Author's Note: I started writing this about two weeks ago or so, when I had nothing better to do other than question my sanity during English class. I honestly have no idea where I want to go with this, mainly because so much shit is floating around in my head right now that I can't decipher what's what, but do I care? Not really. Read this at your own will, it's intense. Leave me a note in the little review box if you like it, hell-leave me one if you don't. I don't care. Shit happens. The first chapter will be relatively short, just getting a glimpse into what's about to unfold for the Halliwell's. This takes place during season six(no specific episode, with mentions of the episode; 'A Paige from the past,' included.)

Disclaimer: Sadly, I own nothing. The people, locations and scripts belong in the creator's toy box where they will forever stay.

Warning: I will say this once, and only once, this story deals with intense subject matter (which will be divulged later on) but as a result of that-I suggest those who do not like dark topics, go elsewhere. Also, events have been changed for my own reasoning (nothing serious, just minor, things) so please do not point out that this isn't right or that isn't how it goes, because yes-I am aware of that-but I changed it for a reason, for the story to work.

….

Her life had become one vicious cycle that she couldn't escape. Her days consisted of hiding the truth from her family while her nights consisted of letting her mind wonder into a place she never wanted to go back too. It wasn't something she enjoyed by any means, but it's something she needed to do. It was all about the control, the secrets she hid, the pain that gripped viciously at her heart. But eventually the lines blurred together and everything came spilling out and if Paige Matthews was certain about one thing, it was that once the truth was out there-it hurt like a bitch.

….

Six months earlier…

"Paige, can you come down here please?" The voice of her eldest sister rang through her ears as she tore her eyes away from the mirror in the bathroom. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she exhaled slowly, shaking the mass of thoughts from her head. Turning swiftly on her heel, she opened the door and quickly stepped into the hallway of the halliwell manor. It took her no more than a minute to descend the stairs and cross the living room into the kitchen. Piper stood at the counter throwing various food substances into the pot while Phoebe sat on one of the bar stools, tapping away on her cell phone. "Okay," Paige murmured, clearing her throat. "I'm here, what's going on?"

Piper and Phoebe both stopped what they were doing simultaneously and glanced up at the red head, nerves evident in their eyes. "It's about time you woke up, sleepy head." Piper joked half heartedly before stealing a glance at Phoebe who was eying her suspiciously. "Paige," Piper continued a moment later, voice cautious. "There's something you should know."

Nodding her head, Paige shifted on her heels, swallowing the lump in her throat as she waited for her eldest sister to continue on. "Paige, while you were asleep-one of the Elder's payed us a visit. They told us they wanted to repay us for all of the good we've done." Confusion evident, Paige adverted her attention to Phoebe who had gone back to typing away at her phone. Her tone was dry with a bit of an edge to it and Paige winced lightly. "What Piper here is trying to say, is that they offered to bring back a few people from our past. Specifically, Grams, mom, Prue, and Andy. Andy is Prue's old beau, and Darryl's ex partner." Nodding again, Paige decided to remain silent for a few minutes-sensing that this conversation was far from over.

"Paige," Her head snapped up at the sound of Piper's voice. "Say something, honey. We need to know if you're alright about this." It took her a moment to really process anything, she actually had to blink a few times to make sure she wasn't still asleep. It felt so surreal, but as the shock slowly began to set in, she found the words falling from her lips. "…What? I mean, why? Is that even possible? Hell, is that even legal?" Phoebe snorted, causing Paige to whip her head around. "Paige, I'm pretty sure none of the things we do concerning magic are legal. However, you have every right to be confused. Hell, I'm confused and I was there!"

Sighing, Piper dropped her face into her hands, muttering a drawn out, 'Pheebs,' under her breath. It didn't go unnoticed by either sister and Phoebe instantly spoke back up. "I'm telling the truth Piper!" She shouted angrily, her voice reverberating off the walls of the halliwell manor. "Something doesn't add up! How can the Elder's just pop in here after all these years and tell us they're sending back the people we love most? The same damn people they took away in the first place!"

"Pheebs," Piper began, sarcasm ringing through. "The Elder's didn't take them away, demons did." Sighing in frustration, Phoebe shook her head before continuing with her rant, seeming to have forgotten Paige was even standing in the room. "You know what I mean, damn it! It just doesn't make sense!"

"Phoebe," Piper interjected. "You're angry, I get that…" But Phoebe refused to let Piper finish that sentence, quickly intercepting. "Damn right I'm angry Piper and you should be too! Don't get me wrong, I love them to death and I miss them all so much, but how the hell do the Elder's even plan on pulling this off? How long are they staying? I'm not about to get close to them if they're only going to be snatched away again!"

"Well," Piper began slowly, once she was sure Phoebe had finished her rant. "Why don't you ask them yourself?" Arching an eyebrow, Phoebe turned on her heel to where Piper had pointed towards the doorway of the kitchen. Her body stiffened almost immediately when she saw Grams, her mother, her eldest sister Prue, and long time family friend, Andy standing before her. Her anger instantly melted away into utter surprise as the words fell like rain from her mouth. "Well," She muttered under her breath. "That was fast."