THREE

"I don't understand," said Leo. "How can she be here? She died. She didn't move on?"

"No," said Death. "The Elders asked that I bring her here instead. I do not believe that even at that time they were aware of her role in the coming events."

"Death is right," said Thaddeus. "We only knew that she was going to be needed after her death. We weren't sure why until we discovered the imminent attack."

"Apparently," said Prue, "telekinetic ability can be used to hold the towers intact while people get out. But it has to be my power. Only the telekinetic power of a Charmed One is strong enough to hold up such massive structures."

"How is that possible?" Leo asked. "She should have lost her powers when she died."

"Normally that would be true," said Thaddeus. "But she was a Charmed One. Power of that kind can survive even death."

"And I took her power when I took her soul," said Death. "I occurred to me that if they needed a Charmed One she would need her power. So, for the time being, she has the power she had in life."

"Only it's greatly enhanced," said Prue. "Or at least that's what they tell me. Enhanced enough so that I can hold the towers together while they are evacuated."

"What good will that do?" Leo asked. "Not even Prue can hold the towers forever. Once they collapse they're still going to kill thousands."

"Not exactly," said Thaddeus. "You see we've determined that holding up the buildings is only a temporary measure. But she should be able to hold them together long enough for some of the major internal supports to give way. Once that happens the buildings should collapse in on themselves."

"They'll implode," said Leo. "That means they should collapse almost straight down."

"Precisely," said Thaddeus. "That should keep the deaths in the surrounding area to a minimum."

"What do you want me to do?" Leo asked.

"We want you to orb Prue into the building," said Thaddeus. "It would take her much to long to get there on her own. And you can orb in to the exact spot she needs to be to encompass both towers at the same time. Again, it would take her much too long to locate that location on her own."

"I don't understand," said Leo. "I don't where that would be. I really don't know anything about building construction."

"We've all ready ascertained that," said Thaddeus. "You will need to be at the north corner of the center floor of the first tower. That should be the optimal position for her to extend her telekinetic power over both buildings."

"Okay," said Leo. "It should be easy to orb there."

"Now Prue," said Thaddeus, "you understand you have to use your power differently from how you normally used to use it?"

"Yes, I understand," said Prue. "I have to draw the building toward me but not so much that I pull it apart. You're sure I can do this?"

"Absolutely," said Thaddeus. "In fact, you're the only one who can. It won't be easy. But you have the power to do it. You must keep the towers intact as long as possible."

"I'll do what I can," said Prue.

"I'm sure you will," said Thaddeus. "Now, Leo. Once you take Prue to the towers that part of the job will be done. After that you can help assist people to get out of the towers."

"But I thought we were here to take souls?" questioned Leo.

"Partially," said Thaddeus. "But you can also help those get out who can get out. There will be a great deal of panic and confusion. You can help guide them to the exits."

"Isn't that interfering with free will or destiny or something?" Leo asked.

"Not at all," interjected Death. "Not all of them are on my list. But many may be mortally injured because of the confusion. You are supposed to be a guide. You will simply be guiding the mortals out of the buildings."

"Literally," said Leo.

"Okay," said Thaddeus. "We have to wait until the first plane hits the tower. Leo will have to orb Prue in just seconds after that and she will have to use her power immediately."

"How long will it last?" Prue asked.

"That's hard to say," said Thaddeus. "It is impossible to determine how badly the buildings will be damaged or how much of your power you will have to use to contain them. We also cannot determine how long you will be able to maintain the power. You just need to do the best you can. That's all anyone is asking."

"How long before we have to go?" Leo asked.

"Only a few moments," said Death. "I must go coordinate the retrieval with the White Lighters."

Prue and Leo waited patiently as Death went to make his arrangements. They both knew that in a few moments their actions would decide the life or death of thousands of people.