A/N: Yay for snow days! (see other chappies for disclaimer and such I got to bolt!)

Chapter 8

Why didn't I see the signs? It was all too obvious! Cole was staring straight into the eyes of fear, or at least the demon of fear. Barbas was behind it all. He had led Cole to the basement so that he would not witness the kidnap and while there Barbas read Cole's fear of the crypt. Then he followed him to the Seer's lair where he used Cole's fear to lure him to his impending doom. But why?

Cole's anger grew inside of him. Not only because he could not figure out why Barbas had gone through all this trouble when he had perfect opportunity to trap him before, but also his undying love had put Phoebe in grave danger. He would never forgive himself for this. Cole glared at Barbas. He could feel his anger rising.

"I do not think I will ever understand why you would fear the loss of this witch." Barbas began to walk towards Phoebe. "At least it came in handy for something. You see, I, like you, am cursed to be in this evil dimension. Many times I have escaped from here in the past because fear continues to reign over humans. Unfortunately since the last time the Charmed Ones vanquished me it seems that I am not strong enough to return. That is why I needed you both here."

Barbas's hand was dangerously close to Phoebe, but Cole knew not to let his rage get the best of him. His demon half was getting very interested in what Barbas was saying and he wanted to see what kind of a plan he had concocted.

"With your fear of losing her coming strongly from this realm, and her fear of not knowing what is happening but knowing that it involves you…"

"Wait, what do you mean she knows I'm involved?"

"Well, if I remember correctly your witch here had a premonition a few nights ago, did she not?" Now Cole knew why Phoebe had called out his name and why she had seemed so nervous. And yet, this seemed like the type of situation she would have informed her sisters about. Why had she not told them of what was to come?

"Anyway like I was saying. With her fear coming from the real realm combined with yours here I can build up my strength and return."

Cole was hardly paying attention to Barbas now. Instead he was completely focused on Phoebe. There was something she knew. Something that had not yet happened that even Barbas was unaware of. Maybe Phoebe had seen more of the future than what Barbas would have liked.

"You know Balthazar, staring at her isn't going to solve your problems. It's too late; there is nothing you can do." Cole wasn't sure but he thought he saw a faint smile appear on Phoebe's face.

"There's just one thing I don't understand Barbas, how do you expect to escape here from me?"

"I have my ways." At that Barbas's minions had appeared. They flickered in fear for a moment and then crept close to Phoebe. Some had energy balls at the ready, others had athamays, but all seemed ready to harm her. That is when Cole lost his control. Any fear he had had was now being engulfed in rage. No one was to harm Phoebe. Never!

"Barbas!" He screamed out in pure hatred. "No! You can not harm her." The demon inside Cole gave him an energy boost as he turned to Barbas. "You have gone to far this time old friend." The last words he spat out with utter contempt. Barbas stood in shock. At this time he was not staring at Cole, rather at what was happening behind him.

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