Hello, everyone. I've got good news and I've got bad news.
The bad news are that Talia hasn't made her choice yet. I need more reviews and arguments for who you think she should go for: Josh or Valdis.
The good news is that I've made this chapter extra long and that I'm using the extra ace I had up my sleeve - Cole makes an appearance!
Thanks for all of your reviews! Unfortunately, I only got only 4 clear answers to my question from last chapter and opinions appear to be split. Two reviewers want Talia to choose Valdis, and two reviewers want Talia to choose Josh!
Mickis: I always love your reviews. You liked the idea of Valdis with Talia. You've made that clear and I appreciate the way you've explained why! "Isn't love worth the risk?" "What her heart calls for?" "The ultimate love story?" My, my, do we have an incurable romantic in our midst?
You've hit the nail right on the head with your blond / dark comment. Good is always blond to me too. My hair's dark too and that's probably where my affinity for evil comes in! Mwah haha! *evil laughter* Leo being a blond is a good example. Although, has his hair gone darker in season 6, or is it just me? Still, that only goes to support our theory sine he does become darker as a character in season 6! Opinion on Valdis well noted. I'll pass it on to Talia and see what she thinks!
Prue101: Well, I take it you didn't like Cole much then? I don't really know, I'm quite drawn to the dark side. There's something incredibly sexy and seductive about it. Still, I understand your attraction to Josh, he's incredibly sweet. Can't imagine many things better than a cute guy to cuddle up with on those cold winter nights, and Josh is just that type of guy, whereas I'm not sure Valdis is. Thanks for giving me an opinion! I'll pass it on to Talia.
TanyaM: I'm glad you think that Talia's a complex character! That's exactly what I was going for! And Josh really is a lot simpler as a character. I think Valdis will prove to be as complex as Talia, if that's any help. Thanks for giving me your opinion. Talia's seen it and taken note of it.
LorrieLiz: Yes, ouzo is the liquorish alcohol! It's clear when you drink it neat, but becomes milky when you add water. I've never heard of it drank with coke before! Zorbas the Greek might turn in his grave if he hears you saying that. On the other hand, it might just be worth a try! Thanks for the idea and thanks for giving me an idea for last chapter's question! I'm sure Talia will appreciate it.
Ruby Murphy: Hi! New reviewer, or have you reviewed before under another name? I'm really glad you like the story. That's why I write it after all! I'm afraid the decision on who Talia should choose isn't really up to me, but up to her! Just like Phoebe's heart strings are pulled by the producers of the show. I loved Phoebe with Cole, but I know what you mean, Jason Dean is pretty cute too! For obvious reasons, my story wouldn't work with him in it, and Cole's very nature and connection with evil appeals to me. When I thought up the characters of Valdis and Josh the thought occurred to me that Josh was a bit like a younger Jason Dean, while Valdis like a younger Cole, which makes choosing between the two all the more harder!
Chantedly: Yes, you're right of course. The choosing isn't really up to us, but up to Talia. Still, we can always help her out with a bit of advice! I'm glad you like the development of Talia's character. She's pretty real to me too! And thanks for all your help with you-know-what! *She grins conspiratorially*
An honourable mention goes to all my other reviewers: Charmedfanatic3000, Piper43, svata2004, Barb6 (hint: As the story develops you'll find that Talia has actually been seduced by evil in the past. She didn't have it quite as easy as you might think. Keep your eye on her phoenix tattoo mentioned in "Only the good die young") and SlySlayer13 with her pros and cons list.
On with the Show! Enjoy, and pleeeaaaase review!
Chapter 20: Interlude
Phoebe had trouble sleeping. She kept thinking of what she had talked about with Talia that night, before going to the club. Cole had seemed so different through their daughter's eyes. He had seemed kind and gentle, loving and caring. And that conversation had involuntarily brought back all sorts of memories that Phoebe had kept hidden in her heart.
When Phoebe thought of Cole nowadays, she found it nearly impossible not to associate him with all the pain and suffering he had put her through. Only in her dreams did she dare think of what might have been. Yet, now she found herself unable to ignore the happy times they had together. Times that the conversation with Talia had caused to resurface, and torment her.
She got out of bed and put on her ivory-coloured nightgown. She knew that it would be impossible for her to sleep tonight.
As quietly as she possibly could, she made her way downstairs, through the patio door and into the garden. Millions of stars twinkled down on her, and there was a bright new moon in the sky.
Phoebe bent down over a still semi-closed, red rose and let its delicate smell waft to her nose. She closed her eyes and let the aromas and sounds of the night fill her senses.
She could remember another night such as this, from long ago. Cole had covered her eyes with his hands and shimmered them both in a glade, in the middle of a forest. Away from the city lights, the stars had been even brighter, and there was a brook nearby, reflecting the silver light of the moon, merrily singing their love.
Cole had prepared a midnight picnic on a soft blanket that had lain on the fresh grass. They had drank champaign throughout the meal, which he proudly revealed, to an astonished Phoebe, that he had cooked himself. Cole had always been one for detail and he hadn't forgotten to produce music, in the form of a small radio. That night they had danced together under the moonlight, content in each other's company.
A deep, soft and strangely gentle, voice broke her reverie.
"Beautiful. . . " he breathed, barely above a whisper.
Phoebe's eyes immediately snapped open. She was at once alert, and it was with wariness and ill-concealed hostility, that she gazed upon her former husband and present Source. Cole seemed to be looking directly at her.
"What do you want, Cole?" she said, but her voice sounded tired to her own ears.
"At the danger of sounding terribly cliché, I come in peace," he sneered.
His eyes locked with hers and there was a tense silence between them.
Phoebe turned away from him. Behind her back, Cole's face dropped at her gesture.
What did you think, you fool? That she'd come running back in your arms, like she used to? Haven't all these years taught you anything?
Phoebe was badly shaken. She hadn't expected him and his visit had caught her completely off guard. Whatsmore, her reaction to him had shaken her even more. A shiver had ran up her spine when she opened her eyes to find him looking at her. He still looked as dashing and handsome as he had when they first met. It was his eyes that had affected her the most. The moment she had looked in them, she had felt herself sinking in their unfathomable depths.
I will never lose myself in you again, Cole Turner! You cannot have me!
In mere seconds the memory of his touch had inflamed her cheeks. She didn't want him to see the effect he still had on her after all these years. She didn't want to admit to anyone, least of all herself, how, when she looked at him, it was as if nothing had ever changed, as if the last sixteen years had never happened.
She refused to break the silence between them.
"Phoebe, I came to warn you," Cole finally said stiffly.
She remained silent. Her back turned to him.
"What Talia did . . . " he paused, "is unforgivable for any demon. Never mind one of Talia's power and position. She defied the Source, she turned against Evil and joined the side of Good."
"Sounds familiar," said Phoebe bitterly.
Cole seemed unfazed at her words.
"You of all people know what I had to go through when I turned, Phoebe. Demons came after me, bounty hunters. There wasn't a single moment of rest."
Phoebe turned to face him as, for the first time, the full impact of what Talia had done, sank into her. Talia hadn't just run away from her father to find her mother, she had ran away from evil and all that the Underworld held most dear, and in the process had made herself a mark. Phoebe was terrified at the thought of her daughter in danger. They had only just found each other and she couldn't stand to lose her.
"Are you saying that Talia's in danger?" she finally said refusing to believe it.
"More danger than you could ever imagine," said Cole sounding more tired than Phoebe had heard him sound before.
A terrible silence descended upon them. Both of them couldn't help but think of all the horrible things that could happen to the girl they cared so much about.
"Does she know?" asked Phoebe, her eyes wide in fear.
"Yes, she knows. Talia knows how the Underworld works, better than any of us. She's already expecting attacks, and I'm sure she's surprised that they haven't happened yet. I tried hard to delay the news from getting out. All to no avail, of course. It was only a matter of time."
"The minautaur," Phoebe said in painful understanding.
"The first of many," said Cole, nodding his head sadly. It was now his turn, to turn away from her. He looked out, into the night. "He hoped to redeem himself in my eyes in order to gain back his once human form. There will be others," he assured, causing a feeling of dread sink in Phoebe's stomach. "Talia is strong, stronger than I was as Belthazor. But how long can she really last? "
Phoebe couldn't help but notice the tenderness, love and pride that coloured Cole's voice when he spoke about Talia.
"You care for her a great deal," she stated softly.
She walked around to face him. She saw the pain in his eyes before he managed to hide it.
"Talia was all I had left of you," he said so softly, that she had to strain to hear him.
He lifted his dark eyes to look into hers. Time stood still. There was tension in the air between them. Yet neither of them could find the courage, or strength of will, to cross the barriers that separated their worlds.
It was Cole who broke the spell. He dropped his gaze onto the red rose that had drawn Phoebe's attention before.
"You always did like red roses," he said.
He cupped the delicate flower in his huge palm. Before Phoebe's delighted eyes the rose stirred and its petals unfolded to reveal the rose in full bloom.
Cole chuckled softly at Phoebe's expression. Phoebe smiled at him. The sound seemed completely unrelated to the image everyone had, of the Source of All Evil.
"Talia loved to watch me do that when she was little," he mused.
The comment caused both of their thoughts to return to their lovely daughter. Silence reigned once more. Talia meant the world to them.
There was a question Phoebe was bursting to ask ever since Cole had revealed to her the kind of danger Talia was in. The only thing that had stopped her from previously asking, was the pain she had seen in his eyes, but she had to know. She had to ask, for Talia's sake.
"Cole, you are the Source. Can't you do anything to protect her?"
" I wish I could, Phoebe," he replied, hating himself for allowing her to see him in his weakness.
"Why can't you?" she insisted.
Cole felt himself straighten and stiffen. The interlude was over. They were who they were, who they had always been, and no amount of wishing would ever change that.
"I am the Source, Phoebe," he said with a hint of the amount of authority he used in his realm. "Whether I like it or not, Talia has proved herself a traitor, and she must be punished. The rules demand it."
"The rules? What rules?" asked Phoebe starting to lose her temper. "You are the Source, Cole! You rule the whole bloody Underworld, and I should know, remember? I was your Queen once!"
"Yes, you were my Queen, Phoebe, but you never truly knew how the Underworld works. You never wanted to know! That's what's always been wrong with you and your sisters! You've never been able to understand how the world works because you've never been able to see the big picture!"
"The big picture?" screeched Phoebe in indignation. "Your daughter's life is in danger, and all you can talk about is the big picture! So what if you have to break a few rules to save her?"
"You're suddenly very anxious to break the rules Phoebe, considering the number of times I asked the same thing of you, in order for us to be together!"
Cole froze as the bitter words escaped his lips. He knew he had gone too far.
Phoebe stared at him. Shock written in her features. She narrowed her eyes at him before she spoke in a low, hissing whisper.
"This has nothing to do with us, Cole. You and I were finished a long time ago. But this is Talia we're talking about. I don't care about all your stupid rules. You do what you can to save her, damnit!"
"I can't do that, Phoebe," he said sorrowfully.
Phoebe glared at him. Then, without a single word, she stormed back into the house, leaving Cole standing on his own in the garden.
Cole finally let his temper explode. His eyes glowed black. He turned to the rose he had, only moments ago, made bloom. His fist closed tightly. The once fresh, beautiful rose blackened gradually, it withered and died. Then the Source disappeared in a tower of flames.
***************
The bad news are that Talia hasn't made her choice yet. I need more reviews and arguments for who you think she should go for: Josh or Valdis.
The good news is that I've made this chapter extra long and that I'm using the extra ace I had up my sleeve - Cole makes an appearance!
Thanks for all of your reviews! Unfortunately, I only got only 4 clear answers to my question from last chapter and opinions appear to be split. Two reviewers want Talia to choose Valdis, and two reviewers want Talia to choose Josh!
Mickis: I always love your reviews. You liked the idea of Valdis with Talia. You've made that clear and I appreciate the way you've explained why! "Isn't love worth the risk?" "What her heart calls for?" "The ultimate love story?" My, my, do we have an incurable romantic in our midst?
You've hit the nail right on the head with your blond / dark comment. Good is always blond to me too. My hair's dark too and that's probably where my affinity for evil comes in! Mwah haha! *evil laughter* Leo being a blond is a good example. Although, has his hair gone darker in season 6, or is it just me? Still, that only goes to support our theory sine he does become darker as a character in season 6! Opinion on Valdis well noted. I'll pass it on to Talia and see what she thinks!
Prue101: Well, I take it you didn't like Cole much then? I don't really know, I'm quite drawn to the dark side. There's something incredibly sexy and seductive about it. Still, I understand your attraction to Josh, he's incredibly sweet. Can't imagine many things better than a cute guy to cuddle up with on those cold winter nights, and Josh is just that type of guy, whereas I'm not sure Valdis is. Thanks for giving me an opinion! I'll pass it on to Talia.
TanyaM: I'm glad you think that Talia's a complex character! That's exactly what I was going for! And Josh really is a lot simpler as a character. I think Valdis will prove to be as complex as Talia, if that's any help. Thanks for giving me your opinion. Talia's seen it and taken note of it.
LorrieLiz: Yes, ouzo is the liquorish alcohol! It's clear when you drink it neat, but becomes milky when you add water. I've never heard of it drank with coke before! Zorbas the Greek might turn in his grave if he hears you saying that. On the other hand, it might just be worth a try! Thanks for the idea and thanks for giving me an idea for last chapter's question! I'm sure Talia will appreciate it.
Ruby Murphy: Hi! New reviewer, or have you reviewed before under another name? I'm really glad you like the story. That's why I write it after all! I'm afraid the decision on who Talia should choose isn't really up to me, but up to her! Just like Phoebe's heart strings are pulled by the producers of the show. I loved Phoebe with Cole, but I know what you mean, Jason Dean is pretty cute too! For obvious reasons, my story wouldn't work with him in it, and Cole's very nature and connection with evil appeals to me. When I thought up the characters of Valdis and Josh the thought occurred to me that Josh was a bit like a younger Jason Dean, while Valdis like a younger Cole, which makes choosing between the two all the more harder!
Chantedly: Yes, you're right of course. The choosing isn't really up to us, but up to Talia. Still, we can always help her out with a bit of advice! I'm glad you like the development of Talia's character. She's pretty real to me too! And thanks for all your help with you-know-what! *She grins conspiratorially*
An honourable mention goes to all my other reviewers: Charmedfanatic3000, Piper43, svata2004, Barb6 (hint: As the story develops you'll find that Talia has actually been seduced by evil in the past. She didn't have it quite as easy as you might think. Keep your eye on her phoenix tattoo mentioned in "Only the good die young") and SlySlayer13 with her pros and cons list.
On with the Show! Enjoy, and pleeeaaaase review!
Chapter 20: Interlude
Phoebe had trouble sleeping. She kept thinking of what she had talked about with Talia that night, before going to the club. Cole had seemed so different through their daughter's eyes. He had seemed kind and gentle, loving and caring. And that conversation had involuntarily brought back all sorts of memories that Phoebe had kept hidden in her heart.
When Phoebe thought of Cole nowadays, she found it nearly impossible not to associate him with all the pain and suffering he had put her through. Only in her dreams did she dare think of what might have been. Yet, now she found herself unable to ignore the happy times they had together. Times that the conversation with Talia had caused to resurface, and torment her.
She got out of bed and put on her ivory-coloured nightgown. She knew that it would be impossible for her to sleep tonight.
As quietly as she possibly could, she made her way downstairs, through the patio door and into the garden. Millions of stars twinkled down on her, and there was a bright new moon in the sky.
Phoebe bent down over a still semi-closed, red rose and let its delicate smell waft to her nose. She closed her eyes and let the aromas and sounds of the night fill her senses.
She could remember another night such as this, from long ago. Cole had covered her eyes with his hands and shimmered them both in a glade, in the middle of a forest. Away from the city lights, the stars had been even brighter, and there was a brook nearby, reflecting the silver light of the moon, merrily singing their love.
Cole had prepared a midnight picnic on a soft blanket that had lain on the fresh grass. They had drank champaign throughout the meal, which he proudly revealed, to an astonished Phoebe, that he had cooked himself. Cole had always been one for detail and he hadn't forgotten to produce music, in the form of a small radio. That night they had danced together under the moonlight, content in each other's company.
A deep, soft and strangely gentle, voice broke her reverie.
"Beautiful. . . " he breathed, barely above a whisper.
Phoebe's eyes immediately snapped open. She was at once alert, and it was with wariness and ill-concealed hostility, that she gazed upon her former husband and present Source. Cole seemed to be looking directly at her.
"What do you want, Cole?" she said, but her voice sounded tired to her own ears.
"At the danger of sounding terribly cliché, I come in peace," he sneered.
His eyes locked with hers and there was a tense silence between them.
Phoebe turned away from him. Behind her back, Cole's face dropped at her gesture.
What did you think, you fool? That she'd come running back in your arms, like she used to? Haven't all these years taught you anything?
Phoebe was badly shaken. She hadn't expected him and his visit had caught her completely off guard. Whatsmore, her reaction to him had shaken her even more. A shiver had ran up her spine when she opened her eyes to find him looking at her. He still looked as dashing and handsome as he had when they first met. It was his eyes that had affected her the most. The moment she had looked in them, she had felt herself sinking in their unfathomable depths.
I will never lose myself in you again, Cole Turner! You cannot have me!
In mere seconds the memory of his touch had inflamed her cheeks. She didn't want him to see the effect he still had on her after all these years. She didn't want to admit to anyone, least of all herself, how, when she looked at him, it was as if nothing had ever changed, as if the last sixteen years had never happened.
She refused to break the silence between them.
"Phoebe, I came to warn you," Cole finally said stiffly.
She remained silent. Her back turned to him.
"What Talia did . . . " he paused, "is unforgivable for any demon. Never mind one of Talia's power and position. She defied the Source, she turned against Evil and joined the side of Good."
"Sounds familiar," said Phoebe bitterly.
Cole seemed unfazed at her words.
"You of all people know what I had to go through when I turned, Phoebe. Demons came after me, bounty hunters. There wasn't a single moment of rest."
Phoebe turned to face him as, for the first time, the full impact of what Talia had done, sank into her. Talia hadn't just run away from her father to find her mother, she had ran away from evil and all that the Underworld held most dear, and in the process had made herself a mark. Phoebe was terrified at the thought of her daughter in danger. They had only just found each other and she couldn't stand to lose her.
"Are you saying that Talia's in danger?" she finally said refusing to believe it.
"More danger than you could ever imagine," said Cole sounding more tired than Phoebe had heard him sound before.
A terrible silence descended upon them. Both of them couldn't help but think of all the horrible things that could happen to the girl they cared so much about.
"Does she know?" asked Phoebe, her eyes wide in fear.
"Yes, she knows. Talia knows how the Underworld works, better than any of us. She's already expecting attacks, and I'm sure she's surprised that they haven't happened yet. I tried hard to delay the news from getting out. All to no avail, of course. It was only a matter of time."
"The minautaur," Phoebe said in painful understanding.
"The first of many," said Cole, nodding his head sadly. It was now his turn, to turn away from her. He looked out, into the night. "He hoped to redeem himself in my eyes in order to gain back his once human form. There will be others," he assured, causing a feeling of dread sink in Phoebe's stomach. "Talia is strong, stronger than I was as Belthazor. But how long can she really last? "
Phoebe couldn't help but notice the tenderness, love and pride that coloured Cole's voice when he spoke about Talia.
"You care for her a great deal," she stated softly.
She walked around to face him. She saw the pain in his eyes before he managed to hide it.
"Talia was all I had left of you," he said so softly, that she had to strain to hear him.
He lifted his dark eyes to look into hers. Time stood still. There was tension in the air between them. Yet neither of them could find the courage, or strength of will, to cross the barriers that separated their worlds.
It was Cole who broke the spell. He dropped his gaze onto the red rose that had drawn Phoebe's attention before.
"You always did like red roses," he said.
He cupped the delicate flower in his huge palm. Before Phoebe's delighted eyes the rose stirred and its petals unfolded to reveal the rose in full bloom.
Cole chuckled softly at Phoebe's expression. Phoebe smiled at him. The sound seemed completely unrelated to the image everyone had, of the Source of All Evil.
"Talia loved to watch me do that when she was little," he mused.
The comment caused both of their thoughts to return to their lovely daughter. Silence reigned once more. Talia meant the world to them.
There was a question Phoebe was bursting to ask ever since Cole had revealed to her the kind of danger Talia was in. The only thing that had stopped her from previously asking, was the pain she had seen in his eyes, but she had to know. She had to ask, for Talia's sake.
"Cole, you are the Source. Can't you do anything to protect her?"
" I wish I could, Phoebe," he replied, hating himself for allowing her to see him in his weakness.
"Why can't you?" she insisted.
Cole felt himself straighten and stiffen. The interlude was over. They were who they were, who they had always been, and no amount of wishing would ever change that.
"I am the Source, Phoebe," he said with a hint of the amount of authority he used in his realm. "Whether I like it or not, Talia has proved herself a traitor, and she must be punished. The rules demand it."
"The rules? What rules?" asked Phoebe starting to lose her temper. "You are the Source, Cole! You rule the whole bloody Underworld, and I should know, remember? I was your Queen once!"
"Yes, you were my Queen, Phoebe, but you never truly knew how the Underworld works. You never wanted to know! That's what's always been wrong with you and your sisters! You've never been able to understand how the world works because you've never been able to see the big picture!"
"The big picture?" screeched Phoebe in indignation. "Your daughter's life is in danger, and all you can talk about is the big picture! So what if you have to break a few rules to save her?"
"You're suddenly very anxious to break the rules Phoebe, considering the number of times I asked the same thing of you, in order for us to be together!"
Cole froze as the bitter words escaped his lips. He knew he had gone too far.
Phoebe stared at him. Shock written in her features. She narrowed her eyes at him before she spoke in a low, hissing whisper.
"This has nothing to do with us, Cole. You and I were finished a long time ago. But this is Talia we're talking about. I don't care about all your stupid rules. You do what you can to save her, damnit!"
"I can't do that, Phoebe," he said sorrowfully.
Phoebe glared at him. Then, without a single word, she stormed back into the house, leaving Cole standing on his own in the garden.
Cole finally let his temper explode. His eyes glowed black. He turned to the rose he had, only moments ago, made bloom. His fist closed tightly. The once fresh, beautiful rose blackened gradually, it withered and died. Then the Source disappeared in a tower of flames.
***************