Chapter 16: A Fragile Reunion

The Halliwell family gathered in the living room of Prue and Andy's parallel-world home. Despite its cozy warmth, the air was thick with tension, unanswered questions, and a fragile hope. Prue, her emotions raw but her demeanor steady, began to recount her story.

"When I woke up after Shax's attack," she began, her voice trembling, "I was in a cage. In this cave and i saw Demons were everywhere and their human too, Around me, were frozen figures—humans turned into some kind of grotesque trophies. I don't know how long I was there, but it felt like an eternity. I kept thinking about you—wondering if you were safe and alive ,

Her eyes locked on Piper and Phoebe, who sat frozen, their expressions etched with grief and guilt. I counts my days and weeks i was their , the chain is like draining my energy . I was weak, then these demon came, he smile and said that i am one of his priceless collection of witches that in time my power will his. I tried create a spell to contact you two , so that you could find me but it is useless, till one day , i was verge of giving up and then I thought I die because i saw a familiar face.

"It wasn't until Andy found me that I believed I could escape." She glanced at Andy, her voice breaking. "He risked everything to get me out. He fought through waves of demons, but just as we were about to escape, a portal appeared. It dragged us here."

Andy picked up the thread. "At first, we thought it was another trap, but this world was… different. Time felt off. Our powers were gone, but so was the threat. We couldn't be found. We thought maybe we could start over and stay, He squeezed Prue's hand. "And for a while, we did."

Prue nodded, her gaze dropping. Till i became pregnant, Andy and I did try to finds way to go home, if we count we almost spent less than two years, till one day we saw changes in this world, like it was cracking up. Like mirrors, then we saw a light , Andy and I follow it and step into it. But before we got free The Elders found us took us in some kind limbo . They told us we could never go back—that if we tried, they'd take our unborn child . We had no choice but to comply they said we have a clean slate no powers, no relative or family, that in the eyes of mortal world we did not die, that I am Prue Bennett and Andy just Andy..the elder said that if we try to contact with you they will get my child .

For six years, we built a life in crystal falls a small town in north Carolina, few weeks after we got out from these parallel world i gave birth to Adrianna , it was February 28 2002, almost three weeks after we escape these parallel world.

Then Piper ask. Prue do you remember the day you escape? Prue look at her and said .well if estimate it must Feb 1 or 2.2002 and Phoebe and Piper look at each other and said, that is day Wyatt was born. That time the magic was down both evil and good. So that must affect these world . Prue and Andy look at them and smile and said. its good that happen..

Then last 2 weeks ago , at Adrianna 6th birthday it happened a portal appeared and it took us. We been here for two weeks.

The room fell silent. Piper finally spoke, her voice trembling. "We thought you were dead, Prue. We buried you. We grieved. And then we found Paige… she became our sister and helped us keep going."

Phoebe added, her voice thick with emotion, "We fought so hard, but it's never been the same without you. The Power of Three kept us alive, but we've lost so much since then. Now the manor is gone. The Book of Shadows is gone. And the Power of Three is gone" we can no longer harness the collective power , but we still have our individual power but it not strong as before,

Prue's heart broke at their words. She reached for Piper's hand. "I'm so sorry I wasn't there. I should've been with you."

Andy cleared his throat, his voice steady. "The past is the past. What matters now is that we're together. We have to focus on what comes next." He looked at Paige, then at the others. "And I'd like to know everyone I haven't met yet."

Paige stepped forward, looking at Prue her voice soft but steady. "I'm Paige Matthews. Your sister."

Prue stared at her, a mixture of awe and emotion crossing her face. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and embraced Paige tightly. "I'm happy to meet you," she whispered.

Paige returned the hug, tears streaming down her face. "Me too."

The Halliwell family sat together, the atmosphere was heavy with both relief and unease. The joy of reunion was overshadowed by the grim reality of their circumstances. Prue, seated between Andy and Piper, listened intently as Paige began to recount the events leading to their arrival in the parallel world.

"It started about a months ago," Paige began, her voice steady but tinged with tension. "The Elders approached me with a mission. They said there was a child—or children—out there with untapped power. But the strange thing was… they couldn't locate them. They only felt their presence sporadically, like flickers of light in the dark."

Prue tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Untapped power? Did they give you any details?"

Paige shook her head. "Not really. Just that these children could potentially tip the balance of good and evil. It was vague, even for them. At first, I thought it was a wild goose chase, but then Phoebe started having premonitions."

Phoebe nodded, chiming in. "Yeah, it wasn't much at first—just flashes. A child's laughter, an unfamiliar energy. But then one day, I had a vision. It was clearer than any I've had in years. It showed us… well, it was like breadcrumbs leading us to clues. We followed what little we had, and that's when things started getting more intense."

"What happened?" Prue asked, her brow furrowing with concern.

Paige exchanged a look with Piper and Phoebe before continuing. "One day, out of nowhere, a demon attacked us at the manor. His name was Daza. He was powerful—more than we expected. And he wasn't after the Power of Three or anything like that."

Phoebe added, her voice trembling slightly, "He said he was looking for you, Prue. Our 'oldest sister,' he called you. That's when we realized… you might actually be alive. It shook us to our core."

Prue leaned back, processing their words. "He was looking for me?" she repeated, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Paige nodded. "Yes, and he didn't hold back. During the fight, he did something none of us expected—he burned the Book of Shadows. We couldn't stop him."

"The Book is gone?" Prue whispered, her eyes wide with shock.

"Yes," Piper interjected, her tone heavy with grief. "It was devastating, Prue. The Book has been in our family for generations, and just like that, it was destroyed."

Paige continued, her voice softening, "But in a strange twist of fate, something… miraculous happened. Grams and Mom came back. Their spirits were resurrected. We don't know how or why, but they've been with us ever since."

Prue glanced at Grams and Patricia, her emotions swirling. "You're both really here," she murmured.

"We are," Patricia replied gently, reaching out to squeeze her daughter's hand. "And we're not going anywhere, not while you all need us."

The tender moment was interrupted by the children's laughter as they chased each other around the room. "Adi, Drea, let's play!" Andrew called, darting past.

Grams smiled faintly, though her gaze lingered on the children with an odd intensity. "Careful, little ones. This house may be familiar, but it holds its own mysteries."

Her cryptic remark drew concerned glances from Prue and Andy. "What do you mean?" Prue asked.

Grams shook her head, as if shaking off a fog. "I'm not sure. But those three children feel… connected to something here. Something important." as Grams is looking at them.

Before anyone could press further, Patricia's firm voice cut through the air. "We don't have time for riddles. Inara is still out there, and she won't stop until she gets what she wants. Adrianna may have saved us, but the danger is far from over."

Wait, Prue spoke and what do you mean my Adrianna save you ? She has no power?

Patricia look at her eldest and said, from what we saw , Adrianna has power, she just appeared in midst of fight in Manor, to the demon i suspect the one that kidnap you years ago whose name is Daza, but i think Adrianna does not know she has this ability, she doing it unconsciously , in two weeks that they are with us when your father took them from your home in North Carolina, those three children always on edge, i could feel it. Even in young age , i think they understand it.

Prue and Andy look at each other and speechless , till Paige said something..it was them, Prue your children is my mission to find.. The elders told me that they are sensing a child or rather children that now into power but they cannot locate it. It was them.. the Elder said they are important and i have find them before evil will ..as Paige admission , Prue walk toward her kids and hug them.

As Patty said again. We must prepared and analyze our situation remember Inara and other demon is out their. The mention of Inara cast a heavy shadow over the room. The Halliwells had reunited, but their battle was only beginning.

Prue stood, determination hardening her features. I agree with mom "We need a plan. As they settle the Halliwell family gathered in the living Phoebe froze, her hand drifting to a scroll tucked in her bag—the one Gregory had given her earlier. She pulled it out, staring at it.

"What is it, Phoebe?" Paige asked, noticing her sister's strange expression.

Phoebe held the scroll as if it were alive. "It's… it's saying something."

Everyone turned toward her as she unraveled the parchment. The original text seemed faint, as though hiding in plain sight, but new words began to etch themselves into the scroll in shimmering, golden ink.

"It's the continuation of the prophecy," Phoebe whispered, her voice trembling. "Prudence Warren's Prophecy about the Power Beyond Three."

Piper leaned in, her brow furrowed. "What does it say?"

Phoebe read aloud as the words appeared:

"When the world stands on the brink of destruction, when the forces of light and darkness wage war, a power dormant shall awaken. Four witches, bound by destiny, shall harness the Ancient Force. Together, they will rise as they discover that their is more Power Beyond Three and restore the balance."

Silence fell over the room as everyone stared at Phoebe.

"Four witches?" Paige asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

"It's… an ancient power," Phoebe explained, her fingers tracing the glowing text. "Something older than the Power of Three. It can only be accessed in times of great conflict, when the world itself is at risk."

Prue's eyes widened as the words sank in. "Four witches… that's us. It's been here all along, waiting for the right time."

Patricia stepped forward, her voice urgent. "This power could be the key to defeating Inara. But if it's as ancient as the scroll suggests, tapping into it won't be easy."

Phoebe nodded, clutching the scroll tightly. And said how will get that power.

Grams spoke maybe the prophecy requires more than magic—it needs unity. The four of you, your bond as sisters,

The ingredients already reveals. Paige existence, Prue disappearance and Phoebe past .that crack the power of three. Those are the rules ..now that your are united .we must find the way to understand what truly power beyond three means. What is this magic .how and where you will get it. As the sisters look at their Grams..

Piper spoke, Grams is right , We have to face our fears, forgive the past, and come together as one."

Prue met her sisters' gazes, her expression resolute. "Then we do it. Whatever it takes, we fight. For our family. For the world."

Piper nodded, determination hardening her features. "Together."

The room filled with a renewed sense of hope. For the first time in years, the Halliwells saw a glimmer of light in the darkness. But as the ground beneath them trembled, they knew the battle had only begun.

Prue's eyes were drawn to the scroll as if it were calling to her. She moved closer, her fingers brushing against it. The moment she touched it, the glowing text shifted, revealing more words.

Phoebe gasped as she read aloud:

"To see the Power Beyond Three, seek the ancient tree. Beneath its branches lies raw power—enough to restore what has been lost and transform it into something new. This power alone can turn the tides and vanquish the darkness that threatens to envelop the world."

"The ancient tree…" Piper echoed, her brow furrowed. "What does that mean?"

Prue's fingers lingered on the scroll, her expression contemplative. "It must be tied to the ancient power the prophecy mentioned. If the tree can restore what's lost… maybe it can help us regain the Power of Three—or something even greater."

Phoebe nodded, her excitement growing. "The scroll is guiding us. It's been waiting for us to reach this moment, to discover the path forward."

Paige tilted her head, skeptical but intrigued. "But where do we even find this tree? It could be anywhere—or not even in this world."

Patricia stepped forward, her voice steady. "If the prophecy is true, then the tree will reveal itself when the time is right. But we must be prepared. Tapping into this power won't be simple. It's ancient, unpredictable, and dangerous if used recklessly."

Prue turned to her sisters, her gaze resolute. "Whatever it takes, we'll find it. This is our chance—not just to restore our powers, but to finally tip the scales in this fight."

Piper nodded, her determination evident. "Together."

Phoebe clutched the scroll tightly, its warmth pulsing against her skin. "The power is waiting for us. We just have to trust the prophecy and each other."

The sisters exchanged a look, their bond strengthened by the promise of something greater. But as the ground beneath them trembled, and the shadows outside began to stir, they knew their journey to the ancient tree would test them like never before.

After the intense conversation, the family decided to take a break and let the weight of everything settle. The children, full of energy and curiosity, naturally gravitated toward one another. Wyatt and Chris stood together, eyeing Andrew, who was playing with some wooden blocks on the floor.

Wyatt nudged Chris, whispering, "Should we ask him to play with us?"

Chris shrugged but smiled. "Why not? He looks nice."

The two brothers approached Andrew. Wyatt, ever the confident one, crouched down beside him. "Hey, Andrew," he said softly. "Can we play with you?"

Andrew paused, looking up at them with wide eyes. Then, after a brief hesitation, he smiled and nodded. "Otay."

As the boys started building towers together, Adrianna, who had been sitting nearby coloring, glanced at them and frowned. She got up, crossing her arms. "Hey!" she called out, marching toward them. "That's my brother. He only plays with me and Andrea." She looked Wyatt and Chris up and down, suspicion clear in her voice. "Who are you?"

Before the boys could answer, Leo stepped in, kneeling to Adrianna's level. "Adrianna," he said gently, his tone warm and reassuring. "We're family. This is my son Wyatt," he said, pointing to the blond boy, "and this is Chris. They're your cousins."

Adrianna tilted her head, still uncertain. "Family?" she echoed, glancing at Wyatt and Chris again.

Leo nodded with a smile. "Yes, you have a big family. Those three ladies over there?" He gestured toward Piper, Phoebe, and Paige, who were chatting softly nearby. "They're your mommy's sisters. That makes them your aunts. And I'm your Uncle Leo."

Adrianna looked at him curiously. Leo extended his hand toward her, palm up. "Can we be friends too?" he asked.

Adrianna stared at his hand for a moment before slowly placing hers in his. "Okay…" she said hesitantly, then turned to Prue. "So, we're family?"

Prue smiled and nodded, her voice tender. "Yes, honey. They're family. It's okay to play with them."

Adrianna considered this for a moment before looking at Wyatt and Chris. "Okay, but don't break my brother's toys!" she said, her tone stern but her smile giving her away.

Wyatt grinned. "Deal!" he said, holding up a block like a peace offering.

The children began playing together, their laughter filling the room. Adrianna quickly warmed up to her cousins, and soon all three were working together to build a castle out of blocks. Andrea joined them shortly after, giggling as she knocked over one of the towers, prompting a playful protest from Wyatt and Chris.

The adults watched the scene with quiet smiles. Prue leaned against Andy, her heart swelling as she saw her children laughing with their cousins. "It's nice to see them together," she whispered. "They've missed out on so much."

Andy nodded, wrapping an arm around her. "This is how it should've been all along."

Piper glanced at Leo, who was still sitting with the children, gently guiding Adrianna through the block-building process. "He's good at this," she said softly. "Making everyone feel like family."

Phoebe nodded, her gaze thoughtful as she held the scroll in her lap. "He's going to need that skill if we're really going to face what's ahead together."

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Paige and Andy were setting out snacks while Piper brewed a pot of tea. "It's strange," Paige said, glancing at the children. "It feels like they've known each other forever, even though this is their first time meeting."

Andy nodded, slicing an apple for the kids. "They're Halliwells," he said simply. "It's in their blood to connect like that."

Phoebe walked over, holding the ancient scroll in her hands. She smiled as she looked at the children, then turned to Piper. "It reminds me of us when we were little," she said softly. "Running around the manor, getting into trouble."

Piper chuckled. "Except they've got a whole crew. Can you imagine what Grams would've said about having this many magical kids under one roof?"

"Something along the lines of 'this is a recipe for chaos,'" Paige quipped with a grin.

Prue joined them, leaning against the counter with a steaming cup of tea. "I think Grams would've loved it," she said. "She would've been overwhelmed, but deep down, she'd have been proud."

Back in the living room, Grams was seated in armchair, watching the children with a soft smile. "They remind me of the girls" she said aloud, drawing the attention of Patricia, who sat beside her.

"Don't they?" Patricia replied, her eyes twinkling as she observed Adrianna carefully supervising the boys' tower-building efforts. "It's heartwarming to see them together. Even in a strange place like this, they're finding joy."

Tamora., one of the Mitchell siblings, toddled over to Grams, holding up a stuffed bear. "G'ams, play!" he demanded with a bright grin.

Grams chuckled and reached for the toy. "Well, how can I say no to that face?" she said, pulling him onto her lap.

Kat were sitting on the rug nearby, braiding each other's hair. PJ joined them, chatting animatedly about a game she and Parker had made up. Peyton, the youngest of Phoebe's children, sat next to Andrea, looking at her sort crayons by color.

As the family settled into this rare moment of togetherness, a sense of peace filled the room. For now, the looming danger seemed distant, and they allowed themselves to simply be.

"I think we've been through enough darkness for a lifetime," Phoebe said, leaning against the counter with a sigh. "It's moments like this that remind me why we keep fighting."

"Exactly," Prue agreed. She looked out at the children, her heart swelling with pride and love. "They're the future. And as long as we're together, there's nothing we can't face."

Three days had passed since the Halliwell family had reunited in the parallel world, and everyone was slowly adjusting to their new surroundings. Prue and Andy's home had become a hub of activity, filled with the laughter of children, the chatter of adults, and the occasional chaos that came with being a magical family.

Paige, however, still felt slightly out of place. She had spent some time with Phoebe and Piper over the last few days, but she hadn't yet had a real conversation with Prue. There was a lingering awkwardness between them, like two strangers trying to find common ground.

On the third evening, after dinner, Paige found herself sitting on the porch, enjoying the quiet night air. The stars here seemed brighter, and the world itself felt softer, as though it carried less weight than the real one.

She heard footsteps behind her and turned to see Prue approaching, holding two mugs of tea. "Mind if I join you?" Prue asked, her tone tentative but kind.

Paige smiled and gestured to the empty chair next to her. "Not at all. I could use the company."

Prue handed her a mug and sat down, her movements careful, almost hesitant. For a while, they sipped their tea in silence, listening to the faint sounds of the children playing inside.

"You've been quiet these past few days," Prue finally said, breaking the silence.

Paige shrugged, swirling her tea. "Just… taking it all in, I guess. It's a lot. This place, meeting you, seeing how big this family really is."

Prue nodded, her gaze distant. "I can imagine. It's a lot for me, too. I've had years to come to terms with being here again, but having all of you here now… it's overwhelming in the best way." She paused, then added softly, "I'm glad you're here, Paige."

Paige looked at her, surprised. "Really? I thought… I don't know, I thought maybe I was intruding. Like, this was your family first, and now I'm just… here."

Prue frowned, her expression serious. "Don't ever think that. You're just as much a part of this family as I am. I may not have been around when you came into the picture, but that doesn't change the fact that you're my sister. I want us to get to know each other."

Paige smiled faintly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "It's weird, you know? For years, it was just me, Piper, and Phoebe. And they always talked about you like you were this larger-than-life figure. I kind of felt like I was living in your shadow."

Prue's eyes softened, and she reached out to place a hand on Paige's. "I'm sorry if I ever made you feel that way, even indirectly. I didn't mean to cast a shadow—I just wanted to protect them. And now, I want to protect you too."

Paige looked down at their joined hands, her voice quiet. "I don't need protecting. But… I wouldn't mind having someone to lean on."

"You've got me," Prue said firmly. "I know it's going to take time, but I'd like us to be real sisters. Not just in name."

Paige's smile widened, and she nodded. "I'd like that too."

Just then, Adrianna came bounding onto the porch, her cheeks flushed from running around. "Aunt Paige! Aunt Paige!" she called excitedly. "Can you come play with us? Wyatt says we need more people for hide and seek!"

Paige laughed and set her mug down. "All right, kiddo. But you better not pick the best hiding spot before I do!"

Adrianna giggled and grabbed Paige's hand, tugging her toward the door. Prue watched with a smile as Paige let herself be pulled away, her laughter blending with the sounds of the children inside.

Before stepping back into the house, Paige turned to look at Prue over her shoulder. "Thanks, Prue. For this. For everything."

Prue nodded, her heart feeling lighter than it had in years. "Anytime, Paige. Anytime."

As Paige disappeared into the house, Prue leaned back in her chair, gazing up at the stars. For the first time in a long while, she felt like her family was whole again.