing on her shoulders, Prue retreated to the sanctuary of her room. The soft creak of the door echoed her weariness as she crossed the threshold, seeking solace in the familiar confines of her personal space. With measured steps, she traversed the room, the dim light casting a gentle glow on the well-worn furniture.

As Prue reached her bed, a haven of comfort, she couldn't deny the exhaustion that gripped her. With a sigh, she lowered herself onto the mattress, the cool sheets a soothing touch against her fatigued body. The moment her head touched the pillow, a wave of drowsiness overcame her.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

In the hall, a palpable tension lingered as Buffy found herself just outside Prue's closed door. The gravity of Faith's words weighed heavily on her mind, stirring a mix of determination and concern. She couldn't ignore the urgency that underscored the situation, especially after learning the address of the bar from Faith. As she contemplated her next move, a resolute expression settled on Buffy's features.

With a decisive nod, she took a deep breath, the cool air filling her lungs as she braced herself for the task ahead. In a seamless motion, Buffy's surroundings blurred, and with a sudden surge of power, she vanished in a mesmerizing swirl of fiery flames.

The Wooden Nickel

In the dimly lit alleyway behind the bar, Buffy materialized with a swift grace, her senses on high alert. The air was thick with the scent of anticipation as she slipped through the shadows and made her way inside. The pulsating beat of music and the muted hum of conversations enveloped her as she surveyed the crowded establishment. Determination etched across her features, Buffy scanned the room, searching for any sign of the ominous threat that had brought her here.

Just as frustration began to gnaw at the edges of Buffy's resolve, a familiar figure caught her eye. Prue strolled past her, heading toward a pool table. A sense of urgency surged through Buffy as she moved to intercept.

"Hey," TJ's voice cut through the ambient noise as he materialized behind Prue, his grip tightening on her shoulders.

Startled, Prue turned with a smile on her lips, the innocence of the moment shattered by the underlying tension. "Hey," she replied, the unease in her eyes betraying the facade of normalcy.

TJ's demeanor shifted, his expression clouding with a sense of urgency. "You shouldn't have come back," he warned, his words laden with a weighty significance.

Confusion etched Prue's features as she grappled with the cryptic statement. "What are you talking about?" she wondered, a furrow forming on her brow.

TJ hesitated, a heavy sigh escaping him before he reluctantly revealed the unsettling truth. "I spent the whole morning with the cops," he explained, his voice low and guarded. "They think you and your daughter killed a guy, and that she took his money."

Prue's denial echoed through the bar, her voice firm and resolute. "No, we—we—we didn't kill anyone."

A palpable tension lingered in the air as TJ, his features softening with relief, reassured her. "Good 'cause that's what I told them."

The weight of the accusation began to lift, replaced by a flicker of hope. However, before the gravity of the situation could fully dissipate, Buffy appeared by Prue's side. Her arrival, unexpected and timely, added another layer of complexity to the unfolding scenario.

"Prue?" Buffy's concerned voice cut through the ambient noise as she approached.

TJ, momentarily taken aback by Buffy's presence, couldn't help but voice his curiosity. "Who's this?"

"Buffy, what are you doing here?" Prue asked, shock coloring her expression as she took in the unexpected sight of the Slayer.

"I got the address from Faith," Buffy explained, her gaze unwavering. "She's worried about you, and for good reason, it would seem." She turned to TJ, a question lingering in the unspoken pauses between her words. "So, the police are…"

"Looking for her and her daughter. Faith is it?" TJ inquired, his eyes narrowing with a mix of curiosity and concern. Buffy nodded, confirming his suspicions. TJ's gaze then shifted to Prue, his earlier warning and urgency taking on a more personal note. "I came to warn you. I didn't have your phone number, and you never even gave me your name. Prue, hmm, nice."

A sly smile played on Prue's lips as she acknowledged TJ's efforts. "That is the sexiest thing a man's ever done for me," she quipped, a hint of appreciation in her voice. In a spontaneous moment, she leaned in, kissing TJ with a sense of gratitude that transcended words.

TJ, however, remained focused on the task at hand. "Hey, you keep saying you want to live a life with no rules, no responsibilities," he reminded her, his gaze unwavering. "This is it. A chance. Come on, we can stop and get Faith along the way if you want."

Prue's smile widened, a mix of exhilaration and trepidation dancing in her eyes as she and TJ headed outside. Buffy trailed behind them, the gravity of the situation settling over the trio like a heavy fog. As they emerged into the cool night air, their breath visible in the tension-filled atmosphere, they were met with an unexpected obstacle.

A police car pulled up just as they reached TJ's motorcycle. An Inspector stepped out, his authoritative presence demanding attention. Another police car joined, creating an uneasy tableau.

"Whoa, take it easy," the Inspector cautioned, his eyes scanning the trio. The weight of the unfolding drama hung in the air like a thick cloud.

"Don't do it for me, TJ," Prue urged, her voice carrying a sense of conviction. "You either, Buffy."

"You both don't want to be accessories for murder," the Inspector concurred, his tone somber as he extracted a pair of handcuffs from his belt. The weight of authority hung heavily in the air; each click of the cuffs amplifying the gravity of the situation.

Prue, facing the reality of the moment, turned to TJ with a look of resignation. "My last name's Halliwell," she revealed, her voice steady. "Prue Halliwell."

The Inspector wasted no time, directing Prue to raise her hands as he securely fastened the handcuffs around her wrists. "Put up your hands. Come on," he urged, his stern expression betraying no sympathy. "Let's go."

Buffy observed the scene unfold, a mix of helplessness and determination etched on her face. She watched as Prue, in the clutches of law enforcement, was led towards the police car. The metallic clang of the door echoed through the morning as Prue was ushered inside, and in an instant she disappeared.

As the police car rolled away, Buffy, unwilling to accept defeat, retreated around the back of the bar. The pulse of urgency thrummed in her veins as she prepared to take matters into her own hands. With a swift motion, she disappeared in a swirl of fiery flames.

Halliwell Manor

Prue's abrupt awakening jolted her into a sitting position, her eyes widening with a mixture of confusion and realization. Glancing down at her wrists, the memory of the dream she had just emerged from lingered, casting a shadow of concern across her features. "Oh, no," she breathed, her voice carrying the weight of the vivid and disconcerting dream.

Beside her, Phoebe stood sensing Prue's distress. As Prue began to recount the details of the dream, Phoebe listened intently, her expression shifting from curiosity to growing concern. "Faith and I were wanted for murder, but this guy in my dream, he risked himself to save me. Sexy guy," Prue explained, a hint of a playful smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Phoebe, however, cut straight to the heart of the matter. "Prue, forget the guy," she urged, her tone urging focus on the more pressing aspects of the dream. "What about the arrest?"

Before Prue could respond, a voice echoed through the room, breaking the intensity of the conversation. "She was put into the patrol car and disappeared right in front of me," came Buffy's voice, her words cutting through the air with an unsettling truth.

Both Prue and Phoebe turned to find Buffy standing in the doorway, her presence tangible and undeniably real. The gravity of the situation sank in, and a sense of disbelief lingered in the room.

"What?" Phoebe exclaimed, her eyes widening with astonishment as she processed Buffy's revelation.

"It wasn't a dream," Buffy confirmed, her gaze meeting theirs with an unwavering intensity. "You remember seeing me at the bar?"

Prue, still processing the surreal nature of the situation, nodded in affirmation.

Phoebe's brow furrowed in confusion as she tried to reconcile the events unfolding before her. "You were at a bar?" she questioned, her gaze shifting between her eldest sister, Prue, and the blonde Slayer, Buffy. "What bar?"

Buffy, standing on the precipice of divulging a complex tale, began to unravel the sequence of events that had transpired. "Last night, Faith patrolled for an hour, or so she told me anyways," Buffy explained. "Then, after not finding a single vamp, she went to a bar to unwind. A bar, by the way, that didn't card her. When I came down for the wedding, she told me what she had seen. She didn't want to worry you, Phoebe, or Piper, not with all that was going on. She was there playing pool when she spotted Prue and…"

"TJ," Prue interjected, filling in the missing piece of the puzzle.

"TJ," Buffy echoed. "Anyways, she followed you out, and this guy tried to get the money Faith won from him. She kicked him away from her, and you hit him with a board, knocking him out. Then you proceeded to disappear right in front of Faith's eyes. When she told me what she had seen, she asked me to keep an eye on you, Prue. She was afraid…"

Prue sighed, the weight of the shared secrets and fears pressing on her. Memories flooded back, not just about the recent events but also the revelations about Faith's past and the challenges they had faced together. "Of what might happen if something happened to me," Prue concluded, her voice tinged with a mix of solemnity and reflection. She remembered the vulnerability Faith had revealed, the layers of protection each of them sought to provide for the other.

"And I was trying to protect her, so she wouldn't worry," Prue confessed, acknowledging the intricate dance of mutual concern that defined their connection.

Buffy, with a deep sigh, offered an insight into Faith's guarded nature. "She lets very few people in," she shared. "If she is worrying about you, then you found the chink in her armor. Anyways, she gave me the address for the bar. I flamed over there, and guess who I saw."

"Me," Prue admitted with a slight tilt of her head, acknowledging her inexplicable presence at the bar while seemingly asleep in her room. Her gaze then shifted toward Phoebe, a silent understanding passing between them. "And you know the rest."

Phoebe, grappling with the enigma unfolding before them, voiced the questions that hung in the air. "Okay, so now we know that while you are asleep, somehow you're in two places at once," she mused. Her eyes, seeking answers, turned to Buffy. "Prue was here the entire time she was asleep, of that I'm sure." She redirected her gaze back to her sister. "But the question is how. Could you be astral projecting?"

Prue, still trying to make sense of the surreal situation, shrugged. "I don't know, but I've never done it before while asleep. Why would I be doing it now? Maybe we should look in the Book of Shadows to see if maybe there is an answer there," she suggested, a note of curiosity in her voice.

"I'll call Giles," Buffy offered, a sense of determination evident in her tone. "After I fill in Faith. And before you say anything, you don't know her like I do. Telling is better than not."

"Okay," Prue agreed as they headed towards her bedroom door, ready to delve into the mysteries that awaited them.

However, Phoebe, ever mindful of family dynamics, posed a crucial question before they proceeded. "Wait, should we tell Piper?" she asked, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.

Prue's determination to keep the day from unraveling fueled her resolve as she shook her head. "No, I won't let this be the one thing that goes wrong today. I'll be okay as long as I stay awake, right? For Piper?"

"For Piper," Phoebe echoed, exchanging a glance with Buffy, who remained silent for a moment. Phoebe nudged Buffy with a teasing smile, prompting her to join in. "Buffy, you are supposed to say for Piper also."

Buffy, catching on, offered a wry grin. "I thought it was implied," she suggested before relenting with a smile. "For Piper." She then turned her attention to Prue with a pointed expression. "By the way, can I make a suggestion? Till you guys figure out what's going on, that you don't leave the house, Prue?"

Prue, mindful of the potential complications with the police, agreed. "If the police are looking for me, that might be a good idea." She then turned to Phoebe, shifting her focus to another pressing matter. "Darryl is coming over for Piper's wedding, right?"

Phoebe nodded. "Yeah, so we'll see if we can get this figured out by then. Then you and Faith can get it straightened out with Darryl."

As they exited Prue's room, Piper emerged from hers, a keen sense for detecting unusual occurrences drawing her attention. She noticed the direction Prue and Phoebe were heading and observed Buffy making her way to Faith's room. Suspicion crept into Piper's voice as she intercepted their movements. "Hold it right there," she said, her gaze moving between her sisters and Buffy. "What's wrong?"

Phoebe, ever quick on her feet, attempted to divert Piper's attention by introducing a light-hearted topic. "Boy bands," she blurted out, trying to inject some humor into the moment. "There's just too many of them, don't you think?"

Piper, however, was not so easily swayed, her gaze moving between Phoebe, Buffy, and Prue. She saw through Phoebe's feeble attempt to change the subject and sensed an unspoken tension in the air. "No," Piper replied, her eyes narrowing as she fixed her sisters and Buffy with an unwavering gaze. "What's wrong with you three?"

Prue, choosing to play it cool, insisted, "Uh, nothing's wrong." However, Piper, attuned to the nuances of her sisters, shook her head, unconvinced by the dismissive response. "I can see it in your faces," she asserted, her intuition honed by years of demon hunting. "We've been demon hunting for three years now. And Buffy …?" She turned to Buffy, seeking clarification on the Slayer's own timeline.

"Three years also," Buffy supplied, the weight of her own experiences mirrored in her eyes.

Piper's suspicion deepened, sensing that there was more to the story than they were letting on. "Anyways, you're going to the attic, aren't you?" she probed, her gaze shifting between Prue and Phoebe. Before they could respond, she turned to Buffy. "And you are going to get Faith, and you two are going to join them, right?"

"Yes, we are," Buffy affirmed with a confident nod. "We're going to find something that Faith can give as your wedding gift. Maybe something old...?"

"Something new," Phoebe seamlessly added, catching on to the playful game that Buffy had initiated. She nudged Prue, who grinned at the impromptu collaboration.

"Uh, something borrowed, something blue," Prue finished the well-known wedding tradition with a twinkle in her eye. "Buffy told us that Faith felt bad about not getting you something. So, she was going to surprise you, but now you caught us helping her."

Piper's initial suspicion melted away as understanding dawned. A smile spread across her lips as she absorbed the heartwarming gesture. "Oh," she responded, the weight of the moment replaced by a sense of gratitude for her sisters' and friends' efforts.

"Yeah, I mean, look, I told you, you have nothing to worry about today, alright?" Prue reassured Piper with a warm smile. "It's going to be a demon-free day."

The tranquility of the moment, however, was shattered as Cole materialized, causing Piper to jump in surprise. "Hey!" she exclaimed, her initial shock giving way to a mix of annoyance and amusement.

"Sorry I'm late," Cole offered, his apologetic tone a stark contrast to the abrupt entrance.

"You were saying?" Piper reiterated, her gaze shifting between Prue and the unexpected addition of Cole.

Buffy couldn't hide her distrust of Cole. She shot him a glare filled with unspoken warning, silently communicating, "I will be watching you." Without further ado, she pivoted on her heels and walked into Faith's room, shutting the door firmly behind her.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Faith, perched on the edge of the bed, awaited an explanation with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. "Well?" she prompted, her eyes fixed on Buffy, searching for clarity.

Buffy sighed, her shoulders sagging with the weight of the revelations she carried. "You were right to be worried," she confessed, meeting Faith's gaze with sincerity. "What you saw was real. On top of that, it happened again, whatever it is. I went to the bar and found your mom there. And I found out that both you and her are wanted for murder."

Faith's eyes widened in shock, and she couldn't contain her visceral reaction. "What!" she exclaimed, the gravity of the accusation hitting her with unexpected force.

"I didn't catch the details," Buffy admitted, her voice apologetic. "Till we know more, I suggest you don't leave the house."

"Might be a good idea," Faith agreed with a resigned nod. "Don't have the Watcher's Council to sweep it under the rug this time."

Buffy nodded, acknowledging the harsh reality of their current predicament. "Phoebe and your mom are looking through their Book of Shadows," she informed Faith. "We ran into Piper on the way and had to come up with a quick excuse on why we were heading upstairs. You need to head up because Piper thinks your wedding gift will be something old, something borrowed, and something blue."

Faith's eyes widened in realization. "Ah," she responded, a mixture of understanding and amusement coloring her tone. The pressure to maintain the charade added an unexpected layer of complexity to the already convoluted situation.

"What are you going to do?" Faith inquired, curious about Buffy's next move.

"Call Giles and then join you, your mom, and Phoebe in the attic," Buffy revealed, a sense of urgency permeating her words. As Faith exited the room, Buffy took a moment to steel herself for the upcoming conversation with Giles.

With determination, she picked up the phone on Faith's desk and dialed Giles's number. The familiar voice of the Watcher soon echoed through the line, "Hello?"

"Giles, it's Buffy," she began, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. "I need your expertise. Faith's mom is somehow, when she is asleep, able to be in two places at once. We don't know how, though."

Giles's calm and knowledgeable voice came through the line, responding promptly, "Sounds like astral projection."

"They thought of that already," Buffy explained, frustration lingering in her tone. "Prue has that power. But she said she has never done it while asleep."

"That could be the answer to your problem," Giles suggested. "Remember Billy; he was in a coma and he astral projected out of his body."

"And being in a coma is like being asleep," Buffy realized, the connection forming in her mind as she recalled the past events involving Billy. "Right."

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Faith ascended the creaky stairs into the dimly lit attic, her heart fluttering with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. She found her mother standing by a cluttered table, her furrowed brow illuminated by the faint glow emanating from the now-closed Book of Shadows.

"Anything?" Faith inquired; her voice tinged with a hopeful urgency.

Prue's shoulders slumped as she let out a heavy sigh, her disappointment palpable. "Nothing," she admitted, her voice tinged with frustration and exhaustion.

A knot formed in Faith's stomach as she absorbed her mother's response. "So, what are we going to do?" she pressed, her concern for their predicament bubbling to the surface. "I'm worried, okay. And you know me, it has to be something major to make me worry."

Prue met her daughter's gaze, a flicker of understanding passing between them. She knew all too well the depths of Faith's anxiety, the weighty burdens that could unsettle her daughter's usually unshakeable resolve. "Well, I think for right now we need to get ready for Piper's wedding," Prue suggested, her voice softening with a glimmer of hope. "Get through that first, and then deal with the rest after."

Before they could delve further into their plans, the atmosphere shifted as Buffy entered the attic with purpose in her stride. "I have some information," she announced, her voice cutting through the tense air like a beacon of possibility.

Prue and Faith turned their attention to Buffy, their expressions a mix of curiosity and anticipation as she relayed her findings. "You have the power to make yourself be in two places at once, right?" Buffy queried, her eyes locking onto Prue's with a keen intensity.

Prue nodded thoughtfully, her mind racing to connect the dots of Buffy's revelation. "In Sunnydale, we encountered a boy who could do what you do," Buffy continued, her words unraveling a thread of possibility in the midst of uncertainty. "But he was doing it while he was in a coma. He, of course, had the added effect because of the Hellmouth of bringing the nightmare world with him. So, it might be possible that is what is happening here. You are…"

"Projecting myself out of my body while I am asleep," Prue interjected, her voice tinged with a mix of realization and concern. "That would explain why I feel so tired all of the time. I'm not really asleep when I am projecting myself out. But that doesn't solve the problem of why."

"Mom," Faith's voice quivered with concern, her gaze fixed on Prue with an intensity born of fear and determination. "I would highly suggest that you don't sleep until after we deal with the cops and the arrest warrants. That way, we can try and find out what is going on without worry."

Prue's brow furrowed as she absorbed Faith's words, the gravity of their situation pressing down upon her like a lead weight. She knew the risks all too well, the dangers that lurked in the shadows of their supernatural existence. "Good idea, Faith," Prue conceded, her tone heavy with the weight of responsibility

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

In Piper's room, the air was thick with anticipation as she stood before the mirror, delicately fastening her earrings in place. The soft glow of the room's lighting danced across her features, casting a gentle radiance upon her as she surveyed her reflection. It was in this moment of quiet preparation that a sudden shift in the atmosphere heralded the arrival of an unexpected visitor.

Just as Piper's fingers brushed against the shimmering jewels adorning her ears, a spectral figure materialized behind her, bathed in an ethereal aura of blue and white light. Piper's breath caught in her throat as she turned to behold the apparition, her mother standing before her in a luminous display of otherworldly beauty.

"Oh, you're so beautiful," Patty's voice, tinged with a bittersweet longing, filled the room like a gentle breeze, a smile gracing her lips as she gazed upon her daughter with a mixture of pride and adoration.

Piper's heart fluttered with a tumult of emotions as she struggled to comprehend the surreal encounter unfolding before her. "Mom?" she whispered, her voice barely above a breath as she met Patty's gaze in the reflection of the mirror, a flicker of disbelief dancing in her eyes.

"Don't be afraid," Patty's voice, soft and reassuring, enveloped Piper like a warm embrace, dispelling the tendrils of fear that threatened to engulf her.

A gasp escaped Piper's lips as she turned to face Patty, her mind reeling with a whirlwind of confusion and wonder. "Oh, my god," she breathed, her voice trembling with a mixture of awe and disbelief. "But... it can't be 'cause, um, ghosts… ghosts' glow. You're not glowing."

Patty's smile widened, a tender glimmer of maternal affection lighting up her features like a beacon of love and reassurance. "I'm not a ghost. Well, not today. Today, I am simply your mother."

Piper's brow furrowed with confusion, her mind struggling to reconcile the impossible with the reality unfolding before her. "But, uh, how?" she asked, her voice tinged with bewilderment as she searched Patty's luminous gaze for answers.

"After all the Elders put you and Leo through," Patty began, her voice tinged with a mixture of solemnity and warmth, "they wanted to give you something back. So, they sent me down, just for your wedding day." A nostalgic twinkle danced in Patty's eyes as she reminisced, her thoughts drifting back to her own wedding day. "You know, I think I wore my hair like this for my wedding day."

A soft smile graced Piper's lips as she recalled the cherished memories preserved within her mother's wedding album. "You did," she affirmed, a fondness coloring her words as she traced the contours of her mother's ethereal presence. "Uh, I kept your wedding album after you died and..." Piper's voice trailed off, overcome by a swell of emotion as Patty tenderly adjusted a stray strand of hair, a gesture both familiar and comforting. "And I looked at the pictures every night like a bedtime story."

Patty's heart swelled with a mixture of pride and longing as she listened to Piper's words, a bittersweet reminder of the enduring bond that transcended the boundaries of time and space. "I always thought you'd be the first to get married," Patty confessed, her voice laced with a hint of wistfulness. She thought of Faith, her granddaughter. She had even thought that Piper would be the first to have a child, but it seemed destiny had other ideas. "You're the heart of this family, Piper."

A flicker of uncertainty danced in Piper's eyes as she reached out to touch Patty's hand, the need for tangible reassurance outweighing the surrealness of the moment. "I'm not dreaming, am I?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she sought confirmation that her mother was indeed standing before her, tangible and real.

Patty's words carried a soothing reassurance as she gently shook her head, dispelling any lingering doubts that threatened to cloud Piper's mind. "No, sweetie, you're not."

Overwhelmed by the wave of emotion that swept through her, Piper enveloped Patty in a warm embrace, holding her close as if to anchor herself to this miraculous moment of reunion.

"Mom?" The sound of Phoebe's voice cut through the tender embrace, drawing their attention to Phoebe, who standing before them beside Prue, Faith and Buffy. Phoebe's eyes widened in astonishment as she took in the sight of her mother, her disbelief mingling with a glimmer of hope.

"It's true," Piper affirmed, her voice tinged with a quiet wonder. "She's real. They sent her to us for today."

As Patty withdrew from Piper's embrace and approached Prue, a pang of sorrow tugged at her heartstrings. "Oh, Prue. It's been so hard on you, unfair," she murmured, her voice heavy with empathy.

Prue's gaze softened as she met Patty's eyes, a flicker of gratitude and understanding passing between them. "Yeah... no, it doesn't matter," Prue replied, her voice steady despite the weight of her unspoken burdens. "I just wanted to make you proud."

Patty's words resonated with a depth of emotion as she turned her gaze first to Prue, her heart swelling with pride and admiration. "You protected this family better than I could. I'm so proud of you," she expressed, her voice imbued with a mixture of reverence and gratitude. Then, her eyes shifted to Faith, a knowing look passing between them. "And that prepared you for the day…"

Prue's smile widened as she glanced affectionately at her daughter, her pride evident in every line of her face. "For when Faith would come home," she finished, her voice filled with warmth and love. She turned back to Patty, her gratitude shining through her eyes. "Thank you."

Patty's attention then turned to Phoebe, her gaze softening with a tender understanding. "And you, my baby, you feel it all, don't you?" she murmured, her voice carrying a gentle empathy. "I was never there to comfort you. I died before you even knew me."

A wistful sigh escaped Phoebe's lips as she absorbed her mother's words, her heart aching with the longing for a presence she had never truly known. "Some nights I just wanted you to hold me," she confessed, her voice trembling with raw vulnerability.

Patty's expression softened with regret as she reached out to Phoebe, a silent gesture of solace and understanding. "Your road's been the longest, Phoebe," she acknowledged, her voice filled with a quiet resolve. "But I was never worried about you. You know why? Because I had a premonition the day you were born."

Faith's eyes widened in curiosity as she turned to her grandmother, a spark of intrigue dancing in her gaze. "You did?" she questioned, her voice tinged with wonder, before casting a glance at her mother. "I thought that Grandma Patty's power was the same power Aunt Piper had."

"It was," Prue confirmed with a nod, her expression thoughtful as she recalled the intricacies of their family's unique gifts.

Patty offered a gentle smile, her eyes alight with the warmth of memory. "Phoebe gave it to me," she explained, her voice soft yet tinged with a sense of awe, "as she was being born."

Piper's curiosity piqued as she leaned in closer, her gaze searching Patty's face for answers. "What did you see?" she inquired, her voice barely above a whisper, anticipation humming in the air.

Patty's eyes glistened with a mix of emotion as she recounted her vision, her words carrying the weight of a profound revelation. "Oh, I saw this. I saw this moment right now, my three daughters and my granddaughter standing before me as beautiful young women, and I knew that everything would be okay," she revealed, her voice filled with a quiet certainty.

Phoebe's brow furrowed in curiosity as she sought further insight into her grandmother's premonition. "What did you see next?" she pressed, her voice filled with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

"I held you," Patty replied softly, her words laden with a tender nostalgia as she enveloped Phoebe in a warm embrace, drawing Prue and Piper into the fold. With a gesture of invitation, she extended her arm toward Faith, her smile gentle yet encouraging. Hesitant at first, Faith stepped into the circle of familial love, her heart swelling with a sense of belonging.

As Patty held her daughters and granddaughter close, her gaze drifted toward Buffy, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. Though unspoken, Patty knew that another premonition had guided her path, one that filled her with a quiet confidence in Faith's resilience and strength. In the embrace of their shared love and support, Patty found solace in the knowledge that her granddaughter was on the path to overcoming the trials that had beset her, her journey illuminated by the unwavering bond of family.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Moments later, the anticipation in the air was palpable as Leo, Grams, Phoebe, Prue, Buffy, Cole, and Victor gathered, their expectant gazes fixed on the staircase, awaiting the arrival of Faith, Patty, and Piper.

"Places, places everyone," Grams declared with a sense of authority, her voice carrying a hint of excitement as she attempted to maintain order amidst the mounting anticipation.

Just then, the shrill ring of the doorbell pierced the air, causing a momentary pause in the proceedings.

"Don't answer that," Prue instructed firmly, her voice cutting through the clamor as she urged caution.

"Can somebody answer that?" Piper's voice floated down from upstairs; her tone tinged with a note of exasperation.

Without hesitation, Prue took charge, striding purposefully towards the door with determined steps. As she swung it open, she was met with the unexpected sight of Darryl standing on the threshold, his expression a mix of urgency and resolve.

"Hey, you're late. Where were you?" Prue questioned; her tone laced with a hint of playful reproach as she greeted her friend.

Darryl's response was swift and to the point, his words carrying the weight of their shared history and the unspoken dangers that lurked in the shadows. "Out saving your ass," he retorted.

"Oh, the arrest warrant," Prue's voice carried a note of concern.

Darryl's expression grew somber as he relayed the grim details, his tone heavy with the weight of the situation. "Yeah, you and the girl that was here when you were saving Tom Peters are wanted for murder. They have yet to find her but said you fled custody this morning," he explained, his words punctuated by a sense of urgency. "They don't have yours or her names yet but it's only a matter of time."

Before Prue could fully absorb the gravity of their predicament, Grams' voice echoed from the other room, drawing her attention away momentarily. "Prue!"

Taking a deep breath, Prue composed herself, her resolve unwavering despite the storm brewing on the horizon. "Alright, let's just stay cool and we'll get downtown and straighten this out later. But we have to get through the wedding first, okay? For Piper?" she implored, her words infused with a sense of determination.

When Darryl remained silent, Prue shot him a pointed look, a silent plea for solidarity in the face of adversity. "You're supposed to say 'For Piper,'" she reminded him, her tone tinged with a hint of playful reproach.

Darryl's response was laced with a mixture of resignation and resolve as he fell into step beside Prue. "Alright, it better be a quick wedding," he quipped, his words carrying a note of dry humor as they joined the others.

"Everything looks perfect except Victor, could you move a little to your left," Grams' voice carried a touch of authority, her eyes scanning the scene with a critical gaze.

Victor, slightly puzzled by the request, complied without hesitation. "Sure, why?" he inquired, adjusting his position as directed.

"Well, to make room for..." Grams trailed off, her gaze shifting as Patty gracefully stepped up beside Victor, her presence a surprising yet welcome addition to the gathering.

"Patty," Victor's surprise was evident in his tone, his expression a mix of disbelief and curiosity.

"Hello, Victor, how are you?" Patty's voice was warm and inviting, her demeanor calm despite the unexpected reunion.

"Good. I mean, I was good," Victor stammered slightly, his composure momentarily shaken by Patty's sudden appearance. "Alright, who brought my ex-wife back from the dead?" he quipped, his attempt at humor masking his underlying astonishment.

Grams, ever the voice of reason, interjected with a gentle reprimand. "Not now, Victor," she admonished, her tone firm yet tempered with a hint of understanding. "I know you two have issues, but that's what the reception is for."

With a subtle gesture, Grams directed their attention towards the CD player, which sprang to life with the familiar strains of the wedding music.

Faith descended the stairs with Piper by her side, a sense of familial closeness palpable as Piper's arm intertwined with her niece's. As they reached the bottom, Victor extended his arm, offering it to Piper, who gracefully accepted, her movements fluid as she linked her arm with her father's. With a shared glance between them, Faith stepped aside, allowing Piper to join Victor, their bond evident in the easy rapport between them.

Meanwhile, Darryl's keen observation did not go unnoticed as he pieced together the presence of the mysterious girl, wanted for murder, amidst the joyous festivities. His gaze swept over Prue, Piper, and Phoebe, a silent acknowledgment passing between them, confirming his suspicions that they were acquainted with the enigmatic guest.

"We did it. It's really happening," Phoebe's voice was filled with excitement, her eyes shining with anticipation as she reveled in the joyous moment.

Before anyone could fully grasp the significance of Phoebe's words, chaos erupted with the deafening crash of the front door being shattered. All eyes turned towards the intruder as TJ roared into the room on his motorcycle, his reckless entrance leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. Flowers scattered, glassware shattered, and the air crackled with tension as TJ came to a stop in front of the table bearing the wedding cake.

"Prue!" TJ's voice cut through the chaos, his presence a jarring disruption to the celebratory atmosphere.

The realization dawned upon Phoebe as she exchanged a glance with Buffy and Faith, a mix of apprehension and recognition flickering in their eyes. "Is that?" she began, her voice trailing off in disbelief.

Buffy's nod confirmed Phoebe's suspicions. "TJ," she confirmed.

"Oh, oh, oh no," Prue's voice faltered, a sense of dizziness overwhelming her as she swayed unsteadily before collapsing to the floor.

"Prue?" Phoebe's concern was evident as she reached out, her hand hovering over her sister's shoulder, her eyes widening in alarm as Prue's astral form materialized before them.

"TJ," Astral Prue's voice was filled with a mixture of relief and urgency as she hurried over to him, her ethereal presence glowing with determination. "You came."

TJ's response was swift, his expression steely as he spoke. "Had to beat the cops," he explained tersely, his gaze never wavering from Prue's astral form. "I won't let them take you."

Astral Prue's eyes flickered with a silent plea as she turned towards Faith, her outstretched hand beckoning urgently. "Come on!" she urged, her voice imploring.

But Faith's resolve remained unwavering, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions as she met her mother's gaze. "No," she replied firmly, her voice tinged with regret. "Sorry, mom."

"Mom?" Darryl's voice was barely a whisper as he stood amidst the chaos, his gaze darting between Faith and Prue, his mind reeling with disbelief at the revelation that Prue and Faith were mother and daughter.

"Prue, what the hell is going on?" Piper's voice cut through the tumult, her frustration boiling over as she demanded answers.

"Prue, you get your astral ass back here!" Phoebe's exasperation was evident as she called out to her sister, her words tinged with a mix of desperation and anger. But her pleas fell on deaf ears as TJ rode off into the night, leaving behind a trail of destruction in his wake.

As the cake table toppled and the cake crashed to the floor, Phoebe's heart sank with a sense of resignation. "Honey..." she began, her voice trailing off as she watched Piper's veil fall to the ground, discarded in a fit of frustration.

"Alright, that's it! The wedding is off!" Piper's declaration echoed through the room, her resolve firm as she cast aside the remnants of her once-cherished celebration. With determined strides, she made to leave, only to find Phoebe blocking her path, her dress trapped beneath her sister's feet. "Phoebe!" Piper's frustration reached a boiling point, her patience wearing thin as she struggled to break free from the confines of her wedding dress.

"Sorry! Sorry!" Phoebe's apology was tinged with remorse as she hurriedly stepped aside, her heart heavy with the weight of their shattered dreams. "Piper, wait, think about this," she pleaded, her voice tinged with urgency.

But Piper's resolve remained unyielding as she shrugged on a sweater, her mind made up. "Yes, I can," she declared defiantly, her voice laced with a mix of anger and sorrow. "A demon I could have handled, but my big sister ruining my wedding, I cannot handle that."

"Okay, just listen to me for one second," Phoebe pleaded, her voice tinged with urgency as she attempted to reason with her distraught sister. "All we have to do is find a way."

Piper's response was immediate, her voice heavy with resignation as she shook her head in defeat. "No, no, I don't want to find a way to get married on my wedding day. It's—it's too hard. There must be a reason."

"Piper..." Leo's voice cut through the tension, his expression a mixture of concern and compassion as he and Faith approached the sisters, their presence a silent reassurance in the midst of turmoil.

Piper let out a heavy sigh, her resolve crumbling beneath the weight of disappointment. "Leo, I'm sorry, but this is just the final straw. It's just not meant to be," she confessed, her words laced with a sense of resignation as she turned and made her way towards the front door.

"I'll go ..." Faith's voice faltered, her willingness to support evident in her words, but she was interrupted by Darryl's sudden appearance.

"No," Darryl interjected firmly, his expression grave as he addressed Faith. "You and Prue are wanted for murder. And I'm afraid you will have to come down to the precinct with me, Ms..."

Faith met Darryl's gaze with steely determination, her shoulders squared as she squared her jaw. "Halliwell," she supplied, her voice unwavering despite the gravity of the situation. "Faith Halliwell."

Darryl's gaze shifted towards Phoebe and Leo, silently seeking confirmation of the startling revelation regarding Faith's identity.

"She's Prue and Andy's daughter," Phoebe affirmed, her voice steady as she unraveled the tangled web of family secrets. "Prue had her back in high school. Grams gave her up for adoption and then cast a spell on us and Andy and his family, erasing the knowledge that Prue had ever been pregnant. Faith somehow got ahold of her real birth certificate and came looking for Prue."

Darryl absorbed the information with a solemn nod, his expression thoughtful as he considered the implications. "Of course, I will have to check that out," he conceded, his commitment to thoroughness evident. "But if it is true, I am glad to have met Andy's daughter," he admitted, his tone softening with a hint of warmth. "But that said, you need to give me the name currently that would be in the system."

"Lehane," Faith responded, her voice tinged with resignation. "Faith Lehane."

Their attention was drawn to Victor, who tenderly laid Prue on the couch. Phoebe's heart ached at the sight, the weight of despair settling over them like a heavy shroud.

"I've never seen Piper so defeated," Phoebe murmured, her voice filled with sorrow as Leo settled onto the adjacent couch. "Prue, come on, wake up. Prue, come on."

Patty's gentle voice interjected; her words infused with a quiet wisdom. "Honey, you won't get her back that way," she counseled, her gaze soft as she offered a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. "A part of Prue wanted to escape, and it used her astral self to do it."

"How though?" Buffy's voice was laced with confusion as she grappled with the mystery before them. "Giles, he used to be my Watcher before the Council fired him, said you normally have to be awake."

Patty's response was measured, her tone calm as she sought to shed light on the enigma. "She is awake," she explained patiently. "We're all awake in reality twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. When we sleep, our subconscious is awake. How else do we dream?"

As the realization settled over the group, a heavy silence descended, punctuated only by Grams' somber declaration. "If the wedding's off, I have to go. I'm only here to conduct the ceremony. I'm sorry," she announced before disappearing in a flurry of orbing lights.

"Maybe Piper's right," Victor interjected, his voice tinged with resignation. "Maybe the wedding just wasn't meant to be."

Patty's sigh was heavy with emotion as she regarded her ex-husband, her expression a mix of understanding and gentle rebuke. "Victor," she murmured softly, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

But Victor persisted, his words carrying the weight of hard-earned wisdom. "All I'm saying is maybe the gods are just trying to spare them the pain that we went through," he suggested, his gaze drifting towards the shattered remnants of their once-promising celebration.

"I don't believe that for a second," Faith asserted with conviction, her voice unwavering in the face of doubt. "While what you two went through was bad, I agree there. I also know that what Aunt Piper and Leo have is real. I've seen it, they're meant to be together."

Leo's affirmation echoed Faith's sentiments, his voice infused with certainty as he spoke. "Faith's right," he declared, his unwavering belief in their love evident. "All I need is what's inside of me to know that Piper and I are meant to be together. What happened here today..."

"Piper and Leo's love have touched us all, not just Faith," Phoebe interjected, her voice filled with determination as she echoed her niece's sentiments. "We have to fix this."

As the urgency of the situation became apparent, Darryl's pager interrupted the conversation, signaling the impending chaos outside. "I got to go fend off the posse," he announced, his tone grave as he prepared to face the challenges ahead.

"What posse?" Victor's confusion was palpable, his brow furrowing in concern.

Faith's admission hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the already fraught atmosphere. "Mom and I are wanted for murder," she revealed.

"I'll stay in touch by cell phone," Darryl assured, his voice tinged with urgency as he motioned for Faith to follow him.

As Darryl and Faith departed, Patty's expression mirrored her shock and concern. "Murder?" she echoed incredulously, her voice trembling with disbelief.

Leo's gaze shifted to Phoebe, seeking answers amidst the chaos. "You knew about this?" he inquired, his tone tinged with a mixture of concern and confusion.

Phoebe's response was swift as she stepped forward to address the mounting tension. "Actually, I found out," Buffy interjected, her voice steady as she revealed the truth behind their grim situation. "Faith had some worries about Prue. She asked me to keep an eye on her mother while I was here today. I did, I got the address for a bar that Faith went to last night from Faith. Found Prue there when she was supposed to be asleep here. The cops showed up. Apparently both Faith and Prue are wanted for a murder that supposedly happened last night."

Phoebe's confidence wavered as she grappled with the implications of Buffy's revelation. "Regardless, it's obviously a mistake. I mean, Prue and Faith wouldn't murder anybody," she insisted, her voice trembling with uncertainty. Buffy's cough punctuated the tense silence, drawing attention to her as she met Phoebe's gaze with a somber expression. "You told Prue that was an accident," Phoebe recalled, her tone tinged with dawning realization.

"It was," Buffy affirmed with a heavy sigh, the weight of their shared burden evident in her words.

"What was an accident?" Victor's voice cut through the tension; his brow furrowed in confusion as he sought clarification amidst the chaos.

"Faith and I were out on patrol in Sunnydale," Buffy explained, her tone somber as she recounted the events of that fateful night. "The Deputy Mayor came out of nowhere. Faith stabbed him, thinking he was a vampire. The Watcher's Council has connections, got the case closed."

The weight of Buffy's words hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the room as they grappled with the gravity of their situation. But Leo's determined voice broke through the silence, rallying them to action.

"Alright, alright, you guys find Piper, bring her back here somehow," Leo instructed, his tone firm as he outlined their plan of action. "Phoebe, Buffy, Book of Shadows, see if there's a spell to bring astral Prue back. Cole, you and me are going to do a little investigating of our own. Alright, come on you guys. We've got a wedding to save."

With Leo's rallying cry ringing in their ears, the group sprang into action, united in their determination to overcome the obstacles that stood in the way of Piper and Leo's happiness.

Golden Gate Park

"I've just got to know," TJ's voice broke the silence as he lay in the grass, his gaze fixed on Astral Prue beside him. "How'd you get away from the cops?"

Astral Prue's smile faltered slightly at the probing question, her eyes betraying a hint of discomfort. "You know, I don't really want to talk about that. I mean, I'm here now, that's all that really matters, right?" she deflected, her attempt to change the subject evident in her response.

"Yeah, but for how long?" TJ persisted, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Astral Prue's expression softened as she regarded him, her eyes searching his for any sign of sincerity. "Do you care?" she wondered, her voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

TJ's response was noncommittal as he shrugged, his gaze drifting away momentarily. "Well, I did crash your sister's wedding. Plus, you did leave your daughter behind," he pointed out, his words tinged with a hint of remorse.

Astral Prue's acknowledgment was solemn as she nodded in agreement, her gaze turning towards the horizon. "Yes, you did," she conceded, her voice tinged with regret. "And yes, I did."

"And I am harboring you from the cops," TJ interjected, his voice tinged with a hint of concern.

Astral Prue's smile widened at his remark, a sense of gratitude evident in her expression. "And I appreciate that," she replied sincerely, her tone filled with genuine appreciation for his assistance.

"I may definitely pass for a state behavior –" TJ began, shaking his head in disbelief at the precarious situation they found themselves in.

"So then why are you still talking?" Astral Prue interrupted, her playful tone teasing as she deflected his self-deprecating remark.

"Prue, I don't need much, but I need to know one thing," TJ's voice grew serious as he sat up, his gaze meeting Astral Prue's with unwavering intensity. He was certain he already knew the answer. "Are you going to take off from me again tonight?"

Astral Prue's response was thoughtful, her expression reflecting the weight of his question. "You know, I hadn't really thought about it," she admitted with a shrug, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I mean, for the first time in my life I'm free, so I'm sort of just living moment to moment. Is that okay?"

TJ's nod conveyed his acceptance of Astral Prue's candid response. "I'm cool with that," he affirmed, his tone tinged with understanding.

"Cool with that," Astral Prue echoed softly, a smile playing on her lips as they leaned into each other, their connection deepening with a tender kiss. Yet, as the moment of intimacy unfolded, a sudden sensation gripped her, pulling at her consciousness as if her very essence was being yanked away.

"Oh, not now," Astral Prue exclaimed, her voice betraying a hint of panic as she felt the tug of her physical body beckoning her back, its call impossible to ignore.

"What's wrong?" TJ's concern was palpable as Astral Prue leaped to her feet and darted off, leaving him bewildered and alone. "Prue? Prue, where are you going?" he called after her, his voice tinged with urgency.

Astral Prue plunged into the dense foliage, her heart racing as she sought refuge amidst the trees. "No, I'm free. I'm not going back," she declared defiantly, her resolve firm as she clung to the fleeting taste of liberation. Moments later, she vanished from sight, leaving behind only the whisper of her name on the wind.

San Francisco Police Department

"Faith Lehane," the inspector began, his voice measured as he perused Faith's extensive file. Darryl had escorted Faith to the precinct, ushering her into an interrogation room before stepping out momentarily. It didn't take long for the inspector to arrive and take a seat across from her. "Interesting file you have," he remarked, his tone carrying a hint of intrigue. "Abusive parents, placed in foster care after the death of your father by an unknown individual, and your mother incarcerated for child abuse. Adoptive parent killed again by an unknown individual. Then there was an incident of indecent exposure where police officers found a priest, of all people, hugging you while you were naked. Lastly, there was the death of the Deputy Mayor in Sunnydale, and you along with another young woman were prime suspects before the case was closed citing no evidence."

Faith's response was nonchalant, her demeanor betraying little emotion as she shrugged in acknowledgment. "Sounds like me. But the thing is, those people in Boston that you called my parents, weren't. My mom lives here in San Francisco; her name is Prue Halliwell."

The inspector furrowed his brow, skepticism coloring his expression as he scrutinized the contents of Faith's file once more. "According to this, your birth mother has no parental rights," he countered, his tone firm as he cited the official record.

"That's not true," a firm voice interjected from the doorway, causing both Faith and the inspector to turn their attention to Darryl's sudden appearance. He strode purposefully over to the inspector and placed a file on the table before him. "When I found out that Ms. Halliwell believed Prue Halliwell was her mother, I did some checking," Darryl explained, his tone resolute as he provided crucial information. "Sixteen years ago, Ms. Halliwell was kidnapped by individuals unknown. The case was never solved. The birth parents, Prue Halliwell and Inspector Andy Trudeau—yes, that Andy—were minors at the time. Penelope Halliwell was the legal guardian of Prue Halliwell and her sisters. She reported her great granddaughter missing."

Faith's eyes widened in surprise as she processed Darryl's revelation, a mixture of confusion and disbelief flickering across her features. Grams had always maintained that Faith had been given up for adoption; could it be that had been a lie?

"That means," Darryl continued, his voice steady, "that Prue Halliwell is Ms. Halliwell's legal mother as she did not give up her parental rights."

The inspector mulled over Darryl's words; his expression thoughtful yet skeptical. "That may be," he conceded, "But Prue Halliwell is also wanted for the same murder." He turned his gaze to Faith, his tone grave. "Which means she can't…"

"Actually, Prue Halliwell has every right to either be in here for the questioning of her daughter or to ensure that an attorney is present," Darryl interjected firmly, his confidence unwavering as he asserted their legal rights. He flashed a reassuring smile at Faith as he settled in beside her. "I'm not an attorney, but Phoebe Halliwell, Prue Halliwell's youngest sister, has allowed me to be here in the absence of her sister to advise Ms. Halliwell until such time as their attorney or Prue Halliwell can be found and brought in."

Halliwell Manor

Astral Prue's gaze swept over the living room of the Manor. There was a crackle of tension in the air as Phoebe slammed the Book of Shadows shut, the sound echoing through the room like a thunderclap.

"Nice spell, huh?" Phoebe's voice sliced through the silence, edged with a mixture of frustration and accusation.

Astral Prue's jaw clenched as she struggled to contain the storm of emotions swirling within her. "How dare you," she snapped, her voice a sharp retort born of hurt and betrayal.

"How dare I?" Phoebe countered, her tone mirroring Astral Prue's intensity. "You destroyed Piper's wedding along with Piper. Now, Prue, I don't know what's going on with you but you have got to pull yourself together."

The words hung heavy in the air, each syllable a weight pressing down on Astral Prue's already burdened shoulders. "I'm out of here," she declared, her voice thick with defiance as she made a beeline for the sanctuary of the front door. But her escape was thwarted as Buffy materialized before her in a swirl of fiery flames.

"I think not," Buffy's voice rang out, laced with a steely resolve that brooked no argument. "And don't think about trying to flip me or something to get past me. I'm a Slayer, remember?"

Astral Prue's frustration flared, her eyes flashing with defiance as she sought to break free from the web of obligations that bound her. "You cannot stop me, alright," she insisted, her voice tinged with desperation. "I am never going back. I'm not going..."

But her protest was cut short as Buffy's firm grip closed around her arm, dragging her reluctantly toward the couch where her physical body lay in repose. "Alright, you know what?" Astral Prue's voice wavered with a mix of anger and vulnerability. "I am sick of this. She is all about duty and obligation, well not me. Alright, I want to be free, I want to find love, I want to have a life."

"Well, Prue, you have responsibilities whether you like it or not," Phoebe's voice was firm, tinged with the weight of countless arguments and the weariness of trying to reason with her sister's astral form.

"Don't talk to me about being responsible, Phoebe," Astral Prue scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain. "Alright, you were not very responsible when you went and fell in love with a demon. And Buffy, Faith said you fell in love with a vampire, you are not any more responsible either."

Phoebe let out a weary sigh, her shoulders slumping as she faced Astral Prue's accusations head-on. "Oh, please, you have got to let this whole Cole thing go, okay?" she pleaded, her voice laced with a mix of frustration and pleading. "You can't stay mad at me forever. And you can't be mad at Buffy either."

"I'm not mad at either of you, Phoebe, I never was," Astral Prue clarified, her words tinged with a hint of sadness. "Alright, she was." She gestured toward her physical body, a silent reminder of the turmoil that had torn their lives apart. "Well, at least you, Phoebe. Regardless, I was rooting for you both."

Buffy's confusion cut through the tension like a knife, her brow furrowing as she struggled to make sense of the situation. "Is it only me she's scaring?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"No," Phoebe agreed with a solemn shake of her head, a shared understanding passing between them.

"You both risked everything for love, just like Piper and Leo," Astral Prue interjected, her voice softening as she reached out to bridge the divide between them.

"You do know what happened on my seventeenth birthday, right?" Buffy's voice held a hint of apprehension, a shadow of memories long buried but still haunting.

"I do," Astral Prue affirmed, her tone gentle yet tinged with a melancholy that echoed Buffy's own inner turmoil. "That doesn't change anything though, Buffy. I still dream of having that kind of freedom but instead I get stuck watching my sisters and you live my dream."

Buffy felt a pang of sympathy tug at her heartstrings, a bittersweet understanding of the longing that echoed in Astral Prue's words. The dream of freedom, once so vivid and alluring, now seemed like a distant mirage, forever out of reach.

But for Buffy, too, the dream was shifting, evolving into something altogether different. While her love for Angel remained a constant flame in her heart, she found herself slowly awakening to the realization that her desires no longer revolved solely around the vampire who had once captured her heart.

"Wait a minute," Phoebe's voice cut through the haze of introspection, her eyes alight with sudden realization. "You astraled out in a dream when your subconscious takes over."

Buffy's brow furrowed in confusion, uncertainty clouding her features as she tried to piece together Phoebe's revelation. "What are you getting at?" she wondered aloud, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"So, I just studied this in psych 101," Phoebe explained, her words tumbling out in a rush of excitement. "Freud." She turned to face Astral Prue, her expression alight with newfound understanding. "You're the ID. Prue's inner desires." With a sweeping gesture, she motioned toward Prue's physical form. "Which means that she is the ego, the control factor."

Astral Prue's agreement was a solemn nod, her expression reflecting the weight of Phoebe's words as they resonated deep within her. "Yeah, well, she is one big remote control and she's always got me on pause," she admitted with a heavy sigh, the metaphor painting a vivid picture of the constraints that bound her.

Phoebe's understanding was palpable, a silent acknowledgment of the sacrifices that had shaped Astral Prue's life. "I think I understand," she offered, her voice soft with empathy. "The sacrifices that you've made for us over the years. The sacrifices you now make to be a good parent for Faith. They made you suppress your inner desires."

Astral Prue's lips twisted into a wry smile, a bitter echo of the truth in Phoebe's words. "Yeah, well, don't tell me, tell her," she quipped, her tone tinged with frustration as she settled beside Phoebe, seeking solace in her sister's presence.

Buffy's confusion lingered, a furrow forming between her brows as she struggled to grasp the complexities of astral projection. "Uhm, aren't they both two halves to a whole?" she ventured tentatively, her voice betraying her uncertainty.

"They are," Phoebe confirmed, her gaze unwavering as she addressed Astral Prue directly. "Prue, I'm telling you because you are Prue. I mean, you are both two sides of my sister. Prue, you have to stop devoting your entire self to the Charmed Ones and to Faith. It'll tear you apart. Literally."

Astral Prue's heart constricted at the thought, a pang of fear mingling with the uncertainty that clouded her mind. "Is Piper very mad at me?" she wondered aloud; her voice tinged with apprehension as she grappled with the consequences of her actions.

Phoebe's words were a soothing balm to Astral Prue's weary soul, each syllable carrying the weight of reassurance and hope. "She'll get over it. And you know why?" Phoebe's voice held a quiet confidence, her eyes alight with determination. "Because we're okay now, Piper and me. We've both got passion and purpose in our lives and you gave us that. And Faith, she's okay, well except for being arrested for murder, but she is here now with us, her family. And now it's time to take care of you."

Astral Prue's gaze shifted to her physical form, a sense of peace settling over her as she watched herself fade from view, replaced by the return of Prue's consciousness. "Welcome back," Phoebe's smile was warm and genuine, a silent celebration of Prue's return to the world of the living.

"Thanks. For everything, both of you," Prue's voice was filled with gratitude as she rose to her feet, a renewed sense of purpose guiding her steps. Stepping into the conservatory, her heart sank at the sight of the mess left behind by TJ's antics. "Oh. I cannot believe I wrecked Piper's wedding."

"Only a part of you did," Phoebe's words were a gentle reminder, a beacon of understanding in the midst of Prue's self-doubt.

"Is it too late to fix it?" Prue's voice was tinged with uncertainty, her gaze searching for reassurance.

"I don't think so," Buffy's voice held a note of optimism, her eyes meeting Prue's with unwavering support. "But you might think about Faith first. She is, after all, in jail."

"Right," Prue nodded, a sense of determination settling over her as she grabbed her purse and made her way to the foyer.

The Wooden Nickel

Cole stood on edge, his senses alert to the tension that crackled in the air as he awaited the arrival of Leo and Darryl. His demonic instincts hummed with anticipation; the weight of their mission heavy upon his shoulders as he observed the figure whom his senses had marked as a potential killer.

"Faith's been booked for murder," Leo's voice cut through the silence, accompanied by the steady footsteps of himself and Darryl as they approached Cole. "And the moment Prue walked into the precinct, she was as well. We're running out of time."

"Leo says you've found the killer," Darryl interjected, his voice tinged with urgency. Despite the chaos unfolding around them, he had managed to orchestrate a delicate maneuver to ensure Prue's presence in the interrogation room alongside Faith.

"Found a killer," Cole confirmed, his tone measured as he processed the gravity of the situation.

Darryl's exasperation was palpable, a reflection of the mounting pressure bearing down upon them. "Oh, great, you mean you don't know?" he exclaimed, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. "What are you going to do? Ask him?"

They watched in silence as the biker strode past them, his demeanor betraying nothing of the secrets he may hold. Cole's mind raced with possibilities, his resolve hardening as he formulated a plan to extract the truth from their elusive suspect.

"That's a good idea. Why don't you meet me out front in five?" Cole suggested, his voice carrying a steely edge as he followed the biker outside into the cool night air. As the man lit a cigarette, Cole's gaze narrowed, his senses attuned to every subtle shift in body language. "Is that the spot where they found the body?" he inquired; his words laden with the weight of impending revelation.

The biker's gaze narrowed, suspicion flickering in his eyes as he confronted the mysterious figure before him. "Who are you?" he demanded; his voice edged with caution.

"I'm here to find out what you know about the murder that took place here last night," Cole stated with a cool confidence, his words a subtle reminder of the gravity of the situation.

"Show me your badge," the biker retorted, his tone challenging.

Cole's laughter rang out, a sharp contrast to the tension that hung in the air. "Oh, no, I'm not a cop. I'm a fortune teller and I predict you're going to give me a confession," he quipped, a playful smirk dancing across his lips.

The biker's expression hardened, his patience wearing thin as he took a step back, preparing to leave. But before he could make his escape, Cole's hand shot out, grabbing hold of him with a firm grip. Panic flashed in the biker's eyes as he felt the pressure of Cole's grip, his movements becoming increasingly desperate.

In a swift motion, the biker shoved Cole against his motorcycle, the metal frame digging into his back as he brandished a gleaming knife. Adrenaline surged through Cole's veins as he braced himself for the impending confrontation, his senses on high alert.

As Cole regained his footing, the biker swung the knife at him with deadly intent. With reflexes honed by years of experience, Cole dodged the blade with ease, his movements fluid and calculated. "I guess that's the knife you used on the victim when you found him unconscious, right?" he taunted, his words cutting through the tension like a knife through butter.

"You want a closer look at it, huh?" the biker growled, his voice laced with defiance as he lunged forward, the glint of the knife flashing in the dim light.

Cole's grip tightened around the biker's wrist, his movements fluid and controlled as he halted the blade's deadly trajectory. "One more chance. Confess now and talk to the police," he urged, his voice low and commanding, a subtle warning beneath his words.

"Or what?" the biker challenged, his eyes narrowing as he met Cole's gaze head-on, his resolve unyielding.

Cole's smirk widened into a predatory grin as he tapped into the depths of his demonic power, his form shifting and contorting until he stood before the biker as Belthazor. "Or deal with me," Belthazor declared, his voice echoing with a menacing edge that sent shivers down the biker's spine.

As tension hung heavy in the air, Darryl and Leo emerged from the building, their presence a stark reminder of the imminent consequences of the biker's actions. Darryl's hand instinctively went to his gun as he caught sight of Belthazor.

"I think he's ready to talk," Belthazor remarked, his tone dripping with confidence as he turned to face Darryl, his eyes burning with a fierce determination to bring the truth to light, no matter the cost.

San Francisco Police Department

Darryl walked alongside Prue, his expression grave as he handed her a thick file containing details of the investigation he had conducted on Faith. "Prue," he began solemnly, "you should read this."

Curiosity and concern knitted Prue's brows together as she accepted the file, her eyes flicking to Darryl's face in search of answers. "Why, what's in it?" she queried, her steps slowing to a halt as she and Darryl paused in their tracks.

"Phoebe told me that your Grams gave Faith up for adoption, but she didn't," Darryl explained, his voice tinged with a hint of disbelief. "According to the report I found, Faith was kidnapped."

Prue's gaze drifted towards Faith, who had paused by the doors, her eyes locking with theirs. "Kidnapped, are you sure?" Prue asked, her voice barely above a whisper as the weight of Darryl's revelation settled over her.

Darryl nodded solemnly. "Positive. The report was filed by your Grams, by Penelope Halliwell, when Faith was only two years old."

A frown creased Prue's forehead as she grappled with the implications of her grandmother's deception. "That's not all, Prue," Darryl continued, his voice heavy with the weight of further revelations. "The people that I suspect took her, abused her. Well, the woman, anyways. The man, he died under mysterious circumstances five years before Faith was pulled from the home by Protective Services. She was then adopted by a woman, and then about a year ago, she died under mysterious circumstances."

Prue's heart clenched with anguish as she absorbed the extent of Faith's tumultuous past. "I know about Diana," she admitted with a heavy sigh. "Faith told me about her. I didn't know about the Lehanes though." Her gaze drifted to her daughter, a mixture of sorrow and determination flickering in her eyes as she contemplated the trials Faith had endured before finding her way back to her.

Halliwell Manor

Patty delicately placed the bride and groom figurine back onto the ornate wedding cake, her movements a poignant reminder of the love and unity that the occasion symbolized.

"I don't get it," Leo's voice cut through the solemn atmosphere, his brows furrowed with concern. "Prue and Faith should be back by now; the police have the killer."

Cole's expression darkened with a shadow of uncertainty as he considered the possible reasons for their delay. "They might have held Prue over for escaping custody," he suggested, his words laden with the weight of the situation.

Before anyone could respond, Grams materialized before them, her presence a solemn omen of impending change. "I'm sorry, Patty," she spoke softly, her gaze filled with regret as she addressed her daughter. "They sent me to take you back."

A ripple of protest echoed through the room as Phoebe voiced their collective objections. "No, it's not midnight yet, we still have five more minutes," she argued, her voice tinged with defiance.

Victor's shoulders slumped with resignation; the weight of his words heavy upon him. "I should have said something more to convince Piper," he lamented, his regret palpable in the air.

"But you said everything, you were wonderful," Patty reassured him with a tender smile, her eyes brimming with gratitude as she looked upon her ex-husband with renewed appreciation.

Just as the tension in the room seemed to reach its peak, the front door swung open, revealing the arrival of Prue, Darryl, and Faith. Their entrance was met with a collective exhale of relief, their presence a welcome interruption to the mounting anticipation.

"Sorry we're late," Darryl apologized, his tone contrite as he exchanged a glance with Prue.

Prue's lips curved into a mischievous grin as she observed the reactions of those around her. "What, not who you were expecting?" she quipped, her words laced with playful humor as Piper emerged from behind them, a smile tugging at her lips.

Piper wasted no time in cutting to the chase, her enthusiasm palpable as she shed her sweater and addressed the group. "So, okay, what are we waiting for?" she demanded, her gaze flicking to Leo with a knowing glint in her eye. "Don't look so shocked," she teased, a playful jab at her fiancée's apparent surprise.

"Girls, it's showtime," Grams's voice rang out, her words a rallying cry to action as the final moments before the ceremony drew near.

Piper turned to Prue, a hint of urgency coloring her expression as she reached for her veil. "Little help here," she requested, her eyes meeting Prue's with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. And as Prue stepped forward to assist her sister, a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose filled the room, binding them together in the bonds of family and love.

"I noticed you don't have a best man," Victor observed, his gaze shifting to Leo with a thoughtful expression. "If you like, I could, uh..."

Leo's smile was warm and genuine, a silent affirmation of the bond that had formed between them. "I'd be honored," he replied, his voice tinged with gratitude.

Prue's eyes scanned the room, her attention settling on Buffy with a decisive nod. "Buffy," she called out, motioning for the blonde Slayer to join them beside Phoebe and Faith.

Buffy's brow furrowed with uncertainty as she glanced between Prue and Piper, seeking reassurance. "Are you sure?" she hesitated, her gaze lingering on Piper.

Piper's voice was steady, her tone filled with conviction as she addressed Buffy. As she glanced at her eldest sister, she knew something had gone on between Prue and Buffy, something monumental. "Yeah," she affirmed, her words carrying the weight of acceptance and inclusion. "You are part of this family too, now."

A sense of warmth flooded Buffy's heart as she moved to stand beside Faith, her steps infused with a newfound sense of belonging.

Grams' gentle motion towards the CD player set the stage for the momentous occasion, the soft strains of music filling the air as she cleared her throat, her voice steady and resolute. "We are gathered here today to unite two souls as one. Do you, Leo Wyatt, and Piper Halliwell, join us here of your own free will to acknowledge the eternal bond shared by both of you."

"I do," Leo and Piper spoke in unison, their voices a harmonious echo of commitment and devotion.

"You may face each other, join hands," Grams instructed, her words a gentle prompt as Piper and Leo intertwined their fingers, their eyes locked in a tender embrace. "Uh, Leo, you may recite your vows."

Leo's smile was radiant as he gazed into Piper's eyes, his heart overflowing with love and adoration. "Piper, through all the tears and struggles, I always knew in my heart that we'd make it here," he began, his voice a steady declaration of his unwavering devotion. "I promise to love and respect you from this point forward as your husband, as my wife, my lover, my friend, and my soul mate. All I am is yours."

"Piper..." Grams interjected, her voice soft with reverence, urging Piper to reciprocate the vows of love and commitment.

"Leo, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me," Piper spoke from the depths of her heart, her voice trembling with emotion as she met Leo's gaze with unwavering sincerity. "I was afraid that you were too good to be true, that maybe I didn't deserve someone so pure and beautiful and loving as you are. But here we are surrounded by the people that I love the most and I feel so proud, and so blessed to be your wife. Leo, I was born to love you and I always will."

"Here before witnesses, Leo and Piper have sworn their vows towards each other," Grams intoned solemnly, her voice carrying the weight of centuries of tradition as she presided over the sacred union. Faith stepped forward, the cord in her hands a symbol of the binding commitment Leo and Piper were making. With a gentle touch, she wrapped it loosely around their clasped hands. "With this cord, I bind them to those vows," Grams said.

"Heart to thee, body to thee, always and forever, so mote it be," Leo and Piper spoke in unison, their voices blending seamlessly in a declaration of eternal love and devotion.

"So, mote it be," Grams echoed, her words a reverent affirmation that resonated through the gathered assembly. Around them, the witnesses added their voices to the chorus, their words a solemn invocation of blessing and approval.

As the clock began to chime, signaling the arrival of midnight, a sense of anticipation filled the room. "Kiss her fast," Grams urged with a playful twinkle in her eye, her words a reminder of the joyous celebration awaiting the newlyweds. Without hesitation, Piper and Leo leaned in, their lips meeting in a tender embrace as cheers erupted around them.

Amidst the jubilant applause, Patty approached Grams, a sense of solemnity settling over them as they exchanged knowing glances. "Before you and mom go, Grams," Prue interjected, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of apprehension. "I have to ask why you lied about Faith?"

"Lied?" Patty's voice cut through the tense atmosphere, her gaze flickering between Grams and Prue, her expression a mix of confusion and concern.

Grams' brow furrowed with mock bewilderment. "What are you talking about?"

Darryl took a deep breath, steeling himself for the difficult conversation ahead. "While I was checking out Faith's claim about being Prue and Andy's daughter, I came across an investigation report dated sixteen years ago. You filed it," he explained, his words measured and deliberate. "Stating your great-granddaughter had been kidnapped."

A heavy silence descended upon the room as Grams absorbed the weight of Darryl's revelation. She sighed deeply, the sound heavy with regret and remorse. "I was ashamed," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I protected you girls from all the demons and warlocks, but I couldn't protect Faith from those men. They came in the middle of the night, somehow snuck past me and got at your crib, Faith. I think they may have cast a spell to hide themselves from me, I don't know."

Faith's eyes widened in disbelief, her mind struggling to grasp the enormity of what she was hearing. "So," she began tentatively, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "I was never given up for adoption?"

"No," Darryl confirmed, his tone solemn as he met Faith's gaze with unwavering compassion. "You were kidnapped by the Lehanes."

"Given what we know," Piper interjected, her voice measured as she processed Grams' and Darryl's revelation. "That sounds possible."

Grams' gaze softened with remorse; her words heavy with the weight of decades-old guilt. "I tried to find you, Faith," she confessed, her voice tinged with sorrow. "But in the end, I had to give up. The trail had gone cold, and so I cast the spell that erased you from Prue, Piper, and Phoebe's memories and from those of Andy's family. I am sorry, I should have looked harder."

A growl of frustration escaped Faith's lips; her anger palpable as she struggled to come to terms with the enormity of Grams' actions. "Fucking shit," she muttered under her breath, her emotions boiling over.

"Language, Faith," Grams chided gently, her tone a mixture of reprimand and understanding.

Victor's steps were purposeful as he strode toward the ghost, his expression a mask of pent-up frustration and anger. "Penny, I have a bone to pick with you," he began, his voice low and intense. "Why wasn't I told that I had a granddaughter? I could have helped you find her."

Grams' gaze shifted to Prue. "You're asking the wrong person," she replied evenly, her voice tinged with regret.

Prue's brows furrowed with confusion as she met Grams' gaze, a flicker of realization dawning in her eyes. "I didn't want him knowing?" she questioned, her voice laced with uncertainty as Grams nodded in affirmation, confirming her suspicions.

"Yes, Prue," Grams replied with a knowing nod, her tone gentle yet firm. "And if you think about it, you will know why."

Prue released a weary sigh, her gaze heavy with unresolved emotions as she turned to face her father. "I hated you," she admitted with a raw honesty that cut through the tension in the room. "And given how absent you were in my life, I probably felt this would be just another thing that kept daddy away. That you would have hated Faith."

"Exactly, dear," Grams affirmed, her gaze unwavering as she directed her words towards Victor. "Despite our differences, Victor, this is entirely on you. She didn't want to tell you, for fear you would hurt Faith just like you hurt Prue."

The weight of Grams' accusation hung heavy in the air, casting a pall over the room as the truth of her words settled over them. Prue's confession laid bare the deep-seated wounds of abandonment and betrayal that had long festered beneath the surface, leaving them all grappling with the painful truths of their shared past.

Meanwhile, Buffy's concern for Faith remained palpable as she sought her out in the solitude of her room, her voice gentle yet probing as she approached her fellow Slayer. "What's wrong, Faith?" she inquired softly, her eyes filled with empathy as she took in the sight of her troubled friend.

Faith's gaze flickered with a mixture of pain and resignation as she met Buffy's eyes, her voice heavy with the weight of her confession. "I was abused," she admitted, her words a whispered admission of the traumas that had shaped her past. "I was always told I was a bad girl, forced to eat… I was treated like dirt." She cast a sorrowful glance towards her grandfather, the bitterness of past betrayals still fresh in her heart. "Now I see history repeats itself."

With a heavy heart, Faith turned away, retreating into the solitude of her room as the sound of her door slamming shut echoed through the silent house. Buffy let out a sigh, her heart heavy with the weight of Faith's pain as she disappeared in a swirl of fiery flames.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

"Are you okay, Faith?" Buffy's voice filled the room with concern as she materialized in the other Slayer's room, her eyes scanning the scene before her. It was then that she noticed Faith was packing, the sight causing a pang of worry to tug at her heart. "Faith, talk to me. Please?"

Faith looked up at Buffy, tears shimmering in her eyes as she met the empathetic gaze of her friend. With a heavy sigh, she sank onto her bed, her shoulders slumping with the weight of her emotions. "It's hard, Buffy," she confessed, her voice laced with vulnerability. "I wanted so much to have what you and your mom have. A family who loves me. But…"

"You're afraid they will…" Buffy began, her voice trailing off as she settled beside her sister Slayer, her heart aching with understanding.

"That they will be just like the Lehanes," Faith finished for her, her words heavy with the weight of her fears.

"What the Lehanes did was wrong, Faith," Buffy reassured her, her voice firm yet gentle as she sought to offer comfort. "From what I've seen in the time I've been coming here to train with you to be a witch. They love you."

"I don't know, Buffy," Faith admitted, her uncertainty etched in the furrow of her brow as she glanced at her fellow Slayer, finding solace in her presence.

"There is only one way to find out, Faith," Buffy said, her tone infused with unwavering resolve. "Tell them. If they love you, truly love you. What happened with the Lehanes won't push them away."

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

"Are you okay, Faith?" Prue asked as Buffy and Faith came down the stairs. She could tell her daughter had been crying.

Faith's gaze shifted from her mother to Buffy, her heart heavy with the weight of her impending confession. "I don't know yet, mom," she began, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "But I guess I have to tell you what happened to me. Right?"

Piper's reassuring tone offered a sense of comfort as she nodded in understanding. "Whenever you are ready," she affirmed gently. "We're not going to push you."

Feeling Buffy's supportive arm around her, Faith took a steadying breath before turning to face her family gathered around her. Her eyes swept over each familiar face - her great-grandmother, her grandparents, her mother, her aunts, her new Uncle, and Cole - drawing strength from their presence before she began to recount the harrowing events of her past.

"It happened on my third birthday," she recalled, her voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and apprehension. "I remember my cake was double fudge chocolate. I've always had more energy than any other kid my age." Memories of innocence juxtaposed with the darkness of the night she would never forget.

"After my party was over and I was cleaned up and put to bed, it started to rain." Faith's voice grew solemn as she delved deeper into her recollection. "For some reason, I was scared, so I peeked out of the window of my room and saw a man in a cloak getting soaked out there." The memory was etched into her mind with painful clarity.

"Mr. Lehane always used to say if someone needed help, I was to help them." Faith's voice wavered with a mix of guilt and regret. "So, I went to the front door. The Lehanes were asleep on the couch. I opened the door and told the person to come in as Mr. Lehane woke up."

As the memories flooded back, Faith's breath caught in her throat. "Mr. Lehane told me, no. But it was too late. The man was in the house, and Mr. Lehane walked over to Mrs. Lehane and told her to protect me."

Pausing to gather her thoughts, Faith felt Buffy's comforting touch, a silent reminder of the support surrounding her. "While Mrs. Lehane was protecting me, Mr. Lehane cast a spell that burnt what the man was wearing." The image of the man's hooved feet still haunted her dreams.

"I saw his feet, they looked like hooves." Faith's voice trembled with the weight of her revelation. "The man grabbed Mr. Lehane around the neck and twisted. I could hear the breaking of bones as the man broke his neck, killing Mr. Lehane."

Tears welled in Faith's eyes as she recalled the horror of that night. "As the man left, I began crying. Mrs. Lehane was angry and blamed me for his death." The memory of Mrs. Lehane's anger and punishment still seared in her mind.

"She took me to my room and she spanked me." Faith's voice faltered with emotion. "She then strapped me down in bed and said because I got Mr. Lehane killed that I would remain there all night."

A sudden realization struck Faith as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. "Oh, no, no, no, no," she whispered, her eyes widening in shock. Turning to Buffy, she uttered the name that had haunted her nightmares. "It was Kakistos. It's all my fault, Buffy. I really am a screw-up. I got them both killed."

As the weight of Faith's confession hung heavy in the air, Phoebe's voice broke the silence with a question, her curiosity piqued by the cryptic revelation. "Who?"

Buffy's sigh spoke volumes as she offered clarification, her words carrying the weight of shared sorrow. "Mr. Lehane and Diana, Faith's Watcher, were apparently killed by the same vampire." The truth of Faith's past laid bare before them, a stark reminder of the darkness that lurked in the shadows of their world.

Faith nodded as she delved deeper into her memories, her brow furrowing in concentration. "I also remember Mrs. Lehane talking to someone in a mirror."

Prue's eyes widened with recognition, her mind racing to connect the pieces of the puzzle. "Kali," she exclaimed, her voice tinged with a mixture of apprehension and concern.

"If it was during Faith's childhood, then it would be before we faced her," Piper added, her tone reflecting a sense of grim realization.

"I don't know who that is," Faith admitted with a shake of her head. "But the voice I heard belonged to a man. Of course, I was a kid at the time, but it sounded to me like she was making a pact with him. I think she was wanting to be powerful…"

"Likely to try and bring back her husband," Buffy interjected, her understanding of dark magics evident as she connected the dots.

Cole's curiosity piqued as he sought further clarification. "Did she say the man's name?" he questioned; his gaze fixed on Faith as they delved deeper into the dark mysteries of her past.

Faith nodded solemnly, her memories stirring a deep sense of unease within her. "Yes, she called him The Source," she answered, her voice tinged with a mixture of dread and resignation. "After that, she gave me a bottle of the blackest milk I ever saw and forced me to drink it."

The gravity of Faith's revelation hung heavy in the air, prompting a collective gasp from those gathered around her. Cole, Grams, Patty, and Leo exchanged troubled glances, their expressions growing visibly pale with concern.

"Leo, what is it?" Piper's voice cut through the tense silence, her eyes flickering with concern as she turned to her new husband, seeking an explanation for the palpable sense of dread that permeated the room.

Before Leo could respond, Cole interjected with a grim revelation, his voice laced with urgency. "Faith, what you drank wasn't milk," he stated gravely, his words echoing with the weight of dark knowledge. "What you drank is the Source's essence."

The revelation sent a shiver down Prue's spine as she processed the implications. "What would that do to her?" she questioned; her voice laced with concern for her sister's well-being.

Grams, ever the voice of wisdom, offered her insight into the dark magic that now threatened Faith. "It would make it hard for Faith to resist evil," she explained solemnly, her gaze unwavering as she addressed her granddaughter. "Much harder than it is for her friend here."

Buffy, her own experiences with darkness still fresh in her mind, acknowledged the severity of the situation. "Not entirely true," she admitted with a hint of reluctance. "Just a few weeks ago, I did turn evil."

Leo, drawing upon his knowledge of the arcane, offered a sobering reminder of the interconnectedness of their fates. "That was a result of the spell Dantalian had cast on Prue," he explained, his tone tinged with regret. "That spell turned Prue evil, which spread from her to Piper and Phoebe, to the Book of Shadows, then to Faith, and then from Faith through the Slayer line to you. You turned evil because of the original spell."

"Since you drank the essence, Faith," Cole continued, his voice somber with the weight of the revelation, "you became the Source's heir. Which means any demon will likely leave you alone or risk the Source's wrath for attacking his heir."

Patty's expression tightened with concern as she considered the implications for her daughters. "Of course," she murmured, her gaze shifting to Prue, Piper, and Phoebe. "You three, of course, are fair game. Remove you from Faith's life…"

"…and ensure Faith's conversion," Phoebe finished her mother's thought with a grim understanding of the stakes at hand.

"So, what happens before then?" Faith's voice cut through the tense atmosphere; her determination evident as she sought clarity amidst the looming threat.

"The demon will remove you from the fight," Cole explained, his words heavy with a sense of inevitability. "Either he will take you straight to the Source, or you will simply be sent elsewhere up here."

As the gravity of their predicament settled over them, Piper's voice broke the heavy silence with a note of urgency. "So, what happened next, Faith?" she inquired, her eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and resolve as they turned to the Slayer who stood at the center of the gathering storm.

"The abuse and the humiliation started," Faith recounted, her voice heavy with the weight of painful memories. "She got a whip and began whipping me. I was forced to wear diapers, and I was treated like I was a baby again."

Patty and Victor exchanged a horrified glance, their expressions reflecting a mixture of shock and disbelief at the horrors their granddaughter had endured. "Meaning?" they questioned, their voices trembling with concern.

"The moment I would get home from school, she would put a shock collar on me," Faith continued, her words tumbling out in a rush as she relived the trauma of her past. "She would tell me to crawl like a baby. If I didn't do as she ordered, she would shock me." She sighed heavily, the weight of her confession pressing down on her like a leaden burden. "I love you guys, but admitting this much…"

"It's alright, Faith," Prue reassured her daughter, her voice filled with a mixture of compassion and determination as she moved to stand beside her. "What she did is over. And we'll find a way to reverse what she did to you."