THREE

"It seems you finally outrank me," said a voice behind Leo as the Elders broke.

Leo turned to see Michael standing behind him, a huge smile on the warrior Whitelighters' face.

"Michael," said Leo, smiling himself. "I'm glad to see you made it okay. We're still accounting for all the Whitelighters. I was afraid you might have fallen victim to the Titans as so many other had."

"I was preoccupied," Michael said. "It seems the underworld found the Titans' attacks the perfect opportunity to spread a little mayhem on Earth. Fortunately, Malevant is still a very powerful force in the underworld. He was able to convince them that, if they tried anything, the Titans might turn their attention to them next."

"Wise decision," Leo said, smiling again. "I'm glad you're on our side. I'd hate to think the damage you could do if you weren't."

"Well, just don't be considering me for a position as an Elder," Michael said. "I'm more useful where I am than up here handling administrative duties."

"That's what I was thinking, too," Leo said. "We've already made our decision on who the replacement Elders will be. They'll be receiving their additional powers soon. They'll have to be told about you, of course. But the remaining Whitelighters will not be told. Secrecy is your greatest weapon."

"I understand," Michael said. "And I'll be sure to look in on Piper and the girls from time to time. Just to make sure they're okay. And until you can get a new Whitelighter assigned to them."

"We've already decided on that," Leo said. "I'm not sure it's the best decision, but under the circumstances, I don't see we have any other choice. We'll just have to wait and see."

"All the same," Michael said, "I'll be available if you should need me. With some of the Whitelighters becoming Elders, you'll need someone to watch over their charges until permanent replacements can be assigned. I'll be glad to help out in any way I can."

"Thanks, Michael," Leo said. "I knew we could count on you. Now, I need to get going. There are still a thousand decisions to be made. And everyone seems to be looking to me to make them. I just hope I make the right ones."

"I'm sure you will, my friend," Michael said. "You were the Whitelighter for the Charmed Ones. This should be a piece of cake for you."

"Right," Leo said sarcastically. "Right now, I have to deliver a message to a certain Whitelighter from the future. I just wish I knew what he was really up to. I get the feeling he hasn't told us everything about his visit here."

"It will come out eventually," Michael said. "And if he's up to no good, just let me know. I'm only an orb away."

"I'll keep that in mind," Leo said.

The two friends shook hands and then Leo turned and went to join the other Elders. The days and weeks ahead were going to be hectic.

The End

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