Charmed Rewrite: Season 4

by I'm-Not-Your-Average-Monster

This is my version of season 4 with all four sisters included. It will be all of the episodes including a few of my own if needed. Ships will be the same as they were in Season 4 of Charmed with the added exception of Andy/Prue! Please read and review!

21. Chapter 21

We're Off To See The Wizard

'Hey guys :) SO sorry about the long wait but life is a little trying right now and it is currently kicking my ass so updates are taking longer :S
I've also been experiencing some technical difficulties as well, which seriously sucks! :
Anyway, here's the chapter FINALLY lol and I hop you all like it. I, personally, have mixed feelings about this episode. It's really good, drama wise but I dislike Phoebe SO much each and every time I watch it.
All this stuff with Cole-especially towards the end of Season 4-cemented Phoebe's position as my least favourite sister and she never managed to redeem herself.
Alright, I'm rambling lol. I apologize...stop reading this now and start reading the episode :)

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The Underworld

"The elite guard will take their places along the aisle." The Dark Priest explained as he showed Cole around the coronation chamber in preparation for the actually ceremony later that evening. "Then precisely at midnight, we'll begin the ritualistic chant, and then you will be escorted in for the ceremony."

Cole followed him as the Dark Priest walked over to the resting place of the Grimoire. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

The Dark Priest looked up at him, "Five hundred years, give or take a decade." He replied with a smirk as he continued to carefully turn the pages of the sacred book, "Ah, here it is: the oath." He looked up at Cole again and held his gaze, "Upon completion of the oath, you will be given the full powers of the underworld."

Cole looked down at the book, eyebrows slightly raised as he asked, "Will I feel different? After?"

"Perhaps." The Dark Priest answered, "Those who came before you described a feeling of being...complete."

Cole considered that answer before he queried, "Have any of them been half human?"

The Dark Priest regarded Cole with a hardened expression as he answered carefully, "No, this is a first. Now it's time for you to begin your preparations." He changed the subject swiftly, "Your guards will show you to the vestibule." The mausoleum blindly sought

Cole turned to the guards the Dark Priest pointed too and the smallest nodded, "This way." He instructed, bowing his head in respect, and Cole followed them out.

An old, small man in a large coat carrying a tall staff was crouched down in an alcove in the cavern, hidden from sight. He watched silently as the four guards escorted Cole past him before coming out of hiding. He banged the staff down on the ground twice, eyes closed, and an exact cope of the guard who had addressed Cole appeared next to him.

The small man turned to him pointedly and ordered, "Arrest me."

"What's going on?" The Dark Priest demanded as the guard pulled the intruder into the coronation chamber.

"I found him outside." The guard answered.

The Dark Priest approached slowly and a smirk appeared on his face, "A wizard." He stated uninterested, "Well, well. Aren't you supposed to be extinct?" he sneered.

The Wizard shrugged, "One of us is alive and well."

"Not for long." The Dark Priest threatened, "Did you really think you could stop the coronation, all by yourself, Wizard?"

"I didn't come for the coronation." The Wizard retorted, "I came for the revenge."

The Dark Priest chuckled to himself, while the Wizard smirk and slammed the bottom of his staff into the Priests groin, causing him to crumble to the floor in pain.

The Dark Priest growled, throwing out his arm and sending the Wizard into the podium holding the Grimoire. "What's the matter with you?" The Dark Priest demanded, looking to the guard, "STOP HIM!" but the guard remained still. The Dark Priest turned to the Wizard in time to see him lunge for the Grimoire and swiftly moved it from his reach.

The Wizard sneered clambering to his feet and diving for it again, only to be stopped by the real guard.

The Dark Priest jumped to his feet, eyes flickering between the two identical men and explained, "It's an illusion."

The Wizard grabbed his staff and disappeared, the guard too, both being illusions of the real thing, copies.

Cole cam running in at that moment, looking around with angry eyes, "What the hell is going on?" he demanded fiercely.

~PO4~

Halliwell Manor

"Cole's a demon again. That is what's going on." Paige stated firmly from the kitchen counter.

Prue shook her head and held up one finger, "Nuh-uh-uh, the Source. Cole is the Source." She amended and Paige nodded, sipping on her coffee still not entirely sure on that yet.

Piper sighed in aggravation, "Do you wanna lose us a sister?" she demanded, "Because that's exactly what's gonna happen if you blurt it out like that and besides that is only what we think, a suspicion, the only thing we know for sure, is that Cole is dealing with demons." She said forcefully, giving both her sister a warning look.

Prue nodded, "You're right, you're right and personally, I, I, I don't think we should open with "Morning Phoebe. Nice day, we're really sorry to have to tell you this but, you're husband is the Source of All Evil." She exclaimed in a sarcastic chipper.

Piper pointed to her, "That is another excellent point." She agreed wholeheartedly although she firmly disagreed with the Source of All Evil angle, "It would be too much."

Paige shook her head, "But it's the truth!" she exclaimed slamming her hands down on the counter, "Doesn't Phoebe deserve to know the truth? Or do you guys wanna lie to her?" she asked sceptically, one eyebrow raised.

"We're not lying to her, Paige." Piper retorted, "We are merely easing her into the truth."

Paige scoffed and turned to Prue for help. Prue shook her head, "Sorry Paige but I'm with Piper on this. It would be too much and it's not lying, it's...softening the blow. This is gonna break her heart."

Piper sighed heavily and dropped her head down onto the table, "I don't wanna break her heart." she whined, her voice muffled.

Prue rubbed her back comfortingly, "I know, me neither."

"Hey." Andy greeted quietly as he entered the kitchen, feeling the tension from outside the door. He walked to his wife and kissed her softly, "Morning." He whispered and she smiled against his lips.

"Morning." She whispered back the nodded towards the island, "Coffee's fresh."

"When are you going to Phoebe's?" he asked as he filled his mug.

"Ten." Paige answered tightly, "That's when she said."

Andy frowned, "You think she knows?" he queried.

Paige arched her eyebrows in surprise, "Maybe that's why she wants to talk to us." She suggested turning to her two sisters, "Maybe she knows."

Prue and Piper turned to one another, reading the same doubt in the other's eyes. Phoebe could never see clearly when it came to Cole, in fact, she was downright blind.

Prue glanced down at her watch which read 8:30, "We've got just over an hour before we gotta get to Phoebe's so...we've got an hour to figure out how the hell we're gonna tell our sister that the love of her life is pure evil." She stated seriously and Piper groaned loudly.

"Where you going?" Piper questioned, raising her head when she sensed movement beside her.

Prue paused and turned back, "Um...upstairs?" she replied uncertainly.

Piper nodded, bouncing to her feet, "I'll come with you."

Prue gawked, "Okay, paranoid much?" she complained.

Piper shot her a stern look, "Okay, you know what, whatever. I have every right to be paranoid since the entire underworld and everything in it is gonna be coming after you Prue and they're not going to wanna take you to dinner." She drawled sarcastically, "They'll wanna kill you, so excuse me for being a little concerned."

Prue blinked repeatedly and nodded slowly, "Alright." She breathed reaching out to stroke Piper's hair, "Take a breath." She instructed and Piper inhaled deeply, "It's gonna be okay, okay? Try not to worry, nothing's happened yet and the Elder's don't seem all too concerned so—"

"Yeah but they don't pay enough attention." Paige injected into the conversation, "I mean, Mom had an affair with her whitelighter, got pregnant with me and then gave me up for adoption without them ever finding out."

Prue and Piper chuckled.

"You make a good point." Prue agreed, "But I'm going to the bathroom, I do not need a chauffeur for that, thank you very much." She quipped and Piper frowned.

"But—"

"No!" Prue held up her hand, "I can pee on my own." and with that she sauntered out of the kitchen.

Piper growled as she watched her sister leave and spun to face her brother-in-law, "Why didn't you help?" she demanded smacking his arm painfully.

"Uh…ow." Andy droned with widened eyes, "And I already tried, she won't listen."

Piper sighed, shaking her head, "Of course she won't. I swear to god, that girl's stubbornness is gonna get her kill—" Piper's rant was cut short as a sharp cry sounded from the other room.

The three heads turned towards the kitchen door in time to see Prue come flying into view, crashing into the dining table.

Piper gasped loudly and raced for the door, "Oh my god!" she cried, eyes on her sister's unconscious body, Paige and Andy right behind her.

"Piper!" Andy called sharply and her hands flew up, freezing an oncoming energy ball in mid-air.

"Ah! Oh, Paige!" Piper yelped and her sister held out her hand.

"ENERGY BALL!" Paige called loudly and the weapon appeared in the palm of her hand before she threw it back towards their attacker, striking his chest and vanquishing him.

"Prue." Andy breathed, crouching down next to his wife.

Paige looked down, "Oh god." She gasped, grimacing at the sight of the nasty burn to her sister's chest.

"LEO!" Piper shouted urgently, eyes on her sisters bleeding body, "LEO!" she called again when he failed to appear instantly.

Leo appeared seconds later in a shower of bright lights, eyes questioning. He looked down when his wife did and was on his knees in a second, hands hovering over his charges body.

Prue came too, several minutes later, her body aching and her mind cloudy. "Urgh, owwwww!" she groaned as Andy pulled her to her feet, hands resting on her hips to steady her. "God, that hurt." She looked down at the splintered pieces of shattered wood, "Aw damn it! Son of a bitch, now we need a new table."

Piper shook her head, "Never mind the damn table, Prue, are you okay?" she asked, one hand on her sisters back.

Prue smiled at her, "Yes, I'm fine." She assured them turning to Leo gratefully, "Thanks to you."

"Just doing my job." Leo replied, looking her up and down, "I'm uh...gonna let the Elders know." He informed them before glowing bright and floating away.

"And as for the table..." Paige spoke up, slipping in beside Piper she looked down at the mess and chanted, "Let the object of objection become but a dream, as I cause this scene to be unseen." and the table was healed, so to speak.

Paige beamed proudly turning back to her sisters, "Whaaat?"she asked shrugging her shoulders at their incredulous stares.

"Uh...do the words: personal and gain, mean anything to you?" Prue responded with arched eyebrows.

Paige shrugged again, "Whatever, they owe us. You sure you're good?" she squinted her eyes at Prue, one hand on her arm.

"Yeah." Prue sighed, leaning against Andy who hadn't taken his hands or his eyes off of her, "But I guess this means the secret is officially out." She announced grimly, the expressions of the other persons around her exactly the same: their lives had just gotten a whole lot more complicated.

~Opening Credits~

The Towers

"I don't wanna do this." Piper whined for the umpteenth time since they had gotten on the elevator.

Prue sighed, "Yes we know Piper."

Piper dropped her head onto Prue's shoulder, "This isn't gonna be easy for her to hear and, and she's just...she's been so happy, happier than she's ever been." She stated as the doors slid open to reveal a definitely less than happy looking Phoebe.

"Or not." Paige countered as the slowly walked towards her.

Phoebe turned from the window at the sound of her voice, "Hi, come on in." She instructed, beckoning them over to the table.

"Phoebe, what's the matter?" Piper asked as they reached the table, "You look—"

"Terrible?" Phoebe cut in knowingly, "Yeah, I haven't slept in a couple of days."

Prue glanced at Piper, "Well, that makes four of us." She commented, wincing as she eased into the, thankfully, comfortable chair, while Paige and Piper opted to stand.

Phoebe frowned, extremely gratefully for the momentary distraction as she asked, "Are you okay?"

Prue glanced at up her with a tight smile, "Yeah, sure, why not?" she replied tersely and Phoebe turned to Piper for help.

"Secret's out." Piper informed her bluntly, "The vamps spilled the beans on the baby and now the Manor is the underworlds most popular destination."

Phoebe's eyes widened, "You were attacked?" this question directed to her eldest sister.

Prue nodded, arms folded across her chest, "Took an energy ball to the chest and broke the dining table, which Paige used magic to fix." she fired in and the youngest rolled her eyes, "But I'm fine." She assured her with a smile.

"I should have been there." Phoebe shook her head at herself.

"We handled it." Piper shrugged, dismissing the statement with a wave her hand, "Now, what's the matter?"

Phoebe drew in a deep breath, knowing it would come back to this didn't make it any easier to say, "Um...you guys should probably sit down." She directed at her two standing sisters, "Sit."

Paige glanced at Piper, "That's funny, we were just coming to ask you to do the same."

Piper smacked her leg pointedly and Paige repressed another eye roll, as she and Piper took their seats.

Phoebe let her eyes wander until they found a nice, safe spot on the table to stare at, instead of looking any of her sisters in the eye, "Okay, so, what I'm about to tell you is really big. We're talkin' huge."

Paige's face lit up and she looked pointedly a Prue and Piper, "See, she does know."

"Knows what?" Phoebe demanded looking at Paige expectantly, whose eyes widened in alarm.

"Uh...um, you tell us." Piper cut in with a smile.

Phoebe nodded, "Uh...okay. I'm uh..." she stuttered looking from sister to sister: Piper whose head was tilted to the side questioningly, Prue who was sitting at an odd angle trying to get comfortable while staring at Phoebe, brow slightly creased and eyes deadly serious, while Paige looked at Phoebe with wide, expectant brown orbs.

Phoebe sighed, licked her lips and announced, "I'm pregnant."

Piper jumped in her seat, eyes darting to Prue who was sat up rigidly in her seat, shot Piper a quick sideways glance before turning back to Phoebe, clearly trying to hide her pity.

"You're what?" Piper winced, inwardly cringing.

"Oh my god!" Paige cried, her face the picture of horror and disgust, "From Cole?" she gasped and all eyes turned to her.

~PO4~

The Underworld

Cole stood tall in the Coronation chamber, sword in hand as he swung for the head of the impersonated guard, his severed head rolling to the feet of his partner.

Cole stormed over to the remaining guard, invading his personal space as much as possible as he ordered, "Find the wizard or you're next." He threatened lowly, slamming the sword to the ground so hard, the tip embedded in the stone, balancing perfectly as he strode away.

~PO4~

The Towers

"I don't even understand how this could've happened." Phoebe stated as she paced back and forth incessantly, "We were being so careful."

"Welcome to the club." Prue droned, deadpanned and Phoebe smiled a little, "Contraception has no standing in this family apparently." She quipped with a fake smile.

Phoebe shook her head, "It's just...it's the last thing I expected right now."

"Just wait." Paige commented from her seat and both Piper and Prue glared at her, Phoebe to preoccupied with her own mind to even hear her.

Paige raised her shoulders and widened her eyes innocently mouthing "what" to her two oldest sisters only to receive a sharp, telekinetic shove from afar.

Paige glared and mouthed "ow" to which Prue merely raised her shoulders and widened her eyes innocently, imitating her younger sister, whose glare intensified while Prue smirked.

"Does Cole know?" Piper questioned as an oblivious Phoebe continued her pacing.

"No, not yet." Phoebe answered honestly, "I should've told him, I know, but I didn't know how to. Besides I don't want him to think that I'm not happy about it."

"Are you?" Prue questioned seriously, meeting her younger sisters gaze, "Happy about it? Cause it's okay if you're not." She assured her then faltered, "Well I hope it is."

Phoebe pursed her lips in thought and replied slowly, "I don't know." As she eased herself down into the seat next to Prue, "I'm—You know, part of me is, obviously." Phoebe tried to explain, her own emotions not really making any sense to her. "I love Cole. But then there's another part of me that's scared to death. I mean, there's so many changes, and it's all happening so fast." She drew in a deep breath, "I'm not sure I'm ready for this."

"Oh, Phoebe." Prue sighed, reaching out and taking her hand, "No-one's ever ready for a baby, trust me." She chuckled lowly and Phoebe cracked a small smile.

Piper leaned forwards in her seat to address her sister, "Oh honey, you should have told us when you found out and then you wouldn't have to go through it alone."

Phoebe's hand tightened on Prue's, who rubbed soothing circles with her thumb, as Phoebe replied hesitantly, "I know. But I wasn't sure...how you'd feel about it." She whispered timidly and Piper frowned.

"Me? Why?" Piper questioned in genuine confusion.

"Because...I know how hard you and Leo have been trying." Phoebe answered slowly, looking her in the eye, "And yeah, you dealt with Prue's surprise pregnancy great, I mean you're just as excited as any of us but now..."

Piper sighed, looking away, "Honey, this doesn't have anything to do with me. It has everything to do with you, and, and, I, I'm thrilled to become an aunt." She said with a smile, "I can't wait to meet my niece and now I'm gonna have two! Don't worry about me." She ordered shaking her head.

Phoebe smiled at her and visibly relaxed while Prue reached out and placed her hand on Piper knee under the table.

"So when are you gonna tell, Cole?" Paige piped up from the other side of the table, arms folded across her chest and pouting, looking seriously like a sulking little kid, yet plastering on a fake smile.

"I don't know." Phoebe exclaimed tiredly, "He's got so much on his plate right now. You know, with starting his new job and everything."

"You're gonna have a lot on your plate too." Paige chimed, "More than you realize." She finished and received another telekinetic shove for her troubles. "Will you stop doing that." She growled to Prue through gritted teeth.

"Be-have." Prue growled back and Paige huffed.

Piper's eyes widened at the tension her younger sister was sending the baby of the family and quickly intervened, "Uh-huh, yeah like how many hours he's gonna be working and that he's not gonna be home a lot." She tried to pacify.

"That's not what I was talking about, Piper." Paige insisted and Piper dropped her head to the table momentarily before turning to Prue sharply.

"Paige." Prue warned evenly but it was too late.

"What do you mean, Paige?" Phoebe questioned calmly.

"It can wait." Prue answered instead, shooting Paige a warning as the humming of the elevator intensified.

"Oh my god, that's Cole." Phoebe gasped rising to her feet, "He can't know I told you before I told him." she panicked as she pulled Prue to her feet.

"Wha—hey, ow!" Prue yelped, "I'm still sore here." She snapped, yanking her arm from Phoebe's grasp and walking over to Piper and Paige.

"I'm sorry." Phoebe apologized quickly, "But you gotta get outta here now. Hurry, orb."

"I thought Cole had a "no orbing" policy?" Paige asked, if only for the chance to stall.

Phoebe shook her head, "No, he doesn't want you orbing in. He doesn't mind you orbing out." She explained her voice an octave higher than usual.

"Now." Piper ordered, yanking Paige's hand and the three sisters' disappeared in swirling orbs as the elevator doors slid open.

~PO4~

Cole looked up to find Phoebe smiling a little too widely at him. "I thought you were at work." She stated and his suspicions heightened.

"I thought you were in bed." Cole retorted, "Are you feeling better?"

"Much." Phoebe answered playing with her hands nervously, "Thanks." The couple stared at one another in an awkward silence before Phoebe decided to make her great escape, "Well, I gotta go, baby." She informed her walking around to get her bag, "You know, deadlines."

"But, but I got you something to eat." Cole lifted the hand holding the packaged food.

"Sorry." Phoebe apologized with a small smile, "I'll call you later." She promised lifting her laptop bag and rushing to the elevator.

Cole frowned, utterly perplexed by his wife's behaviour as he trailed behind, "Phoebe, what's wrong?"

"Why?" Phoebe asked instantly, turning to face him with a large, forced smile, "What makes you think there's something wrong?"

Cole's eyes widened and his eyebrows rose as he stated, "Because every time you lie, I can see your wisdom teeth."

Phoebe chuckled nervously and slowly wiped the smile from her face, "We'll talk tonight." She offered turning back to the elevator.

"Phoebe." Cole called seriously.

"Please, Cole, not now." Phoebe begged.

"Well, I'm worried." Cole informed her as she slid inside the elevator.

"Well, don't be." Phoebe shrugged, pressing the button urgently, willing the doors to close.

"Well, I am damn it! What's the matter?" Cole snapped, looking her in the eye.

Phoebe sighed as he held her gaze, unwaveringly, "I'm pregnant." Phoebe announced hitting the button again as her husband's eyes bulged.

"You're what?" Cole echoed Piper as the doors began slipping closed.

"We'll talk later." Phoebe assured him, her wide smile returning as the doors closed. Leaving a speechless Cole in their wake.

He turned slowly then smiled, "I'm gonna be a daddy." He gushed laughing lightly then falling silent as it sank in.

~PO4~

Halliwell Manor

Prue, Piper and Paige were all situated in the living room. Prue seated on the couch, head in her hands while Piper paced back and forth in front of her. Paige standing on the other side of the coffee table, arms folded and shaking her head.

"Leo!" Piper yelled again sharply, pausing to place her hands on her hips when orbs filled the air.

"What, is the emergency?" Leo demanded, arms held out expectantly.

Piper stared at her husband with serious eyes, "Phoebe...is pregnant."

"What?" Leo uttered with wide eyes as his tone took on one of excitement, "Really?"

Piper closed her eyes and dipped her head, not liking his enthusiastic response.

"Yeah and I think that she deserves to know she's carrying a demon-child, don't you?" Paige declared tersely, "And don't say that we don't know if Cole is a demon because we do." She threw in before Piper could object.

"Well, okay we'll do some more digging." Piper suggested shrugging, "And, and we'll find some solid proof."

Paige shook her head, "No, I think she deserves to know it now, Piper."

Piper shook her own head, "She doesn't need the stress, Paige."

Leo turned to Prue—who was now by his side—for help and she opened her mouth only to be cut off by Paige.

"Even if she's in danger?" Paige questioned, eyebrows arched challengingly.

"Cole would never hurt her." Piper insisted, "He couldn't even hurt her when he was a demon."

Paige held up one finger, "Uh...excuse me, he still is a demon and are you willing to bet her life on it?"

"Okay, whoa!" Prue interrupted, throwing out her hands and her two sisters fell silent, "God." She sighed, "You two sound like me and Phoebe."

Piper scoffed at that remark muttering, "Not possible."

Prue arched one perfect eyebrow and Piper smirked, "And in case you've forgotten, you have another pregnant sister..." she reminded them, pointing to herself, "...who doesn't need another headache." Prue stressed pointedly and they looked down. Prue inhaled sharply and gestured to Leo, "Now, we called Leo for his advice and all you two have done since he arrived is bicker. How is he supposed to help if he can't get a word in edge wise?" she questioned primly and they both sighed, relaxing their stances and Prue closed her eyes in relief: the standoff was over.

Leo smiled at Prue then addressed the other two, "So do you want my advice or not?"

"Depends on whose side you're on." Paige stated narrowing her eyes, "And if you take hers it better not be because you're sleeping with her."

Piper smirked, folding her arms and running her eyes over her husband's frame.

"Haha." Prue quipped, smacking Piper's arm and addressing Paige, "He's on my side, cause it's the safe one."

"For once." Piper teased and Prue turned to her sharply, narrowing her eyes.

"Oooh." She glared and Piper chuckled.

"HELP!" the Wizard cried as he appeared out of nowhere in their foyer, coming to a stop at the stairs.

Piper, Prue, Leo and Paige whipped round to face him, their faces contorting into similar expressions of surprise.

"Please, you gotta help me." The Wizard begged.

"Help you?" Prue frowned, "Who the hell are you?" she demanded as the guard ordered to take care of him shimmered into the room. The Wizard cried out as the guard hurled an energy ball his way, the Wizard lighting up as it hit him and disappearing.

~PO4~

Piper threw up her hands and flicked her wrists, blowing their second intruder up, "What—what an idiot!" she cried, dropping her hands to her sides, "Doesn't every demon know by now whose house this is?"

"Apparently not." Prue answered her, hands on her hips, "Which is insulting."

"Not every demon." The Wizard piped up from his place in the sun room, lounging casually on the seat, "Fortunately for me."

"But he just vanquished you." Paige stated, frowning in confusion as they turned to him.

"No, not me." The Wizard chuckled, "An illusion. One of my little tricks." He smiled, "Comes in handy: saving my life and whatnot."

"You're a wizard?" Leo asked, unsure.

The Wizard smiled, "In the flesh. For lack of a better term."

"HEY!" Prue interrupted loudly throwing out her hands again, "What the hell are you doing in our house?" she demanded angrily, "First, you come in here unannounced and uninvited I might add." She snapped her eyes glaring daggers, "You bring a demon with you, a demon which you tricked us into vanquishing for you!"

The Wizard chuckled at that, clearly proud of himself.

" And then..." Prue laughed shortly shaking her head incredulously, "Then you have the audacity to causally make yourself at home on our furniture! Who the hell do you think you are!" she seethed, hands back on her hips.

The Wizard smirked, "Lemme guess..." he pushed himself up, staff in hand and slowly approached them pointing at Prue, "You're the pregnant one." He stated and Piper gasped, Paige's jaw dropping silently while Leo regarded his sister-in-law with fearful eyes. "Pure?" she Wizard tried unsuccessfully.

Prue's eyebrows hit her hairline and she cocked her head to the side, "Prue." She corrected him and he nodded, "And no." Prue countered, shaking her head as she advanced on him, "I'm the hostile one, who you just pissed off!" she spat and the Wizard cringed holding up his hands.

"Sorry. But come on." he chuckled, "Let's face it, the hormones aren't helping."

Paige nodded, "He's got a point there."

"Paige!" Prue cried in horror and she shrugged.

The Wizard snickered, "So it is true." He smiled rubbing his hands together, "Interesting. And as for the vanquish...my enemies are your enemies."

"Says you." Piper quipped, leaning back against her husband, "Honey, friend or foe?"

"I don't know." Leo replied guardedly, "I've never met a wizard before, only heard about 'em."

Prue folded her arms defiantly, "Well I vote 'foe' anyway." She informed them, squinting at the wizard, "And I say we just vanquish his sorry ass."

The Wizard rolled his eyes at her but took a cautionary step backwards regardless and addressed Leo, "Please, give me a little credit." He asked moving into the TV room.

Piper and Prue glanced at one another before quickly following him one way, while Leo and Paige went the other, effectively surrounding him.

"Why would I seek out the Charmed Ones if I were evil?" The Wizard pointed out smartly.

"Okay, look." Piper held up one hand, "You need to stand still, or you're gonna go poof like your friend in there." She threatened seriously.

The Wizard chuckled, pointing to her, "You're the touchy one. I've heard about you. Peeper?"

Piper gasped, clearly affronted by his rudeness, "Piper."

"Whatever." The Wizard dismissed, walking to the fireplace.

"What do you want?" Prue asked slowly, her fists clenching as she tried to keep her 'hormones' in check.

"Revenge." The Wizard answered honestly as he stared at his reflection in the mirror, "On the Source for slaughtering my kind centuries ago." He turned back to the sisters, "And for that I'll need your help."

Prue scoffed, "Huh...seriously? If you think we're gonna help you after how you've acted then you're kiddin' yourself."

"Oooh." The Wizard chuckled, waving his hands, "You sound like a mother already, I'm so scared." His tone dripping with sarcasm as he rolled his eyes.

Prue clenched her jaw and curled her fist, the candlestick on the table beside him flying up and whacking him on the face.

"OW!" The Wizard yelped as he rubbed the soon to be lump on his forehead.

"Oops." Prue quipped deadpanned, "Guess it was the hormones."

"Maybe you haven't heard." Piper spoke up, still smirking pleasantly from her sisters actions, "There's a new Source. The old one is dead."

"Yeah, we already kicked his sorry ass." Paige grinned.

"He didn't die." The Wizard informed them, "He was reborn into a new sorry ass." He froze, hearing what he said out loud, "Wait, that didn't come out right."

"Are you kidding me!" Piper cried, "After everything that we went through he found an escape hatch?"

The Wizard snapped his fingers and a whole chicken on a platter appeared and he ginned as he ripped off a leg.

"Our only chance to stop him will be tonight." The Wizard informed them threw a mouthful of food, "Before he receives his full powers at the coronation."

"Don't talk with your mouth full." Prue reprimanded reflexively, pausing and frowning deeply while Piper chuckled from beside her.

"Tonight?" Paige echoed, panic rising, "How do we do such a big job on such short notice?"

"We'll steal the Grimoire." The Wizard answered, chewing loudly.

"What did I just say?" Prue raised an eyebrow and place on hand on her hip, the Wizard swallowing heavily.

"Oh!" Paige nodded then turned to Leo, "What's that?"

"Evil Book of Shadows." He answered easily and Paige nodded.

"The Source has to lay his hand on the book as he says the oath." The Wizard explained, mouth empty, "Or he doesn't get his powers."

"So we steal a little book and we stop the Source?" Prue questioned, unimpressed and sceptical, "What's the catch?"

"I thought she was the paranoid one?" The Wizard chanced, pointing to Piper who glared, "And the catch is it's protected in a secret chamber by his best guards. Now, I know how to get there." He informed them cockily, "But I can't fight them alone." He admitted walking up to Prue. "What do ya say? Partners?" he offered sticking out the hand holding the chicken leg.

"Get that thing away from me." Prue ordered sternly, grimacing at the sight and inclined her head to Piper who was already throwing out her hands, freezing the disgusting man.

"I so don't trust him." Piper stated firmly.

"I so wanna vanquish him." Prue added in, looking the wizard up and down in disgust, "He's vile."

"Yes, we know Mom." Paige teased with a smirk.

Leo nodded, "I'll check with the Elders, see what they know." He offered then nodded to the wizard, "You better get Phoebe. In case he's right, you're gonna need the power of four."

"Oh hey, wait." Prue stopped him mid-flight, "What did the Elders say about...before?"

Leo drew in a deep breath, suddenly uncomfortable.

"Leo?" Piper urged, expectantly.

"They um...they reassigned all of my other charges on a temporary basis." He revealed, keeping his eyes on the Eldest charmed, "Want my sole focus on protecting you guys. They don't wanna risk me being too far away when another attack happens."

"They're worried." Prue concluded, evenly, face impassive.

Leo nodded, "They're worried. They don't wanna lose the next generation, it's a big deal to them."

"Yeah? Well it's a bigger deal to us, Leo." Piper snapped, glaring at the ceiling, "It's our friggen family on the line here."

"Piper." Paige warned, glancing pointedly at their older sister.

Piper winced, "Sorry, Prue I—"

"No, you're right." Prue stopped her with a wave of her hand, "You're right."

"Oh, they said congratulations by the way." Leo added to lighten the suddenly sullen mood and the sisters each cracked a smile.

"Tell them thanks." Prue smiled and Leo nodded as he orbed out, "And it's a little late."

"I'll go get her." Piper announced in regards to Phoebe.

"No." Paige shook her head, "You've got the freezing power and with him we're gonna need it." She cracked, frowning at the frozen Wizard, "You two stay here, I'll go."

"Alright but no spilling the beans on Cole." Piper warned her, "Not until we decide to."

Paige held up her hands, "Scout's honour." She swore and walked out to get her coat.

Piper sighed and waved her hand at the Wizard, unfreezing him, "Just so you know, one false move, and you're toast."

"Hmmm." The Wizard considered then pounded his staff on the ground twice, the chicken turning into toast, "Got any jam?"

Piper turned to Prue who shook her head and walked out of the room calling over her shoulder, "I'm goin' to the station. Call me if you need me."

~PO4~

The Towers

Cole sat on his couch in the living room, laptop out and open on the table surfing the site 'infantabulous' while humming the little lullaby playing on the page.

"Is the witch home?" Julie's voice echoed around the room.

Cole paused, looked around and answered slowly, "No." And seconds later the demonic assistant shimmered in behind him.

"Good. I thought you'd like an update." She continued, walking around the couch to face him, "As you ordered, the priests have stepped up security on the Grimoire. So far the wizard has been our only breach—What is the dreadful music?" she questioned with a scowl as she perched on the arm of the chair.

"Oh uh..." Cole hit a button and the music ceased, "...nothing."

Julie tilted her head curiously, "Baby shopping, Sir?"

"Yes." Cole admitted with a grin, "As a matter of fact I was. Phoebe's pregnant."

"Oh." Julie's eyes widened, "An heir that's uh...wonderful news but I don't understand why you're..." she nodded to the laptop and Cole shrugged.

"Oh just...keeping up appearances, you know." He dismissed her worries, "Trying to act like a normal father-to-be." He nodded his head slowly but Julie remained unconvinced, "For Phoebe." He added offhandedly.

Julie frowned, "But Phoebe's not here." She stated slowly.

Cole froze, at a loss for what to say, so instead adopted the cherished tactic of avoidance, "Is there anything else you need to update me on?" he questioned closing over the laptop and looking at her expectantly.

Julie took a breath and rose, "May I speak candidly?" she asked seeking permission and Cole offered her a short nod, "I'm worried about you." She stated frankly, "Worried that the witch's influence on you is to great. That the baby will make the pull of love even greater." Julie walked around the coffee table to stand behind him as she spoke, never once looking him in the eye.

"Oh, if you're worried about the coronation..." Cole began as she placed her hands on his shoulders.

"I'm worried about after the coronation." Julie corrected him while Cole stared at her hand with wide eyes tensing as the demon bent over so her mouth was by his ear as she continued, "The next nine months to be exact...when the bond between you and Phoebe will grow..." she casually stroked her finger down the lapel on his suit jacket will Cole strained away from her. "...and your hold on the humanity within will weaken." Julie placed one hand on his chest as her voice grew more sultry than concerned, "Unless..."

Cole raised one eyebrow, "Unless?" he urged.

Julie's hand moved to his hair and Cole grew even more uncomfortable, "Unless you allow the Seer to perform her dark magic. Allow me to carry your baby."

"What?" Cole's face contorted in confusion turning to face her.

"You won't need the witch anymore." Julie pointed out as she ran her nails over his neck, "I could be your Queen."

Cole scoffed, pulling away from her and jumping to his feet, "Are you out of you mind?"

Julie sighed as she stood up straight, "I'm trying to save you." She defended herself, "The Underworld will not tolerate a leader who's conflicted. Any sign of weakness and you're not gonna survive."

Cole's eyes darkened at her comment, "Are you threatening me?"

"I'm reminding you..." Julie answered, "...of your future, your destiny."

Cole stood up straight, his eyes challenging just daring her to say what he was sure was about to come out of her mouth.

"Neither of which include, the witch." Julie summarized and Cole's jaw tightened. He glared at her until the demon shimmered out of his home, leaving him to stew. Cole glanced down at the laptop, picked it up and threw it threw the glass coffee table, shards of glass falling at his feet.

~PO4~

San Fransisco Police Department

Prue pushed open the doors to her husband's squad room, her tired eyes instantly cutting to the far left, where her husband and his partner were seated at their desks, folders spread across the wood, Darryl with the phone to his ear.

Andy looked up as his wife approached and smiled widely, "Hey."

Prue forced a small smile and waved, "Hi."

Andy frowned as he took in her tired eyes and defeated stance, "What's wrong?" he asked with a sigh, folding his arms across his chest.

Prue laughed bitterly as she slumped against his desk, "You mean apart from the fact that there's a demonic hit out on me and our baby, my baby sister is married to the Source of All Evil—whose coronation is tonight by the way."

"Tonight?" Andy uttered with wide eyes.

Prue nodded sharply, "Yep and if we don't find a way to stop it and save Phoebe, then we're all screwed." She stated confidently and Andy cringed, "And if that's not bad enough, the only person willing to help us, is a wizard and you can't trust wizards."

Darryl, who had been listening in with one ear, placed the phone back on its cradle and piped in, "So I guess this means that tonight is off." He commented with a chuckle.

With a sigh Prue turned to him regretfully, "I'm sorry Darryl. I was looking forward to tonight, please apologize to Shelia."

Darryl shrugged, "We can do it another time."

"We shouldn't have to do it another time." Prue stressed shaking her head.

"Prue—" Andy moved towards her and she spun to face him.

"Oh I'm not done yet." Prue cut in, with raised eyebrows and a tight smile, "Phoebe's pregnant." She revealed and her husband's face fell, "Oh yeah." Prue nodded then her features darkened, "With the demon spawn!" she exclaimed loudly, gaining herself the attention of several officers.

"Ssshhh, sshh!" Andy hissed glancing around them and Prue cringed.

She looked around at the staring faces and smiled, "In laws." She offered with a shrug and they slowly went back to work. Prue turned to her husband and whispered, "Sorry."

Andy waved a dismissive hand, "It's...fine. Here." He reached for her and pulled her towards his chair, "Sit down."

Prue allowed herself to be guided into his chair, taking her husband's hands when he knelt down in front of her.

"There's one more thing." Prue informed him quietly.

"What else could possible go wrong?" He quipped with a shake of his head and Prue sent him a sympathetic smile.

"You know, this morning when I said that there was nothing to worry about on the whole, underworld and baby front?" she asked and he nodded, "Well, I was wrong. The Elders are worried."

Andy frowned in concern, "How worried exactly?"

Prue smiled tightly, "Worried enough to reassign all of Leo's other charges, making him available to us and only us."

Andy's eyebrows rose, "Well...it's nice to know they care so much I guess."

Prue chuckled faintly, "Yeah."

"Honey." Andy whispered as he reached up and swiped a finger under her eye.

Prue frowned at him and touched her face, rolling her eyes at herself when she felt the wet moisture on her cheeks.

"Stupid hormones."

"Prue..."

Prue shook her head at him and sniffled, "What are we gonna do?"

"About what?" Andy questioned, cupping her cheek.

"Everything."

Andy sighed, "I wish I had that answer baby...but I don't."

Prue pursed her lips and nodded slowly, "I don't think anybody does."

"Come here." Andy whispered pulling her into his arms.

Prue relaxed into his embrace and buried her head in his neck with a sigh.

~PO4~

The Bay Mirror Newspaper

Phoebe rolled her eyes at the voice down the other line of her office phone and gritted her teeth, "Yes, of course, I am aware that there is a deadline but Elise threw my column out at the last minute." She tried t explain.

Phoebe listened as the other voice spoke and her eyebrows rose, "Oh, oh how hard can it be to write an advice column?" she repeated feeling her blood boil at the moron grating on her nerves, "Let me show you how hard!" Phoebe exclaimed slamming the phone down on its cradle and knocking over her cup of coffee in the process.

"Urgh!" Phoebe sighed, closing her eyes and shaking her head.

Paige appeared in the doorway and knocked, "Bad time?" she asked stepping into the office.

"Yes." Phoebe nodded, "No." She changed her mind then shrugged, "Whatever what is it?" she asked as Paige picked up the fallen coffee cup, placing it back in the desk.

"Well uh...we need the power of four." She informed her apologetically.

Phoebe's fingers froze on the keyboard and her head snapped around, "What? Now? Can't it wait?"

"Cliff notes version: We didn't kill the Source like we thought. He was just reborn and now if we don't help a wizard stop him from getting coronated tonight, he becomes all powerful." She revealed, conveniently omitting the suspicion that Phoebe's husband was the new Source, from her explanation.

"Shall we?" Paige shot her a smile gesturing to the door.

"So...let him get coronated." Was the statement that left Phoebe's mouth instead and Paige felt the world shift.

"Sorry?" Paige stuttered, unable to come up with anything else.

"Well why not?" Phoebe asked turning to look at her, "What's the worst that can happen?"

Paige stared at her with wide eyes and arched eyebrows, completely bewildered by her cavalier attitude. "Uh...besides all hell breaking loose on Earth?" Paige offered lifting her shoulder then frowned, "What's wrong with you?"

"I don't know." Phoebe admitted pulling off her glasses and dropping them onto her desk, "I'm just—I'm having a really bad day right now." She explained, dropping her head into her hands. "Okay uh..." Phoebe lifted her head and pushed her chair back, "I'll meet you at the Manor but I have to find Cole first and fill him in."

Paige's eyes widened briefly as alarmed bells rang, "No you don't need to do that." Paige dismissed with a wave and Phoebe paused, leaning against her desk with questioning eyes.

"Besides, he's so busy being Mr. Hot-Shot-Lawyer-Guy and all." Paige quipped with a small chuckle.

"Okay Paige, what's your problem with Cole now, huh?" Phoebe asked knowingly, one hand on her hip, "Spill it."

"Nothing." Paige insisted, her widened eyes telling another story.

"You're lying! I can see your wisdom teeth."

"I don't have wisdom teeth." Paige informed her, shaking her head innocently.

"Paige!" Phoebe demanded impatiently.

Paige closed her eyes briefly then addressed her sister, "Alright, but you're not gonna like it." She forewarned seriously and Phoebe shot her another impatient stare. "Alright." Paige sighed, "Remember the vampire that attacked me a couple of days ago?" she asked and Phoebe inclined her head. "Well, I met him through Cole, at your apartment."

"And?" Phoebe asked tightly.

"And?" Paige frowned, "Don't you think that's a pretty big coincidence for an alleged ex-demon?"

"Alleged?"

Paige repressed an eye roll, "Stop being so naive, Phoebe." She snapped in frustration, "He's been acting strange ever since he got his new job, which for all we know, could be a cover anyway."

Phoebe looked away from her, shaking her head, "I don't believe this." She muttered darkly.

"Face the facts Phoebe." Paige said harsher than intended, "Cole has gone back to his old ways and I am not the only one who thinks so."

Phoebe laughed bitterly, "Lemme guess, Prue does too?" she snapped spitefully.

"Yeah." Paige confirmed with a nod, "And...Piper. That's what we were coming to tell you thi—"

Phoebe scoffed loudly cutting her off, "Piper too huh? Well, it's good to know you've got my back."

"But we do Phoebe!" Paige exclaimed, "Why do you think I'm telling you this? We're concerned because we care, because we've got your back. That's what sisters are for."

Phoebe shook her head, eyes flashing with anger and hurt and also the smallest hint of doubt as she stormed violently past Paige, shoving her out of the way.

"Where are you going?" Paige demanded as Phoebe snatched up her coat and bag.

"To prove you wrong." Phoebe replied, her tone clipped and cold.

Paige shook her head, "What, what about the Source, what about the power of four?"

"Screw the power of four." Phoebe growled before turning fast and storming away.

Paige gawked at her words, frozen as her sister stormed out and suddenly saw the exact reason her sisters hadn't wanted her to spill the beans.

~PO4~

The Towers

Phoebe stood in the elevator, playing nervously with her hands as she waited for the metal box to reach its destination, only to feel her anxiety intensify when the doors slid open to reveal her completely silent, and apparently vacant, apartment.

Paige's voice was ringing loudly in her ears, she couldn't rid herself of the thoughts, the questions, the suspicions. The mere possibility that Cole could once again be evil was ridiculous yet a disconcerting likelihood that hurt Phoebe's heart. She had been through so much with him, they had overcome so many obstacles together, it couldn't have been for nothing could it?

Shaking her head, Phoebe took a breath, she had come here to prove Paige wrong, there was no way he was a demon again. Cole Turner was as human as human could be and that was the end of it.

Phoebe paused mid-step suddenly questioning whether her desire to prove her sister wrong was for Paige's reassurance or her own.

Scanning the room with her eyes, everything looked just as it had this morning. Her uncertain orbs found their way to Cole's briefcase, that was on the glass dining table and Phoebe brought her hands to her mouth nervously as she took another step forward. She felt as if that bag held her future in it: either it was full of papers and she was worrying for nothing or it was going to make her even more suspicious of her husband.

With shaking hands Phoebe unsnapped the clasp and hesitantly peered inside. The growing sense of relief that washed over her at the sight of paper and folders made Phoebe's heart skip a beat. She took a folder out and started flipping through it to make sure it wasn't a trick. The breath of relief that escaped her lips was a welcome release and Phoebe quickly replaced the folders.

Setting her purse down on the table Phoebe moved towards her bedroom, the closed doors not entirely unusual but in her current suspicious state of mind she felt the need to check it out, if only to be absolutely certain.

She silently approached the closed doors, her heart racing and her palms sweating. Phoebe's eyes widened as she noticed the coffee table had been shattered, shards of glass littering the floor and her stomach dropped. Hands trembling once again Phoebe placed her hands on the door and stood there for a moment. After she got herself together she turned the knob and pressed the door open.

When she gazed upon the state of her bedroom, all her previous fears were alleviated. The room was filled with stuffed animals, balloons and all sorts of decorations, each one with the same theme: babies.

Cole was tying the last balloon into place as she entered.

Hearing her sharp intake of breath Cole spun around with the expression of a deer in headlights, "You caught me." He admitted with a nervous chuckle then grinned innocently.

Phoebe released her umpteenth sigh of relief since she had walked out of that elevator and smiled as she looked around the room. "Cole." she breathed with dancing eyes, happiness swelling in her heart.

He stood for a moment staring at his wife's radiating beauty then he turned and picked up a bouquet of roses off of the bed. "I love you." Cole stated happily, before handing them to her.

Phoebe stood there speechless, all her fears that her been born of her sisters words were washed away in that moment as she stared into her husband's loving eyes.

Cole came to stand in front of her and gave her a peck on the cheek then bent down lower to kiss her stomach as well.

Phoebe grinned when he did and she happily pressed her lips to his when he came back up, eagerly melting into his loving embrace.

For the moment this was not The Source in control, it was Cole.

~PO4~

Halliwell Manor

"Screw the power of four?" Piper repeated with a strong frown, her arms folded unhappily across her chest.

"Those were her words exactly." Paige confirmed, referring to Phoebe, as she walked into the foyer, neither sister hearing the door open once again and their eldest sister enter.

"Yes but…screw the power of four?" Piper repeated again, shaking her head.

Prue's eyebrows rose at her declaration and she walked towards them slowly, "Excuse me?"

Piper and Paige turned to her sharply and Piper shook her head again, "Phoebe's words, not mine."

Prue's eyebrows rose further, "Excuse me?" she repeated demanding an explanation.

"Phoebe's answer to the problem of the Source." Paige explained as she dumped her coat and bag on the table, And then she practically flattened me while storming out of her office."

Piper's hands moved to her hips as she observed, "Well, that sounds like more than just hormones."

Prue frowned, "Isn't it a little early for those?" she asked and both her sister rounded on her with pointed stares.

"No." Piper assured giving her the once over and Prue narrowed her eyes with a glare, the insinuation coming through loud and clear.

Paige bit her lip nervously as she elaborated, "Um...yeah, she was a little pissed." Bringing the conversation back on topic.

Prue and Piper turned to her, both their hands on their hips as Piper asked, "About what?" and Paige looked instantly guilty.

Prue's face darkened, "Oh Paige, you didn't!" she snapped as Piper stomped her foot.

"You told her about Cole!" Piper cried incredulously.

"She was gonna find out eventually." Paige defended herself.

"Yeah, when we..." Piper gestured wildly between the three of them, "...decided it was the right time to tell her! Now she's probably never gonna speak to us again." Piper exclaimed, panicking slightly, "You might as well have crowned the new Source yourself!" she snapped and Paige rolled her eyes.

"Exactly how much did you tell her?" Prue questioned with narrowed eyes.

Paige closed her eyes, "Um...just about the whole Rowan thing and that we believe Cole's a demon again." She recited with a shrug.

Prue cocked her head, "So you didn't mention the Source part?" she asked hopefully.

Paige pursed her lips and shook her head firmly.

"Thank god." Prue muttered then shot Piper a smile, "See? At least that's something. All is not lost."

Piper snorted, "That's what you think." She muttered darkly and Prue frowned, eyes questioning.

"We need Phoebe for the plan to work!" Piper elaborated spinning around and striding towards the kitchen.

Prue's confusion grew and she turned her eyes on an equally confused Paige before they asked in unison, "What plan?"

Piper spun back, "Follow me!" she ordered then stormed into the kitchen, which really didn't look like a kitchen anymore.

Prue and Paige stormed after her, Paige walking right into the back of Prue when her sister stopped abruptly upon entry.

Paige huffed as she righted herself, "Prue what are you—whoa." She breathed taking in the site before her.

Prue glanced around at the perfect replica of a cavern found in the underworld, as she approached Piper asking slowly, "Piper...what did you do to the kitchen?"

Paige nodded her agreement to the question asked as she added, "Yeah I, I think I like the other kitchen better. This...is an illusion right?" she sought coming to a stop next to Prue, the three sisters standing across from the wizard.

"Please, tell me she's not the brains of the family." The Wizard pleading and Piper smiled tightly, while Prue glared at him, and Paige pulled a very childish face at him, to portray her lack of amusement.

"Grimoire." Piper pointed to the fake book on the alter in front of them, "Dark Priest, bodyguards and the Source." She pointed to each of them in turn.

Prue tilted her head in the direction of the Source questioningly, "Shouldn't he look like Cole."

Piper swatted at her leg, "We don't know that for sure so I'm being impartial." She snapped and Prue rolled her eyes. "All we want is the Grimoire."

Prue nodded, "Alright. What's the plan?"

Piper smirked over at the wizard, "We learn from his mistakes."

"Not mistakes." The Wizard corrected sharply, "Miscalculations."

Prue raised an eyebrow at him, "Um...you didn't have any backup, your illusions didn't buy you enough time and you got caught." She listed them off on her fingers then smirked, "Those, my friend, are mistakes. Stupid, amateur mistakes, I might add."

Piper smirked at the wizard who shifted uncomfortably under Prue's scrutiny and serious degrading.

"Exactly." Piper nodded, "This time we'll go for a bugger distraction, and since the body guards are already after you, you show up and they're bound to chase after you."

Paige smiled as she cottoned on, "Thinning out the demonic ranks, that sounds good."

"Easy for to say." The Wizard whined, "You're not the distraction."

"Awwww." Prue pouted condescendingly, "Is the little wizard man afraid?" she teased and he spun towards her with a scowl.

"You'll orb us in." Piper pointed to Paige, "Phoebe and I will keep the demons busy and you and Prue will snag the book."

"What!" Prue cried in outrage, turning on Piper with her hands placed defiantly on her hips, "Why don't I get to fight the demons?" she asked with a slight pout.

"Because you're pregnant." Piper stated obviously, gesturing to her sisters stomach.

Prue smirked, "So is Phoebe."

Piper paused in her defense, one finger in the air, "Yeah, well...demons don't want her dead they want you dead and, and it's my plan so what I say goes and I say you help Paige snag the book, okay?" Piper ordered determinedly, leaving no room for argument and Prue sighed unhappily.

"Fine." She huffed, folding her arms across her chest.

Piper nodded, "Okay good."

Paige regarded the book carefully as she thought the plan over and nodded satisfied, "Sounds simple enough." She stated reaching for the book only to have the Wizard use his staff to send it flying.

"Would I come to you if it were that simple?" he questioned patronizingly.

"It's like the Book of Shadows , only it protects itself from good." Piper explained helpfully and her sisters nodded.

"Makes sense." Prue agreed with a shrug.

"So you'll use this sack." Piper continued, handing it over to Prue, "We'll put a spell on it so it can hold the Grimoire."

"Prue? Piper?" Phoebe called as she came through the kitchen door and caught sight of the fake Dark Priest, "DEMON!" she yelled levitating into the air.

"PHOEBE NO!" Piper squeaked as her sister tried to kick the demon only to have the illusion disappear and land on the island instead.

"Awww, Phoebe!" Prue sighed throwing up her hands.

Phoebe frowned as she pushed herself up, "Hello! Confusion."

The Wizard shook his head, "I can't work like this."

"Oh shush!" Prue snapped, rolling her eyes at him.

"Phoebe this is the Wizard." Piper introduced them, "And that was one of his illusions."

Phoebe turned to the small man as he took a seat at their kitchen table, "An illusion." She repeated swinging her legs around so she was facing the wizard and sitting properly on the island.

The Wizard banged his staff on the ground twice and two milk maids appeared, one in his lap massaging his hand and the other behind him doing the same to his shoulders.

Phoebe's eyes widened "Um...like those?" she questioned, turning back to her sister who looked as disturbed as she felt.

"Yeah..don't mind him." Piper advised her, "He's been at it all day the pig."

"Not that I'm not happy to see you Phoebe, but...why are we seeing you, considering how we left it?" Paige questioned timidly.

Phoebe gave her a fleeting glance, "I'm not about to shun my Wiccan duties, Paige, no matter what."

Paige frowned, "But what about...what we talked about?" she pushed, eyeing Phoebe carefully.

"I love Cole." Phoebe informed them with a smile, "And I trust him, even if you guys don't."

Piper closed her eyes at that statement and looked down while Prue raised her eyebrows and Paige looked away.

"And we can discuss our problems later." Phoebe turned back to the wizard, "I came here to help you with Merlin."

"Please." The Wizard droned, tilting his head to them, "Merlin was an overrated hack. Tell me he's not the only wizard you people have ever heard of."

"You people?" Prue uttered incredulously.

"Well does Harry Potter count?" Paige quipped smartly and Piper chuckled.

"Alright, enough." Piper ordered sharply, "You can live your life of instant gratification after we're done."

The Wizard looked at her questioningly and Prue scoffed.

"Get rid of them!" Prue snapped and he sighed.

"You call this a life?" the Wizard drawled, shaking his head as his illusion ended and he rose to his feet, "This is no life. Illusions are as empty to me as they are to you." He informed the sisters sadly, "They're only a reminder of a reality long since lost, of a world...filled with wizards, of friends, of family." He stressed looking at each of them pointedly, and Paige's face softened with Piper looked down once more and Prue turned away, her eyes glistening.

"It's all an illusion without family." The Wizard preached solemnly and Paige caught Phoebe's eye pointedly.

"Help me stop the Source." He begged them and the sisters looked over, "Help me right this wrong."

~PO4~

The Underworld

"Everything's on schedule." The Dark Priest assured Cole as they walked around the chamber. "The other priests are preparing the sacrifices as we speak."

"What about the wizard?" Cole demanded as he glanced around him, "How do we know he won't make another attempt?"

"He's the last of his kind, Sire." The Dark Priest pointed out, "I doubt if he'll risk oblivion."

Cole turned to him with raised eyebrows, "He risked it before, didn't he?"

"Talkin' about me?" The Wizard asked as he smugly lent against the entrance to the cave, switching his Staff from hand to hand casually.

"GUARDS! AFTER HIM!" The Dark Priest yelled pointing to the wizard who jumped straight and ran.

Cole watched them go with an unsettling twinge in his gut, "Something's not right." He announced knowingly.

"You should leave, for your safety, now Sire." The Dark Priest advised in a rushed voice, eyes darting about.

Cole looked down at him, then upon seeing the tell-tale shimmering of orbs he gave one last order, "Protect the Grimoire." then flamed out just before the sisters arrived: Piper and Phoebe splitting off to take on the guards while Prue and Paige worked on the Grimoire.

Piper threw up her hands, flicked her wrists once, and obliterated the first guard she saw before another knocked her roughly to the ground.

Phoebe rose up and drop kicked the guard in front of her sharply, followed by a well aimed punch to the jaw.

Paige looked around at her sisters as she hurriedly opened the sack, gasping as three guards came running at her.

Prue saw them coming too and flung out her arm, sending them soaring backwards into the far wall.

Paige exhaled sharply and smiled at her, "Thank you."

Prue winked at her before spin-kicking the demon coming up behind her.

The Dark Priest growled from his place by the Grimoire then sent Paige flying across the room, landing painfully on her back and smacking her head off the floor.

Prue's eyes widened as she turned to her, "Paige!" she gasped moving forwards only to be intercepted by another guard who kicked her swiftly in the stomach before backhanding her across the face, reducing her to her knees.

~PO4~

The Wizard ran as fast as he could, trying to create enough distance between himself and the chasing guards for his plan to work.

The guards raced after him as he disappeared around the next corner only to come face to face with the Source.

"Stop. Wait." Cole ordered them sharply holding up one hand.

"But Sire, the wizard."

"He's right behind you." Cole informed them calmly and they both frowned as the wizard shocked them with electricity and the slipped to the ground. The wizard walked up to Cole as he put one half of his staff to Cole's neck and sighed, "If only you were real..." he said wistfully as the illusion flashed out.

~PO4~

Phoebe defeated her demon and turned to Piper who head-butted hers, knocking him out and gripped her forehead with a wince. Phoebe smirked at her and Piper smiled painfully muttering "ow"

"AH!" Prue cried sharply as she fell to her knees, gasping for breath the demon above her forming an energy ball.

Phoebe's eyes widened and she yelled to her sister, "PIPER NOW!"

Piper turned to the Dark Priest and flicked her wrists blowing him up.

Prue looked up at her demon as he released his weapon and held up one hand, her palm creating a large blue shield as her baby's deflection power kicked in and the demons energy ball struck his chest.

"Nice." Piper praised as she raced over and pulled Prue to her feet.

"PAIGE LOOK OUT!" Phoebe exclaimed suddenly as a drowsy Paige struggled to her feet, oblivious to the demon about the send a fatal energy ball her way. Phoebe outstretched her arm as a train of fire shot out her palm, vanquishing the demon first.

Phoebe gasped as she stared down at her hands with wide eyes. Her sisters' expressions mirroring hers and Prue pulled Paige up.

"What was that?" Piper demanded, staring at Phoebe with wary eyes.

Phoebe shook her head wordlessly, "I...have no idea."

"What are we waiting for?" the Wizard asked as he ran back into the chamber.

Prue nudged Paige as she took one side of the sack and Paige nodded holding out one hand, "GRIMOIRE!" she called clearly and the book was engulfed in orbs reappearing inside the sack.

"Got it." She announced as Phoebe and Piper came running over to them.

"Let's get out of here." The Wizard advised and the three sisters disappeared in shimmering orbs, the wizard right behind them.

~PO4~

Halliwell Manor

"WE DID IT!" The Wizard celebrated with gusto as he jumped around, "WE GOT IT!"

"Yes." Piper nodded while Phoebe clung to her on one side and Prue exhaled and inhaled slowly from beside Paige.

"And now we're going to destroy it. Paige, go get the Book of Shadows, we need some potions." Piper instructed and Paige gave an obedient nod.

"Right." She placed the sack on the table in the sunroom and disappeared.

"Wait!" the Wizard cried reaching out to them, "Destroy it? We might be able to use it."

"For what?" Prue snapped as one hand moved to her stomach and she grimaced, "It's evil!" she cried then slapped his hand away as he reached for it.

Piper turned to a visibly shaken Phoebe and asked tentatively, "Do you wanna sit down?"

"I think I just wanna go home." Phoebe answered, playing with her hands and Piper's face fell while Prue tensed at the thought of her sister alone with the future Source of All Evil.

"Well...this is home too." Piper reminded her quietly.

Phoebe glanced between her two older sisters fearfully, "I don't feel good." She informed them panicking, "It, it just didn't feel right."

Piper glanced quickly at Prue who wasn't really paying much attention as she steadied herself against one of the chairs, "Well, that's probably just because it's, it's new, and your power is escalating." Piper tried to calm her.

Phoebe scoffed, "How is it escalating?" she questioned loudly, "I levitate. I have premonitions."

Piper shook her head at a loss for words and turned to Prue, "Prue?"

Prue looked at her with pained eyes and took a breath turning to Phoebe, "I, I don't know I—" Prue exhaled sharply then tried again, "You're powers aren't escalating Phoebe and, and it didn't feel right because it's not." She informed her bluntly and Phoebe's eyes widened slightly, "That power is wrong and you should not have it."

"But, but..." Piper stuttered smacking Prue's hip in disapproval, "She had fire power in her past life." Piper turned to Phoebe, "You had fire power in your past life." She repeated with a smile.

"I was evil, in my past life, remember?" Phoebe asked, her eyes locked onto Prue's.

"Fire throwing...is a demonic power." Prue reminded them, her voice wavering slightly, "Upper-level, demonic power to be specific."

"Can we get back to the Grimoire!" The Wizard interrupted fiercely.

"NO!" Prue and Piper growled, cutting their eyes to him, as Piper threw out one hand and froze him while Phoebe seized the opportunity to make her great escape.

"Phoebe, wait!" Piper called after her but she was already gone.

Piper sighed dropping her chin to her chest then she rounded on her sister, "Damn it Prue!" she snapped smacking her sisters arm, "What the hell!"

"She needed to hear the truth Piper." Prue replied tightly, "Simple as that."

Piper stared at her shaking her head, "Yeah, I know that Prue, but did you have to be so—hey!" Piper cried as her sister strode past her, heading towards the kitchen, "Prue! Where are you going?"

~PO4~

Prue gripped onto the island counter top as soon as she reached it, breathing deeply as she tried to quell her rising panic. "LEO!" she yelled to the ceiling calling for her whitelighter, "Look Leo." She started her voice dropping as she swayed on her feet, "I know that you're busy up there, doing what we asked you to do but...I need you Leo, right now." She said firmly, "No questions asked."

Bright lights signalled the arrival of her brother-in-law and Prue sighed in relief.

"Prue—" Leo began to complain but Prue cut him off.

"OW!" she cried reaching out for him and Leo's eyes widened, "Ow, ow, ow, ow-ow!"

"What happened?" Leo asked as he trailed his hand down, seeking out the source of her discomfort until his hand illuminated over her stomach, the golden glow beginning to heal.

Prue breathed deeply as the pain lessened, "Um...we got the Grimoire." She informed him and Leo nodded, knowing that book would be guarded by numerous demons in the lead up to the coronation.

"There." He said quietly removing his hand and steadying her, "All done."

"Thank you." Prue whispered, squeezing her eyes closed.

Leo smiled, rubbing her back comfortingly, "I gotta get back up there." He told her glancing upwards, "They weren't done but I'll be back soon."

Prue nodded her head, opening her eyes as lights began to form, "Oh yeah, Phoebe threw fire." She revealed to him, seeing his eyes widen before he disappeared completely.

Prue dropped her head into her hands with a muffled sigh before turning to the fridge, "That wasn't funny kid." Prue muttered quietly, one hand resting on her stomach as she pulled a bottle of water from the fridge and took a large gulp, leaning against the counter.

"PRUE?" Piper's voice traveled in from the living room and Prue swallowed quickly.

"I'LL BE RIGHT THERE." She yelled back then took another sip and capped the bottle.

Prue pushed off of the counter top and strode forwards only to cry out as a ripple of pain tore through her abdomen.

Clutching her stomach as she hit the floor, a sharp gasp escaped Prue's lips. She watched the bottle of water roll away from her slowly as the pain intensified and she doubled over, squeezing her eyes shut and biting down on her lower lip as she rode it out.

~PO4~

The Towers

Cole stood by one of the smaller windows, staring silently out of it as he contemplated what had just occurred in his underworld. His face contorted with anger as he slammed his fist through the glass, glancing down at his knuckles.

Julie shimmered in seconds later, "What's the matter? What happened?" she asked him, genuinely and sincerely concerned.

Cole turned to face her and demanded, "What are you doing here?"

"I sensed you're pain." Julie explained to him, "I was worried."

"Yeah, well you should be worried." Cole strode towards her, his body tensed, "The Grimoire's been stolen."

"I, I know." Julie revealed quietly and Cole froze.

"You know? How do you know?"

Julie stared at him with widened eyes and his eyebrows rose.

"Have you been spying on me?" He asked her tightly.

"No." Julie shook her head, "Of course not."

"Then how?" Cole asked again walking closer, "Tell me." He coaxed but Julie remained silent and he snapped, grabbing her upper arms roughly.

"From me." The Seer's voice filtered in as she appeared behind him, "I told her."

Cole released Julie and turned to his new, uninvited, guest, "Seer? If you foresaw the Grimoire being taken—"

"Finding the Grimoire is not your biggest problem." The Seer cut in smoothly, "Suppressing Cole is." She informed him seriously, "You're changing, my liege. The human in you grows stronger and at the worst possible time."

Cole looked between the two women before him, hands moving to his hips, "I can handle it." He assured them.

"How?" The Seer snapped, "Your guard is down. You're vulnerable."

Julie shook her head, her eyes on the Seer as she asked, "Let me try again." and stepping forwards.

Cole turned to her, perplexed, "Try what? Are you working together to manipulate me!" he cried in anger, glaring darkly at the Seer.

"No, to save you." Julie stressed, correcting him carefully, "To save us."

"Us?" Cole questioned, utterly confused by this conversation, "There is no us!"

"But there could be." Julie insisted, "And if there were, the struggle would end. You'd be free to rule without the witch's love holding you back."

Cole stared at her like she was crazy then rounded on the Seer, "This is your doing. Did you really think I'd fall for it?"

"Leave us." The Seer ordered Julie who looked crushed, "Now." She said sternly and Julie obeyed.

Cole shook his head as he walked away from her, laughing bitterly, "I can't believe you tricked me into hiring a seductress."

"I was concerned the baby's influence on your humanity might sway you to the other side." The Seer explained herself, one eyebrow arched.

"And what?" Cole questioned guardedly, "You hoped if I'd gotten laid—"

"No, I hoped you'd come to your senses before it was too late." The Seer interrupted sharply, "But I wasn't relying on it." She added with a smirk, "This isn't just about you. I helped put you in position for greatness, and I'm not going to let you fail now." She reminded him sternly and Cole's jaw tightened.

"It's only the Source that protects you from the Charmed Ones' powers and premonitions." The Seer said tersely as she approached him, "If Cole's love becomes any stronger, it will overpower the Source. Then you will lose everything." She promised him confidently, "The throne, your wife, your son."

Cole sighed heavily as the elevator dinged and the Seer disappeared in time for the doors to slid open and Phoebe to come into view.

"Cole?" Phoebe called urgently for her husband as she entered their home, head down and arms wrapped around her stomach. "Hi honey." She greeted when she looked up, frowning when she saw the broken window behind him, "What happened?"

Cole turned to it and shrugged, "Oh, um...that was an accident. Everything go alright with...whatever you had to do with your sisters?" he asked carefully.

Phoebe nodded, "The good news is we got what we were after." She replied cryptically.

"Good, congratulations." Cole complimented moving past her.

"But uh..." Phoebe said quietly turning with him and Cole stopped. "...I think something, really bad has happened to me." She told him fearfully.

Cole blinked several times as his heart lurched in his chest, "Wha—what, the baby?" he whispered.

"No." Phoebe assured him looking down at her still flat stomach, "The baby's fine."

Cole sighed inwardly, relief washing over him at her reassurance.

Phoebe looked up at her husband hesitantly, "I threw fire." She announced and Cole's body tensed, his eyes growing fearful. "I, I vanquished a demon with it." Phoebe continued slowly, "And it just felt...I don't know, awful, almost...evil." she admitted quietly looking to the floor.

Cole stared at her wordlessly before he forced a smile and shook his head, "Hey." He said quietly waving his hand in a dismissive manner, "Hey, hey, hey, hey. You're the sweetest, most loving person I've ever known." He told her sincerely and Phoebe scoffed with a smile. Cole looked her in the eyes, "You don't have as evil bone in your body, and you know that." He smiled at her reaching out and running his hands down her arms. Phoebe tensed under his touch and gasped, her eyes flying closed as a premonition hit.

Premonition

Cole stands before a demon and slices off his head with a sword. Cole sits on his throne with the Seer standing behind him. Cole throwing fireball after fireball vanquishing demon after demon.

End of Premonition

"What? What happened?" Cole asked her with a frown.

Phoebe opened her eyes slowly, her whole body trembling as she shook herself free of his hold, "Oh my god." she gasped making a run for the elevator.

"Phoebe?" Cole called after his wife's retreating form.

"Stay away from me." Phoebe ordered sternly, pointing behind her as she slammed the button numerous times, willing the doors to open.

"Phoebe?" Cole called again walking after her.

Phoebe slammed the button again and the doors opened, "Stay away from me!" she ordered, holding up one hand as the doors slid closed, separating them both as she got away.

"What did you see?" Cole demanded as his wife disappeared.

~PO4~

Halliwell Manor

Piper picked up another potion bottle from the table, then walked back around the couch to where her sisters stood waiting.

"Okay." Piper took a breath, raised her arm and threw the potion at the Grimoire currently residing on the floor.

The liquid hit the book and exploded, catching fire before it burned out, leaving the book entirely unharmed.

"Oh, that was the strongest one I had." Piper whined, throwing up her hands as she Prue and Paige popped up from behind the couch again, "I don't know what else to do."

"I'll tell you what to do." The Wizard piped in from the sidelines, "Keep it."

Prue and Piper glared at him and the wizard fell silent again, stalking about in a huff.

"You know..." Paige spoke up slowly, her brow creased, "...maybe we should go see Phoebe." She suggested concern lacing her voice, "She didn't look so well."

"Yeah, she's not the only one." Piper commented seriously, looking pointedly at her significantly paler older sister.

Prue slapped her leg dismissively, refusing to insist that she was fine for the hundredth time, "We'll go over there after we destroy this book." Prue addressed Paige, nodding towards the offending item.

The Wizard shook his head solemnly, "I think you're being hasty. The Grimoire could bring us great powers."

"Listen buddy, we already have powers. We don't need evil ones too." Paige quipped as the three sisters folded their arms defensively.

"Yeah, and they're pretty damn powerful on their own, thank you." Prue added with a sideways glance, "And I don't remember asking for your opinion."

The three sisters turned towards the sound of the door opening to find Phoebe and Andy entering together.

"Phoebe." Piper greeted questioningly as Phoebe dumped her coat and bag.

"I have to talk to you guys." Phoebe informed them walking into the living room, Piper and Paige following slowly behind her.

"Uh...what's...?" Andy questioned uncertainly as his wife approached.

Prue shook her head and kissed him, "I have no idea but I guess we're about to find out." She shrugged pulling him towards the living room.

Andy frowned, "Uh...baby?" he called and she tensed at the word turning to him, "Who's...?" he nodded towards the wizard pacing back and forth.

Prue groaned, "Uh...that's the wizard." She supplied helpfully and her husband nodded, now fully in the loop.

"Okay then." Andy muttered pulling her towards the living room but Prue refused to move.

Andy turned back to her, "Honey?"

Prue opened her mouth to answer, one hand falling to her stomach as she hesitated.

"Is something wrong?" Andy asked her, his eyes flickering to her stomach and Prue bit her lip at the flash of panic that reflected in them.

"No." Prue assured him with a smile, "Nothing's wrong." She squeezed his hand and pointed towards the living room, "Come on."

The Wizard huffed from the side, his eyes on the Grimoire and Prue spun back towards him.

"You stay where I can see you." She ordered, pointing at him threateningly.

Phoebe was seated in one of the overstuffed chairs with Paige crouched in front of her and Piper perched on the arm. Prue paused further away so she could keep an eye on their little houseguest.

"Honey what is it?" Paige questioned, placing her hands on Phoebe's knees, "What's wrong?"

Phoebe shook her head, as she found it increasingly harder to breath.

Piper reached out and ran her fingers through her younger sisters hair, "Whatever it is, sweetie, it's gonna be okay."

Phoebe shook her head, "No." She disagreed firmly, looking up at Piper, "It won't. I had a premonition and you were right." She turned to Paige, "Cole is evil."

"Oh honey." Paige said sadly, "I didn't wanna be right."

Piper looked over at Prue who turned to her husband and pointed to the Wizard before joining them.

"What did you see, Pheebs?" Prue asked gently.

"Everything." Phoebe answered turning to her, "Killing, fireball throwing, working with demons." She listed then dropped her head into her hands, "Oh god, Cole is a demon!"

"It's okay, Phoebe, just take a breath." Paige instructed calmly, glancing at her oldest sisters helplessly.

Piper closed her eyes, stroking Phoebe's head as Prue shook her own.

"What's taking so long!" The Wizard demanded from his place in the conservatory.

"Shut it!" Prue growled darkly and he stalked away.

"I have a baby on the way." Phoebe exclaimed turning to Piper desperately, "And I have this new power. I don't know if I can handle this."

"Of course you can." Piper assured her slipping off the arm to crouch by Phoebe's side, "You can do this Phoebe and...you're not alone honey. We're gonna be here, every step of the way okay?" she asked brushing her sisters hair from her face with a loving smile.

"We got big problems." Leo announced as he orbed in, "Where's the wizard."

"Uh..he's in there." Prue informed him, her eyes on her three sisters, "And we got big problems here too." She nodded towards the distraught Phoebe, "We were right. Cole's a demon. Phoebe had a premonition."

Leo's face fell further as he gazed sadly at Phoebe.

"What did they say?" Prue asked him, in regards to the Elders and the Wizard.

Leo turned to Phoebe who resting her head against Piper's tiredly, "Can you handle this right now?"

"Do I have a choice?" She responded tightly.

"What's taking so long!" The Wizard demanded again and Prue curled her hands into fists.

"Will you shut the hell up!" She ordered sternly then turned back to their whitelighter.

"Uh...well, according to the Elders, some wizards are evil and if he is, it's not good." Leo explained to them grimly.

"Great." Piper sighed shaking her head as Phoebe held her hand tightly, "Juusstt great."

"He wants the Grimoire for himself." Prue stated and Leo nodded.

"Probably." Leo agreed, "There's a spell in there that can consecrate a weapon and make it strong enough to kill the Source." He revealed and Prue's eyes narrowed, her head tilted in thought.

"Isn't that a good thing?" Paige chimed in with a frown.

"Of course it's not." Piper muttered to herself, knowing that everything was about to get so much worse.

"No." Leo corrected her sternly, "If he kills the Source then he becomes the Source and he'll have enough magic to resurrect his people."

"What's taking so long!" The Wizard demanded for the third time.

"Oh my god!" Piper cried rising to her feet, "Will you give it a rest!"

Prue glanced towards the Wizard thoughtfully, "Wait a min—oh no!" she cried eyes widening and all eyes turned to her as she stormed into the conservatory.

"What?" Piper questioned, speed walking after her, "Prue what is it?"

Prue stopped in front of the wizard, "Son of a bitch." She cursed before lazily flicking her finger at him, her telekinesis causing the illusion to end as the Wizard disappeared, along with the Grimoire.

"Another illusion?" Paige questioned looking around.

"On a loop, no less. Damn it!" Prue cursed pushing her hands through her hair.

Piper gawked at the place the wizard once stood, "I can't believe we let that slimy, Lord of the Rings wannabe, use us!" she cried in outrage, hands on her hips.

"He was just waiting for an opportunity to take the book." Prue observed royally kicking herself for not seeing it sooner.

"We need to get it back fast." Leo stressed looking from sister to sister.

"How?" Phoebe questioned and her older sisters glanced at one another warily.

"We gotta go back down to the underworld." Piper informed then, less than enthusiastic.

"But we couldn't even find the coronation site without the wizard." Paige stated sounding defeated.

"What about a summoning spell?" Phoebe offered with a shrug.

"We'd need his blood." Prue shook her head, hands on her hips and Piper sighed.

Paige's eyes widened as an idea struck, "Cole." She suggested carefully, looking solely at Phoebe, "I was just thinking maybe he'd know something. He is a demon after all."

Phoebe shook her head as she eased herself down into one of the chairs, "I can't even think about Cole right now, let alone talk to him."

"Maybe we could go with you and watch your back." Paige pushed but her eyes held nothing but sympathy.

"That's an awful lot to ask of her right now." Piper said softly, coming to Phoebe's aid.

Prue caught Paige's eye pointedly as she added, "And besides...I don't think that's a good idea."

Phoebe ears perked up and she looked over at Prue, "Why? What do you mean by that?"

Prue turned to her with innocently widened eyes, "Nothin'." She smiled widely and Phoebe's eyebrows rose.

"Uh...Prue, I can see your wisdom teeth." She stated knowingly and Paige smiled with a sense of déjà vu.

Prue sighed her eyes falling closed, "I, I don't wanna make this worse." She said quietly crossing her arms defensively as she slowly met Phoebe's inquiring gaze, "Cause I—I think I'm the only one who really suspects this." She admitted and Phoebe frowned, glancing at Piper who was staring at the floor and Paige who was looking at Prue.

"What is it?" Phoebe asked calmly, "Prue please, I can't stand anymore people in my life keeping things from me."

Prue sighed, rolling her neck, and biting her lip, "Okay um..." she looked over at Phoebe and held her gaze steadily, "I think Cole is the new Source."

Phoebe's eyes widened at that admission and felt the air leave her lungs.

"I'm sorry Phoebe." Prue apologized sincerely, itching to reach out and comfort her baby girl.

Phoebe shook her head slowly, holding up one hand, "No." She resisted, "No I...I don't believe that." She said firmly, glaring at Prue, "Cole may be a demon Prue but he is not the—" she exhaled slowly still shaking her head.

Prue smiled tightly and nodded her head, "I didn't think you would." She said evenly.

Phoebe scoffed, "This is crazy. This is crazy! I—can't believe this is happening right now." Phoebe took a deep breath and closed her eyes, "But I do think Cole could help." She admitted reluctantly, "It's our only option."

Piper nodded once, glancing quickly at Prue, before addressing Phoebe, "Okay um...let's go." She suggested, "We don't got a lot of time left."

Phoebe nodded her head, and strode past Prue, knocking her shoulder on the way past whether it be by accident or not Prue remained silent.

Piper's eyes widened and her eyebrows rose, "Oh-kay." She sighed turning on her heel and following Phoebe out.

Paige stopped next to Prue and squeezed her hand, before following the other two.

Prue called out to Leo as he turned whispering quietly, "Are you sure you healed me?" she asked reluctantly, "Earlier I mean."

Leo frowned in concern, "Yes. The healing only stops when there's nothing left to heal, Prue." He reminded her slowly, "Why do you ask?"

Prue shrugged, offering him a small smile, "I just don't feel quite right." She admitted with a casual shrug, "But I guess it's just..." she gestured in the direction her sisters had went, "...stress."

Leo narrowed his eyes slightly but nodded all the same, there was no time to push and Prue never responded well to that anyway.

"We should..." Prue nodded towards the foyer and went after her sisters leaving Leo staring after her worriedly.

~PO4~

The Underworld

"How does it feel?" the new Dark Priest questioned in regards to the coronation attire.

Cole glared at him and replied in a clipped tone, "Heavy."

The Dark Priest turned to the Seer, who tilted her head subtly and he bowed away.

"Focus." The Seer hissed as she stood next to him, angling her body so only he would hear her.

"What's the point?" Cole snapped shaking himself uncomfortably, "We don't even have the Grimoire."

"We will." The Seer assured him, "But in the meantime, you must keep up appearances."

"But Phoebe—"

"Is not your concern at the moment." The Seer finished for him pointedly.

"She knows I'm a demon, damn it!"

"She will come around in time." The Seer placated rigidly as the Dark Priest approached once again with a sash.

Cole held up his hand, halting the movement and the Dark Priest turned to the Seer.

"I can't do this." Cole informed her, "I have to find her." He swore, in regards to Phoebe.

"And risk the wizard finding you?" the Seer called after him as he walked away from her, "He'll kill you." She said bluntly as he shrugged off the clock, "Take your throne."

"He can have it." Cole seethed spitefully.

"And what do you think your death will solve?" The Seer questioned as she strode after him, "Do you really think it'll bring you what you seek?"

Cole paused and turned back to her impatiently.

"If losing the witch has cost you your will, then I will get it back." The Seer promised firmly.

Cole walked towards her slowly, "What do you mean?" he demanded and the Seer merely flashed out in reply.

~PO4~

The Towers

"Anything?" Leo asked as he and Piper met up with Phoebe, Prue and Paige in the living room of her apartment, Andy forced to stay behind and not happy about it in the slightest.

"He's not here." Phoebe informed them stoically.

"Didn't think he would be." Prue muttered from beside Paige and Phoebe sighed, a part of her fearing that her sister's beliefs and suspicions were correct.

"Did you try his office?" Paige suggested with a shrug.

"I'm beginning to wonder if he even has an office." Phoebe commented with a sigh.

Julie shimmered into the room at that moment and answered coyly, "He does."

"Who are you?" Piper questioned, hands on her hips and Julie gave her an uninterested glance.

"I know who she is." Phoebe stated, recognizing the woman as her husbands, unsurprisingly demonic, assistant.

"Where's Cole?"

"Safe." Julie answered her, "From you."

"Alright." Paige spoke up angrily, "You wanna punch her or should I?"

"I should have known all along." Phoebe berated herself.

"You ruined him." Julie scowled, "Make him pathetic, weak...good."

Phoebe tilted her head questioningly, "And I take it you have a problem with that?"

"Yeah." Julie answered tightly, "I have a big problem with that?"

"Uh...Phoebe?" Prue called warily, "What's goin' on here?" she asked as Piper began backing away, pulling Prue with her as Leo and Paige followed suit.

Phoebe glanced at her eldest sister quickly before she turned back to the demonic blonde.

"You were just a means to an end." Julie sneered as they walked along the back and front of the couch, "A way to sire a magical child but now you're hurting him, and I can't allow that."

"Oh no?" Phoebe bated snarkily.

"No." Julie growled releasing an energy ball Phoebe's way, who quickly levitated out of reach, the energy ball striking the wall instead.

"Whoa!" Piper shrieked, planting herself in front of her older sister.

"Two can play at that game." Phoebe smirked as her feet hit the ground and she threw out her arm, palm open, and sent a stream of fire Julie's way.

Julie ducked, flipping out of the way and past the couch.

"Okay enough." Piper lifted her hands to strike but Phoebe stopped her.

"Piper don't! This is my fight." Phoebe informed her older sister eyes on her opponent.

Piper's eyes widened and she glanced at her husband as Phoebe raised her arm again, sending another wave of fire at Julie, striking her in the middle. The force of the flames pushing Julie back against the wall as she screamed in pain.

"Phoebe!" Prue cried with wide eyes as her sister continued her attack.

Julie let out a blood curdling scream as the flames engulfed her until there was nothing left but a scorch mark.

Phoebe smirked as she dropped her arm casually to her side, "Home wrecker."

"Okay, Phoebe." Paige spoke up from her hiding spot, "You're scaring us."

Phoebe turned to them and shrugged, "What?"

Prue's eyebrows rose, "Uh...hello!" she exclaimed gesturing to the scorched wall, "Fire throwing is an upper-level demonic power, we've had this conversation!" she snapped gesturing widely between her and Phoebe.

Phoebe's eyes widened as it dawned on her, "Oh my god. What's happening to me?" she cried fearfully, looking at her sisters for answer but they had none or they didn't have the chance to speak as Phoebe's body shook as she felt herself being summoned before she shimmered out.

~PO4~

The Underworld

Phoebe glanced wildly around her new surroundings, trying to ascertain exactly where she was and who had brought her here. She turned to her right, vision swimming as her body adjusted to the unusual way of transportation, and came face to face with the Seer.

"Breathe." The Seer instructed gently seeing Phoebe sway.

"How did I get here?" Phoebe demanded, regarding the Seer with cautious eyes.

"Through magic." The Seer replied, tilting her head slightly as she studied the witch before her, "Dark magic."

Phoebe watched with wide eyes as the Seer approached her and staggered backwards, "You—Stay away from me!"

"Stop me." The Seer taunted with daring eyes.

Phoebe threw out her hand sending waves of fire towards the Seer hitting her square on the chest but the Seer merely smiled smugly as the fire had no effect on her.

Phoebe pulled her hand back, breathing quick and harsh, as she stared at her limb like she'd never seen it before.

The Seer chuckled in amusement, "Feels good, doesn't it?" she asked and Phoebe's head snapped up, "Or more precisely, evil."

"What do you want?" Phoebe questioned shakily, "What have you done to me?"

"What I've done is not important." The Seer informed her sharply, "What you must do now, however, is." She stated and Phoebe stared at her, confusion and fear invading her chocolate brown orbs. "Your husband needs you by his side." The Seer continued, in obvious reference to Cole and Phoebe's body tensed.

"I don't understand." Phoebe claimed quietly, shaking her head against the thoughts in her head and the truth in her heart.

"Don't you?" The Seer disagreed, "You and I share the same gift. We both can sense the truth. From the moment Cole absorbed the Source's power, you've...sensed something different about him." the demon stated as if reading Phoebe's mind, bringing her fear to the very surface. "Something that's changed him forever. You know the truth."

Phoebe's heart constricted as the Seer's words brought her greatest fear to the forefront of her mind. "Cole is the Source." Phoebe breathed, her body caving slightly.

"Yes." The Seer confirmed, "And he needs your help if he hopes to survive." She continued but Phoebe was barely listening, her heart was too busy breaking. "He needs your love."

Phoebe shook her head, clenching her hands into fists at her side as she fought desperately to stay on her feet.

"Prue was right." She whispered only to herself, her mind trying frantically to remain in tack.

"You can't keep fighting it." The Seer insisted, "The maternal bond is too strong."

Phoebe cut her eyes to the demons questioningly.

"Listen to your body, Phoebe." The Seer ordered firmly and Phoebe's head dipped her eyes on her stomach. "Listen to your unborn son."

Phoebe's hands fell to her stomach and her heart ached for the child she was yet to meet.

"He takes after his father." The Seer informed her, her own eyes to resting on Phoebe's stomach.

"His father lied to me." Phoebe reminded her harshly, shirking away protectively.

"He never lied about his feelings for you." The Seer assured, pleading her Sire's case, "And despite my best efforts he never stopped loving you."

Phoebe looked up at her words, allowing the Seer to place on hand on her stomach, where her baby lay inside.

"Your son was conceived in love, you know that." The Seer whispered, her other hand one Phoebe's shoulder, keeping her in place, "It's time to stop fighting it." She said gently seeing Phoebe's resolve waver, "It's time to embrace your new family, your new destiny. Otherwise Cole..and your son will die." She revealed pulling away.

Phoebe's heart lurched in fear at that solid declaration, her hands moving further around her middle, desperate to protect the new life inside of her.

"All of demondom will rise up against them to destroy them...and you."

~PO4~

Cole paced back and forth within the coronation chamber, guards flanking his either side. Cole turned to them slowly and ordered, "Leave me."

The guards looked at him in surprise, "But the coronation is imminent. The Wizard—"

"Knows that. I know." Cole concluded for him, "Leave."

The guards nodded, bowed their heads and shimmered out, leaving Cole alone just like he asked.

Cole stepped down from the podium into the open space and smirked as the Wizard flashed in behind him.

A sword appeared in Cole's hand as he turned, blocking the staff that hurled towards him and the two engaged in a weapons fight.

"I knew you'd come for me." Cole growled as he disarmed the Wizards weapon, sending it sliding across the floor.

Cole balanced the sword directly against the Wizard's neck as he informed him, "If you wanted my powers...all you had to do was ask."

~PO4~

The Towers

Cole closed the last of the open blinds in the penthouse, blanketing the room in light darkness. He turned back to the Wizard, "How much longer?"

The wizard glanced up from his place by the Grimoire, which rested snugly on its podium, "Give me a break will ya?" the Wizard demanded tensely, "This is tricky stuff. Be a lot easier if I could do this in friendlier confines."

Cole's eyebrows hit his hairline, "There are no friendly confines not anymore." He crossed his arms threateningly as he advanced on the small man, "This better work, or you'll be joining the rest of your kind and not in the way you'd hoped for."

"Little tip." The Wizard looked back up from the book, "Pressure's not the best motivating technique. If you wanna lose the Source's powers, don't rush me."

Cole smirked at the man's nervous ramblings and resumed pacing, "Fine, but just so we're clear, once you get the Source's powers, I never hear from you again."

The Wizard nodded, "Understood." Then turned to his circle of lit candles, "Not that I'm ungrateful, but why are you so willing to do this?"

Cole closed his eyes tightly as he replied, "I lost someone I love, and I want her back." He answered honestly, then regained his composure and added, "That's all you need to know."

The Wizard walked back to the book and ventured, "Love?"

Cole shot him a warning look and the Wizard smirked.

"The Source can love." He stated with a wry grin.

"Just keep working." Cole ordered, tone clipped and his pacing continued.

"I'm done." The Wizard announced, after a moment's silence, "Now, if the spell's going to work..." he picked up a long bladed atheme, "...blood needs to spill."

Cole approached him slowly, pulling up his sleeve and offering his arm to cut holding it above the Grimoire.

The Wizard dragged the knife across his arm, blood seeping from the wound. Then he held his own above Cole's.

"Now me." He dragged the knife across his own, their blood mingling before it dropped down onto the book, hissing and smoking upon contact, the Wizard beginning his chant.

Cole stepped backwards as the Wizards voice grew louder, the two men standing at either end of the Grimoire.

The two men rose into the air, both glowing a bright, blinding ghostly white. The Wizard held out his hands, calling the Source powers forth.

Cole convulsed in the air, gasping for air as the Source was sucked painfully from his body.

The Seer flashed in with Phoebe by her side, both sets of his rising to meet the scene before them.

"Save him." the Seer urged but Phoebe remained still. The Seer turned to her and added, "For your son."

Phoebe's pause dissipated and she threw out her hand sending that same stream of fire towards the Wizard, who screamed in pain as he was engulfed, the Source flying back into Cole's body as the Wizard went up in smoke.

Phoebe rushed to her husband's gasping form as he hit the floor, while a slow and victorious smirk stretched the Seer's face.

~PO4~

Halliwell Manor

Piper stood, pacing back and forth on the attic floor: her husband to her right, her youngest sister seated at a small table in front of her with a map of San Francisco and a crystal dangling from her hand, her older sister seated next to her with her head in her hands, her own husband stood behind her.

"Maybe you should go back down to the underworld." Piper suggested to her husband, hands nervously smoothing out the imaginary creases on her pants.

"I already tired." Leo reminded his wife gently, "I can't sense her anywhere."

"Well uh—" Piper spun back to face him sharply, "She's gotta be somewhere." She insisted determinedly before her voice waved and her certainty faltered, "Doesn't she?" she asked fearfully staring into her husband's eyes pleadingly before turning her desperate gaze on her big sister, whose head remained in her hands.

"Got her." Paige announced as the crystal hit the map and Piper turned to her while Prue's head snapped up instantly alert.

~PO4~

The Towers

"Are you okay?" Phoebe asked her husband quietly, as he turned in her arms.

"What happened?" Cole queried looking into her eyes, "What did you do?" he demanded glancing around for the wizard, for his last of freedom.

"I vanquished him." Phoebe answered evenly.

"Oh, but he was our last chance." Cole breathed, his eyes full of disappointment.

Phoebe shook her head slowly, "No it wasn't." She countered as her family orbed into the room.

"Thank god we found you." Paige cried in relief from her place next to Andy.

Cole and Phoebe both stumbled to their feet as Phoebe whispered, "It's too late."

"What do you mean?" Leo questioned, Piper on his left and Prue on his right, "What are you talkin' about?"

Phoebe walked to the Grimoire and lifted it up.

"Hey! I, I thought only evil can touch that book." Paige cried, throwing out her hands.

"That's right." Phoebe confirmed as she backed up next to Cole, stopping by his side.

Piper felt her heart stop at her sister's words, her hold on her husband's hand tightening painfully.

Prue felt the air leave her lungs in a second and she struggled for breath as she watched her baby girl, once again, choose that demon over her own family, over her own sisters and hatred filled her heart as Phoebe took her place by Cole's side.

"Phoebe what's going on?" Piper asked fearfully, knowing the answer to her own questioned but not capable to comprehend it.

"I'm embracing my new destiny." Phoebe replied as she and Cole linked hands, staring into each other's eyes.

"You son of a bitch." Prue growled, her voice dangerously low and her eyes as cold as ice.

"Phoebe, don't do this." Andy pleaded with her, his eyes stern and his voice hard, Phoebe merely glanced at him before returning her gaze to her husbands'.

Piper shook her head slowly in disbelief, her heart breaking as the flames began engulfing her little sister.

Paige stared with wide, disbelieving eyes as Phoebe and Cole flamed out together.

"What the hell was that?" Piper cried following their departure, pointing to where her sister once stood.

"That was the Source." The Seer informed them, sauntering closer and both Paige and Piper looked to Prue, silent realization that she had been right all along: Cole was indeed the new Source.

The Seer smirked, knowing she wasn't finished and took great pleasure in her concluding statement, "And his Queen."

"You bitch! You did this." Piper spat, her eyes filled with anger, "You poisoned her!"

"Maybe we should just vanquish you." Paige threatened darkly and the Seer smiled.

"You can't." She informed them confidently, "Not without the power of four." And with that she flashed out, leaving the remaining Charmed Ones to deal with their loss.

"I can't believe this is happening." Paige whispered brokenly, shaking her head from side to side.

Piper turned to her husband with pleading eyes, "Leo, where'd she go?"

Leo closed his eyes, concentrating all his energy of Phoebe, "I can't sense her." He admitted quietly, his eyes snapping open, "They must be in the underworld."

"Okay, so orb us down there and we'll drag her home kicking and screaming." Piper ordered sternly.

"There is no way we can find the coronation site without the wizard." Paige reminded her, glancing at their eldest sister.

"I don't care!" Piper cried, tears welling suddenly, "We can't just leave her there."

"We don't have a choice." Leo soothed, "We'll have to find another way."

Piper shook her head sharply and stormed past him towards her sister, "Prue, back me up here." She pleaded, "Tell him we can't leave her down there. Tell him we have to go get her!" she demanded hysterically.

Prue shook head slowly, staring into space unblinking.

Piper frowned, grabbed her sisters arms and turned her sharply so they were face to face, "Prue!" she snapped desperately, "What do we do?"

Prue slowly met Piper's frantic gaze but remained silent and not by choice she just couldn't find the words.

"Tell me what to do?" Piper demanded, the moisture in her eyes blurring her vision.

"I DON'T KNOW!" Prue exploded and Piper jumped in fright along with Paige who was staring wide eyed.

With a violent shrug Prue yanked her arms from Piper's grasp and snapped, "I don't know what to do, Piper! I don't have the answer here, okay I—" she sighed heavily and closed her eyes, "I don't know how to fix this."

Piper's eyes widened at her sisters admission and she felt all the fight leave her body, "But...you—you always know what do to." She insisted quietly, her voice timid and broken.

Prue's eyes snapped open and she met her sister's watery orbs as the first tears trailed down Piper's cheek. "Oh, Piper." Prue whimpered reaching out and pulling her distraught sister into her arms.

"How did this happen?" Piper sobbed, her shoulders shaking as she held onto Prue for dear life.

"Phoebe made her choice." Prue answered simply, her voice hard but her eyes full of pain.

Paige bit down on her lower lip— hard enough to draw blood— at her eldest sister's declaration, shaking her head and squeezing her eyes closed as she dropped her head to Prue's shoulder in defeat.

Piper pulled back and looked her older sister in the eyes. Prue stared back and Piper swallowed thickly knowing her sister's heart was breaking too, the hurt reflected in her misty orbs.

Piper's eyes slipped closed and she shook her head, snatching Prue's hands up and sliding close again as another sob passed her lips, "No." She insisted firmly resting her head against her big sisters, "No she can't be, she's not—"

Prue pressed her lips together firmly, swallowing hard as she placed her hand against her sister's cheek, Piper's body trembling.

"Ssssh." Prue whispered softly tightening her hold on Piper's waist and moving the hand on her cheek so she could take Paige's hand instead pulling it to her chest.

Piper held onto Prue tightly as she tried to comprehend the fact that they had just lost their sister to the one thing they were born to fight.

~PO4~

The Underworld

"Are you sure about this?" Cole asked Phoebe evenly, his eyes conveying the seriousness of his question and the importance of her answer, "You're giving up your life." He reminded her.

Phoebe squeezed his hands as they held onto hers and looked him in the eyes, "My life is with you and our baby." She replied firmly, meaning every single word. "We'll be strong together." Phoebe smiled, "After all, we're family."

Cole smiled in relief, leaning down to capture her lips with his, "I love you." He promised her before stepping back.

The Seer approached wordlessly, "It is time." She announced, looking pointedly to Phoebe.

Phoebe met her gaze and replied, "We're ready."

Cole smiled, shrugged his shoulders under the heavy weight of the coronation attire, and outstretched his hand to his wife who obediently slipped hers into his.

Cole led Phoebe, dressed in a velvet blue gown, through the chanting crowd and towards the alter, where the Dark Priest waited patiently. The Seer followed behind, smirking at her triumph as she watched them reach the alter, hands still clasped as they welcomed their new destiny: The Source and his Queen; rulers of the underworld.

~PO4~

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Rachel xo