Charmed: The Faith Chronicles

by Brenna's Urbangirl Projects

Faith Lehane was born in Boston to a drunken mother and absentee father, or so she had believed for 17 years. Then she was called as the Slayer and things took a turn for the worse when she accidentally killed the Deputy Mayor. The Watcher's Council learns of the death and tries to return her to England. She manages to escape and in so doing finds out that she had been adopted

37. Chapter 36: We're Off to See the Wizard

Chapter 36: We're Off to See the Wizard

March 18, 2002 – Monday

Coronation Chamber, Underworld

"The elite guard will take their places along the aisle," The Dark Priest explained with a sinister excitement evident in his tone, casting a knowing glance over the dimly lit coronation chamber. Shadows clung to the walls like silent witnesses to the impending ritual. Cole, guided by the macabre conductor of this mysterious symphony, observed the unfolding preparations for the arcane ceremony that loomed on the horizon. The air was heavy with anticipation, charged with the ancient energy that surrounded the impending coronation.

"Then precisely at midnight, we'll begin the ritualistic chant, and then you will be escorted in for the ceremony," the Dark Priest continued, his words echoing through the chamber like a dark prophecy. The weight of the impending ritual pressed on Cole's shoulders, the gravity of the moment sinking in as he absorbed the details of the ominous plan.

Cole followed the Dark Priest, their footsteps echoing in the eerie silence as they approached the resting place of the Grimoire. "It's been a while, hasn't it?" Cole asked, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. The air around them seemed to thicken, as if the ancient knowledge within the Grimoire responded to Cole's inquiry.

The Dark Priest looked up at him, a wicked smirk playing on his lips. "Five hundred years, give or take a decade," he replied, his eyes glinting with the weight of centuries. He delicately turned the aged pages of the sacred book, each one creaking with the echo of forgotten incantations. "Ah, here it is: the oath." His gaze lifted to meet Cole's, a piercing intensity locking them in a shared understanding. "Upon completion of the oath, you will be given the full powers of the underworld."

Cole's gaze lowered to the ancient text, his eyebrows slightly raised as he contemplated the gravity of his impending destiny. "Will I feel different? After?" he inquired, a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty coloring his words.

"Perhaps," the Dark Priest replied cryptically, his eyes holding secrets untold. "Those who came before you described a feeling of being...complete."

Cole absorbed the weight of that answer, a sense of destiny unfolding before him. "Have any of them been half human?" he questioned, a hint of vulnerability underlying his query, a flicker of concern about the merging of his humanity with the impending darkness.

The Dark Priest regarded Cole with a hardened expression as if sizing up the weight of responsibility now thrust upon the unsuspecting shoulders of the half-human initiate. "No, this is a first. Now it's time for you to begin your preparations," he declared, his voice carrying the weight of centuries-old rituals and dark secrets. The air seemed to thicken with an unspoken tension, as if the very walls of the chamber were privy to the unprecedented nature of the impending ceremony.

"I have a Chosen Heir," Cole interjected, a note of urgency in his voice. The Dark Priest's gaze lingered on Cole; the intensity of his stare unwavering.

"They will have to be here when you are coronated," the Dark Priest declared, abruptly shifting the focus to the crucial details of the coming ritual. "Or they will not receive their powers bestowed upon them as your heir." The ominous decree hung in the air, underscoring the consequences of the ancient pact binding Cole to the underworld. Sensing the need for expeditious action, the Dark Priest redirected the proceedings. "Your guards will show you to the vestibule."

Cole turned to the guards, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. "This way," the lead guard instructed, bowing his head in a gesture of respect. Cole, a reluctant heir to a dark legacy, followed them out, the echoes of the Dark Priest's words lingering in the air like a haunting melody.

In the hidden alcove of the cavern, an old, small man clad in a large coat crouched in the shadows, his eyes sharp despite the passage of time. As the guards escorted Cole past, the man observed in silence, a knowing glint in his eyes. Suddenly, he banged his tall staff down on the ground twice, a clandestine signal that resonated with arcane energy. His eyes remained closed as if channeling ancient forces, and to the casual observer, nothing seemed to change.

Yet, in the blink of an eye, an exact copy of the guard who had addressed Cole materialized next to the small man. The unexpected doppelganger stood at attention, an enigmatic embodiment of mystical duplicity.

The small man turned to his newly conjured replica, eyes piercing with intent. "Arrest me," he ordered, a command layered with implications that transcended the boundaries of the cavern and reached into the mysterious currents of fate.

"What's going on?" The Dark Priest demanded, his voice slicing through the tension in the air as the guard forcefully dragged the intruder into the hallowed coronation chamber.

"I found him outside," the guard answered, his demeanor stoic, as if unyielding to the clandestine currents weaving within the chamber's ancient walls.

The Dark Priest approached slowly, his eyes narrowing in scrutiny, and a smirk crept onto his face. "A wizard," he declared with feigned disinterest, though a glint of curiosity sparked in his cold gaze. "Well, well. Aren't you supposed to be extinct?" he sneered, reveling in the audacity of the intruder who dared to breach the sacred grounds.

The Wizard, undeterred by the Dark Priest's disdain, nonchalantly shrugged. "One of us is alive and well."

The Dark Priest's smirk deepened, a malicious amusement dancing in his eyes. "Not for long," he threatened, the air thick with the promise of impending doom. "Did you really think you could stop the coronation, all by yourself, Wizard?" The Dark Priest's words oozed with condescension, mocking the very idea that a lone sorcerer could challenge the dark forces converging within the chamber.

"I didn't come for the coronation," the Wizard retorted defiantly, a glimmer of something more profound gleaming in his eyes. "I came for the revenge."

The Dark Priest chuckled to himself, a sinister melody resonating in the air, confident in the unfolding chaos. The Wizard, undeterred, smirked with a cunning glint in his eyes before swiftly slamming the bottom of his staff into the Dark Priest's groin. A pained groan escaped the Dark Priest as he crumbled to the floor, momentarily incapacitated by the unexpected strike.

The Dark Priest, seething with both pain and fury, growled, his eyes ablaze with a malevolent intensity. With a swift motion, he threw out his arm, sending the Wizard hurtling into the podium that held the sacred Grimoire. "What's the matter with you?" he demanded, his gaze piercing as he turned to the guard. "Stop him!" The Dark Priest's command echoed through the chamber, but the guard remained eerily still, frozen in place.

Frustration etched the Dark Priest's features as he shifted his attention back to the Wizard, who, undeterred, lunged for the Grimoire. In a calculated move, the Dark Priest swiftly moved the ancient tome out of the Wizard's reach. The Wizard, sneering in defiance, clambered to his feet, determined to seize the coveted artifact. Yet, his attempt was thwarted by the sudden intervention of the guard—or so it seemed.

The Dark Priest, now on his feet, eyes flickering between the two identical men, growled, "It's an illusion." The revelation hung in the air, unraveling the mysterious tapestry of deceit that had woven itself around the chamber.

The Wizard, realizing the ruse, grabbed his staff and, with a taunting sneer, disappeared from sight, leaving behind the lingering echoes of his laughter. Simultaneously, the guard, too, revealed itself to be an illusion—a mere copy of the true sentinels.

As the chamber settled into an eerie silence, Cole burst into the scene, his eyes ablaze with anger and confusion. "What the hell is going on?" he demanded fiercely, his gaze darting between the recovering Dark Priest and the now-empty space where the Wizard and illusory guard once stood. The air crackled with unresolved tension, and the Grimoire, temporarily spared from the clutches of the interloper, stood as a silent witness to the unfolding drama within the sacred confines of the coronation chamber.

The Towers

"Cole's a demon again. That is what's going on," Paige stated firmly as she and Piper ascended in the elevator, the metal box carrying them toward a tense reunion with Phoebe, Buffy, and Faith in the apartment above.

Piper, feeling the weight of the revelation, sighed in aggravation. "Do you wanna lose us a sister?" she demanded; her voice edged with urgency. "Because that's exactly what's gonna happen if you blurt it out like that. Besides, we only know that Cole is dealing with demons, not that he is a demon," she asserted forcefully, giving her sister a warning look that carried the gravity of their delicate situation.

"If he looks like a demon and walks like a demon…" Paige began.

"That's ducks, that's not Phoebe's husband," Piper interrupted, her tone unwavering. "The love of her life, her best friend…"

"Alright, I get your point, woman," Paige conceded, realizing the necessity of approaching the situation with caution.

"Look, this isn't gonna be easy for her to hear, especially since she's happier than she's ever been," Piper stated solemnly as the elevator doors slid open, revealing a less than happy-looking Phoebe standing by the window. Flanking her were Buffy and Faith, holding Phoebe's hands in a show of support, their expressions betraying a mix of concern and solidarity.

"Or not," Paige countered, her tone laced with a hint of defiance, as they slowly walked towards Phoebe. The air in the room seemed to ripple with unspoken tension, each step echoing the weight of the impending revelation.

Phoebe, Faith, and Buffy turned from the window at the sound of Paige's voice, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. "Hi, come on in," Phoebe instructed, her attempt at a welcoming smile belying the shadows that danced in her eyes. As she released Buffy and Faith's hands, she beckoned Piper and Paige over to the table, where the air seemed charged with unspoken truths.

"Phoebe, what's the matter?" Piper asked with genuine concern as they reached the table. "You look—"

"Terrible?" Buffy cut in, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Yeah, she hasn't slept in a couple of days."

Piper's brow furrowed in worry. "Why? What's the matter?" she pressed, sensing that something deeper than fatigue was at play.

Phoebe drew in a deep breath, her eyes locking with her sisters'. She knew that the inevitable moment had arrived, and the words she was about to speak would change the dynamic of the room. "Um...you guys should probably sit down," she directed at her sisters, a subtle urgency underscoring her words.

Paige glanced at Piper and then shifted her gaze back to Phoebe, Buffy, and Faith. "That's funny, we were just coming to ask you to do the same." The room hung on the edge of anticipation, the unspoken tension thickening as the Phoebe, Buffy and Faith faced Piper and Paige, a delicate balance of secrets and revelations.

Piper, sensing the precariousness of the situation, smacked Paige's leg pointedly, a silent warning. Paige, in response, repressed another eye roll, recognizing the need for subtlety in the upcoming exchange. With a resigned sigh, the two sisters took their seats, the atmosphere in the room crackling with the weight of the impending revelation.

Phoebe, visibly conflicted, let her eyes wander until they found a safe spot on the table, an anchor in the sea of uncertainty. "Okay, so, what I'm about to tell you is really big. We're talkin' huge," she prefaced, her voice carrying a mix of trepidation and determination. She reached for Buffy and Faith's hands again, seeking support in the solidarity of touch.

Paige's face lit up with a knowing grin, and she cast a pointed look at Piper. "See, she does know."

"What does Aunt Phoebe know?" Faith demanded, her tone edged with a hint of anger, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Paige expectantly. Paige's eyes widened in alarm, realizing she might have inadvertently unveiled a piece of the puzzle.

"Uh… um, Phoebe, you tell us," Piper interjected, her voice calm but carrying a subtle undercurrent of curiosity.

Phoebe nodded, a mixture of nervousness and determination evident in her gaze as she looked from sister to sister. Piper, her head tilted to the side inquisitively, and Paige, with wide, expectant brown orbs, awaited the revelation that hung in the air like an unspoken secret. The room seemed to hold its breath, the tension building with each passing moment.

Buffy and Faith, sensing Phoebe's apprehension, squeezed her hands in reassuring support, their silent encouragement grounding her in the midst of the impending revelation.

Phoebe sighed, her lips slightly trembling as she licked them in a subconscious effort to steady herself. With a deep breath, she announced the news that would alter the course of their lives, "I'm pregnant."

Piper, caught off guard, jumped in her seat. "You're what?" The shock and concern in her voice were palpable, her inward cringe betraying the tumult of emotions beneath her composed exterior.

"Oh my god!" Paige cried, her face contorting into a picture of horror and disgust. Her eyes widened, reflecting the unexpected bombshell. "From Cole?" she gasped, and suddenly, all eyes turned to her, the unspoken question lingering heavily in the air.

Buffy and Faith, their protective instincts kicking in, glared at Paige, their eyes momentarily darkening with a mixture of indignation and warning.

Coronation Chamber, Underworld

Cole stood tall in the Coronation chamber, the ethereal glow of the dim lights casting an ominous shadow over his determined silhouette. Sword in hand, he swung with precision, the blade slicing through the air as it aimed for the head of the impersonated guard. The metallic clash resonated through the chamber, a chilling echo of the confrontation unfolding in the sacred space. The guard's severed head tumbled to the floor, a macabre testament to the consequences of deception.

With unwavering purpose, Cole stormed over to the remaining guard, his presence an imposing force in the confined chamber. He invaded the impersonator's personal space, his eyes ablaze with a fierce intensity that pierced through the illusion. The air crackled with tension as Cole ordered, "Find the wizard or you're next." His voice, a low and menacing growl, carried the weight of impending retribution, each word a promise of swift justice.

The guard, now exposed and vulnerable, felt the oppressive weight of Cole's threat. He swallowed hard, the reality of his perilous situation sinking in. Cole, slamming the sword to the ground with a force that reverberated through the stone floor, watched as the blade embedded itself perfectly, a silent proclamation of his authority. The tip of the sword balanced precariously, mirroring the delicate equilibrium of power in the chamber.

The Towers

"I don't even understand how this could've happened," Phoebe stated with a mix of frustration and disbelief, her pacing back and forth creating a rhythmic dance of anxiety in the room. "We were being so careful. It's just… it's the last thing I expected right now."

Faith, standing nearby and rubbing her own pregnant belly, whispered to her aunt, "It always is," a wise acknowledgment of life's unpredictable twists and turns.

"Just wait," Paige commented nonchalantly from her seat, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Piper shot her a glare, but Buffy and Faith were too occupied tending to Phoebe to hear the remark. Phoebe, lost in the whirlwind of her own thoughts, remained oblivious to Paige's sly commentary.

Paige responded to Piper's glare by raising her shoulders innocently and widening her eyes, mouthing "what" in a silent exchange with her eldest sister.

"Does Cole know?" Piper questioned as Phoebe released Buffy and Faith's hands, her pacing intensifying.

"No, not yet," Phoebe answered honestly, her voice carrying the weight of uncertainty. "I should've told him, I know, but I didn't know how to. Besides, I don't want him to think that I'm not happy about it."

"Are you?" Piper questioned seriously, meeting her younger sister's gaze, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and support.

Phoebe pursed her lips in thought, a swirl of conflicting emotions evident in her eyes. She replied slowly, "I don't know," as she eased herself down into the seat next to Piper. "I mean, part of me is, obviously." Phoebe attempted to articulate the complex tapestry of her feelings, her own emotions not making complete sense to her. "I love Cole. But then there's another part of me that's scared to death. I mean, there are so many changes, and it's all happening so fast." She drew in a deep breath, her uncertainty palpable. "I'm not sure I'm ready for this."

Piper leaned forward in her seat, a gesture of empathy and understanding as she addressed her sister. "Oh honey, you should have told us when you found out, and then you wouldn't have to go through it alone."

"That's what we told Phoebe the last couple of days," Buffy added, placing a comforting hand on Phoebe's shoulder. Phoebe's hand reached up to Buffy's, their connection a source of solace in the midst of uncertainty. With her free hand, Buffy rubbed soothing circles on Phoebe's back, a silent reassurance that echoed through the room.

"I know. But I wasn't sure… how you'd feel about it," Phoebe whispered timidly, her gaze shifting to Piper, who frowned in genuine confusion.

"Me? Why?" Piper questioned; her surprise evident.

"Because… I know how hard you and Leo have been trying," Phoebe answered slowly, her gaze locked with Piper's, a shared vulnerability in her eyes. "And yeah, you dealt with Faith's pregnancy great. I mean, you're just as excited as any of us, but now…"

Piper sighed, her eyes briefly flickering away, contemplating the weight of Phoebe's words. "Honey, this doesn't have anything to do with me. It has everything to do with you, and I'm thrilled to become an aunt," she reassured with a warm smile. "I can't wait to meet my niece, and now I'm gonna have two and have a great-niece to boot! Don't worry about me," she asserted, shaking her head to emphasize her point.

Phoebe smiled at her sister, visibly relaxing under the reassurance. The room breathed a collective sigh of relief, the unspoken fears beginning to dissipate.

"So, when are you gonna tell Cole?" Paige piped up from the other side of the table, her arms folded across her chest, her pouting expression making her look like a sulking little kid attempting a fake smile.

"I don't know," Phoebe exclaimed tiredly. "He's got so much on his plate right now, you know, with starting his new job and everything."

"Including helping us get the nursery ready for Prudence," Faith added, injecting a touch of levity into the conversation.

"You're gonna have a lot on your plate too," Paige chimed in, her voice carrying a hint of cryptic warning. "More than you realize."

Piper's eyes widened, sensing the tension her youngest sister was subtly sending Phoebe's way. Quickly intervening, she tried to pacify the situation. "Yeah, like how many hours he's gonna be working and that he's not gonna be home a lot," Piper offered, her attempt to steer the conversation away from Paige's enigmatic statement.

"That's not what I was talking about, Piper," Paige insisted, her eyes fixed on Phoebe, the weight of an unspoken truth lingering in the air. Piper dropped her head to the table momentarily.

"What do you mean, Paige?" Phoebe questioned calmly, her eyes narrowing in curiosity and concern.

"It can wait," Piper answered instead, shooting Paige a warning glance. The humming of the elevator intensified, its arrival signaling an impending interruption.

"Oh my god, that's Cole," Phoebe gasped, her eyes widening in panic as she rose to her feet. "He can't know I told you before I told him," she panicked, urgency in her movements as she pulled Piper to her feet.

"I thought Cole had a 'no orbing' policy?" Paige asked, seizing the opportunity to stall, her eyes darting between Buffy and Piper.

Buffy shook her head, offering a clarification, "No, he doesn't want you orbing in. He doesn't mind you orbing out."

"Now," Piper ordered, her tone conveying a sense of urgency. With a swift motion, she yanked Paige's hand, and in a whirl of sparkling orbs, they vanished just as the elevator doors slid open, leaving behind a sense of anticipation and unspoken questions.

"Uhm, I'm going to go over to the paper," Buffy announced, breaking the momentary silence. "Get some work done in preparation for next weekend's column."

Phoebe nodded in thanks, her attention focused on the approaching figure of Cole as he walked out of the elevator. The air was thick with unspoken tension, the impending revelation hanging like a cloud over the room.

"Come on, Faith, you can keep me company," Buffy invited, her voice carrying a touch of playfulness as she dragged her wife past Cole. "Hey, Cole."

"Faith, Buffy," Cole greeted them with a nod and a polite smile, acknowledging their presence as Buffy hit the button for the elevator. He turned to Phoebe, who was smiling a little too widely at him.

"I thought you were at work," Phoebe stated, her words carrying a hint of innocence that heightened Cole's suspicions.

"I thought you were in bed," Cole retorted, his tone laced with a mix of concern and curiosity. "Are you feeling better?"

"Much," Phoebe answered, playing with her hands nervously. "Thanks." The couple stood in an awkward silence, the unspoken tension hanging in the air like a veil of uncertainty. Sensing the need to break the uneasy standoff, Phoebe decided to make her great escape. "Well, I gotta go, baby," she informed him, walking around to retrieve her bag. "You know, deadlines."

"But I got you something to eat," Cole lifted the hand holding the packaged food, his gesture an attempt to bridge the gap between them.

"Sorry," Phoebe apologized with a small smile, her eyes avoiding his. "I'll call you later." With her laptop bag in hand, she rushed toward the elevator, the anticipation of the conversation she was avoiding palpable in the air.

"Buffy, Faith, wait, I think I'll head in with you," Phoebe called out to the departing couple, her voice carrying a sense of urgency.

Cole frowned, utterly perplexed by his wife's behavior, his steps trailing behind her. "Phoebe, what's wrong?" he inquired, his concern etched across his face.

"Why?" Phoebe asked instantly, turning to face him with a large, forced smile. "What makes you think there's something wrong?" Her attempt to deflect seemed strained, the facade of cheerfulness not quite reaching her eyes.

Cole's eyes widened, and his eyebrows rose as he stated, "Because every time you lie, I can see your wisdom teeth." His words hung in the air, a mixture of humor and concern lacing his tone.

Phoebe chuckled nervously, her fingers idly playing with the strap of her laptop bag as she slowly wiped the smile from her face. "We'll talk tonight," she offered, turning her attention back to Buffy, Faith, and the elevator. The unspoken promise of a conversation later lingered between them like a silent agreement.

"Phoebe," Cole called out seriously, determined to address the underlying tension.

"Please, Cole, not now," Phoebe begged, her eyes pleading for understanding as the elevator doors opened.

"Well, I'm worried," Cole informed her as she, Buffy, and Faith slid inside the elevator, his concern etched across his face.

"Well, don't be," Phoebe shrugged, her movements urgent as she pressed the elevator button, willing the doors to close and create a barrier between them.

"Well, I am, damn it! What's the matter?" Cole snapped, his frustration mounting, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that demanded answers.

Phoebe sighed, feeling the weight of his gaze bearing down on her. As the elevator doors hesitated, she knew she couldn't delay the revelation any longer. "I'm pregnant," she announced, her words hanging in the air as she hit the button again, a mix of anticipation and anxiety written across her face.

"You're what?" Cole said, his eyes bulging with surprise as the doors began slipping closed.

"We'll talk later," Phoebe assured him, her wide smile returning as the doors closed, leaving a speechless Cole in their wake.

He turned slowly, a mixture of shock and delight playing on his features. "I'm gonna be a daddy," he gushed, a light laugh escaping his lips. The joyous realization settled over him, and he fell momentarily silent, absorbing the profound news that would reshape their lives.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

"Wow, Aunt Phoebe," Faith remarked, her voice carrying a mix of surprise and amusement as they rode the elevator down. The news of Phoebe's pregnancy lingered in the confined space, creating an atmosphere of shared excitement and curiosity.

"I have to agree, Phoebe," Buffy chimed in, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "That was an interesting way to tell him."

Halliwell Manor

Piper and Paige were situated in the living room. Piper paced back and forth in front of Paige, who stood on the other side of the coffee table, arms folded and shaking her head. The tension in the room was palpable, a storm of emotions swirling between the two sisters.

"Leo!" Piper yelled again sharply, her voice cutting through the air, and orbs filled the space in response.

"What, is the emergency?" Leo demanded, appearing in a shimmer of lights, arms held out expectantly.

Piper stared at her husband with serious eyes, her frustration evident. "Phoebe… is pregnant."

"What?" Leo uttered with wide eyes, his tone quickly shifting to one of excitement. "Really?"

"Yeah, and I think that she deserves to know she's carrying a demon-child, don't you?" Paige declared tersely, her words loaded with concern and a touch of accusation.

"You don't know if Cole is a demon," Piper countered, her voice tinged with skepticism as she faced Paige.

"You don't know he's not," Paige replied, her gaze unwavering, the weight of her concern evident.

"Well, okay, we'll do some more digging," Piper suggested, a hint of frustration in her tone. "And, and we'll find some solid proof. We can't just drop this bombshell without concrete evidence."

Paige shook her head, her determination unyielding. "No, I think she deserves to know it now, Piper. We can't risk waiting for the perfect moment when it might be too late."

Piper sighed, torn between protecting her sister and facing the harsh reality. "She doesn't need the stress, Paige. We have to be sure before we tell her something this serious."

"Even if she, along with Faith and Buffy, are in danger?" Paige questioned; her eyebrows arched challengingly. The gravity of the situation hung in the air, the urgency to act conflicting with the desire to shield Phoebe from unnecessary stress.

"Cole would never hurt her," Piper insisted with conviction. "He couldn't even hurt her when he was a demon."

Paige held up one finger, her skepticism undeterred. "Are you willing to bet her life on it?"

Leo, observing the heated exchange, decided to interject. "Okay, do you want my advice or don't you?" He attempted to steer the conversation toward a more constructive path.

"Depends on whose side you're on," Paige stated, her suspicion evident as she narrowed her eyes. "And if you take hers, it better not be because you're sleeping with her."

Piper smirked, finding amusement in her sister's pointed remark, folding her arms and running her eyes over her husband's frame.

"Help!" the Wizard cried out, his sudden appearance in their foyer drawing everyone's attention. He came to a stop at the foot of the stairs, his urgency evident.

Piper, Leo, and Paige whipped around to face the Wizard, their faces contorting into similar expressions of surprise.

"Please, you got to help me," the Wizard begged, his desperation evident in his voice.

"Help you?" Piper frowned. "Who the hell are you?" she demanded as the guard, ordered to take care of him, shimmered into the room. The Wizard cried out as the guard hurled an energy ball his way, the room lighting up as it hit him, and he disappeared.

Piper threw up her hands and flicked her wrists, blowing their second intruder up. "What—what an idiot!" she cried, dropping her hands to her sides. "Doesn't every demon know by now whose house this is?"

"Not every demon," the Wizard piped up from his place in the conservatory room, lounging casually on the seat. "Fortunately for me."

"But he just vanquished you," Paige stated, frowning in confusion as they turned to him.

"No, not me," the Wizard chuckled. "An illusion. One of my little tricks." He smiled, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes. "Comes in handy: saving my life and whatnot."

"You're a wizard?" Leo asked, his skepticism evident as he tried to make sense of the magical intricacies.

The Wizard smiled, embracing the term. "In the flesh. For lack of a better term."

"Wait a minute, you just tricked us into vanquishing one of your enemies," Piper said, her frustration evident. The realization of being manipulated fueled her irritation.

"My enemies are your enemies," the Wizard countered, his tone matter-of-fact. The shared challenges of the magical realm had momentarily aligned their interests.

"Says you," Paige quipped, her skepticism lingering as she turned to look at her brother-in-law. "Leo, friend or foe?"

"I don't know," Leo replied guardedly, his uncertainty apparent. "I've never met a wizard before, only heard about 'em."

"Please, give me a little credit," the Wizard said, moving into the living room. The air crackled with a mix of tension and curiosity as the Halliwell family cautiously observed their enigmatic guest.

Piper quickly followed him one way, while Leo and Paige went the other, effectively surrounding him. The strategic positioning spoke volumes about the family's wariness, a silent agreement to approach the situation with caution.

"Why would I seek out the Charmed Ones if I were evil?" the Wizard pointed out smartly, addressing the unspoken question hanging in the air. His words invited them to consider the logic behind his presence.

"Okay, look." Piper held up one hand, her authority palpable. "You need to stand still, or you're gonna go poof like your friend in there," she threatened seriously.

The Wizard chuckled, pointing to her. "You're the touchy one. I've heard about you. Peeper?"

Piper gasped, clearly affronted by the Wizard's rude indifference. "Piper."

"Whatever," the Wizard dismissed with a casual wave, strolling nonchalantly toward the fireplace as if the conversation were a mere inconvenience.

"What do you want?" Leo asked, his tone demanding answers as he tried to navigate the Wizard's cryptic demeanor.

"Revenge," the Wizard replied with startling honesty, his eyes fixed on his reflection in the mirror above the fireplace. The weight of centuries-old pain and bitterness lingered in his gaze. "On the Source for slaughtering my kind centuries ago." He turned back to the sisters, his expression serious. "And for that, I'll need your help."

"Well, maybe you haven't heard," Piper spoke up, her skepticism cutting through the room. "There's a new Source. The old one is dead."

"Yeah, we already kicked his sorry ass," Paige chimed in with a grin, a sense of triumph evident in her voice as she recalled their recent victory against the previous Source of All Evil.

He didn't die," the Wizard informed them with an air of frustration. "He was reborn into a new sorry ass." He froze, realizing the unintended double entendre in his words. "Wait, that didn't come out right."

"Are you kidding me!" Piper cried, her voice a mixture of disbelief and frustration. "After everything that we went through, he found an escape hatch?"

The Wizard snapped his fingers, and a whole chicken on a platter appeared. He grinned mischievously as he ripped off a leg, savoring the taste with unapologetic relish. "Our only chance to stop him will be tonight," he informed them through a mouthful of food. "Before he receives his full powers at the coronation."

"Tonight?" Paige echoed, panic rising in her voice. "How do we do such a big job on such short notice?"

"We'll steal the Grimoire," the Wizard answered, chewing loudly, his casual demeanor at odds with the urgency of the situation.

"Oh!" Paige nodded in understanding, then turned to Leo. "What's that?"

"Evil Book of Shadows," Leo answered easily, providing a succinct description of the Grimoire. Paige's eyes widened in realization.

"The Source has to lay his hand on the book as he says the oath," the Wizard explained, his mouth now empty as he devoured the chicken leg. "Or he doesn't get his powers."

"So, we steal a little book, and we stop the Source?" Piper questioned, her skepticism evident. "What's the catch?"

"The catch is it's protected in a secret chamber by his best guards. Now, I know how to get there," the Wizard informed them confidently, his demeanor a mix of arrogance and urgency. "But I can't fight them alone," he admitted, walking over to Piper. "What do ya say? Partners?" he offered.

Piper flicked her wrist, freezing the Wizard in place. "I so don't trust him," she stated firmly, her suspicion overshadowing any potential alliance.

"Alright, I'll check with the Elders, see what they know," Leo offered, taking the diplomatic approach, then nodded to the frozen Wizard. "You better get Phoebe. In case he's right, you're gonna need the Power of Three. And if the Source is about to be coronated, you might get Buffy and Faith as well. It'll be easier to protect Faith here with the Power of Three." He then orbed out, leaving the Halliwell sisters to grapple with the impending threat.

"I'll go get them," Piper announced, taking charge of the situation.

"No." Paige shook her head, a smirk playing on her lips. "You've got the freezing power, and with him, we're gonna need it," she cracked, frowning at the frozen Wizard. "You stay here; I'll go."

"Alright, but no spilling the beans on Cole," Piper warned her with a stern gaze. "Not until we decide to."

Paige held up her hands in a mock salute. "Scout's honor," she swore, offering an impish grin as she headed towards the door to retrieve her coat.

Piper sighed, contemplating the unpredictable dynamics of the situation. She waved her hand at the Wizard, unfreezing him with a cautious expression. "Just so you know, one false move, and your toast."

"Hmmm." The Wizard considered her warning, then pounded his staff on the ground twice, the chicken on the platter miraculously transforming into toast. "Got any jam?" he quipped, injecting a touch of humor into the tense atmosphere.

The Towers

Cole sat comfortably on his well-worn couch, surrounded by the warm glow of lamplight that cast a cozy ambiance in the living room. His laptop was open on the table, its screen flickering with the vibrant hues of the 'infantabulous' website. As he navigated through the pages, a gentle lullaby played in the background, weaving a tranquil atmosphere.

"Is the witch or the Slayers home?" Julie's voice resonated through the room, breaking the soothing melody.

Cole's eyes lifted from the screen. "No," he replied slowly. The air seemed to hold its breath for a moment before the demonic assistant materialized behind him, a subtle shimmer marking her arrival.

"Good. I thought you'd like an update," Julie continued, her footsteps creating a soft echo as she circled the couch to face him. The room, once serene, now crackled with an undercurrent of tension. "As you ordered, the priests have stepped up security on the Grimoire. So far, the wizard has been our only breach—What is the dreadful music?" she interrupted, a scowl etching her features as she perched on the arm of the chair.

Cole's gaze shifted uncomfortably, caught off guard. "Oh uh…" he fumbled for a moment, his fingers hitting a button to silence the lullaby. "…nothing."

Julie, ever the inquisitive assistant, tilted her head curiously. "Baby shopping, Sir? Haven't you got everything for Faith's baby already?"

"It's not for Faith's baby," Cole corrected her with a mischievous grin that hinted at a secret he was delighted to share. "Phoebe's pregnant."

"Oh." Julie's eyes widened, a glimmer of genuine joy breaking through her stoic demeanor. "That's wonderful news, but I don't understand why you're..." She nodded towards the laptop, curiosity and concern waltzing in her gaze. Cole merely shrugged, the nonchalant gesture attempting to brush off any suspicions.

"Oh, just… keeping up appearances, you know." Cole dismissed her worries with a casual wave of his hand. "Trying to act like a normal father-to-be." He nodded his head slowly, as if convincing himself, but Julie remained unconvinced. Sensing her skepticism, he added offhandedly, "For Phoebe."

Julie frowned, her intuition cutting through the facade. "But Phoebe's not here," she stated slowly, her analytical mind piecing together the puzzle.

Cole froze, a subtle tension tightening in the air as he grappled for words. In a desperate attempt to divert the conversation, he resorted to the time-tested strategy of avoidance. "Is there anything else you need to update me on?" he questioned, closing the laptop with a deliberate motion and turning to face her expectantly.

Julie took a steadying breath and rose from her perch, a somber air surrounding her as she approached him. "May I speak candidly?" she requested, seeking permission with a seriousness that hinted at the weight of her words. Cole offered her a short nod, granting her the freedom to express her concerns.

"I'm worried about you," Julie stated frankly, her voice carrying a mixture of care and apprehension. "Worried that the witch's influence on you is too great. That the baby will make the pull of love even greater. Just as it is for Faith." She circled around the coffee table to stand behind him, never once meeting his eyes, her words hanging in the air like an unspoken truth.

"Oh, if you're worried about the coronation…" Cole began, his attempt at reassurance cut short as Julie's hands gently settled on his shoulders.

"I'm worried about after the coronation," Julie corrected him, her tone serious and unwavering. Cole found himself caught in the intensity of her gaze as she bent over, her mouth hovering by his ear. A shiver ran down his spine as she continued, her words laced with a subtle seduction that sent a chill through the room. "The next nine months, to be exact… when the bond between you and Phoebe will grow…" Her finger traced a slow path down the lapel of his suit jacket, and Cole tensed, his eyes widening as he tried to maintain composure. "...and your hold on the humanity within will weaken."

Julie's touch grew more intimate, a sultriness creeping into her voice as she placed one hand on his chest. Cole could feel the weight of her words settling around him like a tightening coil. "Unless…"

"Unless?" Cole raised one eyebrow, urging her to continue, his mind racing to comprehend the implications of her proposition.

Julie's hand migrated to his hair, and Cole squirmed uncomfortably under her touch. "Unless you allow the Seer to perform her dark magic. Allow me to carry your baby."

"What?" Cole's face contorted in confusion as he turned to face her, the gravity of her suggestion sinking in.

"You won't need the witch anymore," Julie pointed out, her nails grazing over his neck in a slow, deliberate manner. "I could be your Queen."

Cole scoffed, a mixture of disbelief and frustration contorting his features as he pulled away from Julie, rising abruptly to his feet. "Are you out of your mind?"

Julie sighed, her stance unwavering as she stood up straight, a subtle defensiveness in her eyes. "I'm trying to save you," she defended herself, her voice carrying the weight of genuine concern. "The Underworld will not tolerate a leader who's conflicted. Any sign of weakness, and you're not gonna survive. They're already eyeing Faith since she is your heir. Her love for the other Slayer and the baby is seen as a sign of weakness. Being your heir is the only thing that saves her currently."

Cole's eyes darkened at her words, a storm brewing beneath the surface. "Are you threatening me or Faith?"

"I'm reminding you…" Julie answered, her tone unwavering, "...of your future, of her future. Of your destiny, of her destiny."

Cole stood his ground, his eyes challenging, daring Julie to say what he suspected was about to unfold. The room crackled with tension as the unspoken words lingered in the air.

"Neither of which include the witch," Julie summarized with a finality that made Cole's jaw tighten. He glared at her, his gaze an unyielding force, until the demon shimmered out of his home, leaving him to stew in the aftermath of her revelations.

With a surge of frustration, Cole glanced down at the laptop, a symbol of the normalcy he sought, and picked it up, hurling it through the glass coffee table. Shards of glass scattered at his feet, mirroring the shattered fragments of his carefully constructed world. The room echoed with the aftermath of his outburst, leaving Cole alone to grapple with the complexities of his destiny and the choices that loomed ahead.

The Bay Mirror

Phoebe rolled her eyes in exasperation as the voice on the other end of her office phone continued to drone on, her teeth gritting with frustration. "Yes, of course, I am aware that there is a deadline, but Elise threw mine and Buffy's column out at the last minute," she explained, glancing over at Buffy, who was immersed in her computer, typing away. Faith sat on the couch, watching Buffy with a loving gaze.

The voice on the phone prattled on, and Phoebe's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "Oh, how hard can it be to write an advice column?" she repeated, feeling her blood boil at the sheer ignorance of the individual on the other end. "Let me show you how hard!" Phoebe exclaimed, slamming the phone down on its cradle, the force of her frustration causing her to knock over her cup of coffee in the process.

"Urgh!" Phoebe sighed, closing her eyes and shaking her head, trying to dispel the annoyance that clung to her like a persistent shadow.

Just then, Paige appeared in the doorway, knocking before stepping into the office. "Bad time?" she asked, a concerned furrow in her brow.

"Yes," Buffy replied angrily, her frustration evident. She had planned to work on her portion of the weekend column but had been roped into a mid-week special by Elise, derailing her plans and adding to the mounting tension in the room.

"Yes," Phoebe added, then she changed her mind, "No." She shrugged. "Whatever, what is it?" she asked, her curiosity piqued as Paige picked up the fallen coffee cup, placing it back on the desk with a sympathetic look.

"Well, uh… we need the Power of Three," Paige informed Phoebe apologetically. She then turned her gaze toward her nieces. "And Leo thinks you two should come home also."

"What?" Faith asked, a mix of surprise and skepticism in her expression as she locked eyes with her youngest aunt.

Buffy's fingers froze on the keyboard, and her head snapped around, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Now?"

"Can't it wait?" Phoebe interjected, her voice tinged with a touch of reluctance as she, too, halted her typing.

Paige sighed, her expression solemn. "Cliff notes version: We didn't kill the Source like we thought. He was just reborn," she informed the trio, a weighty revelation hanging in the air. She glanced at Buffy and Faith. "Hence why Piper wants you two home." Returning her attention to her sister and both nieces, she continued, "And now, if we don't help a wizard stop him from getting coronated tonight, he becomes all-powerful." She revealed the urgency of the situation, a sense of gravity settling over the room. "Shall we?" she concluded, flashing a determined smile and gesturing toward the door.

"So… let him get coronated," was the unexpected statement that left Phoebe's mouth, and Paige felt the world around her shift in response.

"Sorry?" Paige stuttered, unable to formulate an immediate response to the unexpected suggestion.

"Well, why not?" Buffy chimed in, her tone aligning with Phoebe's sentiment as she turned to look at Paige with a nonchalant expression.

"What's the worst that can happen?" Faith added, her dismissive tone echoing a sentiment of indifference.

Paige stared at her sister and nieces with wide eyes and arched eyebrows, completely bewildered by their cavalier attitude toward the impending catastrophe. "Uh… besides all hell breaking loose on Earth?" she offered, lifting her shoulder in disbelief. Frowning, she continued, "What's wrong with you three?"

"I don't know," Phoebe admitted, a heavy sigh escaping her as she pulled off her glasses and dropped them onto her desk. "I'm just—I'm having a really bad day right now," she explained, dropping her head into her hands, the weight of the situation pressing down on her.

"Same," Buffy said, her frustration evident. "I only came in to work on the weekend column and got wrangled into doing a mid-week special."

"I'm pregnant," Faith added dismissively, as if that singular revelation explained her carefree and unconventional attitude.

"Okay, uh..." Phoebe lifted her head and pushed her chair back, her gaze locking onto Paige with a determined expression. "Buffy, Faith, and I'll meet you at the Manor, but we have to find Cole first and fill him in."

Paige looked at her sister, a mix of confusion and concern painting her features as alarmed bells rang in her mind. Why would Faith and Buffy need to accompany Phoebe, especially when dealing with Cole? "No, you don't need to do that," Paige dismissed with a wave, attempting to brush off Phoebe's intention.

Phoebe, Buffy, and Faith paused, exchanging glances and leaning against the desks with questioning eyes, a shared sense of curiosity hanging in the air.

"Besides, he's so busy being Mr. Hot-Shot-Lawyer-Guy and all," Paige quipped, attempting to inject a lightness into the situation with a small chuckle.

"Okay, Paige, what's your problem with Cole now, huh?" Phoebe asked knowingly, one hand on her hip, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"Spill it," Faith demanded, her voice cutting through the room as she narrowed her eyes. Unbeknownst to Buffy, Phoebe, and Paige, Faith's eyes briefly flashed black and then fiery before returning to their normal state. The shift went unnoticed by the Phoebe, Buffy and Paige, but the tension in the room escalated as Paige hesitated, caught between revealing the unsettling truth about Cole and shielding her sister and nieces from potential pain.

"Nothing," Paige insisted, her widened eyes telling another story, the weight of an unsettling truth pressing on her.

"You're lying!" Buffy accused Paige, her tone cutting through the air with a mixture of frustration and concern.

"Buffy's right," Phoebe agreed, her eyes narrowing as she peered at Paige. "I can see your wisdom teeth, Paige."

"I don't have wisdom teeth," Paige informed her sister and nieces, shaking her head innocently, attempting to divert the conversation away from the impending revelation.

"Paige!" Phoebe demanded impatiently, her frustration evident.

Paige closed her eyes briefly, bracing herself for the difficult admission she was about to make. She addressed her sister, her tone serious and cautious. "Alright, but you three are not gonna like it, especially you, Phoebe," she forewarned, a sense of gravity underlying her words. The room grew tense as Phoebe, Buffy, and Faith shot her another impatient stare, eager to uncover the hidden truth.

"Alright." Paige sighed, her gaze shifting between the trio. She glanced at Faith. "Remember the vampire that attacked you and me a couple of days ago?" she asked, and Faith inclined her head, a hint of recognition in her eyes. "Well, I met him through Cole, at your guys' apartment."

"And?" Phoebe asked tightly, her eyes narrowing as she awaited Paige's response.

"And?" Paige frowned, feeling the tension in the room escalate. "Don't you think that's a pretty big coincidence for an alleged ex-demon?"

"Alleged?" Buffy interjected, raising an eyebrow in skepticism.

Paige repressed an eye roll, frustration bubbling to the surface. "Stop being so naive, guys," she snapped, her patience wearing thin. "He's been acting strange ever since he got his new job, which for all we know, could be a cover anyway."

Phoebe, Buffy, and Faith exchanged glances, a collective disbelief settling over them. "I don't believe this," Phoebe muttered darkly, the weight of the revelation sinking in.

"Face the facts," Paige continued, her tone harsher than intended. "Cole has gone back to his old ways, and I am not the only one who thinks so. Piper thinks so too. That's what we were coming to tell you this morning. I'm sorry."

Phoebe, Faith, and Buffy shook their heads, eyes flashing with anger and hurt as they stormed violently past Paige, shoving her out of the way with a force that mirrored the emotional turmoil within them.

"Where are you all going?" Paige demanded, her voice tinged with urgency, as Phoebe, Buffy, and Faith snatched up their coats, and Phoebe and Buffy grabbed their bags with an assertiveness that spoke volumes.

"To prove you wrong," Phoebe replied, her tone clipped and cold, a palpable tension hanging in the air.

Paige shook her head in disbelief. "What about the Source? What about the Power of Three?"

"Screw the Source," Faith and Buffy growled simultaneously, their frustration echoing through the room with a fierce determination.

"Screw the Power of Three," Phoebe added with a low growl, her defiance cutting through the air like a sharp blade. Without another word, she turned abruptly and followed Faith and Buffy from the room, leaving Paige alone with the weight of her revelation and the consequences it had wrought on the bonds that once held them together. The door closed with a resounding thud, leaving Paige to grapple with the aftermath of her painful truth.

The TowersTop of Form

Buffy materialized in the elevator amid a swirl of fiery flames, accompanied by Faith and Phoebe. As the elevator ascended, Phoebe nervously played with her hands, anxiety etched across her face, the uncertainty of what awaited them in the penthouse looming like a dark cloud.

"We're here for you, Aunt Phoebe," Faith reassured, her comforting words aiming to ease the tension that radiated from Phoebe. The doors slid open, revealing their silent and seemingly vacant apartment.

Paige's voice lingered in their minds, the echoes of her revelation casting shadows over their thoughts. Buffy and Faith exchanged knowing glances with Phoebe, understanding the emotional turmoil that Paige's words had stirred within her.

"Come on," Buffy urged, breaking the heavy silence as they stepped out of the elevator. "Let's find Cole and prove Paige wrong. There is no way he's a demon again. None. And we have proof right here," she said, gesturing towards Faith. "If Cole was a demon, he would want to take Faith to the Source, wouldn't he?"

The logical argument gave Phoebe a moment of pause, her steps faltering as she considered Buffy's words. A flicker of doubt crossed her face, wondering if Paige's suspicions held any merit. The complex history between Phoebe and Cole, the battles they had fought together, and the love they had shared all flashed before her eyes. Could it truly be that everything they had overcome was now in jeopardy? The uncertainty lingered as they ventured further into the apartment, searching for Cole and seeking answers to the questions that threatened to unravel the foundation of their trust.

Scanning the room with their eyes, everything appeared just as it had earlier that morning. The familiar surroundings of their penthouse, bathed in soft light, betrayed no immediate signs of disturbance. As the trio's gaze swept the room, it inevitably landed on Cole's briefcase, resting on the glass dining table.

Phoebe brought her hands to her mouth nervously, her heart pounding as she took a hesitant step forward. The briefcase seemed to hold the weight of her future, a pivotal moment that could either ease her anxieties or deepen the suspicion surrounding her husband.

With hands that trembled slightly, Phoebe unsnapped the clasp, her breath catching in her throat as she hesitantly peered inside. The room held its breath, waiting for the revelation that would either confirm or dispel the doubts swirling in Phoebe's mind.

"Well?" Buffy asked, her voice tinged with anticipation.

Phoebe looked up at her nieces with a growing sense of relief. She displayed the papers and folders nestled within the briefcase, then carefully extracted a folder and began flipping through its contents. The tension in the room lifted as Phoebe verified the legitimacy of the documents, the weight on her shoulders gradually dissipating. A breath of relief escaped her lips, and she quickly replaced the folders, reassured by the evidence before her.

Buffy and Phoebe set their purses down on the dining table, their collective focus now turning towards the bedrooms. Moving toward Phoebe and Cole's bedroom, they found it empty. Their search continued to Buffy and Faith's bedroom, yielding the same result—no sign of Cole. This left the third bedroom, being set up as a nursery for Buffy and Faith's unborn daughter, as the final destination in their quest for answers.

As they silently approached the closed doors, the air in the hallway seemed to thicken with anticipation. Phoebe's heart raced, and her palms sweated, the weight of uncertainty pressing on her as they neared the bedroom.

"Aunt Phoebe," Faith said, her voice breaking the silence as she pointed to the shattered coffee table, shards of glass scattered across the floor. Phoebe's eyes widened at the sight, a sinking feeling settling in her stomach. With trembling hands, she placed them on the door, taking a moment to collect herself. Buffy and Faith both placed supportive hands on Phoebe's shoulders, offering silent encouragement.

Phoebe smiled at them, grateful for the unwavering support, and turned the knob. The door creaked open, revealing a scene that instantly dispelled their previous fears. The nursery had undergone a magical transformation. Where a single crib had stood before, there were now two, surrounded by an abundance of stuffed animals. Balloons and decorations adorned the room, all sharing a common theme: babies.

Cole, tying the last balloon into place, turned around with the expression of a deer caught in headlights. "You caught me," he admitted with a nervous chuckle, his grin carrying an air of innocence.

Phoebe released her umpteenth sigh of relief since stepping out of the elevator. A genuine smile spread across her face as she looked around the room. "Cole," she breathed with dancing eyes, happiness swelling in her heart. The tension that had gripped the room evaporated, replaced by the joyous realization that their fears had been unfounded, and the nursery had been prepared with love and excitement for the arrival of two precious additions to their family.

Cole, momentarily captivated by the beauty of his wife and nieces, marveled at the scene before him. His heart swelled with love, and a sense of gratitude washed over him.

Turning away, he spotted three carefully arranged bouquets of roses on the table between the cribs. With a smile that mirrored his genuine happiness, Cole picked them up, each bundle a symbol of the love and excitement that filled the room. "I love you," he declared, his voice brimming with sincerity, as he handed a bouquet to Phoebe. Then, with equal affection, he presented one each to Buffy and Faith, acknowledging the impending motherhood that awaited them.

Phoebe stood there, speechless, her initial fears and doubts now a distant memory. The tender gesture from Cole had washed away any lingering apprehensions, leaving only the warmth of love and understanding.

Cole moved to stand in front of Phoebe, his eyes filled with adoration. A gentle peck on her cheek was followed by a lower bend to kiss her pregnant stomach, a heartfelt acknowledgment of the new life growing within her. Phoebe's face lit up with a grin, and she happily pressed her lips to his when he returned to an upright position, eagerly melting into his loving embrace.

"Thank you, Cole," Buffy expressed with heartfelt gratitude, her eyes moving from the cribs sitting side by side. The room was filled with an air of anticipation, the promise of a future where two families intertwined seamlessly.

"Our little Prudence and yours and Phoebe's baby are going to grow up knowing each other, just as if they were siblings instead of cousins," Buffy continued, her tone reflecting the joy and excitement that filled the space. As she envisioned the shared laughter, adventures, and the unique bond that would develop between the babies, her heart swelled with anticipation for the harmonious journey that awaited them.

Halliwell Manor

"Screw the Source? Screw the Power of Three?" Piper repeated with a strong frown, her arms folded unhappily across her chest. The weight of her sister and nieces' defiance hung heavily in the air, sparking a flicker of concern in Piper's eyes.

"Those were their words exactly," Paige confirmed, entering the foyer with an uneasy expression.

Piper's hands moved to her hips as she observed, her disapproval evident. "Well, that sounds like more than just hormones."

Paige bit her lip nervously, sensing the impending storm of Piper's reaction. "Um...yeah, they were a little pissed."

Piper's eyes narrowed as she sought clarification. "About what?" Paige's guilt was palpable, and Piper's suspicion heightened. "Oh Paige, you didn't!" she snapped, stomping her foot in frustration. "You told them about Cole?" Piper cried incredulously.

"Phoebe was gonna find out eventually," Paige defended herself, a note of justification in her tone.

"Yeah, when we…" Piper gestured wildly between her and Paige, "...decided it was the right time to tell Phoebe as well as Faith and Buffy! Now they're probably never gonna speak to us again," Piper exclaimed, panic seeping into her tone. "You might as well have crowned the new Source yourself!" she snapped, frustration tainting her words. Paige, however, rolled her eyes dismissively.

"Oh, god, I think you're slightly exaggerating," Paige said with a touch of sarcasm, attempting to downplay the severity of the situation.

Piper snorted in disagreement. "No, I am not," she muttered darkly, her concern evident. "We need Phoebe, Buffy, and Faith for the plan to work!" she elaborated, her mind already racing ahead. Without waiting for Paige's response, Piper spun around and strode purposefully towards the kitchen.

"What plan?" Paige asked, her curiosity piqued but overshadowed by Piper's urgency.

"Follow me!" Piper ordered, her determined strides leading the way into the kitchen, which, to Paige's surprise, looked nothing like a kitchen anymore.

Paige stormed after her, coming to an abrupt stop at the sight before her. The kitchen had undergone a remarkable transformation, now resembling a perfect replica of a cavern found in the Underworld. Paige blinked in astonishment as she approached Piper, asking slowly, "Alright. Piper, I think I like the other kitchen better. This is an illusion, right?" Paige sought clarification, her gaze shifting between Piper and the wizard who stood across from them, the surreal setting creating an atmosphere charged with both intrigue and uncertainty.

"Please, tell me she's not the brains of the family," the Wizard pleaded, looking at Piper with a mix of desperation and uncertainty. Piper, in response, managed a tight smile while Paige, feeling less diplomatic, pulled a very childish face at the Wizard, making it clear that she was far from amused.

"Grimoire," Piper pointed to the fake book resting on the altar in front of them. "Dark Priest, bodyguards." She systematically pointed to each element in turn. "And the Source." Piper gestured toward a dummy wearing a black suit but lacking any facial features.

"Oh, first half a face, now no face," Paige quipped with a touch of sarcasm.

"I didn't get a good look at him," the Wizard admitted, a hint of remorse in his tone.

Piper shrugged off the details. "Well, it doesn't really matter anyway because he may not even be here," she declared with practicality. "All we want is the Grimoire."

Paige nodded, her focus shifting to the task at hand. "Alright. What's the plan?"

Piper couldn't help but smirk over at the Wizard, her confidence evident. "We learn from his mistakes."

"Not mistakes," the Wizard corrected sharply. "Miscalculations."

Piper raised an eyebrow at him, a smirk playing on her lips. "Um… you didn't have any backup, your illusions didn't buy you enough time, and you got caught," she listed them off on her fingers, then grinned. "I'd call those mistakes. This time we'll go for a bigger distraction, and since the bodyguards are already after you, you show up, and they're bound to chase after you."

Paige's smile widened as she caught on to the plan. "Thinning out the demonic ranks, that sounds good."

"Easy for you to say," the Wizard whined. "You're not the distraction."

"You'll orb in with Faith, and Buffy will flame me and Phoebe in," Piper explained, looking at her sister. "Then Phoebe, Buffy, and I will keep the demons busy while you and Faith snag the book."

Paige regarded the book carefully as she thought the plan over and nodded, satisfied. "Sounds simple enough," she stated, reaching for the book, only to have the Wizard use his staff to send it flying.

"Would I come to you if it were that simple?" he questioned patronizingly.

"It's like the Book of Shadows, only it protects itself from good," Piper explained helpfully, and her sister nodded. "So, you'll use this sack," she continued, handing it over to Paige. "We'll put a spell on it so it can hold the Grimoire."

"Piper?" Phoebe called as she, Buffy, and Faith came through the kitchen door, catching sight of the fake Dark Priest. "Demon!" she yelled, levitating into the air.

"Phoebe, no!" Piper squeaked as her sister tried to kick the demon, only to have the illusion disappear, and Phoebe landed on the island instead.

Phoebe frowned as she pushed herself up. "Hello! Confusion."

The Wizard shook his head, frustration etched across his face. "I can't work like this," he said, drawing Buffy's attention away from the confusion that Phoebe's levitation had caused.

"Phoebe, Buffy, Faith, this is the…" Piper began, attempting to make the introductions.

"Principal," Buffy finished for Piper.

"I was going to say Wizard," Piper corrected with a raised eyebrow.

Buffy exchanged a quick glance with Faith. "Principal Snyder."

Faith's eyes widened in realization as she turned and looked at the Wizard. "As in the one the Mayor was supposed to have eaten during his ascension?"

Snyder, the Wizard, smirked as he looked at the Slayers. "Well hello, Miss Summers," he said with his trademark sneer.

"It's Halliwell-Summers," Buffy corrected, lifting her hand to display the wedding ring adorning her finger. "So how are you still alive?"

"The former mayor of Sunnydale eating me was one of my many illusions," Snyder answered with a self-satisfied grin.

"Like the one we just walked in on," Phoebe said, catching on quickly. She swung her legs around, repositioning herself on the kitchen island to face the wizard more comfortably.

Snyder banged his staff on the ground twice, and two milk maids appeared, one in his lap massaging his hand, and the other behind him doing the same to his shoulders. The ostentatious display of indulgence made Buffy roll her eyes. "Why does that not surprise me?" she asked, her gaze fixed on Snyder and the milk maids. "You always were a pig."

"Not that I'm not happy to see you guys," Paige said, addressing Phoebe, Buffy, and Faith. "But… why are we seeing you, considering how we left it?" she questioned timidly.

Phoebe gave Paige a fleeting glance, "Buffy, Faith, and I are not about to shun our Wiccan duties, Paige, no matter what."

Paige frowned, her curiosity getting the better of her. "But what about… what we talked about?" she pushed, eyeing her sister and nieces carefully.

"I love Cole," Phoebe informed them with a genuine smile. "And I trust him, even if you guys don't."

"And he's been nothing but supportive of Faith and me since Faith became pregnant. Shoot, he's been so supportive that he helped us set up a nursery in the third bedroom in the apartment," Buffy added, her eyes gleaming with gratitude.

"He's a good guy," Faith agreed, her tone sincere.

Phoebe redirected her attention back to the wizard. "And we can discuss our problems later." Determination laced her words as she addressed their mission. "We came here to help you with Merlin."

"Please," Snyder droned, tilting his head dismissively. "Merlin was an overrated hack. Tell me he's not the only wizard you people have ever heard of."

"Well, does Harry Potter count?" Paige quipped smartly, earning a chuckle from Piper.

"Alright, enough," Piper ordered sharply. "You can live your life of instant gratification after we're done."

Snyder looked at Piper questioningly, and Buffy scoffed. "Get rid of them!" she snapped, and he sighed.

"You call this a life?" Snyder drawled, shaking his head as his illusion ended, and he rose to his feet. "This is no life. Illusions are as empty to me as they are to you." He informed the Halliwell family sadly, "They're only a reminder of a reality long since lost, of a world… filled with wizards, of friends, of family," he stressed, looking at each of them pointedly. Paige's face softened, while Piper looked down, reflecting on the weight of his words.

"It's all an illusion without family," Snyder preached solemnly, and Paige caught Phoebe, Buffy, and Faith's eyes pointedly. "Help me stop the Source." He begged them, and the five women looked over, "Help me right this wrong."

Coronation Chamber, Underworld

"Everything's on schedule," the Dark Priest assured Cole with a sinister gleam in his eyes, his voice laden with the anticipation of impending darkness as they walked around the dimly lit chamber. "The other priests are preparing the sacrifices as we speak."

"What about the wizard?" Cole demanded, a nervous edge to his tone, his eyes darting around the eerie surroundings. "How do we know he won't make another attempt?"

"He's the last of his kind, Sire," the Dark Priest replied, his voice a venomous hiss that echoed through the cavernous chamber. "I doubt if he'll risk oblivion."

Cole turned to him, skepticism etched across his face, "He risked it before, didn't he?"

"Talking about me?" Snyder's voice echoed with a mischievous lilt as he smugly leaned against the entrance to the cave, switching his Staff from hand to hand casually.

"Guards! After him!" the Dark Priest bellowed, panic seeping into his command, pointing frantically at the wizard who jumped straight and ran, his laughter echoing through the ominous chamber like a haunting melody.

Cole watched them go with an unsettling twinge in his gut, the ominous air thickening around him. "Something's not right," he announced knowingly, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere.

"You should leave, for your safety, now, Sire," the Dark Priest advised in a rushed voice, his eyes darting about like shadows in the dimly lit space.

Cole looked down at the Dark Priest, his senses tingling with an impending danger. Then, upon seeing the tell-tale swirl of flames followed by a shimmering of orbs, he gave one last order, "Protect the Grimoire," his words laced with urgency, before he flamed out just before Buffy and Paige appeared with Piper, Phoebe, and Faith: Piper, Buffy, and Phoebe splitting off to take on the guards while Faith and Paige worked on the Grimoire.

Piper threw up her hands, flicked her wrists once, and obliterated the first guard she saw, the explosion of magic resonating through the cavern. Yet, before she could react, another guard knocked her roughly to the ground, the clash of forces creating an unsettling symphony.

Buffy faced another demon, her Slayer instincts honed and ready for action. The demon lunged at her with a guttural growl. In a split second, Buffy's telekinesis kicked in. She focused her mind, and an invisible force enveloped the demon, halting its advance mid-air. With a flick of her wrist, Buffy sent the demon crashing into a nearby pillar. The impact resonated through the chamber, and the demon struggled to regain its footing.

Phoebe rose up with a graceful yet forceful movement, executing a perfect drop kick on the guard in front of her, the impact sharp and precise. She followed it with a well-aimed punch to the jaw, her movements a ballet of combat.

Paige, on the other hand, looked around at her sisters and nieces, the urgency of the situation etched across her face. Hurriedly, she opened the sack, gasping as three guards came running at her like shadows converging on their prey.

Faith saw them coming too, her senses on high alert as fireballs formed in both of her hands. With a swift and practiced motion, she flung the fireballs, their blazing arcs vanquishing two of the demons instantly. The acrid scent of burnt demonic flesh lingered in the air as she leaped into a powerful roundhouse kick, sending the third demon soaring backward into the far wall, a defeated silhouette against the dimly lit chamber.

Paige exhaled sharply, relief and gratitude coloring her expression as she smiled at Faith. "Thank you."

Faith winked at her, a confident smirk playing on her lips, before her attention shifted. With a lightning-quick spin, she executed a high kick, dispatching the demon that had tried to sneak up behind her.

However, the Dark Priest, seething with anger, growled from his place by the Grimoire. With a malevolent gesture, he sent a surge of dark energy, propelling Paige across the room. She landed painfully on her back, the sickening sound of her head smacking against the unforgiving floor echoing through the chamber.

Faith's eyes widened with concern as she turned towards her fallen aunt. "Aunt Paige!" she gasped, moving forward with urgency. Before she could reach her, though, another guard intercepted her, delivering a swift kick to her stomach. A brutal backhand across her face followed, reducing Faith to her knees, the taste of blood mingling with the metallic tang of magic in the air.

"Not the Source's Heir, you idiot," the Dark Priest shouted at the guard, his voice dripping with frustration and recognition.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

The Wizard sprinted through the labyrinthine corridors, his breaths labored, and his heart pounding. He pushed his legs to their limits, desperately trying to create enough distance between himself and the relentless guards. The plan he harbored in his mind needed a sufficient lead to unfold successfully.

The guards, determined and unwavering, raced after him. As the Wizard vanished around the next corner, they found themselves abruptly face to face with the imposing figure of the Source.

"Stop. Wait." Cole's voice cut through the air with commanding authority, and he raised one hand, halting the guards in their tracks.

"But, Sire, the wizard," one of the guards protested, a hint of urgency in his voice.

"He's right behind you," Cole informed them with an unusual calmness. Confusion furrowed their brows just before the wizard unleashed a surge of electricity, shocking them into submission. The guards crumpled to the ground, incapacitated.

The Wizard, now standing tall, approached Cole. With a deft movement, he put one half of his staff to Cole's neck, the cold metal pressing against his skin. A sigh escaped the Wizard's lips, his expression filled with a peculiar mix of nostalgia and regret.

"If only you were real..." he said wistfully, his words tinged with a hint of melancholy. In the blink of an eye, the illusion surrounding Cole flickered out, revealing the ephemeral nature of the encounter.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

The demon, now on shaky legs, swung at Buffy, but she effortlessly dodged the attacks. With another mental command, she lifted an assortment of debris from the chamber floor, forming a makeshift barrier that shielded her from the demon's relentless assault.

As the demon recovered from the impact, Buffy channeled her telekinetic strength into a focused blast, sending the demon sprawling backward. Closing in swiftly, she delivered a series of expertly timed kicks and punches, her Slayer instincts guiding her every move.

With a final surge of telekinetic force, Buffy propelled the demon into the far wall, where it crumpled in defeat.

Phoebe's agile movements had dispatched her demon with finesse, and she turned swiftly to Piper, who had just head-butted her adversary into unconsciousness. A victorious smirk played on Phoebe's lips as Piper, gripping her forehead with a wince, managed a painful smile. "Ow."

"Piper, now!" Buffy's urgent shout cut through the post-battle haze, breaking the momentary reprieve. Piper, still wincing from the aftermath of her head-butt, shifted her attention to the looming figure of the Dark Priest. Flicking her wrists with a decisive motion, she unleashed her potent magic, causing the Dark Priest to erupt in a spectacular burst of energy, effectively vanquishing him.

Faith, in the midst of her own skirmish, looked up at her demon with a fireball forming in her hand. With a swift and practiced throw, she unleashed the fiery projectile, striking the demon square in the chest and reducing him to nothing more than a cloud of dissipating smoke.

"Nice, baby," Buffy praised as she raced over to Faith, pulling her to her feet.

Meanwhile, Phoebe's acute awareness kicked in just in time. "Paige, look out!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in alarm as she noticed Paige struggling to her feet, oblivious to the imminent danger. A demon, poised to launch a fatal energy ball, hovered menacingly behind her. In a split-second reaction, Phoebe outstretched her arm, unleashing a train of fire that shot out from her palm, swiftly engulfing the demon and vanquishing it before it could harm Paige.

Phoebe gasped, her eyes widening with a mix of shock and disbelief as she stared down at her hands. Piper and Buffy mirrored her expression, their features etched with concern, while Faith pulled Paige up from the ground.

"What was that?" Piper demanded, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized Phoebe with a sense of wariness.

Phoebe shook her head wordlessly, her voice caught in her throat. "I… have no idea." The uncertainty in her response hung in the air, adding to the tension that already permeated the chamber.

Unbeknownst to the others, Faith's eyes underwent a subtle but significant transformation. They momentarily turned black, a darkness creeping in before being consumed by fiery intensity. Then, just as quickly, they returned to their normal state. A sinister grin slowly spread across Faith's face as the effects of the herbs she had been taking since Cole gave them to her finally completed their work. She was now swayed by the forces of evil, a fact she relished with a newfound sense of power.

"What are we waiting for?" Snyder's voice cut through the charged atmosphere as he ran back into the chamber, oblivious to the internal struggles occurring among the group.

Buffy nudged Paige, a silent communication passing between them. Taking one side of the sack, Buffy and Paige nodded in unison. "GRIMOIRE!" Paige called out clearly, her voice echoing through the chamber. The ancient book responded, engulfed in orbs before reappearing inside the sack.

"Got it," Paige announced, triumphant, as Faith, Phoebe, and Piper came running over to join them.

"Let's get out of here," the Wizard advised, his urgency underscoring the gravity of the situation. Without hesitation, Buffy and Faith disappeared in a swirl of fiery flames. Paige, Piper, and Phoebe followed suit, shimmering away in orbs, with the Wizard right behind them.

Halliwell Manor

"We did it!" Snyder celebrated with exuberance, his jubilant energy reverberating through the chamber as he jumped around. "We got it!"

"Yes," Piper acknowledged, a determined glint in her eyes, while Phoebe clung to her for support. The weight of their success hung in the air, but the looming task ahead tempered their elation.

"And now we're going to destroy it. Paige, go get the Book of Shadows; we need some potions," Piper instructed, her voice cutting through the celebratory atmosphere. Paige, ever dutiful, gave an obedient nod, placing the sack on the table in the conservatory before disappearing in a shimmering swirl.

"Wait!" Snyder cried, reaching out towards them. "Destroy it? We might be able to use it."

"For what?" Piper snapped, her patience wearing thin. "It's evil!" she exclaimed, slapping his hand away as he reached for the ominous sack. Her resolve hardened, a protective instinct for her sisters fueling her defiance.

Piper turned to Phoebe, who clung to her with visible unease. "Do you want to sit down?" she asked tentatively, concern etched on her face.

"I think I just want to go home," Phoebe replied, her voice small, her hands fidgeting nervously.

Piper's expression fell, realizing the toll the recent events had taken on her sister. "Well… this is home too," she reminded Phoebe quietly, a soft reassurance laced with understanding.

Phoebe glanced at her older sister, fear etched across her features. "I don't feel good," she informed them, her panic palpable. "It just didn't feel right."

"Well, that's probably just because it's new, and your power is escalating," Piper offered, attempting to soothe Phoebe's mounting anxiety.

Phoebe scoffed, frustration coloring her voice. "How is it escalating?" she questioned loudly, her distress evident. "I levitate. I have premonitions."

"You had a fire power in your past life," Piper reminded Phoebe with a gentle smile, trying to unearth a glimmer of optimism.

"I was evil, in my past life, remember?" Phoebe countered, her tone carrying the weight of her apprehensions.

"Can we get back to the Grimoire!" Snyder interrupted fiercely, the urgency in his voice cutting through the charged atmosphere.

"No!" Piper growled; her patience worn thin. With a swift and decisive motion, she threw out one hand and froze Snyder mid-sentence.

"Buffy," Phoebe said, her tone urgent, as she hurried over to where Buffy and Faith stood.

"Phoebe, wait!" Piper called after her sister, a note of concern tainting her voice. But it was too late. In a swift and coordinated move, Buffy, with Faith and Phoebe, disappeared in a swirl of fiery flames.

The Towers

Bottom of Form

Cole stood by one of the smaller windows, the dim light casting shadows on his face as he stared silently out of it, his mind swirling with tumultuous thoughts. The events in the Underworld echoed in his consciousness, and his emotions roiled beneath the surface. His face contorted with anger, a storm of frustration and helplessness brewing within him. In a burst of unrestrained fury, he slammed his fist through the glass, the shards scattering like his fractured composure. He glanced down at his knuckles, the pain in his hand a physical manifestation of the turmoil within.

Julie shimmered in seconds later, her presence a soft glow in the room. "What's the matter? What happened?" she asked, her voice genuinely and sincerely concerned, a reflection of the worry etched on her face.

Cole turned to face her, his eyes ablaze with a mix of rage and desperation. "What are you doing here?"

"I sensed your pain," Julie explained to him, her words carrying a gentle undertone, as if trying to soothe the tempest raging within him. "I was worried."

"Yeah, well, you should be worried." Cole's words cut through the air like a sharp blade as he strode towards her, his body tensed, a coiled spring ready to release its pent-up energy. "The Grimoire's been stolen."

"I know," Julie revealed quietly, and at that moment, Cole froze.

"You know? How do you know?" Cole's voice sliced through the tense air, his eyes drilling into Julie's widened ones as his eyebrows rose with a mix of suspicion and urgency.

Julie stammered, her gaze unwavering. "I... I haven't been spying on you. No, of course not."

"Then how?" Cole demanded, his steps purposeful as he walked closer to her. "Tell me," he coaxed, the desperation in his tone underscoring the gravity of the situation. But Julie remained silent, her lips pressed tightly together.

Frustration boiled within Cole, reaching a breaking point. In a snap, he grabbed her upper arms roughly, his fingers biting into her skin. "From me," the Seer's voice filtered in, an ethereal presence materializing behind him. "I told her."

Startled, Cole released Julie and turned to his new, uninvited guest. "Seer? If you foresaw the Grimoire being taken—"

"Finding the Grimoire is not your biggest problem," the Seer cut in smoothly, her tone carrying a weight of seriousness. "Suppressing Cole is," she informed him, her eyes piercing through the air to meet his. "You're changing, my liege. The human in you grows stronger, and at the worst possible time."

Cole looked between the two women before him, his hands moving to his hips in a display of defiance. "I can handle it," he assured them, determination etched across his face.

"How?" The Seer snapped back, her tone cutting through the air like a warning. "Your guard is down. You're vulnerable."

Julie shook her head, her eyes fixed on the Seer as she took a step forward. "Let me try again," she implored, a flicker of hope in her gaze.

Cole turned to Julie, his perplexity evident. "Try what? Are you working together to manipulate me!" His words erupted with anger, his gaze dark and accusatory as he glared at the Seer.

"No, to save you," Julie stressed, her voice gentle yet firm, as if she were navigating delicate terrain. "To save us."

"Us?" Cole questioned, utterly confused by the enigmatic conversation unfolding before him. "There is no us!"

"But there could be," Julie insisted, her words hanging in the air, laden with a mix of hope and desperation. "And if there were, the struggle would end. You'd be free to rule without the witch's love holding you back."

Cole stared at her as if she had just proposed a ludicrous idea, his expression a blend of incredulity and disbelief. Then, with a sudden turn, he rounded on the Seer. "This is your doing. Did you really think I'd fall for it?"

"Leave us," the Seer ordered Julie, her voice carrying a stern authority. The weight of disappointment settled on Julie's shoulders, and she looked crushed. "Now," the Seer added, the finality in her tone leaving no room for argument. Julie obeyed, reluctantly leaving the room.

Cole shook his head, his steps echoing in the now tense silence as he walked away from the Seer, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "I can't believe you tricked me into hiring a seductress."

"I was concerned the baby's influence on your humanity might sway you to the other side," the Seer explained herself, one eyebrow arched in a manner that suggested she expected him to understand the complexity of her motives.

"And what?" Cole questioned guardedly, his tone laced with skepticism. "You hoped if I'd gotten laid—"

"No, I hoped you'd come to your senses before it was too late," the Seer interrupted sharply, her words slicing through the tension in the room. "But I wasn't relying on it," she added with a smirk, a touch of arrogance coloring her expression.

"What about Faith?" Cole snapped at her, his frustration evident in the furrow of his brow. "She has the same dilemma I do."

"True," the Seer acknowledged with a smirk. "But that is why we gave her the herbs. Anyways, this isn't just about you or Faith. I helped put you both in position for greatness, and I'm not going to let either of you fail now," she reminded him sternly, her gaze unwavering. Cole's jaw tightened in response to the weight of her words.

"It's only the Source that protects you both from the Charmed Ones' powers and premonitions," the Seer said tersely as she approached him, each step deliberate and calculated.

"That is not completely true," Cole countered, a note of defiance in his voice. "Buffy has had premonitions of hers and Faith's future at my side."

"Buffy has never seen you in her premonitions," the Seer corrected, her tone laced with authority. "And they were given to her by me. Faith and Buffy's destiny has been a work in progress for decades. Since both of them were born." With a deft redirection, she steered the conversation back to the pressing issue at hand. "Anyways, if Cole's love becomes any stronger, it will overpower the Source. Then you will lose everything," she promised him confidently. "The throne, your wife, your son, Faith, Buffy, and Vixen."

"Vixen?" Cole asked, a note of confusion etching his features.

"Prudence's true name," the Seer answered cryptically, her gaze holding secrets that Cole couldn't quite decipher. "She will lead the Underworld to total victory as the Charmed Slayer at her parents' side."

Just then, they heard the elevator ding, and as if on cue, the Seer disappeared in time for the doors to slide open. Phoebe, Buffy, and Faith came into view, the weight of their collective presence filling the room.

"Cole?" Phoebe called urgently for her husband, her expression shifting from concern to confusion as she noticed the broken window behind him. "Hi, honey," she greeted when she looked up, her arms wrapped protectively around her stomach. "What happened?"

Cole turned to the broken window and shrugged nonchalantly, attempting to downplay the turmoil that had unfolded moments ago. "Oh, um… that was an accident. Everything go alright with… whatever you had to do with your sisters?" he asked carefully, his eyes flickering between the three women.

Buffy nodded as she and Faith moved to the couch and sat down, a mysterious air surrounding them. "The good news is we got what we were after," she replied cryptically, her words hanging in the air like a prelude to revelations yet to come.

"Good, congratulations," Cole complimented casually, moving past Phoebe, the weight of the recent revelations lingering in the air.

"But uh…" Phoebe said quietly, her words halting Cole in his tracks. He turned back to her, sensing the shift in her demeanor, and concern etched his features. "…I think something really bad has happened to me," she told him fearfully, her eyes reflecting a mixture of uncertainty and dread.

Cole blinked several times, a sudden wave of anxiety tightening his chest. "Wha—what, the baby?" he whispered, the mere thought sending a shiver down his spine.

"No," Faith assured him, her voice taking on a sinister edge as she grinned wickedly. "Aunt Phoebe's baby is fine." The relief that washed over Cole was palpable, but an unsettling tension lingered in the room.

Phoebe looked up at her husband hesitantly. "I threw fire," she announced, and Cole's body tensed, his eyes growing wide with fear. "I vanquished a demon with it. And it just felt… I don't know, awful, almost… evil," she admitted quietly, her gaze dropping to the floor as if the revelation carried a weight too heavy to bear.

Cole stared at Phoebe wordlessly, his expression a mix of concern and disbelief. Despite his initial attempt to dismiss the unsettling revelation, a genuine smile emerged on his face as he shook his head. "Hey," he said quietly, waving his hand in a dismissive manner. "Hey, hey, hey, hey. You're the sweetest, most loving person I've ever known," he told her sincerely, and Phoebe scoffed with a smile. Cole locked eyes with her. "You don't have an evil bone in your body, and you know that." He reached out, running his hands down her arms, seeking to reassure her.

Phoebe tensed under his touch, her whole body reacting as if an electric current had surged through her. Gasping, her eyes flew closed, and a premonition seized her. In the vivid vision, she saw Cole and Faith standing before a demon, the air thick with tension. Cole raised a sword, swiftly slicing off the demon's head. The premonition shifted to scenes of Cole and Faith on thrones, the Seer and Buffy standing behind them. Fireballs erupted from their hands, vanquishing demon after demon.

"What? What happened?" Cole asked Phoebe with a frown, concern etched across his face.

Phoebe opened her eyes slowly, her whole body trembling as she shook herself free of his hold. "Oh my god," she gasped, her voice a breathless whisper.

Buffy stood up and walked over to Phoebe, her keen instincts recognizing the signs of a premonition. "Phoebe?" she said, placing a hand on Phoebe's arm, and then she, too, was thrown into the same premonition as Phoebe. Her eyes went wide as she came out of it, the weight of the vision settling in her gaze. She looked at Faith, who had moved beside Cole, realization dawning.

"Stay away from me," Phoebe ordered sternly, her eyes locking with Faith's, a mixture of fear and determination in her gaze as she took Buffy's hand.

"Phoebe?" Cole called out just as Buffy and Phoebe disappeared in a swirl of fiery flames. The sudden absence of their presence left an echoing silence in the room.

"What did they see?" Cole wondered aloud, his gaze flickering between the empty space where his wife had stood and Faith, who remained, her expression unreadable.

"I believe I know, my liege," Faith replied with a confident smirk, her eyes gleaming with a sinister intensity. "Us."

Halliwell Manor

Piper picked up another potion bottle from the cluttered table, frustration etched on her face. Determination fueled her as she walked back around the couch to where her sister stood waiting. "Okay," she announced, taking a steadying breath. Raising her arm, she threw the potion at the Grimoire, which lay innocently on the floor.

The liquid hit the ancient book and exploded, a burst of fiery brilliance consuming it before abruptly extinguishing. The Grimoire remained untouched, as though mocking their attempts to thwart its mystical defenses.

"Oh, that was the strongest one I had," Piper whined, her hands thrown up in exasperation. She and Paige popped up from behind the couch again, their expressions a mixture of defeat and confusion. "I don't know what else to do."

"I'll tell you what to do," Snyder piped in from the sidelines, his condescending tone cutting through the room. "Keep it."

Piper shot him a glare that could freeze hell over. "I can see why Buffy hates you so much."

Snyder fell silent again, his huffing strides accentuating his frustration as he stalked about the room.

"You know…" Paige spoke up slowly, her brow creased with worry, "…maybe we should go see Phoebe," she suggested, concern lacing her voice. "She didn't look so well."

"Paige, we'll go over there after we destroy this book," Piper commented seriously, her gaze unwavering as she nodded towards the offending Grimoire, the source of their current dilemma.

Snyder shook his head solemnly, interjecting with an air of warning. "I think you're being hasty. The Grimoire could bring us great powers."

"Listen, buddy, we already have powers. We don't need evil ones too," Paige retorted, her tone sharp, arms folded defensively alongside Piper.

Piper and Paige turned abruptly at the sound of someone flaming into the foyer, only to find Buffy and Phoebe standing there. "Phoebe, Buffy," Piper greeted, her voice carrying a note of both surprise and curiosity.

"Buffy and I have to talk to you guys," Phoebe informed them, she and Buffy walked into the living room with a sense of urgency. Piper and Paige followed slowly behind their sister and niece, exchanging puzzled glances.

"What is it?" Piper asked, her concern deepening as Phoebe and Buffy took a seat on the couch, their expressions heavy with an unspoken weight.

Snyder huffed from the side, his eyes fixed on the Grimoire, and Piper spun back towards him. "You stay where I can see you," she ordered, pointing at him threateningly. The room brimmed with tension as they grappled with the mysterious forces at play.

Paige crouched in front of Phoebe and Buffy, her eyes searching theirs for answers, while Piper perched on the arm of the couch, ready to lend her support. "What is it?" Paige questioned, echoing Piper's earlier inquiry. "What's wrong?"

Phoebe and Buffy exchanged glances, a silent communication passing between them as they found it increasingly harder to breathe. The air in the room seemed to thicken with an unseen force, heightening the sense of foreboding.

Piper reached out, her fingers gently running through her younger sister's hair, a comforting gesture meant to soothe the unease that hung in the air. "Whatever it is, Phoebe, Buffy," she said, her voice soft and reassuring, "it's gonna be okay." Paige joined in, patting Buffy's knee in a show of solidarity.

Phoebe shook her head, her disagreement firm as she looked up at Piper. "No," she asserted, the weight of the premonition settling heavily on her shoulders. "It won't."

"We both had the same premonition, and you were right," Buffy said, her gaze shifting to Paige. "Cole is evil." Her eyes then found Piper's. "And Faith has turned."

"Oh," Paige responded, a deep sadness clouding her features. "I didn't want to be right."

"What did you two see?" Piper asked gently, her concern etched in the lines of her face.

"Everything," Phoebe answered, turning to her elder sister. "Killing, fireball throwing, working with demons," she listed, the weight of the revelations taking its toll. She dropped her head into her hands, a mixture of fear and sorrow gripping her. "Oh god, Cole is a demon!"

"And Faith has turned," Buffy repeated with a deep, resounding sigh. "Which means..."

"That it's only a matter of time before the Slayer line becomes corrupted," Piper finished, a somber understanding settling in as she looked at her niece. "And you turn evil."

"It's okay, both of you, just take a breath," Paige instructed calmly, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and helplessness as she glanced at her eldest sister.

Piper closed her eyes, a deep breath escaping her as she continued to stroke Phoebe's head. Paige maintained a steady presence, patting her niece's leg in a reassuring rhythm, a simple yet grounding gesture in the midst of the turmoil.

"What's taking so long!" Snyder demanded from his place in the conservatory, his impatience cutting through the charged atmosphere.

"Quiet!" Piper growled darkly, her voice carrying a dangerous edge.

"I have a baby on the way," Phoebe exclaimed, turning to Piper with desperation in her eyes. "And I have this new power. I don't know if I can handle this."

"And my wife is evil, and I'm about to become evil," Buffy added, her voice bearing the weight of uncertainty. "Like Phoebe, I don't know if I can handle this either."

"Of course, you both can," Piper assured her sister and niece, gracefully slipping off the arm of the couch to crouch by Phoebe's side. "You both can do this, Phoebe, Buffy, and… you two are not alone. We're gonna be here, every step of the way, okay?" she asked, her hand brushing Phoebe's hair from her face with a loving smile, radiating both strength and compassion.

"Piper's right," Paige chimed in, moving to sit next to Buffy and wrapping an arm around her niece in a comforting embrace.

"We got big problems," Leo announced as he orbed into the room. His eyes scanned the scene, worry etched on his face. "Where's the wizard."

"Uh… he's in there," Piper informed her husband, her focus still on her distressed sister and niece. "And we got big problems here too." She nodded towards the distraught Phoebe, "We were right. Cole's a demon, and Faith has turned. Phoebe and Buffy both had a premonition."

Leo's face fell further as he gazed sadly at Phoebe and Buffy, recognizing the gravity of the situation.

"What were you going to say?" Piper asked him, her curiosity directed at the larger issues involving the Elders and the Wizard.

Leo turned to Phoebe and Buffy, both of whom rested their heads against Piper and Paige, weariness etched across their faces. "Can you two handle this right now?" he asked, his concern palpable.

"Do we have a choice?" Phoebe responded tightly, the weight of the situation pressing down on her.

"Phoebe's right," Buffy sighed, her exhaustion evident in the resigned tone of her voice.

"What's taking so long!" Snyder demanded once again, his impatience proving to be an unwelcome undercurrent in the room.

"Shush!" Piper ordered sternly; her gaze sharp as she silenced the persistent interruption. She then turned back to her husband, her expression a mix of anticipation and worry.

"Uh… well, according to the Elders, some wizards are evil, and if he is, it's not good," Leo explained to them grimly, his words casting a somber shadow over the room.

"I knew it, then he wants the Grimoire for himself," Piper stated with a knowing tone, her suspicions confirmed, and Leo nodded in agreement.

"Probably," Leo confirmed. "There's a spell in there that can consecrate a weapon and make it strong enough to kill the Source," he revealed.

"Isn't that a good thing?" Paige chimed in with a frown, her brows furrowed in confusion.

"No," Leo corrected her sternly. "If he kills the Source, then he becomes the Source, and he'll have enough magic to resurrect his people."

"What's taking so long!" Snyder demanded for the third time, his impatience grating on their nerves.

Piper glanced toward Snyder thoughtfully, a sudden realization dawning on her. "Wait a minute!" she cried, her eyes widening, and all eyes turned to her as she stormed into the conservatory. She stopped in front of Snyder; her frustration palpable. "I can't believe we let that slimy Lord of the Rings wannabe use us." With a swift flick of her wrist, she blew up Snyder, causing the illusion to unravel as Snyder disappeared, along with the Grimoire.

"Another illusion?" Paige questioned, her gaze darting around the room as she tried to grasp the extent of the deception.

"On a loop, no less," Piper replied, frustration evident as she pushed her hands through her hair. "He was just waiting for an opportunity to take the book," she observed, a sense of regret coloring her tone as she mentally berated herself for not seeing through the illusion sooner.

"We need to get it back fast," Leo stressed, his eyes moving from Piper to Phoebe, then to Paige, and finally settling on Buffy.

"How?" Phoebe questioned; her worry mirrored in her eyes.

"We've got to go back down to the underworld," Piper informed them, her enthusiasm noticeably absent.

"But we couldn't even find the coronation site without the wizard," Paige stated, her tone tinged with defeat, the daunting task ahead seeming insurmountable without the guidance they previously had.

"What about a summoning spell?" Buffy offered with a casual shrug, her mind already searching for a solution.

"We'd need his blood," Piper sighed, the practicalities of magic adding an extra layer of complexity to their predicament.

Paige's eyes widened as an idea struck her, her voice careful as she suggested, "Cole and Faith," directing her gaze solely at Phoebe and Buffy. "I was just thinking maybe they'd know something. Cole's a demon, after all. And Faith might as well be since she's the Source's heir."

Phoebe shook her head, weariness evident as she eased herself down into one of the chairs. "I can't even think about Cole right now, let alone talk to him."

"And with Faith evil and me turning any time, I would rather spend my last bit of time being good with you guys than go back over there right now," Buffy added, her words laced with a hint of resignation.

"Maybe we could go with you both and watch your back," Paige pushed, her eyes holding nothing but sympathy for the two women facing a tumultuous destiny.

"That's an awful lot to ask of them right now," Piper said softly, coming to Phoebe and Buffy's aid, understanding the weight of the situation they were in.

"I know, but what choice do we have?" Paige asked, her voice tinged with urgency. "There's gonna be a coronation tonight unless we stop it."

Coronation Chamber, Underworld

"How does it feel?" the new Dark Priest questioned, his eyes assessing Cole and Faith's respective coronation attire.

Cole glared at him, his response delivered in a clipped tone, "Heavy."

Faith glanced down at the gown of obsidian black she wore. The fabric, smooth and flowing, seemed to absorb the ambient light, casting an aura of mystery around her. Silver threads traced sinuous patterns along the gown, mirroring the tattoos that adorned Faith's arms, creating an intricate dance between fabric and skin. The gown's neckline plunged with daring confidence, adding a touch of defiance to Faith's ensemble. "Beautiful," she admitted, her voice a blend of appreciation and acknowledgment of the powerful presence the gown bestowed upon her.

The Dark Priest turned to the Seer, who tilted her head subtly in response, and he bowed away, acknowledging her authority.

"Focus," The Seer hissed as she stood next to Cole and Faith, her voice low and urgent, her body angled to ensure only they would hear her.

"What's the point?" Cole snapped, shaking himself uncomfortably, frustration evident in his voice. "We don't even have the Grimoire."

"We will," the Seer assured him, her voice steady and commanding. "But in the meantime, you must keep up appearances."

"But Aunt Phoebe and Buffy—" Faith started, her concern evident in the furrow of her brow.

"Is not either of your concern at the moment," the Seer finished for Faith, her words pointed and unyielding.

"They know I'm a demon, and that Faith has turned, damn it!" Cole interjected, frustration bleeding into his words.

"They will come around in time, especially Buffy, as it's only a matter of time before the corrupted Slayer line turns her evil," the Seer placated rigidly, her confidence unwavering in the face of their predicament. The room crackled with tension as the Dark Priest approached once again, this time with a sash in hand.

Cole held up his hand, halting the movement, and the Dark Priest turned to the Seer, awaiting her guidance.

"I can't do this," Cole informed the Seer with determination etched across his face. "I have to find Phoebe," he swore, his eyes flickering with urgency, before glancing at Faith. "And you should find Buffy."

"And risk the wizard finding you?" the Seer called after them as Cole and Faith walked away from her, her voice cutting through the tension in the room. "He'll kill you both. First you and then Faith," she said bluntly, her words hanging heavily in the air as Cole shrugged off the cloak while Faith removed the gown. "Take your throne."

"He can have it," Cole seethed spitefully, his resentment palpable.

"My liege is correct," Faith agreed, her voice steady but resolute. "Without Aunt Phoebe and Buffy at our sides, we do not want our thrones."

"And what do you think your deaths will solve?" the Seer questioned, her footsteps echoing as she strode after them. "Do you both really think it'll bring you what you seek?"

Cole and Faith paused; their impatience evident as they turned back to face the Seer.

"If losing the witch has cost you your will," the Seer said to Cole with a discerning gaze before turning to Faith. "If losing the other Slayer has cost you yours." She then redirected her attention at both of them. "Then I will get it back," she promised firmly, her words carrying an unspoken determination.

Faith walked toward her slowly, her expression a mix of curiosity and defiance. "What do you mean?" she demanded, her voice demanding answers, but the Seer remained silent, her enigmatic nature prevailing.

The Seer, without uttering a word, suddenly vanished, leaving Faith and Cole standing in the echoing silence of the room.

"Anything?" Leo asked as he and Piper met up with Phoebe, Buffy, and Paige in the living room of Phoebe and Buffy's apartment.

"They're not here," Buffy informed them stoically, her eyes reflecting the frustration of their fruitless search.

"Did you try his office?" Paige suggested with a nonchalant shrug, attempting to offer a practical solution.

"I'm beginning to wonder if Cole even has an office," Phoebe commented with a sigh, the uncertainty of their quest evident in her voice.

Julie shimmered into the room at that moment, her arrival adding a mysterious element to the situation, and answered coyly, "He does."

"Who are you?" Piper questioned, her hands on her hips, and Julie gave her an uninterested glance, as if the current circumstances were beneath her notice.

"Phoebe and I know who she is," Buffy stated, her voice tinged with recognition as she identified the woman as Cole's, unsurprisingly demonic, assistant.

"Where's Cole?" Phoebe asked, her worry etched across her face, the urgency of their mission forefront in her mind.

"And Faith?" Buffy added, her concern mirroring Phoebe's.

"Safe," Julie answered her, her tone revealing nothing but assurance. "From the two of you."

"Alright," Paige spoke up angrily, her frustration evident. "You want to punch her, or should I?" The tension in the room escalated, the desire to lash out at the seemingly elusive assistant boiling over.

"I should have known all along," Phoebe berated herself, her voice laced with self-blame as she grappled with the realization that Julie, in her own way, had played a pivotal role in the unfolding events.

"You two ruined them," Julie scowled, her words carrying a venomous undertone as she addressed Phoebe and Buffy in regards to Cole and Faith. "Made them pathetic, weak… good."

Phoebe tilted her head questioningly, her expression a mix of confusion and defiance. "And I take it you have a problem with that?"

"Yeah," Julie answered tightly, her tone revealing the depth of her dissatisfaction. "I have a big problem with that."

"Uh… Phoebe?" Piper called warily, her eyes flickering between the unfolding confrontation and her family, sensing the escalating tension. "What's goin' on here?" she asked, her cautious tone reflecting the unease settling in the room, with Leo and Paige following suit and cautiously backing away.

"You both were just a means to an end," Julie sneered, her words dripping with disdain as she, Phoebe, and Buffy circled the couch. "A way to sire magical children, but now you two are hurting them, and I can't allow that."

"Oh no?" Buffy baited snarkily, her defiance clear in her posture as the tension in the room reached a boiling point.

"No," Julie growled, frustration evident in her eyes as she released an energy ball Phoebe's way. Quick on her feet, Phoebe levitated out of reach, the energy ball striking the wall instead.

"Whoa!" Piper shrieked, reacting quickly to plant herself in front of her older sister, a protective barrier against the magical onslaught.

"Two can play at that game." Phoebe smirked, a glint of determination in her eyes as her feet hit the ground. She threw out her arm, palm open, and sent a stream of fire Julie's way.

Julie, displaying agility and quick reflexes, ducked and flipped out of the way, skillfully maneuvering past the couch, turning the living room into a battlefield of magical clashes.

"Okay, enough," Piper lifted her hands, ready to strike back, but Phoebe stopped her, a commanding presence in her voice.

"Piper, don't! This is mine and Buffy's fight," Phoebe informed her older sister, her focus unwavering as she prepared to face off against Julie. "Buffy."

Piper's eyes widened, and she glanced at her husband, Leo, both sharing a mix of surprise and concern at the unfolding scene.

Buffy smirked, a confident glint in her eyes, as she held out her hand, unleashing her telekinetic abilities to suspend Julie in the air just as Phoebe raised her arm again. A wave of fire shot from Phoebe's fingertips, striking Julie in the middle. Trapped between Buffy's telekinetic hold and the scorching flames, Julie could do nothing but scream in agonizing pain.

"Phoebe! Buffy!" Piper cried out with wide eyes, her distress evident as she witnessed her sister and niece relentlessly attacking their demonic adversary.

Julie let out a blood-curdling scream, the flames engulfing her until there was nothing left but a scorch mark, a haunting testament to the intensity of the magical onslaught.

Phoebe and Buffy smirked, dropping their arms casually to their sides, a sense of satisfaction evident in their expressions. "Home wrecker," they said in unison, their voices laced with disdain.

"Okay," Paige spoke up from her hiding spot, emerging cautiously and looking at her sister and niece. "You two are scaring us."

Phoebe turned to them and shrugged, seemingly unfazed by the consequences of her actions. "What?"

Leo's eyebrows shot up in alarm. "Phoebe, fire throwing is an upper-level demonic power!"

Phoebe's eyes widened in realization as the gravity of her newfound abilities sank in. "Oh my god. What's happening to me?" she cried fearfully, her gaze shifting to her sisters for answers. However, before they could respond, a sudden force seized Phoebe, and her body shook as she felt herself being summoned. In an instant, she shimmered out of sight, leaving Piper, Paige, and Leo in stunned silence.

As they processed the shocking turn of events, their attention shifted to Buffy, whose eyes had turned coal black. It became clear that the corrupted Slayer line had completed its insidious work, and Buffy, once a force for good, had succumbed to the darkness. The trio watched in helpless horror as Buffy disappeared in a swirl of fiery flames, leaving behind a void where the once heroic Slayer had stood.

Seer's Lair, Underworld

Phoebe glanced wildly around her new surroundings, her senses trying to adjust to the disorienting shift. Uncertain of where she was and who had brought her here, she turned to her right and, in the haze of the unfamiliar transportation, came face to face with the Seer.

"Breathe," the Seer instructed gently, recognizing Phoebe's disorientation and seeing her sway slightly as her body acclimated to the unusual way of transportation.

"How did I get here?" Phoebe demanded, her gaze narrowing with cautious suspicion as she regarded the enigmatic figure before her.

"Through magic," Buffy answered, materializing in a swirl of fiery flames. "The Seer's dark magic."

"Buffy is correct," the Seer replied, her tone holding an air of smug assurance as she tilted her head slightly, studying Phoebe and Buffy. A sly smirk played on her lips as she observed that Buffy's once heroic eyes had now turned coal black.

Phoebe watched with wide eyes as the Seer approached her and Buffy. Staggering backward, a surge of fear rippled through her. "You—Stay away from me!"

"Stop me," the Seer taunted with daring eyes, the challenge evident in her demeanor.

"Buffy," Phoebe called out, expecting her niece's assistance against the Seer. Without hesitation, Phoebe threw out her hand, sending waves of fire towards the Seer, aiming for her chest. However, the Seer merely smiled smugly, unaffected by the fiery assault. The flames had no impact on her, leaving Phoebe bewildered and breathless.

Phoebe pulled her hand back, staring at it as if it belonged to someone else. Her breathing quick and harsh, she turned her gaze towards her niece, only to be met with the unsettling sight of Buffy's coal-black eyes. A realization dawned on Phoebe – Buffy had turned evil.

The Seer chuckled in amusement, reveling in the chaos she had sown. "Feels good, doesn't it?" she asked, her words a taunt laced with satisfaction. "Or more precisely, evil."

"What do you want?" Phoebe questioned shakily, her voice betraying a mix of confusion and fear. "What have you done to me and Buffy?"

"What I've done is not important," the Seer informed her sharply. "What you and Buffy must do now, however, is," she stated cryptically, capturing Phoebe's attention. Confusion and fear invaded Phoebe's eyes as Buffy looked at her with a raised eyebrow. The Seer continued, "Your husband…" she said, looking directly at Phoebe before turning to Buffy, "…and your wife," she redirected her attention to them both, "need you by their side." The mention of Cole and Faith caused Phoebe's body to tense, the weight of responsibility and the unknown pressing down on her.

"I don't understand," Phoebe claimed quietly, shaking her head against the tumultuous thoughts in her mind and the undeniable truth resonating in her heart.

"Don't you?" Buffy disagreed, her tone carrying a knowing edge. "For you and I share the same gift the Seer has."

"Again, Buffy is correct," the Seer chimed in. "The three of us can sense the truth. From the moment Cole absorbed the Source's power, you've sensed something different about him," the demon stated with a disconcerting accuracy, as if she could read Phoebe's innermost thoughts. Glancing at Buffy, she continued, "Just as before your turn to evil, you sensed Faith's turn." The Seer redirected her attention to both Phoebe and Buffy. "Something that's changed them both forever. You both know the truth."

"She is right, Phoebe," Buffy affirmed. "We know that Cole is the Source, and Faith is his heir."

Phoebe's heart constricted as the Seer and Buffy's words brought her greatest fear to the forefront of her mind. The weight of the revelation settled heavily on her shoulders, threatening to crush the hope she had clung to.

"And they need both of your help if they hope to survive," the Seer continued, her words a plea that Phoebe could hardly register. Her thoughts were consumed by the heartbreaking realization that the two people she loved most were entangled in a destiny fraught with darkness. "They both need both of your love," the Seer concluded, her voice echoing with an urgency that cut through Phoebe's despair.

Phoebe shook her head, a mixture of disbelief and sorrow etched on her face, her hands clenched into fists at her sides as she fought desperately to stay on her feet.

"You can't keep fighting it," the Seer insisted, her gaze penetrating. "The maternal bond is too strong."

Phoebe cut her eyes to the demon, questioningly probing for some glimmer of understanding or a way to resist the inevitable.

"She is right, Phoebe," Buffy said with a solemn nod. "Just as Prudence knows the truth from within Faith's womb, so does your unborn child."

The revelation hit Phoebe like a tidal wave, and her eyes widened with a mix of astonishment and grief. Her unborn child, the innocent life growing inside her, was attuned to the supernatural changes that had engulfed their world. The weight of the knowledge settled heavily on Phoebe, and a pang of sorrow coursed through her heart for the child she was yet to meet.

"Listen to your body, Phoebe," the Seer ordered firmly, and Phoebe's head dipped involuntarily, her gaze fixating on her stomach. Her hands fell tenderly to the swell, fingers tracing an absent-minded pattern as her heart ached for the child who, even before birth, was tethered to a destiny fraught with uncertainty.

"He takes after his father," the Seer informed her, her own eyes now resting on Phoebe's stomach. "Just as Prudence takes after her mothers."

"His father lied to me," Phoebe reminded her harshly, shirking away protectively, as if shielding her unborn child from any potential harm.

"He never lied about his feelings for you," the Seer assured, pleading her Sire's case. "Just as Faith has never lied to Buffy about her feelings. And despite my best efforts, he never stopped loving you. Just as Faith continued to love Buffy."

Phoebe looked up at her words, her eyes catching the Seer's, allowing the demon to place one hand gently on her stomach, where her baby lay inside.

"Your son was conceived in love, you know that," the Seer whispered, Buffy's hand on Phoebe's shoulder offering silent support, keeping her in place. "It's time to stop fighting it," the Seer said gently, seeing Phoebe's resolve waver. "It's time to embrace your new family, your new destiny. Otherwise, Cole, Faith, Buffy, Prudence… and your son will die," she revealed, pulling away.

Phoebe's heart lurched in fear at that solid declaration, her hands moving further around her middle, desperate to protect the new life inside of her.

"She is correct, Phoebe," Buffy said with a heavy sigh. "If we do not act to save Cole and Faith, demons will rise up and destroy them and us."

Coronation Chamber, Underworld

Cole and Faith paced back and forth within the coronation chamber, the air tense with anticipation. Guards flanked them on either side, their stoic presence a reminder of the impending ceremony. Cole, his eyes ablaze with determination, turned to the guards slowly and ordered, "Leave us."

The guards looked at him in surprise, hesitating at the unconventional request. Faith, always ready for a confrontation, stepped forward, "But the coronation is imminent. The Wizard—"

"Knows that. We know," Faith concluded for him, her voice edged with impatience. "Leave."

The guards nodded, acknowledging their authority, bowed their heads, and shimmered out of the chamber. The atmosphere shifted as the space cleared, leaving Cole and Faith alone, just as they had requested. They descended from the podium into the open area, smirking as the sinister figure of Snyder materialized behind them.

A sword materialized in Cole's hand as he turned, his movements fluid and calculated. The blade blocked the staff that hurled towards him and Faith with a swift motion. Faith, not one to be outdone, smirked as a fireball formed in her hand. "We knew you would come," she growled, her eyes reflecting the flickering flames, and she flung the fireball, disarming Snyder and sending the staff sliding across the polished floor.

Cole balanced the sword with deadly precision, its tip directed toward Snyder's neck. His voice dripped with a mix of menace and sarcasm as he informed him, "If you wanted our powers… all you had to do was ask."

The Towers

Faith closed the last of the open blinds in the penthouse, enveloping the room in a shroud of dimness. The subdued lighting emphasized the gravity of the situation as she turned back to Snyder. "How much longer?"

Snyder glanced up from his meticulous work beside the Grimoire, which rested securely on its designated podium. "Give me a break, will ya?" he demanded, his tone tinged with tension. "This is tricky stuff. It would be a lot easier if I could do this in friendlier confines."

Cole's eyebrows shot up to his hairline, a threatening aura emanating as he advanced on the diminutive man. "There are no friendly confines, not anymore," he declared, crossing his arms with menace. "This better work, or you'll be joining the rest of your kind, and not in the way you'd hoped for."

"Little tip," Snyder looked back up from the ancient book, his tone nervously casual. "Pressure's not the best motivating technique. If you want to lose the Source's powers and you want her to go back to being good, don't rush me."

Cole couldn't help but smirk at the man's anxious ramblings as he resumed pacing. "Fine, but just so we're clear, once you get the Source's powers, we never hear from you again."

Snyder nodded, acknowledging the terms. "Understood," he mumbled, then shifted his attention to the circle of lit candles before him. "Not that I'm ungrateful, but why are you two so willing to do this?"

Cole and Faith locked eyes for a brief moment, a silent understanding passing between them. "We both lost someone we love, and we want them back," Cole answered with a raw honesty that laid bare the pain etched on his face. Regaining his composure, he added with a hint of defiance, "That's all you need to know."

Snyder, still intrigued, walked back to the ancient grimoire, an air of skepticism lingering. "Love?"

Faith shot him a warning look, and Snyder couldn't help but smirk. "The Source and his heir can love," he stated with a wry grin, enjoying the revelation.

"Just keep working," Faith ordered, her tone clipped, as she began to nonchalantly bounce a fireball in her hand, a stark reminder of the potent force she could wield.

"I'm done," Snyder announced after a moment's silence, drawing their attention. "Now, if the spell's going to work…" he trailed off, picking up a long-bladed athame with a contemplative expression, "…blood needs to spill."

Cole and Faith approached Snyder with deliberate steps, a shared determination etched across their faces. They pulled up their sleeves, exposing their arms and offering them for the necessary sacrifice, holding them above the Grimoire. Snyder, with a steely resolve, dragged the knife across first Cole's and then Faith's arms, crimson droplets falling onto the ancient book, where their blood mingled and created an eerie concoction.

Snyder then held his own arm above Faith and Cole's, the blade slicing through his flesh. The trio's blood intermingled, forming a gruesome link between them, and as it dropped onto the grimoire, it hissed and smoked upon contact, setting the stage for the dark ritual. Snyder began his incantation, a haunting chant that reverberated through the chamber.

As the ritual unfolded, Cole and Faith stepped backward, a growing sense of unease enveloping them. Snyder's voice intensified, resonating with an otherworldly power. The trio, now standing on opposite sides of the grimoire, began to ascend into the air, bathed in a bright, blinding ghostly white light.

Snyder, his hands outstretched, called forth the Source's powers with an air of grim determination. Cole and Faith, caught in the throes of the ritual, convulsed in the air, gasping for breath as the Source powers were painfully extracted from their very beings.

The scene unfolded dramatically as the Seer, accompanied by Phoebe and Buffy, materialized in a flash. The trio observed the spectacle before them, their eyes widening in anticipation and trepidation as the fate of Cole and Faith hung in the balance.

"Save them," the Seer urged, her voice carrying a sense of urgency, but Phoebe hesitated, torn between fear and determination. Buffy, sensing Phoebe's internal struggle, turned to her with pleading eyes.

"For your son," Buffy implored, her voice filled with desperation. "For me, Faith, and our daughter Prudence." The weight of those words seemed to cut through Phoebe's hesitation, and she reacted with newfound resolve.

Phoebe threw out her hand, unleashing a stream of fire toward Snyder, while Buffy, fueled by a mix of fury and determination, sent telekinetic blasts one after another at the now-vulnerable dark wizard. Snyder screamed in agony as the combined assault struck him, the Source forcefully returning to its rightful vessels, Cole and Faith, as Snyder disintegrated into smoke.

With the immediate threat neutralized, Phoebe rushed to her husband's gasping form, her heart pounding with relief and concern. Meanwhile, Buffy hurried to Faith's side, assisting her as she recovered from the ordeal. As the Seer observed the scene, a victorious smirk stretched across her face, pleased with the outcome that unfolded in her favor.

Halliwell Manor

Piper stood in the attic, her nerves palpable as she paced back and forth. To her right, Leo, her husband, stood with a concerned expression. At a small table in front of her, Paige was intently studying a map of San Francisco, a crystal dangling from her hand.

"Maybe you should go back down to the underworld," Piper suggested to Leo, her hands nervously smoothing out imaginary creases on her pants. The weight of uncertainty pressed on her as she considered the gravity of the situation.

"I already tried," Leo gently reminded his wife, his eyes reflecting the worry that mirrored her own. "I can't sense Phoebe anywhere. And with Buffy and Faith now evil, I can't sense either of them at all. In fact, until they're turned back, Willow has been reassigned from Buffy to me. They've stripped Buffy of her Whitelighter status until she is turned good again."

Piper spun back to face him sharply. "They've got to be somewhere," she insisted determinedly. However, as her voice wavered, her certainty faltered. "Don't they?" she asked fearfully, staring into her husband's eyes with a pleading expression.

"Got them," Paige announced, her voice breaking through the tense atmosphere. The crystal hit the map, and Piper turned to her sister, a mix of hope and anxiety in her eyes.

The Towers

"Are you okay?" Phoebe and Buffy asked their respective spouses quietly, concern etching their faces, as Cole turned in Phoebe's arms while Faith turned in Buffy's. The intensity of the recent events lingered in the air.

"What happened?" Cole queried, his gaze locked with Phoebe's, searching for answers in her eyes.

"What did you two do?" Faith demanded, her eyes scanning the room for any signs of Snyder's presence.

"Buffy and I vanquished him," Phoebe answered evenly, the weight of the decision evident in her voice.

"Oh, but he was our last chance," Cole breathed, disappointment clouding his eyes as he processed the consequences.

Buffy shook her head slowly. "No, it wasn't," she countered, her voice steady and resolute. As if on cue, Leo orbed into the room with Piper and Paige, their arrival bringing a mix of relief and tension.

"Thank god we found you," Paige cried in relief, her eyes wide and searching for signs of their well-being.

Buffy, Faith, Cole, and Phoebe all stumbled to their feet, weariness etched on their faces as Phoebe whispered, "It's too late."

"What do you mean?" Leo questioned, his concern deepening, Piper on his left and Paige on his right. "What are you talkin' about?"

Phoebe walked to the Grimoire and lifted it up, the dark cover reflecting the ominous events that unfolded. The weight of the book in her hands seemed to carry the gravity of their situation.

"Hey! I, I thought only evil can touch that book," Paige cried, throwing out her hands in a protective gesture, a hint of panic in her voice.

"That's right," Phoebe confirmed, her gaze unwavering as she backed up next to Cole, stopping by his side. Buffy and Faith moved over beside Cole and Phoebe, forming a united front.

Piper felt her heart stop at her sister's words, her hold on her husband's hand tightening painfully. The atmosphere in the room grew heavy with an unspoken realization, a truth too painful to fully grasp.

"Phoebe what's going on?" Piper asked fearfully, her voice trembling with a mix of dread and disbelief. Deep down, she knew the answer, but the reality seemed too cruel to accept.

"Phoebe is embracing her new destiny," Buffy replied, her tone carrying a weight of inevitability. As if synchronized, Buffy and Faith linked hands, mirroring the connection between Cole and Phoebe, their gazes locked in a solemn understanding. "Just as Faith and I have embraced ours."

Piper shook her head slowly in disbelief, her eyes welling up with tears as the flames began engulfing her little sister. The room seemed to close in on her, the loss too profound to comprehend.

Paige stared with wide, disbelieving eyes as Buffy, Faith, Phoebe, and Cole flamed out together.

"What the hell was that?" Piper cried following their departure, pointing to where her sister and nieces once stood.

"That was the Source…" the Seer informed them, sauntering closer. She was taking great pleasure in her revelation, "…and his Queen. His Heir and her Consort and General."

"You bitch! You did this." Piper spat, her eyes filled with anger, "You poisoned them!"

"Maybe we should just vanquish you," Paige threatened darkly, her frustration boiling over, and the Seer smiled.

"You can't," the Seer informed them confidently, "Not without the Power of Three." And with that, she flashed out, leaving the remaining Charmed Ones to deal with their loss.

"I can't believe this is happening," Paige whispered brokenly, shaking her head from side to side.

Piper turned to her husband with pleading eyes, "Leo, where'd they go?"

Leo closed his eyes, concentrating all his energy on Phoebe. "Like Buffy and Faith, I can no longer sense Phoebe," he admitted quietly, his eyes snapping open. "They must be in the underworld."

"Okay, so orb us down there and we'll drag them home kicking and screaming." Piper ordered sternly.

"There is no way we can find the coronation site without the wizard," Paige reminded her, glancing at their eldest sister.

"I don't care!" Piper cried, tears welling suddenly, "We can't just leave them there."

"We don't have a choice," Leo soothed. "We'll have to find another way. And I think the first thing we should do is have a look at those herbs that Cole gave Faith for nausea."

"You think that they weren't really for her nausea?" Paige asked.

"I believe so," Leo replied. "I believe that Cole needed to convert Faith somehow, and what better way to do so than with something laced with evil." The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the room, and the Charmed Ones were left grappling with the harsh reality of their loved ones being under the influence of dark forces.

Coronation Room, Underworld

"Are you sure about this?" Cole's words echoed through the cavernous chamber; a hesitant melody woven with the threads of uncertainty. The air became charged with the weight of impending doom, an ominous fog that clung to the edges of Phoebe's consciousness. In that moment, their entwined hands forged a silent pact, a connection that spoke louder than words.

Phoebe, her fingers intertwined with Cole's, felt the gravity of his concern wrapping around her like a vice. His eyes, intense and searching, sought confirmation in the depths of hers. It was a demand for reassurance that transcended the spoken language, an unspoken plea for validation.

"My life is with you and our baby," Phoebe declared, her voice a symphony of determination. Her eyes, brimming with unwavering resolve, locked onto Cole's. The silent promise of commitment tightened the grip of her fingers around his. "We'll be strong together," she added, a resolute smile playing on her lips. "After all, we're family."

A tangible relief washed over Cole's face, the lines of worry melting away as Phoebe's words enveloped him like a protective shield. Leaning down, he captured her lips in a fervent kiss, a passionate seal on their pact that transcended the impending darkness.

"I love you," he murmured against her lips, the words carrying the weight of a promise that hung in the charged air. Stepping back, he turned his attention to Buffy and Faith, his gaze shifting to acknowledge the gravity of the situation. "And what of you two? Are you both sure?"

Buffy and Faith, veiled in the allure of malevolence, exchanged a glance that spoke volumes. The bond they once shared, twisted by a newfound allegiance to the shadows, echoed in the palpable silence that followed.

Faith met Cole's gaze with steely determination. "I am your Chosen Heir," she asserted, her voice laced with a dark resolve that sent shivers down the spine. "I am ready to embrace my destiny."

Buffy, her demeanor now hardened and unyielding, met Cole's gaze with an unflinching stare. "Sure, as the night is dark," Buffy retorted with malevolence. "I stand by my wife as not only her consort but her general. I am ready to lead the armies of the Underworld." The words dripped with a chilling certainty, a commitment to a path that led into the depths of darkness.

The Seer approached with an ethereal grace; her presence shrouded in an enigmatic aura that sent a subtle ripple through the air. "It is time," she announced, her words a mere whisper that carried the weight of destiny. Her eyes, pools of mystic knowledge, first met Phoebe's gaze, and then shifted to Buffy and Faith, encompassing them in a silent acknowledgment of the pivotal moment that lay ahead.

Phoebe, standing at the forefront of this foreboding ceremony, met the Seer's gaze with a determination that reflected the depth of her resolve. "We're ready," she replied, her voice a steady affirmation that resonated with a quiet strength.

"She is correct," Faith added, her words cutting through the charged atmosphere like a blade. The tone was assertive, a declaration that echoed her readiness to embrace the dark path they were about to tread.

Cole, donned in the elaborate attire befitting the Source of All Evil, smiled in response. He shrugged his shoulders, carrying the heavy weight of the coronation garb with a nonchalant ease that belied the gravity of the moment. With a deliberate motion, he outstretched his hand to Phoebe, who obediently slipped hers into his. The intertwining of their fingers symbolized a union, not just of hearts, but of destiny.

Together, Cole led Phoebe through the chanting crowd, the air thick with anticipation, towards the ominous altar. Phoebe's gown, a cascade of midnight blue velvet, clung to her form with regal elegance. Intricate silver embroidery adorned the gown, depicting ancient symbols of power and darkness. The train trailed behind her like a shadowy river, leaving a trail of mystery in her wake. The bodice, fitted with meticulous precision, accentuated the curves of her figure, and a high neckline added an air of mystique to her ensemble.

Buffy, her expression a mix of determination and a haunting allure, stepped forward to join Faith. As they prepared to follow in the wake of Phoebe and Cole, Buffy extended her hand towards Faith, the connection between them palpable even in the charged atmosphere.

Faith, her eyes meeting Buffy's with a fierce intensity, willingly accepted the gesture. Their hands came together in a union that transcended the physical, a silent understanding of the path they had chosen. The touch was electric, a connection forged not just by the intertwining of fingers but by the shared destiny that awaited them in the shadows.

Buffy's gown, a tapestry of deep crimson silk, draped around her like a cascade of blood-red moonlight. The fabric clung to her figure, accentuating the strength in her posture and the regal determination in her gaze. Intricate patterns of onyx and silver adorned the hem, reminiscent of ancient runes that whispered of power and the price it demanded.

Faith, by Buffy's side, wore her gown of obsidian black. Together, hand in hand, she and Buffy followed in the wake of Phoebe and Cole, their gowns swirling like shadows in the dimly lit chamber. The rhythmic chanting of the crowd accompanied their procession, a haunting symphony that underscored the gravity of the moment and the irrevocable choices they had made.

The Seer glided behind the two couples with a self-satisfied smirk. Her eyes, gleaming with an otherworldly knowledge, bore witness to the culmination of her intricate machinations. The air crackled with the energy of her triumph as she observed Phoebe and Cole, Buffy and Faith, ascending the steps to the ominous altar, hands still entwined in a silent pact that bound them to a new and perilous destiny.

As the couples reached the altar, the Seer's smirk deepened, a wicked satisfaction etched across her face. It was a tableau of darkness and power, a canvas upon which the threads of fate were intricately woven. She reveled in the success of her foresight, in the realization of the prophecy she had carefully orchestrated.

Phoebe and Cole stood side by side, the embodiment of the Source and his Queen. Phoebe's midnight blue gown swirled around her, a symbol of her ascent into a role that would command both reverence and fear. Cole, resplendent in his coronation attire, exuded an aura of authority that bespoke his newfound dominion over the Underworld.

Buffy and Faith, their connection unbroken, stood with a defiance that mirrored the shadows enveloping them. Buffy, the Consort and General, radiated an aura of controlled malevolence in her crimson gown, a fierce counterpart to Faith's obsidian black. Faith, the Chosen Heir, embodied the promise of darkness and rebellion, her gown a canvas that echoed the depths of her determination.

The altar, now a stage for the unfolding drama of the Underworld, awaited the final act. The Seer's smirk transformed into a knowing grin as she watched the couples sealed their fates. The rulers of the Underworld were crowned.

Summers Residence

Leo orbed into the living room of the Summers home with Paige and Piper, the familiar warmth of their magical arrival dissipating into the cozy atmosphere. The room was bathed in the soft glow of the television, where Willow, Tara, and Joyce were engrossed in some program. Leo's eyes quickly scanned the room, taking in the scene before him.

"Dad! Mom!" Willow's voice rang out with genuine happiness as she spotted Leo and Piper. Her face lit up, a radiant smile breaking across her features. She sprang to her feet, rushing towards them. The embrace that followed was a mix of relief and affection, a family momentarily reunited.

"Hey, Willow," Piper replied, her voice laced with a mixture of tenderness and concern, as she reciprocated the hug. The love between them palpable, but the air tinged with an unspoken worry.

Willow, ever perceptive, sensed the weight in the room. The happiness of the reunion gave way to a flicker of concern. The lines on her parents' faces and her youngest aunt's troubled expression spoke volumes. "What is it?" she inquired, her eyes darting between them.

Paige, holding a bag of herbs that seemed to cast an invisible cloud over the room, approached Joyce. With a gesture that held both caution and urgency, she extended the bag towards Joyce. "Joyce, do you recognize these?"

Joyce took the bag from Paige's outstretched hand. As she examined the contents, her expression shifted from curiosity to recognition, and then to a deepening worry. "This is Obsidian Serpentweed," she stated, her voice carrying the weight of knowledge. Her gaze lifted to meet those of Piper, Paige, and Leo, seeking answers. "What's going on? These are used to turn someone evil."

"We just found out that Cole is the Source and he took Phoebe as his Queen," Piper's voice carried the weight of sorrow, a cloud of sadness settling over the room. Her eyes, usually vibrant with determination, now held a deep sense of regret. The news hung in the air, a palpable tension weaving through the room. "He gave those to Faith supposedly for her nausea last month before we all went on our respective honeymoons."

Tara, her eyes widening with realization, voiced the unspoken fear that had gripped the hearts of those present. "That means," she uttered, the gravity of the situation settling on her like a heavy cloak, "that Buffy and Faith are evil."

Leo sought a glimmer of hope amidst the despair. "Joyce, is there a way to reverse the effect of those?" he inquired, his tone a mix of urgency and desperation.

A heavy silence followed, as Joyce absorbed the devastating truth. The idea that her daughter might be lost to the shadows weighed on her like an unbearable burden. "No," she replied, her voice tinged with sadness, the realization sinking in that she might not be seeing her daughter for a while. "Once a person consumes these, they turn evil. It takes something momentous to get them to turn back. For Buffy and Faith to become good again, they need to sadly do it themselves."