Returning Evil Part 6
(I do not own any part of Charmed. I just write about it. This continues a storyline begun in Degrees of Evil, and continued in several other stories).
When the orbs stopped, Paige and Michael were back in heaven. Gabriel looked at them expectedly and asked, "Where's Mom?" Paige looked at Michael, and tears formed in her eyes. "I'm sorry, she."
Gabriel shook his head, and said, "No, that can't be right. Where is she?" He began to look around wildly, but Paige stopped him and pulled him into a hug. Tears began to flow down both his and Paige's cheeks. "We'll get her back, I promise." Paige said solemnly.
"How?" Michael asked. When Paige turned to glare at him, he continued defensively, "Look, I'm sorry to be the pessimist, but we haven't even hurt him yet. We've lost most of our power, and Kain is just getting stronger with each battle. I don't have a clue what to do. Do you?"
"Well, not right now," Paige said slowly, "But there has to be something. Doesn't there?"
"I'm afraid there may not be," a new voice said. The group looked around, and saw Grams approaching.
"Grams, what are you talking about? I can't believe this is the end. How can you even say that?" Paige accursed.
"I don't want it to be, but everyone thinks so," Grams said. "The people at the Gate to the afterlife are preparing to let in vast amounts of souls, and all whitelighters have been recalled. The Elders feel the only choice left is to hide up here until Kain grows complacent."
"That is stupidity!" Melinda shouted, "I may not be very old, but even I know Kain will only grow stronger, not weaker."
As everyone began to argue, Gabriel's voice cut threw it all. "I'm going for a walk. I'll be back."
"Yeah, sure." Paige said, as Gabriel left without a word. "He must need time to think of a solution."
"I don't think so," Grams said.
"What do you mean?" Michael asked.
"I saw his eyes when he left. Gabriel isn't going to think of a new solution, he is going because he has realized there isn't one." Grams replied.
***
Gabriel walked through Heaven aimlessly. Despite the fact that he had never been here, Gabriel knew the place perfectly. He wasn't seeking anything; he was just trying to accept something he didn't want to.
Gabriel knew he couldn't beat Kain. The odds were against him, and Kain could probably crush him like a bug. Gabriel felt something inside him that he had never felt before. He felt hopelessness. Gabriel could see no solution, and he was trying to accept that this was one fight he couldn't win. Good was doomed.
Gabriel finally came to rest in a place overlooking the planet. He recognized it as one of God's favorite places to go and watch his people. Now, all Gabriel could see with his vision was violence and death. Gabriel sighed, and felt despair overcome him.
Gabriel was so preoccupied with what he was looking at that he didn't realize the necklace his Mother had given him was glowing until it ripped itself from his neck. Gabriel turned around and watched as the necklace floated away from him for few feet, and then began to glow a white flow. Gabriel shielded his eyes, and when he opened them again, he found himself looking at a young man of about 23. He was 6'0 tall with black hair down to his shoulders. When he opened his eyes, Gabriel realized in shock they were shaped like hourglasses, just like his.
The figure smiled, and said, "Before you say anything, realize this is a prerecorded message. I'm you, which you are probably realizing right this moment. I timed this message to appear when we went off on our own to accept the fact that the world was doomed because I had something to tell you that only you could hear. The world isn't doomed, and there is something you can do. I know because it was something I could have done, but didn't. I'm here to tell you there is no choice, and to explain what you have to do."
***
As another human was brought before him, Kain smiled grimly. He held out his hand, and dark power leapt from him to the person. Within seconds, the human had been converted to a demon, one who bowed low and whispered "Master." Kain waved his hand, and the demon shimmered out. "Next," Kain said.
Another human was being dragged forward, but Kain let his mind wander. He had won. Kain couldn't help but grin as that thought coursed through him. Only one place was safe from him at the moment, but Kain was confident that he would figure a way to get into Heaven soon enough. In the mean time, Kain was fairly busy recreating the Underworld.
Kain had to admit, the Charmed Ones had done a real number over the Underworld. Privately, Kain admitted some of that was his fault. He had never thought any Good being would become that strong. It was an oversight he wouldn't overlook this time. Every demon was now much stronger, and demonic numbers were already on the rise. They had just hit the level they had been at before the Charmed Ones, and soon they would reach all time high numbers.
Still, that wouldn't be a problem this time, Kain thought with a grin. To his right, the Charmed Ones and Cole sat with the Guardians, a look of contentment on their faces. It was so easy to control them. They were his willing slaves, and they actually thought they were on the side of Good. Of all his powers, Kain loved his Touch the most. And he couldn't help but laugh as he saw his father with the same expression. His father (Adam Kain corrected himself mentally) always was so sure of his desire to do Good. It would be a delight to make him do evil.
***
"This is getting us nowhere!" Paige shouted.
"I'm just saying you need to be realistic," Michael shouted back. "Right now, there is NOTHING we can do. We need a plan, and we need to wait for Kain to grow complacent. No one is strong enough to stop him, and so we have no choice."
"You're wrong," a voice said from behind him. Michael turned and watched as Gabriel approached. He seems different Michael realized. The hopelessness in his eyes that Grams mentioned is gone, and something else has taken its place.
"What do you mean?" Grams asked.
Gabriel looked at Grams steadily for a few moments, and then said, "I can beat Kain, I now know how. I will defeat him."
"How?" Paige asked curiously.
"In a second. First of all, I need to talk to Michael alone," Gabriel said. Michael looked at him in confusion but followed him anyway.
"Well, I feel better now that Gabriel has a plan." Melinda said.
"I don't," Grams said solemnly.
"Why?" Paige asked.
"Because he has a look in his eyes that worries me even more than hopelessness." Grams responded.
***
"What do you want?" Michael asked.
Gabriel looked at him, and then said, "You have something in your right pocket I need. Please give it to me."
"What do you mean? There nothing." Michael began as he thrust his hand into his pocket. To his shock, he felt something round in there. "What the.?" He asked, as he pulled out a small black orb that seemed to absorb the light around them. As Gabriel reached out and took it from him, Michael felt memory return to him. "Oh my God. You're not thinking..."
"I will do what I have to, and I will use Mortanos gift wisely," Gabriel said solemnly.
"Do you understand the consequences of what you're planning?" Michael asked as he put his hand on Gabriel's shoulder.
Gabriel looked up at him, and Michael realized his eyes had a haunted look. "Yes, Michael, I do, but I have no choice. And I can't let you interfere. SLEEP!" Michael felt sleep overwhelming him, and tried to fight it. He was losing, but not fast. Gabriel smiled, and said, "You really are stubborn. If you don't propose to Aunt Paige when this is over, I'm going to be very cross with you." Michael was going to respond, but he felt another wave of Gabriel's willpower overwhelm him, and he faded into unconsciousness.
***
When Gabriel returned alone, Paige asked, "Where is Michael?"
"He's waiting for you over there," Gabriel said as he pointed.
"What do you mean? What's the plan?" Melinda asked.
"I am going to face Kain alone. I can't have you there, you'll distract me."
"But." Paige began, but Grams put her hand on Paige's shoulder. "No, my darling, he's right. Good luck. You make me proud to be a Great- Grandmother." Grams said solemnly. Gabriel smiled, and then said, "Melinda, if this doesn't work, you're our last hope. Do you understand?" Melinda nodded through tears, and Gabriel looked at her and continued, "Don't worry. I promise I will stop Kain." He then faded.
"Well, let's go get Michael," Paige said. "After all, he's the only other living being around here."
***
"Master." a demon interrupted. Kain looked up as another human was converted, and asked, "Yes?"
"The Guardian of Life is here to talk to you, he says he has a proposition for you." The demon said with a bow.
Kain's eyebrows arched, and he said, "Really let him in." As Gabriel approached, the Charmed Ones and Cole took up positions around Kain. Kain looked down at Gabriel, and asked, "What do you want?" As Gabriel prepared to respond, Kain realized Gabriel looked weary, and very haggard. Apparently he still hadn't recovered from their last battle.
Despite looking weary, Gabriel's voice was strong as he said, "I propose a final fight."
"Really, I'm curious. Please explain," Kain replied.
"You take on the side of Good, which will probably just be me," Gabriel began, "If we win or we kill you, you agree to never return to this realm or send agents here. You will never again directly or indirectly affect this realm."
"A hefty price," Kain said with amusement. "But what do I get if I WIN?"
Gabriel sighed, and then said, "If you win, I will invite you into Heaven."
Kain sat straight up, and said, "You do realize that you will be handing me Heaven, don't you?"
Gabriel nodded, and said, "If I lose, yes."
Kain looked at the agreement in his mind, seeking holes. "Can God participate?" He asked. When Gabriel shook his head, Kain asked, "How will we assure each other of our willingness to his part?"
"We will make a Pact of God. You know we can, and if we do, we cannot nullify it without allowing God to intervene. Do we have a deal?"
Kain smiled a huge smile, and said, "I think you're insane, but I won't let this opportunity pass me by. I agree."
"I pick the realm we fight in," Gabriel said solemnly.
"What's wrong with this one?" Kain countered.
"I want nothing to get in the way, and I have already found a realm that is completely lifeless. We'll be alone, so I can go all out with no restraint. Unless you're afraid?" Gabriel mocked.
"You're trying to goad me into agreeing without thinking about it. However, since I know you stand no chance, I'll agree to that." Kain replied.
"Very well. Let's get started." Gabriel replied.
As Kain got up, he felt Cole put his arm on him. "Master, you promised you wouldn't harm either my son or Phoebe," Cole began, but Kain looked at him, and Cole was knocked down.
"BE SILENT!" Kain shouted. "Your usefulness has ended, as has our agreement. You are MINE, and you will watch the battle and be quiet." Kain then turned to Gabriel and asked, "You don't mind if I broadcast our fight to Heaven and to here? I want the whole universe to see your defeat."
Gabriel nodded, and then Kain gestured. A pool appeared in the center of the island, and then Gabriel gestured. Seconds later, the pool showed a few of another realm, a realm completely desolate. Kain looked at Gabriel, and said, "Let's go."
***
When Paige, Melinda, and Grams found Michael, he was asleep next to a pool of water. Paige shook him, and said, "Michael?" Michael stirred slowly, and then said, "What happened? Where's Gabriel?"
"You tell us. What did he want with you?" Melinda asked.
"I don't remember," Michael confessed. "Last thing I remember is Gabriel asking to speak to me."
"Look," Grams interrupted as she pointed at the pool of water. As the group looked at it, it shifted until it showed as desolate realm with nothing moving. Suddenly, two figures appeared, and Paige recognized them as Gabriel and Kain. "What's going on?"
"It looks like we're allowed to watch," Melinda said gravely.
***
When Kain and Gabriel appeared, Kain looked around and said, "Interesting battleground. Now, you do realize that if I kill you, your pledge still holds?"
"As does yours." Gabriel replied.
Kain laughed, and said, "You've got guts. I'll grant you that. It will be curious to see what they look like. Oh, and don't worry. I won't try and convert you, for then our agreement would be nullified, right?" When Gabriel nodded, Kain smiled, "I must say, you are part lawyer. Let's make out pact and get started," Both Kain and Gabriel began to chant in an ancient tongue. A few moments later, a deep booming voice said, "Agreed."
Kain looked at Gabriel, and said, "Shall we get started?" Gabriel stamped his foot, and a wave of white energy blasted across the ground towards Kain. Kain just looked down, and the wave stopped. "Please tell me that wasn't your best." Kain began as he looked up. However, he looked up in time to take a fist to the jaw. "Ugghhh." Kain said and stumbled back.
Gabriel followed the punch through with a blast of white energy, and Kain fell back a few steps. Kain smiled, and said, "Impressive, but now it's my turn."
***
As everyone in the Underworld watched, Kain began to attack Gabriel. "We have to stop him," Cole said. "We had a deal."
"Why should we stop him?" Phoebe asked. "He is the Master, and he is just showing our son the light."
"No, I won't allow it," Cole said, and his mouth took on a firm look. Suddenly, Cole shimmered out. Phoebe, Piper, and the Guardians looked around in confusion, and then shrugged. It made no difference, for the Master would soon have everyone seeing the truth
***
"He seems to be doing alright," Paige said as Gabriel and Kain traded blows back and forth.
"No, Gabriel is fading, and I don't think Kain is even trying," Melinda said solemnly. "I don't know what his plan is, but he better do it quick before he dies."
"We should help," Michael began, but Grams stopped him.
"Even if we knew where in all the realms they were, we would only get in the way," Grams said. "No, all we can do is watch and pray."
***
Gabriel fell back, and Kain smiled. He had to admit, Gabriel was putting up a semi-decent fight. Not that he's going to win or anything, but he spiced things up a bit. Still, it was time to end this.
Gabriel was panting heavily, and was bleeding from several wounds. Before he could react, Kain nailed him with a bolt of black energy, and he fell down. Kain walked over and put his foot on Gabriel's chest, preventing him from moving. "Well, I have to admit, you spiced things up a bit. You lasted a full five minutes, you should feel honored. Are you ready to concede defeat?"
"Never!" Gabriel spat back.
"So be it," Kain sighed, and formed an energy ball over his head. "Like I said, you don't have to be alive to give me access to Heaven."
*** "Oh, no." Paige said, and she looked over at Grams and Michael. "It's over, Gabriel has lost."
"And so has all hope that Good could win," Melinda said slowly.
***
Just as he was about to launch the energy ball, Kain felt immense pain in his back. He screamed, and went flying forward. Both he and Gabriel looked over, and their mouths fell open.
Cole was standing behind Kain. His face was transfixed with an expression of pure hate, and he held in his right hand the Triangle of Hades. However, the so-called worthless artifact was glowing a sickly green color. Cole smiled, and said to Gabriel, "So I forgot to mention I had one more piece hidden. Sue me."
Kain got up and said in a pain-wracked voice, "What is that? HOW DARE YOU! Go back to Underworld NOW!"
Cole looked at Kain calmly, and said, "No."
"No, NO! You cannot defy me!" Kain shouted in shock.
"Did you really think you could change me," Cole said in a voice choked with hate, "Good or Evil, servant or master, NO ONE HURTS MY SON AND LIVES." With that, Cole pointed the Triangle at Kain again, and a sickly green beam shot from it and slammed into Kain. Kain screamed and fell back as he felt waves of pain coursed through his body.
Gabriel slowly got to his feet, and Cole asked, "Are you alright?" When Gabriel nodded, Cole smiled and said, "Good, let me just."
Suddenly, Kain let out a deep roar of primal rage. A column of black energy erupted around him, and the beam from the Triangle dissipated. Cole and Gabriel fell back, and when the energy faded, they barely repressed a scream.
Where Kain had been, a thing straight out of nightmare stood. It stood over 15 feet, and had leathery wings and glowing red eyes. The beast spoke in a voice that seemed to bring terror from deep inside Cole. "Did you really think you could defeat me? I am no longer a man, I am a GOD!" Kain held out his hand, and Cole could feel a force trying to pull the Triangle from him. Cole tried to hold on, and the demon hissed. Cole felt waves of pain come from his hand, and he fell back with a scream. As the Triangle flew to Kain, Cole realized every bone in his hand was broken. Kain grabbed the Triangle and enclosed it in his hand. A few moments later, he opened his claw again, and fine sand that was once the Triangle blew away.
"I am BEYOND your meddling," Kain shouted in a voice that shook the ground. "I will not ALLOW you to stop me. You will DIE now."
"NO!" Gabriel shouted in a voice full of strength. When Cole turned to look at his son, Gabriel smiled and said, "I love you father." Then the world faded from Cole's eyes.
***
"Trying to save you father?" the demon mocked. "How pathetic. Oh, well. I will simply eat your heart, and then his."
"No, you won't." Gabriel said calmly, and he pulled two orbs out of his pockets. One was deep black, and seemed to absorb all the light in the area. The other one was pure white, and seemed emanate light and warmth.
"What are you doing?" Kain asked, but Gabriel didn't respond. Instead, he looked up and his eyes were glowing white. A pulse of energy erupted from him, and Kain shielded his eyes. When he could see again, he found the sky had gone white.
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!" Kain shouted.
Gabriel looked over at him, and Kain saw raw determination in his eyes. "I just put a barrier that will prevent you and I from leaving this plane."
"Do you really think you can hold me for long?" Kain scoffed.
"You just don't get it, do you?" Gabriel said as he shook his head, "I don't need to hold you long, just hold you for a few seconds. This ends NOW!" Gabriel slammed the two orbs together, and everything disappeared in a wave of red.
***
As Paige and Michael watched, the water went red, and then blank.
Michael went pale, and he shouted, "NO!"
"What, what's going on?" Paige asked.
"Paige, take us down to the island in the Underworld, NOW!" Michael said. Paige nodded, and grabbed him and Melinda. They then faded out in a swirl of blue orbs.
***
When they arrived, they found the Charmed Ones standing with the Guardians over Cole. They were all looking around in confusion.
"Wha.what happened?" Piper asked before she was swallowed up by a hug from Paige and Melinda.
"You're back! Thank god!" Paige shouted. Before she could continue, Mortanos waved, and everyone was back at the Manor.
"What the." Michael said.
"I didn't think we wanted to be doing that in the middle of the Underworld," Mortanos explained.
"So, is everyone back to normal?" Leo asked as he bent to heal Cole. He paused, and asked, "Is it safe to heal him?"
Mortanos smiled, and said, "Yes, completely. Kain is dead, and so you can heal him. Gabriel managed to kill him, somehow."
While Leo healed him, Cole asked, "What did he do?"
"I can explain that," Michael said before Mortanos could speak. "Mortanos gave me an orb, one I didn't remember having. It was literally pure death. Gabriel hit it with an orb of pure Life. Neither of which can exist."
"What are you talking about? Paige said. "There are things that are only Life or Death."
Michael shook his head, and said, "No actually, everything has a little bit of the other in it, no matter what, and for good reason."
"Why, what is the big deal?" Piper asked.
"If pure Life and Death ever came into contact with each other, magical theorists predicted that it would create an explosion 1000 times the one that would result if matter and anti-matter mix. It would completely erase a realm from existence, and everything in the realm would go right with it," Michael said.
"Oh, my god." Phoebe said as her face paled. She turned to Mortanos, and said, "You guys are symbiotically bound, and can always sense each other, right?" When he nodded, she said. "WHERE is he?" Mortanos said, "I'll look." His eyes took on a faraway look, as did the other Guardians. After a few moments, they all took on a sick expression.
"What, what is it?" Phoebe demanded. The Guardians looked at each other, and then Mortanos said softly, "The link is gone."
"Well, what does that mean?" Phoebe shouted. When they hesitated, she continued, "TELL ME!"
Mortanos looked at her for a few seconds with a face that seemed to hold such grief and sadness as would drive a normal being to madness, and said simply.
"Gabriel No Longer Exists."
THE END
(I do not own any part of Charmed. I just write about it. This continues a storyline begun in Degrees of Evil, and continued in several other stories).
When the orbs stopped, Paige and Michael were back in heaven. Gabriel looked at them expectedly and asked, "Where's Mom?" Paige looked at Michael, and tears formed in her eyes. "I'm sorry, she."
Gabriel shook his head, and said, "No, that can't be right. Where is she?" He began to look around wildly, but Paige stopped him and pulled him into a hug. Tears began to flow down both his and Paige's cheeks. "We'll get her back, I promise." Paige said solemnly.
"How?" Michael asked. When Paige turned to glare at him, he continued defensively, "Look, I'm sorry to be the pessimist, but we haven't even hurt him yet. We've lost most of our power, and Kain is just getting stronger with each battle. I don't have a clue what to do. Do you?"
"Well, not right now," Paige said slowly, "But there has to be something. Doesn't there?"
"I'm afraid there may not be," a new voice said. The group looked around, and saw Grams approaching.
"Grams, what are you talking about? I can't believe this is the end. How can you even say that?" Paige accursed.
"I don't want it to be, but everyone thinks so," Grams said. "The people at the Gate to the afterlife are preparing to let in vast amounts of souls, and all whitelighters have been recalled. The Elders feel the only choice left is to hide up here until Kain grows complacent."
"That is stupidity!" Melinda shouted, "I may not be very old, but even I know Kain will only grow stronger, not weaker."
As everyone began to argue, Gabriel's voice cut threw it all. "I'm going for a walk. I'll be back."
"Yeah, sure." Paige said, as Gabriel left without a word. "He must need time to think of a solution."
"I don't think so," Grams said.
"What do you mean?" Michael asked.
"I saw his eyes when he left. Gabriel isn't going to think of a new solution, he is going because he has realized there isn't one." Grams replied.
***
Gabriel walked through Heaven aimlessly. Despite the fact that he had never been here, Gabriel knew the place perfectly. He wasn't seeking anything; he was just trying to accept something he didn't want to.
Gabriel knew he couldn't beat Kain. The odds were against him, and Kain could probably crush him like a bug. Gabriel felt something inside him that he had never felt before. He felt hopelessness. Gabriel could see no solution, and he was trying to accept that this was one fight he couldn't win. Good was doomed.
Gabriel finally came to rest in a place overlooking the planet. He recognized it as one of God's favorite places to go and watch his people. Now, all Gabriel could see with his vision was violence and death. Gabriel sighed, and felt despair overcome him.
Gabriel was so preoccupied with what he was looking at that he didn't realize the necklace his Mother had given him was glowing until it ripped itself from his neck. Gabriel turned around and watched as the necklace floated away from him for few feet, and then began to glow a white flow. Gabriel shielded his eyes, and when he opened them again, he found himself looking at a young man of about 23. He was 6'0 tall with black hair down to his shoulders. When he opened his eyes, Gabriel realized in shock they were shaped like hourglasses, just like his.
The figure smiled, and said, "Before you say anything, realize this is a prerecorded message. I'm you, which you are probably realizing right this moment. I timed this message to appear when we went off on our own to accept the fact that the world was doomed because I had something to tell you that only you could hear. The world isn't doomed, and there is something you can do. I know because it was something I could have done, but didn't. I'm here to tell you there is no choice, and to explain what you have to do."
***
As another human was brought before him, Kain smiled grimly. He held out his hand, and dark power leapt from him to the person. Within seconds, the human had been converted to a demon, one who bowed low and whispered "Master." Kain waved his hand, and the demon shimmered out. "Next," Kain said.
Another human was being dragged forward, but Kain let his mind wander. He had won. Kain couldn't help but grin as that thought coursed through him. Only one place was safe from him at the moment, but Kain was confident that he would figure a way to get into Heaven soon enough. In the mean time, Kain was fairly busy recreating the Underworld.
Kain had to admit, the Charmed Ones had done a real number over the Underworld. Privately, Kain admitted some of that was his fault. He had never thought any Good being would become that strong. It was an oversight he wouldn't overlook this time. Every demon was now much stronger, and demonic numbers were already on the rise. They had just hit the level they had been at before the Charmed Ones, and soon they would reach all time high numbers.
Still, that wouldn't be a problem this time, Kain thought with a grin. To his right, the Charmed Ones and Cole sat with the Guardians, a look of contentment on their faces. It was so easy to control them. They were his willing slaves, and they actually thought they were on the side of Good. Of all his powers, Kain loved his Touch the most. And he couldn't help but laugh as he saw his father with the same expression. His father (Adam Kain corrected himself mentally) always was so sure of his desire to do Good. It would be a delight to make him do evil.
***
"This is getting us nowhere!" Paige shouted.
"I'm just saying you need to be realistic," Michael shouted back. "Right now, there is NOTHING we can do. We need a plan, and we need to wait for Kain to grow complacent. No one is strong enough to stop him, and so we have no choice."
"You're wrong," a voice said from behind him. Michael turned and watched as Gabriel approached. He seems different Michael realized. The hopelessness in his eyes that Grams mentioned is gone, and something else has taken its place.
"What do you mean?" Grams asked.
Gabriel looked at Grams steadily for a few moments, and then said, "I can beat Kain, I now know how. I will defeat him."
"How?" Paige asked curiously.
"In a second. First of all, I need to talk to Michael alone," Gabriel said. Michael looked at him in confusion but followed him anyway.
"Well, I feel better now that Gabriel has a plan." Melinda said.
"I don't," Grams said solemnly.
"Why?" Paige asked.
"Because he has a look in his eyes that worries me even more than hopelessness." Grams responded.
***
"What do you want?" Michael asked.
Gabriel looked at him, and then said, "You have something in your right pocket I need. Please give it to me."
"What do you mean? There nothing." Michael began as he thrust his hand into his pocket. To his shock, he felt something round in there. "What the.?" He asked, as he pulled out a small black orb that seemed to absorb the light around them. As Gabriel reached out and took it from him, Michael felt memory return to him. "Oh my God. You're not thinking..."
"I will do what I have to, and I will use Mortanos gift wisely," Gabriel said solemnly.
"Do you understand the consequences of what you're planning?" Michael asked as he put his hand on Gabriel's shoulder.
Gabriel looked up at him, and Michael realized his eyes had a haunted look. "Yes, Michael, I do, but I have no choice. And I can't let you interfere. SLEEP!" Michael felt sleep overwhelming him, and tried to fight it. He was losing, but not fast. Gabriel smiled, and said, "You really are stubborn. If you don't propose to Aunt Paige when this is over, I'm going to be very cross with you." Michael was going to respond, but he felt another wave of Gabriel's willpower overwhelm him, and he faded into unconsciousness.
***
When Gabriel returned alone, Paige asked, "Where is Michael?"
"He's waiting for you over there," Gabriel said as he pointed.
"What do you mean? What's the plan?" Melinda asked.
"I am going to face Kain alone. I can't have you there, you'll distract me."
"But." Paige began, but Grams put her hand on Paige's shoulder. "No, my darling, he's right. Good luck. You make me proud to be a Great- Grandmother." Grams said solemnly. Gabriel smiled, and then said, "Melinda, if this doesn't work, you're our last hope. Do you understand?" Melinda nodded through tears, and Gabriel looked at her and continued, "Don't worry. I promise I will stop Kain." He then faded.
"Well, let's go get Michael," Paige said. "After all, he's the only other living being around here."
***
"Master." a demon interrupted. Kain looked up as another human was converted, and asked, "Yes?"
"The Guardian of Life is here to talk to you, he says he has a proposition for you." The demon said with a bow.
Kain's eyebrows arched, and he said, "Really let him in." As Gabriel approached, the Charmed Ones and Cole took up positions around Kain. Kain looked down at Gabriel, and asked, "What do you want?" As Gabriel prepared to respond, Kain realized Gabriel looked weary, and very haggard. Apparently he still hadn't recovered from their last battle.
Despite looking weary, Gabriel's voice was strong as he said, "I propose a final fight."
"Really, I'm curious. Please explain," Kain replied.
"You take on the side of Good, which will probably just be me," Gabriel began, "If we win or we kill you, you agree to never return to this realm or send agents here. You will never again directly or indirectly affect this realm."
"A hefty price," Kain said with amusement. "But what do I get if I WIN?"
Gabriel sighed, and then said, "If you win, I will invite you into Heaven."
Kain sat straight up, and said, "You do realize that you will be handing me Heaven, don't you?"
Gabriel nodded, and said, "If I lose, yes."
Kain looked at the agreement in his mind, seeking holes. "Can God participate?" He asked. When Gabriel shook his head, Kain asked, "How will we assure each other of our willingness to his part?"
"We will make a Pact of God. You know we can, and if we do, we cannot nullify it without allowing God to intervene. Do we have a deal?"
Kain smiled a huge smile, and said, "I think you're insane, but I won't let this opportunity pass me by. I agree."
"I pick the realm we fight in," Gabriel said solemnly.
"What's wrong with this one?" Kain countered.
"I want nothing to get in the way, and I have already found a realm that is completely lifeless. We'll be alone, so I can go all out with no restraint. Unless you're afraid?" Gabriel mocked.
"You're trying to goad me into agreeing without thinking about it. However, since I know you stand no chance, I'll agree to that." Kain replied.
"Very well. Let's get started." Gabriel replied.
As Kain got up, he felt Cole put his arm on him. "Master, you promised you wouldn't harm either my son or Phoebe," Cole began, but Kain looked at him, and Cole was knocked down.
"BE SILENT!" Kain shouted. "Your usefulness has ended, as has our agreement. You are MINE, and you will watch the battle and be quiet." Kain then turned to Gabriel and asked, "You don't mind if I broadcast our fight to Heaven and to here? I want the whole universe to see your defeat."
Gabriel nodded, and then Kain gestured. A pool appeared in the center of the island, and then Gabriel gestured. Seconds later, the pool showed a few of another realm, a realm completely desolate. Kain looked at Gabriel, and said, "Let's go."
***
When Paige, Melinda, and Grams found Michael, he was asleep next to a pool of water. Paige shook him, and said, "Michael?" Michael stirred slowly, and then said, "What happened? Where's Gabriel?"
"You tell us. What did he want with you?" Melinda asked.
"I don't remember," Michael confessed. "Last thing I remember is Gabriel asking to speak to me."
"Look," Grams interrupted as she pointed at the pool of water. As the group looked at it, it shifted until it showed as desolate realm with nothing moving. Suddenly, two figures appeared, and Paige recognized them as Gabriel and Kain. "What's going on?"
"It looks like we're allowed to watch," Melinda said gravely.
***
When Kain and Gabriel appeared, Kain looked around and said, "Interesting battleground. Now, you do realize that if I kill you, your pledge still holds?"
"As does yours." Gabriel replied.
Kain laughed, and said, "You've got guts. I'll grant you that. It will be curious to see what they look like. Oh, and don't worry. I won't try and convert you, for then our agreement would be nullified, right?" When Gabriel nodded, Kain smiled, "I must say, you are part lawyer. Let's make out pact and get started," Both Kain and Gabriel began to chant in an ancient tongue. A few moments later, a deep booming voice said, "Agreed."
Kain looked at Gabriel, and said, "Shall we get started?" Gabriel stamped his foot, and a wave of white energy blasted across the ground towards Kain. Kain just looked down, and the wave stopped. "Please tell me that wasn't your best." Kain began as he looked up. However, he looked up in time to take a fist to the jaw. "Ugghhh." Kain said and stumbled back.
Gabriel followed the punch through with a blast of white energy, and Kain fell back a few steps. Kain smiled, and said, "Impressive, but now it's my turn."
***
As everyone in the Underworld watched, Kain began to attack Gabriel. "We have to stop him," Cole said. "We had a deal."
"Why should we stop him?" Phoebe asked. "He is the Master, and he is just showing our son the light."
"No, I won't allow it," Cole said, and his mouth took on a firm look. Suddenly, Cole shimmered out. Phoebe, Piper, and the Guardians looked around in confusion, and then shrugged. It made no difference, for the Master would soon have everyone seeing the truth
***
"He seems to be doing alright," Paige said as Gabriel and Kain traded blows back and forth.
"No, Gabriel is fading, and I don't think Kain is even trying," Melinda said solemnly. "I don't know what his plan is, but he better do it quick before he dies."
"We should help," Michael began, but Grams stopped him.
"Even if we knew where in all the realms they were, we would only get in the way," Grams said. "No, all we can do is watch and pray."
***
Gabriel fell back, and Kain smiled. He had to admit, Gabriel was putting up a semi-decent fight. Not that he's going to win or anything, but he spiced things up a bit. Still, it was time to end this.
Gabriel was panting heavily, and was bleeding from several wounds. Before he could react, Kain nailed him with a bolt of black energy, and he fell down. Kain walked over and put his foot on Gabriel's chest, preventing him from moving. "Well, I have to admit, you spiced things up a bit. You lasted a full five minutes, you should feel honored. Are you ready to concede defeat?"
"Never!" Gabriel spat back.
"So be it," Kain sighed, and formed an energy ball over his head. "Like I said, you don't have to be alive to give me access to Heaven."
*** "Oh, no." Paige said, and she looked over at Grams and Michael. "It's over, Gabriel has lost."
"And so has all hope that Good could win," Melinda said slowly.
***
Just as he was about to launch the energy ball, Kain felt immense pain in his back. He screamed, and went flying forward. Both he and Gabriel looked over, and their mouths fell open.
Cole was standing behind Kain. His face was transfixed with an expression of pure hate, and he held in his right hand the Triangle of Hades. However, the so-called worthless artifact was glowing a sickly green color. Cole smiled, and said to Gabriel, "So I forgot to mention I had one more piece hidden. Sue me."
Kain got up and said in a pain-wracked voice, "What is that? HOW DARE YOU! Go back to Underworld NOW!"
Cole looked at Kain calmly, and said, "No."
"No, NO! You cannot defy me!" Kain shouted in shock.
"Did you really think you could change me," Cole said in a voice choked with hate, "Good or Evil, servant or master, NO ONE HURTS MY SON AND LIVES." With that, Cole pointed the Triangle at Kain again, and a sickly green beam shot from it and slammed into Kain. Kain screamed and fell back as he felt waves of pain coursed through his body.
Gabriel slowly got to his feet, and Cole asked, "Are you alright?" When Gabriel nodded, Cole smiled and said, "Good, let me just."
Suddenly, Kain let out a deep roar of primal rage. A column of black energy erupted around him, and the beam from the Triangle dissipated. Cole and Gabriel fell back, and when the energy faded, they barely repressed a scream.
Where Kain had been, a thing straight out of nightmare stood. It stood over 15 feet, and had leathery wings and glowing red eyes. The beast spoke in a voice that seemed to bring terror from deep inside Cole. "Did you really think you could defeat me? I am no longer a man, I am a GOD!" Kain held out his hand, and Cole could feel a force trying to pull the Triangle from him. Cole tried to hold on, and the demon hissed. Cole felt waves of pain come from his hand, and he fell back with a scream. As the Triangle flew to Kain, Cole realized every bone in his hand was broken. Kain grabbed the Triangle and enclosed it in his hand. A few moments later, he opened his claw again, and fine sand that was once the Triangle blew away.
"I am BEYOND your meddling," Kain shouted in a voice that shook the ground. "I will not ALLOW you to stop me. You will DIE now."
"NO!" Gabriel shouted in a voice full of strength. When Cole turned to look at his son, Gabriel smiled and said, "I love you father." Then the world faded from Cole's eyes.
***
"Trying to save you father?" the demon mocked. "How pathetic. Oh, well. I will simply eat your heart, and then his."
"No, you won't." Gabriel said calmly, and he pulled two orbs out of his pockets. One was deep black, and seemed to absorb all the light in the area. The other one was pure white, and seemed emanate light and warmth.
"What are you doing?" Kain asked, but Gabriel didn't respond. Instead, he looked up and his eyes were glowing white. A pulse of energy erupted from him, and Kain shielded his eyes. When he could see again, he found the sky had gone white.
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!" Kain shouted.
Gabriel looked over at him, and Kain saw raw determination in his eyes. "I just put a barrier that will prevent you and I from leaving this plane."
"Do you really think you can hold me for long?" Kain scoffed.
"You just don't get it, do you?" Gabriel said as he shook his head, "I don't need to hold you long, just hold you for a few seconds. This ends NOW!" Gabriel slammed the two orbs together, and everything disappeared in a wave of red.
***
As Paige and Michael watched, the water went red, and then blank.
Michael went pale, and he shouted, "NO!"
"What, what's going on?" Paige asked.
"Paige, take us down to the island in the Underworld, NOW!" Michael said. Paige nodded, and grabbed him and Melinda. They then faded out in a swirl of blue orbs.
***
When they arrived, they found the Charmed Ones standing with the Guardians over Cole. They were all looking around in confusion.
"Wha.what happened?" Piper asked before she was swallowed up by a hug from Paige and Melinda.
"You're back! Thank god!" Paige shouted. Before she could continue, Mortanos waved, and everyone was back at the Manor.
"What the." Michael said.
"I didn't think we wanted to be doing that in the middle of the Underworld," Mortanos explained.
"So, is everyone back to normal?" Leo asked as he bent to heal Cole. He paused, and asked, "Is it safe to heal him?"
Mortanos smiled, and said, "Yes, completely. Kain is dead, and so you can heal him. Gabriel managed to kill him, somehow."
While Leo healed him, Cole asked, "What did he do?"
"I can explain that," Michael said before Mortanos could speak. "Mortanos gave me an orb, one I didn't remember having. It was literally pure death. Gabriel hit it with an orb of pure Life. Neither of which can exist."
"What are you talking about? Paige said. "There are things that are only Life or Death."
Michael shook his head, and said, "No actually, everything has a little bit of the other in it, no matter what, and for good reason."
"Why, what is the big deal?" Piper asked.
"If pure Life and Death ever came into contact with each other, magical theorists predicted that it would create an explosion 1000 times the one that would result if matter and anti-matter mix. It would completely erase a realm from existence, and everything in the realm would go right with it," Michael said.
"Oh, my god." Phoebe said as her face paled. She turned to Mortanos, and said, "You guys are symbiotically bound, and can always sense each other, right?" When he nodded, she said. "WHERE is he?" Mortanos said, "I'll look." His eyes took on a faraway look, as did the other Guardians. After a few moments, they all took on a sick expression.
"What, what is it?" Phoebe demanded. The Guardians looked at each other, and then Mortanos said softly, "The link is gone."
"Well, what does that mean?" Phoebe shouted. When they hesitated, she continued, "TELL ME!"
Mortanos looked at her for a few seconds with a face that seemed to hold such grief and sadness as would drive a normal being to madness, and said simply.
"Gabriel No Longer Exists."
THE END