Information Exchange Part 5
(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.)
"What happened?" Piper demanded as they surveyed their living room. The room around them was pure chaos. Scorch marks prevailed in the room, indicating massive usage of demon energy balls. There were several piles of ash, meaning demons had died here. All in all, it looked like a massive battle had started here.
'We'll sort it out later," Phoebe said, "Where's Cole?
Leo scanned for a second, and then said, "Attic."
As Leo and the sisters ran up the stairs, Michael appeared in front of them. He staggered for a second, and then held his head. "Remind me never to use that teleportation spell again. What's going on?"
"We'll tell you in a second," Phoebe said as she shoved past Michael and took the stairs two at a time. They found the attic door blasted open, and Phoebe worry increased. When they ran in, they found Cole collapsed about 6 feet from a little girl who had an athame sticking out of her. Phoebe knelt over Cole and felt for a pulse. She looked at Leo, and shouted hysterically, "Leo, I don't feel a pulse!" Leo shoved her aside, and placed his hands over Cole. The sisters, Michael, and Leo watched for a few tense seconds before Leo's magic began to work.
Michael walked over to the little girl, and said sadly, "I think she's too far gone."
As Leo finished his work, Cole woke up with a start. He hopped up, and looked around. When he saw Susie laying there, he spun on Leo and shouted, "Why are you standing there! HEAL HER!" Leo moved over, and tried. However, nothing happened. Leo looked up at Cole and said, "I'm sorry." Cole looked at him in confusion, and said, "What are you waiting for? Heal her. Stop messing around and do it."
Leo stood up, and put an arm on Cole. "I'm sorry, I can't heal her." Cole shrugged his arm off, and backed away, shaking his head violently. "No, no, you have to heal her, she's only a little girl. I promised I'd protect her, and she CAN'T DIE!" He then spun and turned his back on them. Phoebe walked over to them and said with tears in her eyes, "I'm sorry Cole, I truly am."
Cole turned to her and said, "Where were you guys! I kept calling and calling you Leo. What, did you not believe me? WHY WEREN'T YOU HERE!" Cole shouted hysterically. "IF YOU HAD BEEN HERE, SHE WOULDN'T BE DEAD!" Suddenly, he looked at Phoebe, and said, "Maybe it's not too late." He then phased, and mindscaped into Phoebe's stomach.
***
"Gabriel! Gabriel, where are you!" Cole shouted as soon as he landed. As he looked around anxiously, his son appeared. "Father, I'm glad you're alright. I could feel your panic, and I tried to get Phoebe to move. I'm sorry I wasn't."
"We don't have time for that now," Cole interrupted. "You can bring people back to life? Well, I have someone you need to bring back."
Gabriel looked at Cole for a few moments, and then said, "I can't."
"What! What do you mean you can't? You brought me back to life! Is it because she isn't a relation of yours?" Cole asked.
"Of course not! Look, Father, I want to, believe me I do. But I have become the Guardian of Life, not the cheater of Death. I came into this knowing that I can't bring people back from the dead when it is their time to die. I'm sorry, but I have to let nature run its course."
"But you brought me back!" Cole demanded.
"That was before I became Guardian, and was a special case. I can't do that again. No matter how much I want to."
Cole looked at his son coldly, and then said, "I can't believe you. I just can't believe a son of mine would let a child die, and not try to help her. Maybe you are evil, maybe you're the Source's son." Cole turned to leave, so he didn't see the tears form in his sons eyes before Cole faded out.
***
When Cole popped back out of Phoebe, she demanded, "What was that?"
"It doesn't matter," Cole said coldly. He then turned to Leo and said, "We were attacked by Landeras. He killed her, and took her power. Go find out what her power.was." Leo nodded, and was gone. Cole turned to the sisters and Michael and asked, "Do you have any idea who Landeras is?"
Michael said, "That's what we were doing, looking him up. All we can find is that he is a full-blooded demon who has the power of shimmering, energy ball, and forgetfulness. Since he can make people forget he was there, it makes it hard to get information about him."
"Well, wherever he is, he'll be back, and we will kill him when he reappears." Cole said grimly.
***
As Landeras appeared in the Wasteland, he surveyed his surrounding. This wasn't the most pleasant of places: he could understand why Belthazor would want to leave it. Still, he had a job to do, and a task to complete. Even as he thought that, Landeras could hear the creature coming closer. He flexed his right hand in anticipation, and waited.
When the creature shot its head out and lunged at him, Landeras slammed his right arm on it. Within seconds, he could feel raw, demonic power surge into him. Within a minute, he had more powers than any 10 demons he had known. The creature tried to get away, but Landeras had him in a death grip.
Just before the creature would expire, Landeras let go. He wanted the creature to absorb more powers, so he could absorb more later. Landeras flexed his fingers, and black lightning crackled down his arms. It had worked, the gamble had succeeded. It was now time to pay back some old debts.
***
The sisters, Michael and Cole were in the kitchen working on an exploding potion when Leo orbed in. His face was grave. "So, what did you find out?" Cole demanded.
Leo looked at Cole, and said, "Susie had the ability to absorb the powers of any being she touched. I'm sure you can guess what that means."
"It means we'll have to keep out distance," Phoebe said, "But, I don't understand. Is Landeras planning on absorbing the powers of all the demons around? Won't that take awhile."
"I only wanted the power to absorb one being." a voice said. They all turned to watch as Landeras appeared in front of them. He appeared calm, and even cocky. He smiled at them and said, "I must admit, Belthazor, even if you are a traitor, you do get the best ideas sometimes."
"Flaritis cainda Deivas," Michael shouted, and a fireball flew from him into Landeras. It hit him head on, but Landeras was unaffected. His smiled widened, and Landeras said, "Well, that was aggressive. I guess I'll have to return the favor." Landeras held up his hand, and four mini- fireballs appeared floating above each finger. He gestured out, and they flew towards the Charmed Ones and Cole. As the Charmed Ones ducked, Cole deflected them.
"You know, I really must thank you." Landeras said to Cole. "If it wasn't for you, I would never have discovered the existence and location of that wonderful creature that carried around the powers of every demon ever beaten."
Cole's face went pale, and he said, "You mean."
"I've been to the Wasteland? Yep, you guessed it." Landeras said, "But don't worry, I'm not dead. I just shimmered there using the realm information from your mind. I am now stronger than you ever were, Belthazor. I am not cursed with a weaker human half. You are facing a FULL-BLOODED demon."
"Yeah, well, catch us if you can." Paige said. She reached out and grabbed her sisters, Cole and Michael in a hug, and they orbed out. Landeras smiled, and shimmered.
As the Charmed Ones arrived into the attic, Cole said, "What are you doing?"
"Getting us more cover to use," Paige said, "Now, spread out, he'll be up here soon." The five of them spread out, and then Landeras appeared. He threw a fireball, which slammed into the bookstand, incinerating it.
As Cole and the others dived behind cover, Cole heard a voice inside his head. Father, let me help you. What can you do? Cole demanded. Landeras is afraid of you, use it. How, Cole asked, when I can't get near him. I will shield you, Gabriel said. All you have to do is trust me. Please, father, trust me.
Landeras was about to throw another fireball when Cole stood up. He looked at Landeras disdainfully, and said, "You're pathetic." Landeras fired a fireball at Cole, and it took of all of Cole's willpower not to duck. An inch from his body, the fireball exploded. Cutting it kind of close, Cole thought to his son wryly.
Cole made a brushing motion on his shirt, and said, "Is that the best you can do?" Landeras fired a few more fireballs, but Cole just absorbed them. As Landeras stared in disbelief, Cole suddenly remembered him. A minor demon that had just been granted admittance into the Brotherhood of the Thorn before Cole was sent to kill the Charmed Ones. Cole smiled an evil smile, and said, "Well, it appears you've gotten weaker since you became a Brotherhood member."
Landeras stared in shock at Cole, and said, "How did you survive those shots Belthazor?"
Cole's smile widened as he said, "Did you really think I would give up my powers to become a witch? Please, I would never do that. I let you beat me up, Landeras, because I needed to know your game plan. It was pathetic, but I still needed to know it." As Cole took a step forward, Landeras looked like he was about to shimmer away.
"That's right, you weakling. Go ahead, shimmer away. I should have known a full-blooded demon would run from his betters."
"I AM YOUR BETTER!" Landeras shouted, and hurled another fireball. It hit Cole, and again the shield stopped it. Cole thought to his son can you do illusion, and he felt his son say yes. Then follow my lead.
"You think that absorbing the ability to throw fireballs makes you stronger than me? You are truly deluded, Landeras. The Brotherhood never should have let you in." Cole held up his right hand, and a white fireball appeared. As Landeras stared, Cole said, "You see, I could have destroyed you anytime, you and your pathetic new brotherhood. By the way, I am really upset that you would damage the Brotherhood's evil name by letting such weak demons in. Then again, you should never have been its leader." Cole let the fireball dissipate, and then he added, "Well then, my little weakling, shall we continue? This is beginning to bore me, and you're not worth my time."
Landeras shouted, "I WILL KILL YOU!" and lunged at Cole. Cole reached behind him and pulled an athame out of his belt, and stabbed Landeras in the heart. As Landeras stared, Cole whisper, "This is for Susie. By the way, it was my human half that kept me from being eaten in the Wasteland. Tell the creature hello for me before it devours you for eternity."
"NO!" Landeras shouted, and then he exploded. Cole felt the shield leave him, and then he slumped. The sisters crowded around Cole, and said, "You did it."
Cole looked at Leo, and asked, "Did she have any family?" Leo hesitated, and then said, "None that survived Landeras." Cole stood up, and walked over to Susie's body. He picked her up, and said, "I'll be back."
***
As Cole replaced the lid, he thought how fitting. Susie was now in his mausoleum, placed in the same place as his father. He thought they would like each other, and they should be together. He didn't turn around, but he knew who was there. "Hello son." As Cole turned around, he found Pheobe studying him with her eyes glowing. "Hello father," Gabriel said hesitantly.
Cole said, "Son, I'm sorry. I didn't mean what I said to you. I was angry and upset, and I reacted without thinking. You are not evil, and I never should have asked you to do that. I was wrong."
"You still were right to ask," Gabriel said.
As Cole met his son's eyes, and asked, "How long will you live for?"
Gabriel hesitated, and then said, "Several eons, unless I get killed."
"You feel every death, don't you?" Cole asked, as a realization dawned on him, "I suddenly realize what a terrible burden being Guardian of Life is," Cole said quietly. "You will see all of us, me, Phoebe, even our great grandchildren die, and you have to let us. It must be hard, having the power to keep people alive, but knowing you can't."
"It is harder than you can ever imagine." Gabriel said gravely. As he started to walk off, Cole said, "Son." When he turned around, Cole said, "I'm proud of you." Gabriel smiled, and then he walked off.
Cole looked back at the mausoleum and its new member, and said, "I hope you have a great afterlife." He then turned and walked to his car, tears in his eyes.
THE END
(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.)
"What happened?" Piper demanded as they surveyed their living room. The room around them was pure chaos. Scorch marks prevailed in the room, indicating massive usage of demon energy balls. There were several piles of ash, meaning demons had died here. All in all, it looked like a massive battle had started here.
'We'll sort it out later," Phoebe said, "Where's Cole?
Leo scanned for a second, and then said, "Attic."
As Leo and the sisters ran up the stairs, Michael appeared in front of them. He staggered for a second, and then held his head. "Remind me never to use that teleportation spell again. What's going on?"
"We'll tell you in a second," Phoebe said as she shoved past Michael and took the stairs two at a time. They found the attic door blasted open, and Phoebe worry increased. When they ran in, they found Cole collapsed about 6 feet from a little girl who had an athame sticking out of her. Phoebe knelt over Cole and felt for a pulse. She looked at Leo, and shouted hysterically, "Leo, I don't feel a pulse!" Leo shoved her aside, and placed his hands over Cole. The sisters, Michael, and Leo watched for a few tense seconds before Leo's magic began to work.
Michael walked over to the little girl, and said sadly, "I think she's too far gone."
As Leo finished his work, Cole woke up with a start. He hopped up, and looked around. When he saw Susie laying there, he spun on Leo and shouted, "Why are you standing there! HEAL HER!" Leo moved over, and tried. However, nothing happened. Leo looked up at Cole and said, "I'm sorry." Cole looked at him in confusion, and said, "What are you waiting for? Heal her. Stop messing around and do it."
Leo stood up, and put an arm on Cole. "I'm sorry, I can't heal her." Cole shrugged his arm off, and backed away, shaking his head violently. "No, no, you have to heal her, she's only a little girl. I promised I'd protect her, and she CAN'T DIE!" He then spun and turned his back on them. Phoebe walked over to them and said with tears in her eyes, "I'm sorry Cole, I truly am."
Cole turned to her and said, "Where were you guys! I kept calling and calling you Leo. What, did you not believe me? WHY WEREN'T YOU HERE!" Cole shouted hysterically. "IF YOU HAD BEEN HERE, SHE WOULDN'T BE DEAD!" Suddenly, he looked at Phoebe, and said, "Maybe it's not too late." He then phased, and mindscaped into Phoebe's stomach.
***
"Gabriel! Gabriel, where are you!" Cole shouted as soon as he landed. As he looked around anxiously, his son appeared. "Father, I'm glad you're alright. I could feel your panic, and I tried to get Phoebe to move. I'm sorry I wasn't."
"We don't have time for that now," Cole interrupted. "You can bring people back to life? Well, I have someone you need to bring back."
Gabriel looked at Cole for a few moments, and then said, "I can't."
"What! What do you mean you can't? You brought me back to life! Is it because she isn't a relation of yours?" Cole asked.
"Of course not! Look, Father, I want to, believe me I do. But I have become the Guardian of Life, not the cheater of Death. I came into this knowing that I can't bring people back from the dead when it is their time to die. I'm sorry, but I have to let nature run its course."
"But you brought me back!" Cole demanded.
"That was before I became Guardian, and was a special case. I can't do that again. No matter how much I want to."
Cole looked at his son coldly, and then said, "I can't believe you. I just can't believe a son of mine would let a child die, and not try to help her. Maybe you are evil, maybe you're the Source's son." Cole turned to leave, so he didn't see the tears form in his sons eyes before Cole faded out.
***
When Cole popped back out of Phoebe, she demanded, "What was that?"
"It doesn't matter," Cole said coldly. He then turned to Leo and said, "We were attacked by Landeras. He killed her, and took her power. Go find out what her power.was." Leo nodded, and was gone. Cole turned to the sisters and Michael and asked, "Do you have any idea who Landeras is?"
Michael said, "That's what we were doing, looking him up. All we can find is that he is a full-blooded demon who has the power of shimmering, energy ball, and forgetfulness. Since he can make people forget he was there, it makes it hard to get information about him."
"Well, wherever he is, he'll be back, and we will kill him when he reappears." Cole said grimly.
***
As Landeras appeared in the Wasteland, he surveyed his surrounding. This wasn't the most pleasant of places: he could understand why Belthazor would want to leave it. Still, he had a job to do, and a task to complete. Even as he thought that, Landeras could hear the creature coming closer. He flexed his right hand in anticipation, and waited.
When the creature shot its head out and lunged at him, Landeras slammed his right arm on it. Within seconds, he could feel raw, demonic power surge into him. Within a minute, he had more powers than any 10 demons he had known. The creature tried to get away, but Landeras had him in a death grip.
Just before the creature would expire, Landeras let go. He wanted the creature to absorb more powers, so he could absorb more later. Landeras flexed his fingers, and black lightning crackled down his arms. It had worked, the gamble had succeeded. It was now time to pay back some old debts.
***
The sisters, Michael and Cole were in the kitchen working on an exploding potion when Leo orbed in. His face was grave. "So, what did you find out?" Cole demanded.
Leo looked at Cole, and said, "Susie had the ability to absorb the powers of any being she touched. I'm sure you can guess what that means."
"It means we'll have to keep out distance," Phoebe said, "But, I don't understand. Is Landeras planning on absorbing the powers of all the demons around? Won't that take awhile."
"I only wanted the power to absorb one being." a voice said. They all turned to watch as Landeras appeared in front of them. He appeared calm, and even cocky. He smiled at them and said, "I must admit, Belthazor, even if you are a traitor, you do get the best ideas sometimes."
"Flaritis cainda Deivas," Michael shouted, and a fireball flew from him into Landeras. It hit him head on, but Landeras was unaffected. His smiled widened, and Landeras said, "Well, that was aggressive. I guess I'll have to return the favor." Landeras held up his hand, and four mini- fireballs appeared floating above each finger. He gestured out, and they flew towards the Charmed Ones and Cole. As the Charmed Ones ducked, Cole deflected them.
"You know, I really must thank you." Landeras said to Cole. "If it wasn't for you, I would never have discovered the existence and location of that wonderful creature that carried around the powers of every demon ever beaten."
Cole's face went pale, and he said, "You mean."
"I've been to the Wasteland? Yep, you guessed it." Landeras said, "But don't worry, I'm not dead. I just shimmered there using the realm information from your mind. I am now stronger than you ever were, Belthazor. I am not cursed with a weaker human half. You are facing a FULL-BLOODED demon."
"Yeah, well, catch us if you can." Paige said. She reached out and grabbed her sisters, Cole and Michael in a hug, and they orbed out. Landeras smiled, and shimmered.
As the Charmed Ones arrived into the attic, Cole said, "What are you doing?"
"Getting us more cover to use," Paige said, "Now, spread out, he'll be up here soon." The five of them spread out, and then Landeras appeared. He threw a fireball, which slammed into the bookstand, incinerating it.
As Cole and the others dived behind cover, Cole heard a voice inside his head. Father, let me help you. What can you do? Cole demanded. Landeras is afraid of you, use it. How, Cole asked, when I can't get near him. I will shield you, Gabriel said. All you have to do is trust me. Please, father, trust me.
Landeras was about to throw another fireball when Cole stood up. He looked at Landeras disdainfully, and said, "You're pathetic." Landeras fired a fireball at Cole, and it took of all of Cole's willpower not to duck. An inch from his body, the fireball exploded. Cutting it kind of close, Cole thought to his son wryly.
Cole made a brushing motion on his shirt, and said, "Is that the best you can do?" Landeras fired a few more fireballs, but Cole just absorbed them. As Landeras stared in disbelief, Cole suddenly remembered him. A minor demon that had just been granted admittance into the Brotherhood of the Thorn before Cole was sent to kill the Charmed Ones. Cole smiled an evil smile, and said, "Well, it appears you've gotten weaker since you became a Brotherhood member."
Landeras stared in shock at Cole, and said, "How did you survive those shots Belthazor?"
Cole's smile widened as he said, "Did you really think I would give up my powers to become a witch? Please, I would never do that. I let you beat me up, Landeras, because I needed to know your game plan. It was pathetic, but I still needed to know it." As Cole took a step forward, Landeras looked like he was about to shimmer away.
"That's right, you weakling. Go ahead, shimmer away. I should have known a full-blooded demon would run from his betters."
"I AM YOUR BETTER!" Landeras shouted, and hurled another fireball. It hit Cole, and again the shield stopped it. Cole thought to his son can you do illusion, and he felt his son say yes. Then follow my lead.
"You think that absorbing the ability to throw fireballs makes you stronger than me? You are truly deluded, Landeras. The Brotherhood never should have let you in." Cole held up his right hand, and a white fireball appeared. As Landeras stared, Cole said, "You see, I could have destroyed you anytime, you and your pathetic new brotherhood. By the way, I am really upset that you would damage the Brotherhood's evil name by letting such weak demons in. Then again, you should never have been its leader." Cole let the fireball dissipate, and then he added, "Well then, my little weakling, shall we continue? This is beginning to bore me, and you're not worth my time."
Landeras shouted, "I WILL KILL YOU!" and lunged at Cole. Cole reached behind him and pulled an athame out of his belt, and stabbed Landeras in the heart. As Landeras stared, Cole whisper, "This is for Susie. By the way, it was my human half that kept me from being eaten in the Wasteland. Tell the creature hello for me before it devours you for eternity."
"NO!" Landeras shouted, and then he exploded. Cole felt the shield leave him, and then he slumped. The sisters crowded around Cole, and said, "You did it."
Cole looked at Leo, and asked, "Did she have any family?" Leo hesitated, and then said, "None that survived Landeras." Cole stood up, and walked over to Susie's body. He picked her up, and said, "I'll be back."
***
As Cole replaced the lid, he thought how fitting. Susie was now in his mausoleum, placed in the same place as his father. He thought they would like each other, and they should be together. He didn't turn around, but he knew who was there. "Hello son." As Cole turned around, he found Pheobe studying him with her eyes glowing. "Hello father," Gabriel said hesitantly.
Cole said, "Son, I'm sorry. I didn't mean what I said to you. I was angry and upset, and I reacted without thinking. You are not evil, and I never should have asked you to do that. I was wrong."
"You still were right to ask," Gabriel said.
As Cole met his son's eyes, and asked, "How long will you live for?"
Gabriel hesitated, and then said, "Several eons, unless I get killed."
"You feel every death, don't you?" Cole asked, as a realization dawned on him, "I suddenly realize what a terrible burden being Guardian of Life is," Cole said quietly. "You will see all of us, me, Phoebe, even our great grandchildren die, and you have to let us. It must be hard, having the power to keep people alive, but knowing you can't."
"It is harder than you can ever imagine." Gabriel said gravely. As he started to walk off, Cole said, "Son." When he turned around, Cole said, "I'm proud of you." Gabriel smiled, and then he walked off.
Cole looked back at the mausoleum and its new member, and said, "I hope you have a great afterlife." He then turned and walked to his car, tears in his eyes.
THE END