CHAPTER 2: Mortality Bites
Michael was exhausted.
It was an interesting switch for him, considering that he never really got tired before.
It was hard to believe that only a week ago, he had been one of the most powerful magical beings on the whole planet, and now...he was an innocent. It was definitely different, going from the protector to the protected.
Still, it hadn't had as much of an effect on his life as he thought it would. The board members had accepted his proposal and the merger had gone through. Since the last attack from the two Devourers, no demons had shown up at the Manor. In general, life was good. He just hoped his luck wasn't about to run out.
****
"What do you mean, THEY FAILED?!" screamed Xorl.
"I'm afraid it's true," said Klortho gravely. "The latest reports from our Ravagers confirm that Nikto and Loptra were vanquished by the witch Michael Smith."
"This is UNACCEPTABLE!" snarled Xorl. "I want these witches dead, do you hear me?"
"I may have a solution to that," said Klortho.
Xorl raised an eyebrow. "Go on," he hissed dangerously.
"It appears that the witches are in possession of the Power Stone."
Xorl's eyes widened. "How did they come into possession of it?" he asked.
"Apparently, this same Michael Smith used the Stone's power to vanquish a demon named Malok," continued Klortho. "The Charmed Ones were able to get past the Stone's defenses, and when they were captured by this Malok, Smith managed to activate the Stone's power."
"How could he know the Ancient Language?" Xorl mused. "Only we Devourers and the Guardians were supposed to know it."
"Evidently, when the Guardians authorized the creation of the Stone, the Lady of the Lake and Queen Mab cast another spell, so that any of their descendents and magical creations would know the Ancient Language," explained Klortho.
"Obtaining the Stone will be near to impossible now that this Michael Smith has proven powerful enough to not only vanquish our Ravagers, but us as well."
Klortho smiled. "It appears the situation has changed," he said.
"What do you mean?"
"Apparently, Smith relinquished all his powers to the two remaining Guardians so that he could remain with his wife," said Klortho. "He is mortal."
"And these Charmed Ones have yet to prove themselves a threat to us," Xorl said, a dark pleasure rising in him. "I am assigning this mission to you, Klortho. Retrieve the Stone. Once we have it in our possession, no one will be able to stop us."
****
Michael walked into the Manor and dropped his briefcase next to the coat rack. "Anybody home?" he yelled.
"We're in the attic!" Phoebe yelled back.
Michael went up the stairs. He found Phoebe sitting on the couch with Paige, while Piper was standing over the Book of Shadows. Phoebe got up and walked over to him. "Hi, honey," she said sweetly, giving him a kiss. "How was work?"
"It was long, with a few moments of excruciating agony," he said. Phoebe burst out laughing. "It was ok, just a little more tiring than usual," he admitted.
"You're still adjusting to being mortal," she probed.
He nodded. "I never realized how much energy it takes to run a business," Michael confessed.
"Well, do you think you have enough energy to help us magically?" asked Piper.
"Sure," said Michael. "What are you working on?"
"We're trying to find a way to beat the Devourers on our own," explained Paige. "Piper's looking in the Book to see if there's anything that might help."
"Well, if you want my input, you guys could probably beat these guys with the Power of Three," he suggested. "Unfortunately, we won't know for sure until the next Devourer pokes his head in here."
"I guess that's a risk we'll have to take," said Phoebe gravely. Suddenly, a Devourer flashed into the attic.
"Witch!" he hissed, firing an energy bolt at Phoebe.
"NO!" Michael yelled. Without thinking, he threw himself in front of the energy bolt. However, he was unprepared for the scorching pain as the bolt pierced his shoulder. Michael collapsed in pain and passed out.
"MICHAEL!" Phoebe screamed. Her sisters came to stand next to her.
"Where is the Power Stone?" growled Klortho.
"We might have decided to tell you, but you had to go and hurt my husband," Phoebe said coldly. "Power of Three spell," she said to her sisters. The Charmed Ones joined hands and repeated:
The Power of Three will set us free.
As the repetitions progressed, Klortho fell to the ground, grimacing in intense pain. Unfortunately, the spell could not damage him any further. "I'll be back to finish you off," he snarled before gathering his strength to flash out.
Phoebe ran to Michael's side. "Baby, wake up. Please wake up," she begged. Michael groaned, but did not stir. "LEO!" Phoebe called franticly. The Whitelighter orbed into the room. "Heal him," she said. Leo knelt next to Michael and placed his hands over his wound. The healing light came, and seconds later Michael's shoulder was completely healed. He woke up and looked around.
"What happened?" Michael asked. "Is the Devourer gone?"
"Yes," said Piper, "although unfortunately, we were only able to injure him, not vanquish him."
"Michael, why did you jump in front of that energy bolt?" Phoebe asked incredulously. "You could have died!"
"I saved you, didn't I?" he said coldly. Michael stormed out of the attic and went downstairs.
"Michael, wait!" Phoebe shouted as she ran off after him.
"This seems strangely familiar, doesn't it?" remarked Paige, thinking of a certain dark-haired, blue-eyed ex-demon.
"Oh, yeah," confirmed Piper.
****
Phoebe followed Michael into their bedroom and closed the door. "Michael, what's wrong?" she asked anxiously.
"I hate this!" Michael shouted vehemently.
"Honey, you need to calm down," Phoebe said reasonably.
"I...I feel so useless. I mean, I don't regret giving up my powers to stay with you, but it's just so frustrating. I'm as powerful as the potted plants around here," Michael continued.
"Baby, I think I know what you're going through. I remember how hard it was for Cole to deal with," Phoebe said softly.
"Do you? You could have died out there Phoebe, and I wouldn't have been able to do anything for you. I would have been forced to watch you slip away...God, I don't know how people stand it," Michael countered.
"Michael, I face death everyday, and even when you were immortal, I still could have died. I know what you're going through. You're not used to mortality, and you chafe at all the restrictions. You're used to being super powerful, and now you're not...physically. But mentally you are still the man I fell in love with, and we'll get through this. I won't let any demon threaten us," Phoebe said firmly.
"I know you won't, but what about the Devourer?" Michael asked.
"Don't forget you are married to one super-charged Charmed One. The Power of Three is stronger than ever thanks to that Orb, and if we can figure out a way to hurt him even more, that Devourer will never know what hit him. Trust me, everything will be fine. Michael, you're so used to protecting me." She gently wrapped her arms around his neck. "Well, now I'm going to protect you," Phoebe promised.
Michael looked into Phoebe's loving gaze, and felt all the bitterness and anger at his mortality fade to the back of his mind. It would never go away, but as long as he was with Phoebe, he could move past it, and live a life.
"Alright...so, what's the next step?" Michael asked.
"Well, we were able to injure the Devourer pretty badly, but we need to weaken him first before we try the Power of Three spell again," said Phoebe. "If we can make a strong enough potion, we might be able to kill it the next time."
"Sounds like a plan," said Michael. "Let's get started."
****
"How could you have failed?" Xorl demanded angrily.
"The Charmed Ones were more prepared than I anticipated," said Klortho. "Their powers have grown since the last time."
"Is there still a chance to succeed?" asked Xorl.
"Yes," said Klortho confidently. "Their defense lies in the Power of Three. If I can incapacitate or kill one of them, they will no longer be a threat."
"Once you are back up to full strength, do it," ordered Xorl. "Otherwise, you'll find yourself very much incapacitated."
****
"So, the Devourer was after the Stone of Creation?" asked Michael. He was down in the kitchen while the sisters were preparing a potion.
"That's what he said," confirmed Piper as Leo orbed in.
"It doesn't make any sense to me," said Michael, puzzled. "I thought I was the only one left who could use it."
"Actually, 'they' just told me that the Devourers can use it," said Leo. "You see, it was the Guardians who originally commissioned the Stone's creation, and they had the Lady of the Lake and Queen Mab do it about one hundred years before Mab became evil. The language of the inscription was only known to the Guardians and the Devourers at that time, and it hasn't reappeared in the mortal world since."
"So, anybody who can translate the Stone can use it?" Michael confirmed.
"Yes, which is why you have to keep it very safe," Leo cautioned.
"Well, it's safe enough for now," said Michael. "It's upstairs in the attic." He sighed in exhaustion. "Listen, I'm going to go lay down for a while, I'm really tired." Michael left the kitchen and walked upstairs.
"Do you think he'll be alright?" Paige asked Phoebe.
"I hope so," said Phoebe worriedly.
****
Michael threw himself on the bed. 'I can't just sit on the sidelines,' he thought. 'I have to do something.'
'Everyone has a purpose, even mortals,' said a voice.
'Cole!' thought Michael.
'Hello, cousin. How are you?'
'Alright, I guess,' Michael thought. 'How is it that I can still hear you?'
'Removing your powers didn't destroy the link between us,' Cole explained, 'so you and I will still be able to communicate.'
'Cole, I need to ask a favor,' Michael said. 'Is it possible for you to come back here and give me my old powers back?'
'I'm sorry, Michael, but I can't. I've integrated your powers into the barrier and can't extract them back. If I try, or if Katrina or I leave here, the Devourers could attack us again.'
'I understand,' Michael said. 'I just feel so useless without my powers, even though I have a normal life with work and a family. I can't convince myself that Phoebe is safe like this, and that scares me.'
'Have faith, Michael,' Cole counseled. 'In time, you'll find your place again. I'm sure of it. Goodbye, cousin.'
Michael sat up straight and smiled. "Thank you, Cole," he said aloud.
****
Michael found the others waiting up in the attic. "Hey," he said as he walked in.
"Are you feeling better, honey?" Phoebe asked.
"Yeah, I am," he said. "Something tells me that whatever happens, everything will work out for the best, including if part of that means that I'm mortal."
"I'm glad to hear that," said Phoebe, relieved.
"So, is the potion ready?"
"Let's hope so," said Piper. "All that has to happen now is for the demon to show up and..." At that moment, as if on cue, Klortho flashed into the attic.
"I'm ready for you this time, witches," snarled Klortho.
"Likewise," said Phoebe as she prepared to throw the potion. However, Klortho was faster, and threw an energy bolt at her. It hit her squarely in the chest. Phoebe slumped to the ground, and blood started to pool on the floor.
"PHOEBE!" screamed Michael, rushing to her side. He felt her wrist, and all color left his face. "Oh, God, no, please God, no, not her too..." he babbled.
"Michael, what..." Piper's voice trailed off as she caught sight of the grief on Michael's face. "No," Piper said in disbelief. "She can't be dead, not like this." Piper burst into tears as she realized the truth. Paige echoed her reaction as they fell into each others arms, wailing in anguish.
Michael stood up straight, his face stricken with grief and anger. He turned toward Klortho who had a smug look on his face, and said in a voice choked with hate, "You son of a bitch...YOU KILLED MY WIFE!"
"Yes," said Klortho, "and I believe this is mine." He gestured at a wooden box. The Stone of Creation flew out of the box toward him. Almost on instinct, Michael rushed at Klortho at the same time, and he and Klortho grabbed the Stone together. Both recited the activation spell.
I call upon He who created all Life; I beseech Thee.
May You, who illuminated the Universe, illuminate me.
The Stone began to glow with light. Piper could see the power struggle between Michael and Klortho and each fought to control the Stone's power. Finally, there was a flash, and Michael and Klortho were thrown to opposite ends of the room, and the Stone exploded.
Klortho got up, and saw that Michael was down on one knee, and his eyes were closed. Slowly, Michael stood up and opened his eyes. Upon seeing them, Klortho backed away in fear, for electricity seemed to be crackling behind Michael's eyes. It faded after a moment. Klortho tried to flash out, but Michael simply gestured and it stopped.
"I don't know what you were thinking," Michael said in a cold voice, "but there is no way you're leaving here alive." He threw out his right hand, and a white fireball flew across the room and struck Klortho, who exploded almost instantaneously.
Michael came and knelt next to Phoebe. Piper and Paige were still in shock. They couldn't believe she was dead.
"Michael, I'm so sorry," said Paige in a choked voice. "I wish there was some way to fix this. Phoebe, forgive me, please." She burst into tears again.
"Maybe you can't," Michael said, "but I can." With that, Michael placed his hands over Phoebe's chest. A bright white light, far brighter than the normal Whitelighter healing light, emanated from his hands. After several seconds, the blood flowed backward and the wound retracted. A moment later, Phoebe gasped for breath and started coughing.
"I don't believe it," said Piper, looking at Michael in shock.
As Phoebe slowly opened her eyes and looked at Michael, she asked, "What happened? I was in...and then you..." Michael put a finger to her lips, silencing her.
"Welcome home, my love," Michael whispered softly.
Phoebe looked at him with wide eyes, and said, "You got your powers back?"
Michael smiled, and said, "Not exactly. When the Stone was destroyed, my force of will was stronger than the Devourer's, and the power flowed into the only remaining channel...me. I now have its powers."
Phoebe stood up and asked a question with her eyes. Michael gazed at her, and said, "Yes, I am now immortal again. I'm sorry Phoebe, but there was no other way."
Phoebe smiled and said, "It's alright, I understand why you did it." Then, the smile faded slightly, and she asked, "Does this mean that you have to..."
"No, I don't have to leave," Michael said. "I allowed some of the power to drain out into that fireball, and the result is that my fireballs will be a little more watered down, probably on the same level as my old ones. That drops me below the Guardian level."
"Is the Devourer gone?" Paige demanded.
"For now, but they'll be back. And it will be harder for me to kill them, just like it was before," Michael said somberly.
"Fair enough, I just want to get some sleep," Piper commented. She and Leo headed downstairs with Paige not far behind.
Michael looked over at Phoebe, and sighed, "Phoebe, I'm sorry. I know how hard my being immortal is on you, and I want you to know if there was any other way..."
"Michael, it's alright," Phoebe interrupted.
"It is?" Michael asked in puzzlement.
"Honey, I love you, every part of you. I know how hard it's been for you to be without your powers, and I honor why you did it. But, it obviously wasn't meant to be. You were meant to be immortal, and I have to accept that. I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and not waste any second of it. Which reminds me..."
Michael turned to see Phoebe grinning mischievously. "What?"
"Well, I was thinking since you got your powers back and all, maybe we should give you a 'test drive'. Make sure everything is in working order," Phoebe said with a seductive lilt to her voice.
Michael grinned, and said, "Absolutely."
THE END
Michael was exhausted.
It was an interesting switch for him, considering that he never really got tired before.
It was hard to believe that only a week ago, he had been one of the most powerful magical beings on the whole planet, and now...he was an innocent. It was definitely different, going from the protector to the protected.
Still, it hadn't had as much of an effect on his life as he thought it would. The board members had accepted his proposal and the merger had gone through. Since the last attack from the two Devourers, no demons had shown up at the Manor. In general, life was good. He just hoped his luck wasn't about to run out.
****
"What do you mean, THEY FAILED?!" screamed Xorl.
"I'm afraid it's true," said Klortho gravely. "The latest reports from our Ravagers confirm that Nikto and Loptra were vanquished by the witch Michael Smith."
"This is UNACCEPTABLE!" snarled Xorl. "I want these witches dead, do you hear me?"
"I may have a solution to that," said Klortho.
Xorl raised an eyebrow. "Go on," he hissed dangerously.
"It appears that the witches are in possession of the Power Stone."
Xorl's eyes widened. "How did they come into possession of it?" he asked.
"Apparently, this same Michael Smith used the Stone's power to vanquish a demon named Malok," continued Klortho. "The Charmed Ones were able to get past the Stone's defenses, and when they were captured by this Malok, Smith managed to activate the Stone's power."
"How could he know the Ancient Language?" Xorl mused. "Only we Devourers and the Guardians were supposed to know it."
"Evidently, when the Guardians authorized the creation of the Stone, the Lady of the Lake and Queen Mab cast another spell, so that any of their descendents and magical creations would know the Ancient Language," explained Klortho.
"Obtaining the Stone will be near to impossible now that this Michael Smith has proven powerful enough to not only vanquish our Ravagers, but us as well."
Klortho smiled. "It appears the situation has changed," he said.
"What do you mean?"
"Apparently, Smith relinquished all his powers to the two remaining Guardians so that he could remain with his wife," said Klortho. "He is mortal."
"And these Charmed Ones have yet to prove themselves a threat to us," Xorl said, a dark pleasure rising in him. "I am assigning this mission to you, Klortho. Retrieve the Stone. Once we have it in our possession, no one will be able to stop us."
****
Michael walked into the Manor and dropped his briefcase next to the coat rack. "Anybody home?" he yelled.
"We're in the attic!" Phoebe yelled back.
Michael went up the stairs. He found Phoebe sitting on the couch with Paige, while Piper was standing over the Book of Shadows. Phoebe got up and walked over to him. "Hi, honey," she said sweetly, giving him a kiss. "How was work?"
"It was long, with a few moments of excruciating agony," he said. Phoebe burst out laughing. "It was ok, just a little more tiring than usual," he admitted.
"You're still adjusting to being mortal," she probed.
He nodded. "I never realized how much energy it takes to run a business," Michael confessed.
"Well, do you think you have enough energy to help us magically?" asked Piper.
"Sure," said Michael. "What are you working on?"
"We're trying to find a way to beat the Devourers on our own," explained Paige. "Piper's looking in the Book to see if there's anything that might help."
"Well, if you want my input, you guys could probably beat these guys with the Power of Three," he suggested. "Unfortunately, we won't know for sure until the next Devourer pokes his head in here."
"I guess that's a risk we'll have to take," said Phoebe gravely. Suddenly, a Devourer flashed into the attic.
"Witch!" he hissed, firing an energy bolt at Phoebe.
"NO!" Michael yelled. Without thinking, he threw himself in front of the energy bolt. However, he was unprepared for the scorching pain as the bolt pierced his shoulder. Michael collapsed in pain and passed out.
"MICHAEL!" Phoebe screamed. Her sisters came to stand next to her.
"Where is the Power Stone?" growled Klortho.
"We might have decided to tell you, but you had to go and hurt my husband," Phoebe said coldly. "Power of Three spell," she said to her sisters. The Charmed Ones joined hands and repeated:
The Power of Three will set us free.
As the repetitions progressed, Klortho fell to the ground, grimacing in intense pain. Unfortunately, the spell could not damage him any further. "I'll be back to finish you off," he snarled before gathering his strength to flash out.
Phoebe ran to Michael's side. "Baby, wake up. Please wake up," she begged. Michael groaned, but did not stir. "LEO!" Phoebe called franticly. The Whitelighter orbed into the room. "Heal him," she said. Leo knelt next to Michael and placed his hands over his wound. The healing light came, and seconds later Michael's shoulder was completely healed. He woke up and looked around.
"What happened?" Michael asked. "Is the Devourer gone?"
"Yes," said Piper, "although unfortunately, we were only able to injure him, not vanquish him."
"Michael, why did you jump in front of that energy bolt?" Phoebe asked incredulously. "You could have died!"
"I saved you, didn't I?" he said coldly. Michael stormed out of the attic and went downstairs.
"Michael, wait!" Phoebe shouted as she ran off after him.
"This seems strangely familiar, doesn't it?" remarked Paige, thinking of a certain dark-haired, blue-eyed ex-demon.
"Oh, yeah," confirmed Piper.
****
Phoebe followed Michael into their bedroom and closed the door. "Michael, what's wrong?" she asked anxiously.
"I hate this!" Michael shouted vehemently.
"Honey, you need to calm down," Phoebe said reasonably.
"I...I feel so useless. I mean, I don't regret giving up my powers to stay with you, but it's just so frustrating. I'm as powerful as the potted plants around here," Michael continued.
"Baby, I think I know what you're going through. I remember how hard it was for Cole to deal with," Phoebe said softly.
"Do you? You could have died out there Phoebe, and I wouldn't have been able to do anything for you. I would have been forced to watch you slip away...God, I don't know how people stand it," Michael countered.
"Michael, I face death everyday, and even when you were immortal, I still could have died. I know what you're going through. You're not used to mortality, and you chafe at all the restrictions. You're used to being super powerful, and now you're not...physically. But mentally you are still the man I fell in love with, and we'll get through this. I won't let any demon threaten us," Phoebe said firmly.
"I know you won't, but what about the Devourer?" Michael asked.
"Don't forget you are married to one super-charged Charmed One. The Power of Three is stronger than ever thanks to that Orb, and if we can figure out a way to hurt him even more, that Devourer will never know what hit him. Trust me, everything will be fine. Michael, you're so used to protecting me." She gently wrapped her arms around his neck. "Well, now I'm going to protect you," Phoebe promised.
Michael looked into Phoebe's loving gaze, and felt all the bitterness and anger at his mortality fade to the back of his mind. It would never go away, but as long as he was with Phoebe, he could move past it, and live a life.
"Alright...so, what's the next step?" Michael asked.
"Well, we were able to injure the Devourer pretty badly, but we need to weaken him first before we try the Power of Three spell again," said Phoebe. "If we can make a strong enough potion, we might be able to kill it the next time."
"Sounds like a plan," said Michael. "Let's get started."
****
"How could you have failed?" Xorl demanded angrily.
"The Charmed Ones were more prepared than I anticipated," said Klortho. "Their powers have grown since the last time."
"Is there still a chance to succeed?" asked Xorl.
"Yes," said Klortho confidently. "Their defense lies in the Power of Three. If I can incapacitate or kill one of them, they will no longer be a threat."
"Once you are back up to full strength, do it," ordered Xorl. "Otherwise, you'll find yourself very much incapacitated."
****
"So, the Devourer was after the Stone of Creation?" asked Michael. He was down in the kitchen while the sisters were preparing a potion.
"That's what he said," confirmed Piper as Leo orbed in.
"It doesn't make any sense to me," said Michael, puzzled. "I thought I was the only one left who could use it."
"Actually, 'they' just told me that the Devourers can use it," said Leo. "You see, it was the Guardians who originally commissioned the Stone's creation, and they had the Lady of the Lake and Queen Mab do it about one hundred years before Mab became evil. The language of the inscription was only known to the Guardians and the Devourers at that time, and it hasn't reappeared in the mortal world since."
"So, anybody who can translate the Stone can use it?" Michael confirmed.
"Yes, which is why you have to keep it very safe," Leo cautioned.
"Well, it's safe enough for now," said Michael. "It's upstairs in the attic." He sighed in exhaustion. "Listen, I'm going to go lay down for a while, I'm really tired." Michael left the kitchen and walked upstairs.
"Do you think he'll be alright?" Paige asked Phoebe.
"I hope so," said Phoebe worriedly.
****
Michael threw himself on the bed. 'I can't just sit on the sidelines,' he thought. 'I have to do something.'
'Everyone has a purpose, even mortals,' said a voice.
'Cole!' thought Michael.
'Hello, cousin. How are you?'
'Alright, I guess,' Michael thought. 'How is it that I can still hear you?'
'Removing your powers didn't destroy the link between us,' Cole explained, 'so you and I will still be able to communicate.'
'Cole, I need to ask a favor,' Michael said. 'Is it possible for you to come back here and give me my old powers back?'
'I'm sorry, Michael, but I can't. I've integrated your powers into the barrier and can't extract them back. If I try, or if Katrina or I leave here, the Devourers could attack us again.'
'I understand,' Michael said. 'I just feel so useless without my powers, even though I have a normal life with work and a family. I can't convince myself that Phoebe is safe like this, and that scares me.'
'Have faith, Michael,' Cole counseled. 'In time, you'll find your place again. I'm sure of it. Goodbye, cousin.'
Michael sat up straight and smiled. "Thank you, Cole," he said aloud.
****
Michael found the others waiting up in the attic. "Hey," he said as he walked in.
"Are you feeling better, honey?" Phoebe asked.
"Yeah, I am," he said. "Something tells me that whatever happens, everything will work out for the best, including if part of that means that I'm mortal."
"I'm glad to hear that," said Phoebe, relieved.
"So, is the potion ready?"
"Let's hope so," said Piper. "All that has to happen now is for the demon to show up and..." At that moment, as if on cue, Klortho flashed into the attic.
"I'm ready for you this time, witches," snarled Klortho.
"Likewise," said Phoebe as she prepared to throw the potion. However, Klortho was faster, and threw an energy bolt at her. It hit her squarely in the chest. Phoebe slumped to the ground, and blood started to pool on the floor.
"PHOEBE!" screamed Michael, rushing to her side. He felt her wrist, and all color left his face. "Oh, God, no, please God, no, not her too..." he babbled.
"Michael, what..." Piper's voice trailed off as she caught sight of the grief on Michael's face. "No," Piper said in disbelief. "She can't be dead, not like this." Piper burst into tears as she realized the truth. Paige echoed her reaction as they fell into each others arms, wailing in anguish.
Michael stood up straight, his face stricken with grief and anger. He turned toward Klortho who had a smug look on his face, and said in a voice choked with hate, "You son of a bitch...YOU KILLED MY WIFE!"
"Yes," said Klortho, "and I believe this is mine." He gestured at a wooden box. The Stone of Creation flew out of the box toward him. Almost on instinct, Michael rushed at Klortho at the same time, and he and Klortho grabbed the Stone together. Both recited the activation spell.
I call upon He who created all Life; I beseech Thee.
May You, who illuminated the Universe, illuminate me.
The Stone began to glow with light. Piper could see the power struggle between Michael and Klortho and each fought to control the Stone's power. Finally, there was a flash, and Michael and Klortho were thrown to opposite ends of the room, and the Stone exploded.
Klortho got up, and saw that Michael was down on one knee, and his eyes were closed. Slowly, Michael stood up and opened his eyes. Upon seeing them, Klortho backed away in fear, for electricity seemed to be crackling behind Michael's eyes. It faded after a moment. Klortho tried to flash out, but Michael simply gestured and it stopped.
"I don't know what you were thinking," Michael said in a cold voice, "but there is no way you're leaving here alive." He threw out his right hand, and a white fireball flew across the room and struck Klortho, who exploded almost instantaneously.
Michael came and knelt next to Phoebe. Piper and Paige were still in shock. They couldn't believe she was dead.
"Michael, I'm so sorry," said Paige in a choked voice. "I wish there was some way to fix this. Phoebe, forgive me, please." She burst into tears again.
"Maybe you can't," Michael said, "but I can." With that, Michael placed his hands over Phoebe's chest. A bright white light, far brighter than the normal Whitelighter healing light, emanated from his hands. After several seconds, the blood flowed backward and the wound retracted. A moment later, Phoebe gasped for breath and started coughing.
"I don't believe it," said Piper, looking at Michael in shock.
As Phoebe slowly opened her eyes and looked at Michael, she asked, "What happened? I was in...and then you..." Michael put a finger to her lips, silencing her.
"Welcome home, my love," Michael whispered softly.
Phoebe looked at him with wide eyes, and said, "You got your powers back?"
Michael smiled, and said, "Not exactly. When the Stone was destroyed, my force of will was stronger than the Devourer's, and the power flowed into the only remaining channel...me. I now have its powers."
Phoebe stood up and asked a question with her eyes. Michael gazed at her, and said, "Yes, I am now immortal again. I'm sorry Phoebe, but there was no other way."
Phoebe smiled and said, "It's alright, I understand why you did it." Then, the smile faded slightly, and she asked, "Does this mean that you have to..."
"No, I don't have to leave," Michael said. "I allowed some of the power to drain out into that fireball, and the result is that my fireballs will be a little more watered down, probably on the same level as my old ones. That drops me below the Guardian level."
"Is the Devourer gone?" Paige demanded.
"For now, but they'll be back. And it will be harder for me to kill them, just like it was before," Michael said somberly.
"Fair enough, I just want to get some sleep," Piper commented. She and Leo headed downstairs with Paige not far behind.
Michael looked over at Phoebe, and sighed, "Phoebe, I'm sorry. I know how hard my being immortal is on you, and I want you to know if there was any other way..."
"Michael, it's alright," Phoebe interrupted.
"It is?" Michael asked in puzzlement.
"Honey, I love you, every part of you. I know how hard it's been for you to be without your powers, and I honor why you did it. But, it obviously wasn't meant to be. You were meant to be immortal, and I have to accept that. I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and not waste any second of it. Which reminds me..."
Michael turned to see Phoebe grinning mischievously. "What?"
"Well, I was thinking since you got your powers back and all, maybe we should give you a 'test drive'. Make sure everything is in working order," Phoebe said with a seductive lilt to her voice.
Michael grinned, and said, "Absolutely."
THE END
