The Letter

Disclaimer: Same as before…

Prue noticed the envelope that had been slid under the door before she left the room. She picked it up, noticing that it was in Andy's handwriting. Her hands trembled as she lifted it off the floor and she opened it.

"Prue?" Doc asked, as he caught up to her, putting a steadying hand on her shoulder.

"It's from Andy." Prue replied, as she unfolded the paper.

"Dearest Prue," she read, "I can't tell you that it means so much to me to be with you again. I've missed you so much that I would have given anything to see you again. And I was given that chance…"

Prue smiled as she read Andy's heartfelt words, and then she continued to read, "But there's an awful secret behind all this. Godfrey was right, I was keeping something from you. Maleficent brought me to life. She told me all she wanted was my happiness, but that wasn't the case. She wanted information, to use me as a spy. I didn't know about it until later. I wasn't supposed to tell you…"

Tears began to blur Prue's vision, but she had to read on, "Do you know what it feels like to keep secrets from someone you love? I hope you never have to feel that and I'm sorry I deceived you. Maleficent threatened my life. I left this letter to you because I may not be coming back. I'm going to tell Maleficent I'm not her pawn anymore, and she can kill me if she wants. And she just well may, I saw it in her eyes the other night, when I snuck out to meet her. But I can't keep deceiving you or letting myself be used as a weapon against you or your friends. I never stopped loving you, even after I died, but after I've tricked you, I won't be surprised if you hate me forever. All My Love, Andy…"

"No…Andy…" Prue sobbed, blinking tears away.

"Where's Godfrey?" Kolopak asked, as he ran into the two in the hall.

"Andy went to tell Maleficent that their deal was off." Prue began.

"Maleficent and Andy?" Kolopak asked.

"Maleficent brought Andy back to life." Prue began, and noticed Kolopak's face darken, "But he couldn't take deceiving me any longer, and decided that he was calling it quits."

"Maleficent likely knows that we have the Keyblade." Kolopak began, "She will stop at nothing. What about Godfrey?"

"He probably went after Andy." Doc replied.

"Alright." Kolopak replied, "We're going to have to search for them…"

"There's no need," came a gasping voice, "One of us is already here."

"Where's Godfrey?" Kolopak asked, turning to face Andy, and making sure his hand hovered over his war club. If Andy even looked hostile he was going to brain him right there.

"In the 3rd District." Andy gasped, Prue rushed over to his side, throwing her arms around him, "I went to tell Maleficent that I was through being her pawn. Then she disappeared and all these Heartless went after me…"

Doc took this in, and made a note to himself to ask later, but Andy seemed to have escaped Maleficent too easily and she was not known for being lenient with traitors.

"…Godfrey heard us talk and when she sent the Heartless after me, he dragged me out. As they chased us, he went to draw their pursuit." Andy explained.

"Where is he?" Prue asked.

"He's in a drainage culvert right by the 3rd District Gate. I came to get you guys to come back for him." Andy replied.

"This could be a trick." Kolopak said.

"It isn't!" Andy protested.

"How do we know you're not walking us into a trap?" Doc added.

"Do you think Godfrey would have stepped in to save me if I was a traitor?" Andy replied.

"You could simply have killed him and invented this entire story." Kolopak replied, "So forgive us for not believing you. Prue, Doc, go find Mole and Bertha…"

Sora had overheard the entire exchange and said, "I'm coming too."

"Sora, it could be a trap…" Kolopak warned, "Maleficent wants nothing more than to entrap you."

Prue turned angrily on Kolopak, "It isn't a trap. Andy isn't lying…"

"He lied to you, didn't he? Forgive me for not believing him." Kolopak replied.

Offended, Prue took a step forward toward the old Indian, coming between him and Andy, "Lie or not, if Godfrey's alive out there we owe it to him to try and find him."

"That is what I intend to do, but Sora, you must stay here." Kolopak said.

The boy opened his mouth, "Not another word." Kolopak added.

God, I hope Andy got away. Godfrey thought. He backed as far as he could, but behind him was a metal grate. The Heartless were circling the entrance at the pipe at a respectable distance, since he'd shot the leg out from the one that got too close. He hoped that if Andy had gotten away and had reinforcements coming his way, that it would happen before he ran out of ammo.

A Soldier Heartless made a run at the entrance of the culvert and this time Godfrey waited until its face was right in front of the double barreled shotgun before he squeezed one of the triggers, almost decapitating the creature with the shot, sending it telescoping to the ground with it's armor rattling. How's that, wanker? Godfrey thought, triumphantly.

He heard footsteps and the 3rd District Gate opening as more Heartless rushed towards the aperture. Godfrey fired the shotgun again, killing another Heartless, and then quickly reloaded the last two shells before hitting a third Heartless in the midsection with a burst of buckshot from both barrels, almost tearing the Shadow in half. Bollocks, the shotgun's out. Godfrey thought, tossing it aside.

Meanwhile, as the gate opened, the group consisting of Kolopak, Doc, Prue, Andy, Mole, and Bertha heard the shots and saw almost a dozen Heartless arrayed around the entrance of a culvert, circling like jackals around a wounded gazelle. Three Heartless lay dead near the mouth of the culvert.

A fourth Heartless limped about, one leg shot off below the knee joint. Bertha immediately picked it off with her .32 automatic with a single shot between the eyes. The Heartless turned to face the group and Prue flung a garbage can into the path of an oncoming Soldier Heartless, preventing it from attacking an unarmed Andy.

Kolopak was clubbing a Shadow Heartless to death with his war club in the distance, while Mole was tearing their attackers apart with bursts of gunfire from the M1 Thompson in his hands. As the fighting wound down, Godfrey crawled out of the culvert and ran to join his teammates. He ran up to Andy saying, "I owe you for that. Thank you."

"Any time." Andy replied.

"Is it just me, or did hell just freeze over?" Prue asked.

"I'm just as surprised as you are." Doc replied, "Godfrey and Andy burying the hatchet, I never thought that would happen."

"So does this mean you guys are going to best friends?" Doc continued, turning to ask them.

"Don't even think about it." Both of them replied.

They walked safely back to the hotel. As they began their walk back, Godfrey motioned Andy aside, "Have you talked to Prue yet?"

"I didn't have the time." Andy replied, "I was busy saving your ass."

"And I am grateful you did so, believe me." Godfrey replied, "I've grown rather close to Prue over the time we've known each other."

At Andy's jealous look, Godfrey added, "As a friend. And as such I am concerned about what's going to happen to her, considering your limited lifespan."

"I'm going to talk to her about it." Andy replied.

"I hope you do so, my friend." Godfrey replied, leaving Andy alone with his thoughts.

Andy thought. I have to tell Prue. But Maleficent hasn't really been known to tell the truth, right? What if I'm not going to die in thirteen days? Then I'll have gotten Prue worked up for no reason. Tell her damn it…

Another voice interjected. What if Maleficent tricked you again, and you are mistaken. You'll cause a lot of pain for Prue, and for something that wouldn't pass in thirteen days. What if you've got a hundred year lifespan instead? Maleficent could be just fucking with you.

"Andy?" Prue asked, "Are you alright? You've hardly said a word to me since you talked to Godfrey."

"I'm fine, honey, I've just got a lot on my mind." Andy replied. Like telling her you're going to die in thirteen days.

"Are you OK?" Prue asked, taking his hand.

"I'm fine." Andy replied. It could be another trick by Maleficent.

"Are you sure?" Prue asked, her eyes carrying that wounded look.

Oh God! What if it's true? What if I have less than two weeks to live? Andy thought. Andy replied, "Listen, Prue, I've got a lot on my mind."

"You can tell me, Andy." Prue replied, "I read your letter and knew that you called it quits with Maleficent. I always knew you were stronger than that. I knew you wouldn't be a pawn for long…"

Pawn no. Cursed to die? Yes. Andy thought, taking a deep breath, savoring the feeling of drawing in air deeply…Because in thirteen days I won't feel a damn thing.

"Andy, what is it?" Prue asked, wrapping her arms around him, there was obvious pain in her eyes, "You know you can tell me anything…"

Andy returned the embrace, feeling Prue's body through the material of her clothing, saying, "Prue, it's more complicated than that." Andy replied, "I'm just not ready to say anything right now…"

Prue fixed him with a wounded but understanding expression, "Whenever you're ready to talk to me…"

As Prue walked back inside, Andy stared into the stars feeling like a true ass. The expression on Prue's face hid a lot of hurt. Whatever it is Andy, I hope you can tell me in time. Prue thought as she walked away. As he saw a star blink out, he felt a teardrop flow down his cheek

As she walked back into the hotel, she saw Godfrey standing by the staircase. "Are you alright?"

"Not really." Prue replied, and showed him Andy's letter.

"One thing's for certain." Godfrey replied, after he finished reading it, "He obviously does care about you. He was willing to die rather than let Maleficent continue to use him."

"Godfrey, I'm not questioning his devotion." Prue replied, "I'm just so upset that he's kept secrets from me…"

"I can tell he isn't working for Maleficent." Godfrey said, "Just by the fact that he'd saved me is evidence enough."

"But why did Maleficent let him go so easily? Not that I'm complaining…" Prue smiled sadly.

"He was no longer of use for her." Godfrey replied, "Then she sent the Heartless to finish him off. Which is when I stepped in, and the rescue operation became necessary."

"Thank you." Prue replied.

"I may not always see eye to eye with the man, but as a former police officer and now a soldier I can't leave an innocent man to the Heartless." Godfrey replied.

Prue hugged Godfrey, a friendly sort of hug, which Godfrey returned before she went about her business.

"What was that all about?" Doc said, as he walked into the room, with a smile on his face.

"She was thanking me for saving Andy…" Godfrey protested at the large black man's waggling eyebrows and index finger.

"I'll take your word for it." Doc said, slyly.

Just as Doc spoke, two British soldiers armed with rifles escorted an officer between them. Godfrey turned to face his superior and stood at attention. "Sir?"

Major Waverly said, "Doctor, kindly inform Kolopak that we need to borrow Mr. Godfrey for a while."

"Yes sir." Doc replied, his prior military background showing through. Without another word, Godfrey followed Waverly and his escorts back to the First District.

"So the Keyblade wielder has joined Kolopak's crew?" The Wicked Queen began, "This is not good…"

"We can crush them." Oogie Boogie declared.

"Arrogance could lose this war for us." The Wicked Queen replied, "Remember our drive into India was halted at Mayapore by the Charmed One and a handful of Indian Constabulary Service members."

"A minor setback." Oogie Boogie mentioned.

"Minor setback?" A bald man in black robes declared, "I'll have you know that General Wavell has launched a counteroffensive against our forces in Arakan, shortly after we failed at Mayapore."

"Yes," Oogie Boogie replied, "But your German and Italian allies are winning success in North Africa, aren't they Imhotep?"

"The British are starting to rally. And the Americans are starting to involve themselves in the war effort." Imhotep replied, "Plus the Australians at Tobruk are proving most difficult."

"Pfeh!" Jafar said, "The Japanese that aligned themselves with you, Imhotep, have done a credible job in China, Singapore, and the Philippines."

"As long as the Charmed One still breathes she is a threat." The Wicked Queen warned, "Especially now that the Keyblade wielder has joined with her."

"Whoa, stop the complaining…" Hades said, "With Andy thrown into the mix, Prue Halliwell is no threat."

"How can you be certain, Hades?" The Wicked Queen replied, "He has turned on Maleficent."

"But he dies in two weeks. She'll be in a weakened state by then." Hades said, mockingly, "In a state of mourning."

"Do not underestimate the power of the human heart, Hades." Maleficent said as she walked into the room.

"We've broken enough of them before." Hades replied.

"The Source of Evil on the Halliwell world has been unable to defeat the Charmed Ones." Maleficent said, "Keep that in mind. The Power of Three grows stronger. But the Source wants us to remain away. As it is we have enough problems, particularly another nation joining the Allies."

"The Russians have halted our advances as well at the gates of Moscow." Imhotep added.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Hades replied, "Can we please get back on topic? Thank you."

"Hades is right." Oogie Boogie replied, "Let Imhotep handle the Axis against the Allies, while we concentrate on more important matters."

"So the Keyblade wielder, with the Charmed One's help, and not to mention that pesky King's two loyal servants has just strengthened his hand." The Wicked Queen asked.

"As long as we keep the press on, we should be fine." Oogie Boogie countered.

"That's done a lot of good." Imhotep snapped sarcastically, "So far we've lost our mole…"

"Andy Trudeau has served his purpose." Hades countered.

"He could have provided us with more intelligence on Kolopak's plans, the Keyblade, and who knows what else." Imhotep replied, "Not to mention Kolopak has a member of the Allied Intelligence Bureau onboard. God knows the Japanese would want whatever intelligence Godfrey keeps passing his superiors. Not to mention the Germans and Italians."

"You forget your place, Imhotep." Maleficent began, "They are expendable. The Germans, the Italians, the Japanese…"

"Yes my liege." Imhotep said, anger blazing behind his dark eyes. He had spent months making alliances with the Germans, Italians, and Japanese. The alliance with Germany had been particularly difficult, until he hit on rearming the Great War decimated German forces before turning them against the Allies.

"What do you mean I can't tell my charge?" Nigel replied. It took every scrap of his English breeding to keep him from strangling Elder Gideon.

"Prue must endure the test. She must be strong…" Gideon replied.

"The hell she must!" Nigel exploded in a rare moment of passion, "You know Andy's death devastated her. And you're telling me I can't warn her?"

"Yes." Gideon said, "She is strong…"

"And you've done very bloody little for the Charmed Ones, after all they've given." Nigel snapped.

"I can see where Leo got his tendency to get close to his charges." Gideon said coolly, "There is nothing we can do to extend Andy's life."

"For the love of God, Gideon, can we not be reasonable. Prue needs to know that information." Nigel replied.

"And Andy needs to tell her." Gideon replied.

"What if he doesn't?" Nigel replied, "Prue will be vulnerable…"

"She must be strong enough to face the evil ahead of her." Gideon replied.

"Bloody hell! Then why even have me advise her?" Nigel snapped.

"You're already on thin ice, Nigel." Gideon replied, "You forget your charge, Anora…"

"Do not," Nigel replied coldly, "drag her into this."

"You felt for her Nigel." Gideon replied, "That much was obvious. And you wonder where a very impressionable Leo learned about falling in love with his charges."

If Nigel was affected by the Elder's knowledge of his affair with his charge, he was doing a credible job of not letting it show, even though every impulse screamed at him to beat Gideon to a bloody pulp.

"As I stated," Nigel said, "Do not drag her into this…"

"As I recall, you said that she inspired more feeling in you than…" That was as far as Gideon got before Nigel grabbed his throat and squeezed as hard as he could.

"I warned you…Clip my wings, send your bastard Damocles, I don't care." Nigel replied, "But it's only my charge's welfare that prevents me from killing you."

Nigel released his hold and Gideon gasped. He thought about clipping the Whitelighter's wings, or calling Damocles in, or any number of inventive punishments. Gideon made a note that the subject of the witch Anora the first to die fighting Ansem, was a sore point for Nigel.

"I'll see myself out." Nigel said, coldly, before orbing back to Traverse Town.

TBC

AN: I sort of invented the idea that some humans would side with the Heartless for various reasons. The inspiration came from playing all the Medal of Honor video games...