SIXTEEN
Cole moved through the caverns of the underworld. It had been a very long time since he had been here but he still knew the pathways quite well. He knew precisely where he was heading. He suddenly came to a cavern that was flanked by two demons. He stepped up to them drawing himself to his full height.
"Belthazor?" Questioned one of the demons. "Welcome back, brother. It has been many years since I saw you last. I felt sure you had been vanquished."
"Hello, Baldasor," said Cole. "It's a long story. But I'm back now. And I need to speak to the Source. I have news that he'll want to hear."
"Wait here," said Baldasor. "I'll announce you. I'm sure he'll want to see you. He has often spoken about missing you and your efficiency."
Cole waited outside the chamber for several moments while Baldasor went inside. It took only a minute before Baldasor returned.
"He says to go right in," said Baldasor.
"Thanks," said Cole. "We'll have to catch up later. There's a lot I have to tell you. And you can catch me up on what's been going on in the underworld during my absence."
Baldasor just smiled as Cole entered the chamber. The source stood in the back of the chamber the hood to his robes drawn to hide his face. A face that had been maimed in his bid to take over the underworld.
"Belthazor," said the Source, walking over to Cole, "I thought you vanquished. It has been many years since anyone has heard from you."
"I've been in one of the humans internment camps for witches," said Cole. "I wasn't able to make my escape until now. But I have news that I'm sure you'll be interested in. News that may help us once again walk among humans undetected."
"How is that possible?" the Source asked. "Their technology can identify us on sight. Many demons have all ready been vanquished. How can we possibly walk among them undetected?"
"I need to see Tempus," said Cole. "If what I've learned is true then all that's going on is not supposed to be happening. It's supposed to be a very different timeline. If that's true, we may be able to put things back the way they're supposed to be."
"Interesting," said the Source. "And what makes you think the timeline has been altered?"
"I've met a young woman who claims to be the third Charmed One," said Cole.
"Charmed One?" hissed the Source. "Are you serious. Aren't you aware of the prophecies? The Charmed ones are our bane. The most powerful witches in history. Do you have any idea what they can do to the underworld?"
"Yes," said Cole. "But if I'm right, we should be able to change the way things are and still do away with the Charmed Ones. The best of both worlds, as the old saying goes. A world where humans have no knowledge of us and without the Charmed Ones to deal with."
The Source just smiled. It had been a long time since he had been able to send a demon to the mortal real without fear they would be discovered. And Belthazor had always been a resourceful and efficient subordinate. Quickly he moved to the opening to the cavern.
"Baldasor. Have Tempus come here immediately."
"As you wish, Source," said the demon, bowing slightly. He shimmered and was gone.
"Now," said the Source, "what is this plan of yours? One that will return us to our rightful place of power?"
"Leo," Phoebe called into the air. "Leo, we could really use your help right now."
Nothing happened. Phoebe waited patiently for the White Lighter to orb in but the girls remained alone in the cabin.
"Who's Leo?" Piper asked.
"A very good friend," said Phoebe. "Leo, I know you can hear me. We need you down her right now."
Prue and Piper just stared in amazement as Leo suddenly orbed into the cabin. He looked around furtively to make sure they were alone.
"A White Lighter?" Prue questioned. "Grams told me about White Lighters but I've never seen one before."
"Leo's our White Lighter," said Phoebe. "At least he used to be. If anyone can help us he can."
"Who are you?" Leo asked Phoebe. "How do you know me?"
"Because I'm one of your charges," said Phoebe. "Or I used to be. Everything has changed so much I can't be sure any longer. But you heard me so I must still be one of your charges. I believe you all ready know Prue and Piper."
"How does he know us?" Prue asked.
"He's been watching over us all of our lives," said Phoebe. "That's his job."
"I don't remember meeting you before," Leo said. "How could you know so much about me?"
"It's kind of a long story, brother-in-law," said Phoebe.
"Brother-in-law?" questioned Leo. "That doesn't make any sense. I'm not married. And I have no siblings."
"Yeah, well that's part of the story," said Phoebe. "Sit down. I have lot to fill you in on."
"It's dangerous," said Leo. "The satellite system in orbit can detect us at any moment. We can't stay in one place too long."
"Well, if our information is correct," said Piper, "we're safe here for a while. And if what Phoebe tells us is true, this may all be wrong, anyway."
"Phoebe?" questioned Leo. "Phoebe Halliwell?"
"That's me," said Phoebe.
"That's impossible," said Leo. "Phoebe Halliwell was stillborn."
"You mean mom really did have a third daughter?" Prue questioned.
"Yes," said Leo. "In November of 1975. But like I said, the baby was stillborn."
"Actually," said Phoebe, "that's what happened in this timeline. It's not what really happened."
"I don't understand," said Leo.
"Just have a seat and I'll explain it all to you," said Phoebe.
"That's incredible," said Leo when Phoebe had finished telling him the story. "Not to mention completely unbelievable. If what you've just told me is true then you must know it can't possibly be true. You can't change the past."
"Cole said we may not be able to change the past but it is possible to change someone else's future," said Phoebe. "I don't understand it all and I know we can't change the past. But something has happened to cause everything to change so much."
"I just can't accept that," said Leo. "There's no indication that things are supposed to be any different from the way they are."
"So you think I'm delusional?" Phoebe questioned.
"I don't know what to think," said Leo. "I only know you can't change the past. Whatever has happened to cause you to believe the past has changed I can assure you everything is exactly as it's supposed to be."
"Then how do you explain how I know so much about you?" Phoebe asked. "About the Elders and everything else?"
"I can't," said Leo. "But I do know the Elders would never allow a White Lighter and a witch to get married. Especially not one of his charges. It's just not possible."
"You might want to listen to her, White Lighter," said a voice from the front door of the cabin. "If only a part of what she's told you is true then things could be totally different from what we've all become used to."
They all turned to see Cole standing in the doorway.
"What are you doing here?" Prue demanded. "I thought you didn't want any more contact with us?"
"Situations changes," said Cole. Suddenly half a dozen demons shimmered into the cabin surrounding Leo and the girls. "And if Phoebe's telling the truth then it's in our best interest to try and figure out what happened and how to put things right again."
They all just looked at the demons expecting that they'd be fighting for their lives at any moment.