Disclaimer: I don't own Charmed.

Planning

"Dad, how are the boys?" Piper questioned immediately after her, Leo, and Paige arrived at Victor Bennet's apartment.

"Piper, Paige, you're OK. I was getting worried," he replied. "Where's Phoebe?"

"She'll be here soon. Where are my babies?" Piper asked again. She noticed Paige take a seat on the couch sulkily, no doubt upset about Cole.

"They're asleep in the bedroom. But, I couldn't find Wyatt for a while earlier. Chris had to orb him into the playpen. And speaking of Chris, why didn't you tell me he'd developed powers?"

"It didn't happen that long ago. Why was Wyatt was missing? Is he Ok?"

"He's fine now, though he can't orb; I had to pick him up from the pen when he started to cry about being trapped."

"Why wouldn't he be able to orb?"

"I bet Billie and Christy used him to access the Hollow and then stole his powers. He should have them back now, though, since the Hollow went back where it belongs," Paige said. "Where is the remote control? I want to look at the news. The manor had to have made it."

"I'm going to kill that girl," Piper announced.

"Over there by the lamp. Why would the manor be on TV?" said Victor in answer to Paige's question.

"Watch," Paige answered her sisters' father. She pushed the power button on the remote and went to the local news channel.

A reporter's voice boomed over the speaker, "... house on Prescott Street seems to have been hit by an explosion, from the inside. Very little remains. It is reported to be the home of Piper Halliwell and her family. So far, no bodies have been found. Investigators are unsure of the cause of the explosion or the whereabouts of the home's residents."

"We're gonna have a very hard time cleaning this one up."

"The manor blew up!" Victor exclaimed, facing his child.

Piper nodded, "I just wish that was the least of our problems. We still haven't completely defeated the Ultimate Power."

"Piper, Billie's alive, right? But didn't you say Christy was killed?"

"I assumed so. I never saw her, and Billie ran off. And with that blast, I don't know why Billie and I didn't die either."

"So, either no one found her body yet or Billie brought her back to life."

"Probably the latter, unfortunately," Piper glanced around. "Where are Phoebe and the others?"

"Where the heck are we?" Prue pulled away from Cole and looked around.

"A couple miles from the house; I used to pass these shops on my way to work," Phoebe said. Almost hesitantly she removed her hand from Cole's. She looked up at him. "What are we doing here?"

"It's been a long time since I blurred anywhere, especially with passengers. And your world isn't mine anymore. All of that takes more energy. But, since I only have a limited amount when I'm out of Limbo, I figured I'd better save it for the fight and for my fireballs." He gestured to the surrounding area. "We're not really in that space. We're in Limbo."

"I'm confused."

"I can blur to your dad's house, with both of you, without using any energy when on this plane. Once we're there, we can go back to the land of the living."

"Uh-huh," Phoebe nodded. "So, this is where you live... uh... or don't... live? This is where you stay?" Rephrasing her question, she tried not to sound concerned about his circumstances. But, it seemed like such a miserable existence. She noticed the difference now. There were people all around. She could see and hear them. They, however, didn't appear to notice the trio at all. Phoebe jumped, as someone walked through her. "Yeah, this is home sweet home." He didn't want to talk about it. "Give me your hands, so we can get moving."

Prue noticed the way Phoebe blushed as Cole grabbed onto her, but she didn't think either of them noticed. Oh, Pheebs, I guess you're not as over him as everyone thought. Cole was dead, though. There was no future there. As they left, Prue wondered why she and Phoebe were so unlucky in love. Andy had been killed a couple years before her. She'd never fully gotten over losing the love of her life when she'd been taken by Death, also. And, Phoebe, too, had lost her soul mate to evil. The only difference was that she could now be with Andy in the afterlife. Phoebe and Cole still had to be separated. Her sister couldn't have that same happiness.

"Hold up, Piper. You said you and Billie didn't die. What about Phoebe and Paige?" As usual with his daughter's magical lives, Victor was very confused.

"Uh, Victor, actually, Pheebs and I did die. But, Cole decided to come back to life and then bring us back, too."

"He's not alive, Paige. At least, I don't think he is."

"Why aren't you more upset about this, Piper? We all thought he was wiped from any type of existence, yet here he is, equipped with powers no less. You don't even seem surprised."

"Are you that shocked about his powers, Paige? Being just human never agreed with Cole."

"I guess. But, I am very shocked by your reaction. "

"I kind of had a run in with Cole last year, when I was in that coma. I knew he was trapped in a Limbo, though not that he could get out or about the Avatar thing."

"Limbo? Why didn't you ever tell us?"

"Old wounds," Piper said simply.

"Oh, of course. That's a lovely excuse."

"Wait. You're talking about Cole? Cole Turner?"

"Don't sound so happy, Victor."

"You!" Victor angrily whirled to face his baby girl's evil ex. But the fury drained as he saw who was standing next to Phoebe and Cole. "P...Prue?"

She smiled gently, "Hi, Dad."

Victor wrapped her in his arms. His eldest daughter, who'd been dead for 5 years, was standing in his living room. And she was corporeal, instead of in a ghost form, as he'd occasionally seen his deceased ex-wife and her mother. "I don't understand. I mean, I'm so happy to see you, but I don't know how I'm seeing you. I didn't think you were allowed."

"I wasn't going to let my little sisters die. So, I went to Cole and he brought me to the living plane. Then he used the powers I discovered he still had to bring Phoebe and Paige back to life. It doesn't matter if the Elders approve or not."

"And just why is Cole in Limbo instead of where he really belongs, anyway?"

"I'm too good for down there," Cole smirked at Paige.

"Right."

"No, it's true, Paige. The Elders thought he was too evil for 'up there' and the other side felt he was too good for 'down there'. Limbo for eternity was the compromise. Not to mention it tortures him to be able to see Phoebe, but not be with her. And both sides felt he should suffer a bit, since he betrayed each because of her."

"That's great. While I've been happy for years, thinking he was rotting, he was really just lonely."

"It's the worst punishment I could've gotten," Cole said, talking to Paige, but looking at Phoebe.

She avoided his gaze. Phoebe wasn't supposed to feel anything for him, no hate, no love, just nothing. That's what she'd told him the last time she'd seen him. But, she recognized the feeling in her heart when she'd heard his voice again and looked into his piercing blue eyes back at what was left of her home. It was the feeling she was supposed to feel for Coop, because it was Coop she loved now. She and the Cupid were going to talk about their relationship and feelings after this battle. They were going to get together and live happily ever after. I love Coop, Phoebe assured herself, these feelings for Cole are just remnants of the past. They mean nothing. He means nothing. And as soon as we beat Billie, he'll have to go back to Limbo. And, I'll never think about him again. She looked up, confident she'd sorted everything out. Cole was still looking at her. And her heart raced.

"Phoebe, are you listening?" Prue asked. "Piper just said the police didn't find Billie's sister. So, she must be alive. We have to figure out how to beat them, but without losing your lives this time."

Phoebe nodded. "Any ideas? Because absorbing the Hollow was our last choice, but it was the only one we felt would work."

"Is there any other place we can go?" Prue asked. "The police will probably come here looking for you guys."

"My loft. Though both Billie and Christy know that's where we'd go since the manor is gone."

"They know where I live, too," Paige added. "But, I think your place is better Pheebs. It's bigger, you know if we have to fight there."

"So, it's settled. Dad, Leo, you stay with the boys. You'll be safe here. I just added magical protection." She reached up to softly kiss Leo for the first time in months. Reluctantly pulling away, Piper turned to her sisters and Cole, smiling, despite the danger lurking, at seeing Prue with the others. "Let's go."

Paige grabbed onto all three of her sisters, not wanting to see them touch Cole again. He may have saved their lives and was helping them now, but Paige didn't forget the past very easily. Cole had tortured her, erased her from existence, tried to kill her and her sisters and she wasn't going to forgive him.

Cole shrugged and followed.

"Phoebe."

Coop's voice caused her jump in surprise. When Paige orbed them in, she had not expected him to be sitting on the sofa of her home.

"I know you said you didn't have time for me, but I really think we should talk. I want to help you beat this thing in any way I can."

"It's a little late for that, Buddy. We just came back to life and gained a few enforcements," Paige told the Cupid.

"You died? What do you me... who are you?"

"Oh, sorry. Coop this is my big sister Prue. She came down from 'up there' to help. Prue, this is Coop," Phoebe introduced the two.

"Nice to meet you, I guess."

"Likewise. But, like Paige said, we've got plenty enough help. I'm sure we can handle it. Besides, you're a Cupid right. I'm not sure how much you'd be able to do."

"Well, I know Phoebe's trained in martial arts and I've heard you were a pretty good fighter, too. But, maybe a man's strength will help."

"I think we can all fight just fine. And Billie and Christy aren't very strong physically, just magically," Piper told him offended.

"I wasn't trying to be rude, Piper. I'm sorry if it came out that way. But, I don't want anything to happen to Phoebe, or any of you. I know I can help with something."

"We don't need your help."

Coop looked up at the new voice and was surprised to see one of Phoebe's old flames. He looked to his love, questioningly. She turned away, so he focused his attention back on Cole. "Aren't you dead?"

"That was boring."

"Right," Coop said slowly. "Phoebe, can we talk, privately?"

"Sure," Phoebe readily agreed. Cole had blurred in right beside her. She'd had to look up at his tall form when he was speaking. She could see the tiny, barely visible scar on his neck that he'd gotten from saving her from a demon years before. She could swear she heard a heart beating loudly. He was dead, so it had to be hers. She needed to get away before he heard it, which she was sure would be any second. She needed to get near Coop again, cause the same effect from him. Phoebe grabbed onto his arm and pulled him into her bedroom, shutting the door behind them.

Paige turned to Cole and happily declared, "That was Coop. Phoebe's in love with him."

"Paige!" Piper reprimanded her. She knew Paige still hated Cole, but she didn't have to be so spiteful about it.

"What? I just want to make sure he realizes he doesn't have a chance with her."

Cole turned sad eyes on the door Phoebe and her new love had just gone through. "I know, Paige."

"Good."

"Which way's the kitchen?" Prue broke the tension.

Piper led the way.

"What going on?"

Phoebe looked into Coop's dark eyes, still willing herself to receive the same reaction from him that she'd gotten around her ex. "Prue called him to help us. He's going to leave right after."

"That's not what I'm talking about, Phoebe.

"Then, what?"

"Why were you looking at him like that?"

She stiffened. "Like, like what?"

"Like you loved him."

"Coop, that's ridiculous. It's you I love."

"I'm a Cupid, remember. I know that look."

She turned away from him and sat on her bed. "I can't believe what you're accusing me of. I haven't felt anything for Cole in years."

"Until tonight."

"No."

"I'm not mad at you. I just want you to be honest with me. It's Ok, Phoebe; it's not like we're actually together or anything."

"I told you a few weeks ago that I loved you. You said the same. We are together," Phoebe reminded him.

"Not officially. And maybe you just confused me with what I stand for." Coop didn't want to say that. He loved her more than anything. But, if she didn't feel the same, he couldn't be in a relationship with her.

"How could you think that?"

"Because I can read your heart. And I'm not in it."

Phoebe jumped up, "You can't use that stupid ring on me!"

He sadly shook his head. If he'd used it when she'd first confessed her feelings to him, maybe he could've avoided this pain. It was like nothing he'd ever felt before. But, Phoebe couldn't help who her heart loved. She hadn't even realized it until her sister had brought him back into her life. He almost wanted to blame Prue, but knew it wasn't really her fault, either. It was just Love. "Don't put that shield back up, Phoebe." He paused. "Tell him soon, OK?"

And Coop disappeared inside of a heart.

"I don't love him!" Phoebe said to her empty room. So, why did her soul cry out in disagreement to her words?

"Christy, you're alive! It worked!" Billie nearly tackled the other girl before holding her tightly.

"What happened? Did we kill the Charmed Ones?" Christy asked before returning the hug.

Billie pulled back, "Not Piper. And she's probably going to find a way to bring back Phoebe and Paige, like I brought you back."

"Then, we have to find her and finish the job. Hopefully, before she has a chance to save the others."

"I agree," Billie said, all previous hesitation at killing her old friends having vanished when they killed her sibling. "Do we get the Hollow again?"

"Yes, just in case the two dead ones are back by the time we locate Piper. If it was just her, we could handle it on our own, but with all three again, we can't take any chances."

"What if they're thinking the same thing?"

Christy shook her head. "They probably didn't want to use it in the first place. They won't absorb the Hollow again. They'll think of something else."

"Not that it will do any good. Right?"

"Of course not. They're no match for us without the Hollow."

"I was thinking about the Source vanquishing spell combined with Cole's firepower," Prue said as she sat next to Piper at the table. Paige was sitting across from them, having just gotten off the phone with her husband. Henry had been worried sick after watching the news. Cole leaned against the wall.

"We thought of that. But, they're just too strong."

"For all of us? I think it would work."

"If Cole can still fire attacks, then, I agree with Prue," Piper said. "It's the best option we have, since the Hollow clearly doesn't work."

"But, they're not expecting us to get the Hollow again. We'd have the element of surprise. So, if it's the five us with our power increased by it, against them, we'd win."

"Paige, the Hollow never should have been used in the first place. There's a reason it's locked up. Or didn't you learn that these last two instances?" Cole asked before he crossed his arms against his chest, glancing back at Phoebe's closed door.

"I'm the one who was against using it in the first place. But, now, I think it really could work. We didn't go crazy with it. We wouldn't die this time, not with you and Prue to help."

"You didn't lose it because you died. And I'm not going to absorb the Hollow."

"Don't be so bitter. Just because it put the Source inside of you last time is no reason not to help us now."

"If I thought it would help, I'd gladly accept its power again. But, it won't."

"You don't know that."

"Stop being naïve. How do you know the Ultimate Power isn't calling for it again themselves as we speak?"

"They wouldn't be that stupid."

"But you would?"

Paige glared at him. "Don't insult me. I just meant that they died last time, same as us, so, in their minds, it would be suicide to take in the Hollow once more. I think they'll attack without the enhancements."

"Christy must've been told about the Hollow by the Triad. But, I'm sure she doesn't realize they were just using her to get themselves back on top. So, she trusts what they said. She'll think it's the only way."

"Still, we should take it in, too. It will boost our chances."

Cole said, "The Hollow messes up judgment. It makes you just want power. They'll attack blindly. That's how you'll be able to vanquish them. By using your minds, something they will no longer have access, too. And, even if they don't use it, I still think the Source's spell is your best option.

"I hate you. Stop acting like such a know-it-all, big-shot-"

"Paige-"

"Why do you keep getting mad at me? He's the demon... Avatar. Whatever he is, it's not good. Knowing about him before me and Phoebe does not mean you should be all buddy-buddy with him."

Piper sighed. "I'm not mad at you, Paige, but we have to be quick. Cole's right. And so is Prue. We should use the same spell we said for the Source. And we should do it soon, in case they are trying to get the Hollow again."

"Fine! But he better be leaving right after."

"Why would I even want to stay? I can't wait for this to be over so I can go back to Limbo."

"So, you can pine over Phoebe from afar? Don't forget to watch her wedding with Coop."

Cole turned away from her. "Let's just get through this."

"Only if you promise not to come back to life."

"I don't want to! There's nothing for me here."

"What is happening in here?" Phoebe asked. She'd been having a hard time getting her mind and her heart to agree on not wanting Cole when she'd heard shouting. She'd come out of her room to investigate. Now in her dining area, she made sure to stay far away from the object of her internal debate.

Piper looked behind Phoebe, "Where's Coop?"

"He... left. But, what is going on?"

"Cole just agreed to leave us alone forever."

"No; I said I wouldn't come back to life. But I may haunt you, now, Paige."

She twisted around in her chair to face Piper. "Can you kill an already dead demon?"

"Since the demon's Cole, you'd vanquish his soul," Prue said. Paige turned to her.

"Would a standard potion work for that? Or do I need an Avatar one. Cause' that would take longer; I'm not sure it even can be made."

"Then you're out of luck, I guess." Cole took a seat.

"Oh, but I could always go back in time and grab one before they're all used up," Paige said.

"All that to destroy my soul?"

"Of course."

"And I'm the evil one?" Cole asked no one in particular.

"I'd just be repaying the favor. You try to kill me, I kill you."

"You already did that."

"Obviously not well enough."

"Paige, stop. This is getting ridiculous. Cole is trying to help. And don't forget he saved you earlier."

"Lighten up, Piper. I'm not really gonna vanquish his soul. I'm not that cruel. Though I have no qualms against going back in time and making sure his vanquish becomes a lot more painful."

"It was plenty painful enough," Cole said. An alternate version of Phoebe had thrown the potion. And he knew that her real self would've done the same given that chance.

"Can we get back on topic here?"

"As soon as someone tells me what that topic is, Prue."

"We're going to use the spell you guys used to defeat the Source. With four of us, it should work. And Cole's going to throw a few well-aimed fireballs to make sure."

"How can you be so positive? They're very powerful."

"More powerful than the Power of Four? Come on, Pheebs."

"Nothing's for sure. You might not want to be so over-confident. Being cocky is what got you killed."

Looking hard at Cole, Prue said, "And getting on my nerves is why I'm going to let Paige re-kill you. Trust me; I'm perfectly aware of how I died. You don't need to remind me."

"OK, so we should scry for them now," Piper said. The last thing they needed right now was another argument between the group. Teamwork was how the Ultimate Power would be defeated.

"Right. I'll go get my map and crystal."

"That won't be necessary," Christy said. She was standing in the doorway, holding her little sister's hand. Both looked ready to kill, they're black eyes cold.