Disclaimers: I don't own Charmed or any of the characters that already appeared on the show. I do own few characters here and there though and the storyline is all mine!

A/N: Thank you Lynn Marks for your wonderful email, it goes straight to my heart! *sniff* I want all of you to know that there is still many chapters to come for Another Chance! I can't stop writing thanks to your reviews! (even your flames! grin) Please go on! I never dreamt to have nearly 200 reviews before! But by all means, Continue!

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This story takes place after Daddy Dearest (Sam I Am)

Summary: As Cole is now invincible the Elders decide to send him a Whitelighter, Emily (much to Elder Aaron's displease) With her help, Cole recovers slowly his sanity. Meanwhile, Phoebe is dating Spencer Ricks. Piper is pregnant and her baby is a healthy little girl, Melinda. Paige met Prue's ghost and dates Steve. When, Lauren, Cole's secretary, who is also an empath, is attacked the sisters accuse Cole and try to vanquish him only to find at the last minute that he is innocent of this crime. Emily nearly die in the process. The Charmed Ones feel very guilty after that especially Phoebe who tries to find comfort in Spencer's arms only to be rejected again. Now destabilised, she seeks comfort from Cole who helps her regardless of everything. When she finally comes back home, Leo reveals Aaron's news. The girls converse about last year and finally realise their mistakes. While Paige & Phoebe are out of the manor, Piper is kidnapped by the Avatars…

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Another Chance

Chapter 21: Left out

When Leo orbed in the Elders' chamber, he was surprised to find himself standing next to Emily.

"What is it Leo?" asked Elder Aramin, slightly annoyed by this sudden disturbance.

An upset Emily turned to him in turn, hands on her hips, ready to give him a piece of her mind for last night attack. Nevertheless, when she sees his worried expression, she understood he wasn't here to gloat. Something might be going on with the Charmed Ones. Something huge.

Seeing Leo hesitate, Elder Erin decided to intervene:

"Don't worry Leo, you can speak in front of Emily. There is nothing to be afraid of."

"If you want I can go out?" offered Emily.

"No, it's OK. . ." replied a very shaken Leo "Piper has been kidnapped."

Emily gasped as she heard the news. She was sorry for him. Truly.

On the other hand, the Elders didn't seem really surprised, just slightly worried.

Leo continued on a pleading tone. He was feeling useless. His wife and daughter were in danger and each passing minute was moving them away from him.

"I can feel she is still alive but I can't localise her. The demon attacked while she was alone at the Manor. He was so powerful that half of the living room was destroyed in one strike. We don't have the slightest idea of who is behind this."

All eyes turned on Emily, who immediately held her hands out, defensively:

"I can assure you Cole is not behind this!"

"But his outburst of this morning. . ." trailed Aramin, not ending his sentence because of Leo's presence but clearly referring to Spencer Ricks' case.

"Oh please!" defended Eramos who was silent until then "That guy needed a lesson! Besides, he went smooth with him, it could have been worse considering . . ." he eyed Leo and lowered his voice ". . . who was involved in this!" He didn't mentioned Phoebe's name but Aramin didn't need to be reminded the whole story.

Though he found Eramos protective attitude toward Cole eerie, he wasn't gonna argue against that. The Elders already lost a member on this case, namely Aaron, and it was more than enough.

Leo didn't care of their secretive talk. His wife's welfare was all that mattered to him and he feared to be running out of time.

"Please, we need you to localise Piper. Have you any idea of who could be behind this?"

All three Elders stood silent for a moment, concentrating on the missing Charmed One. After maybe one minute, who felt like eternity to Leo, Erin spoke:

"We can't localise her either. Something is blocking our reception."

Then, she turned to the other two Elders and whispered so Leo couldn't hear what was said:

"We knew that was gonna happen eventually! The Avatars are looking for their last member. If they find in the baby something useful, the circle would be complete. They obviously have their doubts about Cole."

"So you think the Avatars are behind this?" asked Eramos with dread.

"It's a possibility. There isn't many demons that powerful anymore. I can think of a few who are still alive but they are too busy reorganising the Underworld to bother attacking the Charmed Ones." Assumed Erin.

"And our spy was clear. The Avatars are definitely up to something. If our plan didn't work, the end is near. . ." alleged Aramin.

"Don't be that pessimistic, we still have a card to play." Reassured Eramos.

"Oh and what a card! An ex-demon balanced between good and evil! We have no way to control him and we're not positive on his attentions yet. What if he betrays us in the end? This time we're done for." Stated Erin. She wasn't in the habit of complaining about the other's decision but the matter at hand was much more important than the usual.

Aramin decided to calm down the heated discussion and settled the question: "Well, we have no other plan, unless you propose us one right here and then I would agree with Eramos to give it a try."

Erin nodded slowly, agreeing with him. She always admired Aramin's wisdom before, she wouldn't question it now. Even if Eramos' smile of triumph was seriously getting on her nerves. . .

While the Elders were consulting each other. The two Whitelighters were feeling ill-at-ease.

Emily broke the silence between the two of them:

"I'm sorry Leo. I'm sure Piper and the baby will be fine in the end."

"Thank you Emily. I wish you're right." Replied Leo, on the verge of tears. Even the Elders were unable to localise his wife. Who could he turn to for help now? He just hope Phoebe and Paige had found something useful because he was pretty much out of solutions himself. Seeing Emily's concerned stare, he decided to keep appearances: "So how is Cole doing?"

"Oh. . . uh. . . fine! Considering the last events. . ." she couldn't help to add on a bitter tone, but regretted it as soon as it came out of her mouth. Now wasn't the time to put the blame on Leo. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to . . ."

"Yeah, of course you didn't. . . but you are thinking it anyway! And you are right, I guess… We were all badly mistaken about Cole. You need to know we are sorry for what happened. New elements has been revealed concerning the time that Cole was the Source and it confirmed what we all refused to see in the first place."

Emily was glad Leo and the Charmed Ones had changed their minds about Cole. The side of Good didn't need internal fights for the time being. The war against the Avatars promised to be merciless. She gave Leo a comforting squeeze on the arm.

Then, Leo remembered Aaron's assumption about her feelings toward Cole and he feared the young Whitelighter might get into serious trouble with the Elders because of it. They still didn't have digested his matrimony to Piper, a good witch (one of their precious Charmed Ones to top it all!), they wouldn't be that forgiving if anything happened between her and an ex-demon. Besides, he was afraid her love wasn't returned. Sure, Phoebe made it clear quite a few times to Cole: she didn't want him back in her life. He wondered if her opinion had changed now that she was aware of Cole's fight against the Source's possession.

He was about to voice his doubts to Emily when the Elders turned to them again. Now, all his attentions returned to his wife and child, silently praying they *for once* have come up with a plan.

"Leo" started Elder Aramin on a solemn tone "I'm sorry that your wife and child got involved into this. Really sorry but there is not much we can do about it. Now. . ."

"WHAT 'NOW'? You're gonna abandon Piper and Melinda to that demon?!!" Leo was panicked. Sure the Elders weren't really helpful for the 5 years he had worked with the Charmed Ones, but they never let their precious witches down before. . . Leo put his pride apart, he was ready to all sacrifices for his wife and if this meant begging them, then he was willing to beg. He kneeled before them and on an imploring tone:

"Please, I implore you. . . Don't let them die! They mean everything to me. . ."

Then Leo directed his look to the ground. He couldn't bear to see the pity in the Elder's eyes.  He was now in an awkward position before them. He always stood straight in front of his bosses in the past, always arguing with them, but today. . . he didn't have the forces to. . . The love of his life along with his only child had been taken away from him. They were now between an nameless evil's claws in an unknown place. . . It was too much too take. Being the family's Whitelighter, he couldn't allow himself such weakness.

Now the Elders' rules had a clear meaning to him. He was too close to Piper to think straight, and assure his role as a Whitelighter. If there was a worst time to let his feelings get in the way, it was now… but he couldn't help it. His heart jumped each time he thought of his endangered family.

Suddenly, a shadow covered him and a shiny white hand helped him on his feet. Leo stood up with tears in the eyes and even through his blurred vision, he saw in the Elder's face what he had come to doubt about . . . an infinite Goodness.

"Leo, you don't know who you are up to." Stated Elder Erin, her compassion was evident in her voice "Even WE don't really know much about this evil you're fighting against. Be certain we won't let them down."

"Then you can't just sit there and wait!" pleaded Leo again "At least tell me who took them prisoners! Maybe Paige and Phoebe will be able to vanquish them!"

"The Avatars" answered Eramos as Erin retrieved her place at his side.

"The Avatars of what?" asked Leo on an incredulous tone, echoing Cole's previous words.

"Of Power." Answered Aramin. "but believe me Leo, your charges –as powerful as they might be- are no match for them. The Charmed Ones can't fight them boldly like they use to do. A frontal attack would mean death sentence for your charges."

Leo was flabbergasted. Were the Elders actually afraid of those Avatars? How come the greatest force of good dreaded a bunch of demons? He felt like the ground was giving away under his feet, sending him burning in the blazing pits of Hell.

Even if he sometimes questioned their decisions, he never doubted of the Elder's mightiness. Now if even divinities were in danger, if Heaven wasn't a safer place anymore, Apocalypse was near.

"Go back now Leo" instructed Eramos, succeeding to Aramin, "We won't abandon them. We'll do everything in our power to get your wife and child back, to reconstitute the Power of Three"

Leo bowed and orbed out.

Emily stood silent during this exchange. She was taken aback by Leo's lack of composure. Where was the all famous Charmed Ones' Whitelighter she was so told about? She always was compared to him and never felt up to his level. Now that she had gotten her own charge she understood him a little more. His self-righteous comportment toward Cole had driven her over the edge more than once but she saw Leo in a new light now. A man deprived of his family, humble enough to beg for their return. She could almost feel sympathy for him.

However, when she turned her attention back to the Elders and realised she was now alone again facing them, she couldn't help the sensation of abandonment.

And it scared her. Like Leo, she heard the fear in the Elders' voice. She was always taught that they were untouchable, their infinite goodness was impenetrable, incorruptible.

What if Evil now had the equivalent? She had goosebumps at the thought.

The Elders were watching her in return. There was only one option left now. . .

"Emily" started Aramin "It's time for Cole to accept the Avatars' offer. We can't afford to loose Piper and her child. . . they are much too important. . ."

"And Cole isn't?" defended Emily. She couldn't help but feel that they were sending him to certain death.

"Emily, don't let your feelings interfere with your duty." Ordered Aramin. Then on a softer tone: "It's the only way and you know it"

Eramos intervened: "If we have someone working for us in the inside, he could be able to prevent the worst to happen. Our spy won't be able to inform us on their full intentions, let alone their attack plans. We didn't even know the Avatars were interested in the baby. It's not a quickie decision we took without bothering with the consequences, believe me!"

Emily nodded sadly. The Elders had lectured her enough about her duty as a whitelighter already. The rules. Those damn rules. How much would she have to sacrifice to their stupid policy?

She bowed respectfully and orbed out.

***

Phoebe and Paige were waiting in silence for Leo's arrival, cuddled together on the couch.

The Book of Shadows was open on the table before them. They had looked for answers but found none. Two men dressed in black? It could be anything from humans to upper level demon, without forgetting warlocks and all creatures that could shape-shift. . .

The premonition didn't help them either. . . on the contrary, they were more and more worried as minutes passed. Phoebe had told her little sister about the young girl, but the Book didn't have anything on her as well.

Besides, Leo had been gone for more than one hour, and it wasn't good omen.

When the door bell rings, both sisters were scared to death.

Half expecting a fight, they walked cautiously to the hall.

A tall dark and masculine form could be seen through the colorful windows.

*What kind of demon would enter by the door anyway?* mentally shrugged Phoebe, trying to slow down her heart beat.

She walked slowly to the front door, her little sister high on her heels and took the doorknob in her hand. Phoebe sighed on last time to release pressure. . . and abruptly opened the door, startling their impromptu visitor at the same time.

"Steve!" exclaimed Paige.

"Hi Paige" he replied, briefly waving at the stunned sister.

Phoebe rolled her eyes, and let Paige took her place at the door frame as she returned to the living room without a word.

"I was desperate to have a call from you. . . you already turned me down twice; I thought you wouldn't reject me a third time if I asked you in person!" said Steve a smile lightening his gorgeous face who showed a five o'clock shadow.

Paige stared at his bright hazelnut eyes.

Steve really was handsome. He was just a little taller than her. His straight brown hair were cut short but obviously rebelled against all hairstyles. His tanned skin as well as the little scar on his chin spoke of voyages and adventures, just what attired her in Glen at first. Besides, Paige could sense in him a deep kindness. He has a deep respect for her. Really Steve was no exception but what attired her to him in the first place was this little touch of mystery he was carrying around. She hated when everything was forecasting.

That night they spent together was one of the best of her life. Sure there was no sex but she found him so much more interesting than the others. They talked all night long, it was wonderful. It felt like they had known each other their whole life and not only 3 days. She actually didn't want it to be like with her former boyfriends.

However, she abruptly returned to reality when she remembered Piper was in danger.

"Steve, really. . ." she said with a look of sorrow "I'm afraid it's not the best time right now. . . We are facing a big family crisis and . . ."

A forced smile appeared on his lips. Clearly, he was disappointed. Paige decided to smooth things, she didn't want to loose him.

"Listen it has nothing to do with you. . . really. I'm sorry if I didn't call you before. . ."

"Yeah, I'm sorry too" he added with a sad look "because things are getting a little out of hands on my workplace and. . ."

"Your mysterious workplace you didn't want to tell me about?" inquired Paige.

"Yeah, my not so interesting workplace" he corrected "well . . . I think I won't be there before a while, If I ever come back. . . You know, a business trip."

"Oh no. . ." tears started to form in Paige's eyes.

* Now, of all times, why did it had to be NOW!  *

"I'm sorry Paige. Really, but I didn't know about it before today." He defended himself. He looked as sad as her.

"So your invitation was just an occasion for you to say your farewells, is that it?" she didn't know why it was affecting her like that. Really, she had dumped more guys this past few months than any girl in a lifetime. Maybe Phoebe was right after all…

"Well, I might come back eventually but it's not sure. . . not at all." He turned his gaze to his feet, averting her eyes. It was the harshest thing he had to do but it was for the best. He couldn't just leave without a goodbye.

Then, he saw her shadow approaching him, slowly. Her silhouette drawn on the floor by the feeble light of the hall. He raised his look from the ground to stare at her lovely face. He gently stroke her shiny red hair, amazed at her natural beauty. Slowly he bent to kiss her. As soon as his lips reached hers, Steve took full knowledge of the strange alchemy between them. Tasting her sweet mouth devotedly, he knew he had just rendered things even more difficult… but he couldn't help it.

Paige was lost in his kisses. It sent shivers through her body. She never kissed someone like she was kissing him now. Each of his kisses was different, transporting her to Heaven. She never wanted this moment to stop.

The kiss deepened and became more and more passionate as Paige encircled his head with her arms, passing her fingers in his hair, never wanting to let him go… but a loud cough brought her back to reality.

They broke apart and Paige turned to see Phoebe who motioned for her to go to the living room with her, Leo must have come back.

"I guess, It's time to go." Replied Steve, breathless.

"Yeah, I guess so. . ." she threw a flaming glance Phoebe's way. "Call me when you get there."

"Yeah, I'll try" He nodded at Phoebe and slowly walked away, without turning back.

Paige closed the door reluctantly and angrily turned to the middle sister:

"Well seen enough already?"

"I'm sorry Paige, I didn't know you were. . . well! Leo has come back and I thought you should know." Answered Phoebe startled at her sister's reaction.

Truth be told, she wished she had someone to hug and to hold in moments like that. Someone like Cole. He always had the right word at the right time to cheer her up. He always knew when to hold her in his arms, when to whisper her words of love. She recalled the time when the Source was using the Hollow to steal their power and when Leo had been bleeding to death. He had kept her hopes up when everyone else had been ready to give up. She remembered how she had been clinging to him then. She needed his reassuring aura to envelop her because she knew then. . . she knew he would never –ever!– have let someone hurt her.

She snapped out of her reverie when she realised Paige was waving her hand before her eyes.

"Hello! Come back from dreamland! I said I'm sorry! It wasn't your fault after all."

"Yeah" whispered Phoebe. She passed her right arm around Paige's shoulder and they both walked to the living room where Leo was staring out the window, into the dark night.

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Longer isn't it? I hope you appreciate reading as much as I like writing! If you have questions or comments, feel free to e-mail me about it!

About next chapters…

How will Phoebe and Paige get their sister back now that even the Elders seem to have turn their backs on them?

There might still be a solution for them but will they be willing to take that risk and put their pride aside?

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