Firstly, once again I'm sorry at the time between updates. I've been thinking of just taking the story down, redoing the whole thing until it's a little more readable, and *then* finishing it. But, I've now decided to just finish it before I try that. Also, this chapter is SHORT. This is because I have the rest of the story practically written, but on a disk that I've misplaced. Instead of rewriting it, I thought I'd put this up, and then get the rest done once I've located the disk (which shouldn't be more than a couple of days.) So, I hope this is worth the time expended reading it, and promise more in a couple of days : - )
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Leo shook his head, looking at the Elder in front of him. He'd finally managed to talk to one of them, and now they were telling him this? "What do you mean I can't help? These are my charges...it's my duty."

The robed figure inclined his own head. "Indeed it is. However...all things must be as they are seen...and it has been seen that the Charmed Ones must fight alone...with no help from their Whitelighter."

Leo knew that by 'seen' he meant by an Oracle. "But...you can't expect me to stand by while my wife and her sister are wiped out. The world needs the Charmed Ones...there has to be another way!"

The figure sighed. "I will freely admit, that while I was with those opposed to your union to the witch, I have been greatly surprised - and pleased - by the way in which it has improved and helped the Charmed One's roles on Earth. But this is meant to be, Leo. If you interfere, you could bring about their destruction."

Leo didn't want to believe, but doubt flashed in his mind. Was it possible? Could he get Piper or Prue killed if he tried to help them?

"Just...tell me this. Do Piper and Prue need to battle for the other two witches tonight?"

"No. The one responsible wishes his plan to have time to affect the one he has plotted against."

Leo frowned. "Meaning, that he wants to give the poison time to circulate through Cole's system, to see if he survives it?"

The Elder nodded. "That is so. If the demon survives, then he is worthy of a place by the evil one's side. If not...."

Leo didn't need to hear the rest. If not, then Cole died, removing a major player from the side of good.

"And there's nothing you can do for him?" Leo tried.

"No. The evil one is using magics from before the time of human kind...spells and potions that are meant to be permanent. It is likely, that if the demon lives...he will be turned."

That stopped Leo cold. "Wait...are you saying that if Cole is strong enough to get through the poison then he will revert to his demonic ways?"

"Only that the seed will most likely have been planted," the Elder informed him. "Whether he can resist...that is to be decided."

Leo took a calming breath, determined not to lose his temper. It was bad enough having to deal with Cole's illness. Now he was being told that it could cause the reappearence of Belthazor? "Is that all you can tell me?"

The Elder nodded, and Leo couldn't censor the angry look he sent as he orbed away.

He didn't see the Elder pull back his hood, his own expression one of sadness. "These will be trying times, for *all* involved," he murmured. Another Elder stepped out beside him, then another, until the entire council stood together.

"It *is* how it must be," one said, his own hood obscurring his features. "It has been seen."

Another nodded, his robes flowing with the movement. "The outcome of this battle will determine many things," this one spoke. "The demon Belthazor's fate, for one."

The Elder who had spoken to Leo sighed. "I understand. But for the witches...."

"It will be difficult," a fourth said. "But necessary. You know that."

"Yes," the first Elder agreed, something like compassion in his voice. "I just hope that they do, as well."

~~~

"Cole?" Prue said again, her eyes still on the half-demon as his own gaze moved restlessly about. He gave no sign of recognition, or even acknowledgement that she'd spoken, and Prue let out a sigh. "Damn it," she whispered, picking up the cloth again and beginning her ministrations once more. She was unprepared for Cole, as the man shot out one arm, grabbing her wrist in an iron grip.

"Ow, Cole...let go. Damn it, let go, you're hurting me!"

He didn't seem to understand, and Prue wondered where this apparent show of sudden strength had come from. His eyes narrowed, boring into her own as they filled with tears at the pain in her arm.

"Let go," she whispered again, unwilling to risk shouting for Piper or Leo, in case he decided to snap her arm like a twig. The tears spilled over, Prue biting her lip as she felt the tendons and bones of her wrist being squeezed ruthlessly. "Cole." The sound was barely audible to her own ears as the pain grew, and Prue suddenly knew that he was about to break her arm. What could she do? Of course! If she couldn't *shout* Piper, she could certainly get her attention. Focusing all of her mental power, Prue sent it outwards, astral projecting to where she knew her sister to be.

She didn't feel as her real body slumped, her head falling forward. She didn't see as her tears fell onto Cole's hand, the sudden sensation of moisture startling him, bringing him out of whatever state he seemed to be in. His grip relaxed slightly, and his mind fought to clear itself.

"What?" he wondered, trying to puzzle out what was going on. He recognized his surroundings, having haunted the Haliwell house enough in the last year or two. But he was alone...wait, no...who was he holding? Prue? Why was she -

His fingers loosened even more, as he took a good look at the Halliwell before him. Her body was completely relaxed, her loose hair falling over her face. The pose reminded him of something...something like...yes! Astral projection...it was exactly like the stance he'd seen taken on by a demon aqaintance of his who could astral project. And he knew this to be one of Prue's powers. So she had gone somewhere...but where? And why?

Before he could answer himself, there was the sound of footsteps running up the stairs, and Prue's body gave a jerk, a movement that he knew to mean that she was coming back to herself. He opened his mouth, about to speak, when a tide of heat washed over his body, leaving him gasping as his hand released Prue's arm completely. He could hear Prue and her sister talking to him, but he couldn't respond, couldn't do anything but close his eyes as a brilliant pain exploded in his head.

~~~

Projecting downstairs, Prue found Piper at the table, still looking at the Book. Her attention was focused on Prue as she noticed her sister's abrupt appearence.

"Prue? What -"

"I need your help, Piper," Prue said urgently. "Cole woke up, but he's not all there. Now he's trying to snap my wrist, and I can't get him to let go."

Piper was out of her seat in an instant, heading for the stairs. She ran as fast as she could, vaguely aware that Prue had disappeared from behind her, most likely returning to her body. When she got there she flung open the door, her hands already in the position for freezing Cole. Only to stop when Prue - back in her own body - called her name.

"No, Piper, wait!"

Piper managed to stop herself in time, but kept her hands raised. She watched silently as Cole shuddered suddenly, dropping Prue's arm as his eyes rolled up in his head.

"Cole," Prue said, tapping his face lightly with her other hand. "Cole...wake up!"

It was no use, he was out. But Piper went over anyway, lending her voice to the effort. "Cole!"

No response. Prue sighed explosively, standing up too fast after an astral project and swaying slightly.

"Whoa," she breathed, her arms flinging out to the sides as she tried to regain her balance. Piper grabbed her shoulders, helping her stay in place.

"You okay?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

"Yeah," Prue replied faintly, clearing her throat and adding in a stronger tone, "I'm fine. Just...stood up too fast."

Piper nodded, knowing that her sister still had a little trouble with her power. Prue's arm caught her eye, and she let out a gasp of dismay.

"Prue! God, look at your arm!"

Prue looked down, her fingers twitching unconsciously as she took in the already formed bruises darkening her wrist and the beginning of her forearm. Looking closely, she could actually see the individual markings of Cole's four fingers and thumb, remembering the feeling of his grip. Then the ache made itself known, her arm beginning to throb.

"Damn," she muttered. Piper didn't answer, just drew her sister over to one of the chairs in the room, helping her to sit.

"Do you want me to get something?" Piper asked. "An ice pack, something for the pain?"

Before Prue could reply, a familiar sound caught their attention, and they both looked up in time to see Leo orb in.

"Are you okay?" he asked, seeing how pale the two woman seemed.

"Yeah," Prue told him. "Just a little incident...Cole woke up. Unfortunately, he wasn't really awake and he damn near broke my arm."

Leo frowned, moving forward after a glance at Cole to confirm that the half demon wasn't a threat, and crouching down next to the two woman.

"Let me take a look," he said quietly, gently taking Prue's outstretched arm. Raising a hand over it, he healed the bruises, leaving it feeling as good as new. "Is that better?"

Prue flexed her fingers again, giving Leo a grateful smile. "Much. Thank you."

Leo nodded, standing with Piper and giving his wife a hug. "You okay?"

Piper sighed, resting her head on his chest. "Apart from having about five years scared off my life, yeah. How went the information hunt?"

Leo sighed this time. "Not well. I talked to some fellow Whitelighters...none of them knew anything. I finally managed to speak to an Elder, but all that he'd tell me was that there was no danger to the other witches tonight. Whoever it is that has done this, they wanted the poison to have a chance to work." He didn't relay the Elders warning that he shouldn't try to interfere when the battle did take place...he had to think it over himself first.

Prue slumped in her chair. "Well, that's a relief anyway." She looked tired, the last few days taking their toll suddenly.

"Prue, why don't you go to bed," Piper suggested. "You could do with the rest, I think."

Prue shook her head. "No...I want to be awake and alert, just in case. Also I have to look through the book...maybe try asking Grams and mom for some help."

Piper pulled away from Leo, grabbing hold of her sister's hands and gently levering her out of her seat. "That's all very true," she told her. "But if you don't get some sleep now, you could pay for it later. So go, take a nap. I promise I'll wake you."

Prue conceded that her sister had a point, and gave in gracefully. "Fine." She then hugged Piper, giving Leo a smile. "But you better wake me."

Piper just grinned. "I will, I promise! Now, bed!"

Prue waved at the two of them, and with one last look at Cole, left for her room. She hoped that she'd dream of Phoebe...she could do with some of her baby sister's spirit right now.

~~~~~