Charmed: Elizabeth Turner

by Brenna's Urbangirl Projects

Born with a sense of otherness, Elizabeth 'Buffy' Turner navigates her dual nature as a half-demon alongside her brother Cole, training rigorously to harness her powers while yearning for a life beyond servitude to the dark forces shaping their destiny.

31. Chapter 31: Size Matters Part 2

Chapter 31: Size Matters Part 2

July 24, 1998 – Friday

Creepy House

The roar of the vacuum filled the room, a deafening sound that sent dust swirling in the air as Prue and Phoebe clung desperately to the rough fabric of the couch. Their tiny fingers ached from the strain, their legs kicking wildly as the force of the suction threatened to rip them away.

"AAAHHHHHHH!" they screamed in unison, their voices barely audible over the relentless whir of the machine.

Above them, the old man's shadow loomed ominously, his grip steady as he swept the hose back and forth, determined to capture his miniature prey.

"Come out!" he commanded, his voice thick with amusement, as if the chase itself was a game to him. He moved methodically, shifting his stance, his eyes scanning the floor like a predator closing in on its kill.

The door creaked open, and Finn stepped inside, his expression unreadable.

"Watch out! Two are loose!" the old man barked, his attention momentarily flickering toward his accomplice.

Finn frowned, stepping further in, his boots scuffing against the floor. But in his distraction, he failed to shut the door behind him.

The vacuum momentarily lifted from the ground, breaking the powerful suction, and Prue and Phoebe fell back down with a heavy thud. Dust settled around them as they gasped for breath, their chests rising and falling in frantic relief.

"Oh, thank god," Prue muttered, her head spinning as she scrambled to her feet, grateful to feel solid ground beneath her once more.

The old man snapped his attention back, irritation flashing in his eyes. "Shut the door," he ordered sharply, his patience wearing thin. "Shut it!"

Finn hesitated for a fraction of a second before turning to do as he was told.

The vacuum roared back to life.

A gust of forceful air blasted toward them again, sending Phoebe tumbling backward. She reached out, fingers grasping wildly at the fabric, but the suction was too strong. "PRRUUUEEE!" she screamed, sheer terror slicing through her voice as she lost her grip entirely.

Prue's heart lurched. Without a second thought, she lunged, her hands darting out just in time to catch Phoebe's wrist. "PHOEBE!" she cried, her muscles straining as she anchored herself against the couch leg. Phoebe's body swung precariously, her legs kicking wildly as the vacuum continued to drag her toward its gaping mouth.

Phoebe clung to Prue with both hands, her knuckles turning white. The force of the vacuum threatened to tear her away, and her panicked eyes locked onto her sister's. "Don't let go! Don't let go!" she gasped.

Prue gritted her teeth, digging her heels into the ground as she fought to hold on. "I've got you!" she growled through clenched teeth, her arms screaming in protest.

Unaware of the sisters' struggle beneath him, Finn crouched slightly, his curiosity piqued. "What are you gonna do with them when you find them?" he asked, his voice barely audible over the hum of the machine.

The old man waved his hand dismissively, clearly uninterested in answering. "Don't ask questions."

Finn's brow furrowed. "Same thing you did with the other one?" he pressed, his voice quieter now, but laced with something unreadable.

The old man's hand tightened on the vacuum's handle, and he abruptly shut it off. The sudden silence in the room was deafening. "I said…" he murmured, turning slightly, his sharp eyes locking onto Finn. "…don't ask questions."

Phoebe gasped as she collapsed into Prue's arms, her entire body trembling from the near-death experience. Without hesitation, she flung her arms around her sister's shoulders, holding on for dear life. "OH!" she cried, breathless with relief. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" She peppered frantic kisses against Prue's cheek.

Prue, still catching her own breath, swatted at her. "Yeah, yeah. Don't thank me yet."

Without wasting another second, she yanked Phoebe away from the open space, dragging her toward the shadows beneath the workbench. The two men's attention was still on each other, creating the perfect moment to slip away.

The old man paused, deep in thought, before a slow, twisted smile crept across his face. "The other one—" he murmured to himself, his fingers drumming against the workbench. "Still, that, that gives me an idea."

His voice sent an icy chill down Prue's spine. She didn't need to know what his "idea" was—she already knew it spelled disaster for them.

Her eyes darted toward Finn's back, then to the open door in the distance.

"The door," she mouthed urgently to Phoebe.

Phoebe followed her gaze, and her face immediately lit up with hope. The door was still ajar—a sliver of salvation waiting for them.

But their window of opportunity was closing fast.

Above them, the old man carefully lifted the clay-encased girl from the workbench and placed her on a high shelf with eerie reverence. The sight of her frozen, lifeless form sent a wave of horror through Prue and Phoebe.

Finn shifted uneasily beside him, the tension thickening between them.

"Do you want me to—" Finn started.

The older man gestured toward the trapped girl with a sly smile, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. Finn's expression shifted almost imperceptibly—just enough to show that he understood. The girl wasn't just another victim. She was bait.

Phoebe squinted up at the high shelf, trying to see the girl more clearly. The dim lighting cast eerie shadows over her unmoving form, the hardened clay encasing her like a grotesque sculpture. But then—her eyes flickered.

Phoebe's breath caught in her throat as she realized the girl was still conscious. The young woman's wide, fearful eyes darted toward Phoebe, pleading silently. Her lips barely moved, but the desperate words were unmistakable.

"Help me."

A shiver ran down Phoebe's spine, and she turned sharply to Prue, urgency sparking in her expression. She jerked her head toward the shelf, silently urging her sister to look.

Prue frowned, confused, but followed Phoebe's gaze. The moment she saw the girl's terrified, flickering eyes, her breath hitched.

"Oh my god," she mouthed, her face paling.

Phoebe met her eyes and gave a tiny, grim nod.

Prue exhaled shakily, her mind racing. She cast one last glance at the open door—freedom was right there, within reach. The temptation to run was overwhelming. But when she turned back to Phoebe, her sister was already staring at her, waiting.

Prue hesitated only for a second before shaking her head.

Phoebe didn't need to ask why. She already knew.

With a single, determined nod, she agreed.

They weren't leaving without that girl.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

As Piper pulled her car up to the curb, she couldn't shake the heavy, uneasy feeling in her chest. The house across the street loomed dark and silent, its broken windows and crumbling I giving off an eerie vibe. The tension in the air felt almost tangible. Buffy shimmered into the backseat next to Paige, the suddenness of her arrival making the quiet car feel even more crowded.

"Hey, Buffy," Paige greeted, flashing a quick smile at the half-demon Slayer, her eyes still on the house. Buffy, ever the sharp observer, glanced at Piper and Leo, assessing the situation.

"Paige," Buffy responded, her voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and concern as she looked around. "So, what is…"

Before she could finish, Paige cut her off, her finger pointing dramatically toward the house. "There it is. See?" she said, her voice full of dread as she shivered involuntarily, an exaggerated movement that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. "Ooh, shiver."

Piper, rolling her eyes slightly, shook her head at Paige's theatrics. "Well, Paige, you don't have to be a super-witch to know that that house is creepy," she said, keeping her eyes trained on the dilapidated structure across the street. Then, glancing at Buffy, she added, "Prue and Phoebe were going to investigate this house," she motioned toward it, "when they disappeared."

Buffy raised an eyebrow, taking in the rundown house, her gaze sharp. "Sounds like a trap," she muttered to herself, before glancing at Piper. "What happened to them?"

"I saw a motorcycle in the driveway," Leo spoke up, his voice calm but laced with concern. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes still fixed on the house. "Somebody's home."

"Doesn't mean anything, Leo," Buffy said, not looking away from the house. "Vampires sometimes have vehicles they've stolen." Then her eyes shifted to the street across from them, where Prue's car sat in the dim light. "There's Prue's car."

"Great," Piper sighed, following Buffy's gaze to Prue's car, a mix of frustration and worry in her tone. She turned back to Leo, her expression hardening. "Okay, so I say we go up to the front door, you knock, and I will freeze."

Leo shook his head slightly, the concern in his eyes evident. Paige stuck her head in between the seats to listen more closely.

"You don't always have control of your powers," Leo reminded her, his voice calm but firm. "You might be blowing up an innocent."

Piper narrowed her eyes, the insult evident in her expression. "Okay… so how about you orb in, check out the place, and tell us what we're up against?" Her tone was sharp, bordering on impatient.

Paige, always quick to contribute an idea, opened her mouth but was silenced by Leo's continued reasoning.

"Well, the problem with that is, what if what we're dealing with is not supernatural?" Leo pointed out, his voice full of caution. "Then I've orbed into someone's living room, and we've risked exposure."

Buffy nodded in agreement, the logic clear to her as well. "That's why Piper suggested going with the freeze," she said, siding with Piper, her voice steady.

But before the conversation could move forward, Paige interrupted harshly, her voice laced with frustration. "I can get Finn out of the house!"

Piper turned sharply in her seat, her eyes narrowing as she shot Paige a demanding look. "How?" she asked, her voice low and serious, the weight of the situation settling in.

Paige's expression shifted to one of casual confidence, shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly. "Well, I know the guy," she said simply, as if the answer should be obvious. "I'll just go in, lure him out, and you can go in and snoop around."

Piper narrowed her eyes, her voice firm and resolute. "No," she said quickly, a protective edge creeping into her tone. "We can't let you go off with a potential demon. It's too dangerous, right, Leo? Buffy?" She turned to her husband, her gaze expectant, as if she needed their reassurance that her instinct was the right one.

"I have to agree with Piper," Buffy said, her tone calm yet determined, mirroring the worry in Piper's voice.

Leo, who had been silently watching the exchange, shifted uncomfortably. His face showed a hint of hesitation before he sheepishly replied, "Actually… it sounds like our best bet." His admission hung in the air, the weight of it not lost on Piper.

Piper's eyes widened slightly in disbelief, her expression hardening as she placed her hands on her hips. "Are you siding with Paige now?" she asked, her voice dripping with forced sweetness, as if she were trying to mask the irritation beneath.

"Hey, there's no sides," Leo answered her calmly, meeting her gaze with an air of reason. "And… yes." The word was simple, but the tone carried a sense of finality, as though he'd already thought it through and come to his own conclusion.

Piper's lips thinned in annoyance as she turned her head away, her jaw set in frustration. "Hmm," she muttered, a quiet sigh escaping her as she glanced at Buffy. "See what you have to put up with when you marry Prue?"

"I still want to marry her though, Piper," Buffy replied, a hint of a smile on her lips despite the tension in the car. There was an undeniable warmth in her voice as she spoke about Prue, and it softened the moment just enough to make it feel less like a battle of wills.

"Look, I know I'm new to magic," Paige spoke up, her tone shifting to one of reason, calm and steady. "But the only way to change that is to allow me to get some experience." She looked from Piper to Leo, her eyes earnest. "You can't protect me from everything, especially if it means keeping me from learning how to handle this stuff. I need to get in there and help."

Piper's gaze softened, but only just. "I am just trying to protect you," she said shortly, her tone almost apologetic, but still laced with concern.

Paige smiled, her expression a mixture of gratitude and determination. She'd been thinking about this for days—about the conversation she'd had with Phoebe in the basement, about what it meant to be part of this family, to truly be involved. "That's nice, Piper, and I appreciate it," she said, choosing her words carefully. "But… you protecting me may be hurting Prue and Phoebe." She let that sink in for a moment, watching the way both Piper and Buffy stiffened at the mention of the other Halliwells. "Now, I got them both into this," she continued, her voice quieter, more vulnerable, "let me help get them out of it." She looked from one face to the other, the guilt and worry evident in her eyes, knowing that this was her chance to make things right.

Piper and Buffy exchanged a long, measured look. The decision wasn't easy, but after a few moments of silent contemplation, both women nodded in reluctant agreement.

"Okay, fine. Go," Piper said, her voice still tinged with concern, though she knew it was the right call. Paige looked mildly surprised at the quick agreement but was visibly relieved, a spark of hope lighting up her eyes.

"But…" Buffy added just as Paige was about to get out of the car, her voice firm, "...until we know who this Finn guy is and what he does, I think Piper will agree that you shouldn't be alone with him." She fixed Paige with a sharp gaze, making sure the point was clear.

"Buffy's right," Piper agreed, her concern returning. "So take him to P3." The words left her lips with a note of finality, an order more than a suggestion, but there was still a flicker of trust in her eyes as she met Paige's gaze.

"Got it," Paige said with a nod, then, as if on cue, she fished a lollipop out of her handbag.

Piper and Leo frowned in unison, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern. "What is that for?" Piper asked, raising an eyebrow as Paige unwrapped the candy with a mischievous grin.

Paige smirked. "A lure," she answered simply before popping the lollipop into her mouth, the candy bright against her lips.

Piper rolled her eyes, clearly exasperated but unable to stifle a small smile. "Do not go into that house," she warned Paige firmly as the younger woman made her way out of the car. Her voice rose in volume as Paige crossed the street, a final plea for safety. "Did you hear me? I said do not go in." Piper slumped in her seat, her shoulders dropping as the tension in her body released in a frustrated sigh. "It is like talking to a wall."

Leo, with a bemused smile tugging at the corner of his lips, nodded in agreement. "She's got the Halliwell hearing," he mused aloud, as though speaking more to himself than to Piper.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

"You sure you can do this?" Prue asked again, her eyes narrowing skeptically as she peered up at the shelf high above them. It loomed like an unreachable ledge, its wooden surface barely visible from their tiny vantage point. The dim light from the room seemed to make it even more intimidating, casting shadows over the space as if to remind them of just how far up it was.

Phoebe followed her sister's gaze, her lips curling into a rueful smile. "Nope. But there's only one way to find out." She said, her voice light despite the tension in the air. She was no stranger to uncertainty, but the feeling of being so small in such a vast space was certainly new. Still, she didn't hesitate. "Hand." She held out her palm, her expression serious as she looked at Prue.

Prue hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. Her hands were small, and now even more so compared to Phoebe's tiny frame, and she wasn't sure what this crazy plan would do. But with a sigh, she gave in, her fingers slapping down firmly into Phoebe's smaller, yet surprisingly strong, hand.

Phoebe grinned, her confidence bubbling up despite the situation. She turned toward the shelf, her body tense as she braced herself, gathering the last bits of energy to pull herself—them—up. With a push, she lifted herself into the air, her tiny frame seeming almost weightless, like a balloon drifting upwards. Prue, following with a surprised yelp, was pulled along with her. Together, they soared upwards, the motion more fluid than Prue could have imagined.

"Ooh," Prue muttered as her feet left the ground, her stomach doing a flip. "That felt weird." The world tilted beneath her as she was pulled higher, the ground below becoming a mere blur of color.

"Whoa!" Phoebe beamed, clearly thrilled by the sensation. She leaned in toward Prue, her voice filled with the excitement of the new experience. "That's one good thing about being so small. I'm so light I can kind of fly."

"Yeah, and that makes it all okay," Prue said dryly, her sarcasm evident as she looked nervously down. The height was a little too dizzying for her comfort, and the air around them felt different, almost too thin.

Phoebe frowned at her sister's reaction but quickly refocused, her eyes landing on the woman trapped in the clay mold. She reached the shelf with ease and settled beside the encased girl, her small form now poised for action.

"Can you talk?" Prue asked gently, her voice soft, as if trying not to disturb the fragile moment. The woman on the shelf let out a small whimper, her eyes wide with fear and confusion. But no words came.

Prue glanced at Phoebe. "Guess not."

Phoebe nodded silently, her face softening as she crouched beside the woman. She nudged Prue gently. "Okay. Just close your eyes," Phoebe instructed, her tone calm and soothing. "And don't tense up. Trust me." The moment felt heavy with anticipation, but Phoebe's voice held an air of quiet determination.

Taking a deep breath, Phoebe's eyes locked onto the hardened clay around the woman. With a swift, practiced kick, she shattered the brittle material, sending shards of clay flying in all directions. The woman inside fell free, her body fragile and weak from being trapped for so long.

"Oh no!" Prue gasped, catching the woman in her arms just in time. She looked down at her, her face etched with concern. "No-no, you can collapse later. You need to run now; can you do that?" Her voice was urgent, but filled with the hope that the woman would be strong enough to escape.

The woman nodded weakly, her eyes brimming with gratitude and exhaustion. "Yeah," she managed to whisper, her voice barely audible as she struggled to stand.

Phoebe smiled, relief flooding her chest. "Good. We gotta go before Gammill sees us." She gave the woman an encouraging look, but just as they turned to make their escape, the air around them seemed to still.

Prue's heart dropped as she turned to find herself face to face with the enormous head of Gammill himself, his expression smug and victorious.

"Oh no!" Phoebe yelped, her voice filled with surprise and fear as her eyes widened.

"Too late." Prue muttered; her tone flat as she realized they were trapped.

"Gotcha," Gammill said with a dark smirk, his voice thick with satisfaction as he watched them squirm under the weight of his triumph. His large hand moved with surprising speed, and before they could react, he trapped them under a large tin can, the edges of it sealing them in.

He turned toward Finn, who had appeared in the doorway, and spoke with pride. "I knew a witch could never resist saving an innocent." The words were like a declaration of victory, and the smile that spread across his face was cold and sinister.

"Hello?" Paige's voice rang out from the front door, her firm knocks echoing through the old house.

"Now what?" Gammill muttered angrily under his breath, his face contorting in frustration. But then, almost instantly, his expression shifted, eyes gleaming with intrigue as a slow grin spread across his face. "Another girl," he mused, his voice carrying a dark satisfaction. His fingers twitched with excitement as he turned to Finn with sharp command. "Get her inside." His tone grew more insistent, the hunger in his voice unmistakable. "Go. Get her. Get her!"

Finn hesitated, his body stiffening. There was a flicker of something in his expression—doubt, guilt, uncertainty. His lips parted slightly as if he were about to protest, but it took him a moment to find his voice. "Maybe we should just let them all go," he suggested meekly, his words careful, unsure.

Gammill turned to him with a withering glare, his jaw tightening. "Since when did you develop a conscience?" he snarled, the words dripping with mockery. "Hmm? I never gave you one." His dark eyes bore into Finn's, his amusement quickly evaporating into rage. "Now what are you standing around here for?" His voice was sharp as a whip, lashing through the tension in the air. "Go. Go. Fetch!"

Finn swallowed hard, his hands clenching at his sides. His hesitation lingered, but the force of Gammill's glare was enough to make him move. Shoulders hunched, he turned toward the door, his steps slow but deliberate.

Meanwhile, Gammill turned his attention back to the can that held his latest prizes—Prue, Phoebe, and the unconscious woman. He tapped the metal surface with a single finger, grinning when startled squeaks sounded from inside. "Quiet," he ordered, his voice low and threatening.

Then, with little care for his captives, he grabbed a wooden board, roughly sliding the can onto it. The sudden movement sent them tumbling against the cold walls, their frightened cries muffled by the confines of the metal prison. He paid no mind to their distress. With one swift motion, he tilted the board and dumped them unceremoniously into a large container. The unconscious woman hit her head against the side with a dull thud, her body going limp.

"Hey!" Prue snapped, instantly checking on the woman as she stirred weakly.

Phoebe and Prue scrambled to their feet, fury flashing in their eyes as they turned to glare up at Gammill. But before either of them could lash out, the lid of the container slammed shut with a deafening clang, trapping them in darkness.

Outside, Paige maintained a pleasant smile as Finn finally yanked the door open, his expression slightly guarded.

"Hi," she greeted, tilting her head slightly.

"Hi," Finn replied, his gaze flickering over her, clearly pleased with what he saw.

Paige flashed another smile, playful but deliberate. "Remember me? The girl with the melons?" she asked, then immediately winced at how the words sounded aloud. She let out a nervous chuckle, clearing her throat. "From the supermarket melons," she clarified with an embarrassed smile.

Finn chuckled in response, amusement flickering across his face. "Yeah, I remember," he said, his expression warming. "What brings you here?"

Paige arched an eyebrow, stepping closer. "Let's just say, I got tired of waiting for you to show up on my doorstep," she replied mischievously, her voice smooth, almost teasing.

Finn's brow furrowed slightly in confusion. "I'm sorry?" he asked, his head tilting.

Paige let out a soft sigh, as if he should have already understood. "Look, if we're gonna go out, the first thing you need to know about me is that I don't play games," she stated matter-of-factly. Her eyes locked onto his, unwavering, as she took another confident step forward. "I see what I want, and I, uh…" She gave him a pointed look, her smirk growing. "…go for it. Do you have a problem with that?" she added, her tone light but with an underlying challenge.

Finn's eyes flickered over her again, this time taking her in with more intrigue. He smirked, clearly enjoying her boldness. "Are you always this aggressive with guys?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement.

"Just the ones I like," Paige shot back smoothly, her lips curling into a smirk of her own.

Finn's smirk deepened as he stepped aside, gesturing toward the house. "Why don't you come in?" His voice was casual, but there was something unreadable in his gaze.

Paige hesitated, her stomach twisting with apprehension as she glanced past him into the dimly lit house. Shadows stretched along the walls, making the space feel even more ominous than it already was. She couldn't shake the unsettling energy emanating from inside.

Finn noticed her hesitation, his brow furrowing slightly. "Is something wrong?" he asked, his voice holding a hint of curiosity.

Paige shrugged casually, though there was a playful glint in her eye. "Oh, just the old cliché: my mother told me never to go into strangers' houses. That thing," she quipped, her voice light but laced with a hint of hesitation.

Finn chuckled, shaking his head. "Come on," he urged, extending his hand toward her, his expression inviting. His fingers hovered in the air between them, an unspoken challenge.

Paige hesitated, glancing over her shoulder towards the car where Piper sat watching intently, her body tense with unease.

"Don't do it," Piper said firmly from the car, her voice barely above a whisper yet filled with conviction, as if sheer willpower alone could reach Paige's ears.

"Do it," Gammill whispered eagerly from his hidden spot behind the wall, his gnarled fingers twitching with anticipation. His eyes gleamed, hungrily tracking Paige's every movement.

Paige turned back to Finn, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then, with a small smile, she slipped her hand into his. His grip was warm, firm—too firm. A strange sensation prickled at the back of her neck, but she ignored it as she lifted her foot, ready to cross the threshold.

Just as her toe hovered over the doorway, Finn stiffened. His grip on her hand tightened for a fraction of a second before he abruptly pulled back.

"No, wait," he said suddenly, his voice sharper than before.

Paige blinked at him, caught off guard. "What?"

Finn hesitated only briefly before shaking his head. "On second thought, let's just go out," he said, his tone decisive. Without waiting for a response, he gently but firmly pushed her back a step, away from the doorway, before pulling the door shut behind him with a quiet but final click.

From the car, Piper exhaled sharply, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. A smile of relief flickered across her lips as she turned toward Leo.

"The lure worked," Leo muttered, his eyes still locked on the house as if expecting something—or someone—to burst through the door after them.

Piper barely had time to respond before Finn's motorcycle roared to life. A moment later, it shot out of the driveway, kicking up a spray of loose gravel as it sped onto the street.

Paige, sitting behind Finn, turned her head slightly, shooting Piper a pointed look as they rode past. Without a word, she stretched her hand out behind her in a silent, triumphant gesture.

Piper exhaled through her nose, unimpressed.

"Barely," Buffy muttered from the backseat, her frown deepening as she watched them disappear down the road.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Gammill sighed heavily, the sound echoing through the dimly lit room, and stepped out from his shadowed hiding place. His movements were deliberate, unhurried, as if savoring the moment. He stalked forward, the weight of his footsteps barely making a sound against the cold floor. Reaching the burner where his newest captives were trapped, he crouched low, his gnarled fingers resting on the edge of the surface. His beady eyes gleamed with cruel amusement as he leaned in closer.

"Now, where were we?" he murmured, a menacing smirk tugging at his thin lips.

Inside the transparent prison, Prue and Phoebe glared at him with pure, unfiltered hatred. Their chests rose and fell quickly, their bodies tense with frustration and helpless rage.

Gammill's smirk deepened, but just as he was about to continue, the room was suddenly bathed in a blinding white glow. A soft, melodic jingling sound filled the air, vibrating through the space like a bell from another realm. His grin faltered. His entire body stiffened.

Then, in an instant, he sprang to his feet, retreating swiftly into the safety of the wall, his form disappearing into the shadows like a creature of the night. He pressed himself against the hidden crevice, eyes darting toward the new arrivals, watching, waiting.

Prue and Phoebe exchanged a glance, their expressions shifting from frustration to intrigue as swirling orbs of blue and white light coalesced into familiar forms. Within seconds, their sister and brother-in-law materialized before them, their presence filling the eerie space with a newfound sense of hope. And then, before they could process their relief, another flash of shimmering energy erupted beside them.

Buffy.

Phoebe's eyes widened in recognition, and the moment she saw Piper and Buffy standing there, a surge of hope shot through her veins like a bolt of lightning.

"PIPER! BUFFY! PIPER… BUFFY, WE'RE HERE!" she cried out, pounding her fists against the glass that held them captive, her palms smacking against the smooth surface with desperate urgency.

Beside her, the woman trapped alongside them joined in, echoing Phoebe's cries, their voices blending into a frantic chorus.

Prue, however, remained skeptical. She folded her arms across her chest, her expression unimpressed as she glanced sideways at her younger sister.

"She's not gonna hear you, Phoebe," she said flatly, her voice laced with exasperation. "We're too tiny. Our voices won't carry."

Meanwhile, Piper swept her gaze warily around the dimly lit room, her instincts on high alert. Every corner seemed to hold an ominous presence, every shadow stretched unnaturally along the walls.

"You go that way," she whispered to Leo, nodding in one direction. "Buffy and I will go this way." She gestured to another path, her voice hushed but firm.

Leo gave a short nod of agreement before silently splitting off, his movements careful as he ventured toward the other side of the room.

Piper and Buffy moved with quiet precision, their eyes scanning the cluttered space. The table before them was littered with miniature models—tiny, intricate recreations of people and objects, scattered in chaotic disarray. The air smelled faintly of burnt clay, dust, and something else… something faintly metallic, like old pennies.

From his hidden vantage point, Gammill watched them with an eerie intensity, his breath barely audible as his gaze landed on Buffy. His lips parted slightly, his expression flickering with something unreadable.

"Nyxara," he whispered to himself, his tone reverent and almost… awed.

Oblivious to the unseen threat, Phoebe continued her desperate attempts to be heard. She pounded on the glass even harder, her voice rising in pitch.

"IN HERE! WE'RE IN HERE!" she shouted, her frustration growing as Piper unknowingly inched closer to their prison.

Piper frowned at the mess on the floor, her foot crunching against something brittle. She looked down just in time to see shattered remains of a model beneath her shoe. The unexpected sensation made her jump, and she stumbled back with a startled gasp, colliding against a large wooden cabinet.

Before she could let out a full squeal, Buffy reacted swiftly, slapping a firm hand over Piper's mouth to stifle the sound. Piper's eyes went wide, and she made an indignant noise against Buffy's palm, but the Slayer only smirked slightly before letting go.

Leo approached just in time to witness the moment, his expression unreadable as he shot them both a disapproving look. Piper simply shrugged innocently in response, brushing off the mishap before turning her attention to the cabinet she had just crashed into.

Cautiously, she reached for the handles, her fingers curling around the worn wood before she slowly pulled the doors open. The hinges creaked ominously, revealing the chilling sight within.

"Oh! Weird," Piper muttered, grimacing as her gaze landed on rows upon rows of clay figurines, each one frozen in an agonized expression. Their faces were twisted in horror, their mouths hanging open as if caught mid-scream. Some were contorted in ways that defied human anatomy, their features locked in eternal despair.

"Bizarre collection," Leo murmured, frowning as he took in the grotesque display. His stomach churned slightly, a bad feeling creeping up his spine.

Buffy's brow furrowed, her fingers hovering just above one of the figures as something about them stirred an old memory, something just out of reach. She inhaled deeply, trying to grasp the elusive thought. "This is jogging something," she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she studied the hauntingly detailed sculptures. "I can't remember what, though."

Piper reached out, curiosity momentarily overriding caution as her fingers hovered just above one of the twisted clay figures. But before she could make contact, Leo's hand shot out, wrapping firmly around her wrist.

"I wouldn't touch," he cautioned, his voice low but firm. His grip was gentle but insistent as he guided her hand back to her side, his expression tight with unease. Something about these figures—about this entire place—felt deeply wrong.

Piper exhaled through her nose, giving the eerie collection one last glance before nodding.

"We should look for Prue and Phoebe," Leo continued, his eyes sweeping over the dimly lit space. "I'll check upstairs."

Piper and Buffy exchanged a quick look before nodding in agreement. Leo hesitated only a moment longer, his gaze lingering on the disturbing sculptures, before turning away and making his way toward the staircase. His footsteps echoed as he ascended, fading as he disappeared onto the upper floor.

Piper and Buffy moved toward the second table in the room, their expressions tense as they took in the scattered tools, lumps of unused clay, and half-formed figures strewn across its surface. The air was thick with the scent of dust and earth, mingling with something faintly metallic.

From inside their glass prison, Phoebe tried one last time, desperation threading through her voice.

"PIPER!" she screamed, pounding her fists against the smooth barrier, but the sound barely resonated beyond the confines of their miniature world.

Piper and Buffy walked right past, oblivious to the frantic cries.

"Told you so," Prue murmured dryly.

Phoebe shot her a mock glare before swatting at her sister, though the frustration in her eyes was real.

Meanwhile, Piper and Buffy continued forward, their steps slow and deliberate as they approached the far wall.

Behind it, Gammill lurked in the shadows, his breath shallow, his grip tightening around the knife in his hand. His pulse quickened as he watched them draw closer, his muscles coiled, ready to strike the moment they discovered his hiding place.

Piper narrowed her eyes and leaned forward, peering through the small holes in the wall. Darkness stared back at her. She frowned.

Buffy placed a steadying hand on Piper's shoulder, her jaw tightening as a strange energy rippled through her veins. A prickle ran up her spine, setting every nerve on edge. "My Slayer senses are going wild," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Piper didn't get the chance to respond.

Leo's voice suddenly broke the heavy silence as he re-entered the room. "There's nothing upstairs." Piper jumped slightly, spinning around as Leo approached. "I mean nothing," he clarified, his brow furrowed as he glanced around. "No signs of anyone ever being there. No dust disturbed. No furniture. Just… nothing. Anything down here?" he asked, eyes scanning the space.

Piper let out a sharp breath, shaking her head. "No! Nothing but a bunch of clay," she muttered, scowling at the unnerving figures surrounding them.

"Though my Slayer senses are picking up on something," Buffy added, crossing her arms as she surveyed the room once more. "I don't know what."

Leo exhaled, the unease in his gut growing stronger. "I think we should get out of here. Check the Book of Shadows," he suggested, his tone urgent. "I—I want to know what we're dealing with."

Piper shifted uncomfortably, her eyes flicking toward the grotesque models once more. Whatever they were dealing with, it wasn't something she wanted to face unprepared.

"Well, whatever it is…" she muttered as Leo stepped beside her, sliding a protective arm around her shoulders, "…it better not require the Power of Four to vanquish it." Her voice was tinged with quiet sadness.

Then, in a swirl of blue and white orbs, she and Leo vanished from sight.

Buffy lingered for a moment longer, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the room one final time, as if trying to pinpoint the exact source of her unease. The tension in her muscles refused to ease, but without any solid answers, there was nothing left to do for now. With a resigned sigh, she shimmered out, leaving the room eerily silent once more.

Inside the glass prison, Phoebe clenched her fists, watching helplessly as her sister disappeared. "Damn it," she muttered under her breath, frustration burning in her chest.

Prue sighed, shaking her head. There was no use wasting energy being angry. They needed to think.

A moment later, a slow, deliberate sound broke the silence.

The scrape of something heavy being moved.

Phoebe and Prue snapped their heads toward the sound just as Gammill emerged from his hiding place, his gait confident, his lips curling into a triumphant smirk. He strode forward and reached down, his gnarled fingers gripping the lid of their prison. With a sharp pull, he wrenched it open, a wicked gleam in his eyes.

"Well, well… the Power of Four," he mused, his voice dripping with amusement. He studied them with renewed fascination. "So, you're not just a couple of witches—you're the Charmed Ones."

Prue's glare darkened, her entire body tensing, while Phoebe instinctively inched closer to her sister, the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end.

Gammill sneered, his grip tightening around the rim of the glass. "Nothing will make me happier than to collect you all." His tone was sickeningly pleased as his gaze flickered toward Phoebe with something between malice and excitement.

He reached in, his fingers curling toward them, but just before he could grasp them, his expression twisted with something even more sinister.

"And nothing will make the Source happier," he added, his voice lowering ominously, "when I report that I have taken care of Nyxara."

A slow, wicked chuckle escaped his lips as his shadow loomed over them, his presence suffocating. The sisters barely had time to react before his hands moved with alarming speed.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Gammill leaned in close to the three clay figures perched on the top shelf, his face twisted in cruel delight as he studied their frozen expressions. His gnarled fingers traced the air in front of them, as if already envisioning his masterpiece in its final form.

"When your clay hardens, I'll fire up the kiln," he informed them gleefully, his voice laced with anticipation. His beady eyes sparkled with excitement as he rocked back on his heels, admiring his work. "And once you're in the kiln… there'll be nothing left to save."

A wicked cackle escaped his lips as he turned away, rubbing his hands together as if dusting them off after a job well done. The sound of his boots echoed ominously against the concrete floor as he strolled toward the far side of the room.

"Don't worry," he called back, his tone almost mockingly reassuring as he hoisted a heavy bag onto his shoulder with ease. "I'll be back once I complete my collection."

And with that, he disappeared out the door, leaving only silence and the distant sound of it clicking shut behind him.

Phoebe whimpered softly, a faint tremor in her voice as she whispered, "Prue." She tried to turn her head toward her sister, but the thickening clay resisted her movement, allowing only the slightest tilt.

Prue, also struggling against the stiffening material, managed to turn her head just enough to glance sideways at her sister. "It's okay, Pheebs," she said, keeping her voice as steady as she could. "Now that he's gone, we can focus on getting out of here."

She exhaled slowly, a mix of frustration and resignation evident in her tone. "I am so not having the best day of my life," she muttered under her breath, before shifting her gaze to the third woman trapped alongside them.

"You know," Prue said with forced airiness, "I got engaged this morning." Her voice carried a ghost of amusement, as if the sheer absurdity of the situation was finally catching up to her.

Despite her predicament, the woman beside her managed to lift her eyes slightly, as if attempting to smile through the rigid clay encasing her. "Really? Congratulations," she said, her voice filled with genuine warmth.

Prue tried to return the gesture, though the forming clay made even that difficult. "Thank you," she said, before her tone took on a more exasperated edge. "But then I got fired, and now I'm covered in clay, and I'm wearing one of my favorite tops!" Her rant became more high-pitched, frustration spilling out in a whine. "And we're about to get baked." She ended the statement with a defeated sigh, her breath shaky.

"Prue!" Phoebe snapped, cutting through her sister's spiraling thoughts, "Focus, please!"

Prue blinked, pulling herself back into the moment. "Right. Right," she said quickly, forcing herself to shake off the rising panic. "Sorry. That was uh… just my roundabout way of saying 'don't… panic.'" She inhaled sharply through her nose, trying to steel herself. "We've been in stickier… situations than… this… right, Phoebe?"

Phoebe attempted to nod, but the effort was sluggish, her body becoming more and more uncooperative as the clay thickened around her. "Uh-huh," she murmured, her words starting to drag. "We're… gonna get you… out of here, I… promise."

But her voice was slowing. The effort to speak was becoming greater.

"We're… gonna… get… you…" Her words became barely more than a whisper, her eyelids struggling to stay open as the clay hardened further.

"Phoebe…" Prue called to her sister, panic creeping into her tone as she felt her own movements becoming increasingly restricted.

Phoebe's lips parted slightly, as if trying to say something more, but then—

Stillness.

Her face hardened completely, leaving her frozen in place.

Prue's breath hitched, realization hitting her like a punch to the gut. "Phoebe…" she tried again, but the clay was setting fast, her own voice thick and strained. Every muscle in her body screamed against the rigid confinement, but there was nothing she could do. She clenched her jaw, her breath barely making it past her lips as her final thought escaped in a whisper—

"Oh… motherfu—"

And then, silence.

Halliwell Manor

Leo's eyes lit up with triumph as he finally landed on the page he had been searching for. "Found him!" he declared, his voice breaking the tense silence in the attic. He ran his finger over the aged parchment, the rough texture of the centuries-old pages grounding him in the moment. "Gammill, a.k.a. The Collector. He is known for his passion for collecting one-of-a-kind figurines."

Piper and Buffy leaned in, their expressions mirroring his frown as they processed the words. A chill crept down Piper's spine.

"Wonder what he gets out of that?" Leo mused aloud, shaking his head.

Piper let out a dry chuckle, a smirk playing on her lips despite the growing unease. "Well, speaking for my great-aunt Sylvia, who collects Hummel figurines…" She trailed off, amused at the simultaneous looks of confusion and mild horror on Leo and Buffy's faces. "Yeah. When people have a hard time dealing with real people, figurines can be their best friends," she explained with a knowing nod. "I know, it's sad."

Leo nodded slowly, rubbing his chin. "Yeah… but being socially awkward doesn't land you in the Book of Shadows," he pointed out, his brow furrowing deeper.

"So, what does?" Piper asked warily, arms crossing over her chest.

Buffy leaned in closer, her hazel eyes scanning the page as a memory flickered at the edges of her mind. "Gammill went up against a witch in the '70s. She cast a spell on him to make him as hideous on the outside as he was on the inside." She paused, looking up as realization dawned. "Remember back at that creepy house when I said something seemed familiar? Leo, when you said Gammill's name, it jogged my memory."

Piper grimaced, shifting uncomfortably. "Do you know exactly what he did to deserve that?" she asked, already bracing herself for an unpleasant answer.

Buffy shook her head. "No," she admitted, frustration evident in her voice.

"It doesn't make any sense either," Leo said, his fingers tapping absently against the side of the book. "I mean, we saw this guy…" He pointed to the image on the page—a younger man, strikingly different from the deformed figure they had encountered. "And he still looks the same."

Piper's frown deepened, her mind working through the possibilities. "So what does that mean? That Gammill somehow broke the curse and changed his name to Finn?"

Leo exhaled through his nose, rubbing his temple. "I don't know, but I'm guessing whoever that guy Paige is with does," he said, his voice laced with growing concern.

Piper groaned, her hands flying up in exasperation. "Alright, we need to find Paige and hope that she's not in trouble, so we can find Prue and Phoebe and hope that they are not in trouble." She spoke in a rapid blur of words, her frustration mounting with each syllable. "Great!" she exclaimed, throwing her hands up dramatically before pacing the room.

Leo tried to calm her, his voice level. "Well, I wouldn't worry about Paige. I mean, she's in a public place. Nobody's gonna hurt her at P3."

Piper stopped pacing just long enough to shoot him a skeptical look. "Yeah, well, P3 isn't open yet," she reminded him, her tone edged with unease. "It's just a sound check, so it won't be that busy."

Before Leo could respond, Buffy let out a sharp, "Uh… guys?"

Both turned toward her instantly, their bodies tensing as they caught sight of her face. Buffy was staring down at the page on Gammill, her expression tight with thought.

Piper pointed at her, already recognizing the look. "Uh-oh. I know that look," she muttered.

Buffy nodded grimly; her voice steady but laced with urgency. "What if the reason Gammill's figurines are one-of-a-kind is because they're… well, actual people. Possibly witches."

A stunned silence fell over the room, the weight of the implication settling like a boulder in Piper's stomach.

Her eyes widened, panic flashing across her face. "Oh no!" she gasped, her breath hitching. "If you're right, then… oh no!" Her heart pounded in her chest. "We have to get to Paige. NOW!"

Leo was already closing the Book of Shadows as Piper grabbed her coat, Buffy right behind her. There was no time to waste.

Paige's Apartment

"I wasn't expecting company," Paige said as they stepped into her apartment, kicking aside a stray magazine with the toe of her boot. She glanced around the small but cozy space, suddenly self-conscious about the clutter. "So just, give me a sec to clean the place up." She moved swiftly, gathering up a couple of discarded jackets and tossing them onto a chair.

Finn smiled as he took in the surroundings, his gaze warm. "I really like your place," he said sincerely, his voice carrying a soft appreciation.

Paige paused mid-motion, turning to him with an incredulous look. "Really?" she asked, arching a brow. "It's a shoebox compared to yours."

Finn let out a quiet chuckle before his expression grew thoughtful. "I'm really glad I didn't bring you in," he said suddenly, the shift in his tone making her pause. His eyes darkened slightly, as if he were weighing something unspoken. "You know, this is the first time a girl has ever invited me back to her place," he admitted, his voice almost wistful.

Paige's lips curled into a small, nervous smile. "Uh… well, I just thought the club was kinda busy, ya know, with all the sound-checking and stuff." She gestured vaguely as she spoke, filling the space between them with movement. "Although, it does look great, I just figured we could hang out here."

Finn's smile returned, this time softer, more intimate. He took a step closer, his hands reaching up to gently cradle her face, his fingers warm against her skin. Paige barely had time to register the rapid pounding of her heart before he leaned in, his lips mere inches from hers.

Her breath hitched. A sudden wave of uncertainty shot through her, and she instinctively pulled back, placing a hand lightly against his chest. "Um… first, actually, I have a question," she said with a small, slightly nervous smile.

Finn blinked, momentarily thrown off. "About what?" he asked, confusion flickering across his face.

"About your house," Paige answered bluntly, her gaze sharp with quiet determination.

Finn's expression immediately darkened, his jaw tightening. "I don't really want to talk about that," he muttered, stepping away from her as if creating physical distance would shield him from the conversation. He walked over to the couch, sank into it, and picked up a magazine, flipping through the pages absentmindedly.

Paige exhaled, frustration laced with concern tightening her chest. She took a step toward him, her voice softer now, imploring. "If something bad is going on there, I need for you to tell me about it," she said, watching him closely. But Finn kept his eyes on the magazine, his silence thick and deliberate. "Please!" she tried again, desperation creeping into her voice. "My sisters could be in trouble."

Finn hesitated, his fingers stilling on the magazine's pages. Slowly, he closed it and looked up at her, his expression unreadable. "I don't know much," he admitted at last. "It's only recently that I've started asking questions myself."

Paige latched onto that sliver of information like a lifeline. "Asking who?" she pressed, her frown deepening.

"Gammill," Finn said simply.

A heavy silence settled between them as Paige's frown turned to outright confusion. She watched as Finn stood, pacing now, his movements agitated, restless.

"What's his deal?" she demanded, her arms crossing tightly over her chest.

"I'm not sure," Finn replied, shaking his head.

Paige's patience began to fray at the edges. "Well, how do you know him?" she pushed, trying to piece together the puzzle that was forming in front of her.

Finn stopped pacing. He looked at her hesitantly, as if weighing whether or not he should tell her the truth. Finally, he exhaled, his shoulders sagging slightly. "He made me," he said.

Paige's brow furrowed. "Made you?" she repeated, tilting her head. "What is that, like a Mafia thing?"

Finn let out a short laugh, but there was no humor in it. Shaking his head, he took a step closer to her, reaching for the hem of his shirt. "No," he said simply. He pulled the fabric free from his pants and held out his hand toward her. "Look, give me your hand," he instructed, his voice gentle but firm.

Paige hesitated, searching his face for any indication of what he was doing, but curiosity and an odd sense of trust overrode her apprehension. She placed her hand in his, feeling the warmth of his skin against her fingertips.

"Put it here," he said softly, guiding her hand to his stomach.

At first, she wasn't sure what she was supposed to feel. Then, her breath caught.

There was nothing.

No bellybutton.

Her eyes widened, her pulse spiking as realization set in. "Oh my god!" she whispered, her fingers trembling slightly as they hovered over the unnatural smoothness of his skin.

P3

"AMANDA!" Piper yelled, her voice echoing through the stairwell as she, Leo, and Buffy rushed down the stairs, their footsteps a rapid, urgent rhythm against the polished floors. Just as they reached the lower level, they came to an abrupt halt, nearly colliding with a massive wall of muscle—a bouncer with arms like tree trunks and an expression as unmoving as stone.

"Uh… hi!" Piper flashed a tight, forced smile, attempting to step past him, but he shifted, blocking her way with an impassive shake of his head.

"Sorry, ma'am," he said, his voice deep and resolute. "You can't be in here right now. Club ain't open yet, and that section is VIP."

Piper blinked at him, her jaw tightening in incredulity. "Excuse me?" she repeated, folding her arms. Then, her expression shifted into saccharine sweetness, her tone dripping with exaggerated cheer. "Oh! You're assuming because I'm not tall, tattooed, or big-breasted that I'm not important?" She arched a brow, daring him to confirm it.

The bouncer nodded, clearly unbothered.

Piper's fake smile dropped like a stone, her glare sharpening into something far more dangerous. "That's a bad assumption," she snapped, stepping closer. "See, because I own this club, which makes me a VVVIP!" She punctuated each 'V' with a sharp jab to his chest, her finger pressing firmly against the muscle-bound obstacle in front of her. "It also means I can be in here whenever I want, and I can go wherever I want. Now move!" she barked.

The bouncer hesitated for only a second before wisely st"pping aside.

Leo and Buffy exchanged uneasy glances—half-impressed, half-concerned—before hurrying after Piper. As they walked through the club, Buffy took a moment to take in the surroundings, her sharp eyes scanning the freshly renovated space. The club pulsed with low bass from the sound system test, the air thick with the scent of fresh wood polish and faint traces of spilled liquor from the night before. The sleek new bar gleamed under the dimmed lighting, and the stage setup looked even more impressive than before.

"The place looks great, Piper," Buffy remarked sincerely, still admiring the transformation. "Definitely one hell of a facelift… not that it needed one, of course."

Piper's scowl softened, and she offered Buffy a brief but genuine smile. "Thank you." But as quickly as her expression had brightened, it darkened again with renewed frustration. She threw her hands up in exasperation. "Who the hell does that guy think he is?" she fumed to no one in particular, still seething from the confrontation. "I could fire his ass if I felt the need—especially for that!" She shook her head, muttering under her breath before turning sharply to Leo and Buffy. "Do you see Paige?"

Both of them shook their heads. "No," Leo answered, his brows knitted in concern.

"Great!" Piper huffed, placing her hands on her hips. She turned her head and called out again, "AMANDA!"

A moment later, Amanda—an attractive blonde with a sharp, no-nonsense demeanor—appeared from across the room, striding over with the efficient urgency of someone used to managing chaos.

"Yes?" Amanda answered curtly, her tone clipped and professional.

Piper gave her a strained but expectant smile. "Have you seen Paige?"

Amanda nodded. "Yeah, she was here for a while, but she split when it started getting busier and the sound checks really kicked off," she said, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I did hear her mention going back to her loft, though, if that helps?" she added with an appeasing smile.

Piper's tension eased slightly. "It does help, Amanda. Thank you," she said, her voice firm but appreciative.

Amanda nodded briskly before whirling around and disappearing into the crowd, already barking orders at someone across the room.

Piper turned back to Leo and Buffy, the urgency returning to her voice. "Come on!" she commanded, grabbing both of their arms and dragging them towards the office. The moment they were inside, she released them and spun toward Leo. "Orb!" she ordered.

Leo didn't waste a second. Wrapping an arm around her, he concentrated, and within moments, they both vanished in a swirl of blue and white orbing lights.

Buffy shimmered out, leaving nothing but a whisper of displaced air in her wake.

Paige's Apartment

Piper and Leo materialized in Paige's apartment in a swirl of blue and white orbing lights, their arrival casting brief flickering shadows across the dimly lit room. A second later, Buffy shimmered in beside them, her form solidifying in an instant.

"PAIGE?" Piper gasped, her eyes widening as she took in the scene before her.

Paige was on her knees in front of Finn, who—alarmingly—was shirtless. Her hands rested on his abdomen, fingers splayed as if searching for something. Finn stood still, his expression unreadable, while Paige's brow furrowed in concentration.

Buffy and Leo immediately turned their heads away, both of them awkwardly shifting their gazes to anything but the half-dressed man in front of them. Piper, however, gawked outright, her mouth dropping open in sheer exasperation.

"This is ridiculous! It's like dealing with a teenager," Piper muttered under her breath, throwing her hands up as if the sheer absurdity of the situation was physically weighing on her.

Paige, catching onto their immediate assumptions, huffed and stuck her head out from the side of Finn, her expression exasperated. "What are you doing here?" she asked, confused by their sudden and dramatic entrance.

Piper, still not over the visual in front of her, shook her head with an exaggerated sigh. "Oh, for the love of—" She motioned vaguely toward Paige and Finn before rolling her eyes. "Get your heads out of the gutter! I'm just examining him!" Paige clarified, irritation seeping into her tone.

"Okay!" Piper interrupted, holding up a single finger as she strode forward, her eyes shutting momentarily as if bracing herself for whatever insanity was about to unfold. "First of all: you should not have left the club."

Paige let out an exaggerated sigh and rolled her eyes yet again. "Piper—"

"Second of all!" Piper continued loudly, this time holding up two fingers, her eyes snapping open as she pinned Paige with a sharp glare. "You should not be playing doctor with the demon boy!" She shot an accusatory finger at Finn, who, for his part, had the decency to look vaguely uncomfortable as he quickly reached for his shirt and pulled it back over his head.

"Piper," Paige tried again, her voice laced with impatience.

Piper ignored her, undeterred, and raised a third finger. "And third of all—"

"PIPER!" Paige finally shouted, her voice cutting through the room like a whip. "He has no bellybutton!" She announced dramatically, throwing a hand toward Finn for emphasis.

Piper froze mid-lecture, her fingers slowly lowering as she processed the words. Her gaze flickered back to Finn, skepticism and curiosity battling for dominance in her expression. With narrowed eyes, she took a cautious step closer, her focus dropping to his stomach.

Finn, now fully dressed again, stood stiffly under their scrutiny. The tension in the room thickened as Piper's brain finally caught up with the shocking revelation.

"You're kidding," she muttered, her eyes locked onto the unnatural smoothness where a bellybutton should be. "You're not kidding," she corrected herself as realization fully dawned.

"I can explain," Paige assured her, stepping between Finn and the others. "First of all, we left your club because some blond lady told us to get out or we would 'ruin the surprise'—" she air-quoted dramatically, "—and it was getting really busy. But it looks great, by the way," she added as an afterthought.

Piper, still somewhat stunned, blinked at her. "Thank you," she replied tersely, her tone flat, clearly still trying to catch up with everything that was happening.

Paige, not wanting to waste time, forged ahead. "Can I just ask what the 'surprise' is? And second of all—" she turned back to Finn and gestured toward him again, "—Finn has no bellybutton because he wasn't born."

Piper's frown deepened, her expression shifting from exasperation to something closer to wariness. "Okay…" she said slowly, trying to make sense of that. Then, she glanced between Paige and Finn before settling her gaze back on her sister. "It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you," she deflected quickly before turning back to Finn, eyes narrowing. "Huh?"

Finn met her gaze with quiet patience, then offered his explanation. "I was created… out of clay."

Piper's eyebrows shot up, but before she could respond, Buffy stepped in, arms crossing over her chest as she nodded. "In Gammill's own image," she elaborated. "He's a golem."

"Hi, Buffy!" Paige greeted brightly, her eyes lighting up as she noticed her future sister-in-law standing next to Leo. There was an immediate warmth in her tone, the kind that came naturally when meeting a friend or family member. Buffy, standing next to Leo, gave Paige a smile that matched the cheerfulness of the greeting.

"Hey, Paige," Buffy responded warmly, her voice carrying the same relaxed friendliness. The tension of the situation seemed to temporarily lift, as if the brief moment of familial connection could provide some relief, however small.

Paige turned her attention back to the matter at hand, her expression growing more serious. "I don't know the technical term, but I do know that Finn needs protection from the demon that made him," she said, her tone shifting to one of finality, as though she'd made up her mind and there was no question left to entertain.

Piper, however, wasn't as quick to follow along. She shook her head, her brow furrowing as she tried to process the new information. "Okay! Hold up," she said, her hands up in the air in an exaggerated gesture of pause. "Where is Gammill now?" she asked, now turning her full attention to Finn, who had been oddly calm through all of this.

Finn shrugged nonchalantly. "At the house, I think," he said, his voice tinged with uncertainty. It was clear he didn't have all the answers, but that didn't stop him from offering the little he did know.

Leo, who had been listening closely, spoke up. "We were just there," he said, his voice steady but with an edge of frustration, as if the pieces just weren't fitting together. "We didn't see him."

Finn, seemingly unfazed by the lack of progress, answered quickly. "That's because he has his own secret hiding place," he replied, his words casual but revealing.

Piper's gaze never left Finn as she processed his words, trying to piece together what this could mean. "Could he be hiding our sisters there?" she asked, her voice tight with urgency.

Finn shook his head slowly. "No," he said, a touch of certainty in his voice, "he probably shrunk them."

"What?" Both Piper and Leo asked in unison, their voices laced with disbelief, their words overlapping as they tried to make sense of what Finn had just said.

"Well, that's what he does," Finn explained, his tone matter-of-fact, as though he were describing something as simple as a daily routine. "He takes his wand and he shrinks the women for his collection." His words hit like a thunderclap, bringing a chill to the air as the weight of the situation truly sunk in. Piper's mind flashed to the collection of figurines they'd seen earlier—figurines made of people.

Piper and Leo turned to Buffy, their eyes wide with shock and the realization that they had been right to worry. "You were right," Leo said grimly, his voice low and heavy with regret.

Buffy gave a single, short nod, her face hardening with the reality of the situation. "Really wish I wasn't," she muttered, the words laced with a sense of helplessness.

Piper exhaled a sharp breath, trying to steady herself. "Okay," she said firmly, her voice now taking on an air of determination. "We have to get back there. We have to find Phoebe and Prue," she stated, her words crisp with urgency. There was no room for hesitation, no time for second-guessing. Her sisters were in danger, and there was no other option but to get them back.

"Careful," Finn cried out suddenly, his voice sharp and urgent, pulling everyone's focus back to him. "If Gammill is at the house, waiting for you, then he'll shrink you all." His words hit like a warning bell, the gravity of his statement underscoring the danger that loomed over them all. He paused, his brow furrowing slightly. "I don't know why he didn't before."

"Does, does he still trust you?" Piper asked Finn suddenly, her voice carrying a sense of urgency.

Finn hesitated, glancing around as if the question itself caught him off guard. "Yeah," he replied warily, his voice tinged with caution.

"Okay, then you come with us, you go in first and distract him," Piper ordered, her voice sharp and unwavering, leaving no room for discussion.

"No, Piper," Paige interjected, choosing to ignore her sister's tone completely. Her voice was steady but insistent. "We can't use Finn as a minesweeper, and besides, isn't he an innocent?" She crossed her arms, standing her ground as she stared at Piper.

Piper turned to Paige, an almost amused look playing at the edges of her expression. She attempted to mask it but was unable to completely hide the sharpness in her retort. Pulling Paige towards her with a firm tug, she said, "Actually, Paige, innocents tend to be real."

"Listen, we have to go get Prue and Phoebe," Paige reasoned, her tone growing more serious. "First, we should go by your house, check the Book of Shadows to see if there's a spell to undo shrinking. We'll bring Finn with us," she suggested, her voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of urgency.

Piper shook her head vehemently. "We don't have time for that," she argued, her frustration building. Every second they wasted was a second their sisters were potentially being lost forever to some twisted collection. Piper couldn't afford to delay even one more moment, no matter how much sense it made to be cautious.

"Well, we can't go in there unprepared," Paige insisted, her voice rising slightly. The pressure was mounting on her too, and she wasn't about to back down. It was as if she could already feel the weight of Prue and Phoebe's fate in her chest, the need to act almost suffocating.

"Unprepared might be our best shot right now," Piper countered, her own voice rising as she stood her ground. Both sisters were at a boiling point, their frustrations spilling over. Tension crackled between them, like two opposing forces in an invisible battle.

"Leo," Piper turned to her husband, looking to him for guidance, her eyes wide with expectation. She needed him to help settle the growing conflict between her and Paige, to make sense of the chaos swirling around them. "What do you think?" she asked, her voice a blend of hope and exasperation.

Leo glanced at Buffy for help, but the other woman merely held up her hands in a gesture of retreat, stepping back to let the two sisters work it out themselves. Leo then turned his attention back to the women, who were now standing at an impasse, their eyes locked in mutual frustration. His calm voice broke through the tension. "I think you need to stop turning to me," Leo said, his gaze steady as he spoke. "Start trying to figure out a way to listen to each other," he suggested, his tone gentle but firm.

Both sisters turned to him, their faces tight with disbelief. Leo's words hit home in a way that neither of them expected. He continued, looking at Piper first. "Piper, you don't listen to Paige's ideas," he pointed out, his voice matter-of-fact. Paige couldn't help but smirk at her older sister, a small moment of triumph flickering across her face.

Leo's attention shifted to Paige, who was now the focus of his unflinching gaze. "Paige," he said, his voice taking on a slightly harder edge. "You don't listen to Piper's advice," he told her, and this time, Paige's jaw dropped in genuine surprise. She wasn't expecting this, not from Leo, and certainly not in the middle of everything else that was going on.

Piper folded her arms, mirroring Paige's posture, and smirked back at her with a raised brow.

"I think you guys need to figure out a way how to work as partners," Leo concluded, his gaze flicking between both women.

"We're… partners," Piper assured him half-heartedly, though her voice lacked the conviction it usually carried.

Leo frowned, noticing the way their bodies were angled away from one another, as if they were physically distancing themselves. "Equal… partners," he insisted sternly, his tone brokering no argument.

Paige rolled her eyes in frustration. "Well, listen," she said, her voice tinged with impatience. "Can we do that tomorrow?" She gave a pleading glance toward her older sister and Leo. "Right now, we actually need your help."

"Buffy, what do you think?" Piper asked, deciding to bring the half-demon Slayer into the conversation as well. Her voice was edged with impatience, but there was an undercurrent of curiosity—maybe Buffy could tip the scales in her favor.

Buffy smiled, the kind of knowing smile that made Piper immediately regret asking. "I happen to agree with Leo," she said simply, stepping closer to stand beside her future brother-in-law. Her stance was relaxed, yet firm, as if she had already anticipated Piper's reaction.

Piper sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes like an exasperated older sister dealing with a particularly stubborn younger sibling. "Of course you do," she muttered, her tone dripping with annoyance.

Leo, seemingly unfazed by Piper's reaction, pressed on. "Now, I think the best way that we can help you do that is by doing this," he said cryptically. He turned to Buffy, an unspoken understanding passing between them. "Follow me?"

Buffy considered for a moment, glancing between the bickering Halliwell sisters. "I think I'll stay, Leo," she finally decided. "After all, they might need my help rescuing Prue and Phoebe regardless of which course of action they take."

Leo nodded, acknowledging her decision, and then, without another word, disappeared in a swirl of blue and white orbing lights.

Piper's jaw dropped. "LEO?" she cried incredulously, throwing her hands up in frustration. "Great!" she snapped, at the same time Paige did.

"What now?" Paige demanded, turning to her sister and Buffy. Her patience was wearing thin, but there was still a glint of mischief in her eyes.

Buffy folded her arms and took a step back. "This is between you and Piper," she said, lifting her chin slightly. "I'm only here to help with Gammill."

Paige exhaled sharply before looking back at Piper. "What now?" she repeated, clearly waiting for a resolution.

Piper mirrored her sister's stance, placing one hand on her hip and narrowing her eyes. "Well…" she said slowly, drawing out the word. "I'm just gonna have to convince you that I'm right."

Paige smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Well…" she echoed, shifting her weight. "We don't have all day." She sighed dramatically, then shrugged. "Why don't we just flip a coin?"

Piper gawked at her. "Prue and Phoebe's lives are at stake!" she exclaimed, as if the mere suggestion was an insult to the seriousness of the situation.

"All the more reason to make a decision quickly," Paige countered smoothly, her smirk widening.

Piper scowled but, after a tense pause, let out an exasperated breath. "Fine! Flip." Her tone was clipped, her arms crossed tightly over her chest as if bracing for the outcome.

Paige grinned in victory and immediately turned to Buffy, pulling a quarter from her pocket. "Buffy, would you flip?" she asked, handing the coin over.

Buffy took it, twirling it between her fingers with practiced ease before nodding. "Call it," she instructed, preparing to toss it into the air.

"Heads," Piper said firmly, though her frown deepened as she spoke.

Buffy flicked the coin up with a practiced motion, the silver glinting under the apartment's dim lighting. It spun rapidly before she caught it expertly in both hands. She peeked at it, suppressing the slightest smile as she revealed the result. "It's tails," she announced, showing the coin to both sisters.

Paige grinned triumphantly. "I win," she declared, her voice full of satisfaction.

"Which means we're going to the Manor," Buffy said, before either sister could start up again. Without wasting another second, she reached out, grabbing both Piper and Paige's hands. Paige, still grinning, grabbed Finn by the arm, and in a shimmer of light, they all vanished.

Halliwell Manor

Buffy shimmered into the Manor's foyer with Paige, Piper, and Finn, the air around them briefly shimmering with residual energy before settling into stillness. The familiar warmth of the Halliwell home should have been comforting, but tension still crackled between the sisters, their earlier argument lingering like static in the air.

Finn shifted uneasily, his wide eyes darting around the space. Though the house was grand and welcoming, it was still unfamiliar territory for him.

"It's okay. You'll be safe here," Paige assured him, her voice steady but gentle. She could see the uncertainty in his posture, the way his hands fidgeted at his sides.

Finn rubbed his hands together, frowning slightly. "Can I get a glass of water?" he asked, flexing his fingers. "My skin feels a little dry."

"Oh yeah, sure." Paige smiled warmly, eager to make him feel at ease. "The kitchen's just down there to the left," she said, pointing towards the hallway leading to the kitchen.

Finn nodded in gratitude and turned to head in that direction. He had barely taken three steps when a sudden red beam of energy burst through the air from seemingly nowhere, striking him square in the back.

For a single frozen second, time seemed to stand still. Finn's body stiffened, his eyes widening in shock before his entire form disintegrated into a cloud of fine, gray dust. The remnants of his existence settled onto the polished wooden floor like ashes from a fire.

Piper screamed, the sound ripped from her throat in pure, unfiltered shock. Her instincts took over, and she moved instinctively closer to Paige and Buffy, seeking the comfort of their presence.

Before any of them could react further, a shadow moved from around the corner. Gammill emerged, his expression cold and calculating as he raised his wand once more.

The sisters barely had a chance to register his presence before another flash of red lightning shot from the tip of his wand. The bolt struck them all at once—Piper, Paige, and Buffy—wrapping around them like a net of pure energy.

A sensation like being crushed and stretched at the same time overtook them, a dizzying, nauseating force that ripped through their bodies.

Then, suddenly, it was over.

The world around them had transformed into a towering, monstrous landscape. The familiar furniture of the Manor was now impossibly large, the floor beneath them stretching like an endless wooden field.

Piper and Paige screamed again as realization set in.

They had been shrunk down to mere inches.

Creepy House

Gammill grinned, satisfaction gleaming in his beady eyes as he methodically peeled off his latex gloves, the rubber snapping faintly as he discarded them. He took slow, deliberate steps toward the towering shelf, where Prue, Phoebe, and the woman were now joined by Buffy, Piper, and Paige. The women, encased in thick layers of damp clay, were immobilized like grotesque dolls, their tiny bodies stuck in place, vulnerable and powerless.

His smirk widened as he reached for the unknown woman, gripping her carefully yet possessively. "Time to fire up the kiln," he chuckled, his voice laced with anticipation. As he turned to leave, he flicked a casual glance back toward Buffy, his smirk twisting into something even more sinister. He raised a crooked finger, pointing directly at her.

"You're next, Nyxara," he sneered before striding away, the woman in his grasp as he moved toward the roaring heat of the kiln.

Buffy, Piper, and Paige turned slightly, shifting in their restrictive clay shells to face Prue and Phoebe, who looked just as miserable as they felt.

"At least we came for you," Piper muttered dryly, attempting to inject some humor into their dire predicament.

Prue and Phoebe, their faces frozen in expressions of frustration, merely growled in response, their narrowed eyes promising Piper a verbal smackdown if they ever got free.

Piper rolled her eyes. "We're here now. We have the Power of Four along with Buffy's demonic powers," she pointed out with forced cheerfulness, grasping at any shred of optimism she could muster. "Can you two say a spell?" she asked Prue and Phoebe hopefully.

A long, painful silence followed, then a pitiful whimper from both of them.

Piper exhaled slowly, her frustration mounting. "Okay, we'll figure this out," she promised, trying to steady her nerves. "Paige, Buffy, let's go over our options."

"Options?" Paige scoffed, her tone drenched in sarcasm. "We have two: we're screwed or we're more screwed."

"We don't need negativity, we need solutions," Buffy snapped, her golden eyes flashing with irritation.

Paige huffed. "Well, excuse me," she shot back. "I've never been shrunk and covered in clay before!" Her voice wavered slightly, betraying her fear beneath the sarcasm.

"Hey!" Piper interrupted sharply, her voice cutting through their bickering. "You wanted to be partners, so work with us here. Okay? Or you're right—we are screwed."

Paige gritted her teeth but gave a small, reluctant nod.

"Can't you blast your way out of it?" she asked, her eyes flickering toward Gammill, who was busy checking the kiln's temperature. The orange glow of the flames cast eerie shadows across the room, intensifying their urgency.

Piper grimaced. "I tried. I can't move my hands," she admitted regretfully.

Paige bit her lip, mind racing. "I could call for something," she said aloud, trying to think of what could possibly help. "But what would help? What's the point of having powers if you can't use them?" she snapped, her frustration mounting alongside her fear.

Buffy's eyes sharpened with sudden realization. "What about orbing?" she asked, her tone edged with urgency.

Paige blinked. "Will Leo hear us?" she asked, not following Buffy's train of thought.

Buffy shook her head, her patience thinning. "No! You can orb—just like I can shimmer," she reminded her sharply, practically willing Paige to catch on.

Paige's brow furrowed. "Only in the same place," she pointed out.

"That might work," Piper argued, catching onto Buffy's plan. "The clay's still wet enough—it might collapse if you leave for a second!"

Prue and Phoebe both let out muffled, agreeing sounds, their bodies still rigid within the clay encasements. Despite their inability to speak, the desperation in their eyes spoke volumes.

"Yeah? Only one problem," Paige interjected, effectively dousing the flicker of hope that had begun to form. "I've never been able to orb at will before." She grimaced, frustration evident in her taut features.

"Well, that doesn't mean that you can't," Buffy shot back, her golden eyes gleaming with determination. "Just concentrate and relax."

Paige let out a short, incredulous laugh. "Relax?" she muttered, her voice dripping with disbelief. "Are you kidding me?" She gestured to the solidifying clay trapping her, as if that alone explained the impossibility of the request.

Piper sighed, shifting slightly to look at her younger sister. "Paige… just close your eyes, take a deep breath, feel the magic rising from a place of strength," she instructed with measured patience, her voice laced with urgency.

Paige hesitated but begrudgingly followed Piper's guidance, squeezing her eyes shut and inhaling deeply.

"Feel it building and building," Piper continued, though she winced as she felt her own clay stiffening further. There wasn't much time.

Paige's brow furrowed in deep concentration, her breathing steadying as she tried to tap into the latent power within her. Then, suddenly, she was engulfed in swirling blue and white orbing lights, her form vanishing in a burst of energy. At the same moment, Buffy shimmered out, her body dissolving into dark, crackling shadows.

As soon as they were gone, the hollow clay shells that had entrapped them crumbled, shattering into dust on the wooden floor. An instant later, both women rematerialized just outside their former spots, their bodies whole and free. Paige blinked in stunned realization, glancing down at herself.

"It worked," she breathed, awe flickering across her features. Then, her lips curled into an excited grin. "How cool was that?"

Piper, still trapped, let out an irritated groan.

Paige rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically. "I know, I know. I'm coming," she muttered before lifting her foot and giving Piper's hardened clay casing a swift kick. The shell cracked and fell away, freeing her older sister.

Piper sighed heavily as she regained control of her limbs, shaking off residual dust. Without hesitation, she turned to Phoebe and kicked her free as well. The younger sister gasped as she stumbled forward, her breath catching in her throat as sensation returned to her limbs.

"Aw, thank you," Phoebe said gratefully, a warm smile spreading across her face as she kissed both Piper and Paige on the cheek.

Meanwhile, Buffy strode toward Prue and delivered a firm kick to the clay imprisoning her fiancée. The hardened shell fractured, falling away in chunks, and Prue gasped as she collapsed forward. Buffy caught her effortlessly, steadying her before she could fall.

Prue closed her eyes for a moment, taking a shaky breath. "Thank God," she muttered, pressing her forehead against Buffy's shoulder. Then, with a frustrated huff, she straightened. "It's about freaking time!"

Buffy raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Is that any way to talk to your fiancée?"

Prue exhaled sharply, her irritation quickly melting into affection. "Sorry," she murmured, pressing a brief but heartfelt kiss to Buffy's lips.

"Save now, reunion later," Phoebe interjected, nodding toward the other end of the room. Her expression darkened as she pointed. "He's about to put Claudia into the kiln."

All heads snapped toward Gammill, who was now lifting Claudia toward the roaring inferno. The flames flickered ominously, their heat radiating across the room.

"Piper, freeze him!" Prue commanded without hesitation.

Piper reacted instantly, throwing up her hands with practiced ease. But nothing happened. Her heart sank as realization struck. "Oh," she muttered, frustration lacing her voice. "He's way too big for my tiny magic."

Paige hesitated, her eyes flickering uncertainly toward Gammill as he loomed over Claudia, the flames from the kiln casting eerie shadows across the room. "Do you think I can call for his wand?" she asked, doubt lacing her voice.

Buffy, standing alert with her muscles tensed for action, nodded encouragingly. "I don't know," she admitted. "But try it."

"Just keep your voice down," Phoebe warned in a hushed yet urgent tone. She cast a quick glance toward Gammill, who was still preoccupied. "If he hears us, we'll be cooked."

Paige swallowed hard and stepped forward, extending one hand. She focused her energy, channeling the power coursing through her veins. "Wand," she called firmly. But the object remained firmly in Gammill's grasp, unmoved.

Paige frowned, shifting on her feet. "Wand," she repeated, this time with more force. Nothing.

Prue narrowed her eyes, watching closely. "Okay! This could take all day," she muttered in frustration. Without hesitation, she strode over to Paige, placing one hand on her arm and the other on her opposite shoulder.

Paige blinked in confusion, her brow furrowing as she turned to look at Prue.

"We share the same power," Prue explained simply, her voice steady. "I might be able to help."

Paige considered this for a moment before giving a small nod. They locked eyes, unspoken understanding passing between them.

Together, their voices rang out in perfect unison. "Wand!"

A surge of bright blue and white orbing lights engulfed the wand, surrounding it in a dazzling aura. The object shimmered, vanished, and then reappeared behind Prue and Paige, clattering softly onto the wooden floor.

"Alright!" Paige cried excitedly, grinning as she and Prue exchanged a victorious high-five.

A deep, guttural growl of realization rumbled from across the room.

"Uh-oh," Piper muttered, stiffening as Gammill turned, his beady eyes narrowing in dawning horror.

"Oh dear! Oh dear!" Phoebe panicked, quickly retreating as she and the others scrambled to lift the wand together. Their fingers gripped tightly around the length of wood, hands trembling slightly under the weight of both its physical form and the immense power it contained.

"We need a spark!" Paige shouted, her voice rising in both urgency and nervous energy.

"Got it!" Buffy assured as she positioned herself behind the wand. She exhaled sharply, steadying her stance, then lifted her hand and summoned a crackling energy ball. The swirling mass of dark energy pulsed in her palm, illuminating her determined expression.

With a forceful throw, she sent the energy ball hurtling toward the wand. It struck the back of the object in a small but powerful explosion, causing the wand to jolt violently in their grasp. A chain reaction ignited, sending a jagged lightning spark hurtling straight toward Gammill.

His eyes widened in shock.

The bolt struck him dead center.

In an instant, his massive form convulsed, twisting and warping as an eerie shimmer washed over him. Within seconds, his body shrank rapidly, dwindling down until he stood at the same miniature size as the rest of them.

"Uh-oh," Gammill squeaked, his voice now small and pathetic as he glanced around in horror, everything towering over him.

Phoebe smirked, turning to Piper. "Can you freeze him now?"

Piper didn't hesitate. She ran forward, throwing up her hands with confidence. "Yep," she said smugly as Gammill froze on the spot, his tiny, terrified form locked in place.

Prue smirked, a cocky glint in her eyes as she crossed her arms. "What do you say we take him out Charmed-One style?"

Paige eyed the frozen, miniaturized Gammill with skepticism. "Don't we need a spell for that?" she asked, tilting her head.

Prue simply turned to Phoebe, sharing a knowing look. A mischievous grin spread across Phoebe's face as she lifted her chin triumphantly.

"Well, Paige," Phoebe began smugly, shifting her weight onto one hip, "you see, that's the good thing about bein' stuck in clay all day. I had time to think of one." She wiggled her fingers playfully before straightening. "Repeat after me."

As she began to chant, Buffy stepped forward, summoning an energy ball in her palm. Without hesitation, she hurled it at the frozen Gammill, the blast sparking on impact.

"Small of mind," Phoebe intoned, her voice carrying a certain satisfaction.

"Small of mind," Prue, Piper, and Paige echoed in unison, their tones firm and focused.

"Big of woe," Phoebe continued, the smirk never leaving her lips.

"Big of woe," the others repeated, their voices gaining momentum.

"The pain you caused," Phoebe added, her expression turning sharp, relishing the irony.

"The pain you caused," her sisters repeated, the weight of the words sinking in. Paige's lips curled slightly, as if enjoying the moment, while Prue and Piper remained stoic, their eyes locked on their target.

"You now will know!" Phoebe finished, glaring pointedly at Gammill.

"You now will know!" Prue, Piper, and Paige chanted together, their voices rising with conviction.

A low, agonized squeal erupted from Gammill as the spell took hold. His tiny body convulsed violently, the magical energy engulfing him in waves of shimmering light. The air crackled around him as he let out one final shriek before vanishing in a swirling cloud of smoke, his essence scattered into nothingness.

"AH!" Piper yelped as an unfamiliar sensation rippled through her. She staggered slightly as a tingling rush shot up her limbs.

Beside her, Buffy let out a startled gasp. "Whoa—!"

A second later, Prue and Paige yelped as well, their bodies suddenly stretching, shifting, and expanding.

"WHOA!" Phoebe cried, her heart skipping a beat as she heard the wooden shelf beneath her creak ominously.

"OH! OH! OH!" Prue squealed, waving her arms for balance as the shelf groaned under the sudden shift in weight.

With a loud crack, the weakened structure finally gave way. The sisters and Buffy tumbled downward in a chaotic heap, landing hard on the floor with a resounding thud.

A cloud of dust and debris settled around them as Paige groaned, rubbing her side. "That's it?" she asked, pushing herself upright. "That's the spell you spent all day working on?"

Phoebe huffed, brushing dust off her shirt. "Well, it worked, didn't it?" she shot back, arching an eyebrow.

"Oh!" Prue cried in disgust as she brushed herself off, wrinkling her nose. Buffy quickly stepped in, steadying her as she helped her to her feet. Prue tugged at her blouse, her lips twisting in irritation as she examined the damage. Smears of clay and dust clung stubbornly to the fabric, staining the once-pristine material.

"Will you look at…" she trailed off in exasperation, shaking her arms out as if trying to rid herself of the filth. "That is so never coming out."

Buffy gave her a small, amused smile, brushing a few stray specks of dust from Prue's sleeve. "I will buy you another one, baby," she promised, her voice warm as she met Prue's gaze.

Before Prue could respond, a gasp interrupted them.

"Oh, my gosh!" Claudia cried, her eyes wide with amazement as she scrambled to her feet. She hurried over to them, still breathless from the ordeal. "How'd you do that?" she asked, awe and disbelief mingling in her tone.

The four sisters exchanged a knowing look before breaking into triumphant smiles.

"The power of four with the help of a half-demon Slayer!" Phoebe declared, her hands on her hips, her voice carrying a playful boastfulness.

Piper, however, scoffed and shook her head, raising two fingers that were barely a breath apart. "Nuh-uh!" she corrected firmly, her expression serious but teasing. "The power of point four with help of a quarter-demon Slayer." She raised an eyebrow, emphasizing the distinction with mock precision.

Phoebe rolled her eyes and laughed, nudging Piper playfully in the side. The lightheartedness in the air was a welcome relief after everything they had just endured. With a grin, she leaned against Piper, resting her chin on her sister's shoulder in an affectionate gesture.

Piper let out a small chuckle, pulling Paige toward her, wrapping an arm around her younger sister in a rare moment of unguarded affection. Paige smirked but didn't resist, leaning in slightly as she let out a contented sigh.

Prue shook her head with an amused smile, watching the banter unfold. She caught Piper's grin and returned it, warmth and gratitude passing between them in an unspoken moment of understanding.

Then, before she could react, Buffy swooped in, wrapping her arms tightly around Prue and pulling her close. Prue let out a surprised laugh as Buffy held her, their bodies fitting together effortlessly. Buffy smirked against her hair.

"You do realize I saved your ass, right?" Buffy murmured.

Prue rolled her eyes but let herself melt into Buffy's embrace. "I let you help," she teased, a smirk tugging at her lips.

Buffy chuckled. "Uh-huh. Sure, you did."

P3

"Well?" Piper asked as she and Leo strolled over to join Paige, Phoebe, Prue, and Buffy. She glanced at them expectantly, hands on her hips, her excitement barely contained. "What do you guys think?"

Prue and Phoebe exchanged glances before nodding in approval. "It's pretty good, actually," Prue admitted, her voice carrying a hint of mischief.

Piper's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the hesitation. "Okay…" she prompted, crossing her arms.

Prue chuckled before throwing an arm around Piper's shoulders, pulling her in affectionately. "Alright, alright—it's amazing, Piper," she said with sincerity, her smirk fading into a genuine smile. "Honestly, this place… it looks fabulous!"

Piper beamed, pride radiating from her as she turned to take in her handiwork once more. "It does, doesn't it?" she said, her voice filled with satisfaction.

"Yeah, and you managed to score Dave Navarro!" Phoebe exclaimed excitedly, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Now that is impressive," Paige added with a small smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.

Phoebe, ever perceptive, immediately caught the shift in Paige's demeanor. "What's the matter, honey?" she asked gently, her voice soft with concern.

Paige gave a small, half-hearted shrug. "The last time I was here, I was here with Finn," she admitted, her tone laced with sadness. "How do you guys get over these things?"

"You don't," Buffy answered quietly, shaking her head. Her voice was steady but carried the weight of experience, a deep understanding of loss.

"But you learn with experience that you can't dwell on the losses," Piper added, her tone gentle yet firm, offering wisdom she wished she hadn't had to learn.

"Yeah," Prue whispered, stepping in seamlessly to continue the thought. "You just kind of have to—"

"Harden your heart?" Paige interjected, a bitter edge in her voice.

"Protect your heart," Prue corrected her, meeting her gaze with a pointed stare, her expression both understanding and insistent. Paige closed her eyes for a moment, absorbing the words, sadness flickering across her features.

"Unfortunately," Piper continued, taking a deep breath, "it's a fact of our lives that… sometimes the good comes with a little sadness."

Paige nodded slowly, the truth of the words settling over her. Phoebe reached over, giving her arm a comforting squeeze and offering a reassuring smile.

Buffy, standing close to Prue, leaned in slightly and pressed a tender kiss to the back of her head. The simple gesture sent warmth through Prue, who closed her eyes briefly, her breath hitching as a tightness formed in her throat. Her emotions threatened to spill over, but instead, she turned further into Buffy's side, silently drawing strength from her.

Piper noticed the quiet moment between them, her eyes lingering on Prue and Buffy for just a second before she shook herself out of it. Forcing a grin, she shifted back to a lighter tone, determined to steer the mood toward something brighter. "Well," she said with a relieved smile, clapping her hands together. "I'm glad you all approve."

"Yeah," Phoebe said quietly, her voice subdued as she cast a nervous glance at Prue before both sisters instinctively slid closer to Piper. The weight of something unspoken settled between them like an unseen force pressing on their chests.

"Uh… honey?" Phoebe called hesitantly, drawing Piper's attention. Piper turned to her expectantly, brows lifting in question.

"What about the sign?" Phoebe asked warily, her voice dipping just slightly, as if she were afraid of the answer.

Piper frowned, confusion knitting her brow. "What do you mean?" she asked, her gaze flicking between them.

Prue sighed, sensing Piper wouldn't realize it on her own. "Come on," she instructed, taking her younger sister's wrist and leading the small group toward the club's entrance. They slipped outside, the cool night air a stark contrast to the warmth and music of the club behind them.

Prue pointed sharply at the dumpster near the back door. "That," she said, her tone edged with disbelief.

There, lying discarded and shattered, was the original P3 sign—its once-proud letters now cracked, the edges jagged and broken, barely recognizable amidst the debris.

"What's that about?" Prue demanded, her voice thick with unspoken emotion.

Piper let out a slow sigh, her gaze dropping slightly as if she had already anticipated this confrontation. "Well… we're not P3 anymore, are we?" she said softly, the sadness in her voice unmistakable.

Paige, who had remained quiet, lowered her gaze to her feet, shifting uncomfortably at the unspoken weight of those words.

Piper continued, her voice carefully measured. "I thought it would be better to get rid of it since it didn't apply anymore."

"But Piper," Prue argued, stepping forward, her eyes shining with intensity. "That sign represents us. It's who we are."

Piper shook her head, her jaw tightening. "No, Prue," she corrected, her voice firm. "It's not who we are anymore." She gestured between them, her expression unwavering. "P3 stood for Prue, Piper, and Phoebe. But that's not us anymore. We are Prue, Piper, Phoebe… and Paige."

The words hung in the air like a sudden shift in gravity, their weight settling over them.

Phoebe turned her head, her eyes immediately landing on Paige, who stood still, her arms crossed over her stomach as if bracing against the impact. Despite her efforts to remain composed, Phoebe could see the glistening of unshed tears in Paige's eyes, the way her lips pressed together as she fought to mask the hurt.

Without hesitation, Phoebe moved to her, slipping an arm around Paige's waist and pulling her close. Paige offered a weak smile, but it was fleeting, and when she rested her head on Phoebe's shoulder, a quiet sniffle betrayed her efforts to remain strong.

Piper—perhaps out of stubbornness, or perhaps to keep herself from wavering—stood firm as the first set of the band inside came to an end, their music fading into the background hum of voices and laughter.

"Piper—" Prue tried again, her voice softer this time, but Piper held up her hands, effectively shutting down the conversation.

"No," Piper said firmly, straightening her posture. "I need to get back in there, and you should all do the same," she told them, her tone brooking no argument. Without another word, she turned on her heel and disappeared back inside, Leo following closely behind, his expression unreadable.

Prue exhaled sharply, tilting her head back and closing her eyes as frustration coiled within her like a spring ready to snap. She clenched her jaw, shaking her head before she finally let out a heavy sigh.

Buffy stepped up behind her, pressing a soft kiss against her bare shoulder, a silent attempt to soothe her frustration.

Prue let her eyes flutter shut for a brief moment, but when she opened them, her anger resurfaced, burning hot behind her gaze. She gestured around them—at the discarded sign, at Paige, at the sky itself as if accusing the universe.

"This…" she hissed, shaking her head. "This is what happens when people keep secrets in this family!" Her voice rose with every word, her emotions spilling over. She threw

"This…" Prue hissed, her voice trembling with barely restrained fury as she shook her head, her blue eyes burning with frustration. Her chest rose and fell with quick, angry breaths as she cast a sharp, accusing glare toward the heavens. "This is what happens when people keep secrets in this family!" she spat, her voice rising with emotion. She clenched her fists at her sides, her whole body rigid with the weight of everything unsaid. With one final glare skyward, as if demanding an answer from the universe itself, she seethed, "this is what happens!"

Without another word, she spun on her heel and stormed inside, her boots clicking sharply against the pavement, her entire frame radiating tension.

Buffy let out a slow breath, watching Prue disappear into the club, the energy around her still crackling like static in the wake of her departure. She glanced at Phoebe and Paige, both of whom looked unsettled—Paige, in particular, seemed to shrink under the weight of the moment, her arms crossing over herself defensively.

"Come on," Buffy said, her voice softer now, offering a sense of grounding. She placed a steadying hand on both of their shoulders, a silent reassurance before giving a gentle squeeze. "Let's go."

The three of them followed Prue back inside, re-entering the club's lively atmosphere. The moment they stepped through the doors, the pulsing energy of music and conversation washed over them, a stark contrast to the charged emotions just moments ago.

They spotted Prue at the bar, standing stiffly with her arms crossed, her face impassive but her jaw still tight with residual frustration. Buffy, Phoebe, and Paige instinctively moved toward her, joining just as the microphone crackled to life.

"Hey there, ladies and gentlemen," Piper's voice rang out over the speakers, a smooth confidence in her tone as she grinned into the mic. She stood center stage, effortlessly commanding the room's attention. "How are you all doing tonight?"

The crowd erupted in cheers, the infectious energy spreading like wildfire.

"Havin' a good time?" Piper continued, feeding off the enthusiasm.

Another round of cheers, louder this time.

Piper beamed, pleased. "Alright! For those of you who don't know this already, I am Piper Halliwell, proud owner of this fabulous establishment," she announced with a playful smirk, her confidence shining under the stage lights. The crowd whooped and clapped in response, a few enthusiastic whistles piercing through the noise.

"Do you like the new look?" she asked, gesturing around the club. The air buzzed with excitement as various people shouted their approval.

Prue and Phoebe exchanged glances, their expressions mirroring the same unspoken question. What was Piper up to?

Prue instinctively reached for Buffy's hand, gripping it as she shot Phoebe a wary look. Phoebe, equally suspicious, took Prue's hand and turned to Paige, who hesitated before allowing Phoebe to pull her along. The four of them weaved through the crowd, making their way toward the front of the stage where Leo was already standing.

"Piper… what are you doing?" Prue called up; her voice laced with suspicion.

Piper merely winked at her in response, her smirk widening as the crowd laughed at their interaction.

"Good, I'm glad," Piper continued, shifting her attention back to the audience. "Okay, so I'm gonna invite my sisters Prue and Phoebe up on this stage right now, please?" she said sweetly.

Before either of them could protest, two large, muscular bouncers appeared beside them, grinning slightly as they easily lifted Prue and Phoebe off their feet.

"Whoa, hey—!" Phoebe yelped as she was unceremoniously deposited onto the stage.

"You have got to be kidding me," Prue grumbled as she straightened her jacket, shooting a glare at Piper.

Piper grinned at them, completely unfazed. "Thank you, boys," she said, nodding to the bouncers, who retreated back into the crowd.

Prue folded her arms, leveling a stare at her younger sister. "Piper…"

"Relax," Piper teased before addressing the audience again. "Okay, so the point of this whole redecoration thing was, of course, to make more money," she joked, earning a wave of laughter from the crowd. "But also… because a lot has been changing in our personal lives." Her voice took on a more serious tone as she shifted slightly, casting a glance toward Paige. The room, sensing the shift in energy, quieted. Piper inhaled deeply, steadying herself. "My sisters and I recently discovered that we have… another sister," she revealed, her words hanging in the air.

A murmur spread through the audience, gasps coming from those who hadn't alread" heard.

Piper nodded, acknowledging their reaction. "Yeah. Our mother gave her up at birth for many reasons… and she just came back into our lives when we needed her most." She turned then, her eyes locking on Paige, filled with something raw and unspoken. "Her name is Paige Matthews… and she is definitely a Halliwell." Piper's voice carried an undeniable conviction, a strength that resonated through the crowd.

Paige blinked rapidly as tears welled in her eyes, a watery smile trembling on her lips.

Piper turned her attention back to the audience. "Because of this… the name P3 didn't really fit anymore. It stood for Prue, Piper, and Phoebe—but we aren't just that anymore." She let her words sink in for a beat before continuing. "So… I decided a new name was in order." With a flourish, she turned toward a man standing beside a drop curtain. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to welcome you to the new and improved version of what we used to be!" Piper's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she lifted her arms dramatically. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to… P4!"

With that, the curtain dropped, revealing a stunning blue and silver neon sign that glowed brilliantly with the letters P4, its design mirroring the original but grander, more luminous, with intricate silver accents woven into the lettering.

The crowd erupted into wild applause, cheers and whistles echoing through the club as people clapped and stomped their feet in excitement.

Piper turned back to the front of the stage, her grin widening. "Missy Paige… get your ass up here!" she called out, her playful command carrying through the mic.

Before Paige could react, the same bouncer who had lifted Prue and Phoebe earlier scooped her up with ease and deposited her onstage next to Piper. Paige let out a breathless laugh, fresh tears glistening down her cheeks.

"P4!" Piper declared triumphantly. "Prue, Piper, Phoebe… and Paige!" She smiled broadly before letting the mic drop to her side.

Phoebe wasted no time, stepping forward and wrapping Paige in a tight embrace. Paige clung to her, overwhelmed but radiating happiness.

Prue, her earlier frustration melting away, reached out and took Piper and Phoebe's hands.

Phoebe turned, grabbing Paige's hand without hesitation.

And then, with a small, tentative motion, Piper slid her fingers into Paige's other hand, sealing the connection.

The four sisters stood together in a small, unbreakable circle, their hands joined as the crowd around them cheered and celebrated.

The DJ took over seamlessly, filling the space with an upbeat track as people started dancing, the energy in the room lifting into something warm and joyful.

Piper turned to Paige; her expression filled with nothing but love. "Welcome to the family, Paige," she said, her smile bright and unwavering.

Prue pressed a kiss to the top of Paige's head, a rare moment of open affection.

Phoebe grinned widely, her dimples showing as she squeezed Paige's hand.

Paige, overwhelmed but deeply moved, mouthed a simple but heartfelt, "Thank you."