TWO
"That's quite a strong accusation," said Fate.
"I don't mean it as an accusation, sir," said El-A-Lese. "As I said I'm looking for clarification. I mean no disrespect and I will of course abide by your decisions. I'm just not clear on what exactly he's being punished for."
"As Belthazor he killed many witches," said Fate. "As well as many mortals. He gave no thought for the grief and suffering he created. His cruelty was legendary even in the underworld."
"I understand that. That's my point. Belthazor did it, not Cole Turner."
"Belthazor is Cole Turner," said Fate.
"Are they? Cole vanquished the Triad because of his love for Phoebe. He even risked his life many times to protect her and her sisters"
"I don't see the distinction," said Fate.
"The distinction is that Cole Turner did that, not Belthazor. In fact, when they vanquished Belthazor, Cole risked his life to protect the sisters. When he changed, Belthazor tried to kill them. If they were truly the same being wouldn't Belthazor have tried to protect them instead of trying to kill them?"
"Belthazor was a demon. Incapable of love."
"And yet Cole truly loves Phoebe. How can he love her one minute and be incapable of love at all the next?"
Fate looked at El-A-Lese for a moment. She had raised a valid question. If Belthazor had merely been another aspect of Cole Turner's personality as had always been maintained, changing from should have had no affect on his feelings.
"That is assuming he actually loves her," said Fate finally.
"I believe he does," said El-A-Lese. "His actions indicate that he does. He destroyed the Triad for her. He betrayed the Source and the underworld to save her. He even risked being consumed by the Hollow to protect her and her sisters from the Source. I believe these actions can only be interpreted as love."
"I cannot disagree with you there. But later he tried to kill her and her sisters. When he realized she would never come back to him. It's what led to her vanquishing him the second time."
"Yes, he did. But only after he had been possessed and controlled by the Source. And when he returned from the Wasteland he had absorbed a great deal of demonic magic. Enough to make him invincible. Can't that level of power being absorbed so quickly cause the recipient to become mentally unbalanced?"
"In point of fact, it can," said Fate.
"And you've never passed judgment on an individual who wasn't in their right mind. You've always told me that a beings' fate is based on the rational decision they make during their lives."
"That's correct."
"And a creature who is truly repentant has always weighed heavily in their favor."
"Also correct."
"It occurs to me," said El-A-Lese, "that once Belthazor was vanquished, Cole shouldn't have been held accountable for the demons' actions. He was no longer Cole Turner, half demon. He was Cole Turner, mortal. That's what I meant when I said Cole may be paying for sins that aren't his."
"You're saying that he wasn't the same after Belthazor was stripped from him?"
"Yes, sir. Before, he was a half demon mercenary. Afterwards he was just another innocent with no powers. And if Belthazor was vanquished, it is right to punish a mortal for the actions of a demon?"
"That's an interesting point. But even as Cole Turner and not Belthazor he performed many evil acts."
"Yes, sir. And I'm not saying those should be discounted. As any being he must be responsible for his own actions. But is it right that Cole be punished for the actions of Belthazor especially considering that Belthazor paid for those actions with his life?"
"I must say you present a very persuasive argument," said Fate. "It would seem that Cole Turner is a unique case that raises issues I had not considered before."
"If Cole really is repentant," said El-A-Lese, "and that repentance began before he was vanquished, shouldn't that augment any judgment you make? He lived only a very short time after turning good. Hardly long enough to begin atoning for his past evil deeds. But I should think his genuine desire to atone should count for something."
"Yes, it should," said Fate. "Assuming his repentance predates his death. And I must admit you raise some very interesting points. Perhaps I should revisit my judgment on him. I may have been a bit hasty."
"Thank you, sir," said El-A-Lese. "As I said his repentance seems genuine. If you had talked to him I'm sure you would have come to the same conclusion."
"I just might," said Fate. "In order to properly evaluate the situation it's necessary that I speak with him. To ascertain just how sincere he is."
"I'm sure you'll see the same thing I see."
"We shall find out. Come. Let us go see how repentant Cole Turner truly is."
Together the two faded from her apartment.
