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.

34. Chapter 34: Anne's Knight 2 Remember Pt3

Chapter 34: Anne's Knight to Remember Part 3

August 14, 1998 – Friday

Sunnydale Family Home

Lily stood in a dimly lit chamber, her eyes flickering across the aged stone walls that exuded an eerie sense of history. A few worn steps led down to a cold, uneven stone floor, the air thick with moisture and the faint scent of something old—something forgotten. Though the room had the solemn atmosphere of a place of worship, it lacked warmth. The silence was dense, making every breath feel amplified, every movement a whisper against the cavernous stillness.

At the center of the chamber lay a small rectangular pool, no larger than four by eight feet, filled with a thick, black liquid that barely reflected the dim light. It was stagnant, almost ink-like, absorbing any shimmer rather than reflecting it. The surface barely rippled, as if it had been untouched for centuries. It gave Lily the unsettling impression of a void rather than water, as if it might not just cleanse but consume.

Ken moved with slow, deliberate steps, leading her to the edge of the murky pool. His voice was soothing, almost hypnotic, as he gestured toward the dark water. "We come to this station to wash away the past," he said, his tone dripping with reverence. "Go ahead and kneel. We let the water run over the sin, and the pain, and the uncertainty."

Lily hesitated, glancing at the thick, undisturbed surface. Something about it made her skin prickle. It didn't seem pure or cleansing—it looked tainted. "It looks kind of dirty…" she murmured as she slowly lowered herself to her knees, the stone floor uncomfortably cold beneath her.

Ken merely smiled, his expression unreadable as he knelt beside her. He did not press her, did not urge her further. He simply waited.

Lily exhaled and reached out, her fingers hovering just above the water's surface before finally dipping in. The liquid was oddly thick, its texture wrong. Her hand vanished beneath the surface almost too easily, swallowed up past her wrist, then her elbow, as if there were more depth than the pool physically allowed.

Outside, Buffy was doing what she did best—talking her way through trouble, or at least trying to. She stood at the entrance to the so-called "family home," facing two men who were built like tanks, their expressions blank and unyielding.

"You know," Buffy started, her voice casual, her tone playful, "I just looked in the mirror and thought, hey! What's with all the sin? I need to change. I'm dirty, I'm bad… with the sex, and the… envy, and that loud music we kids listen to nowadays…" She raised her brows expectantly, waiting for some sign of recognition or amusement, but the guards remained as expressionless as statues.

Buffy sighed. "Okay, not buying it."

The man closest to the door reached for it, starting to swing it shut in her face, but Buffy moved first. She shoved the door wide open with a single, powerful push, sending the guard stumbling backward with a grunt as he tumbled to the floor.

Inside the chamber, Lily remained unaware of the commotion outside. She continued to trail her hand through the liquid, feeling an odd pull, as though the water had gained weight, an unnatural suction that made her skin crawl.

Buffy burst through the doorway just as Ken shifted between her and Lily, his movement eerily smooth, practiced.

"This is a private moment," he said in a falsely pleasant voice, his hands raised as if to placate her. "If you could just—"

Buffy cut him off, her eyes narrowing as she took a bold step forward. "So, what kind of demon are you, Ken?" Her voice was calm, but her muscles tensed, ready for a fight.

Ken's carefully crafted smile faltered, then vanished completely. His posture straightened, the charade of gentle authority slipping away. His eyes gleamed with something darker, something ancient. "Do you really want to know?" he asked, his voice dropping into something more menacing.

Lily, still kneeling by the pool, blinked in confusion. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice laced with unease.

Buffy turned at the sound of her name, her expression shifting to genuine surprise. "Lily?" She hadn't expected to find her here.

Lily barely had time to react. The second her name left Buffy's lips, the pool erupted.

A powerful force yanked Lily downward, a sudden and violent pull that sent her tumbling into the black abyss with a sharp, terrified scream. The liquid swallowed her whole, as if the ground beneath had simply disappeared.

"Lily!" Buffy lunged forward, but Ken moved fast, stepping into her path. He was stronger than he looked. Their arms locked as she tried to shove past him, his grip vice-like. Buffy gritted her teeth, struggling against his unnatural strength. She twisted, attempting to break free, but Ken held firm.

Buffy's frustration burned. She didn't have time for this. With a surge of force, she threw all her weight into him, pushing him backward. The movement sent them both careening into the pool, the dark liquid swallowing them in an instant.

The chamber was silent once more. The surface of the pool smoothed, undisturbed, as if they had never been there at all.

Streets of San Francisco

Paige hurriedly unlocked her car, her fingers fumbling slightly in her rush. She practically threw herself into the driver's seat, slamming the door behind her with a sharp thud. Her breath came fast as she fastened her seatbelt, the sound of the buckle clicking into place drowned out by the rapid pounding of her heartbeat.

As she glanced up, ready to gun the engine, her stomach dropped. Emerging from the darkness with slow, deliberate steps was the Evil Enchantress. Her long, flowing gown billowed unnaturally, caught in an unseen breeze, her presence radiating raw, unchecked power. Moonlight glinted off the cold amusement in her eyes, her lips curling in a smirk as she zeroed in on Paige like a predator cornering its prey.

Paige didn't hesitate. She twisted the key in the ignition, the engine roaring to life. Slamming her foot on the accelerator, she intended to plow right through whatever magical horror show stood in her way. But before the car could lurch forward, the Enchantress raised both hands, her fingers splaying wide. A powerful gust of wind erupted from her palms, howling like a storm as it crashed against the vehicle with unnatural force. The car's tires screeched against the pavement, fighting against the push, but the engine sputtered and died, leaving Paige stranded.

"Damn it," she muttered, gripping the wheel in frustration. Without missing a beat, she yanked the door open and jumped out, determination hardening her features.

The Enchantress stopped a few feet away, her gaze raking over Paige with slow, disdainful assessment. Her lip curled in distaste. "Don't tell me I've become good in the future," she sneered, as if the very idea sickened her.

Paige met her gaze, chin lifted defiantly. "Damn good," she shot back, her grip tightening around the small vial of potion in her hand. Without hesitation, she hurled it straight at herself, knowing that binding the Enchantress' powers meant binding her own as well.

But the Enchantress was faster. With a flick of her wrist, a crackling bolt of electricity shot from her fingertips. It struck the vial midair, shattering it into a spray of useless glass and potion before it could reach its target.

Paige's stomach clenched. Damn it!

The Enchantress smirked, her triumph radiating in the flicker of dark amusement in her eyes. "And here I was so looking forward to meeting myself," she purred mockingly.

With a casual wave of her hand, another gust of wind erupted—this one stronger, more vicious. It slammed into Paige like a freight train. She barely had time to gasp before she was airborne, hurtling backward.

Her body crashed into the windshield of her car with a sickening crunch, spiderweb cracks splintering across the glass upon impact. Paige's head lolled to the side as her vision blurred, consciousness slipping away like sand through her fingers.

The last thing she saw before the darkness swallowed her was the Enchantress, standing tall, victorious, and completely unchallenged.

Paige's Apartment

Piper's stomach twisted as she caught the alarm in Leo's eyes. His face had gone pale, his usually calm demeanor cracking under the weight of whatever he was sensing.

"What is it?" she demanded, her voice taut with urgency.

Leo hesitated for only a second before speaking, his tone slow and heavy. "Something's wrong," he said grimly, his gaze distant as if seeing something beyond their reality. "Paige is in trouble."

The words sent an instant jolt of fear through the room. Piper, Prue, and Phoebe shot up from their seats in unison, their instincts screaming at them to move.

"Well, go, go, go!" Piper shouted, not wasting a second. She shoved both hands against Leo's chest in a forceful push, as if physically propelling him into action. Without hesitation, Leo vanished into a burst of radiant, swirling orbs, disappearing from sight in an instant.

The air still shimmered faintly in his absence when Prue turned on Piper with an exasperated glare. "See!" she snapped, throwing her arms out in emphasis, her voice laced with I told you so indignation.

Before Piper could respond, a sudden force blasted through the apartment, the door slamming open with a thunderous crash. A gust of icy wind rushed inside, extinguishing the warmth of the room in an instant.

The Evil Enchantress stepped through the doorway, her presence radiating dark power. Dressed in flowing, midnight-colored robes that shimmered like oil in the dim light, she exuded an air of smug confidence. A cruel smile curled her lips as her piercing gaze swept over them.

"Remember me?" she drawled, her voice smooth and dripping with arrogance.

The sisters spun around to face her, their bodies instinctively shifting into a defensive stance.

"Uh-oh," Phoebe muttered under her breath, instinctively inching closer to Prue and Piper, her fingers already itching to grab a potion or land a well-aimed kick.

The apartment seemed to shrink as the Enchantress stepped further inside, her dark aura pressing in around them like an impending storm. The battle had arrived at their doorstep.

Kalrath's Maw

Buffy and Ken tumbled out of an identical pool set into the ceiling of a small, dimly lit stone chamber. They hit the cold, hard ground with a forceful thud, rolling in opposite directions before scrambling to their feet. Despite their abrupt fall, their clothes remained dry, an eerie contrast to the dark, rippling liquid above them.

Buffy's senses sharpened instantly, and she whipped her head around, scanning the chamber. Her heart pounded. "Lily?" she called out urgently.

A few feet away, Lily lay sprawled on the stone floor, her body limp, her eyes fluttering as she groaned in pain.

Buffy exhaled in relief but had no time to dwell. Something felt wrong. Her gaze snapped upward, locking onto the pool they had fallen from, now eerily still. The impossibility of it—a gaping hole of liquid hanging placidly above them like something out of an Escher painting—made her skin crawl.

A low, pained moan drew her attention back to Ken, who was hunched over, clutching his face. "My face… Ow, my face," he groaned dramatically, his back still to them. His hands trembled as he reached up, his fingers digging into the skin of his forehead.

Buffy's brow furrowed in confusion—until he turned.

With one sharp tug, he ripped his human face away like a cheap Halloween mask, the flesh hanging limply in his grasp. Underneath, his true face glistened grotesquely, deep scars crisscrossing his pallid, leathery skin. His eyes, now devoid of any human warmth, burned with pure, seething hatred. "Do you have any idea how hard it is to glue that thing on?" he spat, his upper lip curling in irritation. Then his expression hardened. His gaze locked on Buffy, and he snarled, "Guards!"

The shadows around them shifted, and from the darkness, figures emerged. Hulking, grotesque creatures, their twisted features just as deformed as Ken's, flooded the chamber, cutting off any access to the portal above. Their grotesque faces contorted with malicious anticipation as they moved in, their heavy boots echoing ominously against the stone floor.

Buffy's stomach tightened. No way out. She lunged for Lily, gripping her arm and hauling her upright. "Lily! Come on!" she urged, barely giving the girl time to steady herself before pulling her forward.

They sprinted down a narrow corridor, their footsteps pounding against the stone. Behind them, Ken ripped a massive, spiked cudgel from the grasp of one of his guards, his grip tightening around the weapon as he charged after them, his snarling breaths growing closer.

Buffy dragged Lily forward, scanning desperately for another way out. She skidded to a sudden stop, her breath catching in her throat. The corridor had ended in a sheer ledge. Both girls froze, staring in horror at the vast expanse below them. What lay beneath wasn't just a cavern—it was a nightmare.

Stretching out in every direction was an enormous industrial hellscape—part factory, part prison camp, with brutalist architecture and a heavy dose of Spanish Inquisition horror. The air was thick with the acrid stench of burning metal and sweat. Prisoners—humans—toiled endlessly, dragging enormous stones, hammering molten metal, straining under impossible weights. Some were chained to stations, their bodies nearly breaking under the strain, while others were left dangling from the towering concrete pillars, their lifeless forms a grim warning of failure.

Gutters ran with molten metal, sending up waves of suffocating heat, while guards patrolled above and below, their cruel eyes sweeping over the workers with merciless efficiency. Every so often, one of the creatures would stop, lash out with a whip, or deliver a brutal strike to a prisoner who had faltered.

Buffy's eyes narrowed in realization of where she and Lily were now. "Kalrath's Maw," she said having heard of this place in the Underworld. This was one place where her ability to shimmer did not work.

Lily trembled beside her, her face pale with shock.

Buffy clenched her fists, a fresh wave of fury surging through her.

And then Ken's voice slithered into her ear.

"Welcome to my world," he sneered, stepping up behind them, his presence oozing self-satisfaction. "I hope you like it."

Buffy spun, already preparing to fight, her body coiled like a spring.

But she was too slow.

With a triumphant snarl, Ken swung the cudgel with brutal force, the heavy weapon slamming into the side of Buffy's face.

Pain exploded through her skull. Her vision blurred, dark spots swallowing the edges of her sight as her body gave out beneath her. The last thing she heard before the world faded was Lily's panicked gasp.

And then—darkness.

Streets of San Francisco

Leo orbed in next to Paige's car, the familiar shimmer of blue-white light fading as his feet touched the pavement. His eyes widened in alarm at the sight before him—Paige lay sprawled across the dented hood of her car, her body motionless, her crimson-streaked face stark against the dark windshield. A web of cracks spread out beneath her where she had landed, the impact strong enough to leave its mark.

Without hesitation, Leo rushed forward, his hands instantly outstretching above her. A soft golden glow radiated from his palms, enveloping Paige's battered form in a warm, healing light. The bruises and gashes decorating her skin faded rapidly, the shallow rise and fall of her chest evening out into a steady rhythm.

Then, with a sharp, startled gasp, Paige shot upright, her eyes flying open as she sucked in a breath of cool night air.

Leo steadied her with gentle hands. "What happened?" he asked urgently, his gaze sweeping over her, searching for any lingering wounds.

Paige grimaced as a dull ache still thrummed through her bones. "Ow," she muttered, rubbing the back of her head. Then, as the memory flooded back, her expression darkened. "The Evil Enchantress," she spat, pushing herself up further.

Before Leo could respond, a sudden, deafening crack split through the air, reverberating from above. The sound sent a chill down Paige's spine.

She snapped her head up toward her apartment, her breath catching in her throat as realization dawned.

"Oh no!" Paige gasped, her voice thick with panic.

Leo barely had time to react before she lurched forward, her legs still shaky from the impact. He grabbed her by the arm, pulling her up onto her feet just as another shattering noise echoed from above.

"No!" Paige cried again, her voice breaking with urgency.

Paige's Apartment

Prue, Piper, and Phoebe screamed as they dove behind Paige's bed, their bodies hitting the floor hard as a searing firebolt blasted past them. The heat was intense, the air thick with the scent of scorched fabric as a section of the wall behind them blackened and smoldered. Phoebe groaned, pressing a hand to her temple, wincing as warm blood trickled down from a fresh wound on her forehead.

Meanwhile, The Evil Enchantress stood tall, exuding an air of regal dominance, her dark eyes gleaming with triumph. She turned her head slightly, her expression softening into something almost tender as she stretched out a graceful hand.

"Come to me, my Prince," she called, her voice like silk weaving a spell in the air.

The Prince, utterly entranced, did not hesitate. Without a single glance back, he moved toward her, his steps eerily smooth, his mind locked in her thrall. His expression remained blank, almost serene, as though he had never belonged anywhere else but by her side.

The Enchantress lifted her hand in a subtle yet commanding gesture, and the swirling portal crackled to life behind her, a shimmering vortex of time and space. Without faltering, the Prince stepped through, vanishing into the glowing abyss.

Prue and Piper shot up from behind the bed just as The Enchantress turned to face them, her expression darkening once more. Before they could react, she lifted her arms and sent a violent gust of wind surging toward them.

Phoebe, slower to rise due to her injury, barely managed to steady herself before the force slammed into all three sisters. They tumbled backward, struggling against the sheer power of it.

"WE CAN'T JUST LET HER GET AWAY!" Prue shouted over the deafening roar of the portal, her voice laced with frustration and urgency.

"WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO?" Piper shot back, eyes wide with exasperation as she braced against the force, "GO BACK TO THE MIDDLE AGES? THE DARK AGES? OR WHATEVER THE HELL AGES THOSE ARE?" She added doubtfully, glancing toward the ominous portal.

Prue smirked, a glint of determination flashing in her eyes. "EXACTLY!" she declared.

Before Piper could argue, Prue pushed herself up and ran straight toward the swirling vortex, her mind made up.

"NO! PRUE!" Piper shrieked, but there was no time to stop her. Without thinking, she lunged after her sister, leaping into the portal just as it flickered violently—then, in an instant, it sealed shut.

"WAIT!" Phoebe yelled, reaching the spot too late. The wall now stood blank and solid, as if the portal had never been there. "No…" she whispered, her breath shaky, her fingers pressing desperately against the unyielding surface. Then, suddenly overwhelmed with frustration, she slammed her hands against the wall. "Damn it!" she cursed, her voice breaking.

At that moment, the door burst open, and Paige and Leo rushed inside, their eyes scanning the chaotic wreckage of the apartment.

"Are you okay?" Leo asked, hurrying toward Phoebe.

Phoebe whirled around, her chest rising and falling rapidly. "No!" she snapped, her voice sharp with pain and anger. "No, I am not okay!" She held up her bloodied hand, showing Leo the crimson streaks smeared across her palm.

Paige took a slow step forward, her eyes darting around the room, taking in the destruction, the overturned furniture, the black scorch marks. A cold dread settled in her gut. "Where are Prue and Piper?" she asked, her voice hesitant, wary.

Phoebe let out a dry, bitter chuckle, her lips curling into an expression of false cheerfulness. "They're gone!" she declared with exaggerated brightness, flinging an arm toward the now-bare wall. "Poof! Vanished through the portal with you—her and the Prince." Her voice trembled slightly at the end, betraying her worry.

Paige's stomach dropped. She took a staggering step backward, her mind racing.

"Oh yes," Phoebe insisted, nodding fervently despite the sharp pang in her skull. She winced, pressing her hand against her head as the pain throbbed harder.

Paige shook her head, unable to process what had just happened. A sickening wave of guilt crashed over her, her breath hitching as realization struck her like a blow. "What have I done?" she whispered, horror dawning in her wide eyes.

Kalrath's Maw

Buffy stirred, her head throbbing as she slowly blinked awake. The dim, suffocating air of the cell settled around her, heavy with the scent of damp stone and decay. She sat up with a groan, her muscles stiff from the rough floor beneath her. The cell was shrouded in deep shadows, the only slivers of light filtering through a latticed iron grill set in the wall, casting warped patterns on the cold ground.

Her eyes adjusted, taking in the others trapped within the grim confines of their prison. Against one wall, Lily sat huddled, her back pressed firmly against the unyielding stone. She clutched her knees to her chest, her face pale, eyes wide and unfocused, terror etched into every line of her expression.

Beyond Lily, the cell's other occupants were a chilling reminder of what awaited them here. A skeletal corpse, long since abandoned to rot, lay crumpled in the corner, its withered remains merging with the filth of the floor. The other prisoner, a frail old man, sat motionless, his vacant eyes staring at nothing, his mind long since shattered by whatever horrors had worn him down over the years.

"Lily…?" Buffy said, her voice hoarse as she forced herself upright.

Lily didn't move, didn't acknowledge her at first. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper, fragile and broken. "I always knew I would come here… sooner or later… I knew I belonged here… in hell," she murmured, her gaze locked somewhere far beyond the grim reality around them.

Buffy felt a pang in her chest. "This isn't hell…" she began, reaching toward her.

A slow, mocking chuckle interrupted her. "Isn't it?" Ken's voice slithered through the bars like a serpent, dripping with amusement and cruelty. He paced just outside their cell, his shadow stretching long across the stone floor, his grin wide and gleeful as he watched them like a predator savoring its wounded prey.

"What is Hell," he mused, his voice smooth and measured, "but the total absence of Hope? The substance, the tactile proof of despair? You're right, Lily. This is where you've been heading all your life. You come from nothing, to become nothing."

Lily inhaled sharply, her shoulders curling inward as Ken's words dug into her like knives.

Buffy clenched her jaw, her body tensing. "Don't listen to him…" she began, her voice firm, but Ken barely spared her a glance.

His attention remained fixed on Lily, and he knew he had her. "Just like Rickie," he said smoothly.

Lily's breath hitched. Her glassy eyes snapped to him, drawn in, desperate. "Rickie…" she whispered.

Ken's lips curled in satisfaction. "He forgot you." His tone was almost pitying, almost. "It took a long time—he remembered your name years after he'd forgotten his own. But in the end…"

Lily shook her head, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Years? But…"

Ken tilted his head, his expression filled with dark delight as he delivered the next cruel twist of the knife. "Time here moves more quickly than in your dimension," he explained, feigning patience. "A hundred long years will pass here—on Earth, just a day."

"I've heard of Kalrath's Maw," Buffy said, her voice steady but cold. "You work humans till they're too old, and then send them back."

Ken turned to her, eyes narrowing slightly. "Where might you have heard of this dimension?" he mused, but his curiosity was fleeting. He waved it off with an indifferent shrug, already losing interest. His attention snapped back to Lily, his tone softening, falsely warm, like a father explaining an unpleasant truth to a child.

"You see, Lily, you'll die of old age before anyone even wonders where you went," he said, his voice almost gentle, almost kind. Then, his smile turned razor-sharp. "Not that anyone will. That's why we chose you."

Paige's Apartment

Leo's fingers pressed desperately against the cold, unyielding wall, his palm gliding over the surface as if searching for some hidden seam, some lingering trace of magic that might reopen the portal. His jaw clenched, frustration burning in his chest. Prue and Piper were in another time, another world, and he had no way to reach them. Not yet.

Behind him, Paige paced like a caged animal, her movements erratic, her breathing uneven. Every few seconds, her fingers curled into fists, her frustration mounting with every step.

"This is all my fault!" she burst out, her voice high with guilt. "You three were crazy to trust me!" She spun toward Phoebe, eyes wide with regret. "Why didn't I listen to you guys?"

Leo exhaled sharply, pressing his hands against the wall once more before turning to face her. "Now isn't the time to lose it, Paige," he said firmly. "We need to get them back."

Phoebe nodded, stepping forward, her tone gentler than Leo's. "Leo's right, Paige. Freaking out is only gonna make things worse. It's not going to help Prue and Piper." She reached out, rubbing slow, comforting circles on Paige's back, her touch warm and grounding.

Paige inhaled shakily but the frustration still burned inside her. "Get them back?" she repeated bitterly. "What do we do? Hop on a bus to medieval times?" She threw up her hands in exasperation.

"Paige, concentrate!" Leo snapped, his patience thinning as the weight of their situation pressed down on him. "You're a powerful witch, whether you like it or not."

Paige scoffed, her arms crossing over her chest. "Yeah, well, I wasn't powerful enough to take out the Enchantress, was I?"

"Not alone," Phoebe spoke up, her voice steady. "But you'll have me this time." She offered a reassuring smile.

Leo took a calming breath, softening his tone. "One thing your past life should tell you is that you've always been powerful," he pointed out, choosing his words carefully. "You still have that power inside of you. Don't be afraid to tap into it now."

Paige's lips parted slightly, her expression torn between doubt and something deeper—something buried under years of denial. She turned to Phoebe, her voice quieter, almost pleading. "Can't you help?"

Phoebe nodded but then tilted her head playfully. "I can, but I'm not going to. This is your story, right?"

Paige sighed heavily, the weight of responsibility pressing down on her. "Right," she muttered, dragging a hand down her face. She finally slumped onto the couch, her mind racing. "This is my fairytale. This all started with a spell that brought the Prince here, so maybe if I rearrange it a little?" Her voice wavered with uncertainty as she glanced up at Phoebe.

Phoebe nodded eagerly, her eyes shining with encouragement.

Paige hesitated, then her brows furrowed in concentration. "What if instead of bringing the Prince to me, I bring myself to him?"

Phoebe's face lit up with excitement. "YAY!" she praised, clapping her hands together.

Paige narrowed her eyes. "You'd already thought of that, hadn't you?"

Phoebe grinned, entirely unrepentant. "Yup! Almost immediately, but I wanted you to think of it yourself!"

Paige rolled her eyes but a small smirk tugged at her lips. Shaking off the last of her hesitation, she pushed herself up, drawing in a steady breath. "Okay…" She raised her hands slightly, feeling the energy build inside her. Then, she spoke with as much confidence as she could muster:

"Bring together my Prince and me. Kingdom now I wish to see. Crossing history to his side. From myself I will not hide."

The words carried weight, the air in the room shifting as an unnatural stillness settled over them.

Phoebe beamed. "Nice job, sis. Not bad for your first spell."

Paige barely had time to grin back before the air before them shimmered violently. With a crackling pulse of energy, a swirling portal ripped into existence, its golden light illuminating the room in an otherworldly glow. Paige's eyes widened in shock.

"Oh my god!" she gasped. "I did it! It worked!"

Without hesitation, she grabbed Phoebe's hand and strode toward the portal, her heart pounding in her chest. The moment they stepped through, the magic pulled them in, and they disappeared into the vortex.

Leo blinked as the portal started to shrink behind them. He exhaled in relief, preparing to find another way to follow—when suddenly, the portal flared back to life, and two pairs of hands shot out, grabbing him by the front of his shirt.

"We are so not going without you," Phoebe informed him with a mischievous smirk.

Before he could protest, he was yanked forward, vanishing into the portal with them. The swirling energy swallowed them whole, and just as quickly as it had appeared, the portal snapped shut, leaving nothing but silence in its wake.

October 17, 1350 – Wednesday

Royal Castle

Prue and Piper hung in the damp, stone-walled dungeon, their bodies slumped against the cold, unyielding surface of the walls. The chains that bound them were heavy and unforgiving, pressing into their wrists as they tugged uselessly. Their powers had failed them here, as if the very air of this foreign place dampened their magic, rendering them powerless, vulnerable.

"So..." Prue muttered, pulling at the cold metal shackles once more, frustration tingling at the edges of her words. "You still glad you told Paige to 'go for it'?"

"Hey!" Piper snapped, her voice sharp with the sting of her own growing impatience. "You're the one that decided to jump through the portal!" she retorted, tugging on her own chains with a little less grace and a lot more desperation.

Prue's eyes flicked toward her sister, her expression taut with annoyance. "Yes, well, excuse me for trying to fix the mess you had a hand in creating!" Her tone was clipped, her frustration bubbling over as she yanked at her restraints again. "How the hell was I supposed to know our powers would be useless here?"

Piper gave a resigned nod, her lips pursed in frustration. She moved to point at the chains again but caught herself, realizing the futility of it. "Another reason why we should not have jumped in!"

Before Prue could snap back, a voice interrupted their heated exchange. Lady Julia, who had been silently watching them with a curious gaze, spoke up, her tone tinged with confusion. "You know... I still don't understand who you are," she said, her brows furrowing as she looked between the two sisters. "What land did you come from?"

Piper rolled her eyes and leaned against the stone wall with a long, drawn-out sigh. "Disneyland. Future world," she replied nonchalantly, as if her words made complete sense in the context of their bizarre predicament.

"Piper!" Prue hissed, her voice sharp and disapproving. She then turned to Lady Julia, trying to salvage the situation. She smiled, a bit too brightly, though the situation felt anything but humorous. "We're witches," she said, her voice steady despite the absurdity of it all. "And we have the potion that will stop the Enchantress." She straightened a bit, giving a small smirk, a glimmer of pride in her words.

Piper, still grinning at the absurdity of their situation, nodded eagerly. "Yeah!" she chimed in, her enthusiasm not quite matching the dark, damp surroundings. "Let's go get her!" But as she stepped forward, her chains rattled, and she quickly stopped, laughing at herself. "Oops, we can't!" She turned back to Prue, her arms dramatically shaking in the air. "Because we're chained to a wall!" she cried out, giving an exaggerated shake to her arms, the chains clinking with her every movement for added effect.

Prue couldn't help but roll her eyes in exasperation, the sarcasm in her sister's voice not helping her mood one bit. Lady Julia, meanwhile, sighed in defeat, her shoulders slumping slightly as she observed the bickering sisters with something between amusement and disbelief.

August 14, 1998 – Friday

Kalrath's Maw

Buffy and Lily stood in the dark, oppressive room, surrounded by the heavy scent of iron and oil that lingered in the air. The walls were lined with rusting, ancient metalwork—chains, pulleys, and grim machinery that looked more fitting for a torture chamber than any place of labor. The shadows seemed to stretch forever, thick and suffocating, as if the room itself was holding its breath, waiting for the inevitable cruelty to unfold. It was a place where hope went to die, a prison that stripped people of their dignity and their will.

The five prisoners huddled together, looking terrified, their eyes wide with fear and hopelessness. The dim light barely illuminated their emaciated faces, making them look like specters in this forsaken place. They stood like statues, resigned to their fate, their spirits already crushed by the overwhelming weight of their imprisonment.

A sharp, grating voice cut through the tension, and one of the demon guards approached, his heavy boots echoing on the cold stone floor. The guard was large and imposing, with sharp features twisted into a cruel sneer, his eyes burning with malice. He paced before the prisoners, his steps deliberate, as if savoring the moment before the inevitable terror that would come. His voice was cold, void of any mercy, as he spoke. "You work, and you live. That is all. You do not complain, or laugh, or do anything besides work. Whatever you thought, whatever you were, does not matter. You are no one now, you mean nothing."

The guard stopped in front of the first prisoner, a young boy of about eighteen, his clothes torn and dirt-streaked. His eyes were wide, his breath shallow, and his entire body trembled under the guard's gaze. "Who are you?" the demon asked, his voice a cruel mockery of a question.

"Aaron…" the boy stuttered, his voice barely a whisper, the terror clear in his eyes.

Without a second's hesitation, the guard swung his club with brutal speed, the sickening crack of bone against metal filling the room as the boy crumpled to the ground, gasping for breath. The guard moved on, uncaring of the boy's pain, to the next prisoner.

The air seemed to grow heavier, the weight of the room pressing down on Buffy and Lily, as they watched, their hands clenched into fists at their sides. Their hearts ached for the boy, but they knew they couldn't act—yet. Not until the right moment came.

The guard's gaze shifted to Lily, his eyes narrowing as he stepped toward her. His voice dripped with disdain as he asked the same question, his eyes flicking over her in a way that made her skin crawl. "Who are you?"

Lily's breath caught in her throat, fear rising like bile in her chest. She could feel the guard's eyes on her, examining her with a sick sort of hunger. "No one," she whispered, her voice barely audible, trembling in her throat.

The demon's lips curled into a cruel smile, and he moved on, uninterested in the girl's answer. He repeated the question again, his voice unwavering, cold. "Who are you?" He asked the others, each answer hollower than the last, each prisoner with nothing left to give but their soul-crushing obedience.

But when the guard finally reached Buffy, everything changed.

With a grin that was both knowing and defiant, Buffy stepped forward, her eyes flashing with an intensity that radiated power and defiance. She raised her chin slightly, meeting the demon's cold gaze with a challenge burning in her eyes. "Are you sure you want to know?" she asked, her voice laced with an edge of something darker.

In a heartbeat, her form rippled, shifting, her body reshaping into something far more menacing. Buffy's face twisted, the lines sharpening as her eyes burned with an eerie, supernatural glow. Her entire presence seemed to warp around her, becoming something out of nightmare. "I am the half-demon Slayer," Nyxara's voice echoed in the room, sharp and commanding.

An energy ball, dark and crackling with power, formed in her hand, pulsing with raw force. With a fluid, practiced motion, she flung the ball toward the demon guard, the air humming with the surge of energy as it collided with the guard's chest. There was a flash of light, and the guard vanished in an instant, disintegrated by the sheer force of the blast.

The others froze, their faces a mix of awe and terror, as the remaining two guards rushed toward Nyxara, weapons drawn. They were fast, but not fast enough. Another flick of Nyxara's hand, and two more energy balls exploded from her palms, sending the guards to the same fate as the first, their forms vanishing into nothingness.

Turning to the stunned prisoners, Nyxara's tone softened, though there was still an edge of power to her words. "Anyone who's not having fun here, follow me," she said, her voice carrying the command of a leader. She stepped toward the door, her presence an invitation to freedom.

Lily, still wide-eyed with shock, quickly found her bearings. Without a second thought, she followed Nyxara, the others hesitantly trailing behind. The group moved as one, their steps uncertain but full of hope for the first time since they had arrived in this hellish place.

October 17, 1350 – Wednesday

Royal Castle

Paige, Leo, and Phoebe hurried around the corner, their footsteps echoing softly on the stone floor of the castle. The flickering light from distant torches cast long, eerie shadows across the walls, adding to the sense of urgency as they moved swiftly toward the chamber where they knew the Prince and the Enchantress were. The air seemed heavy with tension, each step drawing them closer to what they feared might be a deadly confrontation.

As they reached the entrance to the room, the sight that greeted them was unexpected. There, lying in the large, ornate bed, was the Prince—completely naked and seemingly unaware of their presence. His form was lithe and muscular, the definition of a warrior's physique, but the vulnerability of the situation was unmistakable. His skin seemed to glow in the dim light, a stark contrast to the dark, cold stone of the room surrounding him.

And then, there was the Enchantress. She moved toward the bed with a slow, deliberate grace, wearing nothing but a flowing, translucent nightgown that clung to her form, the fabric fluttering slightly as she walked. The nightgown was sheer enough to reveal the seductive outline of her figure, yet it was more than just a piece of clothing—it was a statement, one of power and allure. Her face was calm, almost serene, but her eyes glittered with a malevolent spark.

Paige's heart raced as she took in the scene. The sight of the naked Prince, the vulnerability that he seemed to wear so effortlessly, felt like a cruel joke—a trap set to further ensnare her and her sisters in this twisted game. The Enchantress, in contrast, was a vision of quiet dominance, a predator waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Paige's voice broke the silence, low but firm. "Okay, find Prue and Piper," she instructed Leo and Phoebe, her gaze never leaving the Enchantress. "I'll try to hold her off until you get back."

Leo frowned; his eyes filled with concern. He glanced at Paige, then at the scene before them. He could feel the weight of the danger pressing down on them. "How?" he asked, his voice laced with doubt. "Your powers don't work in the past."

Paige took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing as she thought through the situation. The Enchantress, with all her power, was dangerous—but so was Paige, when she could access the right sources. "Yeah, but if we really are one in the same, I should be able to tap into hers," she explained, her tone confident but laced with the knowledge that she was venturing into uncharted territory. It was a gamble, but it was the only option they had.

Phoebe, who had been listening intently, beamed at Leo, her eyes filled with admiration. "Oh, she's smart!" she said, her voice filled with genuine pride. She then turned to Paige, a grin spreading across her face. "You're so smart." She leaned in quickly, pressing a soft kiss to Paige's cheek, her gesture light and affectionate.

Paige stifled a laugh, the warmth of Phoebe's support momentarily lifting her spirits. "Go get our sisters, Phoebe," she said firmly, pushing back any lingering doubts. "I've got this."

Phoebe nodded; her expression suddenly serious. "Be careful," she whispered, her voice low and filled with concern. There was a quiet, unspoken bond between them—one that was forged through countless battles, losses, and victories. She didn't need to say more; they both understood the stakes.

Without another word, Phoebe and Leo vanished down the corridor, leaving Paige alone with the Prince and the Enchantress.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

"SISTERS!" Phoebe's voice rang out in pure joy as she stepped into the cold, stone dungeon, her eyes alight with relief and excitement. Her heart surged when she saw her sisters in the dim light of their prison, the hope of their reunion giving her strength despite the danger surrounding them. Leo followed closely behind her, his expression determined yet tinged with concern.

"SSSHH!" Prue and Piper hissed in unison, their voices low but sharp, a warning for Phoebe to keep her enthusiasm in check. The dungeon was far from a safe space, and every sound echoed against the grim stone walls. Phoebe flinched, her grin faltering slightly, but she quickly recovered, her cheeks flushing with the sudden realization of how loud she'd been.

"Sorry," Phoebe murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, before darting toward her sisters with a sense of urgency. She was so close, so close to finally getting them out of this nightmare.

"Hi!" Prue's smile was a beacon of warmth in the grim surroundings, her face lighting up at the sight of Phoebe.

"Hey!" Piper greeted; her voice strained but still managing a small smile as she addressed Leo.

But before they could say another word, a sudden rush of air signaled the approach of danger.

"BEHIND YOU!" Prue screamed; her eyes wide with alarm. In an instant, a hulking guard emerged from the shadows, his armor clanking with each movement as he lunged toward Leo. The fight was fast, brutal, and unexpected. The guard's powerful arms hurled Leo away from them with ease, sending him crashing against the stone wall. Phoebe's heart lurched, but before she could react, the guard reached out and knocked her to the ground, sending a shock of panic through her.

"HEY!" Piper yelled, her voice a protective growl as she watched the guard's movements carefully, her eyes locked on Leo as he struggled to regain his footing.

"Son of a…" Prue cursed under her breath, her fury igniting as she shot to her feet. In one swift movement, she lashed out with her leg, connecting with the guard's face with a powerful kick. The guard stumbled backward, stunned by the force of the blow. But it was only a temporary setback; he quickly regained his balance, readying himself for another round.

The guard unsheathed a gleaming sword from his waist, his movements deliberate and cold. His eyes locked onto Leo with a deadly intensity as he advanced, brandishing the weapon with a practiced ease. Leo wasn't about to back down. He yanked a sword from the wall, his muscles straining as he met the guard's attack head-on. The sound of steel clashing against steel reverberated in the air, a violent symphony of combat.

"OH!" Piper cried out in horror as Leo narrowly dodged a particularly vicious swipe of the blade. Her breath caught in her throat as she watched him twist out of the way just in time, the edge of the sword missing him by mere inches. The danger was real, and it was all around them.

"Oh dear!" she added with a shaky breath, unable to tear her eyes away from the intense fight. Her hand instinctively reached out toward Leo, her worry palpable, but she couldn't move. Not yet.

Meanwhile, Prue's attention shifted back to Phoebe, who was struggling to regain her bearings. The younger woman was shaking her head, pushing herself up from the cold, damp floor with determination.

"Are you alright?" Prue asked, her voice filled with concern, her hand reaching out to steady Phoebe. She needed to make sure her sister was alright before anything else. There was no time for weakness, not now.

"Uh-huh!" Phoebe replied, a determined nod accompanying her words. Her face was set with a fierce expression as she quickly turned to Prue's shackles.

August 14, 1998 – Friday

Kalrath's Maw

Nyxara, Lily, and the others crouched in the dim recess of the lower corner of the vast main chamber, their breaths hushed as they melted into the shadows. The cavernous space loomed above them, stretching impossibly high, the ledge leading to their only escape seeming both tantalizingly close and impossibly far. The glow of flickering torchlight cast eerie, shifting patterns over the worn stone walls, giving the place a haunted, oppressive feel.

At the top of the ledge, two guards stood like sentinels, their piercing eyes scanning the chamber below. Every muscle in Nyxara's body was wound tight, her instincts screaming that time was short. She assessed their path, taking in the vast open stretch they would have to cross. There was no avoiding a confrontation—at least, not for her.

"There's no way we can get there without meeting new people," Nyxara muttered, her voice low but firm. She turned to Lily, her expression hard but reassuring. "Okay, Lily, when those guards leave—and they will—you take these guys and get up there. Fast and quiet. Anybody else wants to come along, fine, but you don't stop for anything. Clear?"

Lily hesitated, fear flickering across her face. "You're leaving me…?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Nyxara met her gaze steadily. "Lily. You can handle this," she said, the confidence in her voice unwavering. But before Lily could respond, the sharp echoes of approaching voices drifted down the corridor, growing louder. The guards were coming.

Nyxara straightened, her senses on high alert. "Ooh, we've gone public," she murmured. Then, in a swift command, she ordered, "Get them out. Go!"

Lily turned, ushering the others toward the path up to the ledge, but at the last second, she faltered and doubled back.

"I'm sorry I said this was your fault before," she blurted, guilt weighing down her words.

Nyxara blinked, thrown by the sudden confession. "What are you talking about?"

"I told your brother that I thought this was all your fault," Lily admitted, her voice small but genuine. "I'm sorry."

A slow smirk tugged at Nyxara's lips, amusement flashing in her golden eyes. "It's okay," she said simply. "Now, go!"

Lily nodded and took off with the group just as the first wave of guards burst into the chamber. Nyxara didn't hesitate—she pivoted and bolted straight into the open space, her boots pounding against the stone floor, every sense on high alert.

"Not yet, not yet…" she murmured to herself, waiting for the perfect moment. As the guards closed in, she reached the very center of the chamber.

"Here's good," she declared.

Without breaking stride, she leapt, catching a standing pole in a practiced grip. Using her momentum, she swung herself around with lethal precision, her boots connecting with the first guard's face in a brutal impact that sent him sprawling. She landed in a crouch and immediately spun into a sweeping kick, knocking the second guard flat before he even had a chance to react.

Then the sirens blared.

The shrill sound ricocheted off the stone walls, splitting the air with an ear-splitting urgency. All across the chamber, heads snapped toward her, guards abandoning their posts to investigate the commotion.

Nyxara stood in the middle of it all, completely at ease, a slow, satisfied smile creeping across her lips.

"Now we're having fun," she said, her fingers already sparking with energy.

Four guards rushed her at once, their weapons drawn, but Nyxara was faster. She flung twin energy balls, blue-white streaks of light searing through the air, vanquishing two of them instantly. The other two barely had time to register what was happening before she sent another volley their way, leaving only ashes in her wake.

From the ledge above, Ken watched the scene unfold, his expression darkening as he realized the truth. His narrowed eyes locked onto Nyxara, his jaw tightening.

"She's not human," he muttered, a trace of disbelief in his voice. Then, as realization dawned, his face twisted into something uglier. "She's an upper-level demon."

Beside him, one of the remaining guards stood frozen, momentarily stunned by the turn of events.

Ken didn't hesitate. "Get down there!" he barked.

The guard obeyed without question, leaping down from the ledge, weapon raised, rage burning in his eyes. But Nyxara barely flinched. As he came barreling toward her, roaring with fury, she barely lifted a hand before sending a searing energy blast straight into his chest, incinerating him mid-air.

"Demons: not that bright," she quipped with a smirk, brushing a speck of dust off her sleeve.

But the amusement was short-lived.

"So, you are the one the Source wants dead," Ken's voice rang out, cutting through the noise.

Nyxara froze as she turned to find him standing a few feet away, his grip tight around Lily's arm, a gleaming knife pressed to her throat.

The fight drained out of her instantly, a dark glint entering her golden eyes.

Ken smirked as a couple of guards seized the opportunity to grab her, locking her arms behind her. He shoved Lily aside, focusing all his attention on Nyxara.

"The Source will reward me when I vanquish you," he declared, pointing the knife at her, his tone full of smug certainty.

And then, in the most unexpected twist of the night, Lily meekly stepped forward and—without warning—shoved him.

Ken's eyes widened in shock as he lost his balance, flailing for something—anything—to grab onto. But there was nothing. With a strangled cry, he tumbled over the ledge, his scream fading as he plummeted.

Nyxara let out a bark of surprised laughter, genuinely delighted by the turn of events. "Well, damn," she said, grinning.

The guards holding her were still too stunned to react, and she took full advantage. With a swift, ruthless movement, she wrenched free and knocked both of them unconscious with a single strike each.

Her path now clear, she turned and sprinted toward the ledge.

October 17, 1350 – Wednesday

Royal Castle

"Hate to interrupt myself at a time like this," Paige voiced, stepping forward from the shadows, her stance firm and unwavering as she made her presence known.

The Enchantress whirled around, her dark eyes narrowing as she took in the sight of Paige standing before her, her expression laced with both amusement and determination. The air around them crackled with energy, thick with magic, as the sorceress's lips curled into a sneer.

"How did you get here?" the Enchantress demanded, her voice sharp, laced with suspicion.

Paige tilted her head slightly, a small smirk playing at her lips, her confidence unwavering. "I'm charmed," she replied, her voice light but edged with defiance, as though the answer alone explained everything.

The Enchantress's sneer deepened, her fingers twitching at her side as she took a menacing step forward. "Not for long," she threatened, her tone dripping with venom.

Without hesitation, she thrust out her hand, summoning a swirling bolt of crimson energy. The moment it left her fingertips, the searing light crackled through the air, cutting a deadly path straight toward Paige.

But Paige was ready.

Lifting her own hand in a swift, fluid motion, she called forth a brilliant surge of sapphire energy. The blue light pulsed at her fingertips before launching forward, colliding head-on with the Enchantress's attack. The two forces met in the middle of the room, the impact sending a powerful shockwave rippling through the air, rattling the walls and flickering the torches that lined the chamber.

Sparks exploded where red and blue energy clashed, an electric hum filling the space as the raw power of both witches fought for dominance. Paige's feet dug into the floor, her muscles tensing as she pushed back against the force of the Enchantress's magic, her eyes locked onto her counterpart with unwavering determination.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

"Oh god!" Piper cried, her voice trembling as her eyes stayed locked on Leo, who was struggling to hold his ground. The clanging of swords echoed off the stone walls, each clash sending a fresh wave of panic through her. She clutched her shackles, her knuckles white. "Oh god!" she cried again, her breath coming in shallow gasps. "He's gonna die!"

"No, he's not!" Prue countered firmly, her sharp eyes catching a shift in the fight. "Look!" She nodded toward Leo just in time for them to see him lunge forward, delivering a brutal headbutt to the guard. The impact was enough to send the armored man crumpling to the ground, unconscious.

Piper let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Nice!" she exclaimed, relief washing over her as she sagged against the chains.

"Wow," Phoebe muttered, her eyes still wide as Leo jogged over to Piper, his face flushed with exertion but otherwise unharmed.

Piper's gaze darted over him, searching for any injuries. "Leo?" she called, her voice still thick with worry.

"I'm fine," he assured her, shaking off the tension as he began unshackling her.

Prue, watching with a raised brow, smirked. "I thought you were a pacifist?" she teased.

Leo glanced back at the fallen guard before looking at Prue with an innocent shrug. "I didn't kill him, did I?" His expression was light, but his chest still rose and fell heavily from the fight.

Phoebe chuckled as she continued working on Prue's shackles. "Technicalities," she said with a grin.

Piper, meanwhile, had a newfound glint in her eye as she appraised her husband. "I have to say… I find this side of you very sexy," she murmured, a sultry smile playing at her lips.

Leo's grin widened as he freed her completely. "Really?" he asked, obviously pleased.

"Oh yeah," Piper confirmed, stepping forward and lightly running a hand down his chest.

Prue rolled her eyes at the exchange and turned to Phoebe, who giggled as she helped her sister down. "Ugh, get a room," she muttered playfully.

"Thank you," Prue said with a small, grateful smile as her feet finally touched the ground.

Phoebe's response was immediate—she flung her arms around Prue's neck in an affectionate, almost childlike hug. "Don't ever leave me alone like that again!" she scolded, her voice slipping into her familiar 'baby Phoebe' tone.

Leo helped Piper down, and as soon as she was steady, she grinned up at him before pulling him in for a long, deep kiss.

Phoebe, still latched onto Prue, made a face. "Oh, get a room!" she groaned dramatically.

Prue and Lady Julia both laughed, the moment lightening—until suddenly, a deafening crash erupted in the distance. The ground beneath them trembled slightly, and dust fell from the ceiling.

Phoebe instantly sobered, her head whipping toward the sound. "What was that?" she asked, alarm threading through her voice.

Prue's eyes widened in realization. "Paige!" she shouted, panic setting in as she bolted toward the door.

"Potion! Potion! Potion!" Piper cried, smacking Leo's chest urgently as she grabbed his arm and pulled him along.

Phoebe didn't waste another second, rushing after them.

August 14, 1998 – Friday

Kalrath's Maw

A towering portcullis loomed ahead, its heavy iron bars cutting off access to the shimmering portal just beyond. The air crackled with residual energy from the magical gateway, its glow casting eerie shadows across the anxious group of six huddled in front of it. Their eyes flicked between the imposing barrier and the darkened tunnels behind them, their breath coming in quick, nervous puffs.

Buffy and Lily joined them, both breathless from their escape. The faint sound of pursuit echoed in the distance, a reminder that time was slipping away.

"They'll be coming," Lily murmured, glancing back with unease.

Buffy, however, had already honed in on the obstacle in front of them. "Hold on…" she muttered, determination hardening her features. She dropped into a squat, planting her feet firmly as her back pressed against the cold, unyielding metal of the gate. Her fingers curled around the bottom bars, muscles tensing.

With a deep inhale, she began to lift. The strain hit immediately—searing through her thighs, her arms, her back—but she gritted her teeth and pushed through. "Okay… this works the quads, and also the glutes…" she huffed, her voice strained but laced with dry humor.

The gate groaned in protest, but it began to rise. As soon as there was space, the group wasted no time, dropping to the ground and sliding under, their movements frantic yet desperate for freedom. Lily hesitated only a moment before ducking through, casting one last look at Buffy.

With one final burst of effort, Buffy hoisted the gate just high enough for herself and swiftly rolled underneath. The moment she was clear, the portcullis slammed back down with a deafening clang—only this time, it caught something.

A bloodcurdling scream ripped through the chamber as Ken, consumed by fury, had lunged at her at the last second—only to be crushed beneath the descending iron. His legs were impaled through by the brutal spikes of the gate, pinning him in place.

Buffy scrambled to her feet, chest heaving, her eyes locking onto him. Ken's face was contorted in agony, streaked with sweat and blood, but his hatred burned through the pain. "You… ruined… you…" he rasped, his voice raw with fury.

Buffy's lips curled into a cold smirk, and in her palm, an energy ball flickered to life, casting an eerie glow against her face. "Hey, Ken," she drawled, tilting her head as she let the energy pulse crackle between her fingers. "Wanna see my impression of Gandhi?"

Ken barely had time to register her words before she flung the energy ball at him. It struck with a blinding flash, engulfing him in an explosion of energy and ash. His scream cut off abruptly as he disintegrated, his presence erased in an instant.

A stunned silence hung in the air before Lily cautiously stepped up beside Buffy, her eyes still wide. "Gandhi?" she asked weakly, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Buffy exhaled, shaking off the remnants of battle as the corner of her mouth twitched into a smirk. "Well, you know… if he was really pissed off," she quipped, rolling her shoulders as she turned toward the portal, ready to leave this hellhole behind.

Sunnydale Family Home

Lily climbed out of the pool, her limbs trembling with exhaustion and disbelief. She turned, reaching down to grasp Buffy's outstretched hand. With a firm pull, she helped her up, the half-demon Slayer staggering slightly before steadying herself.

As they both stood there Lily cast one last look at the pool—the eerie gateway that had swallowed them into another world, a nightmare realm of servitude and despair. The surface rippled faintly, a ghost of its former power, and she hesitated.

"What do we do about—" she began, but before she could finish, the pool suddenly flashed. A pulse of unnatural energy radiated outward, and within seconds, the shimmering liquid was gone—replaced by cold, unyielding stone.

Lily's breath caught. It was as if the portal had never existed, as if the horrors they had just escaped had been nothing more than a fever dream.

"It's closed. It's gone," Buffy said, her voice firm, final as she turned to face Lily.

A softness crept into her expression as she studied the girl beside her—lost, uncertain, standing on the edge of something new but unsure of how to take the first step.

"How would you like a place to stay?" Buffy asked, her voice gentler now as they started walking, following the others out of the building. "I'm getting married tonight, so I'm not going to be staying with my mom much. You could stay in my room."

Lily hesitated, her brow furrowing as she processed the offer. The past few days had unraveled her world, stripped her of everything she thought she knew. And yet, here was Buffy—offering her something she hadn't had in a long time. A place. A chance. Maybe even a fresh start.

She looked at Buffy, debating.

October 17, 1350 – Wednesday

Royal Castle

"AHHH!" Paige cried, diving to the side as another crackling bolt of red energy shot past her, narrowly missing her shoulder. The Enchantress stood in the center of the chamber, her long gown swirling around her as power radiated off her in dangerous waves. Her eyes burned with fury, and her lips twisted into a sneer.

"You dare defy me?" she hissed, her fingers curling, ready to unleash another strike.

Before she could, the Prince stepped in front of Paige, arms outstretched protectively. "Don't hurt her!" he commanded, his voice ringing through the room.

The Enchantress's expression darkened further, and with a flick of her wrist, a gust of supernatural wind blasted forward, sending the Prince hurtling across the chamber. He crashed against a pillar and crumpled to the floor, groaning.

Paige's eyes widened. "Throw the potion!" she shouted as her sisters burst into the room, breathless but ready.

The Enchantress lifted her arms, a spell forming at her fingertips, but Paige was faster. She thrust her own hand forward, calling upon the power that surged between her and her past self. The Enchantress let out a startled gasp as an unseen force sent her soaring backward. She slammed into the stone wall with a sickening crack, momentarily dazed.

"NOW!" Paige cried.

Prue, Piper, and Phoebe didn't hesitate. They hurled their vials at the Enchantress, the glass shattering upon impact. A thick, shimmering cloud of smoke exploded around her, crackling with enchanted energy. The room filled with the acrid scent of magic being forcefully unraveled.

The Enchantress coughed, waving a hand to cast a spell, but nothing happened. Her eyes widened in horror. She tried again—still nothing.

"What have you done to me?!" she shrieked, her voice raw with desperation.

"We bound your powers, Enchantress," Leo answered calmly, his steady gaze unyielding.

"No more 'kingdom come' for you," Phoebe quipped, her smirk playful but firm.

Piper crossed her arms, tilting her head with a smirk of her own. "Not for you."

The Enchantress's expression twisted in betrayal as her eyes landed on Paige. "How could you do this to me?" she demanded, her voice trembling with rage. "To us?"

Paige held her ground, lifting her chin defiantly. "I didn't do it," she corrected, gesturing toward her sisters. "We did it."

Before the Enchantress could respond, Lady Julia came rushing into the room, her gown billowing behind her. She ran straight to the Prince, dropping to her knees beside him. "Are you hurt?" she asked breathlessly, her hands gently cupping his face.

He smiled up at her, brushing a loose curl behind her ear. "I'm well, my love," he assured her.

"My love?" Phoebe echoed, her eyes sparkling with realization. She glanced between them and then grinned. "Looks like it takes the kiss of true love to break the spell."

"It's in every fairytale," Paige added, folding her arms with an amused smirk.

Prue clapped Paige on the back, grinning. "Alright, super-witch! Get us out of here!"

August 14, 1998 – Friday

Paige's Apartment

"Okay." Paige sighed as they all stepped through the swirling portal, the shimmering light vanishing behind them with a final pulse of energy. The air around them settled, leaving only silence in its wake. She turned back to where the portal had been and let out a disappointed huff. "Looks like I won't be getting my security deposit back," she muttered, her tone laced with resignation.

"Yeah," Piper agreed, dusting herself off. "Too bad you don't have any other place to stay." She shot Paige a pointed look, a teasing smile tugging at her lips.

Phoebe laughed, nudging Paige's arm playfully. "No pressure," she assured her, eyes twinkling. "Totally up to you. Whenever you're ready."

"Yeah," Prue chimed in, lifting an eyebrow. "Who needs electricity, anyway?" She gave an exaggerated shrug, then smirked. "Especially when you've got, oh, I don't know, thirty people coming over to watch you get married." She shrugged again, feigning nonchalance. "But yeah, no pressure, totally up to you."

Paige crossed her arms, pouting like a child. "I wouldn't have to stay in the basement, would I?" she whined dramatically, throwing in a playful lip quiver for effect.

Her sisters burst into laughter.

"No!" Phoebe shook her head, still giggling. "Of course not! That old Manor of ours has more rooms than you think," she added with a wink.

Paige eyed them all for a moment, then cracked a small, genuine smile. "Okay, then," she said, nodding.

Phoebe let out an excited cheer, bouncing slightly on her feet.

But before anyone could celebrate further, Piper let out a sudden, sharp gasp. "Oh my god!" she blurted, her hands flying to Leo's wrist as she yanked it up to check his watch. Her face drained of color. "Oh my god!"

Her sisters turned to her, immediately alert.

"We have, like, an hour before guests start arriving!" Piper informed them, her voice bordering on hysteria.

Phoebe's eyes widened in sheer panic. "We gotta go!" she yelped.

"What about Paige's apartment?" Prue asked, scanning their surroundings as if debating logistics.

Paige rolled her eyes and waved a dismissive hand. "It can wait," she said. "We still got a Shocker demon to vanquish—let's go!"

Halliwell Manor

"WE'RE HERE! WE'RE HERE!" Phoebe hollered at the top of her lungs as the front door burst open, the five of them storming inside like a whirlwind of frantic energy.

"Thank god!" Patty gasped, relief flooding her face as she took in the sight of her daughters.

"We were about to send out a search party," Grams scolded, arms crossed, her sharp gaze sweeping over them. "Where have you girls been?"

"The Dark Ages," Piper replied dryly, peeling off her coat as if it had medieval dust on it.

"Excuse me?" Patty asked, blinking in confusion.

Piper waved it off with a sigh. "We'll explain later. Right now, we got a demon to vanquish!" she announced, then abruptly clamped a hand over her mouth, eyes darting around the room. "Oops. Are the worker guys still here?" she asked in a hushed, nervous tone.

Patty shook her head with a chuckle. "Left an hour ago. Cake's here, flowers are here, tuxes—everything!" she said brightly.

"Everything but the bride," Victor quipped as he strolled in from the kitchen, Cole, Buffy, and Darryl following close behind.

"Daddy!" Phoebe squealed, her eyes lighting up as she ran full-speed into his arms, wrapping herself around him. "Yay!"

"Demon now, hugs later," Prue snapped impatiently, prompting Phoebe to scurry back to her sisters. She dug into her pants pocket, fishing out a folded piece of paper.

"Hit it!" Phoebe cried with a wide grin.

Prue gave a firm nod, then flicked a light switch, releasing the Shocker demon from its supernatural imprisonment. The creature crackled with wild energy, electricity sparking violently around it.

Without hesitation, the four sisters clasped hands, their voices ringing in perfect harmony as they chanted:

"Vanquish we four witches cry, on final shock and then you die!"

The Shocker demon let out an ear-splitting wail as bolts of energy flickered uncontrollably over its body. In a burst of blinding white light, it exploded into oblivion, leaving nothing but a faint scorch mark on the floor.

"Take that! You electricity-hogging asshole!" Prue gloated with a triumphant smirk. Her sisters burst into laughter, the tension finally breaking.

"Enough chit-chat!" Grams declared, her voice sharp but her smile warm. "We have a wedding to get ready for!"

Before anyone could move, Buffy stepped forward. "I hope you don't mind—I invited one more person," she said, her eyes settling on Prue. "My innocent… Lily. She's going to be staying with my mom, who's already thinking about adopting her."

Prue turned to Buffy, her gaze softening as she took in the sincerity in Buffy's eyes. Slowly, she reached up, fingers brushing against Buffy's cheek with gentle reverence. She bit her lip, a tender smile forming. "Yeah," she whispered, nodding in quiet approval.

Buffy's face broke into a dazzling grin. Without warning, she grabbed Prue, lifting her off her feet and spinning her around.

Prue squealed in delight, throwing her arms around Buffy's neck. When she landed back on her feet, she gazed up at Buffy and pressed another hard, lingering kiss to her lips. "I love you," she murmured, her voice filled with promise.

Then, she turned, her expression shifting as her eyes locked onto Darryl. "Hey," she said softly.

"Hey," Darryl replied, just as quiet.

For a moment, Prue simply stood there, rocking on her heels, hesitant—until Darryl opened his arms. A smile broke across her face as she dove forward, hugging him tightly. "Thank you for coming," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Darryl gave a small nod, patting her back before releasing her.

"Alright then!" Prue declared, shaking off the moment as she clapped her hands together. "Let's get ready!"

Phoebe and Paige let out excited squeals, practically bouncing on their feet, the energy in the room shifting from battle mode to wedding bliss in the blink of an eye.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

"There," Joyce said softly, her hands steady as she carefully secured the lace-embroidered veil in her adopted daughter's hair. Her fingers lingered for a moment, smoothing down the delicate fabric, the faint scent of lavender lingering from the veil's edges. "Perfect," she whispered, her voice full of pride and love, before pressing a gentle kiss to Buffy's cheek.

Buffy grinned at her adoptive mother, warmth and gratitude shining in her eyes. She took a deep breath, her heart fluttering with excitement and nerves, and turned slowly to face her closest friends—Willow, Xander, Lily, and Giles. Her eyes sparkled, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "Well?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation as she spun in a slow, graceful circle, the fabric of her wedding dress billowing around her like a cloud. "What do ya think?"

The room fell into a stunned silence for a brief moment as the four friends took in the sight of Buffy standing before them, radiant and beautiful. Willow was the first to react, her hands flying up to her mouth as her eyes widened in awe. "Oh, Buffy..." she breathed, her voice catching. "You look beautiful," she said, her steps quick as she moved toward her best friend, arms open. With a gentle laugh, she pulled Buffy into a warm embrace, holding her tight as though she could never let go.

"Oh, Buffy," Giles said, his voice cracking slightly as he gazed at his Slayer. His normally composed demeanor faltered for just a moment, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. He placed a hand over his heart, his chest tight as the weight of the moment settled in. He had watched Buffy grow into the woman she was now—strong, determined, and yet so vulnerable in this moment of pure joy. "You look stunning," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Buffy's eyes widened in mock horror as she quickly pointed a finger at him, her voice playful but filled with an edge of panic. "Don't you dare!" she cried, her lip quivering as she tried to hold back the tears threatening to escape. "If you start then Willow will, and then you'll set me off, and I'm having a hard enough time dealing with Mom," she gestured to Joyce with a sniffle, "and then I'll have to deal with all of us blubbering and plus... we don't have time to redo mine, Lily's, or Willow's makeup!" She wiped at the corner of her eyes with the back of her hand, trying to hold it together.

Giles smiled softly, a deep understanding in his eyes. "You're right, of course, Buffy," he agreed, his voice thick but steady. His shoulders relaxed, and he took a slow breath to regain his composure. Buffy was a force of nature, always surprising him, and today, her beauty—inside and out—left him speechless.

Lily, standing nearby, also sniffled as she wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. She shook her head in disbelief as she pointed at Buffy with an exaggerated sweep of her hand. "I'm sorry, it's just..." she started, her voice trembling slightly. "You, you look so beautiful," she said, her voice thick with emotion. She swallowed hard, then added, "And, and you're getting married to Prue—and it's... it's just all so perfect."

Xander, ever the emotional one, wiped at his eyes and let out a dramatic sob. "And-and it's so perfect!" he gasped, sniffling as he struggled to control his emotions. His hands shook slightly as he looked at Buffy, his face a mix of awe and love. "Buffy, you're getting married! It's just... wow!"

Buffy couldn't help but laugh, the sound bright and genuine as she wiped her own eyes, trying to keep her emotions in check. She gestured for them to come closer, her voice warm and teasing. "Oh, get over here, you guys," she laughed, shaking her head. With that, they all rushed forward, joining the hug in a flurry of laughter, tears, and affection.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

"COME IN!" Prue, Paige, Piper, and Phoebe called out in unison, their voices harmonizing with excitement and anticipation as they stood in the cozy living room. The sound of their voices echoed for a brief moment, filling the space with an energy of shared joy. The door creaked open, and in walked Victor, Leo, Cole, and Darryl, each one smiling with varying levels of enthusiasm.

"Hey!" Victor's voice boomed with warmth, his grin spreading wide as he stepped into the room. His eyes scanned the faces of his daughters before landing on Prue, his smile softening. "Where's my beautiful daughter?" he asked, a hint of nostalgia in his tone as he searched for her.

"Here," Prue called quietly, her voice carrying across the room with an almost ethereal calm. She waved as he turned toward her, and their eyes met. "Hi, Dad," she said with a soft smile that reflected all the emotions swirling inside her—love, gratitude, and a touch of nervous excitement.

Victor's face lit up as he took in the sight of his daughter, standing there with an elegance that stole his breath away. "Prue, you look..." He trailed off, his words failing him for a moment. The pride in his eyes was unmistakable, though his emotions were too overwhelming for him to express them in full.

"Wow!" Cole chimed in from beside Phoebe, his voice full of admiration and his eyes wide with astonishment. "She looks... wow!" He grinned, clearly impressed by the vision before him.

Prue turned to Cole in surprise, a blush creeping up on her cheeks. "Why, thank you, Cole," she said sincerely, her voice soft with genuine appreciation. Cole nodded, his smile warm as he gave a small, encouraging shrug.

"It's true," Leo added from his spot next to Piper, his voice steady but warm with the kind of fondness that only someone who knew Prue well could express.

Prue smiled at Leo, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of happiness and embarrassment. She blushed a little, touched by the sincere compliments of her closest friends.

"Darryl?" Prue said, as Darryl stepped forward, a smile spreading across his face. "Prue, you look stunning," he said, his voice full of admiration. As he approached, he kissed her cheek gently, and added with a wink, "Buffy will drop dead when she sees you."

Prue laughed nervously, her hands coming up to adjust the delicate fabric of her gown. "Oh now, don't say that," she said, her voice betraying a hint of worry. She forced a smile, trying to ease the tension in her chest. "In this family, it might actually happen," she finished quickly, trying to make light of it. Then, to break the moment, she leaned forward and kissed Darryl's cheek in gratitude. "But thank you," she added softly, her voice warm with affection.

Victor cleared his throat, his voice loud and authoritative as he tapped his watch impatiently. "We need to go," he said, glancing at the time. "Guests are waiting." His tone was both excited and a little rushed, but there was a deep pride in his voice as well.

Darryl, not wanting to miss a beat, turned to the three other sisters. "So, Paige..." he said, holding out his arm with a playful smile. Since Paige hadn't come with a date, Darryl had graciously agreed to be her escort.

Paige gave a dramatic twirl, her dress swirling around her as she bowed with a flourish. "Shall we?" she asked, her voice playful and light. She took his arm, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and Darryl nodded in agreement.

Piper, already standing with Leo, slipped her arm through his, the bond between them evident in their quiet connection. Together, they walked out of the room, their movements fluid and in sync, followed closely by Cole and Phoebe.

Prue took one last, lingering look at the room, her heart full as she prepared to leave behind the space that had been both a sanctuary and a battleground. She knew she'd carry the memories of this day with her always.

"You look beautiful, darling," Grams said, her soft voice like a balm as she approached Prue. Grams kissed her gently on the cheek, her eyes filled with pride and love. "I love you."

Prue smiled, her lips trembling slightly as she whispered back, "I love you too, Grams." The connection between them was timeless, transcending the physical world. It was a bond that only grew stronger, even through the veil of death.

Patty, too, walked towards her daughter, her own smile filled with unconditional love. She pulled Prue into a tight embrace, her voice a soft whisper as she kissed her daughter's forehead. "I love you, baby," she whispered, her tone filled with the quiet wisdom of a mother who had watched her daughter grow into the woman she was now.

"Love you too, Mom," Prue whispered back, her heart swelling with emotion. She held onto her mother, savoring the warmth of the moment.

The two older women, their faces soft with affection, shared one last smile before they began to shimmer and fade away, disappearing from Victor's sight in the same quiet manner they had come. Their spirits, ever-present, now only visible to those of magical descent.

"Where'd they go?" Victor asked, his brow furrowing in confusion as he looked around the room, trying to comprehend the sudden absence of his wife and mother-in-law.

Prue sighed softly, her eyes glistening with both sadness and acceptance. "They're ghosts again," she explained gently. "Only those of magical descent can see them now."

Victor nodded, his expression one of understanding. Over the years, he had grown accustomed to the inexplicable nature of his family's magical abilities. He smiled warmly at his daughter, his pride clear in his gaze. "My daughter's getting married," he said with a soft chuckle, shaking his head in awe.

He offered Prue his arm, a symbol of his deep love and the support he would continue to offer her no matter what. "Are you ready?" he asked gently, his voice low and steady.

Prue paused for a moment, her chest rising and falling with a deep breath. She closed her eyes briefly, collecting herself, and then a radiant smile spread across her face, brighter than ever. "Hell yeah," she grinned, her voice full of determination and excitement.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Willow and Oz walked down the makeshift aisle first, their steps measured and serene as the soft strains of Canon in D floated through the air, filling the space with a delicate and timeless melody. Their quiet smiles were matched by the calm energy they brought with them. Next, Xander and Lily followed, their laughter mixing with the light rustle of fabric, and the audience could feel the easy camaraderie between them. Then came Paige and Darryl, the two of them sharing a brief, shared glance that spoke volumes—filled with the unspoken bond of friendship and mutual respect. Phoebe and Cole followed them, their steps graceful, their connection palpable, a soft glow surrounding them as they walked hand-in-hand. Last came Piper and Leo, the final pair in the procession, their unity effortlessly obvious. The energy of the room shifted slightly as they made their way down the aisle, Leo's calm presence grounding Piper as they moved toward the front.

The five women—Buffy, Joyce, Prue, Paige, and Piper—all looked nothing short of stunning in their knee-length crimson chiffon dresses. The rich red hue seemed to catch the light at every angle, lending each of them an ethereal glow as they moved down the aisle. The fabric fluttered gently with their steps, and there was a quiet elegance in their stride. The five men—Oz, Xander, Darryl, Cole, and Leo—looked equally handsome in their tuxes, their sharp suits a perfect complement to the vibrancy of the women beside them. The air seemed to hum with anticipation, a sense of unity and love wrapping around everyone present.

As Piper and Leo reached the end of the aisle and stood nearest the Minister, the guests rose to their feet, acknowledging the solemnity and beauty of the moment. There was a hush as all eyes turned to the aisle, awaiting the arrival of the brides.

Buffy, Joyce, and Giles slowly made their way down the aisle. Each step seemed like a moment in time, each of them feeling as though they were both weightless and grounded at the same time. The audience could sense the bond between them, the quiet strength of Joyce and Giles supporting Buffy, and yet there was something fragile about the moment as if they were all aware of how precious the next few moments were. When they reached the minister, Giles and Joyce took their seats, their eyes never leaving Buffy as she walked. Then came Prue and Victor. There was a slight tremble in Prue's steps as she tore her eyes from Buffy, but she couldn't help but smile at Joyce. She kissed her father gently on the cheek, offering him a brief moment of affection before he took his seat next to Joyce and Giles.

And then, the moment arrived. Prue stood beside Buffy, her eyes finding the love of her life, and the breath left her chest for a split second. "Hi," Prue whispered, her voice soft but thick with emotion as she stood across from Buffy, their gazes locked together, as if the world around them didn't exist.

Buffy stared, wide-eyed, her mouth slightly agape in awe. She swallowed, trying to find her voice. "Wow!" she whispered breathlessly, her words almost lost to the breeze around them. She had never seen Prue more radiant, more perfect than she looked right now.

Prue smirked, a playful glint in her eyes as she replied, "Yeah, your brother said the same thing," her words laced with humor. She then turned and winked at Cole, who laughed lightly in response, a soft chuckle escaping him as he watched the exchange between the two.

Buffy's eyes lingered on Prue; her admiration clearly visible in her expression. "Prue, you look... magnificent," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper, but the emotion behind it was undeniable.

Prue raised both eyebrows, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Wow, stepping it up a notch, are ya?" she chuckled, her voice light but full of affection. Then, her smile softened, her eyes running over Buffy's dress and form. "Thank you. You look very... beautiful yourself," she said, her voice sincere, eyes tracing Buffy's silhouette, her admiration apparent.

"Shall we begin?" the Minister asked, her voice gently guiding the couple toward the next part of the ceremony. Both Buffy and Prue nodded in unison, the weight of the moment settling in, but not without an overwhelming sense of joy and anticipation. Prue turned and handed Piper her flowers, the passing of the bouquet almost symbolic of the momentous shift that was happening. Buffy handed her own bouquet to Willow, her smile fleeting but full of warmth.

"Dearly beloved," the minister began, her voice carrying through the space as the words settled over everyone like a comforting blanket. "We are gathered here today to join these women in holy matrimony." The solemnity of her words filled the air, but there was also an undeniable joy in the minister's tone as she spoke. "In the presence of family and friends, the union of two lives as one is a sacred bond both solemn and joyful. Embracing all that you are and all that you will be."

As the minister spoke, Buffy and Prue's eyes never wavered from one another. The world seemed to shrink around them, their connection stronger than any spoken words. There was a moment of shared laughter as Prue giggled softly when Buffy winked, the intimacy of their bond evident even in this public space.

Piper caught Leo's eye, her expression softening as she smiled at him. He returned her gaze with a quiet smile of his own, the mutual understanding between them silent but profound.

Phoebe locked eyes with Cole and leaned in to kiss his cheek, a gesture of quiet affection that spoke of the depth of their love.

Willow and Oz glanced at each other, a brief but knowing smile shared between them as they held hands, both hearts full of support and love for their friends.

Xander caught Lily's eye, and a soft smile spread across his face. It was a smile of pride, of happiness for his friend, but also one that spoke of his own emotions—of being part of something bigger than himself.

"On this day of your marriage," the Minister continued, her voice steady, "Know that everything we love deeply becomes part of us. The trick is learning to receive this love with as much understanding as you give it. And knowing this, you can begin a life together with an open mind and heart."

"I Elizabeth Anne Turner-Summers vow, to love, to honor and to cherish you, Prudence Maria Halliwell," Buffy spoke softly, her voice thick with emotion, each word coming from the depths of her heart. Her eyes were filled with a deep, unshakable love, shimmering with the weight of the promise she was making. She felt her chest tighten, a flutter of nervous excitement coursing through her, but nothing could take away from the sincerity of her vow. "For better, for worse. For richer, for poorer. In sickness and in health… till death do us part." She smiled, her lips curving softly, her gaze never leaving Prue, who stood across from her, her own heart racing in tune with Buffy's.

Prue cleared her throat quickly, blinking away the unexpected rush of tears that threatened to fall. She held them back, refusing to let them overwhelm her during the ceremony. The weight of the moment pressed down on her as she stared at Buffy, knowing she would never make a vow like this with anyone else. "I Prudence Maria Halliwell vow, to love, to honor and to cherish you, Elizabeth Anne Turner-Summers." Her voice trembled slightly, the words caught between joy and the depth of her emotions, but she smiled through it. She paused, fighting to keep the tears in check. "For better, for worse. For richer, for poorer. In sickness and in health… till death do us part." Instead of crying, she let out a small laugh, the kind of nervous but joyous sound that filled the room with a sense of intimacy and lightness.

The Minister, watching the couple with a knowing smile, nodded to Buffy. She turned, her heart still fluttering, and reached out to Willow, who was standing nearby, holding Prue's wedding band. Willow handed it over without a word, just a soft smile of encouragement. Buffy took the band, a simple yet elegant white gold ring with delicate diamonds encrusted along the band. She could feel the smooth, cool metal in her palm, and as she slipped it onto Prue's finger, she spoke with unwavering certainty, "With this ring, I thee wed." It felt as though time had stopped in that moment, the ring a tangible symbol of the eternity she was promising Prue.

Prue took the white gold band from Piper, who was standing just behind her, her smile proud and supportive. The ring was slightly thicker than the one Prue had just placed on Buffy's finger, yet just as stunning. Prue's fingers brushed against Buffy's as she slipped the ring onto her fiancée's finger, her voice steady as she said, "With this ring, I thee… wed." The words were as much a promise to herself as they were to Buffy. She felt the weight of their union settle deeply within her, solidifying the bond they shared.

Buffy's heart soared as she looked into Prue's eyes, her voice low but firm as she spoke, "I do." The two words felt like the truth of the universe, bound by the love that had flourished between them. Her soul ached with the certainty of it all.

Prue stared back, her own voice catching for a moment, but she steadied herself and replied, a little shakily but with all the conviction in the world, "I do." A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, her heart swelling with emotion. It was done. They were married.

The Minister smiled warmly at the couple; her eyes filled with joy for the two women who stood before her. "I now pronounce you… wife and wife. You may kiss." She beamed, the words carrying the weight of a blessing as she watched them.

Buffy's grin spread across her face like the sun breaking through the clouds, and Prue laughed softly, the sound light and infectious. In that moment, it was as if the entire world faded away, leaving only them. Buffy reached for Prue, slipping her arm around Prue's waist and pulling her flush against her. Their lips met in a kiss that was fierce and tender all at once, as if everything in the universe had led up to this singular moment. It was a kiss of promise, of forever, of the kind of love that held nothing back. The cheers of their friends and family erupted around them, but all Buffy and Prue could hear was the beating of their hearts in unison.

Prue moaned quietly into the kiss, the sound muffled as she wrapped her arms around Buffy's neck, pulling her even closer. She could feel Buffy's warmth, the rush of their shared breath, and the energy of the moment surging through her.

Buffy, her grin never wavering, wrapped her other arm around Prue's waist, lifting her into the air with ease. Prue giggled against her lips, a soft, carefree sound that echoed through the room. It was a laugh of pure happiness, of relief, and of love. As Buffy held her aloft, spinning slightly in place, their friends and family cheered, their love and support filling the air.

August 15, 1998 – Saturday

Halliwell Manor

Paige skidded to a stop in front of her bedroom door, the one she'd only just claimed as her own. With a grin that could light up the entire block, she yanked the door open, the motion quick and almost dramatic—so much so that the knuckles of the insistent knocking went through it with a loud bang. "TA-DA!" Paige cried, holding out her arms with a flourish as if she were unveiling a masterpiece. "What do you think?" she asked, her voice practically vibrating with anticipation.

Her three older sisters stepped into the room, their eyes wide with surprise and delight. The walls were adorned with colorful posters, eclectic furniture scattered around the space, and items that screamed Paige's personality—quirky, spontaneous, and full of life. It was a reflection of who she was, in every corner.

"Wow!" Prue gasped, her eyes scanning the room in amazement. The air was thick with the familiar scent of fresh paint and new beginnings, but it was the feeling of warmth and personality that really caught her attention. She marveled at how Paige had transformed the space, making it hers with such ease.

"Yeah, wow!" Piper agreed, standing at the doorway and glancing around. "It's definitely different." She nodded, her gaze flicking from one object to the next. The room was an explosion of bright colors, mismatched furniture, and vintage trinkets—completely unlike anything they had expected from the typically pragmatic Paige. It was as if the room was alive, vibrating with the very essence of its owner.

"It's definitely you!" Phoebe stressed with a wide smile, her tone upbeat and approving. She couldn't help but laugh softly, taking in the way the mismatched pillows and hanging plants seemed to reflect every part of Paige's spontaneous nature. The room seemed to be an extension of her—the vibrant and free-spirited energy that was always present when she entered the room.

Paige cringed, her smile faltering just a little as she shifted from foot to foot. "Is that a good thing?" she asked uncertainly, her brow furrowing slightly. She hoped they weren't saying it in a way that meant 'wildly chaotic' or 'hard to live with.'

Phoebe swatted at Paige's arm, her smile warm and teasing. "Of course it is!" she assured her forcefully, giving her a playful shove. "It's bold, fun, and a little bit wild. Just like you, kiddo."

Paige sighed in relief, a playful grin curling onto her lips. "Good, because I was actually thinking the living room could use a little spicing up." She teased, offering a half-innocent shrug as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Haha!" Piper cried, rolling her eyes as she pointed at Paige dramatically. "She's funny," she said, turning to Prue with an unimpressed expression. Her voice was dripping with sarcasm, though the laughter in her eyes betrayed her act as she glanced back at her younger sister, still standing in the doorway.

"Uh-huh." Prue agreed, though her tone was much drier, her arms crossing over her chest as she gave Paige an affectionate look. She shook her head at her younger sister's antics, her lips twitching upward as she playfully warned, "Don't push it!"

Paige giggled at the playful scolding, happy to see the approval in her sisters' eyes. But before she could make another witty comment, their conversation was interrupted by the unmistakable sound of loud knocking at the front door. It echoed through the house, reverberating off the walls with the kind of urgency that made everyone stop in their tracks.

Phoebe groaned, her shoulders sagging as she rolled her eyes skyward. "Uh...I hope that's not another one of your past lives," she muttered under her breath, half-joking and half-exasperated at the thought of yet another strange encounter.

Prue grinned mischievously. "I hope it's another gift," she teased, bouncing on her heels slightly, a hopeful gleam in her eyes. She couldn't help but imagine more presents arriving—perhaps even something that would add just the right touch to her new life with Buffy.

Piper rolled her eyes with a resigned sigh, the sound of their bickering starting to feel like the usual noise of their lives. "Nu-uh missy. It's the day after the wedding now. You don't get presents the day after the wedding," she pointed out, though her voice was playful enough to reveal that she was far from upset. She shook her head at Prue's sudden pouting, the excitement fading as reality hit. "You're lucky you got anything," she added with a chuckle, bursting Prue's excited bubble as she crossed her arms and gave her a teasing look.

Paige, who had been watching the scene unfold, couldn't help but laugh at the banter. "It's Glen," she said, her tone shifting to something a little softer, a trace of sadness hidden beneath the humor. "I asked him to stop by," she added with a small, wistful smile that spoke volumes.

"Oh, the cute guy from the apartment?" Phoebe asked, her eyes lighting up with recognition. "He's yummy," she stated plainly, giving Paige an approving nod.

Paige sighed, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag as she glanced at her sisters. "Yeah, he is," she admitted, her voice carrying a tinge of fondness. "But he's gonna have to be yummy in Australia. He's leaving," she informed them regretfully, the weight of her words settling between them. There was a flicker of something wistful in her expression, but she masked it quickly, giving a small, nonchalant shrug. "He asked me to go with him, but… I decided to pass." She shrugged again, as if trying to make light of the decision, though there was a quiet finality to it.

"Oh…" Piper's voice softened with understanding, her head tilting slightly as she studied her younger sister. "You disappointed?" she asked gently, her tone laced with sympathy.

Paige exhaled, rolling her shoulders as if shaking off any lingering doubt. "A little…" she admitted, her eyes flickering toward the door as though imagining the life she had just turned down. But then she smiled, a spark of excitement returning to her gaze. "But it's not like I'll be lacking in adventures here," she pointed out, her lips quirking upward.

"No, you won't," Phoebe agreed, shaking her head with certainty. Without hesitation, she threw an arm around Paige's shoulders, squeezing her affectionately. "There's never a dull moment in this house."

"For what it's worth?" Prue spoke up softly, her voice carrying a rare note of tenderness. "We're really glad you decided to stay." She met Paige's gaze with sincerity, the unspoken truth hanging in the air—they had only just found her, and the thought of losing her so soon would have been harder than any of them cared to admit.

Paige nodded, swallowing against the unexpected lump in her throat. "Me too," she whispered, her voice almost lost in the moment. But before any of them could get too sentimental, she patted Phoebe's arm and took a step back. "Alright, I gotta go," she announced, grabbing her bag off the chair with an easy confidence that masked any lingering emotion.

She reached the door and then paused, throwing them one last smirk over her shoulder. "And don't forget," she warned, raising an eyebrow, "if you need me? Please knock."

With that, she disappeared down the stairs, leaving behind a moment of quiet laughter.

Piper and Prue chuckled to themselves, exchanging a knowing look as Phoebe came to stand on the other side of Prue.

"And they lived… happily ever after," Piper said, her tone filled with amused disbelief as she gestured vaguely around them, referring to their new and unpredictable living arrangements.

Phoebe giggled, unable to suppress her amusement, while Prue nodded slowly, a skeptical look crossing her face. "Happily, ever after," in a house full of witches, demons, and supernatural chaos? They all knew better.

Prue smirked, crossing her arms. "I think we need some margaritas," she suggested, waggling her eyebrows conspiratorially.

Phoebe mock gasped, placing a hand over her chest in exaggerated shock. "Prue… it is eleven o'clock in the morning," she stated, her tone dripping with faux disapproval as Piper nodded in agreement beside her.

Prue shrugged, completely unfazed. "Hell, it's six o'clock somewhere, right?" she quipped with a smirk.

Phoebe and Piper exchanged a look before bursting into laughter, each grabbing an arm as they pulled Prue toward the door. The three of them disappeared down the stairs together, the sound of their laughter trailing behind them—one of the many small, fleeting moments that reminded them just how lucky they were to have each other.

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Author's Note: I set Prue, Piper, Phoebe, and Paige's birthdates back 4 years. When doing this chapter I realized something. Paige works at Social Services, a place where most their people have degrees. If I had left Paige's age alone it would have meant in 1998 she would have been 21 at the time of this chapter and under normal circumstances still in college. So I set Paige, Piper, Phoebe and Prue's birthdates back 4 years. With Prue born in 1966, Piper in 1969, Phoebe in 1971 and Paige in 1973. Their ages are the same as canon and everything else still happened just earlier than in canon.

Side Note: I am debating what to do about Dawn. Either she could be Buffy and Cole's sister, which would make her half-demon like them, she would be likely created just like in canon. Or I could make her Prue's daughter. I have two angles for being Prue's daughter. One the monks send her to Prue, as her unborn child. Then after she is born she is kidnapped and taken to a demon dimension (ala Connor on 'Angel') where she would spend 14 years (a few weeks to a few months to Prue, Buffy, and everyone else) before being rescued. The other angle is still making her Prue's daughter but do what I did in 'A New Family for Buffy' and magically create her (just like in canon, so she's already 14 and would likely make her Prue and Andy's daughter even though she would be created from Prue and Buffy).

Give me your thoughts.