(This story is an AU story)
By J. B. Tilton Email: K
Disclaimer: "Charmed" and all related characters and events are the property of the WB television network, except for those characters specifically created for this story. This is a work of fan fiction and no infringement of copyright is intended.
(Authors note: This story takes place between season 4 episodes "The Three Faces Of Phoebe" and "Marry Go Round".
This story is dedicated to Ratingsqueen on the Unofficial Julian McMahon Fan Club (http/ who has asked several times that I write a story like this.)
As the Source begins to completely take control of Cole a new faction arises in the underworld that challenges his right to become the new Source. And forces the Charmed Ones to fight for Cole's very existence.
ONE
Cole Turner moved through the corridors of the underworld. He came to a large chamber flanked by two very large demons. They bowed slightly as he breezed past them hardly noticing their presence. As he entered the chamber the Seer turned to face him.
"You wished to see me, my Lord," said the Seer, bowing slightly.
"I just had a very unsettling encounter with a future Phoebe," said Cole. "She knew who I was. She also said they had vanquished me. When you came to me with this plan of yours I agreed because you said it was the only way to finally beat the Charmed Ones. Now I find I have only prolonged the inevitable. Why did you not tell me about them vanquishing Turner?"
"Because I have not foreseen such a vanquishing," said the Seer. "Remember, the future is always in motion. Perhaps it will happen and I simply have not foreseen it. But now that we know about it we can take steps to make sure it will not happen."
"How?" Cole demanded. "I am not unfamiliar with your precognitive ability, you know? I've been with Phoebe long enough to know how it works."
"Hers, my lord, not mine," said the Seer. "While they make work similarly I have had my ability much longer. It is much stronger. And I have much greater control over it than your consort does. Unlike her I am able to have premonitions when I wish."
"You're sure?" Cole asked.
"Trust me, my Lord," said the Seer. "I had no knowledge of this vanquishing until you told me just now. Now that I am aware of it I shall use my power to foresee this vanquishing and we can take steps to prevent it. You realize, of course, that it may involve vanquishing the sisters to prevent it."
"That's not an option," said Cole. "Phoebe will not be happy if I vanquish her sisters. It could undo all that I have strived to accomplish. Find a way to prevent the vanquishing without harming the sisters."
"I shall do my best, my Liege," said the Seer. "Tell me. Did this future Phoebe tell her younger self or her sisters of what she knew?"
"I don't think so," said Cole. "She avoided the younger Phoebe every time she was questioned. She also told me that the younger Phoebe had to find out for herself. She said she hoped I would do the right thing."
"You are doing the right thing, my Lord," said the Seer. "Once Phoebe is taken into the fold of the underworld you will no longer have to worry about demons trying to kill her. She will be safe forever."
"She'd better be," said Cole. "But I can still feel Turner inside me. You told me I would be able to completely subdue him. How long will this take?"
"You knew it would not be easy," said the Seer. "I realize this is difficult. Belthazor was a powerful demon. Much of his strength came from his human half. That is the part that you are having trouble controlling.
"But you must also realize that it is becoming easier to control that half. Eventually he will not have the strength to resist you any longer. Once that happens you will be able to completely submerge him with little effort. Just a little longer, my Liege. You must be strong. Once the struggle is complete I have foreseen the great things you will be able to accomplish. With my help, of course."
"You're correct," said Cole. "It is getting easier to control him. He still is able to surface from time to time but those times are becoming less frequent. But I do not understand where he is getting the strength to still oppose me."
"It is his love for the witch that gives him strength," said the Seer. "It is very strong. But it is also his weakness. The love controls him. It was why you were able to possess him so easily. The love he feels for her lowered his defenses allowing you to take control."
"But I feel that love as well," said Cole. "It is part of who I am."
"Yes, but it does not control you, my Lord," said the Seer. "You control it. That is why you will not make the same mistakes Belthazor made. The power of the underworld that now courses through you allows you to manipulate it in a way Belthazor was never able to."
"You had better be right," said Cole.
"Have I ever failed you before, my Lord?" the Seer asked.
"No, you haven't," said Cole. "If not for you the Charmed Ones may have vanquished me for good. Now I have the opportunity to continue my reign in the underworld."
"Exactly, my Liege," said the Seer. "I shall let you know when I have foreseen this vanquishing you spoke of. I shall formulate a plan that shall prevent the vanquishing."
"Good," said Cole. "I'd better get back. I've finally gotten Phoebe to agree to marry me. I have to keep the momentum going so she doesn't realize what's going on until it's too late."
Cole turned and left the chamber leaving the Seer alone. She knew it would not be easy foreseeing the vanquishing her master had told her about. But her only use to him was her visions of the future. She knew without them she risked his anger as many other demons had.