Secrets
Part 5
Sequel to "The Picnic". I do not own any part of Charmed. I just write about it.
"You're lying!" Cole shouted.
Karril looked puzzled as he said, "I take it this Guardian Gabriel has some meaning and significance to you? No matter, it doesn't change the fact that Gabriel opened the door, and showed me the way out."
"AAAHHHH!" Cole shouted, and fired an energy ball. Karril fired one too, and the energy balls collided and dissipated. Before Karril could react again, Mortanos gestured and Karril exploded. A few moments later, he reappeared.
"I can see I struck a nerve." Karril mused. "I'll come back later." He then shimmered out.
"I'm getting really sick of him appearing and disappearing all the time," Paige growled, but everyone else was silent.
Finally, Leo said, "it must be a trick, something designed to throw us off balance and create doubt."
"I don't think so," Mortanos commented. "He wasn't lying, I could tell. Somehow, Gabriel helped him get here."
"How is that even possible, I mean, what happened." Phoebe whispered.
"There's only one way to find out," Cole said quietly. He then turned to Leo and said, "Take me to Gabriel."
***
Karril stared at the waters in front of him. They were tranquil, and even calming. You would never think they could destroy anything they touched, but Karril could. He still remembered the moment when his body touched the lake, the feeling that liquid fire was touching his skin, the.
Karril shuddered, and smiled. He had to admit, Belthazor was clever. However he did it, those witches and that Guardian would use everything they had to keep him from killing Belthazor. It was brilliant of him to play like he wasn't going to fight back, to reinforce their belief that they needed to protect him. But then, Belthazor had always been brilliant. Karril had taught him to be.
Still, despite his intense belief that Belthazor was evil, there was still that nagging doubt in Karril's mind. After all, he was acting so differently.was it possible he really had changed? Could it be somehow his human half had really been awakened, and now.
Karril forced his mind away, and grinned. Yes, Belthazor was clever. Even now he managed to cast doubt into Karril's mind. But it wouldn't matter, Karril would still get his revenge. He just had to figure out a way to get Cole alone, and keep him that way long enough.
A plan slowly came into focus. Karril grinned. That will work nicely, and would give him his revenge. But for now, he just needed to wait. His time would come soon enough.
***
As the familiar sight of the Gates of Heaven appeared, Cole strode forward with the rest of the group right behind him. He came to the gates and told the Gatekeeper, "Could you bring out our children please,"
The Gatekeeper nodded, and then turned. He didn't move, but the Gates opened, and three people walked out. Gabriel and Melinda were led out by Grams.
"Hey, Grams." Phoebe said absently.
"Hello, my darlings.what's wrong?" Grams asked when she saw the looks on their faces.
Cole walked forward and asked, "Gabriel, what happened to you after the battle with Kain?"
Gabriel stiffened, and said, "I came back here,"
"I know that, but what happened in between? Did you ever have any dealings with a demon called Karril, or the Hunter?" Cole demanded.
Gabriel's eyes widened, and he asked, "Why do you want to know?"
"Because he's here now, trying to kill your father," Phoebe said softly.
A flash of hurt came through Gabriel eyes, and he said, "You don't think I brought him here?"
"Of course not, but I need to know what happened," Cole replied. "Please.Karril's my brother, and however he got here, he wants to hurt everyone. Tell me how you know him, because it could be how we finally deal with this situation."
Gabriel didn't speak for several seconds, and then he finally began, "I remember slamming the orbs together, and then I remember fire and pain. Then it all went dark. When I came to, I was in a vast cavern that was dank and dark. All around me were.creatures."
"What kind of creatures?" Phoebe asked, for she could see the fear in Gabriel's expression.
"They were disfigured, powerful, and their merest touch drained away my powers," Gabriel explained, "They were fast and brutal, and I barely escaped from them with my life. I wandered the vast region, seeking anyone. And I found one person.just one."
"Karril," Cole whispered.
"He called himself a friend, and I believed him," Gabriel commented, "Anyway, he explained that we were in some astral plane where beings who cease to exist go, and are slowly or quickly erased from time. I knew I had to get back, and I realized I had the power to, but there was a problem."
"What problem?" Mortanos asked curiously.
Gabriel sighed, and said, "In order to return, I needed a link, a way to reach this world. My own body wouldn't work, since the realm it was in was erased. I needed someone from here, to use as a line I could come back through. So, I used Karril. I used my power to go to where he last died, and recreated my body."
"At the bottom of the Lake of Torment?" Cole asked. Since no one was watching, nobody noticed Mortanos eyes widen slightly, and then take on a calculating look.
"Yes, I was at the bottom of a Lake, and I felt the raw power around me," Gabriel continued, "I felt it trying to course through me and change me. I fought it with all my powers, just long enough to teleport straight up, which happened to be below an ocean. The rest is history. I swear I didn't realize the other demon could piggyback and use what I did to get back. I'm truly sorry."
"One thing still bothers me. Why were you wounded when you returned?" Phoebe asked curiously.
"Because I had to use my memory of my body to recreate it, from the instant before I was erased. That included the wounds of Kain. In retrospect, I probably could have chosen something different." Gabriel mused. "Look, I don't know what this demon wants with you father, but let me help. The two of us can probably do just fine."
"Come on, let's get back to the house. We've got some planning to do," Cole said softly.
The group nodded, and everyone left Heaven.
***
As soon as they could see the Manor again, the group was hit with an energy ball. Too surprised to react, everyone was hit and fell back. Karril walked over and picked up an unconscious Phoebe.
"No." Cole said as he tried to get up.
"Brother, I'll send you a message soon, for now, I'm taking a hostage." Karril said with a grin, and then he shimmered out.
Cole tried to stand up, and he found the rest of the group doing the same. When he got up, he asked, "Leo, where is she?"
Leo's eyes lost focus, and then he said, "I don't know. He must have taken her into the Underworld."
"Then let's go get her," Piper demanded.
"With no plan? No offense, but this guy is outthinking us, we need a plan of attack," Paige commented.
"She's right," Mortanos replied gravely. "We could find her, but if we show up, Karril could hurt her. We have proceed cautiously.
Cole looked around, and then whispered softly, "Phoebe."
***
"What are you going to do to me?" Phoebe demanded.
Karril grinned, and said, "Nothing, if Cole does what I want. If he doesn't, well, they'll be finding your pieces for months."
"Listen, Cole has changed. He's not." Phoebe began.
"What, not the bastard who stabbed me in the back and threw me into the Lake of Torment?" Karril snapped. "Don't be naïve, Belthazor can't change, he won't. He's just pulled the wool over your eyes, and I'm going to prove it." Karril closed his eyes, and a few moments later a brown sphere appeared and then shot upwards.
"What is that?" Phoebe asked.
"My demands. Now we'll find out just what Cole is made of." Karril commented.
***
"Any luck?" Cole asked.
"Not in the last five minutes," Paige snapped. "This potion is going to be ready when it's ready. I know you're worried, we all are. But calm down and let us work."
"Sorry.where's my son?" Cole questioned with a frown.
"Upstairs." Mortanos mentioned, "I think he feels guilty about this whole mess, like it was all his fault."
"I'll go talk to him," Cole said, and headed upstairs. He found Gabriel in his room looking at a picture of Phoebe.
"Son, it's not your fault," Cole began, but Gabriel laughed shortly.
"Yes it is. If I hadn't been in such a rush to return, checked up on my 'partner' before using him, he wouldn't have returned. This whole mess is my fault."
"Son, you can't think that. I don't care if a thousand demons came back with you, I'm just glad you're back. No matter the cost, it was worth it," Cole said fiercely.
Gabriel was about to respond, when a sphere appeared in front of them. It pulsed with light twice, and then began to speak.
"Hello Belthazor. I trust you're well? Let's cut to the chase. I have your darling wife. If you don't come to me immediately, I will throw her into the Lake of Torment. You know exactly what it would do to her, so I suggest you hurry. See you soon, brother."
As the sphere faded, Cole stood up.
"Where are you going?" Gabriel demanded.
"You heard him, I have to go now or he'll hurt Phoebe," Cole said sharply.
"But what about the others?" Gabriel asked, "Let's get everyone and we'll go."
"He could hurt her if I don't come alone." Cole replied.
"Look, you know he's going to want to make you pay. What if he tries to throw you into the Lake?" Gabriel questioned.
"I can't let them hurt Phoebe," Cole said fiercely, "I'm sorry but this is something I have to do."
Gabriel walked to him, and said softly, "I know." he then drove his fist into Cole's gut. As Cole bent over, Gabriel whispered, "and this is something I have to do," and brought his fist down on Cole's neck. Cole felt pain, and then blackness.
***
"Well, now we find out if he truly cares about you," Karril commented.
"He'll come here," Phoebe said with conviction.
"We'll see, won't we? Personally, I doubt he'll." Karril began.
"Let her go," a new voice said. Karril turned to see Cole standing behind him. His expression and eyes were cold as he said, "Release her, Karril, NOW!"
Cole began to walk forward quickly, and Karril gestured. The ground beneath Cole's feet erupted in power, and bolts of electricity hit him. Cole screamed in pain, and fell to his knees from the onslaught. When it passed, Cole was gasping in pain, and slowly rising to his feet. He stumbled towards Karril, and repeated, "RELEASE HER!"
Quick as a flash, Karril was next to the tied up Phoebe with a knife to her throat. "Now, now, let's not get hasty. I will let her go, if you just do one little thing for me."
"What's that?" Cole asked softly.
Karril pointed to the outcropping above the Lake, and said, "Go up there and jump in."
"Cole, NO!" Phoebe shouted, and Karril hit her in the head.
As Phoebe gasped, Karril snapped, "No comments from the peanut gallery."
Cole looked at Karril, and said, "If I jump in, you'll let her go? I have your word as a member of my family?"
Karril nodded, and said, "Why would I want her? I just want you to feel what I felt. Jump in and she'll be free to go. Deal?"
Cole looked over at Phoebe, and said, "You have a deal,"
***
"Guys, we have the potion ready," Paige began as she walked into the door. She then screamed, "GET UP HERE EVERYONE!"
The group ran upstairs and gasped. Cole was lying on the floor, unconscious, and Gabriel was gone.
"Did Karril attack?" Piper demanded.
"Leo, heal him," Paige said, and Leo ran forward. The healing energy pasted over Cole, and he woke up.
"What happened" Cole asked.
"We were hoping you'd tell us? Was it Karril," Mortanos requested.
"No.Karril gave me a message, telling me to.oh my GOD!" Cole shouted. "We have to go NOW!"
"Why, what's wrong?" Piper asked as Cole walked forward.
"Karril told me to meet him by the Lake of Torment, or Phoebe dies. We have to get there, now!"
"What about Gabriel? Leo questioned.
"Later, let's get there now." Cole snapped. He grabbed everyone and shimmered.
***
As Cole stumbled up towards the edge of the outcropping overhanging the Lake, Karril followed with a knife to Phoebe's throat. Cole got to the edge, and looked over.
"Cole, please." Phoebe begged.
"Jump now or she dies," Karril snapped.
Cole was about to jump over when a new voice shouted, "KARRIL.WHAT THE HELL!"
Karril whirled, and found himself staring at the Charmed Ones, Mortanos, and COLE! All of them were staring at the scene as if in total shock. Karril whirled back around, and found Cole still standing there.
"Who the hell are you?" Karril demanded.
The Cole next to him sighed and said, "Damn," He then glowed white for a second, and when the light passed, Gabriel was standing there. "Let my mother go, Karril."
Karril's eyes widened, and he said, "Gabriel, this is your mother.but that means."
"Cole is my father, and I won't let you hurt him," Gabriel finished.
"Fine, then I'll hurt you!" Karril snapped, and fired an energy ball at Gabriel. Gabriel tried to move, but the lightning had drained him too much.
Before the energy ball was thrown, Cole was moving. He shimmered up there, and threw himself between Gabriel and the energy ball. It slammed into him with the force of a truck, and Cole felt himself flying backwards. Stunned by the blast, he hit Gabriel, and then both of them went over.
The group watched in horror as both Cole and Gabriel fell into the Lake and landed with a splash. They began to run towards Karril and Phoebe.
"NO!" Phoebe screamed and struggled free. She turned around and prepared to fight, bound arms or not. But Karril was ignoring her. He was staring at the Lake in absolute disbelief.
The sisters got up there, and they and Mortanos got between Phoebe and Karril. "You're going to pay for killing them!" Paige snapped angrily.
Before anyone could respond, Mortanos shouted, "LOOK!" Everyone looked to where Mortanos was pointing to see the water was starting to glow. As they watched in fascination, the water's shine increased, until it hurt to have open eyes. When the light passed, both Cole and Gabriel were lying on the ledge, unconscious, soaked, and unhurt.
"I.don't believe it," Leo said in shock, "that water should have destroyed both of them.how is this possible?"
No one spoke for several seconds, until Phoebe walked forward. As she got closer, Cole and Gabriel both stirred and sat up. Cole slowly got up and then helped Gabriel up. He smiled at Phoebe, and whispered, "You're alright." Phoebe moved to hug him, but Cole backed away, "No, I don't know what this water would do to you." Phoebe nodded understandingly as Cole turned to glare at Karril, who was staring at both of them.
"So, are we going to fight?" Cole asked softly, "Because now I'm willing to fight."
Karril said nothing for several moments, and then said, "Why? Belthazor is dead, my revenge is complete"
"What?" Cole asked stupidly.
"The demon I knew would never do what you just did, stand between anyone and an energy ball. You were willing to sacrifice your life for someone, and that is something Belthazor would never do. I don't know who you are, but you aren't him." Karril explained. He turned to walk away.
"Karril," Cole said softly. Karril turned back, "I may not be Belthazor, but I could still be your brother."
Karril smiled, and replied, "Maybe eventually, but not just yet. But, it helps to know I have family out there. I'll see you around." He then shimmered out.
"Are you nuts!" Paige exclaimed, "He tried to kill you! Why would you say that,"
"Because he's family," Phoebe said softly while staring at Cole.
Cole looked at her and bestowed a tender smile, before saying, "Let's go."
***
"They actually survived the water?" Fiona, Guardian of Fire, exclaimed.
Mortanos nodded, and said, "Yes."
"You realize what that means, don't you," Sierra, Guardian of Earth commented softly. "We all know exactly what can survive that water."
"All three of them, including this Karril, came in contact with the water?" Moebi, Guardian of Time, asked. When Mortanos nodded, he continued, "Apparently, we were right in our suspicions. It did come from the mother."
"What are we going to do?" Kazan, Guardian of Destiny, asked.
"We will watch for now," Mortanos said, "It is all we can do. We always knew it was a risk that this could happen. It's time to find out just how big of a risk we've taken."
THE END
Part 5
Sequel to "The Picnic". I do not own any part of Charmed. I just write about it.
"You're lying!" Cole shouted.
Karril looked puzzled as he said, "I take it this Guardian Gabriel has some meaning and significance to you? No matter, it doesn't change the fact that Gabriel opened the door, and showed me the way out."
"AAAHHHH!" Cole shouted, and fired an energy ball. Karril fired one too, and the energy balls collided and dissipated. Before Karril could react again, Mortanos gestured and Karril exploded. A few moments later, he reappeared.
"I can see I struck a nerve." Karril mused. "I'll come back later." He then shimmered out.
"I'm getting really sick of him appearing and disappearing all the time," Paige growled, but everyone else was silent.
Finally, Leo said, "it must be a trick, something designed to throw us off balance and create doubt."
"I don't think so," Mortanos commented. "He wasn't lying, I could tell. Somehow, Gabriel helped him get here."
"How is that even possible, I mean, what happened." Phoebe whispered.
"There's only one way to find out," Cole said quietly. He then turned to Leo and said, "Take me to Gabriel."
***
Karril stared at the waters in front of him. They were tranquil, and even calming. You would never think they could destroy anything they touched, but Karril could. He still remembered the moment when his body touched the lake, the feeling that liquid fire was touching his skin, the.
Karril shuddered, and smiled. He had to admit, Belthazor was clever. However he did it, those witches and that Guardian would use everything they had to keep him from killing Belthazor. It was brilliant of him to play like he wasn't going to fight back, to reinforce their belief that they needed to protect him. But then, Belthazor had always been brilliant. Karril had taught him to be.
Still, despite his intense belief that Belthazor was evil, there was still that nagging doubt in Karril's mind. After all, he was acting so differently.was it possible he really had changed? Could it be somehow his human half had really been awakened, and now.
Karril forced his mind away, and grinned. Yes, Belthazor was clever. Even now he managed to cast doubt into Karril's mind. But it wouldn't matter, Karril would still get his revenge. He just had to figure out a way to get Cole alone, and keep him that way long enough.
A plan slowly came into focus. Karril grinned. That will work nicely, and would give him his revenge. But for now, he just needed to wait. His time would come soon enough.
***
As the familiar sight of the Gates of Heaven appeared, Cole strode forward with the rest of the group right behind him. He came to the gates and told the Gatekeeper, "Could you bring out our children please,"
The Gatekeeper nodded, and then turned. He didn't move, but the Gates opened, and three people walked out. Gabriel and Melinda were led out by Grams.
"Hey, Grams." Phoebe said absently.
"Hello, my darlings.what's wrong?" Grams asked when she saw the looks on their faces.
Cole walked forward and asked, "Gabriel, what happened to you after the battle with Kain?"
Gabriel stiffened, and said, "I came back here,"
"I know that, but what happened in between? Did you ever have any dealings with a demon called Karril, or the Hunter?" Cole demanded.
Gabriel's eyes widened, and he asked, "Why do you want to know?"
"Because he's here now, trying to kill your father," Phoebe said softly.
A flash of hurt came through Gabriel eyes, and he said, "You don't think I brought him here?"
"Of course not, but I need to know what happened," Cole replied. "Please.Karril's my brother, and however he got here, he wants to hurt everyone. Tell me how you know him, because it could be how we finally deal with this situation."
Gabriel didn't speak for several seconds, and then he finally began, "I remember slamming the orbs together, and then I remember fire and pain. Then it all went dark. When I came to, I was in a vast cavern that was dank and dark. All around me were.creatures."
"What kind of creatures?" Phoebe asked, for she could see the fear in Gabriel's expression.
"They were disfigured, powerful, and their merest touch drained away my powers," Gabriel explained, "They were fast and brutal, and I barely escaped from them with my life. I wandered the vast region, seeking anyone. And I found one person.just one."
"Karril," Cole whispered.
"He called himself a friend, and I believed him," Gabriel commented, "Anyway, he explained that we were in some astral plane where beings who cease to exist go, and are slowly or quickly erased from time. I knew I had to get back, and I realized I had the power to, but there was a problem."
"What problem?" Mortanos asked curiously.
Gabriel sighed, and said, "In order to return, I needed a link, a way to reach this world. My own body wouldn't work, since the realm it was in was erased. I needed someone from here, to use as a line I could come back through. So, I used Karril. I used my power to go to where he last died, and recreated my body."
"At the bottom of the Lake of Torment?" Cole asked. Since no one was watching, nobody noticed Mortanos eyes widen slightly, and then take on a calculating look.
"Yes, I was at the bottom of a Lake, and I felt the raw power around me," Gabriel continued, "I felt it trying to course through me and change me. I fought it with all my powers, just long enough to teleport straight up, which happened to be below an ocean. The rest is history. I swear I didn't realize the other demon could piggyback and use what I did to get back. I'm truly sorry."
"One thing still bothers me. Why were you wounded when you returned?" Phoebe asked curiously.
"Because I had to use my memory of my body to recreate it, from the instant before I was erased. That included the wounds of Kain. In retrospect, I probably could have chosen something different." Gabriel mused. "Look, I don't know what this demon wants with you father, but let me help. The two of us can probably do just fine."
"Come on, let's get back to the house. We've got some planning to do," Cole said softly.
The group nodded, and everyone left Heaven.
***
As soon as they could see the Manor again, the group was hit with an energy ball. Too surprised to react, everyone was hit and fell back. Karril walked over and picked up an unconscious Phoebe.
"No." Cole said as he tried to get up.
"Brother, I'll send you a message soon, for now, I'm taking a hostage." Karril said with a grin, and then he shimmered out.
Cole tried to stand up, and he found the rest of the group doing the same. When he got up, he asked, "Leo, where is she?"
Leo's eyes lost focus, and then he said, "I don't know. He must have taken her into the Underworld."
"Then let's go get her," Piper demanded.
"With no plan? No offense, but this guy is outthinking us, we need a plan of attack," Paige commented.
"She's right," Mortanos replied gravely. "We could find her, but if we show up, Karril could hurt her. We have proceed cautiously.
Cole looked around, and then whispered softly, "Phoebe."
***
"What are you going to do to me?" Phoebe demanded.
Karril grinned, and said, "Nothing, if Cole does what I want. If he doesn't, well, they'll be finding your pieces for months."
"Listen, Cole has changed. He's not." Phoebe began.
"What, not the bastard who stabbed me in the back and threw me into the Lake of Torment?" Karril snapped. "Don't be naïve, Belthazor can't change, he won't. He's just pulled the wool over your eyes, and I'm going to prove it." Karril closed his eyes, and a few moments later a brown sphere appeared and then shot upwards.
"What is that?" Phoebe asked.
"My demands. Now we'll find out just what Cole is made of." Karril commented.
***
"Any luck?" Cole asked.
"Not in the last five minutes," Paige snapped. "This potion is going to be ready when it's ready. I know you're worried, we all are. But calm down and let us work."
"Sorry.where's my son?" Cole questioned with a frown.
"Upstairs." Mortanos mentioned, "I think he feels guilty about this whole mess, like it was all his fault."
"I'll go talk to him," Cole said, and headed upstairs. He found Gabriel in his room looking at a picture of Phoebe.
"Son, it's not your fault," Cole began, but Gabriel laughed shortly.
"Yes it is. If I hadn't been in such a rush to return, checked up on my 'partner' before using him, he wouldn't have returned. This whole mess is my fault."
"Son, you can't think that. I don't care if a thousand demons came back with you, I'm just glad you're back. No matter the cost, it was worth it," Cole said fiercely.
Gabriel was about to respond, when a sphere appeared in front of them. It pulsed with light twice, and then began to speak.
"Hello Belthazor. I trust you're well? Let's cut to the chase. I have your darling wife. If you don't come to me immediately, I will throw her into the Lake of Torment. You know exactly what it would do to her, so I suggest you hurry. See you soon, brother."
As the sphere faded, Cole stood up.
"Where are you going?" Gabriel demanded.
"You heard him, I have to go now or he'll hurt Phoebe," Cole said sharply.
"But what about the others?" Gabriel asked, "Let's get everyone and we'll go."
"He could hurt her if I don't come alone." Cole replied.
"Look, you know he's going to want to make you pay. What if he tries to throw you into the Lake?" Gabriel questioned.
"I can't let them hurt Phoebe," Cole said fiercely, "I'm sorry but this is something I have to do."
Gabriel walked to him, and said softly, "I know." he then drove his fist into Cole's gut. As Cole bent over, Gabriel whispered, "and this is something I have to do," and brought his fist down on Cole's neck. Cole felt pain, and then blackness.
***
"Well, now we find out if he truly cares about you," Karril commented.
"He'll come here," Phoebe said with conviction.
"We'll see, won't we? Personally, I doubt he'll." Karril began.
"Let her go," a new voice said. Karril turned to see Cole standing behind him. His expression and eyes were cold as he said, "Release her, Karril, NOW!"
Cole began to walk forward quickly, and Karril gestured. The ground beneath Cole's feet erupted in power, and bolts of electricity hit him. Cole screamed in pain, and fell to his knees from the onslaught. When it passed, Cole was gasping in pain, and slowly rising to his feet. He stumbled towards Karril, and repeated, "RELEASE HER!"
Quick as a flash, Karril was next to the tied up Phoebe with a knife to her throat. "Now, now, let's not get hasty. I will let her go, if you just do one little thing for me."
"What's that?" Cole asked softly.
Karril pointed to the outcropping above the Lake, and said, "Go up there and jump in."
"Cole, NO!" Phoebe shouted, and Karril hit her in the head.
As Phoebe gasped, Karril snapped, "No comments from the peanut gallery."
Cole looked at Karril, and said, "If I jump in, you'll let her go? I have your word as a member of my family?"
Karril nodded, and said, "Why would I want her? I just want you to feel what I felt. Jump in and she'll be free to go. Deal?"
Cole looked over at Phoebe, and said, "You have a deal,"
***
"Guys, we have the potion ready," Paige began as she walked into the door. She then screamed, "GET UP HERE EVERYONE!"
The group ran upstairs and gasped. Cole was lying on the floor, unconscious, and Gabriel was gone.
"Did Karril attack?" Piper demanded.
"Leo, heal him," Paige said, and Leo ran forward. The healing energy pasted over Cole, and he woke up.
"What happened" Cole asked.
"We were hoping you'd tell us? Was it Karril," Mortanos requested.
"No.Karril gave me a message, telling me to.oh my GOD!" Cole shouted. "We have to go NOW!"
"Why, what's wrong?" Piper asked as Cole walked forward.
"Karril told me to meet him by the Lake of Torment, or Phoebe dies. We have to get there, now!"
"What about Gabriel? Leo questioned.
"Later, let's get there now." Cole snapped. He grabbed everyone and shimmered.
***
As Cole stumbled up towards the edge of the outcropping overhanging the Lake, Karril followed with a knife to Phoebe's throat. Cole got to the edge, and looked over.
"Cole, please." Phoebe begged.
"Jump now or she dies," Karril snapped.
Cole was about to jump over when a new voice shouted, "KARRIL.WHAT THE HELL!"
Karril whirled, and found himself staring at the Charmed Ones, Mortanos, and COLE! All of them were staring at the scene as if in total shock. Karril whirled back around, and found Cole still standing there.
"Who the hell are you?" Karril demanded.
The Cole next to him sighed and said, "Damn," He then glowed white for a second, and when the light passed, Gabriel was standing there. "Let my mother go, Karril."
Karril's eyes widened, and he said, "Gabriel, this is your mother.but that means."
"Cole is my father, and I won't let you hurt him," Gabriel finished.
"Fine, then I'll hurt you!" Karril snapped, and fired an energy ball at Gabriel. Gabriel tried to move, but the lightning had drained him too much.
Before the energy ball was thrown, Cole was moving. He shimmered up there, and threw himself between Gabriel and the energy ball. It slammed into him with the force of a truck, and Cole felt himself flying backwards. Stunned by the blast, he hit Gabriel, and then both of them went over.
The group watched in horror as both Cole and Gabriel fell into the Lake and landed with a splash. They began to run towards Karril and Phoebe.
"NO!" Phoebe screamed and struggled free. She turned around and prepared to fight, bound arms or not. But Karril was ignoring her. He was staring at the Lake in absolute disbelief.
The sisters got up there, and they and Mortanos got between Phoebe and Karril. "You're going to pay for killing them!" Paige snapped angrily.
Before anyone could respond, Mortanos shouted, "LOOK!" Everyone looked to where Mortanos was pointing to see the water was starting to glow. As they watched in fascination, the water's shine increased, until it hurt to have open eyes. When the light passed, both Cole and Gabriel were lying on the ledge, unconscious, soaked, and unhurt.
"I.don't believe it," Leo said in shock, "that water should have destroyed both of them.how is this possible?"
No one spoke for several seconds, until Phoebe walked forward. As she got closer, Cole and Gabriel both stirred and sat up. Cole slowly got up and then helped Gabriel up. He smiled at Phoebe, and whispered, "You're alright." Phoebe moved to hug him, but Cole backed away, "No, I don't know what this water would do to you." Phoebe nodded understandingly as Cole turned to glare at Karril, who was staring at both of them.
"So, are we going to fight?" Cole asked softly, "Because now I'm willing to fight."
Karril said nothing for several moments, and then said, "Why? Belthazor is dead, my revenge is complete"
"What?" Cole asked stupidly.
"The demon I knew would never do what you just did, stand between anyone and an energy ball. You were willing to sacrifice your life for someone, and that is something Belthazor would never do. I don't know who you are, but you aren't him." Karril explained. He turned to walk away.
"Karril," Cole said softly. Karril turned back, "I may not be Belthazor, but I could still be your brother."
Karril smiled, and replied, "Maybe eventually, but not just yet. But, it helps to know I have family out there. I'll see you around." He then shimmered out.
"Are you nuts!" Paige exclaimed, "He tried to kill you! Why would you say that,"
"Because he's family," Phoebe said softly while staring at Cole.
Cole looked at her and bestowed a tender smile, before saying, "Let's go."
***
"They actually survived the water?" Fiona, Guardian of Fire, exclaimed.
Mortanos nodded, and said, "Yes."
"You realize what that means, don't you," Sierra, Guardian of Earth commented softly. "We all know exactly what can survive that water."
"All three of them, including this Karril, came in contact with the water?" Moebi, Guardian of Time, asked. When Mortanos nodded, he continued, "Apparently, we were right in our suspicions. It did come from the mother."
"What are we going to do?" Kazan, Guardian of Destiny, asked.
"We will watch for now," Mortanos said, "It is all we can do. We always knew it was a risk that this could happen. It's time to find out just how big of a risk we've taken."
THE END