Charmed: Another Halliwell

by Brenna's Urbangirl Projects

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

81. Chapter 81: Size Matters

Q/A - RHatch - I'm not going to destroy all of San Francisco in Chosen. I've been thinking the crater would be smaller maybe a few blocks around the school. As you pointed out there will be more story after Chosen as there will be the whole season 8 story arc. So San Francisco needs to survive.

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Chapter 81: Size Matters

September 13, 1999 – Monday

Payson's

"White gauze curtains would give this place some flair, an ethereal touch that whispered elegance into the air. You know what I'm saying? Then we'll take out these tables over here. Replace them with mounds of pillows so people can lay back and get comfortable, sinking into a sea of plush relaxation," Treat, the new manager Piper and Buffy had hired, said, his eyes catching the flicker of concern in Buffy's gaze. "You look worried."

"Well – uh – Treat. I know we gave you the authority to make some changes in the club, but we thought they would happen gradually. You know, we don't want to shock the regulars," Buffy said, her words tinged with uncertainty.

"Well, I do. All right? Your place seems too safe. Now, do you trust me? Do you trust the number one club promoter in all of San Francisco?" Treat's confidence exuded from his every word, his gaze steady as he awaited their response.

Piper looked to Buffy, who sighed, her shoulders slumping in resignation. "Yes, of course…" Piper said, her voice carrying a hint of doubt as she looked back at Treat, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.

"Good. All right, guys. Rip it all out!" Treat's command echoed through the room, a declaration of change as workmen moved swiftly to execute his vision, tearing away the familiar fixtures of the club.

"Wait a minute!" Phoebe cried out as she entered, her voice a sharp contrast to the whirlwind of activity. "What's going on? That's our table? Who told them that they could rip out our table?" Her protest rang through the chaos, a sudden interruption to the momentum of transformation.

"I did," Treat asserted, his tone unwavering amidst Phoebe's questioning gaze.

"And who are you?" Phoebe's curiosity brimmed with a mix of suspicion and intrigue, her eyes narrowing slightly as she awaited an answer.

Buffy's sigh carried a tinge of resignation as she turned to her sister. "Phoebe, this is Treat Taylor. He's the new manager of Payson's."

"I-I-I'm sorry. The new what?" Phoebe's disbelief echoed in her stuttered response, her brows furrowing as she struggled to comprehend the sudden change.

"We just hired him on a trial basis," Piper explained, her tone laced with a hint of defensiveness. "With Buffy in college, I needed someone to handle the day-to-day operations."

"Well, isn't that interesting. I need to talk to you two," Phoebe declared, her voice firm as she ushered Piper and Buffy to the side

Piper smiled warmly at Buffy as they settled into their seats. "You look worried, baby girl," she observed, her attempt at humor a gentle prod to alleviate the tension in the air.

Phoebe's smile was strained as she glanced between her sisters, a hint of frustration simmering beneath the surface. "Why didn't you two tell me about this?" she queried, her tone edged with a mix of curiosity and reproach, her eyes searching for answers.

Piper and Buffy exchanged a brief glance, their shrugs mirroring a silent acknowledgment of their oversight. "It just happened yesterday, which is why we asked you to come down here today," Buffy explained, her words tinged with a sense of apology.

Phoebe shook her head in disbelief, her expression a mixture of disappointment and admonishment. "We said we weren't going to do this," she reminded Piper and Buffy with a pointed glare, her voice carrying a weight of caution.

Piper's brow furrowed in confusion as she sought clarification. "Weren't gonna do what?" she inquired, her tone tinged with uncertainty.

"Make any major changes in our lives. All the books caution against it. After you've suffered a major loss. Do not sell the house. Do not get married. Do not quit your job," Phoebe elaborated.

Buffy shook her head, a sense of resignation evident in her gesture. "Okay, but like it or not, there's been a lot of changes lately, and this is hardly the biggest," she remarked, her words tinged with a hint of weariness as she acknowledged the shifting landscape of their lives.

"Ooooh… speak of the devil/whitelighter/witch," Phoebe quipped, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes as Paige descended the stairs and approached them, her smile infectious.

"Hi guys," Paige greeted brightly, her presence injecting a dose of energy into the conversation.

"Hi!" Phoebe replied with equal fervor, her grin widening at the sight of her sister.

"I hope I'm not interrupting," Paige said cautiously, her concern evident in her tone as she joined the group.

"No, no. We were just talking," Phoebe reassured Paige, her words echoing the sentiments of Piper and Buffy, who nodded in agreement.

"Well, I have a quick question, but it can wait," Paige explained, her demeanor considerate as she gestured between them, signaling her willingness to yield the floor.

"Buffy and I were just trying to explain to Phoebe that the changes we're making in the club are not by choice," Piper stated with solemnity, her tone carrying the weight of responsibility. "They are by necessity," she insisted, her words emphasizing the gravity of their situation. "Okay? Payson's has been struggling a little lately, and we are now a single-salary household."

"Oh, we don't have to be. I can get a job," Phoebe interjected, her determination evident in her voice as she offered a solution.

Piper chuckled softly, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Uh-huh. And if you could get a part-time entry-level job that pays you about two hundred grand a year, that would really make a difference. Otherwise, I'd rather you be free for other work."

"About that other work," Paige interjected, her interruption punctuating the conversation as she sought to redirect their attention.

"But it's not fair. You shouldn't carry the financial burden," Phoebe protested, her voice filled with concern as she, Buffy, and Piper continued their discussion without acknowledging Paige's input.

Piper sighed heavily, the weight of their situation pressing down on her shoulders. "I will worry about the source of our income if you worry about the source of all evil," she declared, her voice tinged with a mixture of determination and resignation, a reminder of the roles each of them played in their unconventional family dynamic.

"Speaking of evil—" Paige attempted to interject once more, her urgency evident as she sought to steer the conversation in a different direction.

"Besides, what kind of job would you get?" Piper countered, her tone laced with skepticism as she turned her attention back to Phoebe, her brow furrowing with concern.

"I am a college grad. I am sure I could find something," Phoebe asserted confidently, her words carrying a sense of optimism despite the uncertainty of their circumstances.

"I found something," Paige persisted, her persistence unwavering as she attempted to redirect their focus once again.

"Yes, Paige?" Buffy responded, her gaze shifting to her older sister, a readiness in her expression as she prepared to address whatever concern had captured Paige's attention.

"Okay, have you guys ever walked by a house and just got a really bad, creepy feeling from it?" Paige asked, her tone serious, a hint of concern flickering in her eyes as she sought validation.

"Uh… creepy how?" Buffy questioned skeptically, her brows furrowing in confusion as she tried to grasp the gravity of Paige's experience.

"Okay, on my way to get coffee every morning, I walk by this house and I get this shiver!" Paige elaborated, her voice tinged with a sense of unease as she recounted her daily encounter.

"A shiver?" Phoebe echoed, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips as she struggled to contain her amusement at Paige's description.

"Does that mean anything?" Paige pressed, her gaze shifting between her sisters, anticipation evident in her expression as she awaited their response.

Buffy, Piper, and Phoebe exchanged amused glances, their smiles mirroring one another. "It's a shiver," Piper replied, her tone gentle yet dismissive.

"No. I've always dismissed it as a bad case of the creeps," Paige persisted, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she grappled with the possibility of a supernatural explanation. "But, now that I'm a witch… I don't know, I think it might be something supernatural," she concluded, a spark of excitement lighting up her features as she entertained the idea.

"I think I know what you're asking," Buffy said, her expression contemplative as she considered Paige's revelation. "I get that kind of sensation, but that's because I'm not only a Charmed One or part-Whitelighter, but also the Slayer," she explained, her words carrying a weight of understanding born from her unique heritage. She turned to Piper, seeking validation. "Do you think it's possible my spidey sense, that we always assume was from the Slayer third of me, could be another power that I got from my Whitelighter third?"

"I don't know," Piper replied thoughtfully, her brow furrowing as she considered Buffy's question. "It's possible, I guess. Why don't you ask Leo when you get home."

"Well, do you know anything about the house?" Phoebe asked, her curiosity piqued as she decided to humor Paige's concerns.

Paige shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "Just that this cute guy named Finn lives there. We bumped into each other at the grocery store, flirted a little. Done the 'Are these melons ripe?' thing. Okay," she admitted, her cheeks flushing slightly at the memory.

Buffy, Piper, and Phoebe exchanged knowing looks, their amusement evident as they shared a silent understanding. "Well, that sounds like you have the hots, not the creeps," Piper informed her, a playful smirk gracing her lips as she rose from her stool to stand beside Buffy.

"Well—" Paige began, her voice trailing off as she prepared to defend her stance.

"Either way, I think it's a good idea that you stay away from this Finn guy," Phoebe interjected, her tone filled with concern as she offered her advice.

"No," Paige countered, shaking her head adamantly. "I don't get the shiver from him, just the house. I think I'm onto something."

"I have been a witch for a few months!" Paige exclaimed, her frustration bubbling to the surface as she grappled with the complexities of her newfound abilities.

"That's not what she meant, Paige," Buffy interjected gently, her tone soothing as she sought to temper Paige's impulsive enthusiasm. "You're still learning. It took us some time to get to know the rules. It was nearly a year before I even learned I was part-Whitelighter, and even then, I still had rules to learn as a result."

Paige frowned, her arms folding across her chest defensively. "So you don't wanna check it out?" she pressed, her determination undeterred despite her sisters' cautionary words.

"Not anytime soon," Piper replied instantly, her tone firm as she turned away, leaving Paige to grapple with her concerns alone.

Paige turned to Phoebe and Buffy with a pleading look, her desperation evident in her eyes as she sought validation. "I'm not making this up," she persisted, her voice tinged with frustration as she tried to convey the seriousness of her situation.

"Oh, we know you're not, sweetie," Phoebe assured her, her voice gentle as she took Paige's hands in hers, offering a comforting squeeze. "But you gotta admit, it's not a lot to go on. I gotta run. I'll call you later?" she offered, her gaze softening with understanding as she prepared to depart.

"Okay," Paige replied with a forced smile, her disappointment palpable as she watched Phoebe leave.

"Okay. Stay away from that Finn guy," Phoebe repeated before she turned and walked off, leaving Paige to contemplate her next move.

"Buffy?" Paige turned to her younger sister, her expression pleading for support.

Buffy sighed, her own reluctance evident as she met Paige's gaze. "I have to agree with Piper and Phoebe on this, Paige. I'm sorry," she confessed, her words carrying a weight of regret as she reluctantly aligned herself with the decision to heed their sisters' advice.

Halliwell Manor

"Hello?" Paige's voice echoed through the spacious halls of Halliwell Manor, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension lacing her words. Each step she took seemed to reverberate in the silence, her heart pounding against her ribcage. "Is anybody home?" The air hung heavy with unanswered queries, prompting Paige to venture further into the familiar yet eerie abode. She hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty dancing in her eyes, before finally crossing the threshold, leaving the door ajar behind her.

No response greeted her call, and with a mixture of curiosity and determination, Paige pressed on, her senses on high alert. And there, suspended in mid-air, was Leo, the Whitelighter she sought, enveloped in a mystical aura of azure orbs. A grin crept onto Paige's face as she recognized him. "Leo," she exclaimed, the sound cutting through the stillness like a beacon. Leo's eyes snapped open at the sound of his name, his body jolting in surprise before gravity claimed its hold, sending him crashing to the ground.

Paige's eyes widened in alarm as she rushed to his side, concern etched on her features. "Oh god. Are you okay?" Her voice trembled with worry as she knelt beside him, her hand reaching out in a futile attempt to steady him. "I knocked, but nobody answered, and the door was unlocked."

"It usually is," Leo replied, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement as he struggled to regain his composure. "Otherwise, demons come crashing through, and it's a fortune to fix." He offered an explanation to Paige's puzzled expression, his gaze meeting hers with a mixture of understanding and reassurance. "If you're looking for Phoebe, she's not here. She's at a job interview."

Paige nodded, her mind racing with newfound purpose. "Actually, I was looking for you," she confessed, a nervous smile playing on her lips.

Leo's brow furrowed in confusion, his curiosity piqued. "Me? Why?" he inquired, his gaze searching hers for answers.

"Well, seeing that you're a Whitelighter, and I'm part-Whitelighter," Paige began, her voice gaining confidence with each word, "I was hoping that we could have a 'Whitelighter to part-Whitelighter' chat."

Leo nodded, his expression thoughtful as he motioned for Paige to take a seat, mirroring her actions as he settled into a chair himself. "Sure. Of course, sit down," he instructed, his voice gentle yet decisive, inviting conversation.

Paige's curiosity burned bright as she leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Leo. "So you have the ability to locate your charges, right?" she queried, her voice tinged with eagerness to learn more about their shared lineage.

"Sometimes," Leo replied with a nod, his gaze distant as if recalling past instances. The uncertainty in his voice hinted at the unpredictable nature of his powers, a reminder of the complexities of their supernatural heritage.

"And, if you have a sixth sense for locating good, is it possible that I have one for locating evil?" Paige pressed on, her curiosity driving her to explore the depths of their abilities.

Leo's brow furrowed in contemplation, his mind grappling with the implications of Paige's question. "You think you sensed evil?" he echoed, a note of concern creeping into his tone.

Paige nodded, her conviction unwavering. "Well, Buffy can, and she said she wasn't sure if she got it from her Whitelighter half or her Slayer half," she explained.

"It came from her Slayer half. Though being my daughter, she does have Whitelighter powers that were influenced by the Slayer, so I understand the confusion," Leo explained, his voice carrying a blend of paternal pride and sage wisdom. "Anyways, go on."

Paige nodded, grateful for Leo's understanding as she delved further into her concerns. "Anyways, I know it sounds silly, but there's this house that I walk by, and I get this really bad feeling from," she confessed, her words tinged with a hint of unease. She recounted the details of the 'creepy house' topic, each word heavy with the weight of her apprehension. "Problem is, I've already discussed it with Buffy, Piper, and Phoebe, and they all dismissed it."

Leo's smile held a sense of knowing as he listened to Paige's tale, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding of the complexities of their familial bonds. "So you want me to talk to them," he surmised, his tone carrying a reassuring warmth.

"I hate to put you in the middle," Paige admitted, a genuine smile gracing her lips as she glanced at Leo.

Leo chuckled softly, his demeanor laced with a sense of camaraderie. "Well, it's part of my job," he reassured her, his words carrying the weight of his commitment to their shared cause. "I'll just talk to them when I sense their minds are in the right spot. Especially Buffy."

Paige furrowed her brow inquisitively, her curiosity piqued by Leo's emphasis on Buffy. "Why especially Buffy?" she queried, her gaze fixed on Leo, awaiting his insight.

"Since she's my daughter, which makes her like you, part-Whitelighter, she also has two charges of her own. Willow, and her sister, Faith," Leo explained, his voice tinged with paternal concern. "What do you think she should do if Willow came to her with a concern that Faith didn't agree with? As their Whitelighter…"

"I see," Paige acknowledged, her understanding evident in her eyes. "And thank you for talking to them for me." She smiled gratefully, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders just as the front door swung open with a force that echoed through the manor.

"Damn it!" Phoebe's voice rang out, sharp with frustration and anger.

Leo winced, recognizing the strain in Phoebe's tone. "Now would not be a good time," he admitted, his concern palpable. He and Paige hurried into the hallway, following the source of the commotion.

They found Phoebe slamming the front door shut, her purse landing heavily on the table by the door. Her entire demeanor radiated exasperation and pent-up anger. "I am only going to say this once," Phoebe declared, her voice tight with resolve. "The real world better start showing me some respect, otherwise, I am going to stop saving it every week."

Leo stepped forward, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "What happened?" he asked, his voice gentle yet probing.

Phoebe growled, her frustration bubbling over. "I just had the worst job interview for a position that a monkey could fill," she spat, the bitterness clear in her words. "Provided that the monkey could explain why it needed flexible work hours." She let out a huff, her eyes narrowing as she glanced at her sister. "Why aren't you at work?" she demanded, her irritation spilling over.

Paige shrugged, her eyes darting away guiltily. "I—it's my lunch break. I just—"

Phoebe raised an eyebrow, placing one hand on her hip in a familiar stance of skepticism. "You're not still talking about the creepy house, are you?" she asked knowingly. Paige's face instantly mirrored that of a child caught sneaking cookies before dinner, her guilt apparent.

Phoebe sighed, a mixture of exasperation and concern in her voice. "Did you find out any new information?" she asked, her tone softening slightly as she saw Paige struggling to find words.

"I think it's worth checking out," Leo interjected with a casual shrug, breaking the tension.

Phoebe turned to him, surprised by his agreement. "Huh. Okay. Well, let's go. I mean, it's not like I have to be at work or anything," she said, sarcasm barely masking the lingering frustration from her earlier ordeal.

Paige shifted uneasily. "Uh… could we do it later?" she asked, her voice tentative. Phoebe and Leo turned to her questioningly. "I have to get back to work, but I can meet afterwards, at like 4?" she offered. "I'll give you the address. I just need a…." Paige glanced around the room and spotted a pad and pen sitting on the coffee table. "Pen and paper," she called out, holding out her hand.

In an instant, the pad and pen were engulfed in a swirl of blue and white orbs, reappearing in Paige's hand seconds later. She smiled smugly, the joy of using her powers lighting up her face. "I love being able to move things with my mind," she said aloud, her tone filled with a mix of pride and wonder. Handing the pad to Phoebe, she added, "I'll see you there later." She then turned to Leo, her gratitude evident. "Leo, thanks."

"Sure," Leo replied with a warm smile, watching as Paige headed for the door, a newfound determination in her stride.

"You really think she's on to something?" Phoebe asked, her skepticism clear as she studied Leo's face.

"Well, the important thing is that she does," Leo replied, his tone careful and evasive. "So, I think we should support that." His eyes held a depth of understanding, knowing how much validation meant to Paige.

Phoebe sighed, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly as she absorbed Leo's words. "Okay," she relented, a small, determined smile forming on her lips. "Then I'll go and check this out, shall I?" She ripped the sheet of paper from the pad with a swift motion, the sound punctuating her resolve.

Leo watched her, his hands slipping into his pockets. "Do you want me to go with you?" he offered, concern lacing his voice. "You don't even know what's there."

Phoebe turned to him, her expression softening but still resolute. "Leo, please. This is what I do," she replied confidently.

Payson's

Treat stood proudly in front of Piper and Buffy, holding up the new waitresses' uniforms emblazoned with the name 'The Spot'. The sleek, modern design and bold lettering immediately caught their attention. "Woo, now that's what I'm talking about," Treat exclaimed, his excitement evident.

Buffy's eyes widened in surprise. "You're changing the name of the club?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Man, you know that's the plan. You know?" Treat replied, his tone casual but confident.

Piper frowned, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What's wrong with Payson's?" she questioned, a hint of defensiveness creeping into her voice. Payson's had always felt like a staple, a part of their identity.

"Well, you know we polled people, and most of them thought it was a restaurant," Treat explained, trying to soften the blow with a friendly tone. "Why is it named Payson's anyways?"

Buffy stepped forward, her expression softening as she shared the personal connection. "It was named after me. I'm Payson, Payson Patricia Halliwell," she replied, her voice carrying a mix of pride and nostalgia.

"Yeah, but check this out," Treat said, his enthusiasm undiminished. "The new image deserves a new name. Otherwise, no one will know what it is. You know what I'm saying? But look, if you're against it, I can take it all down, change things around, whatever you want me to do, baby girl." His voice softened, trying to convey his willingness to compromise.

Piper turned to Buffy, her expression one of understanding and concern. "It's your call," she said gently.

Buffy sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping slightly under the weight of yet another change in her life. "No, it's just – it's just another change. So, uh, do what you want," she said, her voice tinged with resignation and acceptance.

Treat watched her carefully, his brow furrowed with concern. "You cool?" he asked, his tone gentle, seeking reassurance.

"Yeah," Piper and Buffy replied in unison, though their voices carried a hint of reluctance.

Treat's eyes shifted between them, sensing their hesitation. "You cool?" he asked again, his voice softer this time, wanting to ensure they were genuinely okay with the decision.

"Yeah," Piper and Buffy said again, their voices almost in sync, yet carrying a hint of lingering uncertainty.

Treat's eyes darted between them, his concern evident. "You cool?" he asked for the third time, his voice softer and more earnest, clearly needing their genuine approval.

Piper sighed, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. She glanced at Buffy, who nodded, her expression resigned yet determined. "Uh-huh," they both said, their voices a mix of reluctant acceptance and underlying resolve.

Treat paused, studying their faces for any signs of doubt. Sensing their hesitant agreement, he nodded, a relieved smile spreading across his face. "All right," he said, his tone filled with a mix of excitement and reassurance.

Creepy House

"Nothing," Phoebe muttered to herself, frustration lacing her words as she wiped her hands clean of dust. "There's nothing in there but darkness and dust. How the hell does he live in there?" With a sharp exhale, she pushed away from the window, her gaze lingering on the dilapidated structure before her.

As she turned away from the house and started back toward the street, a sudden creak shattered the stillness, the front door squeaking open on its own accord. Phoebe froze in her tracks, her heart pounding in her chest as she slowly turned back around to face the ominous entrance.

"Okay, that's creepy," she murmured under her breath, her unease mounting with each passing moment.

Summoning her courage, Phoebe stepped into the house, her voice echoing through the deserted rooms as she called out into the empty space. "Hello?" Her words hung in the air, unanswered as she ventured further into the darkness, her senses on high alert.

"Anybody home?" she called out once more, her footsteps echoing against the worn floorboards as she made her way into what appeared to be a sitting room. Her eyes scanned the room closely, taking in the eerie stillness that surrounded her.

Coming to a stop in front of a large and cluttered table, Phoebe's unease deepened as she took in the unsettling sight before her. "Ookay….this is creepy," she muttered aloud, her voice tinged with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.

Drawing closer to the table, Phoebe's gaze fell upon a collection of clay models, each one bearing contorted facial expressions and dark clothing painted on their forms. A shiver ran down her spine as she reached out to pick up one of the models closest to her, her fingers trembling with apprehension.

In an instant, Phoebe was pulled into a whirlwind of images, her senses overwhelmed by a powerful premonition. Finn inside P3. The creepy house. The door opening itself. A burning hot furnace. Gasping for breath, Phoebe stumbled backward, her grip on the model slipping as it crashed to the ground, shattering into a million pieces.

"NO!" An older man's voice pierced the silence, his scarred skin reflecting the dim light as he came running out of the wall, his features twisted in anguish.

"AH!" Phoebe cried out in shock, her heart racing as she recoiled from the unexpected apparition before her.

The man's eyes narrowed into a menacing glare as he retrieved a peculiar contraption from his pocket, his movements deliberate and calculated. With a swift motion, he aimed the device at Phoebe, unleashing a crackling bolt of lightning that struck her with a jolt of electricity.

"AH!" Phoebe's cry echoed through the room as the energy surged through her, causing her form to shrink rapidly until she was no larger than the clay models scattered around the room. "Uh-oh!" she squeaked, panic rising within her as she darted away on diminutive legs, her tiny frame barely visible against the vast expanse of the room.

The older man wasted no time, slamming the door shut with a resounding thud as he searched for his minuscule captive. "Where are you?" his voice reverberated through the room, a mixture of frustration and determination coloring his words.

Peeking out from behind the shelter of a nearby chair leg, Phoebe held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched the man's movements with trepidation.

Moving with deliberate caution, the older man scanned the room methodically, his eyes darting from one shadowy corner to the next. "You can't have gone that far," he mused aloud, a hint of amusement in his voice as he rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

Phoebe bit her lip nervously, her gaze darting around the room in search of an escape route. "Leo!" she called out in a hushed whisper, her voice barely audible against the oppressive silence. "Leo!" she repeated, her plea for help falling on deaf ears as she realized the futility of her cries.

A sense of dread washed over her as her assailant reached into his pocket once more, withdrawing a menacing flashlight with a click. "Oooh!" Phoebe winced, her breath catching in her throat as the harsh beam of light illuminated the darkness, casting ominous shadows across the room.

"I see you!" the older man's voice echoed through the room, sharp and triumphant, as Phoebe cautiously peeked her head out from behind the shelter of the chair leg.

"AH!" Phoebe's startled cry filled the air as she darted away, her tiny form racing across the floor with lightning speed. The older man lunged forward in pursuit, his outstretched arms just inches away from grasping her.

But Phoebe had other plans. With a flick of her wrist, she tapped into her innate powers, her body lifting slightly off the ground and hovering in mid-air, just out of the man's reach. His fingers closed on empty air as he crashed to the ground with a frustrated grunt.

"Why, you little witch!" he spat out venomously, his eyes burning with fury as he scrambled to his feet. "We'll see how long you last," he muttered darkly, his words dripping with malice as he watched Phoebe dart behind the safety of the couch.

Peeking around the edge of the couch, Phoebe's eyes widened in alarm as she watched the man reach for an ancient-looking vacuum cleaner, its dusty exterior a testament to years of neglect.

"Oh—oh, this sucks!" Phoebe muttered under her breath, a mixture of frustration and apprehension clouding her thoughts as she braced herself for the impending onslaught.

Payson's

Paige shuddered as she and Leo materialized into the dimly lit back room of the club. The sensation of orbing still sent a chill down her spine, leaving her disoriented. "I can't get used to this orbing thing," she muttered frustratedly, her voice laced with unease.

"You will," Leo assured her gently, resting a comforting hand on her shoulder as they navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the club. "You got it in ya. Took Buffy awhile to get used to flaming, and she was doing that from the moment she got that power."

Paige grimaced, her hand instinctively moving to rub her stomach in discomfort. "I feel like my stomach's gonna come out of me," she admitted with a wince, the unsettling sensation of orbing still lingering in her gut.

"Uh… Piper, Buffy," Leo's voice cut through the air, his brow furrowed in concern as he surveyed their surroundings with a critical eye. "What's with the white gauze? It's worse than up there."

Buffy glanced around at the club, her eyes widening in surprise. She hadn't noticed the haphazardly hung gauze that gave the place an eerie, unfinished look. "Why hadn't I noticed that," she murmured, a touch of self-reproach in her voice.

Piper let out a weary sigh, her gaze shifting to meet Treat's questioning stare. "It was Treat's idea," she explained with a resigned shrug, irritation creeping into her tone.

Treat, overhearing the conversation, walked over with a defensive look on his face. "Hey, it's supposed to be atmospheric, you know? Make people feel like they're stepping into another world."

"What are you guys doing here, anyway?" Buffy asked, redirecting the conversation and raising an eyebrow at Leo and Paige's unexpected presence. They moved toward the bar, putting some distance between themselves and Treat for a bit of privacy.

"We orbed in," Paige chimed in with a smile once they were far enough away from Treat.

"Together?" Buffy's expression twisted into one of confusion, her brow furrowing as she struggled to comprehend the logistics of their joint arrival.

"Yeah, well, we were worried about Phoebe," Paige explained earnestly, her voice tinged with concern. "She was supposed to meet me at the creepy house, but she never showed. So I thought, maybe she got hung up, so I went to your place—"

"Um…." Piper's interruption halted Paige mid-sentence. Piper's expression grew increasingly stern as she turned around slowly, arms folded across her chest. "….I thought we decided not to investigate the so-called creepy house."

"Well, I know you two didn't think it was anything, but Leo..." Paige began, her voice trailing off as she glanced at Leo for support.

Buffy frowned, crossing her arms defensively. "Oh, so you went behind our backs and asked Dad?" she said, her tone edged with irritation.

Leo, sensing the rising tension, stepped in to clarify. "She didn't go behind yours or Piper's back, and I'm her Whitelighter too," he said, his voice calm but firm. He then turned to Buffy, his expression serious. "And Buffy, think for a second. What would you do if Willow came to you with something Faith didn't agree with?"

Buffy sighed, realizing where her father was going with his analogy. "I would talk to Faith, of course. But if I were Faith, I wouldn't want Willow going behind my back either, Dad," she admitted, her frustration giving way to understanding.

Piper nodded, her gaze shifting from her husband to Paige. "I have to agree with Buffy," she said, her tone balancing between understanding and frustration. "It's a smart thing to do as a witch, but an annoying thing to do as a sister."

Paige bit her lip, the guilt evident on her face. "I'm sorry, guys. I didn't mean to go behind anyone's back. I was just worried about Phoebe."

Piper's expression softened as she focused on the immediate concern. "So what happened to Phoebe?"

Leo shrugged, his concern deepening. "I don't know. I checked my radar, but she dropped to the tiniest blip."

Buffy frowned as she tapped into her Whitelighter senses, trying to locate Phoebe. Her frown deepened when, just as her father had said, she found that Phoebe had dropped to the tiniest of blips, barely detectable.

"And what would account for that?" Piper questioned, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked between Leo and Buffy.

"I don't know, but I don't like it," Leo replied, his expression extremely worried. The uncertainty gnawed at him, making the situation even more unsettling.

"Well, then we should probably get over there," Piper announced, her voice firm with determination. She turned to grab her coat and keys as well as Buffy's, then tossed Buffy's coat and keys to her sister with a sense of urgency.

Paige slid up beside Piper and Buffy, a hint of smugness in her expression. "See? I told you something was going on in that house," she gloated, unable to hide the 'I told you so' in her tone.

Buffy forced a smile, though her eyes held a small glare. "Uh-huh," she nodded, her tone flat. "Okay, let's hold the congratulations till we find Phoebe."

"WHOA! LOOK OUT!" someone yelled from behind them just as they reached the stairs. Instinctively, the group turned in time to see the Payson's neon sign come crashing down. It hit the floor with a resounding crash, the light going out instantly as shards of glass flew in all directions.

"Buffy, Piper," Leo said, his voice tinged with sadness and shock. The destruction of the sign felt like the loss of a piece of their history.

Piper sighed deeply, her expression somber. "Doesn't matter," she told him sadly. "Payson's doesn't exist anymore." Her voice was heavy with resignation as she turned to climb the stairs, Buffy following close behind.

Leo shot Paige a concerned look, his worry for his family written all over his face. Without another word, he ran after his wife and daughter, his footsteps echoing up the staircase.

Paige lingered for a moment, staring at the broken sign. Seeing it shattered on the floor, she felt a pang of loss. But there was no time to dwell on it. She took a deep breath, bracing herself for whatever lay ahead, and hurried up the stairs after the others.

Creepy House

"AAAHHHHHHH!" Phoebe screamed, her voice a raw mixture of terror and desperation as she clung to the hem of the couch, her fingers white-knuckled with effort. The powerful suction of the vacuum threatened to pull her into an unknown, terrifying void.

"Come out!" an old man bellowed over the deafening roar, his voice strained as he moved the hose from side to side. His eyes were wild, filled with a manic determination. "Watch out! Two are loose!" he shouted at Finn, who had just burst through the door, failing to close it behind him in his haste.

The old man's momentary distraction proved to be Phoebe's saving grace. As he lifted the vacuum hose, even for just a second, the intense suction ceased. Phoebe fell back to the ground with a thud, her body trembling with relief and exhaustion.

"Shut the door!" the old man ordered sharply, his eyes flashing with anger and urgency. "Shut it!" He then repositioned the vacuum hose under the couch, resuming his frantic search.

"What are you gonna do with them when you find them?" Finn asked, his voice loud enough to be heard over the cacophony. He bent over, trying to get closer to the old man.

"Don't ask questions," the older man snapped, his tone dismissive as he waved a hand to shoo Finn away.

"Same thing you did with the other one?" Finn pressed on, undeterred by the old man's curt response.

"I said…" the older man hissed, shutting off the vacuum with an abrupt motion, "…don't ask questions."

Phoebe, now able to breathe more freely, used the momentary lull to gather her wits. Her mind raced, desperately trying to think of a way to escape or call for help. She scanned the room, taking in every detail, looking for anything she could use to her advantage.

"The other one—" the older man paused in thought, his eyes narrowing as a sly smile spread across his face. "Still, that, that gives me an idea." He said, his voice dripping with cunning. He moved around the other side of his work station, Finn trailing closely behind him.

Phoebe, her heart pounding, looked over and smiled with a glimmer of hope when she saw the door was still open. Escape seemed tantalizingly close.

The old man picked up a clay figurine, which in reality was a woman he had shrunk earlier and encased in clay. The tiny, terrified face of the woman was barely visible through the hardened layer, her eyes wide with fear.

"Do you want me to—" Finn began, but the older man quickly silenced him with a sharp gesture.

The older man then gestured at the trapped girl with a sly smile, and Finn understood immediately. It was a trap, and she was the bait.

Phoebe frowned as she squinted up at the girl on the shelf. The girl's eyes darted towards Phoebe, and she mouthed a silent "help me," her expression desperate.

"The door is still open," Finn said, glancing at the door he had left ajar.

"Shut it!" Gammill ordered sharply, his voice brooking no argument. Finn hurried over to the door, closing it with a sense of finality that sent a shiver down Phoebe's spine.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Piper skillfully guided her car to a halt outside the foreboding "creepy house," maneuvering it with a mix of caution and curiosity. The engine's hum faded into the tense silence that enveloped them, and the car, positioned across the street, acted as a barrier, a thin veil of protection against the unknown lurking within the shadows of the ominous structure.

In the front seats, Piper and Leo exchanged glances, their expressions mirroring a blend of anticipation and wariness. Piper's grip on the steering wheel tightened momentarily, her knuckles turning white. Meanwhile, in the back, Paige and Buffy huddled together, their eyes fixed on the looming house like sentinels on the lookout for danger. The tension was palpable, a heavy weight pressing down on them as they prepared to confront whatever malevolence lay within.

"There it is. See?" Paige's voice sliced through the heavy atmosphere, carrying with it a tremor of unease as she pointed towards the imposing edifice. Her words hung in the air like a chilling echo, eliciting a shiver that danced down her spine. "Oooh, shiver," she added, wrapping her arms around herself as if to ward off the creeping dread.

Piper rolled her eyes slightly, trying to inject a bit of levity into the situation. "Well, uh, Paige, you don't have to be a super witch to know that that house is creepy."

Buffy, however, was not to be deterred. "Piper, my spidey sense is going off," she said, her voice serious. "Something is majorly going on." Her eyes narrowed as she scanned the house, her instincts on high alert.

Leo's gaze remained fixed on the house, his expression thoughtful. "I saw a motorcycle in the driveway," he said, his tone indicating his heightened awareness. "Somebody's home."

"Okay, so I say we go up to the front door. You knock and I will freeze," Piper suggested, her voice a mixture of determination and caution.

Leo shook his head slightly, a look of concern crossing his face. Paige, unable to contain herself, leaned forward, her head poking between the front seats. "You don't always have control of your powers," Leo reminded his wife gently. "You might end up blowing up an innocent."

Piper's eyes narrowed slightly, feeling a bit insulted by the reminder. Buffy sighed, trying to mediate the brewing tension. "Okay, how about I flame in, check out the place, and report back what we're up against," she proposed, her tone pragmatic.

Before anyone could respond, Paige spoke up again, her voice eager. "I have an idea –"

But Leo interrupted, focusing on Buffy's plan. "Well, the problem with that is what if what we're dealing with is not supernatural," he pointed out, his brow furrowed. "Then you've flamed into someone's living room and we've risked exposure."

Paige, undeterred, tried again, "I mean if I just –"

"Well if I can't flame and you're not going to orb for the same reason, Dad," Buffy said, cutting off Paige, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Then I have to say we go with Piper's idea of the freeze. Freezing whoever opens the door is the simplest solution, minimizing the chances of exposure."

"I can get Finn out of the house!" Paige interrupted harshly, her voice edged with determination.

Piper turned in her seat sharply, her eyes narrowing as she demanded, "How?"

Paige replied with a shrug, "Well, I know the guy. I'll just go in, lure him out, and you guys can go in and snoop around."

Buffy's eyes narrowed, suspicion etched in her features. "No," she said quickly, her voice firm. "We can't let you go off with a potential demon. It's too dangerous, right, Dad?" She turned to Leo, expecting his support.

Leo looked nervous, his expression conflicted. After a moment, he replied sheepishly, "Actually… it sounds like our best bet."

Piper put on a forced smile, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Are you siding with Paige now?" she asked Leo in a sickly sweet tone.

"Hey, there's no sides," Leo answered her calmly, meeting her gaze steadily. "And… yes."

Piper and Buffy both huffed, turning their heads away in annoyance, their expressions mirroring their frustration.

"Look, I know I'm new to magic," Paige reasoned, her voice calm and measured. "But the only way to change that is to allow me to get some experience."

"And Piper and I are just trying to protect you," Buffy shot back, her tone short and defensive.

Paige smiled gently, choosing her words carefully. "That's nice, and I appreciate it, but… you and Piper protecting me may be hurting Phoebe," she pointed out. She watched as Piper and Buffy stiffened in their seats, the weight of her words sinking in. "Now, I got ter into this, so let me help get her out of it," she pleaded, worry and guilt evident in her eyes.

Piper and Buffy contemplated that for a moment, exchanging a silent understanding before nodding. "Okay, fine. Go," Buffy answered, her tone conceding to Paige's request. Paige looked mildly surprised but happy at the agreement.

"But…." Piper interjected as Paige made to exit the car, her voice firm. "….until we know who this Finn guy is and what he does, I do not want you alone with him. Take him to Payson's, er – I mean, The Spot," she ordered, leaving no room for negotiations.

"Got it," Paige affirmed with a nod, then reached into her handbag and pulled out a lollipop.

Piper frowned, her confusion evident. "What is that for?" she asked, her brow furrowing in puzzlement.

Buffy rolled her eyes, a knowing smirk playing at her lips. "Piper, you really don't remember how to flirt? The lollipop is a lure," she explained for Paige, her tone teasing. "Right, Paige?"

"Right, Buffy," Paige agreed, her smile widening as she popped the lollipop into her mouth, the sweet treat serving as both a prop and a playful gesture.

Piper rolled her eyes, her frustration evident as she watched Paige confidently stride across the street. "Do not go into that house," she warned sternly, her voice carrying a note of urgency. She leaned out of the car window, her tone pleading, "Did you hear me? I said do not go in."

Paige paused momentarily, turning to give Piper a reassuring smile before continuing toward the looming structure. Piper sighed in exasperation, sinking back into her seat with a defeated slump. "It's like talking to a wall," she muttered under her breath, her frustration palpable.

Leo nodded in understanding, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "She's got the Halliwell hearing," he remarked aloud, earning a sharp glance from Piper.

"Was I that bad?" Buffy wondered aloud, her tone tinged with amusement.

Piper glanced at her youngest sister and couldn't help but smirk. "Sometimes," she admitted teasingly. "I remember when you learned about the prophecy concerning the Master."

Buffy groaned as the memory resurfaced, recalling her encounter with the Master and her subsequent 'death.' "Did you have to remind me about that, Piper? You know how I am when it comes to my 'deaths,'" she protested, her tone a mixture of annoyance and sadness.

Piper glanced at her sister, her expression softening as she realized she had inadvertently dredged up painful memories. "Sorry, Buffy," she offered sincerely, her tone gentle and apologetic.

Phoebe grinned before bracing herself and pushing up into the air, her levitation carrying her effortlessly to the shelf where the woman was trapped. "Whoa!" she beamed, marveling at her ability, before leaning in close to the woman. "That's one good thing about being so small. I'm so light I can kinda fly. Can you talk?" she asked gently, her voice filled with compassion. The woman merely whimpered in reply, and Phoebe understood immediately. "Guess not. Okay. Just close your eyes," Phoebe instructed softly. "And don't tense up."

Taking a deep breath, Phoebe prepared herself before delivering a swift kick to the hardened clay, shattering it and freeing the woman inside. "Oh no!" she cried out in concern as she caught the woman in her arms. "No-no, you can collapse later. You need to run now, can you do that?"

The woman nodded weakly. "Yeah."

Phoebe smiled reassuringly. "Good. We gotta go before Gammill sees us," she said urgently, turning to leave, only to come face to face with the imposing figure of Gammill himself. "Oh no!" she yelped in surprise, her heart sinking at the sight of him.

"Gotcha," Gammill declared proudly, his voice filled with triumph as he swiftly trapped them under a large tin can. He turned to face Finn, his satisfaction evident. "I knew a witch could never resist saving an innocent," he gloated, a malicious grin spreading across his face.

Just then, Paige's voice echoed from outside at the front door, her urgent knocking breaking the tense atmosphere. "Hello?" she called out loudly.

"Now what?" Gammill muttered angrily, his irritation clear in his gruff tone. Then, as if struck by a sudden idea, his demeanor shifted. "Another girl. Get her inside," he ordered with renewed enthusiasm. "Go. Get her. Get her!"

Finn hesitated, uncertainty written across his face. "Maybe we should just let them all go," he suggested meekly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Gammill's eyes darkened with fury. "Since when did you develop a conscience?" he growled menacingly. "Hmm? I never gave you one. Now what are you standing around here for?" he demanded harshly. "Go. Go. Fetch!" With a resigned sigh, Finn did as he was told, his footsteps echoing through the house as he made his way to the door.

Turning back to the can containing Phoebe and the woman, Gammill tapped it once, eliciting startled squeaks from within. "Quiet," he ordered, his voice dripping with menace. He fetched a wooden board and slid the can onto it, causing more frightened squeals from the trapped women. With a cruel smile, he dumped them into a large container, the woman hitting her head and falling unconscious while Phoebe scrambled to her feet, glaring at him defiantly before he slammed the lid shut.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

"Hi," Paige said brightly, forcing a smile as Finn wrenched open the door, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Hi," Finn responded, his gaze lingering on Paige with evident interest.

Paige flashed him another smile, trying to mask her nervousness. "Remember me? The girl with the melons?" she asked, then immediately regretted her choice of words. "From the supermarket, I mean. The melons from the supermarket." She corrected herself with an embarrassed chuckle.

Finn chuckled too, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Yeah, I remember. So, what brings you here?"

"Let's just say, I got tired of waiting for you to show up on my doorstep," Paige replied, injecting a note of playful mischief into her voice.

Finn's brow furrowed in confusion. "I'm sorry?"

Paige took a deep breath, deciding to double down on her approach. "Look, if we're gonna go out, the first thing you need to know about me is that I don't play games," she told him firmly, her eyes locking onto his. "I see what I want and I, uh…" She let her gaze linger on him for a moment, "…go for it. Do you have a problem with that?"

Finn's eyes darted up and down quickly, his smile broadening. "Are you always this aggressive with guys?" he asked, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Just the ones I like," Paige replied with a smirk, her confidence masking her inner anxiety.

"Why don't you come in?" Finn suggested, stepping aside to make room for her to enter. Paige peered inside nervously, the dim lighting and eerie silence doing little to calm her nerves. "Is something wrong?" he asked, noticing her hesitation.

Paige shrugged, trying to play it off casually. "Oh, just the old cliché: my mother told me never to go into stranger's houses. That thing."

"Come on," Finn encouraged, extending his hand toward her, his smile seemingly genuine.

Paige glanced over her shoulder, hoping for some invisible support from her sisters, who were watching anxiously from the car. Piper and Buffy, their eyes wide with concern, seemed to be shouting warnings with their expressions.

"Don't do it," Piper and Buffy murmured under their breath, their words filled with urgency, as if hoping Paige could somehow hear their silent pleas.

"Do it," Gammill begged from where he was hidden within the walls of the house, his voice trembling with urgency.

Paige turned back to Finn, taking his hand, her heart pounding in her chest. Just as she was about to step over the threshold, Finn stopped her abruptly.

"No, wait," Finn said suddenly, his demeanor shifting. "On second thought, let's just go out." He decided, pushing her gently out the door and closing it firmly behind them.

Across the street, Piper and Buffy exchanged looks of relief, their tension easing. Leo, watching intently, muttered, "The lure worked."

Piper and Buffy turned to him, then back to the house, their eyes narrowing as they saw Finn's motorcycle tearing out of the driveway with Paige clinging to him. Paige glanced back at Piper, her expression a mix of triumph and worry, then stuck her hand out behind her in a subtle signal as they drove away.

"Barely," Piper and Buffy muttered in unison, frowning slightly. They knew the real challenge was just beginning.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Gammill sighed heavily and emerged from his hiding place. He walked slowly over to the burner where he'd stored his next victims and bent down close, his eyes gleaming with malicious intent. "Now, where were we?" he asked with a menacing smirk.

Phoebe glared at him from inside her prison, her eyes burning with defiance and fear.

Gammill grinned, but his expression froze when bright white lights and a jingling sound filled the room. He stood up quickly and retreated back into the wall, out of sight from the new arrivals.

Phoebe watched with intense interest as the bright lights quickly formed into Piper and Leo. A second later, a swirl of bright flames heralded Buffy's arrival.

Phoebe's eyes lit up with hope. "PIPER! BUFFY!" she yelled, banging on the glass in front of her. The woman trapped with her joined in, their combined efforts creating a desperate clamor.

Piper and Buffy looked around the room cautiously, their senses on high alert. "You go that way," Piper whispered to Leo, pointing in one direction. "Buffy and I'll go this way." She pointed in another.

Leo nodded and headed in the direction Piper had indicated, his steps careful and deliberate.

Buffy and Piper walked slowly around the table, their eyes scanning the various figurines scattered across the surface. Each one seemed to capture a moment of horror, their faces frozen in expressions of terror. Gammill watched them silently from his hiding spot, his eyes narrowing with malevolent glee.

"IN HERE!" Phoebe's voice cut through the eerie silence, her desperate cries echoing from within the glass container. She continued banging on the glass, her fists creating a rhythmic pounding that matched the pounding of their hearts.

Piper and Buffy frowned at the mess, their confusion mounting. Piper's foot suddenly landed on the shattered remains of the figurine that Phoebe had previously dropped. The sudden crunch startled her, and she jumped back, colliding with Buffy.

Piper slapped her hands over her mouth to muffle her squeal, her eyes wide with surprise. Leo appeared at their side, his face a mask of concern as he looked Piper over. "Are you okay?" he asked, his tone a mix of worry and gentle reprimand.

Buffy steadied Piper, making sure her sister was alright before turning her attention to a cabinet nearby. She had been about to search it when Piper fell into her arms. With a cautious hand, she slowly opened the doors. "Oh! Weird," Buffy exclaimed, her eyes widening as she took in the sight before her.

Piper and Leo stepped closer, their gazes following Buffy's to the contents of the cabinet. Inside were hundreds of clay figurines, each one meticulously crafted. Their faces were contorted in expressions of sheer agony, mouths open wide as if they were screaming.

"Bizarre collection," Leo mused with a frown, his eyes lingering on the grotesque figures.

"You can say that again," Piper said, reaching out to touch one of the grotesque figurines.

Leo quickly grabbed her hand, guiding it back to her side. "I wouldn't touch," he advised gently but firmly. "We should look for Phoebe. I'll check upstairs."

Piper and Buffy nodded in agreement. Leo gave the eerie collection one last look, a shudder running down his spine, before heading toward the staircase. The sisters watched him go, then turned their attention back to the second table in the room, which was cluttered with clay and various tools.

"PIPER! BUFFY!" Phoebe's desperate yell echoed through the room once more as her sisters walked by, but her cry went unheard.

Buffy and Piper continued their cautious exploration, moving toward the wall where Gammill was hidden, his knife clutched tightly in his hand, ready to strike if he was discovered. Piper leaned in, peering through the small holes in the wall.

"Anything?" Buffy asked, her voice tense with anticipation.

"I can't see anything," Piper replied, frustration creeping into her tone. She squinted, trying to make out any shapes or movement in the darkness beyond the wall.

"There's nothing upstairs," Leo informed Piper and Buffy as he came back into the room, his expression a mix of frustration and concern. Piper jumped slightly at his sudden return and turned to face him.

"I mean nothing," he continued, walking towards them with hurried steps. "Anything down here?" he asked, his eyes scanning the cluttered room.

Piper sighed heavily, her frustration palpable. "No! Nothing but a bunch of clay," she replied, scowling at the mess surrounding them.

"I think we should get out of here and check the Book of Shadows," Leo suggested urgently. "I want to know what we're dealing with."

"Well, whatever it is…" Buffy began, her voice tinged with unease as Leo wrapped a comforting arm around Piper's shoulders, "…it better not require the power of four to vanquish it," she added sadly.

With a swift nod, Leo orbed out with Piper in a shimmer of bright lights, and Buffy disappeared a second later in a swirl of fiery flames.

"Damn it," Phoebe muttered under her breath, watching helplessly as her sisters vanished.

Gammill emerged from his hiding spot once again, his eyes gleaming with malevolent glee. He walked over to the large container and yanked the lid open. "Well, well… the Power of Four," he muttered, his lips curling into a smirk. "So you're not just a witch, but a Charmed One," he sneered, his tone dripping with contempt. "Nothing will make me happier than to collect you all," he informed Phoebe, his hand reaching in to grab her roughly.

Halliwell Manor

"Found him!" Leo cried triumphantly, his voice echoing through the dimly lit attic as he came to a stop on the page he had been searching for in the family's Book of Shadows.

Buffy immediately stopped looking in her own book and moved to stand next to Piper and Leo, her curiosity piqued. "Gammill, a.k.a 'The Collector,'" Leo began, his finger tracing the intricate drawings and detailed descriptions on the page. "He is known for his passion of collecting one-of-a-kind figurines," he continued, his brows furrowing in concern.

As he read aloud, Piper and Buffy both frowned, the weight of this new information sinking in. "Wonder what he gets outta that?" Leo asked aloud, his voice tinged with bewilderment.

Buffy shook her head in disbelief, "That is one weird fetish," she remarked, her tone a mix of disgust and confusion.

Piper couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. "Well, speaking for my great-aunt Sylvia, who collects Hummels…" She paused, smirking at the incredulous look on Leo's face. "Yeah. When they have a hard time dealing with real people, figurines can be their best friends," she explained, her voice softening with a touch of empathy.

Buffy tilted his head, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Great Aunt?" she asked, her interest genuine. "Grams or Grandpa Allen's?"

"Grandpa Allen's," Piper replied, a fond smile tugging at her lips as she thought of their eccentric relative.

Leo nodded slowly, the weight of the implications sinking in. "Yeah… but being socially awkward doesn't land you in the Book of Shadows," he pointed out, his frown deepening as he tried to piece together the puzzle.

"So what does?" Buffy asked warily, the anxiety evident in her voice. The unknown threat loomed over them, making each new revelation a potential danger.

"Hmmm…." Leo mused as he continued to read from the ancient tome. "Well, apparently he went up against a witch sometime in the '70s. A spell was cast to make him as hideous on the outside as he was on the inside. Like this, I suppose." He pointed to the illustration of a man with a grotesquely deformed face, the image evoking a collective shudder from the trio.

"Does it say what he did to deserve that?" Piper asked with a grimace, her imagination running wild with the possibilities.

"No, it doesn't make any sense either," Leo replied, frustration creeping into his voice. "I mean, we saw this guy…" He indicated the younger, seemingly normal man on the page, "And he still looks the same."

Buffy frowned, the pieces not fitting together. "So what does that mean? That Gammill found a way to break the curse and changed his name to Finn?" she speculated, her mind racing with potential scenarios.

"I don't know, but I'm guessing whoever the guy Paige is with does," Leo replied, his brow creased in concern. The uncertainty in his voice added to the weight of the situation, making Piper's anxiety grow.

Piper sighed, a mix of frustration and worry evident in her eyes. "Alright, we need to find Paige and hope that she's not in trouble so we can find Phoebe and hope that she's not in trouble," she rambled quickly, her words spilling out in a rush. The troubling look in her eyes reflected her inner turmoil, and she threw her hands in the air in frustration. "Great!" she exclaimed, the situation feeling increasingly overwhelming.

Leo reached out and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Well, I wouldn't worry about Paige. I mean, she's in a public place. Nobody's gonna hurt her at 'The Spot,'" he assured her calmly, trying to ease her fears.

Paige's Apartment

"I wasn't expecting company," Paige said as she and Finn walked into her apartment, her eyes darting around the cluttered living room. "So just, give me a sec to clean the place up." She hurriedly started picking up stray magazines and discarded clothes, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Finn smiled warmly, taking in the cozy, albeit messy, space. "I really like your place," he told her sincerely, his eyes twinkling with genuine appreciation.

Paige paused mid-tidy, turning to him with a frown. "Really?" she asked in disbelief, raising an eyebrow. "It's a shoebox compared to yours."

"I'm really glad I didn't bring you in," Finn said, his voice soft but carrying an unexpected weight. "You know, this is the first time a girl has ever invited me back to her place," he admitted truthfully, his vulnerability shining through.

Paige smiled nervously, her heart fluttering. "Uh…well, I just thought that the club was kinda busy, ya know, with all the sound checking stuff. Although it does look great, I just thought we could hang out here," she explained, her words tumbling out in a rush as she tried to mask her nerves.

Finn's smile widened as he walked towards her, his eyes never leaving hers. He gently took her face in his hands, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver down her spine, and leaned down to kiss her.

Paige gasped and pulled away, her mind racing. "Um…first, actually, I have a question," she told him, a small, hesitant smile playing on her lips.

"About what?" he asked, confused, his brow furrowing as he tried to understand where this sudden interrogation was coming from.

"About your house," Paige answered bluntly, her eyes locked onto his, searching for any sign of deceit.

Finn's face fell, his shoulders sagging as the weight of her question hit him. "I don't really wanna talk about that," he told her, turning away and walking over to the couch. He sank into it, picking up a magazine in an attempt to avoid the conversation.

Paige took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew she had to push him, for the sake of her sisters. "If something bad is going on there, I need for you to tell me about it," she begged him, her voice laced with genuine concern and desperation.

Finn continued to ignore her plea, his eyes fixed on the glossy pages of the magazine, but Paige's words had clearly struck a chord. "Please! My sisters could be in trouble," she added, her voice breaking slightly.

Finn closed the magazine with a sigh, finally looking up at her. The conflict in his eyes was unmistakable. "I don't know much," he admitted reluctantly, "It's only recently that I've started asking questions myself."

"Asking who?" Paige demanded, her frown deepening with confusion and frustration.

"Gammill," Finn replied, the name sending a chill down Paige's spine. She watched as Finn stood up and began pacing in front of her, his anxiety evident in his every movement.

"What's his deal?" Paige asked, turning to him with a mixture of curiosity and frustration etched across her face.

"I'm not sure," Finn said, his uncertainty only adding to her growing exasperation.

"Well, how do you know him?" Paige pressed, her patience wearing thin.

Finn looked at her hesitantly, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and shame. After a moment's pause, he answered, "He made me."

Paige frowned, confusion knitting her brows together. "Made you? What is that, like a Mafia thing?" she asked, trying to make sense of his cryptic response.

Finn shook his head and walked towards her, his expression serious. "No," he said softly. He pulled his shirt free from his pants and held out his hand. "Look, give me your hand," he commanded gently. Paige hesitated but then placed her hand in his. "Put it here," he instructed, guiding her hand to his stomach. "Do you feel that? I'm not like you."

Paige's eyes widened slightly as she felt the smooth skin where his belly button should have been. "Oh my god!" she gasped, her mind reeling from the revelation.

The Spot (Formerly Payson's)

Buffy materialized in a swirl of fiery flames in the back room of the club. Moments later, Leo orbed in with Piper, the air tingling with residual energy as they stepped into the dimly lit space. They followed the thumping bass of the music, the pulsing rhythm leading them out into the club proper.

"I just got, uh, got a creepy shivers myself," Piper remarked, her voice barely audible over the cacophony of sound.

"Now I'm glad you two changed the name," Leo said, his gaze darting between his wife and daughter, concern etched on his features.

"Oh!" Piper exclaimed suddenly, her attention drawn to the spectacle unfolding before them. She pointed towards the waitresses who were dancing on the bar, their movements reminiscent of the movie 'Coyote Ugly'. "Look at the waitresses! Oh, no! Don't look! They're practically removing their spots."

Leo frowned, his disapproval evident. "Can you do that in public?" he asked, his voice laced with concern for the establishment's reputation.

Buffy sighed, her patience wearing thin. "Dad, go look for Paige. Okay? Go," she instructed firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. She and Piper exchanged a knowing glance before turning and walking purposefully toward the VIP area, which used to house the owner's alcove.

As they approached, a burly bouncer stepped into their path, his imposing figure blocking their way. "Hold it! You two can't go in there," he declared firmly, his tone brooking no argument.

Piper's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Excuse me?" she questioned, her disbelief evident in her voice.

"It's the VIP area," the bouncer explained matter-of-factly, his stance unwavering.

"Oh!" Buffy's eyes flashed with irritation as she stepped forward, her frustration boiling over. With determined steps, she closed the distance between them, her glare piercing. "You're assuming because we are not tall, tattooed, or big breasted that we're not important," she snapped, her words cutting through the air like a blade. "That's a bad assumption because I own this club," she declared proudly, her voice ringing with authority. She waved a hand dismissively at Piper. "And this is the General Manager. You know, Treat's boss. Which makes us both Very, Very, Very Important People," she emphasized, each word dripping with contempt. "You will step aside now, if you don't want to be in the unemployment line tomorrow."

The bouncer paled under Buffy's fiery gaze, his confidence faltering in the face of her unwavering determination. With a reluctant nod, he begrudgingly stepped aside, allowing them passage.

Just then, Treat, the club's affable bartender, rushed over to greet them. "Piper! Payson! Piper! Payson!" he exclaimed enthusiastically, his friendly demeanor contrasting sharply with the tension in the air. He turned to the bouncer, flashing him a reassuring smile. "They're good, man," he said, his voice carrying a note of authority born from familiarity.

Turning back to the sisters, Treat's expression softened. "What's up, girls?" he asked, his tone warm and welcoming.

"Hi," Piper and Buffy replied in unison.

"We got a fly crowd," Treat exclaimed with a grin, gesturing towards the bustling dance floor where patrons swayed to the beat of the music.

"Uh-huh," Piper and Buffy chimed in unison, their voices barely audible over the thumping bass.

"I told you all it needs is a little danger," Treat continued, his enthusiasm palpable as he surveyed the scene before them.

"Yeah, that's exactly what this place lacked. Um, listen. Have you seen our sister Paige?" Piper interjected, her tone urgent as she shifted the conversation to a more pressing matter.

"Yeah, she was here, but she left. She said it was too noisy," Treat replied casually, his easygoing demeanor contrasting sharply with Piper's concern.

"She said what?" Buffy's voice rose slightly, her words carrying a mixture of incredulity and frustration as she strained to hear Treat's explanation over the din of the club.

Treat let out a sigh, his shoulders sagging as he sensed the gravity of the situation. "It was too noisy," he repeated patiently, his voice tinged with regret.

"Treat," Buffy said sharply, her glare fixed on the man before her. "You're fired. When I gave you permission to change the club, I didn't mean like this. We cater to both adult and teen clientele. Teenagers wouldn't come here. You're ruining the business because you neglected to include half of our clientele."

Piper stepped in, her voice calm but firm. "I will have your pay for the day ready first thing in the morning," she informed him, her tone leaving no room for argument. With a final nod, she and Buffy turned away, their minds already focused on the next steps they needed to take.

They found Leo trying to navigate through the crowded dance floor, a bemused smile playing on his lips as he found himself sandwiched between two dancing waitresses. He didn't seem to mind too much.

"Excuse us!" Buffy called out, her voice cutting through the noise as she and Piper pushed their way through the crowd towards him. "Hi, Dad! Having fun?" she asked sarcastically, her tone laced with amusement.

Piper added quickly, "Let's go. Paige took Finn to her loft. Let's go," her urgency palpable as she linked arms with Leo.

Leo nodded in understanding as he, Piper, and Buffy made their way through the pulsating club, their movements purposeful. As they reached the back room, Leo pulled Piper into his arms. With a silent nod, he orbed out with Piper. Buffy took a deep breath, then she disappeared in a swirl of fiery flames.

Paige's Apartment

Leo and Piper materialized in the living room of Paige's apartment in a swirl of blue and white orbs, their arrival barely a beat before Buffy emerged in a burst of fiery flames.

"Piper scanned for Paige, her voice tinged with urgency as she called out, "PAIGE?" Her eyes widened in shock as she caught sight of her younger sister kneeling before Finn.

Paige, her head peeking out from behind Finn, furrowed her brow in confusion. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice filled with bewilderment as she took in the unexpected arrival of her family.

Leo turned his head away, a blush creeping up his neck, while Piper stood frozen, her gaze lingering for a moment longer than necessary. "This is ridiculous! It's like dealing with a teenager," she muttered under her breath, her frustration evident in her tone.

"Hey," Buffy interjected, her voice cutting through the tension. "I resent that. I wasn't that bad," she protested, her pride wounded by the comparison.

Piper shot Buffy a pointed look, her expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. "Need I remind you, Buffy, what you did on your 17th birthday?" she countered, her tone teasing but affectionate.

Buffy's expression softened as she remembered the events of that fateful day. "Okay, so I was that bad," she conceded with a sheepish grin

Paige rolled her eyes at their 'get your head out of the gutter' assumption, her exasperation evident in her expression. "I'm just examining him," she clarified, her voice tinged with annoyance at their presumptions.

"Okay!" Piper exclaimed, holding up one finger as she marched forward with her eyes closed, her voice carrying a note of authority. "First of all: you should not have left the club," she scolded, her tone firm as she addressed Paige's impulsive decision.

"Piper," Paige tried to interject, but her sister plowed on, undeterred by the interruption.

"Second of all!" Buffy chimed in, holding up two fingers as she joined Piper in the admonishment. "You should not be playing doctor with the demon boy!" she admonished, her gaze shifting pointedly towards Finn, who quickly pulled his shirt back on before turning to face them, his expression a mix of discomfort and confusion.

"Buffy," Paige attempted once more, but her words were drowned out by Piper's continued lecturing.

Piper shook her head, holding up three fingers as she launched into her next point. "Third of all—"

"PIPER! BUFFY!" Paige's voice cut through the room, her tone sharp and commanding. The sudden outburst silenced her sisters, their attention snapping to her as she took control of the conversation. "He has no bellybutton," she announced to the room, her revelation hanging in the air like a thunderclap.

Piper and Buffy froze, their hands dropping to their sides as their eyes flicked to Finn, confirming that he indeed lacked a bellybutton. The realization sent a shiver down their spines, the implications of his unusual anatomy sinking in.

"I can explain," Paige promised, her voice steady despite the tension that hung in the air. "First of all, we left the club because it sucks now. Okay, anytime you try to be that hip. It ain't hip," she asserted, her frustration with the club's recent changes evident in her tone.

Buffy nodded in agreement, her expression grave. "I already regret my decision in hiring him. In fact, I already fired Treat," she admitted, her admission a testament to the severity of the situation.

Paige smiled at her baby sister, a sense of pride swelling within her. "That's good, Buffy. Now, second of all, Finn has no bellybutton because he wasn't born," she explained, her voice carrying a note of finality.

"I was created… out of clay," Finn interjected, his words hanging heavy in the air as he revealed the truth of his origins.

"In Gammill's own image. He must be a golem," Leo added, his voice grave as he pieced together the puzzle before them.

"I don't know the technical term," Paige concluded with an air of finality, her eyes resolute, "but I do know that Finn needs protection from the demon that made him."

Buffy shook her head, trying to process the situation. "Okay! Hold up," she said, her voice cutting through the tension. She turned her attention to Finn, her gaze intense. "Where is Gammill now?"

Finn shrugged nonchalantly, though there was a hint of nervousness in his eyes. "At the house, I think," he replied, his uncertainty evident.

Leo, who had been standing quietly, finally spoke up. "We were just there," he said, his brow furrowing in confusion. "We didn't see him."

"That's because he has his own secret hiding place," Finn answered quickly, the words tumbling out as if eager to explain.

Piper's eyes widened, a spark of hope mingled with dread flashing in them. "Could he be hiding our sister there?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly as she imagined Phoebe in danger.

Finn shook his head, a look of unease crossing his face. "No, he probably shrunk her."

Buffy's eyes widened in disbelief. "I'm sorry. He probably what?" she asked, struggling to comprehend the gravity of Finn's words.

"Well, that's what he does," Finn explained calmly, though his eyes betrayed his worry. "He takes his wand and he shrinks the women for his collection."

"Oh god. The figurines," Piper whispered, the realization hitting her like a ton of bricks. "That's why they're each one of a kind." She took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. "Okay, we have to get back there. We have to find Phoebe," she said firmly, her voice carrying a note of determination.

"Careful," Finn cried suddenly, his tone urgent. "If Gammill is at the house, waiting for you, then he'll shrink you all. I don't know why he didn't before," he added sternly, his concern for their safety evident.

Buffy turned to Finn, a thought striking her. "Does he still trust you?" she asked, her voice hopeful.

"Yeah," Finn replied warily, the uncertainty in his voice betraying his nerves.

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

"No, Piper, Buffy," Paige interjected, her voice firm as she objected to her sister's course of action. "We can't use Finn as a minesweeper. Besides, isn't he an innocent?"

Buffy turned to Paige, attempting to mask her amusement at the irony of the situation. She gently pulled Paige closer to her and Piper. "Actually, Paige, innocents tend to be real," she pointed out, her tone light despite the seriousness of the situation.

Paige crossed her arms, refusing to back down. "Listen, we have to go get Phoebe," she reasoned, her eyes pleading for her sisters to see her point. "First, we should go by your house, check the Book of Shadows to see if there's a spell to undo shrinking. We'll bring Finn with us," she suggested, hoping to find a middle ground.

Piper shook her head, her frustration evident. "We don't have time for that," she argued, her voice rising slightly. "Every minute we waste, Phoebe could be in more danger."

"Well, we can't go in there unprepared," Paige insisted, her voice rising with frustration.

"Unprepared might be our best shot right now," Buffy countered, her own voice rising in intensity. She turned to her father, seeking his guidance. "Dad, what do you think?" she asked, and all three sisters looked at him expectantly.

Leo remained calm, meeting their anxious gazes with a steady look. "I think you need to stop turning to me," he answered, his tone gentle yet firm. "Start trying to figure out a way to listen to each other," he suggested, shifting his gaze between his daughter and his wife. "Buffy, Piper, you two don't listen to Paige's ideas," he pointed out, watching as Paige smirked at her older and younger sisters. "Paige," he continued, turning to her, "you don't listen to Piper or Buffy's advice." Paige's jaw dropped in surprise, the realization hitting her hard.

Piper and Buffy folded their arms, mirroring Paige's defensive posture, and smirked back at her, a moment of sibling rivalry surfacing.

Leo sighed, his patience tested but unwavering. "I think you guys need to figure out a way to work as partners," he concluded, looking between the three women with a stern yet hopeful expression.

"We're… partners," Piper assured him half-heartedly, her words lacking conviction as she and Buffy stood with their bodies angled away from Paige, the tension palpable.

"Equal… partners," Leo insisted sternly, his tone brooking no argument.

Paige rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Well, listen. Can we do that tomorrow?" she asked pleadingly, her voice tinged with frustration. "Right now we actually need your help."

Leo sighed, feeling the weight of the moment. "All right, well I think the best way I can help is by this," he said, his voice calm as he orbed out, disappearing in a shimmer of light.

Buffy's jaw dropped, shock and disbelief written all over her face. "DAD?" she cried incredulously, the frustration bubbling over. "Great!" she snapped, her words echoed simultaneously by Paige and Piper.

"What now?" Paige turned to her sisters, her eyes reflecting her desperation and worry.

Piper placed one hand on her hip, her stance conveying her determination. "Well…" she began, glancing at Buffy for support. "Buffy and I are just gonna have to convince you that we're right."

Paige mirrored her sister's stance, placing one hand on her hip as well. "Well… we don't have all day," she retorted, her voice sharp. She sighed deeply, realizing the futility of their argument. "Why don't we just flip a coin?" she suggested, her tone a mix of resignation and practicality.

Buffy gawked, her eyes wide with disbelief and urgency. "Phoebe's life is at stake!" she exclaimed, her voice edged with desperation.

"All the more reason to make a decision quickly," Paige pointed out with a smirk, her calm demeanor contrasting sharply with Buffy's agitation.

Piper held up a hand to stop any more argument from Buffy. "Fine! Flip," she ordered Paige, her expression a mix of frustration and determination.

Buffy turned to Piper, her eyes pleading. "Piper?" she said, her voice softer, seeking reassurance from her eldest sister.

Piper met Buffy's gaze, her expression softening momentarily before she returned to her steely resolve. "We don't have time to argue over it, Buffy," she replied firmly. She then turned back to Paige, her scowling gaze underscoring the urgency of their situation. "Flip," she ordered again, her tone brooking no argument.

Paige sighed, feeling the weight of the moment as she picked up a coin from a nearby table. She held it up, ready to resolve their impasse. "Call it," she instructed, her eyes locking with Piper's.

"Heads," Piper replied, frowning slightly as she eyed the coin in Paige's hand.

Paige threw the coin into the air, and it spun rapidly before she caught it in both hands. She peeked quickly, saw that it was heads, and then, with a subtle flick of her power, turned the coin over. "It's tails," she announced, showing the coin to Piper and Buffy. "I win," she said triumphantly, a smug smile spreading across her face.

Piper looked skeptical, her eyes narrowing as she studied the coin. "Fair and square," Paige added, her tone innocent. She then glanced at Buffy. "You want me to flip again?"

Buffy sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly in resignation. "No," she said, knowing they needed to move forward. She glanced toward the heavens in a gesture of exasperation. "Dad, I hate you," she muttered, frustration evident in her voice. Just then, a jingling sound filled her ears, causing Buffy to roll her eyes. "Don't you dare jingle me, Dad!" she snapped, her annoyance palpable.

Halliwell Manor

"It's okay. You'll be safe here," Paige assured Finn as they walked through the front doors of the Manor.

"Can I get a glass of water?" Finn asked, rubbing his hands together nervously. "My skin feels a little dry."

"Oh yeah, sure." Paige smiled warmly, hoping to ease his discomfort. "The kitchen's just down there to the left," she told him, pointing in that direction.

Finn nodded appreciatively and headed for the kitchen, his footsteps echoing softly through the hallway. Suddenly, a red beam shot out from nowhere, striking Finn in the back. He froze, eyes wide with shock, before crumbling into dust. The sight was so abrupt and horrifying that Piper screamed, the sound piercing the air as she instinctively moved closer to Buffy and Paige.

All three sisters screamed again, their voices a chorus of terror, as Gammill rounded the corner. His presence was menacing, his eyes cold and calculating. He held up his wand, and a lightning-like bolt of energy shot out, hitting each sister in quick succession. The world around them seemed to warp and twist as they shrank down to mere inches, the once familiar surroundings of the manor now towering over them like a nightmarish landscape.

Paige, Piper, and Buffy found themselves looking up at Gammill, who loomed above them like a giant. Their hearts pounded in their tiny chests, the sudden shift in perspective adding to their disorientation and fear.

Creepy House

Gammill grinned with malevolent satisfaction as he pulled off his latex gloves, the snapping sound echoing ominously in the dimly lit room. He walked over to the shelf where Phoebe and another woman lay, now joined by the shrunken forms of Buffy, Piper, and Paige. His smirk widened as he picked up the other woman. "Time to fire up the kiln," he chuckled darkly, his voice filled with twisted glee. With a casual, almost nonchalant air, he walked away, the woman's tiny form clutched in his hand.

Buffy, Piper, and Paige turned slightly to face Phoebe, their expressions a mixture of relief and determination despite their precarious situation.

"At least we came for you," Piper muttered, trying to inject some lightness into the dire moment. Phoebe, unable to mask her frustration, growled softly in response. Piper rolled her eyes but quickly shifted to a more upbeat tone. "Buffy, Paige, and I are here now. We have the Power of Four," she pointed out cheerfully, trying to instill some hope.

"Can you say a spell?" Piper asked Phoebe hopefully, she got only a whimper in response. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "Okay, we'll figure this out. Buffy, Paige, let's go over our options."

"Options?" Paige echoed, her voice tinged with sarcasm and frustration. "We have two: we're screwed or we're more screwed."

Buffy shot her a sharp look. "We don't need negativity, we need solutions," she snapped, her tone brooking no argument.

Paige, unable to hold back her sarcasm, snapped back, "Well, I'm sorry. I've never been shrunk and covered in clay before."

"Hey!" Piper said sharply, her eyes locking onto Paige's with intensity. "You wanted to be partners, so work with us here. Okay? Or you're right: we are screwed."

Paige, feeling the weight of her sister's words, took a deep breath and nodded. "Can't you blast your way out of it?" she asked, her gaze shifting warily to Gammill as he checked on the kiln, which was burning hot and ominous in the corner.

"I tried," Piper replied regretfully, a hint of frustration in her voice. "I can't move my hands."

"Buffy?" Paige turned to her baby sister, hope flickering in her eyes.

Buffy shook her head, her expression grim. "While I could probably power up a fireball or flame out, I don't want to risk it. Since my Whitelighter powers were influenced by the Slayer to become fire based, I might do nothing more than harden the clay faster."

Paige sighed, her mind racing as she tried to think of an alternative. "I could call for something," she thought aloud, her frustration and fear evident in her tone. "But what would help? What's the point of having powers if you can't use them?" she snapped, clearly struggling to keep her composure.

"What about orbing?" Piper asked suddenly, her eyes lighting up with a spark of hope.

Paige frowned, not quite understanding. "Will Leo hear us?" she asked, confusion etched on her face.

"No, that's not what Piper meant," Buffy clarified. "You are part-Whitelighter like I am. You can orb."

Paige shook her head slightly, still hesitant. "Only in the same place. It's not like I can orb somewhere far."

"Well, that might work," Piper argued, her tone insistent. "The clay's still wet enough; it might collapse if you leave for a second."

Phoebe made a noise that sounded like agreement, a small whimper of hope.

"Yeah? Only one problem," Paige decided to burst their bubble, her voice tinged with frustration. "I've never been able to orb at will before."

"That's only because you haven't learned how yet," Buffy said, her voice a mix of encouragement and urgency. "Just concentrate and relax. Remember what I told you about when I flame out."

"Relax?" Paige muttered in disbelief, her frustration mounting. "Are you kidding?"

Buffy sighed, trying to keep her own anxiety in check. "Paige, just close your eyes, take a deep breath, feel the magic rising from a place of strength," she guided, her tone softening. Paige closed her eyes and followed her sister's instructions. "Feel it building and building. Paige… you're our only… hope," she added desperately, feeling the clay around her own limbs beginning to harden.

Paige concentrated hard, her brow furrowing with the effort. A shimmering light surrounded her as she was engulfed by white and blue orbs. In an instant, she disappeared from view, and the clay that encased her shattered. She reappeared seconds later, standing free of the confining material. Paige opened her eyes and sighed in relief, "It worked. How cool was that?"

Buffy and Piper both made an irritated noise, their impatience clear.

"I know, I know. I'm coming," Paige muttered, rolling her eyes at their exasperation. Without wasting another moment, she moved quickly and kicked at the clay around Piper, breaking it apart and freeing her sister.

Piper sighed heavily, turned to Buffy, and kicked her free. Buffy quickly followed suit, turning to Phoebe and kicking her free as well.

Phoebe gasped and stumbled slightly, catching her breath. "Aw, thank you," she said with a grateful smile, kissing Buffy, Piper, and Paige on their cheeks. Her eyes darted towards Gammill, who was about to place Claudia into the kiln. "He's about to put Claudia into the kiln. Piper, freeze him!"

Piper threw up her hands to freeze Gammill, but nothing happened. "Oh. He's way too big for my tiny magic," she said, frustration evident in her voice.

Paige looked uncertain but determined. "Do you think I can call for his wand?" she asked, her voice wavering slightly.

Piper gave her an encouraging nod. "I don't know. Try it," she urged, hoping against hope that it might work.

Phoebe, her eyes wide with concern, leaned in and whispered, "Just keep your voice down. If he hears us, we'll be cooked."

Paige walked forward and held out one hand. "Wand," she called, but it didn't budge. "Wand," she tried again, but still nothing.

"Okay! This could take all day," Buffy muttered, walking over to Paige and taking Paige's free hand in hers. Paige looked at her puzzled. "I'm part Whitelighter, like you, remember? We share the same power. I'll augment us also," she added, and Paige nodded. They looked at one another then called in perfect unison, "Wand!"

This time, the wand was engulfed in bright orbing lights as well as fiery flames. It disappeared and reappeared behind Buffy and Paige seconds later.

"Alright!" Paige cried happily, high-fiving Buffy.

"Uh-oh!" Piper muttered as Gammill turned and realized what was happening.

"Oh dear! Oh dear!" Phoebe panicked as they lifted the wand together, aiming it at Gammill.

"We need a spark," Paige informed, sounding slightly panicked.

"Got it!" Piper assured as she let go of the wand and stood behind it. Taking a deep breath, she flicked her wrists. A small explosion erupted at the back, igniting the wand and sending the lightning spark directly at Gammill himself, shrinking him to their size.

"Uh-oh!" Gammill squeaked, looking up at everything towering over him.

"Can you freeze him now?" Phoebe asked.

Piper ran forward and threw up her hands. "Yep," she said smugly, and with a flick of her wrist, Gammill froze on the spot.

Phoebe smirked cockily. "What do you say we take him out Charmed-One style?"

"Don't we need a spell for that?" Paige asked, glancing nervously at her sisters.

"Well, that's the good thing about being stuck in clay all day," Phoebe replied smugly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I had time to think of one. Repeat after me: Small of mind."

"Small of mind," they echoed together, their voices resonating with determination.

"Big of woe," Phoebe continued, her smirk widening.

"Big of woe," they repeated, their tones growing more confident.

"The pain you caused," Phoebe added, her smirk turning into a glare.

"The pain you caused," her sisters echoed, their voices uniting in righteous anger.

"You now will know!" Phoebe declared, her glare fixed on the tiny, frozen figure of Gammill.

"You now will know!" her sisters repeated in unison, their voices strong and unwavering. Paige looked as if she was enjoying herself, a sly smile tugging at her lips, while Buffy and Piper wore determined frowns.

The four sisters watched on happily as the now tiny demon squealed in pain before disappearing in a cloud of smoke. Relief washed over them, but the sense of victory was short-lived.

"AH!" Piper yelped as she felt a strange sensation coursing through her body. She began to grow, her limbs elongating back to their normal size.

"WHOA!" Phoebe cried out, her eyes widening in alarm as the shelf beneath them creaked ominously.

"OH! OH! OH!" Buffy squealed, her voice rising in pitch as the shelf gave way and they all tumbled to the floor, landing in a heap of tangled limbs and disarray.

Piper groaned, rubbing her elbow as she pulled herself up. "That's it?" Paige asked incredulously, brushing dust off her clothes as she helped Buffy to her feet. "That's the spell you spent all day working on?"

Phoebe, looking slightly disheveled but pleased with herself, shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, it worked, didn't it?" she retorted. She extended a hand to Piper, who pulled her to her feet.

"Oh, my gosh!" Claudia cried, her eyes wide with astonishment as she stood up and walked over to them. "How'd you do that?"

The four sisters exchanged proud smiles, feeling a rush of triumph and relief.

"The power of four!" Phoebe exclaimed proudly, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Nuh-uh!" Piper interjected, shaking her head with a smirk. She held up two fingers very close together. "The power of point four," she corrected seriously, adding a touch of humor to the situation.

Phoebe laughed, rolling her eyes playfully. She nudged Piper with her elbow, then rested her chin on Piper's shoulder, a gesture of affection and solidarity.

Buffy chuckled, shaking her head at her sisters' antics. Piper caught Buffy's eye and grinned, reaching out to grab Buffy by the arm and yank her closer into the huddle. Buffy, in turn, grabbed Paige's hand, pulling her along until all four sisters stood in a tight, comforting circle.

The Spot (Formerly Payson's)

"Well?" Piper asked, her curiosity brimming as she and Leo made their way over to Paige, Phoebe, Buffy, and Andy. "What do you guys think of 'The Spot'?"

Phoebe nodded her head enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Well, the club managed to score Dave Navarro!" she exclaimed. "That is pretty impressive."

Leo, however, looked less thrilled. "I still can't get used to the white gauze," he said, his voice tinged with discomfort.

Buffy smiled warmly at her father, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Well, you don't have to, Dad. I told Treat that this just drives away half our clientele. Have you noticed there is no one here under 21? So I fired Treat. Besides, Paige is right. It's trying way too hard to be hip. Which means it is five minutes away from being five minutes ago."

Phoebe, always the optimist, raised her glass in a toast. "Okay! To the old!"

Paige smiled too, but her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. There was a flicker of something unspoken, something that weighed heavily on her mind.

Phoebe, ever perceptive, noticed immediately. Her voice softened with concern. "What's the matter, honey?" she asked gently, her hand reaching out to Paige's arm in a comforting gesture.

Paige shrugged, a wave of melancholy washing over her. "The last time I was here, I was with Finn," she said sadly, her voice tinged with the weight of her memories. "How do you guys get over these things?"

"You don't," Phoebe answered, shaking her head with a mix of sympathy and realism.

"But you learn with experience that you can't dwell on the losses," Piper explained gently, her eyes filled with understanding. She placed a comforting hand on Paige's shoulder, hoping to offer some solace.

"Yeah," Buffy whispered, her voice barely audible but carrying a depth of shared pain. She took over, trying to find the right words. "You just kinda have to—"

"Harden your heart?" Paige suggested, her eyes searching Buffy's for some sort of confirmation.

"Protect your heart," Buffy corrected her, her stare pointed but kind. Paige closed her eyes, the sadness welling up even more. Buffy continued softly, "Unfortunately, it's a fact of our lives that sometimes the good comes with a little sadness. As Piper, Phoebe, and I witnessed just a few months ago."

Paige nodded understandingly, feeling the warmth of their support. Phoebe squeezed her arm and smiled, her eyes conveying reassurance.

Leo leaned close to Buffy, planting a gentle kiss on the back of his daughter's head. He then moved over to Piper, repeating the tender gesture on the back of his wife's head. "There was a lot of good, too," he said, his voice filled with a quiet conviction.

"There was a lot of good. I mean, my skin looks fabulous," Phoebe chimed in, her lighthearted comment breaking the tension and eliciting a few chuckles.

Piper smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "And now that I've been five inches tall, I will never complain about my height again," she said, casting a meaningful glance at Paige. "And nor will I doubt your instincts again."

"Neither will I," Buffy added, her smile directed at Paige, a silent acknowledgment of their shared experiences and growth.

Paige smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude. "Thank you," she said softly, her heart swelling with the warmth of their camaraderie.

Leo cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "Okay, well then there's just one more thing that we need to tie up," he announced, a hint of mystery in his voice.

"Oh, okay," Piper responded, curiosity piqued as Leo pulled her and Buffy to their feet. He then motioned for Paige and Phoebe to follow.

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"Uh, Leo, what are you looking for?" Phoebe asked, her curiosity piqued as she, Paige, Piper, and Buffy followed Leo down the dimly lit alley behind the club. The sounds of the bustling nightlife faded into the background, replaced by the soft echoes of their footsteps on the pavement.

"Something very important," Leo replied, his tone serious and focused.

"Broken glass?" Buffy asked, her sharp eyes spotting the shattered remnants of the Payson's sign glinting under the alley lights.

Leo nodded, coming to a stop beside the broken sign. "Broken glass that needs healing," he said, bending down to examine it closely. "Here it is. It's up to you."

Buffy stepped closer, her brow furrowing with concern. "Can you do it, Dad?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of hope and uncertainty. Leo nodded reassuringly.

"But can you change it, though?" Buffy added, her eyes meeting Leo's with a determined glint.

"Change it?" Leo echoed, straightening up to face her.

"Yes, I want to do more than just heal the sign," Buffy said, her voice growing stronger with each word. "I want to honor my family. I want to change the name of the club."

Piper, Paige, and Phoebe exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from curiosity to understanding. Piper stepped forward, her hand resting on Buffy's shoulder. "What do you have in mind, Buffy?"

Buffy's smile widened. "To 'Payson's P4'."

"Payson's P4?" Phoebe questioned, her brow furrowing with curiosity.

Buffy nodded, her gaze earnest. "I want to honor you guys and Prue. By changing the name, I'm doing just that. I want to honor Prue's memory."

Piper's eyes softened as she looked at her youngest sister. "I think Prue would like that," she said, her voice filled with quiet approval and remembrance.

Buffy nodded in agreement, her heart swelling with the thought of honoring Prue's legacy in such a meaningful way. She turned and glanced at Paige. "And I also, of course, want to acknowledge my sisters, even though you are all actually my cousins. Including my newest sister, Paige."

Paige's eyes widened in surprise at Buffy's words. "Wow, Buffy. That's nice. But you don't…"

"It's what I want to do, Paige," Buffy interrupted gently, her voice firm yet tender. Paige nodded, a smile spreading across her face as she felt the warmth of Buffy's acceptance and inclusion.

Piper's smile widened with anticipation as she nodded at her husband. "Can you make the change?" she asked, her voice filled with hope and excitement.

Leo met her gaze with a determined nod, his hands poised over the sign. With a gentle yet focused energy, he began to channel his power, his palms glowing softly as he worked his magic.

As Leo concentrated, a ripple of energy coursed through the sign. The broken pieces started to shift and mend themselves, the fractured glass weaving back together with a newfound strength. And as if guided by an unseen force, the fluorescent tubes began to twist and rearrange themselves, forming a new shape.

With a soft hum, the sign flickered to life once more, its vibrant lights illuminating the alley with a warm glow. The letters danced in the darkness, spelling out the new name: PAYSON'S P4.

Buffy's smile widened with delight as she admired the transformed sign. "Payson's P4 is now in business," she declared proudly, her voice ringing out with a sense of accomplishment.

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Author's Note: In my other Charmed story (Charmed: The Last Halliwell) I changed the name of the club to P4 as a way of Piper acknowledging not only Paige but Buffy as well as her sisters. Someone made a review that the name of the club should have been P5 because of Prue. But the thing is even in the series except for passing mentions Prue was pretty much forgotten. The writers left the name of the club P3. They even pretty much wrote in that the club was now in honor of Piper, Phoebe and Paige – the current Power of Three. Anyways that was why in that story I didn't do the P5 as the reviewer suggested.

Anyways I decided I wanted to acknowledge Prue this time around, and not let her totally be forgotten. So that's why the club is named Payson's P4 now. For Buffy (Payson), Prue, Piper, Phoebe, and Paige. And when Dawn comes into the picture you will see the sign mystically changed because of her addition to Payson's P5 so that Prue is still remembered. In fact a couple chapters I have partially written for after Dawn arrives I have even Prue mentioned in spots.