Disclaimer: I don't own Charmed or Dragonlance. That's all folks.
Reviews: Wow thanks for the reviews guys I'm more then likely going to do some major editing in certain parts of the story, if you notice I've already done editing in Chapter 7 I might even add some new chapters. But to all of you who have taken the time to leave a review once again thanks.
The Nuitari elements will definitely come into play in the later chapters, as you see a gradual recession from humanity to godhood, to utter chaos.
Here's a list of his powers so far they all really stem from his heritage, for now his godhood only increases there potential.
Telekinesis-Absolute in all ways, if he wanted to, he could literally split person's atoms. His telekinesis works to whatever level he focuses on, which is why he could break Phoebe's arm like it was nothing.
Invulnerability-To almost every magic but his own, one of the reasons that Piper's magic didn't work against him, that plus as a Halliwell, it wouldn't really have much of an effect on him. He can't be torn apart in any shape or form only mangled.
Regeneration-He can't be blown apart as pointed, but he can be mangled as seen in the last chapter, but he has a regeneration that is on par with any healing a white lighter or Avatar can do.
Healing-Any wound, demonic, or general, he can even bring the recently dead back to life, but only to a certain extent, anymore and he starts to breach the binds of his humanity.
Morphing-Though so far this has ranged between his demonic, human, and a combination of those two forms, he can change to any shape, or form that he chooses.
Levitation-He can levitate, but unlike Phoebe who would rise and tends to stay on one position, he can walk on the air.
Demonic energy-Due to his father being the Source of all Evil at the time of conception, he has access to any demonic power that he chooses, from energy balls, to fireballs, to flame throwing. His demonic half isn't due to the source though, but genetics.
Magic Manipulation-Amplify magical powers, in part it is more of him since he is in essence magic, so the more unstable his emotions the more magic leaks out of him, and that amplifies the magic of those around him. In the same way though he can extinguish the magic around him, nullifying its effect, or more accurately lowering its abilities.
Empathic Manipulation-One of my personal favorites, he is in essence an empath, which is why his emotional state is more irrational then it would normally be. He can also manipulate the emotions of those around him, using them to his own powers, or go as far as manipulate the emotion within the other person, increasing decreasing, to incredibly dangerous points.
Mental Manipulation-He doesn't force against free will, rather he uses it to his advantage, rather then pushing aside the person's thoughts, he plants the idea within there heads then uses his own abilities to increase the desire the person wants, or whatever thought it was.
Chapter 8: Definition of Mortality.
To be mortal is the acceptance
That one day you will be naught but a memory.
Death…is that not what he had promised her? Yet he failed…no he hadn't failed…he had faltered, like a human…like his father.
Nuitari leaned over, and took his breaths in calmly; attempting to slow down his racing heart…He laughed…heart? Did he even have one anymore? Did he even have to begin with?
His thoughts flashed back to her…those eyes, staring into his soul, pushing aside his emotions, pulling apart secrets he had buried…even from himself…and he had let her. A simply task, not at all difficult to have blocked her empathic powers…but the bond…the bond that he so desperately had craved…for a brief moment it was there…the love that she had for him….
That was the reason he had let her live…instead of plunging his hand through her, he had spared her life; the words that he had dreamed to whisper to her, as her life essence ebbed from her body and seeped into his own…all washed away.
A look…something so simple yet so powerful…one look and they had fled his mind, and instead of hatred, instead of rage, a desire for vengeance…he saw love…and he had balked…the demon in him, the human…and the god.
He threw up a little, blood oozing out of his mouth, and dripping to the tattered robes that now covered his body. Ashen lips opened and closed, as if seeking moisture from the very air…air that they desperately needed…and lacked.
Love…was that not the emotion the humans experienced…that "good" experienced…was that not what he was experiencing? Did that make him good? Or was it nothing more but an illusion? Empathy had its prices; the questioned plagued his mind, corrupted his senses…was it merely her emotions that were acting through him…that he had spared her life…his fathers life…his families life…or was there something more.
A wave of his hand and a small throne appeared; he moved forward clutching his stomach, blood poured from his eyes. Equivalent exchange…it was supposed to have stopped this…all of this.
He stopped wiping them away, flinching slightly as they burned his fingers. No more, rest that was what he needed…just to rest. He collapsed into it, his body slumped. He closed his eyes tired of the fight, he ignored the restlessness that swept through him, the force that was slowly corrupting, devouring his soul…and dreamed…dreamed of a world were a man, a woman, and a young boy lived together with a family. Nuitari dreamed of a place…that he could call home.
…and the darkness grew….
Phoebe stirred, sweat dripping from her brows. She blinked her eyes trying to adjust to the light that was pouring into the room.
"Look she's awake…"
Awake…what did they mean she's awake? And that voice, it sounded familiar so familiar.
A pair of blue eyes wavered over her, gentle concern lacing them.
"See I told you mommy would be just fine."
Mommy? What was going on…?
"Piper," She whispered. Her throat was so raw, she swallowed, ignoring the pain and called again.
"Piper?"
"I'm right here honey."
"What happened? We were in the attic…and he was there…and Cole.
"Right here," she turned her eyes to the voice, and gasped slightly. No…it wasn't possibly…he was dead…he was supposed to be dead.
"It was a dream honey, you were only dreaming."
No it couldn't be a dream, it had to be real. This was the dream, panic overtook her.
She felt her throat clench, and she struggled to breathe.
"Oh man she's having another one. PAIGE!" Piper gently pushed her sister down.
"Relax honey. Coles alright…so is Nicholas…." Piper brushed her hands over her sister hair trying her best to calm her down.
"PAIGE!" She called again.
"No…No…This isn't right." Phoebe shook her head frantically trying once again to get up.
"Pheebs relax…" Piper let out an exasperated sigh, "Cole come over here and settle down your wife…."
Wife…no something was wrong.
His eyes floated over hers, and she felt tears well up in her eyes. She flinched slightly as she felt his lips press against her forehead, driving away the feverish heat.
"Everything's okay Phoebe, I'm fine, and so is Nicholas, see," he held up the young boy to her…the same one she had saw before, before the darkness had taken her. Blue eyes flecked with brown stared back at her, as a smile stretched across the boys face.
"See we're okay…so please relax…we wouldn't want anything happening to the baby now would we?"
"Baby?" She questioned incredulously.
"Yes baby…our baby girl…three's a company right?" Cole smiled gently at her, and wiped her forehead."
Phoebe looked down, and noticed her protruding belly…of course no wonder she had felt heavier, why getting up had been such a chore.
"Oh God," she mumbled and her eyes fluttered shut.
Piper moved over to her sister, and quickly patted her head with a towel; she turned around and shot an irritated scowl at Cole, who shrugged helplessly.
"Great job Cole, just great."
"Still not talking?" Piper moved over to Paige, staring at the demon that was rocking back and forth muttering, something along the lines of "death of me." Paige stared at her sister, a look of amusement on her face, "he hasn't said anything, just sat there…complaining." She hesitated. "How's Phoebe…?"
Piper's eyes shadowed over….
"Who's with her?"
"Cole…"
"PIPER," Paige shouted eye's widening. The demon inside the cage let out a small whimper, and curled up.
"Why is everyone has been shouting at me so much lately?"
"It's Cole; Piper, you know him he'll worm his way back into her life, and now with our psychotic nephew in the picture…."
"They need each other, now at least…even if Cole doesn't stay; at least the closure will be good for Phoebe…for both of them." Piper added.
Paige opened her mouth to argue, but thought against it, "Did Cole even tell you he had those powers?" She asked her eyes moving back to the demon.
"No…but I'm not surprised it seems everyone has been keeping secrets around here." Piper muttered, sending her sister a glance, Paige just smiled. Piper had fumed over her not telling her she was pregnant, ranting about how she had almost lost both her sisters today, and a future niece, or nephew.
"Secrets about what?" She asked innocently.
"Don't start with me Paige." Piper sent her another glare.
"I wasn't sure yet Piper."
"So, it doesn't matter, you don't take risks like that."
"Yeah but apparently the little one here can protect itself, so no harm no foul."
Piper's mouth fluttered opened, and then shut into a thin line; the line that meant sooner not later someone was going to get yelled at.
"So he's a demon again." Paige stated noting the look in her sister's eyes, the best move now was to change the subject.
"I'm not sure what he is…it wasn't his demonic form stuck in limbo, it was his human soul…so how he has powers…."
"It's the spell…" Leo said, "The spell you cast to bring him back, you used your blood." He said, a slip of accusation falling into it."
"What!" Paige turned to her older sister.
"She used a blood to blood summoning." Leo continued.
"What!" Paige's eyes bulged slightly.
"Paige quiet down and breathe, and Leo we've used blood to blood summoning's before, no harm no foul." Piper said mimicking Paige's earlier statement and ignoring the glare that was sent in her direction.
"Souls in limbo are there for a reason, pulling one out is bad enough, pulling one out with a spell like that…oh god Piper."
"What?"
"You made him a witch." Leo stated finally.
"Oh God…." Paige muttered sitting down.
"How…is that even possible?" Piper put her hands on her hips regarding her husband as if he was crazy.
"Not usually, he isn't even a witch per say, more of a spiritual culmination of powers. The point is that Cole was at one time a member of the family…a blood to blood summoning…Piper…you gave him Halliwell powers."
It was Piper's turn for her eyes to widen.
"Those black flame lights, that you said you saw coming from his hands? There a variation of your powers; instead of molecular manipulation, he has molecular displacement."
"Meaning?"
"That light moves whatever it absorbed into limbo." He explained hoping to see worry within Piper's eyes. Instead she looked skeptical.
"Are the powers evil?"
Leo stopped and stared at her and hesitantly muttered a no.
"Then it's not a problem, now is it?"
"Piper he isn't supposed to be a witch," "I thought you said he was a spiritual culmination of power" Piper retorted "Whatever he is the fact remains that he shouldn't be, hell he isn't supposed to be alive." "Hasn't stopped him before," Paige muttered.
"But it doesn't fall into the grand design." Leo argued.
"The elders design?" Piper said the accusation flashing in her eyes.
"No, not theirs…the bigger bosses. I'm not working for them anymore Piper, but I have these powers, and I still have to answer to more powerful forces."
"Humph."
He shook his head, knowing that this conversation would have to be held for another time; instead Leo turned his attention to the demon that was whimpering and shivering within the cage.
"Has he said anything?"
Piper stared at him, but sighed letting the fight slip out of her system. "No…did you find anything?" She asked hesitantly.
"Only that the dark moon has now taken its place within the sky."
"Okay what's the deal with these moons…in the attic he mention it, as his name…as a title." Piper asked, again frustrated by the lack of information that they always needed.
"The dark moon…or black moon, is Nuitari's symbolism, invisible to all but those who worship him…the only reason the guys upstairs can even sense it, is due to the amount of energy its giving off, making them rather uneasy."
"Is he really that powerful?" Paige wondered out loud.
"He threw us around like we were rag dolls Paige. He even regenerated from a state that would have killed anyone or anything else…I think that puts him on the powerful list." Piper retorted.
Leo nodded, "It began about a day ago; they noticed a couple of stars blinking out, and some sort of mass taking up space. So they looked into it and the noticed that magic has been going rather spritzy lately…in this realm and the fantasy realm…huge argument took place between a leprechaun, a troll, and a goat…." He grimaced as he remembered the story.
Paige opened her mouth to ask something, but Pipers glance shut her up quickly, whatever the story was…it probably wasn't going to be a good one….well probably good she thought, but not one Piper would like.
"So how does this affect us?" Piper moved shaking her head. "The balance of magic is incredibly off now, the moon we have now is a representation of that balance, when the other three disappeared it took their place…suffice to say…magic weakened greatly."
"You calling our powers weak?" Paige teased.
"No…just," Leo contemplated seeking a word that wouldn't cause him to be blown into a million orbs, "just…not quite your level of potential."
"So…what?"
Sometimes he wondered how they had managed to survive for so long,
"Well have you notice your powers acting different?"
"I
have, and so has Paige…but she has her own reasons." Piper shot
Paige another glare.
Paige let out a sigh, "Yeah, Piper hasn't been able to freeze things properly, and in the attic…well she kinda broke through a magical shield."
"I didn't really think much of it, but at the moment the powers were just increasing, my body was burning up." Paige looked at her surprised, "you seemed fine…"
"I was physically," Piper said, "but…I can't really explain it...the best I can say it was like the magic just wanted to come out, and even if I had wanted stop my hands…it wouldn't let me…."
Leo nodded sagely, "Dark magic is connected in some way or form with any type of power, more so for those that are offensive. I'm not surprised that you felt the way you did."
"It was so much power though, and I wanted it…to use it…to kill him, and when I refused…it stopped, the power just disappeared." Piper spoke softly.
"Equivalent exchange," Simelan muttered lifting his head to look at the witches.
"What you say?" Paige asked.
"Equivalent exchange…demonic rules…I'm surprised you witches haven't heard of it."
They turned to Leo, who shrugged his shoulders.
"O Source of all Evil," a snide sigh almost escaped his lips, until he remembered what could happen to him, he gulped "…it's like what you witches call personal gain…but for us demons in exchange for letting go of our souls, we gain more power."
"Souls…demons have souls?" Paige questioned incredulously obviously thinking it was a lie.
"Oh don't worry love, ain't much." He shot back. "Just enough to draw power from, though some of us have a little bit more, the more powerful the soul, the more powerful the demon, and when you suppress that soul…well you get things like The Source…or any other upper level demon…."
"Makes sense, the soul is a source of huge amounts of power...and it is said that the older demons were among the most powerful." Leo said, "Many demons do seek it for rituals of the sort."
"Aah yes those who originated from the corrupted humans." Simelan said nodding wisely, ignoring the rest of the statement. "Those souls were powerful enough as it was, and sacrificing them in total, well those demons were forces to be reckoned with." A wistful sigh escaped his lips.
"You're saying that's what was happening to me? This equivalent exchange," Piper asked.
"Yeah, you and that boy," Simelan snorted softly, "well he tried, fool doesn't understand anything I swear, I spend 5 years raising him, and now look…."
"He's seventeen." Paige interrupted.
"Aging spell the tempus animus or whatever it's called," Simelan shrugged, "didn't think it would mess up his brain as badly as that. I thought I could use him, make myself the source, if only by name, but geez…the kid is uncontrollable…Belthazor's kid allright." He mumbled on.
"You used an aging spell…on him?!" Leo's eyes widened in surprise, and the sisters shot nervous glances at each other. Leo had been working with the Charmed Ones for a long time, not much shocked him. "Okay what's bad about the spell Leo?"
He let out another sigh and rubbed his head softly, "aging spells are usually to age one's body, the mind and soul remains the same…but that spell it ages the soul as well…that would explain why he refers to himself as Nuitari."
"Besides the fact that he has no name…" Paige said, "Actually I've called him that since he was little, so that's probably what it has to do with it." Simelan said, shrinking back from the glares that were sent at him.
"His memories are probably merging with Nuitari's…." Leo continued.
"So how do we stop it?"
"Break the spell…if you can…if not" Leo looked helplessly "…well were gonna have one pissed off God on our hands."
"Well don't just stand there, go up there and get some info on how to break the spell." Piper shouted, already heading upstairs…stopping when she remembered the book of shadows was missing….
"YOU!" She shouted at Simelan, who shrunk against the back of the cage only to get shocked. Piper watched exasperated, as he collapsed unto the ground unconscious.
Paige stared at her older sister, edging back along with Leo, as they waited for the explosion that was only moments from occurring.
"I'll get the tools." Leo whispered, and flinched when the grandfather clock exploded into tiny shards.
Paige could only nod in agreement.
Cole wiped the towel over Phoebe's head softly, watching her eyes flutter softly. For a moment he thought she was going to wake, and he had to calm his nerves from keeping himself from shimmering. Instead her eyes, rested and a content sigh left her lips.
Dreaming…she was dreaming, and he couldn't stop himself from wondering of what…perhaps a world where they were together? He shook his head, no…that was impossible…a world were she had never met him…a world were she had a family that loved her, a husband, and sisters who were there for her. A world he had wanted to give her…and now watching her sleep, knowing that she might never wake up…he felt the need to give it to her….
'You had your chances, and you lost,' a dark section of his mind muttered, and he could only nod in agreement.
Damn his humanity damn it to hell, he thought violently, these emotions…the ones that he had thought he had set aside. No wonder his son…he hesitated, yes it was his son, no matter what…could he truly judge him for what had happen?
No he couldn't and he wouldn't. He turned to Phoebe, and leaned in closer, willing himself not to kiss the lips that he desperately wanted. They would work things out…even if they could never be together, they would work things out…all he need was for her to wake up.
He kissed her forehead, and heard her moan softly under him.
"Wake up Phoebe…come back for him…" he hesitated, but there was no point denying it…not anymore…not when it really didn't mean anything…he loved her, always would…"for me."
"Wake up Phoebe…come back to me."
Her eyes opened groggily, her brown ones meeting his blue ones, and she began to panic. He moved away, the hurt evident in his eyes, and she felt her heart flutter slightly.
"Cole…" she murmured.
"Yes," he stayed back, eying her carefully…unsure of how to react.
"How…you're…you should be…." She couldn't find the words, and slumped back in exhaustion, he was automatically at her side, patting the towel on her head, and stroking her hands gently.
"Relax…I know it was a long time ago…were past that…remember our promise?" He asked, his eyes intently burrowing.
"Our promise," She said…promise, she couldn't remember, it wasn't her memories…but they flew up from deep within her soul.
"Together, through the darkness of the underworld, to the light of the heavens, side by side, for eternity…no matter the pain…" he said, and stopped watching her intently "Our love will not be a memory…" she finished, and blushed slightly as he beamed at her.
"See, there's the witch I love."
"But the source…the..."
"Is gone, it's just me Phoebe, your not the Queen of the underworld, and I'm not its king. Were just two more then average mortals in love…nothing more, nothing less.
"No but…you…you were dead…I killed you."
"Yeah…well I've forgiven you for that…."
"And Nicholas…" She said the name rolling off her tongue.
"I killed him too," She whispered.
"No honey, you didn't kill him, you saved him…you trusted yourself, you knew he wasn't evil despite everything, you knew he was truly good, and you saved him." He stopped confused as she burst into tears.
"Honey…shh." He rubbed her back gently, and slowly she melted into his arms, taking in his scent.
Maybe this was a dream, but she didn't want it to end…not now, not when everything she had ever wanted was right here in the palm of her hands.
"Phoebe…"
"Where is he?"
"Who?" Cole asked overall even more confused.
"My…son."
He grinned at her, and turned around calling.
She watched with amazement as a young boy shimmered into the room. Those eyes so much like her own, the small frame, the untidy brown hair... she reached her hands out, and he rushed in, giggling as she tickled him and the tears came down even more.
"Mom?" His voice soft but clear spoke out.
"Why are you crying?"
"Because…" She pulled him into a tighter hug, refusing to let go. "I love you." She murmured, and she knew it was true.
"I love you…" her voice cut through the darkness, and Cole snapped his head up.
"Phoebe…" He moved closer, but sighed softly when he noticed she was still asleep.
He reached his hands forward, and brushed her hair away from her face.
"Still asleep huh," Paige moved into the room, her eyes studying Cole. He merely nodded, keeping his attention on Phoebe.
She moved closer, and felt like putting her hand on his shoulder, but hesitated letting her arm drop to the side.
"She'll wake up…."
"I know." A simple reply, Paige's face contorted in anger. Here she was attempting to reach out to the bastard, and all he could do is just ignore her?
"Good." She turned to leave.
"Paige…." He called out, and she stopped at the door.
"I'm…sorry." Cole looked at her, and nearly jumped as she rushed forward and placed her hand on his forehead.
"What are you doing?"
"Checking to see if you have a fever, or maybe you're possessed." She stepped back, and eyed him suspiciously.
He chuckled a little, and turned his eyes back to Phoebe. "No I'm fine…I meant it though…."
"Whatever…nothin' to ask forgiveness for…." Paige retorted a little put-off.
He looked at her confused.
"I mean I've already forgiven you, the past is in the past…and next time…hopefully there won't be one…but if there is…we'll find a way to save you as well…ya know instead of letting you go crazy and all."
"Thanks...I think."
"Doesn't mean I like you though."
"Wouldn't want it any other way," He shot back, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Humph," her eyes flickered over to her sister, who had just let out a contented sigh. They stayed there for awhile, the dials on the clock and the opened door the only light in the room. The clocked clicked down to 3:00 am and Cole let out a breath, when he noticed Phoebe's eye's flutter, but relaxed again as she let out another sigh, and murmured something.
"Wonder what she's dreaming about…." Paige said.
Cole shrugged.
"She seems happy."
"More reason that I'm probably not part of it," Cole said somewhat bitterly.
"Jealous." Paige teased.
"No."
"So you are telling me you no longer love her?" Paige asked, and stared at Cole with a dumbfounded expression.
"No."
"No you do still love her, or no you don't."
"I
just don't know…not anymore."
This time she did place her
hand on his shoulder.
"Snap out of it Cole your so depressing now, what happened to that cocky arrogant arsehole of a brother-in-law I once had?" Paige stared at him.
"You vanquished him remember?"
She flinched slightly.
"Well your back…again…so obviously I didn't do a good job about it."
"Yeah not one to complain though," Silence stretched between them.
"So…umm…Limbo…what's it like?" Paige asked conversationally.
"Quiet, peaceful, and calm," He replied.
"I thought it was supposed to be punishment?"
"Not punishment…just a place were I could be at peace, but still reprimanded for my crimes."
"All those people you killed as Belthazor?"
"No…all the people I killed as myself, demons and humans." He paused and took a breath.
"The deepest circles of hell are reserved for betrayers and mutineers." Paige said.
Cole looked up surprised. "Since when do you read Dante?"
"Who?"
"Dante…inferno?"
"Never heard of it, I got that line from a movie."
"Ohh," he said and turned his eyes back to Phoebe.
"Yeah, anyway I'm going home to get some sleep…you should do the same."
"I can't leave her."
"Well you ain't sleepin' in here with her."
He scowled again. Paige let out another sigh, she didn't like this not one bit but she couldn't just leave Phoebe by herself.
"Chair," blue orbs sparkled lighting the room, and the living room chair was settled in the corner.
"You can sleep on there…but don't try anything funny…alright?" She eyed him carefully, and her gaze softened when she noticed the lines under his eyes.
"Get some rest Cole," she placed her hand on his shoulders again. Turning around she closed the door behind her.
"Thanks Paige." He whispered
"You're welcome," Her voice said smugly in the behind the door.
Phoebe's morning had been interesting, the family had just brushed her reaction off as panic, and she felt herself falling back into the role of her life, even if it wasn't her own, the memories were fresh, and they cut deep. The difference between reality and fiction, dimmed for her, and she found herself falling into the life, a life where she and Cole were happy, with a child, and another one to come; she felt whole, she felt complete.
She moved into the kitchen feeling quite pleased, Paige was out for the day, and Piper had left to take Wyatt and Chris to magic school. Demons still attack she read from her new memories, and evil still existed, but without a source it was easier to handle.
"You shouldn't think too much, it's bad for the baby." Pipers teasing voice spoke behind her.
Phoebe rubbed her belly slightly.
"You okay?" Piper asked worriedly.
"Yeah…I'm fine…it's just." Phoebe stopped.
"What."
"This…all of this…I don't know if it's a dream…or reality."
Piper smiled. "I'm pretty sure it's reality, Leo checked with the Elders, they said you were trapped in a premonition."
"A premonition?"
"Yeah, one were you saw how your life would be without Cole," Piper moved pulling a seat closer.
"It felt so real though…the pain…everything."
"Well you're an empath now, maybe you were just feeling the emotions the premonition you was feeling."
"That life…it was good…and bad."
"How so?"
"There were times when everything felt right, even without Cole…I had managed to find love…but it was never the same Jason," "Wow, Jason…as in your boss Jason," Piper interrupted. Phoebe ignored her and continued "Leslie, Dex, Drake, and Coop. None of them ever really compared to him…though Drake and Coop came close.
"Whew," Piper whistled, "looks like someone was busy."
"Trying to make a premonition come true…a girl…a baby girl, and now I have her." Phoebe rubbed her belly again, and smiled when she felt a slight kick.
"I have her…and a son."
"Lucky you, I got stuck with two boys in the family, and Paige got all girls." Piper pouted.
Phoebe giggled, and rubbed her sisters back.
"Don't know why, you're complaining." Cole's spoke up, "You're not the ones who were stuck in a house with three women, for two years."
"Humph, stop complaining, it wasn't that bad." Phoebe shot back.
"Ha, how many times did I or Leo get yelled at for leaving the seat up?"
"It's common courtesy."
"It's dumb." He sat down crossing his arms, "and Phoebe…what are you doing out of bed? You know the doctor said you should be off your feet till the swelling goes down.
"I'm pregnant Cole, not invalid." She paused looking around, "where's Nicholas?"
"With Paige," He said somewhat irritated, "Are you sure that's my kid? Like's his aunt way to much for my taste."
"Not my fault I'm so cool," Paige orbed in Nicholas holding her tightly, she moved forward and slapped Cole upside his head.
"Yeah…sure..."
Nicholas moved down, and pulled on Piper's pant leg.
"Aunty Piper, where's Wyatt, and Chris?"
"At Magic School, Honey."
"Oh…" He turned quickly to his dad, his eye's widening. Phoebe took a deep breathe, at the moment she saw so much of herself in that small boy.
"No."
"Pleeasse,"
"No, last time you, Wyatt and Laina got together you almost exposed magic."
"I promise this time we won't, and besides Laina's at human school today."
Phoebe quickly pried through her memories, and found the event Cole was referring too.
"It was Chris's Idea." Nicholas said pouting.
"No it wasn't," Phoebe spoke up.
"Ahh come on Mom."
"No, your dad's right…they still haven't cleaned up all the noodles."
She noticed the mischievous gleam in his smile. Noticing her looking Nicholas quickly frowned.
"Alright…fine…" he perked up "I'll just go to Uncle Leo,"
"Nicho…" Cole sighed as the young boy shimmered away.
"I hope the next one isn't as much trouble," He leaned over and placed a kiss on Phoebe's belly grinning when he felt a kick.
"Oh yeah Jason called," he said, pushing back.
"What he say."
"Don't know…don't really care."
"Cole!"
"Oooh someone's jealous." Paige whispered to Piper who nodded.
"I'm not jealous, I just don't like the guy."
"Oh come on, he's not that bad," Phoebe said.
He stared at her for a moment.
"Don't look at me like that Cole."
"Phoebe, it's obvious he's crazy about you."
"Well to bad cause I'm crazy about you," she leaned in and kissed him on the lips, butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
"Ewwww, get a room," Paige gagged.
"Don't see me complaining when you and Henry get all mushy," Cole shot back.
"Speaking of which" Paige glared, "next time…don't shimmer in…KNOCK!"
"Not that I saw anything interesting, beside" Cole shrugged his shoulders "you guys have a house," He stood up looking at the clock. "Well I've got to go to work, I'll see you later."
"Oh no, you don't buddy," Phoebe said, but a flash of pain flashed through her head and she swooned in place. Cole was quickly by her side, holding her hand.
"Phoebe?" Worry evident in his voice.
"I'm fine, just a little bit of dizziness," She smiled at him, but he didn't relax.
"Maybe I should stay home?"
"No, go on…I just need some time to rest…that's all."
"Alright…I'll shimmer you up."
"No, don't worry about it…I'll be fine."
"Phoebe,"
"Please, Cole…I'll be okay."
He watched her climb up the stairs.
"What was that about?" He asked Piper.
She merely shrugged, "I'll check up on her later, you just go to work."
He nodded and disappeared.
"Poor guy…still doesn't understand the whims of women." Paige commented.
"It's probably just the premonition that's bothering her."
"I hope so…."
Phoebe had spent the rest of the afternoon in the room, trying her best to concentrate on her work. Piper and Paige had stopped by but Cole had been absent the entire day. She figured he was sort of put off and probably a little angry; she had called his office several times earlier, but was told that he was at a meeting, and couldn't take the calls.
A yawn escaped her lips, and she leaned back slightly on a pillow.
'How quaint the way's of Paradox,' she sat up quickly.
A cold breeze pushed across her, and she moved back trying her hardest to ignore the lump that formed in her throat.
"Who are you?"
'Ahh forgot me already?'
She tensed up.
'Relax, I'm not going to hurt you, I'm just here to make sure you do your job.'
"My
Job?" She questioned, 'Of course, you're a witch, and you
vanquish demons…you have two living under your roof right now.'
The
answer dawned on her and she began to panic.
'Not, now…but later,' the voice whispered in her ears, and she turned quickly, but hunched over as pain shot up her stomach.
'Not good, not good at all, wouldn't want anything happening to our precious baby girl,' the voice sneered.
She turned looking, the shadows of her room stretching up.
'You keep looking around, are you trying to find someone?'
"Where are you hiding?"
'Hiding…tch tch, dear I'm right here…I'm you.'
"No."
'Oh yes, I'm that part you've kept buried all this time…the part that wants to end this existence…their existence.'
"End it?"
'That's exactly what I plan to do.' The voice responded gleefully, and she shrunk back as she recognized the voice as her own.
"Leave me alone," Phoebe grasped her head, shaking it from side to side.
'You don't belong here…you know you don't, just a foolish dream, by a foolish woman.'
"This is real."
'Real? Do you honestly believe you deserve a life like this…you betrayed him already…you'll do it again.'
"No."
'Why not?'
"I love him…I love them."
'Sure as hell you have a funny way of proving it,' the sound of laughter filled the room.
"STOP IT!"
'HAHAHAHAHAHA'
"STOP IT!" She screamed again, hugging her body closer together; silence.
"Just stop it," She whispered, sleep tightening its grip around her….
"Please…just stop it." Tears crept from under her tired lids, falling unto the sheets; she continued to whisper those words, until the sandman took her.
A shadow crept slightly over her, coalescing into a human form; Nuitari stepped out, his eyes regarding the woman that slept on the bed, taking in the face full of tears.
He positioned himself next to her, his eyes focusing on the window outside; twilight was at hand, and the orange glow of the sun burned his eyes. His hand reached out and softly brushed her hair, she mumbled softly…he wasn't sure how she had managed to get into here…but he would make sure she left painfully.
This was his world, she would play by his rules…and she would suffer.
Cole came home later in the afternoon trudging up the stairs. Phoebe was probably really mad at him, she had called several times and he had told his secretary to say he was at a meeting. Truth was he had spent the entire day in his office, too occupied with his thoughts to get any actually work done.
She had been acting strange since earlier this morning, at first he had brushed her reaction as nothing more then a side-effect of the demon attack, but now he wasn't so sure…there were times were she was the woman he loved…and other times; perhaps the premonition had shook her more then he had thought.
He stopped at his door his hand hovering over the handle, as he heard soft crying coming from inside.
"Phoebe" He asked gently, the lack of an answer had him bursting through the door. A sigh escaped his lips as he saw that she was still asleep, albeit rather restlessly.
"Honey," He moved to her side and stopped when he noticed the tears, his fingers quickly brushed them away. Phoebe moaned softly, and opened her eyes meeting his blue ones.
"Cole?"
"Yeah, are you…." He stopped abruptly when she flung her arms around her neck and pulled him tighter.
"Whoa…" he said pulling her off him gently. "What was that?"
She blushed slightly, and leaned in closer to him, "Nothing…just a nightmare I had…that's all."
"Well…I know the doctor said to stay off your feet…but I think we can make an exception for tonight…get dress I made dinner reservations at that new expensive French restaurant that just opened."
"You didn't have too," She whispered.
"Of course I did, you've been cooped up in this house for too long."
Phoebe stood up and gave him a kiss on the cheek, glee evident on her face as she headed for the door.
"You know," Cole said, watching her stop at the door.
"You never told me what your life was like without me." She noticed the hint of sorrow in his tone, and she smiled that smile that he loved.
"Trust me…it was nothing special…."
The dinner had been perfect, though the she could have gone without the bathroom breaks, nevertheless she had enjoyed her self and Cole was simply satisfied to see a smile on her face.
Night loomed in on them as they had returned to the manor; now finding themselves sitting comfortably together. Leo and Piper were asleep as were the children.
"Do you love me?" His words cut through the darkness were they sat together, his arms wrapped around her.
"Yes." She responded, and snuggled closer, the warm glow of the fireplace, relaxed her bones, and she sighed as he slowly massaged her back.
"Do you love me?" She asked back.
She waited patiently for an answer, "sometimes…." He murmured.
She slapped his leg, and he let out a chuckle.
"Not funny."
"I thought it was."
"Doesn't matter what you think." She shot back, miffed at his joke.
"I'm just playing honey, you know I do." He leaned in and kissed the back of her neck.
"Cole…" her voice cut through the darkness, "hmm?" she turned to him, unsure of what to say, "I'm sorry…for vanquishing you." She stammered out.
He chuckled "That again? Come on Phoebe it's not the first time you've had tried." Cole paused thinking back.
"Remember when Andras possessed me?"
"Not my fault," She responded indignantly, "you were trying to kill us."
"And the time with the banshees?"
"I thought you were evil then."
"I know, and you did what you thought was right, I could never hold that against you." He leaned forward and kissed her lips.
She pulled away, and gazed into the fire, "This life…it just seems too…perfect…like something is going to go wrong."
"Well whatever does, well face it together…like everything else we have." He whispered sleepily.
She continued to stare into the fire, and nodded slowly, a tear falling from her eye.
'You've been crying a lot lately, don't ya think?'
That voice.
'Ooo…thought it was a dream huh.'
Phoebe glanced fearfully around, and felt a cold breeze wrap itself around her wrist.
'Tonight's the night; you do what we talked about.'
"No," she whispered.
'You're talking as if you have a choice in the matter…correction it is your choice.'
An athame flashed in her hand, and she fearfully dropped it on the ground.
'Pick it up.'
Instead she backed away, edging closer to Cole shaking his leg in hopes that he would wake up.
'He's still sleeping dear; he's too much at peace now.' The voice whispered giggling.
'Now, pick it up…and end it.'
Phoebe gathered her courage, "I refuse."
'You what? You don't refuse this is your idea, it's your desire.'
"I don't want this."
'What's changed…not your love for him?'
"Yes my love for him," She whispered and realized how hypocritical she sounded.
'Noticed it too…it was never enough…our exact words if I remember.' The voice said vehemently. 'Now…kill him….'
She felt a strange force wrap itself around her, and the athame was once again in her hand, her body leaning over Cole's slumped shape.
'Do
it.'
The tears came down harder, and her heart wrenched with
every beat.
'DO IT.'
With a swift motion she planted the athame in his chest, and cried even harder as she saw the blood pump from the wound. His eye's fluttered and looked at her, surprise, anger.
"I'm so sorry." Her words flowed to him, he reached his hands out to her his eyes penetrating; questioning."
She felt his thumb brush her cheek, and watched with grief as it slumped back down his eyes closing, as flames consumed his body. Phoebe chocked back a sob, and rubbed her hands across her eyes, retching on the floor.
'Now relax, it's not the time to fall apart, we're not done yet.'
"What?"
'Oh yes, we have another little bundle of Joy to deal with.'
A flash of light and she found herself in Nicholas room, the athame shining pale in the moonlight.
'Kill him'
Phoebe pushed back, and almost screamed when she felt the force push back.
"I won't…."
'You will, and not with the athame, you'll make it slower. Just like before.'
She found her body moving to a pillow raising it over her head.
"STOP IT." Her voice no longer her own, instead she found herself looking from the inside, watching her body lowering the pillow. She watched with horror as the young body jerked under the pillow, and she cried.
The body stopped moving, and she lifted the pillow; the sight of her son, still; no longer breathing ripped into her very soul.
"Shut up, you didn't cry before. It's the same," Her voice echoed through the room.
'No it's not the same,' she screamed, instead a laugh erupted from the room.
'It's not the same.' She screamed again.
"Don't worry it will all be over." Phoebe could only watch as the athame rose through the air, her hand holding it tightly. Her heart beat rising as the athame plunged deep, her maternal instincts twisting as she felt the heartbeat of her child stop.
Darkness took her, as she fell back. Tears mingled with the blood on the floor and her eyes closed.
Nuitari stepped out of the shadows, his breathe coming out in shallow gasps. His heart pained him, and all types of emotions overwhelmed him. Yet this time he let them, he let the rage consume him, he allowed the grief to cover him, and he let the hate support him.
Once again the darkness grew, and the black moon shed tears of sorrow.
Definition of Mortality: The acceptance of power despite the consequences.
Okay that's chapter 8. WOW that was long, but I liked it, though any idea's how to make the Phoebe scene more emotional I would truly appreciate.
I know it seemed like a little bit of Phoebe bashing, I usually try to be partial towards all my fan fiction characters, but unfortunately for her I had the displeasure of seeing Centennial Charmed again, and I just had to write this part.
