"PRUE!" Piper screeched, her voice hoarse and ragged from the smoke. She coughed once, twice, squinting her stinging eyes against the orange haze.
"Piper..." Phoebe's equally tremulous voice rang out beside her. Her younger sister's eyes were impossibly wide and wet, reflecting the orange glow of the fires burning brightly around them. An anguished look contorted her normally cheerful features; the emotional turmoil wreaked havoc in her deep brown irises.
Piper was torn, surrounded by the screaming and the crackling flames threatening to overtake her. A whoosh of fire roared up in front of her, forcing her to jump back. A short wall of flame separated her from her sister and husband. Phoebe looked sick, caught in between the fearful desperation to escape and get Leo to safety and the burning concern for both her older sisters. She glanced down at Leo, wincing as his ragged breaths rattled in his ravaged chest.
In that moment, Piper made her decision. "Phoebe... go..." She said only a few simple words, but her watery, sorrowful eyes communicated so much more.
Phoebe blanched. "Piper- I can't- I can't leave you! What about Prue and- and-" Phoebe broke off, consumed by coughs and gut-wrenching sobs.
Piper gazed upon her younger sister, putting as much love and warmth as she could muster into that look. "Phoebe... you have to go. Get Leo to safety. I'll be right behind you. Go." She pleaded gently, trying to suppress the sobs bubbling up in her aching chest.
"Piper!" Phoebe begged, her voice thick with tears. Her terrified eyes flickered from Leo, to Piper, to the flames threatening to overtake them at any moment.
"Phoebe. I'm going to help Prue. I promise that I will be right behind you. You have to go. Now." She urged, her voice taught with fear.
With one last tortured, conflicted sob, Phoebe sank to her knees and wrapped Leo's arm around her shoulder. She stood on trembling legs, desperately pulling Leo towards the remnants of the door. Piper watched them through the smoke until her eyes burned from the strain.
Letting out a few gut-wrenching coughs, Piper turned back towards the raging inferno in the center of the wreckage. She shielded her eyes against the white hot glow, anxiously searching the rubble for any sign of her sister. "PRU-" Piper broke off, her chest spasming in agony. She stumbled forward, towards where her older sister had been thrown to the ground. Piper desperately rubbed her stinging eyes, trying to rid them of the blurry tears obstructing her view.
All at once, Piper was struck by the sheer emotional weight of a thousand sacrifices. Prue was lying among an ashen pile of debris, a ring of smoke outlining the crater she had created. Piper collapsed to her knees; her hands trembled, hovering above Prue's broken body in uncertain desperation. Prue's body was streaked with ash, shining with sweat glinting in the glow of the fire. Burns covered her hands and arms, as if she had shielded herself from the worst of the damage. Her clothes were singed and torn at the edges, her hair a tousled, sooty mess. Her chest rose and fell quickly in ragged, shallow breaths. Prue's face was too pale, too gaunt, too... pained.
With an anguished howl, Piper took Prue's burned hand in her own, clutching it close to her fluttering heart. She let herself weep, knowing that all hope was lost. Her world... everything she treasured dearly and loved with all her heart... was going to be consumed by the fiery inferno that had already destroyed her sister. Her tears fell on Prue's unconscious arms, leaving clear tracks on grimy skin.
Suddenly, Prue let out a hoarse gasp, followed by a painful whimper. Piper inhaled sharply, tears still rolling down her cheeks. Prue's eyes blinked open slowly, painfully. Her normally bright green eyes were dull and glassy with pain, dilated and unfocused. Her brow furrowed in confusion as she desperately gasped for breath in the unforgiving smoky air. She locked gazes with Piper and suddenly... the exhaustion and fear and horror returned. Piper held Prue's hand helplessly, frustratingly uncertain about what she could possibly do.
"I-" Prue broke off with a gasp, a look of terror briefly crossing her anguished face. "I'm sorry! I wasn't s-strong enough!" She forced out brokenly, tears welling in her pained eyes.
Piper couldn't help but let out a few desperate, loud sobs in response. "Prue... it never should have been you... it's not fair... it's not your fault... there's nothing you can do..."
Her words fell on deaf ears. A look of fiery determination, coupled with crippling exhaustion, took over Prue's expression. With a stony grimace and a pained yelp, Prue began to push herself up.
Surprised and confused, Piper pushed her sister back down with gentle hands. "Prue- No! You can't-"
"I- I have to- TRY!" Prue grunted, painfully struggling against Piper's touch.
The tears streamed down harder. "Prue, no! You're exhausted! There's nothing you can do! We have to get out of here and- and- Prue!" She begged, no longer pushing her sister back down.
Piper watched in stunned silence as Prue struggled to her knees, gasping and wincing from the pain. She tried to push herself to her feet, only to fall back, slumping into Piper's gentle embrace, overcome by dizziness and exhaustion. Piper was somewhat relieved and she mentally prepared herself to lift Prue into her arms and carry her out of the burning building, but her plans were shattered as Prue began to struggle to get up again.
Piper sobbed, pulling Prue back into her arms. "PRUE! Please!" She begged, tilting her sister's head up so that she could look her in the eye. "You've done enough, Prue. You tried so hard and I'm so proud of you, but you CAN'T do anymore. You did so well, but it's time to rest now. I don't give a damn about the Elders and their stupid prophecy; you're my sister, Prue. You CAN'T go back and fight because you'll-" Piper broke off, her body betraying her with deep coughs. "You'll... die..." Piper whispered softly, tears pooling in her eyes.
Piper could see the glimmering tears in Prue's eyes too. Her head hung exhaustedly in Piper's hand, the one cupping her tear streaked cheek. Her eyes welled up with tears and they began to spill over. Not even the crackling fire could penetrate the deep emotional pleading between them. Piper loosened her grip on her injured sister, whispering, "I don't want to lose you..."
Suddenly, Prue's exhausted green eyes focused on something distant, staring past Piper at something only she could see. The flames reflected in her glassy eyes, worrying Piper. She watched as her sister's expression changed from exhausted, to hopeful, then terrified. Finally, Prue smiled; a sad, sorrowful smile of acceptance. Prue looked up at Piper, her expression of resignation sending icy daggers through Piper's fragile heart.
"I finally understand... I guess I always knew but... I tried to tell myself otherwise and I... I know what I have to do. It was always going to end this way." Prue spoke in a soft, awed tone, tinged with sadness. Her eyes had adopted a faraway sparkle, as if she had suddenly aged a hundred years and gained centuries of wisdom.
Piper's heart froze. "Prue, what do you mean? End like this? What are you doing?! PRUE!" Piper begged, her ravaged throat screaming in agony.
Prue shook her head sadly at Piper. "I'm so sorry Piper... I have to do this." Her piercing green eyes were heavy with sorrow, guilt, and acceptance.
"Prue! What are you going to DO?!" Piper demanded, suppressing the coughs that made her chest ache.
Prue blinked slowly, as if gathering herself. "Piper... it's me. I'm the failsafe. The hell fire and heavenly fire will destroy everything in their path unless..." Prue trailed off, sniffling. "Unless I can take away the burning power behind it."
Piper shook her head furiously, biting her lip in an attempt to stop the overwhelming tears. "Prue, no! You can't survive that! Why... WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE YOU!?" A sob escaped and she averted her sister's sad expression.
Prue raised a trembling hand and tucked a stray strand of hair behind Piper's ear. "It's my destiny." She said softly, a hint of bitterness tinging her words. She sighed and looked up at Piper with childlike trepidation. "I'm- I'm scared. I don't... I don't want to die but... I'd rather die for the world I'm leaving behind... than live in a world worth leaving for."
Piper let out a heart-wrenching, anguished cry and pulled Prue close. "It's not- it's not FAIR- and- and-"
Prue rubbed her back, feeling so terribly guilty. Finally, she spoke again. "Piper, you need to get away. Far away. I don't- I don't know what will happen and you could- the fire... you can't be here when I-" Prue broke off, unsure of what to say.
Piper shook her head against Prue's chest. "No. I'm not leaving you. Ever. If you're doing this, I'm going to be there for you, no matter what happens." She looked up to meet Prue's worried eyes.
"But Piper- you could die. What about Leo and- and Phoebe and-" Prue tried to protest, torn between her fear of sacrificing herself alone and her protective love of her sister.
"What about you?" Piper whispered, brushing the tears from Prue's ashen cheeks.
Prue shook with suppressed sobs, but swallowed harshly. She gratefully embraced Piper, her weak arms trembling with the effort. After a few moments, much too short to both Halliwell sisters, Prue pulled away and exhaled shakily. She stared up at the raging white inferno, her round eyes reflecting the sheer power behind the flames. Prue shakily tried to push herself up, her palms screaming with the agony of touching the scorched ground. She shook with the effort, her exhausted body completely giving out on her. She felt the darkness waiting, in the corner of her vision, threatening to spill over and carry her away. White spots danced in front of her stinging eyes, a burning heat painfully radiating through Prue's chest. She felt herself falling back, unable to overcome the exhaustion and pain.
She fell back into the waiting arms of Piper. Piper blinked back tears and gently helped her sister to a standing position. She could feel the exhausted tremors running through Prue's body as she fought to remain conscious. With a determined grimace, Piper wrapped an arm around Prue's torso and began to walk forward, half-supporting, half-dragging her spent sister towards the center of the raging flames. Prue stumbled along blindly, murmuring apologies and gasping with pain every few moments. An aching numbness pervaded Piper's body, as if she was in a waking nightmare. Not even the burning heat could pierce her shell of unfeeling coldness.
Suddenly, Prue cried out in pain, her agonized scream sending an icy dagger through Piper's heart. She stumbled forward, collapsing to her knees, breaths coming out in panicked whimpers. Prue's hands clawed at her chest, as if trying to eradicate the burning mark of fire emblazoned on her chest. Through Prue's torn shirt, Piper could see the mark glowing white hot, as if it was burning her sister from the inside out. Overcome with worry and terror, Piper felt her helplessness clutch her chest like a vice. She wrapped her arms around her shaking sister, murmuring words of empty comfort. Prue's eyes were tightly shut, tears leaking out and spilling down her pale cheeks. Her expression was contorted with agonizing pain, her body quaking with the effort to stay conscious.
With a foreboding whoosh and a crackle of flame, Piper sensed the inferno growing stronger, growing closer to the one person who stood in the way of utter destruction. She glanced up to see the wall of pure white fire creeping closer. Prue opened her glassy eyes, her eyelids fluttering as she looked up at Piper's terrified expression. The flames in her chest grew stronger; she could sense the inferno approaching.
Piper was startled out of her horrified reverie when she heard a short laugh emanating from the exhausted sister in her arms. Her clear laugh rang out, briefly filling the air with warmth. Piper glanced downward, shocked and confused.
Prue smiled up at her with an expression of sorrowful amusement. "At least-" She gasped painfully. "At least we don't have to walk anymore." She wheezed, eyes sparkling with determination. Piper chuckled, smiling tearfully down at her sister. Prue's expression grew more serious and she looked at Piper pleadingly. "Piper- you should- you should go. It's time." She whispered, her voice ragged.
Piper shook her head. "I'm not leaving you." She admonished, hoping her voice held as much conviction as she felt.
Prue's eyes widened, as if she wanted to protest, but her thoughts were soon interrupted as the flames in her chest roared higher. She cried out in immense pain, her expression contorting. Piper held her hand tightly, feeling horribly helpless. Prue opened her eyes again, attempting to form words against the pain. "I have to- st-stand..."
Piper's eyes widened in awe as Prue pitifully attempted to get to her feet. Feeling her heart break, Piper gently lifted Prue's shaking form, a hand on her back to keep her standing.
Ignoring the wall of fire, Prue looked at Piper, her eyes filled with fear, panic, sorrow, acceptance, guilt, pain, exhaustion... but most of all, her eyes shone with love. "Piper, I- I love you. No matter what. I love you." She whispered, her tremulous voice barely audible.
Piper's eyes welled up with tears. "I love you too." She whispered back, her voice breaking. Piper stepped back, knowing in her heart that she was saying goodbye to her sister for the last time.
Prue swayed on her feet, the mark on her chest now glowing as the wall of heavenly hellfire approached her. Her eyes narrowed determinedly as the inferno finally reached her. With a cry, Prue thrust out her hands, sending out a burst of purple that momentarily darkened the white flames. The wall stopped its approach, blocked by Prue's weak barrier. Prue gritted her teeth, a sheen of sweat covering her quaking limbs. The fire roared closer, attempting to break through the flickering purple barrier. Prue held fast, her planted feet leaving ashy tracks on the ground as she was pushed back. With a desperate cry, Prue's eyes began to glow purple as she pushed against the heavenly hellfire. The barrier grew stronger, beginning to push the wall backwards. There was a whine of mortal terror as the fire pushed back, full force. Prue fell to her knees, trembling with the effort of upholding the barrier. Piper blinked tears from her eyes, not sure if her sister could physically take any more.
Prue's purple magic flickered, as if she couldn't hold it any longer. The fire crackled, pushing even harder. Prue hung her head, her limbs drooping with exhaustion as the fire threatened to overtake her. Suddenly, she heard, "Prue! I believe in you! You're stronger than this! Keep fighting!" Piper's voice pierced the roar of the flames, stirring a spark in Prue's heart. "Please Prue, you can do this! You've never given up on ANYTHING! You're so strong, you can't give in! I love you!" And then, Prue's form was surrounded by a purple aura. She stood, the glowing purple in her eyes extending to the magic produced by her hands. With another cry, Prue thrust her hands forward, sending a wave of purple through the heavenly hellfire. Piper's world was consumed by purple and white, conflicting as Prue absorbed the fire, her purple magic overtaking the white flames. Suddenly, Piper's world was shrouded by purple, and she heard a ringing. There was a burst of pure energy, and Piper felt herself be thrown backwards...
Far away, on a park bench, Phoebe sniffled as she gazed upon the burning column of heavenly hellfire. Leo trembled beside her, his skin covered by a sheen of sweat as he fought against the hellfire consuming him from the inside out. Phoebe ran a hand through his hair, desperately wishing she could offer any words of comfort. She could still hear the crackling of the flames, see the glint of fire in Piper's determined eye, feel her heart break as Prue was hit with the ball of fire. She gasped, realizing that she had been holding her breath in an attempt not to cry. The tears spilled down her cheeks, but Phoebe made no attempts to wipe them away. She stared at the empty park, knowing that the police had long since evacuated everyone. Abandon ship, she thought bitterly. If only they could have done the same.
Suddenly, Leo cried out beside her, sitting up straight. But it wasn't a cry of pain- it was one of surprise and relief. Phoebe jumped up with shock, searching Leo's face for any sign of what was happening. Leo was staring down at the mark on his chest in awe. Phoebe followed his gaze only to see that the flame was glowing... purple?
"Leo? What-" Phoebe asked, confused.
Leo shook his head in disbelief. "She-she's doing it." He breathed, his eyes betraying his inner wonder and fear.
"Prue?" Phoebe wondered, already knowing the answer in her heart.
"Prue is absorbing the heavenly hellfire..." Leo trailed off, his brow furrowing in fear. "How on earth could she- oh." Leo broke off, a horrified expression spreading across his face.
Phoebe fought back a sob, clutching at Leo's hand to communicate her desperation.
Leo looked up at her with a grim expression. "She... she's the failsafe..." he murmured. "It's Prue. It always was. She's absorbing the power of the demonic inferno and-"
"What does that mean? Is she- what's gonna happen to her?!" Phoebe begged, terrified.
"No mortal could survive anything like that. The Source... they pitted heaven against hell in a battle of pure, fiery magic. There's- Prue's going to die..." His voice broke at the end as the realization of her sacrifice sunk in.
"No!" Phoebe wailed, sinking to her knees, putting her head in her hands. "No- she- she can't! She- it's not fair!" She sobbed into Leo's shoulder.
Suddenly, Leo stiffened and inhaled sharply. Phoebe pulled away, swiping at her aching eyes, only to find him staring into the distance. She followed his gaze, only to see the column of fire turn a deep purple. There were waves of pure energy emanating from the raging inferno. There was a final, gut-wrenching whoosh before a horrific explosion of purple and white. Phoebe grasped on to Leo tightly, too scared to let go, too scared to look away. Finally, all was still. The silence was deafening, roaring in Phoebe's ears.
"PRUE!" She screeched, her voice thick with tears. Without a second thought, she jumped to her feet and raced towards the center of the explosion.
After what seemed like hours, Piper gathered the courage to open her eyes again. The deafening explosion left her ears ringing and her heart thudding in her chest. She felt... warm. Not hot from the flaming hellfire, but warm, as if she'd been wrapped in a hug. Her vision was bleary, her eyes stinging from the assault of smoke, the bright light of the explosion, and the ache of the tears she had shed. Piper blinked a few times, only to see that she was surrounded by a whirling purple bubble of magic. It had protected her from the explosion, cushioning her fall. Piper looked downwards, only to see that she was floating a few inches above the ground. The magic was warm, but weak. Piper could feel its strength wavering with every beat of her heart. With some effort, she waved the magic away with her tingling hand. She already missed its warmth. Piper struggled to her feet, her legs numb and filled with a pinprick sensation. She looked around, seeing piles of smoking rubble, but the fires had been extinguished. Prue had done it... she had saved everyone. Prue. In that moment, fear returned to her aching chest, stealing her breath like a vice. Prue was all she could think of. Piper looked around wildly, searching desperately for her sister. Then... she saw her.
The explosion was so powerful, a large crater had crushed the ground around it. Cracks and fissures ran along the ashen ground, white and lilac scorch marks burned into the rubble. Lying in the epicenter of the explosion, surrounded by ash and smoke, was Prue.
Piper let out a strangled sob, all semblance of composure crumbling as she ran towards her sister, skidding over the scorched rubble, tripping over cracks in the earth. She collapsed to her knees, mere feet away from her fallen sister. It didn't seem real-somehow, Piper's subconscious still held the hope that this was some terrible nightmare-even though her heart screamed at her that it was true. Choking over the lump in her throat, Piper futilely brushed the tears from her eyes, only for her vision to well up with more unshed tears. Her hands reached out, hovering above Prue's broken body, shaking with horror and helplessness. Blood roared in her ears, coupled with the residual ringing from the explosion. Her eyes burned from the bright light and the smoke permeating the air. Piper's breath came in ragged, choking gasps, interrupted by desperate sobs of disbelief.
Piper couldn't even tell if her sister was still breathing. She retracted her shaking hands and wiped the tears away from her eyes once again, trying to somehow push through her grief. Piper stared at her fallen sister, hopelessly hoping that somehow, she had survived the heavenly hellfire.
Suddenly, as if Piper's desperate pleas had been answered, she saw the shaky, faint rise and fall of Prue's chest. With a cry of relief, Piper pushed herself closer, gathering Prue close and cradling her against her chest. Prue's breaths came in soft gasps, her chest barely rising and falling with each breath. Her heartbeat fluttered faintly against Piper's touch, as if she was barely clinging to life. Prue's body was so limp, so frail, so small in Piper's arms. The middle Halliwell choked back a sob as she traced the dark bags hanging under Prue's closed eyes, looking hollow on her ghostly face. Somehow, Piper couldn't believe that Prue was still here.
"Piper!"
Piper looked up sharply, wondering if she had just imagined the faint cry over the ringing in her ears. She fought to focus her stinging eyes in the distance, trying to see if someone had called out for her.
"Piper!"
The voice came again, this time louder, closer. Not even daring to breathe, Piper turned slightly to see Phoebe, stumbling as fast as she could through the smoking wreckage, Leo close behind her. Piper's eyes flooded with tears again as she felt her heart swell with relief. Her voice cracked with happiness as she struggled to shout back, "Over here!" The call was strained, broken... empty.
Piper allowed a glimmer of hope to spark in her chest. Leo was a healer. Maybe he could heal Prue. She saved everyone, now she could be saved too. It was the happy ending they deserved... but somewhere in her heart, Piper knew it was futile to hope. Prue didn't think she was going to survive when she sacrificed herself for everyone-but for some reason she still did it anyway. Piper's heart broke as her broken sister trembled in her arms.
"Piper!" Phoebe and Leo had reached the crater, stumbling over smoking rubble in an attempt to reach her. Phoebe slowed to a stop as she glimpsed the state of her sisters. She put a hand over her mouth in horrified sadness. "Oh my God..." Her eyes welled up with tears, a few drops tracking through the ashen streaks on her cheeks. She sunk to her knees, a few feet from Piper, completely and utterly lost.
Leo crept closer, his eyes wide with disbelief and sadness. He put a hand on Phoebe's shoulder, but neither were sure who needed the comfort more.
Piper let out a stifled sob and looked back down at Prue, reaching up to gently smooth her sister's tousled hair. Her tears fell on to her sister's ashen skin, but Prue didn't even stir. Piper hugged her sister even tighter, desperate to feel the reassuring tremor of each pained breath.
"She... she did it..." Phoebe said distantly, her voice hollow in the wake of tragedy.
Leo nodded, trying to reign in his emotions that were beginning to bubble to the surface. "She saved everyone." He added, his voice higher than usual.
Piper shook her head sadly, choking back her tears. "No, she didn't save everyone... she-" Piper broke off, dissolving into a new round of tears.
Leo's eyes betrayed his helplessness. "Piper... I can- I can try to heal her but I don't- she absorbed all of the heavenly hellfire and-"
Piper nodded. "I know, Leo. Prue knew that she was- she tried to tell me to leave but I-" Piper couldn't bring herself to finish that statement.
Suddenly, Prue inhaled sharply, a ragged, sickly sound that echoed painfully through the minds of her family. Piper's breath caught in her throat as Prue's eyes fluttered open slightly. Her normally bright green eyes were dilated and unfocused, glassy with utter exhaustion. Prue's shallow breaths quickened, but didn't seem to become any deeper.
Piper smiled down at her sister, tears blurring her vision. "Prue..." The sheer emotion in that simple word broke Prue's heart.
Prue somehow mustered a smile. "Are- are you o-kay?" Her voice broke with pain and exhaustion.
Piper laughed brokenly, looking around at Phoebe and Leo. "Yeah, honey, we're all okay. You-you did it, Prue. You saved all of us... it's over now." The lump in Piper's throat swelled.
Prue exhaled in relief. "Thank g-goodness..." Suddenly, her sister was overtaken by a bout of coughs, her entire body shaking with the effort. The coughs subsided and Prue's eyes slipped shut in exertion.
"Prue?!" Phoebe pleaded, distraught and helpless. Her eyes were round with fear as she gazed upon her sister's still form.
Prue's eyes fluttered open once again, slower this time, more pained. A sad smile crossed her pale face and she reached a trembling hand towards Phoebe. Worried, her youngest sister shuffled closer, squeezing her hand tightly, as if it was the only link tethering her to her eldest sister. Prue winced nearly imperceptibly, but made no move to pull her hand away. She looked upwards, meeting Piper's hopeless, sorrowful, guilty gaze. That wisp of a faint smile still graced Prue's strained expression as she looked at the people she loved most in the world. She let out a shaky breath, as if gathering her strength for her next words.
"I'm-I'm sorry..." She said simply, her voice hoarse from the smoke. "It's going to be okay, I promise." Prue gave Phoebe's hand a light squeeze, her glassy eyes widening in earnest as she looked up at Piper.
Tears streamed down Piper's face, but she didn't care. Her body shook with repressed sobs as she held her broken sister in her arms. She shifted so that Prue was even closer to her chest, wanting to make the most of what she knew in her heart would be her final moments with her sister.
Phoebe, on the other hand, dissolved into uncontrollable sobs. Her chest heaved with every breath, her words sounding like keening wails as she pleaded with her sister. Phoebe's grip on Prue's hand was like a vice, growing tighter as the finality of everything began to sink in.
"Prue- no-y-you can't- it's not- it's not FAIR- you didn't- you shouldn't..." Phoebe blubbered helplessly, growing more and more distraught with every word. Piper looked on sadly as Prue held tightly to Phoebe's hand, trying to comfort her sister in the only way she could. Finally, Phoebe's sobs quieted and she met Prue's gaze with the saddest expression either of the Halliwells had ever seen. "Why?" Was all she asked, her voice broken and strained from the exertion of her wails.
Prue smiled again, but Piper knew that it was a forced smile, a tinge of bitterness staining the otherwise comforting expression. "This is what I want-it's my destiny." Prue shook her head slightly, but her words were resolute.
Piper couldn't take it anymore. "Your destiny was to DIE?!" She demanded, heart breaking with ever word. "Prue... I don't- I don't understand..." She whispered, trying to come to terms with the sheer unfairness of it all.
Prue sighed, her eyes taking on a faraway expression as her wavering voice imparted her response to her distraught sister. "That's- that's the funny thing about destiny. We're never r-ready for it... but we're not supposed to be. This is what I was meant to do. I never... I never wanted to-to-" Prue took a deep breath, staving off her inability to mention the overhanging retribution. "To die... but I would. A thousand times over, I would always, die for you." Prue's voice broke in that moment, her body beginning to give out on her. Her eyes slipped shut once again as her resolve began to fade and the dark oblivion started to claim her.
Piper began to weep, shaking her head in frustration and sadness. "It's not fair... it's not fair... it's not fair..." She whimpered over and over again, desperately wishing that somehow, this was all a horrific nightmare.
Prue shook with the effort of opening her eyes again, her breaths becoming even shallower. She reached her trembling free hand to Piper's cheek and gently wiped the tears from her eyes. "Piper... it's- it's okay." Her chest spasmed, a sharp gasp tearing its way through her ravaged throat. "I'm sorry..." She whispered, her hand stilling for a moment. "But it's- it will be okay... I'm- this isn't goodbye... I pr-promise..." She took a deep, wavering breath. "I-I... l-love you..." Prue croaked, smiling up at her sisters for the last time.
Piper watched in desperate horror as Prue's eyes fluttered shut for a final time. Her hand fell back across her trembling chest, her form going limp in Piper's arms. Piper's heart broke as it finally sunk in. Tears streamed down her face as she realized there was no hope left. With a shaky hand, Piper ran her fingers through Prue's hair, trying to comfort her in her final moments. "We love you too, Prue. You did it, you saved all of us... I'm so proud of you. You're so strong and so brave..." Piper choked up momentarily, her breath catching on the lump in her throat. "You can rest now... it's okay. You've done so well, you're a hero, you saved us. It's okay to let go now, sweetie. You can rest now... shhhhhh... we love you..." Moments stretched into minutes as her sister's ragged breaths grew slower, shallower... until finally, Prue drew her last.
Piper was dimly aware of Phoebe's keening howl as Prue's hand went limp in her grasp. Leo fell to his knees, tears streaming down his anguished face. Piper felt numb inside, as if an icy claw had carved a gaping hole into her aching heart. Her hand stilled, drawing Prue close as she sobbed into her chest. Utter silence enveloped Piper, even the crackling flames seemed to still in the wake of tragedy. Prue was really... gone...
Suddenly, a slight ringing filled Piper's ears. Her sobs quieted into sniffles as the ringing grew louder and more insistent. She heard the strangled gasp of Phoebe and finally tore her aching eyes away from her older sister. Piper looked up, squinting against the assaulting brightness against the horizon. The ringing had grown louder, but not incessantly. Somehow, the ringing sounded peaceful, familiar...
"Mom?" Piper breathed in disbelief as the brightness began to coalesce into a figure.
As soon as that one word was spoken, Piper could make out the face of her mother, smiling sadly at them. A fresh round of tears welled up in her eyes as she greeted another hero that had been taken too soon. She couldn't find her words, instead letting out a choked sob, watching in awe. Her mother stepped forward, slowly, deliberately, her expression growing more and more remorseful with every passing second. Finally, she sunk to her knees beside Piper, beckoning Phoebe closer. She stared down at Prue, a tear trickling down her cheek.
Their mother smiled sadly, shaking her head. "It's not her time. It never should have been. The world needs you... all of you." She sighed deeply and looked up at Piper and Phoebe's red, blotchy, anguished faces. "I love you... I'm always with you..." With that, she closed her eyes and cupped Prue's pale cheek in her ethereal hand, letting out a breath.
Piper and Phoebe watched with bated breath, not daring to speak, not daring to hope, not daring to wonder... Piper squinted as a bright light began to envelop her mother and sister. It was a warm glow, loving, caring, comforting. But it was just too bright... Piper felt her resolve crumble as the light became too painfully bright. She shut her eyes...
"Prue?"
A voice, soft, light, remorseful, pierced Prue's consciousness. Her eyelids fluttered open, confusedly glimpsing a wide, amber sky. Dazzling wisps of clouds spiraled across the golden heavens, filling Prue with a sense of peace. She sighed deeply, suddenly realizing that she felt weightless, carefree for the first time in what felt like a lifetime. She felt her eyes begin to droop closed, the amber sky calling to her, begging her to let go...
"Prue!"
Her eyes shot open; she knew that voice. "M-mom?" Her voice was weak and strained, but she wasn't sure why.
Prue sat up, a tingling sensation pervading her body. She felt... weightless... distant... empty. She looked around, suddenly aware of the swaying of tall grass around her. Prue was lying in a field, almost amethyst beneath the deep amber sky. A warm breeze tickled her cheek as she tried her hardest to remember how she had gotten there. Her mind felt as if it was wrapped in cotton, brow furrowing as she struggled to think.
Suddenly, she felt a comforting hand cup her cheek. Prue looked up, letting out a strained gasp as she met her mother's loving gaze. "Mom!" Her voice was hoarse, cracking with emotion.
"Prue..." Her mother's voice was warm, but tinged with sadness. Her gaze was filled with pity and remorse.
Suddenly, the memories came flooding back to Prue. The prophecy, the heavenly hellfire, the fireball, the pain... She gasped, leaping to her feet and looking around wildly. "Pip-er and- and- Phoebe! Are- are they-"
Her mother placed two warm hands on Prue's shoulders, squeezing slightly to calm her down. "Prue... they're alright... you saved them..."
Prue let out a strangled breath, trying to come to terms with what her mother had told her. "They're safe? I-I did it?" She stammered, trying to remember.
Her mother brushed a comforting hand through her hair. "They're safe." She repeated reassuringly.
Prue sighed in relief, her legs going numb. She was sure she would have fallen over if her mother hadn't enveloped her in a hug. Prue sank into her mother's arms, trembling as she realized what had happened. "I-I'm so s-sorry..." she whispered, feeling her breath catch in her damaged throat.
Her mother's breath hitched, almost as if she was fighting back sobs of her own. "No, honey, never be sorry. You saved everyone... but at what cost?"
Prue pulled away slightly, frowning in confusion. "What do you m-mean?"
Her mother gazed at her sadly, brushing a hand through her daughter's hair, before lightly tracing the mark emblazoned on Prue's chest. "It never should have been you. It's not your time." Her voice was firmer now, tinged with resolved sadness.
Prue shook her head. "I- I did what I had to d-do. It's okay... it's what I wanted..." Her voice rose slightly as she spoke.
Her mother sniffled, fighting back another sob. "Honey... was it really what you wanted?" She asked, her eyes round and earnest.
Prue nodded. "I would do a-anything to keep P-Piper and Ph-Phoebe safe. Even if it meant..." Prue swallowed harshly, realizing the weight of what she was about to say. "I g-gave my life for them..." The amber sky rippled as Prue spoke, the wind blowing slightly stronger, a chill tinging the formerly warm air.
Her mother shook her head once again, tears streaming down her face. "You're so selfless and brave, my dear Prue, but you've done enough. I'm so proud of you, but I want you to realize that I love you. I love you just as much as Piper and Phoebe and I would never, ever ask for you to give your life for anyone else, sweetie." She took a deep, wavering breath. "It never should have been you. You have so much left to do..." Her voice shook as she struggled to say the next part. "It's not your time. You deserve love too, Prue. You deserve time and rest and happiness... I'm going to give that to you, the Elders be damned." She took a deep breath.
Prue's brow furrowed in confusion. "Mom- I- I-"
"Shhhhh..." Her mother gently shushed her. "You'll come join me here someday... but not today..." She pressed her forehead to Prue's. "I love you..."
After a few moments, Piper sensed the light beginning to dim. She opened her eyes, desperately searching for her mother. There was one last flash before Piper finally stopped seeing stars. Her mother opened her eyes, staring down at Prue sadly. Piper followed her gaze only to see her older sister suddenly take a deep, shuddering breath. Her eyes remained closed, her body still limp in Piper's arms, but she was breathing. Not daring to believe it, Piper pressed her fingers to Prue's pulse point gently, feeling a weak thrumming beneath her fingertips. She let out a relieved sob, pulling Prue close to her chest.
"She's... she's alive?" Phoebe asked, hardly daring to breathe. "How?" She looked to their mother, desperate for reassurance.
Their mother smiled. "It wasn't her time. The heavenly hellfire has changed the world forever. Demons will become stronger, witches will become stronger. Good and evil will never be the same. The world needs you... all of you, to fight this new battle." She paused, looking to Phoebe, then to Piper. "Prue absorbed the heavenly hellfire, changing the Power of Three. You will all become stronger; the world's only hope to defeat these new evils." She looked down at Prue. "I can't tell you what the future holds, but I can promise that you will face it together."
Phoebe sobbed, throwing her arms around their mother. "Thank you!" She whimpered brokenly, not wanting to ever let go. Piper joined the hug, at a loss for words, relieved beyond measure.
Suddenly, there was the short ringing of bells... and their mother was gone. Piper felt the emptiness; it was a palpable feeling, as if the air had suddenly become colder. She turned her attention to her broken older sister in her arms. Every ragged breath was a cry of relief... Prue was still here.
There was a soft sigh from her younger sister, who scooted closer to embrace Piper. "What do we do now?"
Piper turned to face her, smiling slightly. "We go home."
Phoebe was driving slowly; there was no traffic, since everyone had evacuated that half of the city, but there was rubble everywhere. Leo sat in the passenger seat, directing Phoebe where best to drive to avoid the residual flames. In the backseat, Piper sat wordlessly, cradling Prue's head in her lap. Her sister's body trembled every few moments, the heavenly hellfire still ravaging Prue's body and mind. Piper felt a pang in her chest when she realized everything Prue had gone through to save them. Her selfless sister had given her life for everyone... but she was still here now. Piper took comfort in her sister's ragged breaths, relieved that she was still alive.
Suddenly, a bout of short coughs erupted from beneath her shaking hands. Piper looked down in shock, using her free hand to wipe her tears away. Prue had stirred slightly in her arms, pain creasing her brow. With bated breath, Piper watched as Prue's eyelids fluttered open. She looked up, unseeing, with glassy, unfocused eyes clouded with pain. Piper had absolutely no idea how Prue was strong enough to be awake after what she had just gone through. She knew Prue was completely out of it, too exhausted and in too much pain to comprehend anything going on around her. Piper sighed pityingly, knowing that her sister had a long recovery ahead of her.
Piper gently hugged Prue's battered body to her chest, rocking back and forth as far as the seatbelt would allow her. She began to stroke Prue's tousled hair, carding shaking fingers through the ebony strands. Piper began to murmur words of comfort, trying to lull her exhausted sister back into unconsciousness.
"Prue, honey, I'm so proud of you. You saved everyone, you did it. I love you so much, but it's time to rest now. It's okay, you've done enough. You were so brave, it's okay to let go now. Let us take care of you, sweetie. That's it... shhhh... it's okay... I love you..."
Prue's eyes drifted shut once again. Even after her body went limp, Piper still continued her ministrations.
Birds... chirping...
Somehow, that was all Prue could manage to think, her muddled brain working sluggishly as she fought her way to awareness. She no longer felt that pervading sense of numbness, instead she felt... warm. With immense effort, Prue shifted her aching limbs, feeling a soft resistance. Through closed lids, she could sense the gentle sunlight filtering towards her, casting a soft glow over her closed eyes. She was... safe, comfortable, warm...
What happened?
The thought burst in her mind, clutching her chest like a vice and stealing her breath away. Suddenly, the memories flooded back to her. The smoke, the raging fire, the explosion, the pain, the amber sky... Am I dead? Prue wondered to herself, slightly panicking. With a wave of desperate confusion, Prue fought to open her eyes. The previously gentle sunlight now assaulted her aching, tired eyes. Prue quickly closed them again, her head throbbing because of the brightness. She struggled to take a few deep breaths, the air tearing at her ravaged throat. After a moment of reprieve, Prue slowly opened her eyes again, squinting against the light.
Confusion flooded her body as she realized that she was lying in Piper's bed, wrapped in a warm blanket, several pillows cushioning her head. Her bewilderment only deepened as she looked down to see her hands, wrapped palm to elbow in soft white bandages. With a groan of pain, Prue pressed her stinging palms into the mattress, struggling to push herself up into a sitting position. Every single muscle protested her movements, crying out in pain until Prue finally collapsed, sitting up, against the stack of pillows behind her.
She couldn't think straight... her thoughts whirled around her pounding head, flitting just out of her grasp. The longer she was awake, the more aware of her pain she became, her entire body aching and sore. Prue was dimly aware of her ragged, gasping breaths, the stinging in her throat nearly unbearable as she struggled to just breathe. She could feel the darkness calling her, beckoning her back to its warm depths of numbness...
Prue shook her head immediately, struggling against the pull of unconsciousness. Piper. Phoebe. Was all she could think about. What had happened? Were they alright? Had she failed, letting the heavenly hellfire destroy everything? Was she alive somehow, having failed the prophecy? Or was she dead... had Piper and Phoebe died with her? What if-
"Prue?" A small, wavering voice of disbelief pierced Prue's torrent of thoughts.
Prue quickly turned to look at the doorway, only to see her younger sister, clad in a grey robe and fuzzy pajama pants, staring at her in shock. Before she could even think to respond, Phoebe cried out in relief, tears welling up in her eyes and beginning to roll down her cheeks.
"You're awake!" Phoebe was saying, relieved and happy. "Oh my God, you're awake! PIPER! PIPER COME QUICK!" She shouted down the hallway before turning back to look at her sister.
Suddenly, Phoebe rushed to Prue's side, flinging herself into her older sister's arms, dissolving into heart-wrenching sobs. She clung to Prue's torso, wrapping her in a hug, trembling with the force of her sobs. Prue felt tears come to her own eyes as she enveloped her sister in a hug with shaking arms. Her head spun as she tried to figure out what on earth had happened. Then, Prue felt her heart stop as everything became clear. She clutched on to Phoebe tighter, closing her eyes as heartbroken tears streamed down her face...
"PIPER! PIPER COME QUICK!"
Phoebe's scream from upstairs made Piper's heart stop. The spoon she was holding clattered to the floor as a million scenarios raced through her mind. Was Prue awake? Was she okay? Was there a demon? Was she hurt? What happened?! Piper's feet were pounding up the stairs without a second thought. She heard sobbing coming from her room as she neared the open door. Her heart thudded against her chest as she came closer and closer.
Piper rounded the corner and stared through the open doorway, letting out a sob of relief. Phoebe and Prue were embracing on the bed, both crying desperately. Cold tears streamed down Piper's cheeks as she realized that Prue was awake. With a strangled sob, she quickly made her way to the bedside, embracing both of her sisters with trembling arms. She shut her eyes, feeling tears leak out. Piper was so overcome with emotion that she didn't care about anything other than her sisters in her arms... somehow, despite everything, they were still alive together.
All three sisters cried until there were no more tears. It could have been minutes, hours, days... but none of them cared. Piper quietly pulled away, sniffling, rubbing at her aching eyes. Phoebe sat back as well, swiping at the residual tear tracks on her cheeks. Prue was staring at her bandaged hands in her lap; Piper couldn't see her expression. Her entire body trembled with repressed sobs and she could see the tremor in Prue's hands.
Prue inhaled sharply, the ragged breath scraping through her damaged throat. "I-I'm so s-sorry..." The hoarse apology hung in the air, as if it were a desperate plea.
Piper's heart froze. She reached forward and gently tilted Prue's head upwards to face her. Prue's expression was heart-wrenching. Absolute guilt and sadness shimmered in her unfocused green eyes. Tears streamed down her pale cheeks, her tousled dark hair framing her broken expression. Prue sniffled, her eyes welling up with even more tears.
"Prue... why?" Piper was so confused, her voice cracking with the effort of maintaining her composure.
"I-I failed..." Prue whispered, her voice breaking as she struggled to stifle a sob.
Piper's heart clenched as everything became clear in that moment. She opened her mouth to say something... anything to comfort her sister, but no words came out. She was shocked speechless.
Phoebe took Prue's hands. "Prue, you didn't fail. We're all still here... you saved us." Her voice was much stronger than Piper's would have been in that moment.
Prue's brow furrowed and disbelief flashed in her guilty green eyes. "B-but how am I- am I still..." She swallowed harshly, unable to process what Phoebe was saying. "I was- I was sup-supposed to d-d-die!" Prue forced out, breathing heavily with the effort.
In that moment, Piper's heart shattered into a million tiny pieces. She let out a gut-wrenching sob and gently pulled Prue close once again. She rubbed her sister's back, trying to soothe her as she sobbed into Piper's chest. She rocked back and forth slightly, trying her best to comfort her sister.
Piper's voice was thick with tears as she began to murmur to her sister. "No, Prue, you're-you're still here, honey. The- the prophecy said that... it doesn't matter. Mom saved you... you gave your life for everyone, but Mom saved you. You're here, you're alive... you're safe now... shhhhh..." Piper didn't know what else she could possibly say to help her sister.
Finally, Prue pulled away, her eyes red and puffy with tears. "Th-thank you... I-I love y-you..." she managed to express through hitched breaths.
Phoebe smiled and tucked a strand of Prue's hair behind her ear. "We love you too, sweetie."
Prue's brow furrowed as something else occurred to her. "Is everyone- is-" She broke off, coughing painfully as her ravaged throat gave out on her.
Piper's eyes widened as she fumbled for the cup on the bedside table, pressing it gently to Prue's lips. "Drink." She urged softly, tipping the cup slightly upwards.
Prue sipped at the water gratefully. "Thanks..." she whispered, her voice still hoarse but much stronger now. "What- what happened? Is everyone okay?" She managed to ask, her eyes round in earnest concern.
Piper smiled slightly, seeing that Prue was concerned with everyone but herself. "Everyone's fine. The police managed to evacuate the entire half of the city before the heavenly hellfire broke loose. Believe it or not, the explosion only destroyed a few buildings, but the remaining fires burned most of the others in that sector. People who lived far enough away have came back to their homes, but the rest have been relocated. Leo is helping the police and fire department clean up the debris and put out the other fires." Piper paused, suddenly realizing how lucky they had been. "Things could have... turned out a lot differently, but I think this is the best we could have hoped for." She offered Prue a reassuring smile.
Prue's head spun as she tried to process everything that Piper was saying. "Wait... h-how long was I-"
"Almost a week!" Phoebe chirped tactlessly, ignoring Piper's pointed glare. "It's been six days since the explosion and-"
"Wh-what?!" Prue exclaimed, tensing and trying to push herself up. "A-a week?! Do I- we need to go h-help? I can- I..." Prue trailed off, her vision swimming as the exertion exhausted her. She slumped back, feeling the stack of pillows cushion her fall.
Piper's eyes were wide in concern. "Prue, stay down, sweetie. It's okay, just be still..." She reached out and gently guided Prue into a more comfortable sitting position.
Prue's vision finally refocused, allowing her to see Piper's concerned face gazing down at her. Breathlessly, she managed, "I-I'm fine..."
Piper shook her head in exasperation. "Prue, it's okay. You were exhausted-still are, if the bags under your eyes are any indication-and you are hurt. You saved the world, Prue. You've done enough. It's time to rest and recover. It's okay to not be okay..." Piper reached out and squeezed her sister's hand comfortingly.
Prue nodded slightly, reluctantly acknowledging that she was currently unable to help. "What do they-" she paused, taking a deep, shuddering breath. "What do they think happened?" She finally asked, looking up at her sisters curiously.
Phoebe laughed as Piper began to explain. "They're not sure. Some people say it was a terrorist attack, some others think that there was some sort of botched experiment, and-"
"They think it was ALIENS!" Phoebe burst out, snickering to herself. "As if aliens are more plausible than witches."
Piper sighed. "Pheebs, we don't want anyone to know that it was witches." She reminded her sister pointedly.
Phoebe deflated slightly. "I know that, but... with everything we went through, I guess it'd just be nice to have a little recognition. Or appreciation. I mean, Prue saved the world for God's sakes!"
She had a point, Piper could acknowledge that, but before she could respond, Prue spoke up.
"We saved the world." Prue admonished softly, looking at her sisters appreciatively. "This is... being a witch is something we never signed up for. But could you imagine ever giving it up? We get to save the world every week. It would be nice to be recognized, but being a witch isn't a job. It's a calling... it's who we are, and nothing can take that away from us." She paused, glancing down at her hands. "We'll always see it, every time we walk down the street, go out with friends, stand in the sunlight, and laugh together. That'll always be enough..." She finished, feeling a tear come to her eye.
Phoebe reached out and took Prue's bandaged hand, offering her a watery smile. "Mom was right... the world does need all three of us." She said softly, glancing at Piper.
Prue tilted her head slightly in confusion. "Mom?"
Piper nodded. "Mom came to us and she... she saved you, Prue. She said that the world needed all of us, because the heavenly hellfire has changed the fight between good and evil forever. Everything's going to get stronger, but she said the Power of Three is the world's only hope." Her words cast a heavy feeling over the room.
Phoebe groaned. "Not ANOTHER prophecy!"
Prue shook her head slightly. "That doesn't sound like a prophecy to me... it's more like a promise." She grinned mischievously. "Besides, don't you think 'the world's only hope' has a nice ring to it?"
Phoebe chuckled while Piper shook her head in exasperation. When she looked up again, Prue's sly grin had morphed into a smile of content. "What are you thinking about?" She queried, genuinely curious.
Prue sighed softly, but one of relief rather than despair. "I think... I'm so grateful that everything is okay now. We're all safe, and happy, but most of all, we're together. I didn't think-" Prue broke off, tears welling in her eyes. "I just-" The lump in her throat became too thick to talk over.
Phoebe smiled knowingly. "We know." She whispered, brushing the tears from Prue's cheeks.
Piper watched her sisters lovingly, her heart echoing Prue's words. They were safe, they were happy, they were together. With a sad smile, she realized that Prue's eyelids were fluttering slightly as she tried to stay awake. She felt a pang of guilt as she realized that they had overlooked Prue's exhaustion in their hurry to tell her everything. Prue didn't need to be worrying about the future of good and evil; she just needed to recover.
"Do you wanna know what I'm thinking?" Piper asked, scooting closer to her sisters. "I'm thinking that it's time for you to rest, Prue."
Prue blanched slightly. "Piper, I just slept for a week!" She protested, almost childishly.
Piper shook her head. "No, Prue, you were unconscious for a few days. You went through a lot... it's time to rest and recover, okay?" Her voice was gentle, but pleading.
Prue opened her mouth to reply, but Phoebe piped up. "Prue, she's right. You can barely talk right now. You need rest, sleep, good food, and relaxation. Let us take care of you, okay?" She squeezed Prue's hand slightly for emphasis.
Prue sighed, looking back at Piper sulkily.
"You know I'm right." Piper smirked, standing up in preparation to help Prue lay back down. "If Phoebe's offering to help, you know it's serious." She sent Phoebe a teasing glance.
Phoebe bristled. "Hey!" She playfully elbowed Piper as she stood.
Prue chuckled. "Thank you, Piper and Phoebe. I'm sorry-"
Phoebe pressed a finger to Prue's lips instantly. "Don't apologize, okay? You have nothing to be sorry for." Her eyes were wide, imparting her seriousness to her older sister.
Prue nodded slightly. "Okay, I-" She broke off in a yawn.
Piper chuckled. "Okay, Wicca Wonder. It's time to get some rest." She gently guided Prue into a lying position, fluffing up the pillows behind her. With a smile, she realized that Prue's eyelids had already begun to droop. Phoebe gave Prue a long hug, not saying a word, just trying to reassure herself that Prue was truly there. Finally, Phoebe let go, stepping back to allow Piper to come to Prue's side.
Piper gently grasped the comforter, tucking it securely around Prue's slight frame. Piper could see that Prue was mere moments away from giving in to the pull of exhaustion. With gentle hands, Piper ran her fingers through Prue's hair and pressed a light kiss to her older sister's brow. Prue sighed in contentment, her eyelids fluttering shut as exhaustion claimed her.
"I love you..." Piper murmured, before turning and beckoning for Phoebe to follow her out of the room.