Information Exchange Part 4
(This is a continuation of the alternate universe I created in Degrees of Evil. I do not own any part of Charmed, I just write about it. And as always, please comment and tell me what you think.)
"So, any luck finding our demons?" Piper asked.
Paige looked up from her position over the Book of Shadows and said, "I found information on the three that attacked us. They were minor demons. Landeras is another matter. The Book has no mention of him."
Piper walked over to the Book and said in a surprised tone, "Really, that's surprising. The Book has information on every demon we have ever faced. It worries me that there is no information."
Phoebe walked in, and asked, "How goes the search?"
"Look, I want to find this demon as much as you do. There just isn't any information on him. I think I'll call Michael. Better yet, why don't we pay him a visit?" Paige remarked. As the sisters looked at her incredulously and Leo walked in, Paige said, "We can go ahead and look in the Library for information. Besides, I never got a chance to thank him."
Piper looked at Phoebe and Leo and said, "What do you think?"
"Sure, I've wanted to see this place since you described it to me." Phoebe remarked, and Leo added, "As have I."
Piper looked back at Paige and said, "Sure, let's go."
"Should we drive or orb?" Paige asked.
"Let's drive," Phoebe remarked, "That way we can bring home extra stuff if we need to."
As the sisters and Leo headed to the car, Paige mentioned, "Should we invite Cole with us?"
Phoebe shook her head and said, "Cole is busy in a major case against a drug dealer. He'll be busy all day."
"Alright. How is Cole feeling anyway? I never did thank him for." Paige began.
"Battling in your mind? I don't think wants your praise," Phoebe interrupted, "Whatever my son did to him, Cole is.different. There is no longer that do-gooder attitude. Cole doesn't feel like he has to prove anything anymore when he does good deeds. If I had to guess, I'd say he was.ashamed. Like he's trying to atone for all he did as a demon. He doesn't want thanks, he just wants to feel clean."
"You got all that from one lunch date? I am very impressed." Piper mentioned.
Phoebe smiled, and said, "Some of it I saw in his attitude when he was around me, but a lot of it is just because I know him pretty well."
"Whatever, I just hope Cole's day is as interesting as ours will be."
***
When the Charmed Ones arrived in the Magic Shop, they found Michael sweeping. He looked up at the bell, and smiled at Paige. "Hi, Paige. You're a little early for our dinner date."
Paige smiled back, and said, "No, actually, we wanted to go into the Library and try and find out about that demon Landeras."
Michael's face became serious, and he said, "Sure, let me give you a hand."
"But, you have to mind the store," Piper protested.
"Relax, I told you I have great help," Michael said. He murmured low for a few moment, and then a short stocky woman came out and said, "Go ahead. It's important. I'll cover you. Remember, you owe me."
As they headed towards the Library, Phoebe asked, "Who is that?"
Michael looked back absently, and said, "She's my friend who runs the night shift. She normally hates the dayshift, but she'll cover for me today. Course, I'll have to pay her back later, and she is real evil with her favors," Michael said with a pained expression on his face.
"Thanks for your help," Paige said.
"Not a problem," Michael replied. They reached the door, and Michael motioned for one of them to use their card. Phoebe stepped forward and tried her, and the door slid open. As they walked in, the door closed behind them. Phoebe looked around in astonishment. "Wow, this is incredible! I don't even know where to start looking."
Michael's smile widened, and he said, "I figured as much, that's why I came with you. With me at your side, a search of days could be done in hours. Let's get started."
***
As Cole left the courthouse, he couldn't help but smile. He had done it, he had won his first court case. Oh, Cole had won before, but never without demonic persuasion to fall back on. It was exhilarating. Cole headed into the parking lot towards his car, and checked his watch. 12:15. The jury had come out much sooner than he had thought. Maybe he could go help Phoebe and her sisters figure out the demons that had attacked. He had meant to ask how it was going, but he had gotten sidetracked last night.
Cole was about to open his car when a small body slammed into him. He looked down to see a small girl clinging to him in fear. He bent down, a worried expression on his face. "What's the matter?" he asked.
"You have to help me," the girl said, fear evident in her voice. "They're after me!"
Cole looked around, and said, "Who?" Without warning, two demons appeared in front of Cole. The little girl got behind him and said, "Them!" The demons looked at Cole for a few moments, and then said, "Get out of our way. We won't kill you if you give up now, and step aside."
Cole moved the girl farther behind him, and said, "I don't think so." The demon smiled an evil smile, and said, "So be it." Lightning quick, he hurled an energy ball at Cole, but Cole was ready. He deflected it easily, and the demon had to duck to avoid getting hit. The demon stared at Cole incredulously and said, "A witch! This is unexpected."
"You are all so unoriginal. Is that the best you've got?" Cole asked. He felt the girl clutching tighter to him. The demon looked at his fellow, and nodded. The fellow concentrated, and five more demons appeared. As Cole found himself facing 7 demons, the first one said, "You may be able to deflect one energy ball, but I doubt you can handle 7. You're through witch."
Cole backed up, trying desperately to think of a solution. He kept backing up until he felt the cement wall on his waist. Looking back, Cole realized he was at the end of the parking lot. Cole looked back, and the demon smiled. "End of the road."
Cole slumped his shoulders in apparent defeat, while he gripped the girl tighter. As the demons closed in, he suddenly looked up and smiled grimly. "Not quite." He then pushed himself over the edge, the girl shifted above him. As they fell, Cole saw the demons run and look over the edge.
By sheer luck, Cole landed in a set of bushes. He broke through them with a CRACK. He was scratched up, but alive. They got up, and Cole saw the demons shimmer out. He then realized his best protection would be at the manor, for he knew the demons would be back. As he walked out into the open and whistled for a taxi, he finally looked down. The little girl was staring at him in awe, and a little bit of hero worship. "You saved me." She said. Cole looked at her more closely. She appeared to be about 8 or 9, and had a slightly emaciated look that told Cole she probably hadn't eaten in a while. As the cab pulled over, Cole got in with the girl, and said, "1329 Prescott St." The cabbie nodded, and they were off. Cole turned to the girl and said, "What's your name?"
"My name is Susie." The little girl responded.
"Well, don't worry Susie. You'll be safe with me." Cole said bravely. As he fought a grimace (the scratches were really starting to hurt), Cole hoped he hadn't been telling a lie.
***
"What do you mean you LOST HER!" Landeras shouted. The demons looked slightly abashed, all except the leader, who looked at Landeras steadily and said, "She had help from a male witch."
"It should have mattered to you Treron." Landeras said, "I expected better from a member of the new Brotherhood." Treron hung his head, and said, "I am sorry, sir. I won't fail again."
Landeras sat down, and said, "Describe this witch that beat 7 demons." As Treron began to describe him, Landeras felt a rage emerge. Belthazor! "Alright, this complicates matters." Landeras got up and walked over to the window. He looked out until he knew he could control his face. Belthazor again! How did he get involved? Landeras had hoped to wait for this confrontation until his plan was complete. But it looked like that wasn't going to be the case. Still, there were some interesting possibilities here.
Landeras pondered for a second, and then said, "Never mind. We'll make up for this past failure. I know where he's going, but we have to make preparations before we go."
"You will be accompanying us, sir?" Treron asked in surprise.
"Well, I can't let this mission fail, and since you have proven untrustworthy, I don't see an option. Unless you want to argue?" Landeras asked with deceptive mildness.
"No, no sir," Treron said hastily.
"Excellent. Now, here is what we'll do."
***
As the cabbie pulled up to the Halliwell manor, Cole paid him and got out with Susie. This was the best place to fight, Cole mused. He could count on the Charmed Ones to help him. They may not believe he was good all the way yet, but they'll still help him. Cole looked back down at Susie, and noticed something odd. Her right hand was covered in a glove. Now, that would normally be fine, since it was a little cold out. However, it was only her right hand. Whatever the reasoning, Cole had to get her inside before things got any worse.
Cole walked to the front door, and found it locked. Cole rang the doorbell a few times, and then he sighed. They must not be home. Which was just great. He looked back down at Susie, who was glancing around fearfully. Cole sighed, and pulled a key out of his pocket. He had gotten one back when he was mortal, and the sisters had never gotten around to changing the locks, a fact Cole 'forgot' to mention.
As they entered the house, Cole shouted, "LEO! LEO!" When Leo did not orb in, Cole hissed in frustration. Figures the one time he actually wanted Leo, he wasn't around. Still, that was very odd. Cole was pretty sure that he was one of Leo's charges, which meant he should have come when he called. Since he didn't, Cole had to assume something dire was happening.
Susie looked around, and asked, "Is there someone here who can help?"
Cole sighed, and said, "They don't appear to be home. But that doesn't mean we won't be fine," Cole added when Susie's face fell. "I'm sure they'll be home soon, and I'll keep you safe until they get back." Even as he said it, Cole was heading towards the kitchen. He may not have been a witch for long, but you didn't last long as a demon without a fairly good knowledge of potions. Cole knew offhand at least 7 potions that could come in handy. Admittedly he had never made them (in fact, they had been used on him over the years), but Cole was pretty sure he could replicate them. When they got into the kitchen, Cole picked Susie up and put her on a stool. "Sit, and talk to me." He said, and Susie obeyed.
Cole grabbed various ingredients, and began to mix. While he worked, he asked, "So, Susie, do you have any parents I can get a hold of?"
Susie's face fell, and she said quietly, "Those men killed them." Cole looked down at the ingredients for a second. He had suspected as much, but he had hoped it wasn't true. Cole looked back up, and said, "I'm sorry to hear that. Don't worry, you'll be fine. Would you like something to eat?" When Susie looked up and nodded eagerly, Cole reached back and pulled out a box of saltines. Piper had kept these heavily in stock since she got pregnant, but Cole felt she wouldn't notice a few missing. Susie began to eat with fervor, confirming for Cole that she hadn't eaten in a while.
After Susie had munched a few crackers, she asked, "Excuse me, but how did you bounce that weird ball back at those men?"
Cole looked down for a few seconds, trying to find some way to tell her without scaring her. He finally said, "I have special gifts that let me help and protect people like you from bad people."
Susie smiled, and said, "I have one too."
Cole looked at her incredulously, and said, "You do?"
Susie's smiled disappeared, and she held up her right hand. "When I touch people with this hand, I feel funny. After a little bit, they fall down, but I feel better."
Cole looked at Susie in surprise, and then went back to work. That would explain why the demons were after her Cole thought. Whatever her power is, it sounds pretty good, which explains why so many demons came after her. Well, when they came back, Cole would be ready.
***
"Wow, we've been here for 4 hours," Paige remarked wearily.
"Really," Piper said, "That is unbelievable. And we're not even halfway through."
Michael looked up, and said, "I think we're getting closer. A few more hours and we'll find him."
Phoebe had seemed distracted for a while, and Paige asked, "What's wrong, Phoebs?"
Phoebe looked up, and said, "I keep feeling something like desperation and panic. It's not me. If I had to guess, it almost seems like my son is trying to tell me something."
Piper looked at Leo, and said, "Do you think Cole could be in trouble?"
Leo didn't even look up as he said, "Well, he is my charge, and I don't feel any." Suddenly, Leo sat straight up and went ashen. "Oh my God! We have to get out of here right now." Leo started for the door.
"What's wrong," Paige asked as she hurried after him.
"I can't feel any of my charges in here," Leo said without turning around.
"It could be something in the shield over this place," Michael said helpfully.
"That means." Phoebe said, before she went white.
"It means Cole could be dead, and I wouldn't know it." Leo said. He walked outside of the door, and his face went even whiter. He reached out and grabbed all three sisters, and said, "We're heading home, now!" The orbed out, leaving Michael to stare in confusion.
***
When the demons had appeared at the manor, Cole had been ready. He threw two potions and vanquished two of them before they even reacted. After a few minutes, Cole found himself and Susie behind the couch, as energy balls slammed into it from behind. Cole looked at Susie, and whispered, "Take my hand." Susie nodded, and Cole took a deep breath. Here goes nothing.
Cole stood up and threw a potion in front of the demons. It exploded in a bright light, and the demons fell back with a cry. Without waiting, Cole threw a succession of potions at the demons. He killed three more before they recovered, and was halfway up the stairs. Two of the demons shot energy balls at him, but he deflected them both. One more fell, but the other ducked. The final demon began to run up the stairs after Cole and Susie.
When Cole got up into the attic, he slammed the door shut and put a table in front of it. Susie was cowering by Cole, and he said, "Don't worry. We'll be fine." Cole waited, and as soon as the demon broke through, he threw his last potion. The demon blew up, and Cole sighed. "That's all of them."
"Not quite." Cole turned in time to take a punch to the jaw. He went down hard, and the demon began to kick and punch him relentlessly. Cole tried to get up, but a kick to the ribs stopped him. The demon finally stopped. Cole tried to get up, but he hurt too much. The demon lifted his face up, and Cole saw the man from his apartment. The man smiled evilly, and said, "I would kill you Belthazor for your betrayal, but that comes later. For now, I want you to watch." He then turned and threw an athame at Susie. It slammed into her, and she fell.
"NO!" Cole screamed, and he tried to get up. The demon hit him with his foot, and Cole fell back down.
The demon whispered, "Remember this failure, and remember how I beat you. I will take her power and leave, but I'll be back." The demon walked over, and took Susie's powers when she died. The demon smiled, and said, "See you soon Belthazor." He then shimmered out. Cole tried to get up one more time, but he lost consciousness.
***
When the sisters and Leo arrived, they took one look around and Piper said, "Oh, My God."
TO BE CONTINUED.
(This is a continuation of the alternate universe I created in Degrees of Evil. I do not own any part of Charmed, I just write about it. And as always, please comment and tell me what you think.)
"So, any luck finding our demons?" Piper asked.
Paige looked up from her position over the Book of Shadows and said, "I found information on the three that attacked us. They were minor demons. Landeras is another matter. The Book has no mention of him."
Piper walked over to the Book and said in a surprised tone, "Really, that's surprising. The Book has information on every demon we have ever faced. It worries me that there is no information."
Phoebe walked in, and asked, "How goes the search?"
"Look, I want to find this demon as much as you do. There just isn't any information on him. I think I'll call Michael. Better yet, why don't we pay him a visit?" Paige remarked. As the sisters looked at her incredulously and Leo walked in, Paige said, "We can go ahead and look in the Library for information. Besides, I never got a chance to thank him."
Piper looked at Phoebe and Leo and said, "What do you think?"
"Sure, I've wanted to see this place since you described it to me." Phoebe remarked, and Leo added, "As have I."
Piper looked back at Paige and said, "Sure, let's go."
"Should we drive or orb?" Paige asked.
"Let's drive," Phoebe remarked, "That way we can bring home extra stuff if we need to."
As the sisters and Leo headed to the car, Paige mentioned, "Should we invite Cole with us?"
Phoebe shook her head and said, "Cole is busy in a major case against a drug dealer. He'll be busy all day."
"Alright. How is Cole feeling anyway? I never did thank him for." Paige began.
"Battling in your mind? I don't think wants your praise," Phoebe interrupted, "Whatever my son did to him, Cole is.different. There is no longer that do-gooder attitude. Cole doesn't feel like he has to prove anything anymore when he does good deeds. If I had to guess, I'd say he was.ashamed. Like he's trying to atone for all he did as a demon. He doesn't want thanks, he just wants to feel clean."
"You got all that from one lunch date? I am very impressed." Piper mentioned.
Phoebe smiled, and said, "Some of it I saw in his attitude when he was around me, but a lot of it is just because I know him pretty well."
"Whatever, I just hope Cole's day is as interesting as ours will be."
***
When the Charmed Ones arrived in the Magic Shop, they found Michael sweeping. He looked up at the bell, and smiled at Paige. "Hi, Paige. You're a little early for our dinner date."
Paige smiled back, and said, "No, actually, we wanted to go into the Library and try and find out about that demon Landeras."
Michael's face became serious, and he said, "Sure, let me give you a hand."
"But, you have to mind the store," Piper protested.
"Relax, I told you I have great help," Michael said. He murmured low for a few moment, and then a short stocky woman came out and said, "Go ahead. It's important. I'll cover you. Remember, you owe me."
As they headed towards the Library, Phoebe asked, "Who is that?"
Michael looked back absently, and said, "She's my friend who runs the night shift. She normally hates the dayshift, but she'll cover for me today. Course, I'll have to pay her back later, and she is real evil with her favors," Michael said with a pained expression on his face.
"Thanks for your help," Paige said.
"Not a problem," Michael replied. They reached the door, and Michael motioned for one of them to use their card. Phoebe stepped forward and tried her, and the door slid open. As they walked in, the door closed behind them. Phoebe looked around in astonishment. "Wow, this is incredible! I don't even know where to start looking."
Michael's smile widened, and he said, "I figured as much, that's why I came with you. With me at your side, a search of days could be done in hours. Let's get started."
***
As Cole left the courthouse, he couldn't help but smile. He had done it, he had won his first court case. Oh, Cole had won before, but never without demonic persuasion to fall back on. It was exhilarating. Cole headed into the parking lot towards his car, and checked his watch. 12:15. The jury had come out much sooner than he had thought. Maybe he could go help Phoebe and her sisters figure out the demons that had attacked. He had meant to ask how it was going, but he had gotten sidetracked last night.
Cole was about to open his car when a small body slammed into him. He looked down to see a small girl clinging to him in fear. He bent down, a worried expression on his face. "What's the matter?" he asked.
"You have to help me," the girl said, fear evident in her voice. "They're after me!"
Cole looked around, and said, "Who?" Without warning, two demons appeared in front of Cole. The little girl got behind him and said, "Them!" The demons looked at Cole for a few moments, and then said, "Get out of our way. We won't kill you if you give up now, and step aside."
Cole moved the girl farther behind him, and said, "I don't think so." The demon smiled an evil smile, and said, "So be it." Lightning quick, he hurled an energy ball at Cole, but Cole was ready. He deflected it easily, and the demon had to duck to avoid getting hit. The demon stared at Cole incredulously and said, "A witch! This is unexpected."
"You are all so unoriginal. Is that the best you've got?" Cole asked. He felt the girl clutching tighter to him. The demon looked at his fellow, and nodded. The fellow concentrated, and five more demons appeared. As Cole found himself facing 7 demons, the first one said, "You may be able to deflect one energy ball, but I doubt you can handle 7. You're through witch."
Cole backed up, trying desperately to think of a solution. He kept backing up until he felt the cement wall on his waist. Looking back, Cole realized he was at the end of the parking lot. Cole looked back, and the demon smiled. "End of the road."
Cole slumped his shoulders in apparent defeat, while he gripped the girl tighter. As the demons closed in, he suddenly looked up and smiled grimly. "Not quite." He then pushed himself over the edge, the girl shifted above him. As they fell, Cole saw the demons run and look over the edge.
By sheer luck, Cole landed in a set of bushes. He broke through them with a CRACK. He was scratched up, but alive. They got up, and Cole saw the demons shimmer out. He then realized his best protection would be at the manor, for he knew the demons would be back. As he walked out into the open and whistled for a taxi, he finally looked down. The little girl was staring at him in awe, and a little bit of hero worship. "You saved me." She said. Cole looked at her more closely. She appeared to be about 8 or 9, and had a slightly emaciated look that told Cole she probably hadn't eaten in a while. As the cab pulled over, Cole got in with the girl, and said, "1329 Prescott St." The cabbie nodded, and they were off. Cole turned to the girl and said, "What's your name?"
"My name is Susie." The little girl responded.
"Well, don't worry Susie. You'll be safe with me." Cole said bravely. As he fought a grimace (the scratches were really starting to hurt), Cole hoped he hadn't been telling a lie.
***
"What do you mean you LOST HER!" Landeras shouted. The demons looked slightly abashed, all except the leader, who looked at Landeras steadily and said, "She had help from a male witch."
"It should have mattered to you Treron." Landeras said, "I expected better from a member of the new Brotherhood." Treron hung his head, and said, "I am sorry, sir. I won't fail again."
Landeras sat down, and said, "Describe this witch that beat 7 demons." As Treron began to describe him, Landeras felt a rage emerge. Belthazor! "Alright, this complicates matters." Landeras got up and walked over to the window. He looked out until he knew he could control his face. Belthazor again! How did he get involved? Landeras had hoped to wait for this confrontation until his plan was complete. But it looked like that wasn't going to be the case. Still, there were some interesting possibilities here.
Landeras pondered for a second, and then said, "Never mind. We'll make up for this past failure. I know where he's going, but we have to make preparations before we go."
"You will be accompanying us, sir?" Treron asked in surprise.
"Well, I can't let this mission fail, and since you have proven untrustworthy, I don't see an option. Unless you want to argue?" Landeras asked with deceptive mildness.
"No, no sir," Treron said hastily.
"Excellent. Now, here is what we'll do."
***
As the cabbie pulled up to the Halliwell manor, Cole paid him and got out with Susie. This was the best place to fight, Cole mused. He could count on the Charmed Ones to help him. They may not believe he was good all the way yet, but they'll still help him. Cole looked back down at Susie, and noticed something odd. Her right hand was covered in a glove. Now, that would normally be fine, since it was a little cold out. However, it was only her right hand. Whatever the reasoning, Cole had to get her inside before things got any worse.
Cole walked to the front door, and found it locked. Cole rang the doorbell a few times, and then he sighed. They must not be home. Which was just great. He looked back down at Susie, who was glancing around fearfully. Cole sighed, and pulled a key out of his pocket. He had gotten one back when he was mortal, and the sisters had never gotten around to changing the locks, a fact Cole 'forgot' to mention.
As they entered the house, Cole shouted, "LEO! LEO!" When Leo did not orb in, Cole hissed in frustration. Figures the one time he actually wanted Leo, he wasn't around. Still, that was very odd. Cole was pretty sure that he was one of Leo's charges, which meant he should have come when he called. Since he didn't, Cole had to assume something dire was happening.
Susie looked around, and asked, "Is there someone here who can help?"
Cole sighed, and said, "They don't appear to be home. But that doesn't mean we won't be fine," Cole added when Susie's face fell. "I'm sure they'll be home soon, and I'll keep you safe until they get back." Even as he said it, Cole was heading towards the kitchen. He may not have been a witch for long, but you didn't last long as a demon without a fairly good knowledge of potions. Cole knew offhand at least 7 potions that could come in handy. Admittedly he had never made them (in fact, they had been used on him over the years), but Cole was pretty sure he could replicate them. When they got into the kitchen, Cole picked Susie up and put her on a stool. "Sit, and talk to me." He said, and Susie obeyed.
Cole grabbed various ingredients, and began to mix. While he worked, he asked, "So, Susie, do you have any parents I can get a hold of?"
Susie's face fell, and she said quietly, "Those men killed them." Cole looked down at the ingredients for a second. He had suspected as much, but he had hoped it wasn't true. Cole looked back up, and said, "I'm sorry to hear that. Don't worry, you'll be fine. Would you like something to eat?" When Susie looked up and nodded eagerly, Cole reached back and pulled out a box of saltines. Piper had kept these heavily in stock since she got pregnant, but Cole felt she wouldn't notice a few missing. Susie began to eat with fervor, confirming for Cole that she hadn't eaten in a while.
After Susie had munched a few crackers, she asked, "Excuse me, but how did you bounce that weird ball back at those men?"
Cole looked down for a few seconds, trying to find some way to tell her without scaring her. He finally said, "I have special gifts that let me help and protect people like you from bad people."
Susie smiled, and said, "I have one too."
Cole looked at her incredulously, and said, "You do?"
Susie's smiled disappeared, and she held up her right hand. "When I touch people with this hand, I feel funny. After a little bit, they fall down, but I feel better."
Cole looked at Susie in surprise, and then went back to work. That would explain why the demons were after her Cole thought. Whatever her power is, it sounds pretty good, which explains why so many demons came after her. Well, when they came back, Cole would be ready.
***
"Wow, we've been here for 4 hours," Paige remarked wearily.
"Really," Piper said, "That is unbelievable. And we're not even halfway through."
Michael looked up, and said, "I think we're getting closer. A few more hours and we'll find him."
Phoebe had seemed distracted for a while, and Paige asked, "What's wrong, Phoebs?"
Phoebe looked up, and said, "I keep feeling something like desperation and panic. It's not me. If I had to guess, it almost seems like my son is trying to tell me something."
Piper looked at Leo, and said, "Do you think Cole could be in trouble?"
Leo didn't even look up as he said, "Well, he is my charge, and I don't feel any." Suddenly, Leo sat straight up and went ashen. "Oh my God! We have to get out of here right now." Leo started for the door.
"What's wrong," Paige asked as she hurried after him.
"I can't feel any of my charges in here," Leo said without turning around.
"It could be something in the shield over this place," Michael said helpfully.
"That means." Phoebe said, before she went white.
"It means Cole could be dead, and I wouldn't know it." Leo said. He walked outside of the door, and his face went even whiter. He reached out and grabbed all three sisters, and said, "We're heading home, now!" The orbed out, leaving Michael to stare in confusion.
***
When the demons had appeared at the manor, Cole had been ready. He threw two potions and vanquished two of them before they even reacted. After a few minutes, Cole found himself and Susie behind the couch, as energy balls slammed into it from behind. Cole looked at Susie, and whispered, "Take my hand." Susie nodded, and Cole took a deep breath. Here goes nothing.
Cole stood up and threw a potion in front of the demons. It exploded in a bright light, and the demons fell back with a cry. Without waiting, Cole threw a succession of potions at the demons. He killed three more before they recovered, and was halfway up the stairs. Two of the demons shot energy balls at him, but he deflected them both. One more fell, but the other ducked. The final demon began to run up the stairs after Cole and Susie.
When Cole got up into the attic, he slammed the door shut and put a table in front of it. Susie was cowering by Cole, and he said, "Don't worry. We'll be fine." Cole waited, and as soon as the demon broke through, he threw his last potion. The demon blew up, and Cole sighed. "That's all of them."
"Not quite." Cole turned in time to take a punch to the jaw. He went down hard, and the demon began to kick and punch him relentlessly. Cole tried to get up, but a kick to the ribs stopped him. The demon finally stopped. Cole tried to get up, but he hurt too much. The demon lifted his face up, and Cole saw the man from his apartment. The man smiled evilly, and said, "I would kill you Belthazor for your betrayal, but that comes later. For now, I want you to watch." He then turned and threw an athame at Susie. It slammed into her, and she fell.
"NO!" Cole screamed, and he tried to get up. The demon hit him with his foot, and Cole fell back down.
The demon whispered, "Remember this failure, and remember how I beat you. I will take her power and leave, but I'll be back." The demon walked over, and took Susie's powers when she died. The demon smiled, and said, "See you soon Belthazor." He then shimmered out. Cole tried to get up one more time, but he lost consciousness.
***
When the sisters and Leo arrived, they took one look around and Piper said, "Oh, My God."
TO BE CONTINUED.