CHAPTER 7: Power
After we returned to our time, things remained virtually quiet. Oh, we still encountered the occasional demon or two, and there were finally rumors of a new Source, but nothing extraordinary. As such, Phoebe and I decided that it was the perfect time to plan our wedding.
About two months later, the time had finally come. The night before the wedding, I had been very reluctant to go with tradition and sleep at my mansion. I hated not having Phoebe lying next to me.
"I can promise you this," Phoebe said with a mischievous smile. "It will be the last night you and I sleep alone."
That was incentive enough for me. Besides, I still had a surprise or two up my sleeve.
The next day dawned clear and bright. The wedding was scheduled for 2:00 that afternoon, which gave me some time to process everything. It was finally happening. Almost five years to the day of my painful departure, I was going to marry the woman I loved.
At length, the hour of the wedding came, and I went to the Manor. Phoebe and I had decided to have a handfasting, as it would also magically bind us to each other. As with Piper and Leo, Grams had agreed to be our High Priestess. I stood in front of her, shaking with excitement, not just about the wedding itself, but of the surprises I had in store.
"Places, places everyone!" Grams ordered. Leo started the CD player, and "Canon in D" started to play. Piper and Paige came down the stairs first, followed by Phoebe and Victor. As I saw her, my heart swelled with love. Phoebe had never looked as beautiful to me as she did wearing her gown. As she walked toward me, I could see excitement and joy in her eyes. Soon enough, she was standing opposite me. Victor joined our hands, and I used my free hand to shake his before he stepped back.
"Victor, would you move a little to your left?" Grams requested.
"Sure, why...?" he said as he did so.
"To make room for..." Grams started. On cue, two showers of orbs appeared and materialized into...
"Mom...?" Phoebe said softly.
"Hi, sweetie," Patti said with a smile.
"Prue...?!" Piper shrieked.
"Piper..." Prue said tearfully. She wore a matching bridesmaid dress to the ones that Piper and Paige were wearing.
"But how...what..." Phoebe stammered.
"Don't thank me for this," Grams said innocently.
Phoebe automatically turned to me, and I couldn't suppress a grin. "You did this?" she said.
"Um, yeah," I said somewhat nervously. "I wasn't sure if I should have told you beforehand, but..."
Phoebe placed a finger against my lips, silencing me. "Thank you," she said softly.
"Shall we continue?" Grams quipped.
"Absolutely," Phoebe said without taking her eyes from mine.
"We are gathered here today to unite two souls as one," Grams began. "Do you, Michael Smith, and you, Phoebe Halliwell, join us here of your own free will to acknowledge the eternal bond shared by both of you?"
"I do," I said.
"I do," Phoebe echoed.
"Then face each other," Grams directed. As we did so, she continued, "Michael, you may recite your vows."
The broad smile I had been suppressing could no longer be held back, and Phoebe blushed upon seeing it. "Phoebe, before I met you, I was drifting through life without purpose and direction. In the short time we had together in New York, you brought me back to the path and gave me hope and purpose. When I left, I promised myself that if I ever saw you again that I would never let you go, and I intend to keep that promise." I took a breath, knowing that my composure wouldn't hold up for much longer. "I can't give you anything that you don't already have, Phoebe. You have my heart and soul, all of me, forever. I love you."
"Phoebe, you may recite your vows," Grams said, wiping a tear from her eye.
It took Phoebe almost two minutes to stop crying. My words had touched her much more than I had anticipated. When she spoke again, she smiled brightly, and her eyes glowed with inner light. "Michael, I can honestly say that you are my first true love. I could see how great a person you were the night I first met you. When you left, my heart shattered, and I never thought it would be properly mended. In the five years we were apart, though I tried to move on, I never really forgot about you. When I think of what you did to save me from the darkness, I realize how much you loved me. You would have given up everything, your existence, to make sure that I was safe and happy. I love you so much, Michael, and ten lifetimes wouldn't be enough to show you how much."
There was not one dry eye among those gathered at the ceremony. Grams continued, "Here before these witnesses, Michael and Phoebe have sworn their vows towards each other. With this cord, I bind them to those vows." The rope came to life and bound itself around our wrists.
Phoebe and I said together:
Heart to thee
Body to thee
Always and forever
So mote it be
"So mote it be," everyone repeated.
Before Grams could say a word, Phoebe flung her arms around my neck and pulled me into a passionate kiss. I gladly returned it, and somehow it felt like I was kissing her for the first time, all over again. "Wow," I said when we separated.
Phoebe pulled my head down once more, and whispered, "Just wait until tonight."
Grams discreetly cleared her throat. "I believe there's a homemade reception supposed to be happening now?" she questioned playfully. "I've been waiting for quite some time to taste Piper's cooking again."
We all sat down at the dining room table and filled our plates with Piper's delicious feast which she'd been preparing since last night. At length, the reception wound down, and it was time for Phoebe and me to depart.
"So, where are we going?" Phoebe asked after we changed.
"I told you, you'll find out when we get there," I said with a mischievous grin. I grabbed our bags and we went back downstairs where the rest of the family was waiting to send us off. After everyone said their goodbyes, I grabbed our bags in one hand and placed my other over Phoebe's eyes. We flamed out a moment later.
When we materialized, I dropped my hand, and Phoebe gasped. We were standing on the back veranda of a large four-story house overlooking the ocean. A vast spread of palm trees grew on either side and in front of the house.
"Michael, what...?" she said, trailing off.
I grinned as I put the bags down. Scooping Phoebe into my arms, I carried her across the threshold. "Welcome to my island, Mrs. Smith," I said.
"Your island...?" Phoebe repeated in shock.
"It's supposed to be the family's summer home, but yeah," I said, still grinning. "Do you like?"
"I love," Phoebe said as she wrapped her arms around my neck.
I snapped my fingers, and the bags dematerialized. "Just saving some time," I said. I then proceeded to carry Phoebe up the stairs to the bedroom.
Phoebe kept her arms around my neck as I set her on her feet. "You have no idea how long I've been dreaming about this," Phoebe said softly.
"You don't have to dream about it any longer," I said huskily, wrapping my arms around her waist.
Phoebe pulled my head down and claimed my lips with hers. She moaned softly as she felt my response to her kiss. "Michael..." she whispered against my lips. "I need you..."
There were no more words...well, nothing I'd like to repeat anyway. In the seclusion of the island, Phoebe and I spent the week loving one another as completely as possible, as though we were trying to make up for the five years apart. Whatever lingering regrets I may have had about leaving Phoebe behind in New York disappeared in that week, and only my love for her remained.
We returned home, suntanned and content. However, I didn't know that I was in for another bizarre turn of events.
The night after Phoebe and I returned home, I found myself in a familiar nightmare, one I'd had several times before. In it, I see Cole, screaming in sheer torment as the Entropic energy attempts to rip him apart...yet it doesn't. The torment goes on and on. Finally, when Cole's pain seems to become unbearable, I wake up, shaking and sweating. Each time, the dream seems more real. This time, the dream was so intense that I woke up screaming.
"Michael, are you alright?" Phoebe asked me as she put her arms around me.
"I'm not sure," I replied uncertainly.
"What were you dreaming about?" she asked curiously. I reluctantly told her the frightening images I'd seen. "How long have you been having this dream?"
"A few weeks now," I replied.
"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked angrily. "I told you not to keep things from me, especially when they involve Cole."
"I thought it was just a nightmare," I replied honestly. "Cole can't still be alive...can he?"
"We all know by now that when it comes to Cole, expect the unexpected," Phoebe advised in a calmer voice. She squeezed my shoulder reassuringly. "Maybe we should talk to Leo. Maybe he can give us a better idea of what's going on."
"Alright," I agreed.
Unfortunately, Leo could not give us any advice on the dreams. "I don't know enough about what happened to give you any advice on this," he said sadly. "Maybe you should go check with the other Guardians. They've been around for many centuries, so perhaps they know something."
"Thanks, Leo," I said. Turning to Phoebe, I said, "This could take a while. I'll be back a bit later, ok?"
"Take your time," Phoebe said. "I'm not feeling so hot right now anyway, so I'm going back to sleep." She kissed me, and then added, "Be careful."
I smiled. "I'll be back soon," I said as I flamed out.
I materialized in the Guardian Council Chamber. "Greetings, Life," said Death. "Congratulations on your nuptials."
"Thank you," I said. "I need your help."
"We'll help you in any way we can," said Destiny as he materialized. "What seems to be the problem?"
"You all know what happened recently with Cole," I began. "I've been seeing visions of him in great torment, suffering from the effects of Entropy. Do you have any idea what that could mean?"
"That is very strange," Death said. "As far as we know, nothing can survive in Entropy, and Cole has now been there for close to four and a half years, since he entered the portal in 1998."
"There is a great library that we Guardians have access to," Destiny offered. "Perhaps you can find the answers about these dreams there." He gestured, and the location appeared in my mind.
"Thank you for your help," I said. I bowed to them slightly, and they returned the bow in kind. I then flamed to the location Destiny had given me.
I materialized in a large stone building, filled with thousands upon thousands of shelves, housing millions of books. "Where do I start?" I wondered.
"Perhaps I can be of assistance," a new voice said. I turned to see an elderly man standing behind me. "I am the Librarian. What can I help you with?"
"I'm looking for information on the realm of Entropy," I said. "Do you have any reference material on it?"
"Indeed," the Librarian replied. He gestured, and an ancient volume appeared in his hands. "Perhaps the answers you're looking for are in here."
"Thank you," I said. I sat down at a table and began to read through the book.
About two hours later, I'd finally located the information that I'd been seeking. The book said that when a person was witness to someone being killed by the Entropic energy, that person could possibly feel psychic echoes of the other's death, in the form of dreams. The book went on to say that the Amulet of Chaos had the power to cleanse these echoes from the person's mind, but the Amulet was guarded, as it was an artifact related to Entropy.
I flamed to the location listed in the book, and found myself in a huge circular chamber. In front of me was a door with runes carved throughout. To each side was a huge statue of some sort of demonic creature. I walked over and tugged on the door, and it slowly opened with a screeching noise. I was about to step through when some inner sense warned me. I dove back as a hand slammed down where I had stood. I looked around and saw to my shock that both of the statues were moving towards me.
I backed away cautiously and tried to flame out. To my further surprise, I was blocked. Something was shielding this place and keeping me trapped here. I immediately formed a fireball in my hand, and threw it at one of the creatures. It hit it with explosive fury. When the smoke cleared, I saw it was completely uninjured.
I realized it was time to pull out the big guns, so I transformed into my Guardian form. I felt the power of Life flow through me, and began to float. One of the statues threw a punch at me, and I barely dodged. Apparently, these things were fast despite being made of stone. I fired a bolt of lightning, but the statue didn't even stumble. These things were tough.
I felt something slam into my back. I went flying, and crashed into the wall. I looked back and saw that the other statue had snuck up behind me. My back hurt, but I could still move. I gestured, and a large boulder ripped from the floor and knocked one of the statues back. I'd hit these things with everything I had, and they weren't stopping. This wasn't good.
I dove forward as the statues slammed their fists where I was. I felt the ground shake from the force. These things were strong...strong. Suddenly I got an idea. I floated over between them. I let them get up, and waited until they both swung at me. I then simply dropped and let their fists collide. The force of the hit pressed me into the ground so hard a crater was formed. I watched as cracks appeared on their fists, until the two statues shattered.
I stood up, brushed myself off, and walked through the door. Inside I found a small room with a pedestal. On the pedestal was an amulet with a giant emerald in the center. I walked over and picked it up. I held the amulet out in front of me, and focused my power into it. The emerald in the center began to glow brightly. Suddenly, a portal to Entropy opened in front of me, and a moment later Cole stepped through.
"What the hell?" I exclaimed as the portal snapped shut.
Cole looked up at me, and I fought not to shudder. The look in his eyes was beyond evil. "Thank you for freeing me, Guardian," Cole said in a hollow voice.
"You're not Cole," I stated. "What are you?"
Cole grinned sadistically, and said, "I am Chaos, and this world now belongs to me." Chaos-Cole vanished in a brilliant flash of light.
"Oh, shit," I groaned as I realized what I'd just done. I had just unleashed the personification of the most destructive power in existence on our realm. I decided that it was time to get some answers.
I flamed into the library and yelled, "Librarian, where are you?"
"Here, sir," said the Librarian as he appeared.
"What the hell happened with the Amulet?" I demanded.
"What do you mean?" the Librarian asked innocently.
"I mean why did the Amulet of Chaos, instead of cleansing me of the psychic echoes, release Chaos from Entropy in Cole's body?" I snapped.
"That is rather strange," the Librarian said. "I'm not sure..."
"You lie," I accused. "I can sense truth. Now, let's try this again. Who are you?"
The Librarian grinned maliciously. "One who will enslave you and all things in your world," he said coldly. He flung an energy ball at me. Caught off-guard, I flew back several feet.
I got to my feet and shifted into my Guardian form. I formed a fireball and hurled it at the Librarian. The fireball slammed into him, but while he seemed to skid back several feet, he was unfazed. The Librarian grinned. "That's all the vaunted Guardian of Life can manage? I'm shocked Cole had so much trouble."
"You knew Cole?" I asked stupidly.
The Librarian shook his head. "The Powers that Be have really slummed down in their Guardians. You are not just weak...you're an idiot." The Librarian gestured, and vines shot from the ground to grab my arms and force them down. I tried to resist, but they were very strong.
As I struggled, the Librarian strode forward. "I have to admit, I didn't think you'd be so easily fooled. It almost takes away the pleasure from victory. Still, my cohorts and I will accept the results. After all, it took a lot of effort to receive this result."
Suddenly, pieces start to fall into place within my mind. "You're the ones who increased Cole's powers. You're how he got so strong."
The Librarian sighed, "You don't really expect me to either deny or confirm that, do you? After all, I've seen those hero films, and I don't want you to get too much information."
The Librarian turned to leave, but he stopped at a shelf near me. He reached up and took a volume. "I know as soon as I leave you'll try and find something in this Library. Let me save you some time, this is the only book that has information you want."
I knew I had to make my move before it was too late. I looked the Librarian straight in the eye, and beams shot from them. Surprised, the Librarian didn't have time to react. The beams hit him in the eyes, forcing him back. As his concentration wavered, so did the grip of the vines, and I ripped my hands free. I quickly followed up with a fireball. The Librarian was thrown back against the wall with a sickening crunch, sending the book flying.
As the Librarian got to his feet, he gripped his chest, and I could tell that several of his ribs were cracked. "You may have won this battle," he hissed, "but make no mistake...we will kill you." The Librarian then blurred out.
I thought furiously. Who was the Librarian, and what connection did he have to Chaos...and Cole? I quickly ran over and grabbed the book he'd dropped, and skimmed through it. I finally found the passage I was looking for.
"The Avatars of Power," I read, "are a group that worships Chaos in its pure form. While most life worships order, these beings seek to unravel life and balance and bring about the reign of Chaos. Never trust them, for their motives are often suspicious. They are a bane upon existence, and should their plans ever come to fruition, the universe would be in grave peril."
Reading this, I had only one thought. "Shit..." I immediately flamed to the Guardian Council Chamber.
As I appeared, Death approached me with an irate expression. "What the hell is going on? The entire universe is screaming."
I fought not to make a smart remark as I replied, "Cole is back, and he's different."
"Different how...?" Destiny asked.
"The Entropic energy changed him," I explained. "He's absorbed it, and it's possessed him. He calls himself Chaos."
"Oh, no..." Death said as his face went pale.
"It gets worse," I said. "Tell me, do the Avatars mean anything to you?" Seeing Death and Destiny flinch, I continued, "I thought so. I found out they were the ones that gave Cole his power boost. So, why didn't you tell me about them earlier?"
Death sighed, "We didn't tell you because we didn't think they were involved. They are an offshoot cult. They may be strong, but they never seemed to be much of a threat. However, if they're involved in this affair...it doesn't bode well."
Destiny added, "The Avatars have always worked in shadows, but they have one goal and one goal only...to bring Chaos into the world. And if they have, then we're in deep trouble."
"What can we do?" I demanded.
Death and Destiny shared a look before Death said, "Against the power of Entropy, I'm not sure. But I think the weakness lies in the fact that Chaos is within a body, even one as powerful as Cole's. There may be a way to disable Cole, which would stop Chaos. The thing that worries us is the Avatars. We don't know what their exact plan is, and their involvement complicates things."
I sighed, "I'll work with my wife and her family on Cole. Why don't the two of you figure out what the Avatars are up to?"
"It's as good a plan as any," Death offered.
I nodded, and flamed back to the Manor. As soon as I materialized, I shouted, "Baby, I'm..." I never finished my sentence, though, for a second later Phoebe had jumped into my arms.
"Thank God you're back," she said. "I was really worried."
"While I appreciate the concern," I said, "we have a major problem."
"What happened?" Phoebe asked anxiously as she pulled back.
"Let's get everyone together first," I interjected.
A few minutes later, the others had joined us, and I quickly explained the situation to them.
"You know, that guy just needs to die already," Paige snapped.
"I'm more concerned about Chaos at this point than Cole himself," I interjected. "The only problem is that I have no idea how to stop him."
"Maybe the Book will have something," Piper suggested.
"Good idea," said Phoebe. We made our way up to the attic. However, the sight that greeted us stopped us cold.
"It's amazing how much trouble one little piece of literature has caused," Chaos-Cole said as he grinned maliciously, reverently running a hand over the Book of Shadows.
"How the hell are you...?" Piper started.
"Please," Chaos-Cole snorted. "I'm completely beyond your Book's measly self-protection." Chaos-Cole picked up the Book, smiling again. Suddenly, the Book of Shadows burst into flames, and within seconds nothing was left but a handful of ashes.
"No!" Phoebe screamed.
Chaos-Cole fixed his eyes on her, and said, "You will make a fine sacrifice." He made a small gesture, and Phoebe disappeared from my side and reappeared in Chaos-Cole's grasp.
"Phoebe!" I yelled. I ran at them, but Chaos-Cole was faster and fired an energy ball at me, throwing me painfully across the room. I looked up to see Chaos-Cole flash out, along with Phoebe. "Phoebe!"
"Oh, God," Piper said, sinking into a chair. Not only had Chaos-Cole just destroyed a four centuries' old legacy of the Warren line, but he had taken Phoebe...as a sacrifice.
"We've got to find her," Paige said. "Leo, can you sense her?"
"No, he's blocking her signal," Leo said sadly.
"Maybe from you," I said.
"Do you know where she is?" Piper asked franticly.
"Not yet," I said. "I can barely sense her as it is. Apparently, Chaos didn't realize how powerful our bond is. Given enough time, I should be able to locate her."
"How much time are we talking about?" Leo asked.
"Half an hour, tops," I said confidently.
"Then get to it," Piper said shortly. I could tell she was worried. Hell, I was terrified, just doing a good job of hiding it.
I knelt down on the floor and assumed a meditative position. I closed my eyes and began to concentrate on Phoebe's lifeforce. Gradually, her presence grew strong once again, and at length, returned completely. Not wasting any more time, I flamed out, following the trail of her essence.
I materialized in a stone chamber lit with torches. Eight cloaked figures were standing in a circle, and in its center were the Librarian, Chaos-Cole, and Phoebe, who was bound to an altar. I felt my skin crawl and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Whatever Chaos-Cole was doing, it was generating more power than I'd ever imagined.
Chaos-Cole was chanting in a deep voice, in a language I couldn't recognize but which filled me with dread. Finally, he looked at me and grinned. "With this sacrifice, I, Chaos, assert my dominion over this realm," Chaos-Cole intoned. Before I could react, he punched into Phoebe's chest, and ripped out her heart. Within seconds, the sickening feeling of Phoebe's lifeforce diminishing overwhelmed me for the second time.
"NO!!!" I screamed. Burning rage built up inside me as I transformed to my Guardian self. A fireball had left my hand before I'd realized I'd thrown it, and before Chaos-Cole did as well, for it threw him back and he slammed into the wall with a sickening crunch. I flamed to Phoebe, grabbed her lifeless body, and flamed back to the Manor. I knelt down on the floor and cradled her in my arms.
"Phoebe...Phoebe," I said as I shook her body. But nothing changed. Her eyes still gazed unseeing up at me, and she still bore the hole where Chaos-Cole had ripped out her heart...and mine. I felt tears course down my face, and heard the others saying something, but everything seemed distant, out of focus. What did it matter after all? Phoebe was dead. Everything in my life that was good...was dead.
As I gazed down at her lifeless body, I knew I couldn't leave it like this. I just couldn't let her go without telling her. "Phoebe, honey, I love you," I said softly. I shook my head a little bit. "I know I've said it before, but it just, it just seems like I've never said it enough. I love you. You're my other half, my better half. You filled all the places in me, shined your goodness on all my dark places. You made me feel like I could do anything. I'm sorry I couldn't save you. I walked into this trap, and you're dead because of it. I'm so...so sorry." I tried to speak more, but my throat was too tight to speak. Instead, I just let my grief and pain wash over me, and fill me. I rode that wave and let it consume me. And as it did, I thought, 'I can't let it end like this.'
As that thought came to me, I felt my power rise within me, more than I'd ever thought I'd need. I felt myself putting my hand over her wound, without knowing why. As I did, I felt the power flow down my hand and enter her. There was a blinding light, and then I felt Phoebe's body shudder in my arms as she started breathing again. I looked down, not daring to believe as sense came back to her eyes and she smiled up at me. Then I was hugging her, holding her to me as if she was going to fade. I felt the others fall down around me and hug her as well, but it didn't register. All that mattered was that Phoebe was alive, and back with me.
As the last of the healing light faded, I suddenly felt something else, another presence. It was very faint, and coming from...inside Phoebe.
"Squeezing a little too hard, guys," Phoebe mock-complained.
"Sorry, sweetie," Piper said as she pulled back. Wiping some tears from her face, she said, "Are you alright?"
Phoebe turned to me with a smile. "I am now," she said, resting her head on my shoulder. As though in realization, she suddenly looked up and asked, "How did you...?"
"I suppose I should have known sooner," I said. "Part of my duties as the Guardian of Life involve the generation of new life. Logically, an extension of that should be regenerating lifeforces as well."
"That makes sense," Phoebe said. "Listen, I think I need to lie down for a bit. I'm still feeling sick."
"Sure," I said, lifting her into my arms and standing up. "We'll be back down later," I said to the others as we flamed to our room. I laid Phoebe down on the bed and sat next to her. I looked over at her, and she looked back at me. I tried to speak, but I was still raw from what had happened. Finally, I said, "I'm sorry."
Phoebe looked confused as she replied, "What? Why are you sorry?"
"For letting Cole out," I began, but Phoebe snorted.
"Michael, that wasn't your fault," Phoebe snapped. "You were tricked. Don't let it get to you. I love you, and I know you wouldn't have done it if you'd known. And thanks to you, I'm alive again."
I saw her start to shiver, and I instinctively pulled her into my embrace. She said in a faint voice, "I can still remember the feeling, as my heart...as it was pulled out. I remember seeing it, and wondering how it could be so small, and yet so important. And then...I remember seeing you."
"It's probably best you don't remember the other side," I said, trying to comfort her.
Phoebe looked up at me, and I saw some of her fear fading. She was still afraid of what happened, but some of it had dispersed. She stared into my eyes for several moments, and then said softly, "I love you."
"I love you too," I whispered back, and held her close to me. Then, remembering what I'd felt before, I said, "Phoebe, there's something I have to tell you."
"What?" she asked anxiously.
I grinned. "You're pregnant," I said softly.
Phoebe's eyes grew huge. "I'm...pregnant?" she repeated. Then she looked down at her abdomen and stroked it gently. I took her hand and squeezed it. She looked up at me with a broad smile and tears in her eyes. She flung her arms around me and kissed me. "Thank you," she whispered as she pulled back. "Thank you for this."
"Thank you," I replied in turn. Then, I chuckled. "I guess this would explain why you haven't been feeling so well today."
"Morning sickness," Phoebe realized. "Oh, well, I suppose I'll just have to get used to it...again." She smiled.
"First," I reminded her, "we still have the small task of defeating Chaos. Are you ready to go back downstairs?"
"I think so," Phoebe said as she pushed herself into a seated position.
"Very well, then," I said, scooping her up in my arms.
As I began to carry her out of the room, Phoebe said, "You don't have to carry me, you know."
"I know," I replied. "But I wouldn't be much of a gentleman if I let my lady walk, now would I?"
Phoebe giggled and shook her head. "Whatever you want, Michael," she said, resting her head on my shoulder.
"That was quick," Paige said as we descended the stairs.
"Looks like I didn't need as much rest as I thought," Phoebe said as I set her on her feet.
We all sat down in the living room. "We need a plan...fast," I began. "It won't be too much longer before Chaos starts to remake the universe as he sees fit."
"How can we possibly do anything?" Piper questioned. "Without the Book, we have no knowledge base to work from."
I thought for a moment. Suddenly, I remembered. "Maybe we do..." I said softly.
Five minutes later, we found ourselves in the Library. "Here's the book that had the information about the Amulet of Chaos that let Cole out," I said, noting to myself that the script now indicated the amulet's true purpose: to open portals to Entropy. "Maybe there's something in here that we can use." I began leafing through the book rapidly, until I found an entry that looked promising.
"The Amulet of Order," I read, "is an artifact forged by the first Guardians of the Realm five thousand years ago. When activated, the Amulet endows an individual with the very power that brought the universe into its ordered structure. However, the Amulet was sealed away for fear that it would fall into the hands of the Avatars. It currently resides in the Hall of Champions, at the place where it all began."
"How does this help us?" Leo asked curiously.
"Order is the exact opposite of Chaos," I explained. "If I used the Amulet, it may give me enough power to stop Chaos."
"Maybe..." Piper mentioned cautiously.
"Do you have any other ideas?" I asked impatiently.
The sisters shared a long look, and Paige replied, "No, I guess we don't."
"But where is this Hall of Champions?" Phoebe demanded.
I honestly didn't know, so I shrugged helplessly. However, Leo said softly, "I may know."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
Leo sighed, "There is a legend among the Whitelighters. It's said that when God made this realm and all Life within it, he coordinated it all from a specific spot. But I don't know where that spot is exactly."
"Maybe I can find it," I mentioned. I closed my eyes, and concentrated. I instantly felt the lifeforces of everyone around me, but that wasn't what I needed. I pulled myself 'higher' until I could feel almost every life in existence. I sent my consciousness out, trying to find a pattern, something that would give me a direction. I'd almost given up hope when I felt it. It was faint, but I could feel...something. It was like this place was...summoning me. I opened my eyes, and said, "I know where to go."
"I guess this is once again up to you," Piper said. Giving me a swift hug, she said, "Good luck, Michael."
"Thanks," I said. "Leo, can you take them back to the Manor?"
"Sure," he replied. As he motioned for the girls to surround him, Phoebe went to me.
"Do you have any idea how scared I am for you?" she said in a tremulous voice.
"Yes," I said. "I can feel it." I took her in my arms. "Phoebe, listen," I said softly. "If...I don't make it back, I want you to have Leo take you to the Neutral Plane. He knows where it is, and hopefully it won't be affected by anything from this realm. You should be free of the effects of Chaos' changes there. The three of you will be able to sustain yourselves indefinitely there, so you'll be safe..." Phoebe cut me off with a kiss.
"I know you'll come back to me," Phoebe said. "Our love has transcended every boundary. I know it will survive this too."
"I love you," I said, resting my forehead against hers.
"We'll be waiting," she said with a smile, placing my hand against her abdomen. I felt a slight tingle in my hand, and I knew that my unborn child was wishing me well also.
Reluctantly, I stepped back from Phoebe. I watched as she joined her sisters, and then Leo orbed them out. Sighing in resignation, I flamed out.
When I could see again, I found myself in a small chamber. The chamber was totally empty, except for a single pedestal. Sitting on the pedestal was an object, and it seemed to radiate power. I knew it was the Amulet, and I started towards it.
I'd gone no more than three steps when I felt a massive presence slam into me. I fell to my knees as I tried to fight back, to keep it out of my mind. The presence pushed past my defenses as if they were child's play, and I heard a voice in my mind. Who dares to desecrate this Hall?
I struggled to rise, but I simply couldn't get my legs to move. Sensing the presence was growing angry, I stated, "I am Michael Smith, the Guardian of Life and I apologize for coming here. But I need that Amulet to save existence."
I felt the presence touch parts of my mind, and then the voice spoke again. We have confirmed your identity, Guardian. But what is this problem that has brought you here?
I sighed, and replied simply, "Chaos has escaped, and is moving about in a human form."
WHAT! The voice boomed in my head, and I winced. It was deafening. I felt the presence touch my memories again, and images flashed through my mind. As I realized it was seeing my memories, the voice spoke. This is troubling news indeed. Chaos is a formidable foe, and this being Cole is also dangerous. They make a very bad combination. But why do you need the Amulet?
"I need more power if I am to stand against Chaos-Cole," I explained, "My only chance is to absorb the powers of its counterpart, Order. The Amulet is the key to doing that."
And who told you that foolish lie? the voice wondered.
"What? But...the Amulet of Chaos..." I began, but trailed off as something occurred to me. "It doesn't give power, does it? It only opens a portal somewhere, just like its counterpart?"
Yes. The Amulets were never designed to provide power. They are merely keys to doors that normally don't open.
I felt my hopes die. I'd failed. "Is there any way to gain the power I need?" I asked, praying that there was a way.
I felt the voice hesitate. Perhaps...but the price will be quite high.
I thought of Phoebe, my unborn child, everything I cared about. "I'll pay any price to save existence, to save my family."
When Balance created this realm, He put equal parts of Order and Chaos into it. As the voice spoke, images entered my mind, and somehow I KNEW that being he called Balance was the one I called God. He linked the realm to the Source of Chaos and of Order, for that is His way. However, He knew that such a link would leave a chance that a being could absorb the ultimate power of each, and took steps to try and prevent that. He created a Sentinel for each Source, and empowered them with the energy that they were protecting. Only with the permission of the Sentinel would a being be able to tap into the power of Chaos and of Order. One of them has obviously taken over the one known as Cole, and the other...the other is me.
"You can give me the power I would need?" I asked incredulously.
Yes. But...
"It would kill me, wouldn't it?" I said softly.
Yes. There is a small chance that it wouldn't, but you'd be more likely to be hit by lightning twice in a row.
"Would I still be in control?" I asked, fearing his response.
Of course. I am not like my counterpart. I trust you enough to leave you in control. And even if I had taken over, you would still remain, merely as a passive observer, there to advise me. But that is not needed in this case.
I felt fear in my soul, but said simply, "Do it. It's the only way to stop him."
The Sentinel hesitated before speaking again. Very well...you truly are an honorable person, Michael Smith.
As the Sentinel finished speaking, I felt raw power flow through him into me. My mind began to burn, and I began to scream. It hurt worse than anything I'd ever experienced, and I felt my body, my very soul beginning to dissolve. It was too much for me to handle. I was going to die.
As I felt my consciousness beginning to fade, I heard a sound. It was hard to identify, but I finally figured it out. It was chanting.
Powers of the sisters rise.
Aid my love before he dies.
Come to him and hold him fast.
Stop my love, so he can last.
I could almost swear I felt arms encircle me, and I felt something pulling my consciousness back together. Then, I heard Phoebe's voice. "Hold on, my love. We're here with you, all of us. You can do this, we believe in you, and we're not leaving you."
As if that was some sort of trigger, I felt new strength rise within me. More power than I'd ever dreamed of was suddenly at my fingertips, and I stood up. I looked around, but I was alone.
I turned back towards the Amulet and said, "Thank you."
Save the World Michael Smith, Guardian of Life and Sentinel of Order.
I concentrated, and the world dissolved into golden orbs. I materialized into the Avatars' chamber, where a grinning Chaos-Cole was sitting on his throne. The Avatars immediately stood up, but Chaos-Cole waved a hand, telling them to back down. "So, the vaunted Guardian of Life is paying me another visit," he smirked. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"You owe me nothing, you bastard," I spat.
"Actually, that's not true," he countered with a sneer. "I owe you your death." The Avatars stood up, all forming energy balls.
"In that case, let me show you where I've been," I replied. I lifted my arms, and let the power of Order flow through me and change me. When it completed, I caught sight of myself in a reflecting pool. My appearance was exactly the same as my Guardian form had been, with one exception. Instead of blue, the irises of my eyes were now glowing with golden light.
The Avatars, not realizing what it meant, fired their energy balls at me. However, I simply stood there and absorbed them, not even flinching. Suddenly realizing the danger, they tried to blur out, but I simply waved my hand and they stopped. I then simply flicked a finger, and all the Avatars burst into flames, and were vanquished.
"Now," I said, turning to Chaos-Cole, "it's just you and me."
Chaos-Cole stood up and smiled, "Well, well. You've gotten a power boost in the last few hours, haven't you? I knew you'd try and stop me, but I never thought you'd find the powers of Order. Congratulations. You always were a worthy opponent."
"SHUT UP!" I shouted, and gestured. Golden lightning shot from me, and Chaos-Cole barely managed to raise a shield to block it. Chaos-Cole countered with a wave of dark energy, which I easily countered.
"Impressive," Chaos-Cole said.
"I won't let you destroy existence." I stated. "I'm going to stop you, no matter what it takes."
"Bring it on," Chaos-Cole remarked. A black sword appeared in his hand, and he swung at me. Quick as thought, I formed a golden sword and blocked him. We began to trade blows back and forth, neither of us gaining an advantage. Finally, Chaos-Cole leaped back.
"You are becoming a nuisance," he panted. He clapped his hands, and I felt immense pressure around me. I pulled on my own powers, and the pressure stopped. I jumped towards Chaos-Cole and shoved raw energy at him. Chaos-Cole fell back quickly, and rolled to his feet. Blood trickled from his mouth as he stared at me in disbelief.
"IMPOSSIBLE!" he shouted. "No one should be strong enough to stop me."
"I am the Guardian of Life and the Sentinel of Order, and I am taking you down," I stated formally.
A look of fear came over Chaos-Cole's face. "Now, now, let's not be hasty," he said. "Maybe we can reach an agreement. Death is so messy and permanent. Isn't there a better way?"
"DIE!" I yelled, and dove at him. I tackled Chaos-Cole around the middle, and as we went down, I directed as much power as I could at him. I felt the heat and force as the explosion came, but was unfazed. When it passed, I found myself staring up at the ceiling. I got up quickly, and saw Chaos-Cole struggling to his feet. He stared at me with a look of abject terror on his face, and hesitated. That hesitation was enough for me.
Quick as lightning, I summoned my sword and jumped at him. My sword slid through him easily as if cutting through butter. Chaos-Cole convulsively grabbed my arm. Blood began to trickle out of his mouth as I said, "You're finished. I've won."
The look of fear instantly vanished from Chaos-Cole's face, to be replaced by a look of cunning. "Wanna bet?" he gasped, and then screamed. I felt power erupt from him, and realized to my shock that he was also pulling power from me somehow through the grip he had on me. I tried to pull free, but his grip was like steel. The power flowed for a few seconds, and then Cole's hands fell. As he slid off my sword, he said in triumph, "You may have killed me, but you've helped me complete my mission."
"What do you mean?" I demanded.
Chaos-Cole grinned as he coughed up more blood, "Look for yourself, you mother fucker."
I turned around and used my senses to track the power that had just left us. To my abject horror, I saw the power pooling in all the Nexuses around existence. It was only a matter of time before that power caused the Nexuses to explode, shattering and devastating this realm.
"What have you done?" I screamed at him. He was fading fast, so I used some power to keep him here.
Chaos-Cole grinned at me, "I chose wisely with this vessel. He was truly cunning, and it was his plan. Soon, the Nexuses will erupt, causing this realm to shatter and fill with Chaos. Order will disappear and the one true power will be lord and master here. And it's all thanks to you."
"What do you mean?" I asked as dread filled me.
"It was so easy to have my little minions lead you around by your nose," Chaos-Cole admitted. "First, you freed me, allowing me to begin my plan. But that wasn't all. Didn't you find it strange that my Avatars would leave a book lying around to tell you about how to gain the power of Order?"
"YOU left it there on purpose," I gasped.
Chaos-Cole laughed, causing him to spit up more blood, "You guessed it. It was so easy to have YOU gain the power I needed. I knew my counterpart would never give me the power, but you were a different story. You brought me the power of Order, enhancing my power enough to reach EVERY Nexus in existence. But I couldn't let you see that I was leading you around, so I had to keep you angry enough to stop thinking. Phoebe's little death worked wonders towards that goal, and her heart gave me the link to you that I needed for my plan to work. Congratulations, you've ended existence."
As Chaos-Cole began to chuckle, I turned and desperately reach out with my powers. It was no use however. The power was too far spread; I couldn't reach it all in time. He was right; I'd failed. I fell to my knees as my hope died. I could only pray that Phoebe somehow got out before it hit.
As I sat there in my depression, I felt something appear. It's sheer presence made me fight not to collapse. It was power personified, and I knew suddenly who it was. I turned and gazed at the being made of pure light, and said, "God..."
God smiled, and said, "In this case, I am Balance. I am here because Chaos is about to overtake the world, and I cannot allow such a thing."
"You can stop this?" I asked hopefully.
God shook His head, "Unfortunately, I am constrained from doing so. No, you must solve this one alone, as you are not similarly constrained."
"But I can't, I don't have the power," I stated.
God smiled, "I know that, but there are some things I CAN do. For example, until I decide, time will not flow outside of this room. This will allow you to think of a solution without worrying about a lack of time."
"No..." Chaos-Cole snarled. I turned, and saw him rise to his feet. His gut wound was slowly healing over, and I realized God was healing him.
God's visage took on a stern look. "You have overstepped your authority. You were never to do this."
Chaos-Cole laughed, "I don't care what I was not MEANT to do. I did this, and you aren't allowed to stop me. This weakling can't stop me, so it doesn't matter. You won't keep existence frozen forever. It's only a matter of time before my plan comes to fruition. I've won."
"Maybe not..." God said enigmatically. He turned to look at me, as if I had the solution. I thought, a little angry that God wouldn't fix this until I realized why.
"Free will is the reason you can't stop this, isn't it?" I asked.
God nodded, pleased that I'd figured it out. "Yes. By giving my creations free will, I allowed to make choices for themselves, no matter whether the consequences were good or bad. I can't undo such a choice without risking more than you can possibly understand. The solution is there, you must simply find it."
I tried to figure out a way to do as God wanted, but my mind kept circling around the fact that I didn't have the power to fix this alone. Alone... I looked at God and asked, "I may not have the power alone, but can I link with enough people so I can?"
Chaos-Cole laughed, "You fool. Even if you linked with everyone being outside this room, you'd not have enough power. All I need is one Nexus to go and I win. Save your time and merely give up." But there was a slight tremor of fear in his voice, and I knew he knew of a way to fix this. I thought back at what he said, and it came to me.
"Chaos and Order are equal in power, right?" I asked suddenly.
"Yes, such is how I made it," God replied.
"If I used not only my power, but also the power of Chaos, then I could stop this, couldn't I?" I concluded.
"Yes," God said.
Chaos-Cole looked at me pityingly. "If I'd known how stupid you were, I wouldn't have made this so complicated. You idiot, do you honestly think I'll help you to stop my OWN plan? Are you insane?"
"Except I don't need you, I just need your power," I mentioned.
"But I am in control of my power, and there is no link for you to get to it. Sorry, you still lose," Chaos-Cole mocked me.
He was right. As long as Chaos was in control, I could never reach the power. But there had to be someone else who...
"You took over Cole's body to move around this realm. He was the only being that could survive in your home realm long enough for you to possess him, wasn't he? And that's your weakness. You may be in control of your powers, but COLE is in there somewhere, and if he were dominant, he could use your powers also, couldn't he?"
A look of fear crossed his face too quickly for Chaos-Cole to block, and I knew he was right. I turned to God and wondered, "Can you make Cole the dominant one in their relationship?"
God shook his head, "No, only Cole can do that. But I can and will take you to where you can talk to him."
"NO!" Chaos-Cole shouted. He backed away in fear, before he was frozen by a glance from God. God looked at me, and I felt the chamber fade around me.
When my sight returned, I was standing in a barren room. In front of me was a figure staring out a window as black lightning shot across the sky. Even with his back to me, I knew who it was. "Cole..."
Cole turned, and glared at me. "You'd think I'd be able to rest even here, but you won't let me go, will you?"
"Where are we?" I asked.
"Where do you think? You asshole, get out of my mind and leave me in peace," Cole snapped at me.
As realization dawned on me, I said, "Cole, I can't. I need your help."
Cole laughed bitterly. "Save your breath. I won't help you. Now leave me alone."
"Cole, if you don't help me, existence will end," I explained.
Cole looked at me, and then laughed. "Well, well. I guess the Sentinel succeeded better than I would have hoped. I'm happy for him."
"How can you say that?" I asked in disbelief. I remember how Cole had been right before he'd entered the portal. He had seemed...human. Not like this.
"As I told you, I don't care if I have to take existence with me, so long as I succeed," Cole explained. "I spent YEARS in that place, in more pain than you can possibly imagine. I have no desire to return to life again. Chaos didn't TAKE control of me; I let him have it. I just want peace...it's all I've ever wanted."
"Cole, you're my only chance to stop him. Even God thinks so. If you don't help me, then everyone...Phoebe...your son's soul...everyone will simply cease to exist. Do you honestly want that?"
Cole looked at me in surprise. "God's involved in this?"
I nodded quickly. "Yes, and he won't help us. It's either you, or existence fails."
A thoughtful look came over Cole's face, and I dared to hope. Finally, Cole said softly, "Alright, I'll help you."
I smiled. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me. I have my own reasons," Cole responded. "Now, get out of here."
I nodded, and closed my eyes. I opened them to screaming. I found myself lying on the floor of the Chamber. I sat up, and saw God smiling at me. Chaos-Cole was screaming and holding his head.
"NO, NO!" Chaos-Cole screamed, "You idiot! Don't...I'm so...so close! I can't...I WON'T LET YOU STOP ME!"
Chaos-Cole collapsed, and lay unmoving for several moments. Finally, he stood up and opened his eyes. "You may have been strong, but this is my body...and I won't let you keep it any longer."
"Welcome back Cole. Now, we need to link powers to stop..." I began.
"Not so fast," Cole interjected. I turned to look at him. "My help comes at a price, a price God will have to pay."
God turned to look at him, surprise showing slightly in His eyes, "What price is that?"
"I will only tell you after we're done. Until then, I want your word you will give it to me, no matter what it is," Cole said firmly.
God and Cole locked gazes for several seconds, before God nodded and said, "So be it."
As Cole turned to me, I couldn't help but fear whatever he wanted. I imagined he wanted more power, or Phoebe's head. A hundred dire possibilities crossed through my mind, but no matter; there was no choice. Finally, I said, "Link with me, and let's do this."
A second later, I felt Cole's presence in my mind, holding back raw, uncontrolled power. "Whenever you're ready," Cole said in my mind. At that moment, God released his hold on time, and I felt the Nexuses begin to grow unstable. Together, Cole and I reached out with our power and stabilized them, one by one. We barely made it, but we managed to stop the plan started by Chaos. As we finished, I severed the link between us and waited in fear.
"What is your price?" God asked, and I tensed.
Cole smiled, and said, "Erase me from existence."
"WHAT?" I asked in shock as God stared at Cole in disbelief. This was not a possibility I considered.
Cole's face took on a hard look. "We had an agreement. Will you abide by it?" To my shock, I felt Cole summoning the power not only of Chaos, but of ORDER! I felt Order's power leave me, and knew I was only a Guardian again.
"What did you do?" God demanded.
Cole grinned evilly. "Before Michael severed the link, I left behind a little present. His powers are mine now. I control Order and Chaos, and if you don't do as I want, well..." I felt Cole reach out, and could feel him feed a little power into a Nexus. Before it grew too unstable, he stopped it.
"Are you insane?" I shouted.
Cole ignored me, and stared God down. "It's your choice. Either do what I want, or I will do what Chaos wanted."
God looked at Cole for a little while before requesting, "Just tell Me why."
Cole sighed, "I'm tired, and I know it's the only way out for me. Now, what is your choice?"
God looked over at me, and I read sadness in His eyes. "Very well, I will give you what you deserve. Kneel before Me."
Cole walked over and knelt, as I stared in utter disbelief. God placed His hand on Cole's forehead, and white energy began to flow from Him to Cole. The light grew in intensity, until I had to look away or go blind. When it passed, I looked back. God was gone, and there was a scorch mark where Cole had been. I ran my hand over it, and a few tears fell on the mark. Though I hated Cole at times, I wept for anyone who would willingly choose nullification. Then I stood, and flamed to the Manor.
To Phoebe, and to Life.
TO BE CONTINUED...