Title: Damsels To The Rescue
By: Bridget McKennitt
Disclaimer: Charmed and company are owned by Aaron Spelling and other companies. They are used here without permission, and for entertainment purposes only. No challenge or infringement upon the copyright is intended, nor should any be inferred.
Author's Notes: This is an AU (alternate universe) story set in a sorta medieval time.

Chapter 7

"Phoebe!" Prue yelled out.

The rocking stopped and Phoebe turned her head towards the voice. "Prue? Piper?" Reality hit her all of a sudden. "Piper, Prue!" She hid her face in Cole's shoulder. "It's not what it looks like."

"Oh no?" Prue asked rhetorically. "Looks like you're screwing around before you're even married, to a demon no less. But please, correct me if I'm wrong with my judgment."

Phoebe knew Prue was extremely upset. She gently pushed Cole off of her so she could sit up. "Okay, so it is what it looks like! Please don't be mad at me, Prue."

"She shouldn't be, though. She's not your mother," Cole said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

Prue glared at the demon and she raised her arm, telekinetically sending a dagger into her hand. "Stay out of this, Belthazor. And while you're at it, stay out of my sister!"

Cole frowned and gave Phoebe one last searing kiss before shimmering away, leaving her with the job of giving the explanations to her sisters.

After Phoebe got dressed, she sat on her bed awaiting her punishment from Prue. She knew, that in her eyes, she committed a great betrayal. "I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what? Sleeping with a demon or breaking that demon out of the dungeon?"

"Now wait a minute, I did not let him escape."

Prue gave her a disbelieving glance. "Sure, if you didn't help him, who did?"

"Well," Piper fidgeted and played with her hands. "I did. Phoebe was depressed and I knew the only way to get her back to her normal self was through Belthazor. Though I didn't expect he would bed her. And before you even say anything, Prudence, weren't you the one who wanted to help Bane get away? So go and apologize to Phoebe, fill her in on your plan, and then we can break Bane out and we can go on to fulfill the prophecy. I'll leave you two alone. I need to check something in the Book."

There was silence in the room as Piper left. Piper smiled wryly. "That's our Piper. Strong-willed, loyal to her family, and applying her strength when needed." She covered Phoebe's hands and looked into her eyes. "I'm sorry. I was insensitive to the fact that you know Belthazor better than I do and to your feelings. I should have never done that. It seems that I've been trampling on everyone to get my way."

"I'm sorry, too, Prue. You're our big sister and you only wanted to protect us. I take back that I would never speak to you." They hugged tightly. "Let's not fight again. But trust me, Cole will not hurt us."

She cracked a grin. "Oh, I highly doubt he would now since he thinks I'm on a rampage and he obviously has some feelings for you. If he didn't he would have killed you. Now, here's my plan."

Belthazor stared at his image in the mirror as he straightened out his jacket. Lucky for him that he was a demon who could heal fast. Add to the fact that none of the bruises appeared in his demon form and he looked okay. But he wasn't okay. The love making he shared with the witch was magical, something that never happened to him in his century of being a demon. Not with any of the humans, demonesses, or warlocks he had shared his bed with. No, those were only for physical release. Phoebe was something else entirely.

"You're a fool. She's a Charmed witch who's a danger to your kind," he said to his reflection. But try as he might, he could not shake her smiling face and open arms. "She's an ultimate force of good. She'll want you to do good with her. Do you really think she can love your demonic side?" Adjusting his jacket once more, Belthazor turned away from the mirror and exited his chambers.

This was only a temporary place to stay in the Chaliceton Palace. His real quarters were deep in the Underworld in the Source's domain. But the Triad needed all the extra demons they could get their hands on to defeat the destined witches. The Brotherhood hoped the Triad would be wiped out but as a courtesy, they sent their strongest member, himself.

He hated the Triad with a passion. They pulled their authority on everyone even though Belthazor's rank and power level was much higher than theirs. It was a disgrace to bow down to them but he had to. At least until his mission was over, when either the Charmed ones or the Triad was dead. He hoped it'd be when the Triad was killed.

"I might have a way to have my cake and eat it, too." Belthazor knew the Source wouldn't care if the Charmed ones lived since it was the Triad's problem and they didn't know about him. Helping the witches would satisfy his problem with Phoebe and with the Triad. But first he needed a way to earn the eldest one's trust. Piper had given him the benefit of the doubt and Phoebe already trusted him. What would gain Prudence's trust though?

"This is so dangerous. What if the Council catches us?" Phoebe asked, expressing her concern. The three were sneaking along a darkened hall with assorted items in their hands to use to help Bane escape.

"Well, if we get caught, what can they do? We're the sisters of the prophecy," Prue whispered.

"Oh, they can do plenty. Remember Grams was a Council member and David is one now. They told me what the Council did to wayward witches. It's not pretty."

Prue held up one finger to her lips. "Hush, we're almost there. Now remember the plan? Piper, you freeze the guards. If any are witches, Phoebe will throw the sleeping potions which should knock them out. I will work on the chains and we will use the secret passageway into the forest."

"Isn't it a good thing that I found the passageway when we were younger?"

"Phoebe, you could find any way to get to your precious forest. Okay, I'm as ready as I can ever be. Open the door and I'll freeze."

The doors opened with a wave of Prue's arm. Piper raised her hands, sending her power through the air. A few of the guards froze. Phoebe walked in and threw the sleeping potions at the remaining guards. Prue hurried over to Bane and began picking the locks on his chain.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm saving you from getting your memories erased. You are not a bad person, Bane, and I want to do what's right."

"Hmm, I'd never expect witches to help me, especially you three."

"Yeah, well, we're helping you so get used to it." The locks gave way and Prue stepped back to let him move. Bane grinned, pulling Prue into an embrace and lowering his lips to hers in a quick kiss.

Phoebe raised an eyebrow but said nothing. She touched a stone brick behind a parapet and a wall shook and opened. "This way to freedom. Everyone inside."

"You didn't have to do this, Prudence," Bane told Prue. "Won't you get in trouble from your higher ups?"

"Don't worry, we can handle them." She placed a hand on his cheek. "Please be careful though. The Witches Council will know you're free and will try any way they can to capture you. And please, don't tell anyone who we are. The Triad will destroy us if they knew."

"I won't tell. In fact, I plan on hiding away for a bit, from both sides. Give me a chance to clear my mind and think."

"Wait." Phoebe stepped away from Piper, clearly getting an idea. "I think I have a better plan. You can stay with us. The Council won't find you hidden in plain sight, they'll expect you to run. And since the Triad doesn't know where we are, they won't know where you are." She winked at her sister." Then you can spend more time with Prue here. I'm sure she'll be glad for you to stay and keep her warm these long cold nights."

"Phoebe!"

"What? Bane can help us with our problems and he's clearly the solution to yours. So what say you? Yea or nay?"

"If Prudence wants me here, then I accept. Do you?" Directing his question at Prue. She faltered but nodded her head. "Okay, so show me your brilliant hiding place."

Prudence was first and foremost a witch. Innocents were very important to her. If he saved an innocent, preferably a witch to sweeten the pot, then she would see him differently. Belthazor stopped in front of a guard, hardening his face to scare him. "What prisoner is being held here?" When the guard did not answer, he grabbed and shook him. "Well? Speak, worm."

"Um, sir. Belthazor, sir. A witch with the power of dowsing."

Belthazor released the guard from his grasp. "That's better. Always answer quickly to your betters. Or next time you'll answer to an energy ball." He walked on, turning into a dark crevice. Rubbing his forehead, he shimmered away.

He reshimmered into the witch's cell and saw her leaning forward on her bed, her face resting on her arms. "Get up, witch."

She looked up and gasped. Belthazor realized that he was still in his demonic form. He morphed into his human form and took a step towards her. "Don't be frightened. I'm here to help."

The witch backed away, holding her hands in front of here. "You--you're a demon."

"That's true. But I'm not gonna kill you. I'm here to take you to the Charmed ones. You know them, right?"

She paused. "I know of them. All witches do. But you are lying to me. You're gonna kill me."

"Listen, I'm telling you the truth. Your destined witches are sisters by the names of Prudence, Piper, and Phoebe Warren, born in that order. They are each beautiful in their own way but their hearts are pure. They were raised by their grandmother who helped them in their powers of telekinesis, freezing time, and premonitions. I have met them and I know where they live. Let me take you to them."

"You know far too much to be lying. I don't trust you but I'll risk it. Will you really take me to the Charmed ones?"

"Yes. But we must go quickly and you must hold my hand." She followed his instructions. "Tell me, what is your name?"

"I am Desiree Lundy."

"Well, Desiree, get ready to meet the Charmed ones. They're gonna need your dowsing gift." He grinned to calm her down and shimmered out of the cell.

"You can stay here, Bane. This is an adjoining room to Prue's. Convenient if you want to, um, talk with her. It's also the safest place since Leo orbs into Piper's room frequently and I have my own visitor."

"He doesn't orb in there often. Geez, you make it sound so dirty, Phoebe. At least I'm still chaste, miss couldn't wait for marriage." Piper grinned at her sister.

Before she could retort, the air beside her shimmered and Cole appeared holding a female's hand. "Cole? Cole!" Phoebe embraced her beloved and turned to face the woman. "Cole, who's your friend?"

The lady released his hand and stepped away to bow deeply at Phoebe. "Milady, I am extremely honored to finally meet you three. I am your humble servant, Desiree Lundy. Blessed be."

Prue and Piper, especially Prue, was surprised that Belthazor would bring a witch to them. It made Prue suspicious of his motives. "You can stand up now, Desiree. Please tell us why Belthazor brought you here."

"Belthazor?" Bane asked, with a tint of anger in his tone. Prue reached for his arm and squeezed.

The witch stood up and faced Prue. "This demon, Belthazor as you call him, shimmered into my cell and told me that he would take me to the Charmed ones. He knew so much about you three that I believed he would. He said that you would need my power of dowsing. Is it not true?"

Phoebe knew she was grinning like a fool but she didn't care. "Cole, you saved a witch."

"Of course. I wanted to prove to your sisters that I can be trustworthy." He looked directly at Prue. "Have I proven my worth?"

The remark made her a little bit uncomfortable and decided to answer Desiree Lundy instead. "Your power will be greatly appreciated. Tell us, how does your ability work?"

"With my gift, I would need to have been in contact with the specific object recently or an item that had contact with the specific object recently. For example, if I wanted to find you, milady, I could use your favorite perfume bottle, concentrate, and your distinct residue from the perfume would create a trail directly to you for me to follow."

"Interesting. Can you find, oh let's say, where the Triad is located?"

Desiree concentrated on the question. "I might be able to, milady. As long as you have an item that had contact with the Triad, I just might be able to track them."

Piper bit her lip, looking thoughtfully at Cole. "You have been in direct contact with the Triad lately. In fact, you could have led us to them. Why all the trouble of bringing to us a dowsing witch? No offense to ye, Desiree."

"And announce to the Triad that I'm willing to betray them? Thanks but no thanks. Listen, I hate the Triad, maybe even more than you do. They are insufferable and to a demon who's rank and power level are much higher than theirs, it's an insult to take orders from them. Defeating the Triad would solve everyone's problems."

She could feel her sisters' gazes on her and Prue knew that they were waiting for her approval. Finally she nodded. "Fine, we'll work together to bring down the Triad. But I'll be observing your movements. If you ever double-cross us..." She let the threat hang in the air.

"Understood. I have nothing to hide." Cole smirked. It would be too late by the time they figured out his plan. Soon Phoebe would be his.

Chapter 8

The wind blew through the room, ruffling Phoebe's hair. She shivered and pulled the long curtain over the balcony entrance. This way the air inside would be nice and warm for her nightly practice. Cole came to her bedroom every night since he declared a truce with her sisters and he'd teach her on how to further utilize her power of premonitions.

"Ready?"

Phoebe sank onto her bed and looked up at Cole. He carried a coronet of roses braided with angelica and placed it on her head. "What's this for?"

"To heighten your psychic abilities. You've only used your powers to receive visions and only recently have you discovered how to call up those visions. For the past nights, we've worked on mental strengthening games. Now I will teach you to link your mind to anyone with latent psychic abilities." He held her hands and closed his eyes. "Now concentrate on your power. Reach out to my mind. When you make contact, I want you to send me a picture through the psychic line. This is easier than sending words. Remember, a picture. Not a vision."

Phoebe closed her eyes and did as she was told. Finding the center of her gift, she urged it to awaken, trying hard not to trigger a premonition. Then she searched with her mind for Cole's. It took a while but suddenly she came in contact with the distinct essence of Cole. Presently she was in rapport with his mind, she wondered what picture she should send to him.

Without warning Phoebe felt a thought flow into Cole. She broke away from their connection, looking to the side and blushing. "Sorry, that wasn't the picture I was planning on sending."

"Trust me, I didn't mind at all," he said with a sly grin on his face. He felt rather smug that she would send him that image, even accidentally. It was the image of them in bed, making love. "Be proud of yourself, though. You made a connection to me through your power."

"I did, didn't I?" Phoebe was pleased with herself.

"Yes, and soon, under my tutelage, you'll learn and do more."

Phoebe grabbed a pillow and held it in her lap. "Where did you learn this? I mean, you're not psychic, are you?"

"Well, all demons have some psychic abilities, one form or another. I prefer to use my other powers though."

"So how did you learn it?"

"You learn things when you've lived over a hundred years. Knowledge is power and I like power." He leaned forward and planted a kiss on her lips. "Enough shop talk for now. I have a better idea on what we could do with our time."

"And have my sisters barge in again? I think not. I swear they have been using any excuse to enter my room when you're here. Prue doesn't trust me."

"It's me she doesn't trust, and I don't blame her. I've done many atrocious things."

"So has everyone, some more than others. I know that you did evil and will probably keep on doing evil for the rest of your life. I don't condone what you do, but I understand."

Cole smiled. "You're not like other witches, are you?"

"Nope. Matilda says it's because of my gift. She and I can see things that others can't in our visions. It humbles us and makes us wiser."

"Good. I like that you're not arrogant and smug. I know far too many like that and it makes me sick." He glanced towards the door. "Your sister Prue for one thing. Is she always like that?"

She laughed and cupped his face. "All the time. Don't worry, she only acts that way when she wants to protect us. Or when she thinks she's right. But her heart is always in the right place. Now, enough talk, and start kissing me."

Someone had dressed up his chamber within Piper's wing. There were two piles of cushions on the floor with a low table between them. The table held plates, a pitcher, cups, and dishes with delicious food. Leo could see that each was one of his favorites. Potato and cheddar soup with ham, biscuit -topped tuna bake, cinnamon-date scones, raspberry almond sandwich cookies, and fresh lemon meringue pie slices. Piper entered carrying a teapot and she set it on the table. He hugged her.

"This is fantastic, Piper. When did you ask Cook to make this all for me?"

"Cook did not make this. I did." They sat on the cushions while Piper served them tea. "I know you've been busy lately running errands for the Elders and guiding the young witches. I just thought it would be nice if we could have one dinner together. You and me, no interruptions. Do you think we can have that?"

His eyes softened and he covered her hands with his. "Of course. I love you, Piper, and I'd do anything to be with you. That's why I have to work extra hard so They can let us marry."

"I understand that in my mind but not in my heart. Leo, we were meant for each other. Why should we have to wait for the Elders to allow us to marry? It's our right and I'm sick of Their interfering."

"Well, in two months' time, we won't have to worry about that. You and I will be married in a bond that can never be broken. So it's a small price to pay that we tolerate Them."

Piper smiled and leaned forward to kiss him. He always knew exactly what to say to make her feel better. Another reason why she loved him. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now, shall we eat? I wouldn't want all this lovely food that you cooked to go to waste." Picking up their utensils, they began eating.

"You know, you never explained why that demon is hiding out here as well."

Prue looked up at Bane. She was at her desk writing when he walked in. She put her pen down and folded her hands together. "Belthazor seduced my sister, Phoebe. For that reason alone I would vanquish him. But it's her call. They met when she took care of him and healed him from near death. He saved her life from a demon and is training her on her powers. Not to mention the fact he has intimate knowledge on the Triad that we could use."

"I don't trust him. He's only using you."

"Don't you think I know that? I don't trust him either but where else can we get the information we need? For now, we're working together. But afterwards, I'm gonna vanquish him the moment he's not needed."

"Good." He peered over her shoulder to look at the letter. "Who are you writing to?"

"No one. I'm brainstorming on spells. Obviously we'll need a pretty powerful one to vanquish the Triad and none in our Book fits. So far I've come up with nothing."

Bane grabbed a nearby chair and sat down. "You sure there wasn't anything in your Book? I find that impossible. Tomes as old as yours should have something that can aid you."

"And how would you know that?" Her voice was full of suspicion.

"Some of my jobs I had to steal a witch's Book of Shadows. Very interesting information and illustrations. Yours is the only one I've encountered that just you and your sisters can touch the Book, let alone anyone stealing it."

"We're the only ones alive who the Book will allow to touch it. Really any Warren can and we three are the last of the Warren line." Prue sighed. "Do you really think the Book has something?"

"Of course. Warren witches are powerful and their Book must be equally powerful."

"Okay, I'll look through the Book again but I won't do it alone. Phoebe is really in tuned to the tome and a great spell maker at that." Prue stood up and held out her hand. "Coming?"

He stared at her hand for a moment and grabbed it to pull himself up. "Yeah, I'm coming."

They walked down the hall towards Phoebe's bedchamber. Without bothering to knock, she turned the knob and they walked inside. Prue let out a gasp of shock as she witnessed, again, her little sister and Belthazor on the bed fornicating.

"Phoebe! Get off of her, demon!" She sent a telekinetic blast to fling him away from her sister.

Belthazor roared and shimmered before he slammed against the wall. He reappeared beside Phoebe, grabbed her and shimmered both of them out of the room.

Chapter 9

"No!" Prue tried to call upon her power but she knew it was too late. Her baby sister was gone, kidnapped by Belthazor.

"Prue." She turned around and saw Bane with his arms open. Without thinking twice, she went to him, hugging him as she cried.

When she finished crying, she lead them to Piper's room to figure out a way to get their sister back. "Piper, we have a huge problem." She stopped short when she saw Leo. "Leo!"

He looked up and saw Bane standing next to Prue. "Prudence, behind you!"

Piper pulled him back and glanced at her sister. "It's okay, honey. Bane won't hurt us."

"But he's an escaped felon. We have to lock him in the dungeon and inform the Council."

"No, we do not. See, when he escaped he was about to attack us but we put him under an enchantment. He cannot harm us." When Leo turned around, Prue winked at Piper and Bane, placing a finger over her lips.

"All right. But why are you here?"

"We have a crisis. Belthazor kidnapped Phoebe. We need a plan, people. How can we get her back?"

They were stunned and Piper held Leo's hand for support. Leo coughed into his fist and said, "I could ask the Elders if they have any information on him but you should really ask the Witches Council. Their network of contacts is vast."

The sisters knew that the Council had to know of their mess but only if they absolutely had to. "When we have no other options, then we tell the Council. Other than that, Leo, go and ask the Elders. But don't tell them why you need the information. While you do that, we shall go to the Book of Shadows and see what our ancestors know. Okay? Remember this is for Phoebe." Prue was determined to get her sister back.

They approached the Book of Shadows and Piper lovingly stroked it. "Do you think it can help?"

"Of course. Warren witches are powerful and their Book must be equally powerful." Prue glanced coyly at Bane.

"I hope so. Cause I really do not want to face the Council again. Especially with David being a Council member. He'll go berserk!"

The Book opened and the pages started flipping on their own. "Whoa!" Piper stepped back to avoid getting hit.

Bane came a little closer, curiosity written clearly in his eyes. "What's making your Book do that? Is it you, Prue?"

"Nope. That would be our lovely ghost of a grandmother who's turning the pages. Sometimes she likes to help out and guide us."

"Well, I'm thankful." The Book settled and Piper furrowed her brow when she saw the page it stopped at. "This cannot be right." Prue looked over Piper's shoulder and was just as confused. "I agree. It's not what we're looking for. Grams, I think you're mistaken. No one is getting married." She closed the Book.

The Book reopened and settled back on that page. Piper looked up at the ceiling and back on the Book. "Maybe we aren't, but what if Phoebe is? Grams obviously knows what's happening and is trying to tell us." She placed her hand on the page and began reading aloud.

"When a witch is joined in a bond of marriage, whether forced or consented, the bond is for eternity. Depending on the rite spoken over the couple will determine what the bride and groom will share from one another. A cunning agent of evil could kidnap a powerful witch in order to marry her so he could share in her powers and turn her evil. Sometimes siblings of a witch can be affected by the marriage rite through their own sibling link. Be very careful, single descendants of the Warren line. And remember, marriage is a very serious step. Do not enter into the bond without thinking."

Piper looked at Prue. "He's going to marry her. That demon is going to force her into a marriage!"

"Yeah, and we don't know what kind of rite he'll use. Turn her, or us, evil. Share in her power of premonitions. Who knows? I hate to say it, Piper, but we have to tell the Council. And pray that we can stop the wedding in time."

Phoebe groaned and opened her eyes. It appeared that she was in a cavern of some sorts. Lighted candles surrounded the bed that she was in. When she shifted, she realized that she had a light cotton nightgown over her. She had no recollection on what happened after Cole shimmered them out of her room but she intended to find out.

"Ah, I see you're awake. Good. I brought you something to eat." Cole walked in and laid a tray filled with food on her lap. He sat on the edge of the bed. "You have something on your mind. Tell me."

"Cole, why did you bring me here? And where is here, exactly?"

"This is an underground cavern just north of your castle. I brought you here, well, you'll see very soon. Eat up though. You'll need your strength." He kissed her on the lips and left.

She looked towards the direction he exited and sighed. There had to be a very good reason why Cole brought her here but she wasn't worried. She trusted Cole. He would never harm her.

At that moment Cole shimmered to another location. He knew he had one chance to make this work. Slicking back his hair, he stepped into the hideout. Dried herbs hung from racks and vanilla scented incense smoldered through the lair. He searched the room and saw who he was looking for. He cleared his throat to get her attention.

She turned around quickly with a potion in her hand. "Who be thy that dares enters my abode?"

Cole shook his finger side to side. "Uh uh, witch. None of that. I'm here to propose a deal. One that you cannot refuse."

"I can refuse plenty, sir. Now tell me who you are or I will throw this potion at you."

He shrugged and allowed his demon form to take shape. "I am Belthazor, the only demon who knows where your little hideaway is. Now put the potion down and let us talk or else I'll just shimmer out and tell any demon I see where you are. I'm sure they'll jump at a chance to kill a priestess witch. After all there's a high reward for it." He morphed back to his human form. "So what will it be?"

Rage filled her towards the demon but she conceded. She laid the potion on her table and sat on one of the floor pillows. "Speak quickly, demon. What do you request of me?"

"I want you to perform a wedding ceremony between me and a witch--"

"Never!" She quickly stood and placed her hands on her hips. "Find a dark priestess for your evil plot. I will never conduct a ceremony for you."

"Then you and your kind will perish under the Triad's forces. Does the name Phoebe Warren mean anything to you?" He noticed that the priestess was visibly startled. "She's the one I want to marry. The one I need to marry in order for the destined ones to survive and win against the Triad."

"You're lying."

"Am I? Would you like to meet Phoebe? She should be finished eating by now. I promise, no tricks."

The witch thought about what he said. If he really wanted to kill her then wouldn't he have done so all ready? Maybe he was telling the truth. It has happened before, demons speaking truthfully. She decided to take the chance. "I would."

"Good." He grabbed her arm and shimmered.

She smiled at her reflection in the mirror and twirled around. One of the chests she found held many beautiful dresses. Since she couldn't spend all day in the nightgown, she changed into one of the simpler dresses.

Beautiful clothing aside, Phoebe was lonely. She missed Cole and her sisters. "And my sisters don't even know where I am. I should contact them but how?"

She felt the air displace and Cole shimmered in holding a female by her arm. He let her go and went to Phoebe to kiss her. "Hello, Phoebe. You look gorgeous. I knew you'd find the clothing chest."

Phoebe smiled but wondered who the lady was. She didn't have to wait long to find out because she started bowing. "Lady Warren, blessed be."

"Uh, blessed be. May I ask who you are?"

"I am the priestess Velena Rawn. At your service, Lady Warren."

"Please, call me Phoebe."

Velena turned to Cole. "You have kept your end of the bargain. So shall I. When do you want the ceremony to take place?"

"Um, what ceremony?" She asked, glancing at him.

He ignored Phoebe's question. "Two days from now when there is the Strawberry Moon. I believe it's appropriate enough."

"All right. I shall ready myself until then. Please take me back to my abode."

"Of course." He handed Velena a parchment. "This is the rite I want you to use."

When he returned, Phoebe was waiting impatiently on the bed. "Cole, what's going on?"

"Do you trust me?" He knelt down and held her hand.

"Yes."

"Then believe that the ceremony that will take place in two days will help in defeating the Triad."

Phoebe leaned forward to embrace him, tucking her head under his chin. "I believe you."

Cole kissed the top of her head and gazed upward. He was chancing everything on this plan. Everything.

The Witches Council was not stationed in a solitary location. It couldn't be for evil was everywhere and they had to keep moving to avoid capture. Also witches were spread out far and wide so the Council had to be easy to access by all. Right now though, the Council was stationed in the Halliwell Castle.

The Chief Councilor Witch, Matilda, headed the meeting. She was ancient, an unheard of eighty years in witchdom, with the power of farseeing. Her heart ached when the destined ones informed them that Phoebe was abducted. Matilda was a good friend of their grandmother Penelope and grew to love her granddaughters. Phoebe was her favorite and Matilda hoped that she would become a Council member like Penelope and herself.

"The situation you have brought to our attention is grave. If what you say is true, and Belthazor does wed Phoebe, then he may single handedly destroy the prophecy. Does anyone have a suggestion on what we should do?"

David was breathing heavily and keeping his anger in check. Phoebe, his sweet childhood friend, was in danger. And it was the same bastard of a demon who knocked him out cold that had her. "Chief Councilor, I request to lead a small group to retrieve Phoebe and vanquish Belthazor."

"I know that your heart burns with vengeance, young David, but think clearly. We need to find where she is before we can rescue her." She patted his arm. "She'll be with you shortly."

Prue searched her mind for a spell that she learned to find her sister. What a minute, find? "That's it!" She faced the Council. "I think I have a way. One of the witches that we've become acquainted with has the ability of dowsing. Desiree has met Phoebe so she can track her."

"Good idea, Lady Prudence. I'll send a message to her." Councilor Kenneth called up a magical globe and sent it on its way.

Councilor Richard laced his fingers together. "When Lady Phoebe is home, I expect you three to report before us again. We have much to talk about."

When the meeting was done the sisters took a walk in the garden. Piper was the first one to break the silence. "I'm such an idiot. I should have left Belthazor with David. Then none of this would have happened."

"Piper, it's not your fault. It's no one's fault. I think it's destiny that Phoebe and Belthazor met. It has to be. Why else is everything snowballing so fast? We have to trust that she'll be okay. We have to believe that things will work out. We are the Charmed ones, you know."

She smiled. "I love how you make these big speeches to cheer me up, Prue. But sometimes it gets too complicated and too hard. We've lost so much all ready. I don't think I can stand losing her."

"We won't. I won't let it happen."

Fog started rolling in and gathered around their feet. "What the?" Piper lead Prue further down the path but the fog followed. "Okay, this is strange. Blue fog that's following us? Not exactly normal."

Prue waved her arm once then waved it again. "Whoa, my power's not moving it."

"Really? Let me try. She made a flicking gesture with her hand. "Hey, I can't freeze it. What's going on?"

"Uh, I don't know but I'd rather not find out. Run!" Together they ran but they could not out run the fog. It enveloped them whole and they fell to the ground unconscious.

A man stepped out of the shadows and he let a smile touch upon his face. Picking up each of the ladies, he shimmered.

A door slammed and Leo saw Bane strolling into the room. His eyes was darting back and forth and he kept running his fingers through his hair. "Have the girls come back yet from their meeting?"

"They should have by now. But they usually take a stroll through the garden. Why?"

"Cause I can't find them! Can't you search for them with some kind of whitelighter power?"

Leo raised his eyebrow. "I can try but I'm sure they're all right." He closed his eyes and searched the realm for his charges. Then he searched again. "Odd, I can't sense them anywhere."

Bane stopped pacing and threw his hands up. "Now all three of them are gone. We need to hurry. I've got a bad feeling about all of this."

Prue regained consciousness. The first thing she noticed was that she was blindfolded. Her hands were tied behind her back and she was chained to a wall. Not a wall belonging to a house. It was too rough for that. She tried to move her legs but they were chained up as well. At least there was nothing binding her mouth. "Piper?" She called out softly.

There was no response at first but then she heard her name. "Piper, I can't see. Are you okay?"

"As okay as I can be. Who do you think has us?"

"I don't know but he'll pay for this."

"How, Prue? We're blindfolded and our hands are tied up. How can we use our powers without our hands?" Prue could detect a quiver of fear in Piper's voice.

"We'll find a way." She closed her mouth when she heard footsteps in the distance. Judging by the sound of it, the footsteps belonged to a male.

Deft fingers untied her blindfold and she stared into the face of Belthazor. She saw Piper staring their way. Obviously he took the blindfold off of her first. "Damn you, Belthazor. Where is our sister?"

"You've been unconscious for nearly two days now and the first thing you do is curse me. Try to keep your sharp tongue in your mouth. I don't think my bride will appreciate such foul language on her wedding day." He walked from them to pick up a chalice from the altar.

"Please," Piper begged. "Let my sisters and I go. Don't do this."

Cole slammed the chalice down. "I thought you wanted to fulfill the prophecy. By me marrying Phoebe, it gives you an added edge that you could never get on your own. You are untrained and still beginners at the usage of your powers, no matter that you're the strongest witches ever."

"And what would you get in return for helping us? Our powers?" Prue struggled to break free but the chains were too tight.

"Give me some credit. I'm not a stupid warlock. No, I want something far more greater than just a witch's power. I want the Triad destroyed and ruined. And I want Phoebe as my wife." He shrugged a shoulder. "That's all."

Music drifted into the cavern and Cole smiled. "Did you know that tonight is the Strawberry Moon? Otherwise known as the Lover's Moon. A perfect time for magic dealing with marriage. Now you two be good. You're invited to the wedding but don't make me regret that decision."

Priestess Velena came of a back room and stood in front of the altar. She saw Belthazor standing next to the shackled destined ones. It made her pause but she knew her duty. "Sir, is the bride here?" She made the gesture of great sorrow and apology towards her fellow witches.

Phoebe wandered in and was shocked at how beautiful everything was. Flowers were strung on the walls and globes of lights glowed brightly. "Cole?" She noticed her sisters and gasped. "What are they doing here?"

He lead her to the altar. "They're here to witness a momentous occasion, Phoebe. Our wedding."

"What? Ex-excuse me?"

"I would have told you sooner but I wanted it to be a surprise."

She struggled to put a smile on her face. "Well, it's a surprise. But why are they tied up?"

"So they won't interfere. They think I'm not good enough for you." He nodded to Velena. "Begin the ceremony."

"Run, Phoebe, run!"

"Get away from him!"

Cole tightly grasped her hands to keep her from escaping. "Ignore them. It's too late."

But was it? Where did her loyalties lie? She struggled from his hold but he was too strong. The voices of her sisters grew louder but the ceremony went on.

"In the beginning, two lines were drawn. One of evil and one of good. Yet we are gathered here today to join this demon Belthazor Coleridge Turner and this witch Phoebe Warren in a bond of marriage. To unite two souls as one. May evil of the heart never touch Phoebe nor her sisters two. May these two love and respect each other from this day forth until eternity."

She held up a length of rope. "With this cord, I bind them to these vows." She wrapped the rope loosely around their hands and turned to Cole. "Do you acknowledge the bond between you two, Belthazor? That in which it can never be broken and you shall be one for all eternity?"

"I do."

Velena turned to Phoebe. "Do you acknowledge the bond between you two, Phoebe? That in which it can never be broken and you shall be one for all eternity?"

Suddenly there was a crash and David with a small band of witches including Leo and Bane had burst in. "Phoebe, I've come to rescue you." She looked David directly in the eyes and gasped as a vision unfolded in her mind. Flashes of Cole and herself married, happy, laughing. The Triad defeated and he's standing by her side. The vision faded. She may have wanted the wedding to be stopped before not now. Not after having that premonition. Marrying Cole was the right choice.

She took in a deep breath. "I do," she replied loud and clearly.

"Phoebe, no!" David cried out.

The priestess raised her hands. "Heart and soul as one. Always and forever, so let it be done." She smiled. "So mote it be."

The newlywed couple smiled at each other and replied together, "So mote it be." Cole held her face in his hands, his lips covering hers in a passionate kiss.

He turned towards the crowd and slung his arm around his wife. "Sorry we can't stay for the lovely reception I'm sure you were planning to throw for us but we have to go on our honeymoon." Before David could call up a fireball, the newlyweds shimmered from sight.

Chapter 10

The solar room of Halliwell Castle was in a flurry of activity. The remaining destined ones, their whitelighter Leo, the supposedly enchanted Bane, Councilor David and the rest of the Witches Council were discussing the problem at hand. Phoebe and the demon Belthazor were married. It'd been two days since they went on their "honeymoon" and still no sight of her.

"We need to send trackers out."

Matilda clasped her hands. "David, dear. Relax. I used my power and Phoebe is quite all right. They really are on their honeymoon, no I do not know the location, and Phoebe would be humiliated if you burst in on them. Be patient. Belthazor shall bring her back to us."

David turned to Leo. "Is there anyway to break the rite used in the ceremony?"

He shook his head. "As far as we can tell, it's binding. Not even death can split them apart. It also doesn't help that he used the power of Lover's Moon to amplify the rite's strength. He knew what he was doing."

"Yeah, and that's the thing that bothers me," Prue began. "Why use that particular rite? And why use a good priestess witch or even why let us witness it? It's so odd. He could have had anything and he decides to keep Phoebe and us good and denies himself of our powers? That's not normal demon behavior." "Maybe he genuinely loves Phoebe. He could have done some damage to us but he didn't. I say we give Belthazor a chance. He is, after all, our brother-in-law and he promised to help us take down the Triad."

Give a demon a chance? Especially the one who took Phoebe away from him? Not a chance in the world. "Lady Piper, forgive me for saying this, but we cannot give this demon any chances. He'll be the instrument of death to all witches. Can we really take that risk?"

"When Belthazor brings Phoebe back, send him to me. I will far see into his future to see if he is of any risk to us. Now I conclude this meeting. We shall meet again when Phoebe is among us once more."

"But what if she is with child?"

"You know our rules, David. All witch children are loved. There is so few of us, after all." Councilors Graham and Richard helped Matilda to her feet and the Council slowly left the room.

Piper watched them leave. "I hope this turns out okay. Anything can go wrong."

"Well, we'll make sure nothing goes wrong. Come on, I have an idea."

"Prue?" Piper along with Leo and Bane followed her.

"We need to, I don't know, make some sort of binding or protection spell to use on Belthazor. A kind of leash so he can't betray us?"

Bane gripped Prue's arm. "No. The only thing you're going to do is create a spell to vanquish the Triad. Leave Phoebe and her husband alone."

It looked like Prue was about to argue but she agreed. "Fine. Let's go."

Phoebe moaned and rolled over on her back. "Cole," she said breathlessly. "That was amazing. You did things to my body that I never thought possible."

He leaned over and kissed her. "When you've lived as long as I have, you pick up a few tricks here and there."

"But that was--wow. I'd never suspect those talents coming from you. When can I expect another dose of your special treatment?"

"Right now, my love." Cole cracked his knuckles and started massaging his wife once more. This was perfect. After the wedding ceremony, he shimmered them to Phoebe's little cottage in the forest. The cottage had been Warded and protected so no one from either side could find them. And her sisters would never think to look for them right under their noses. A lovely place for a honeymoon.

"Cole?"

"Yes?"

Phoebe shifted so she could sit up. "I'm worried. When we go back to the castle, my family or the Council might try to separate us. I don't want you to die because of me."

"Don't fret. Nothing can separate us. I've made sure of that. Every little detail has been taken care of." A warm feeling washed over him. His wife was concerned about his well-being. "Is there anything else you're worried about?"

"Nope. As long as I have you and my sisters, then I'm all right. Though I could use one of your special 'massages'. Full body, perhaps?" Phoebe smiled wickedly and pulled Cole towards her.

He wrapped his arms around her and laid her gently on her back. "As you wish. But after I massage you then you have to return the favor..."

The afternoon bell chimed signaling everyone in the castle that it was tea time. Piper poured tea for Prue and herself. She leaned back in her chair, sipping the hot liquid, and allowing the soothing drink to warm her. A week had gone by and Phoebe still hadn't returned from her honeymoon. To make matters worse, they could not come up with a vanquish spell. Either it did not feel right or was not powerful enough.

"Prudence, Piper!" They glanced back and stood up quickly. Phoebe came running into the room and the sisters greeted and hugged each other. Phoebe started chattering about her honeymoon at the same time Prue and Piper talked about what happened while she was gone. Taking hold of their hands, she led them to the doorway where Cole was waiting.

"Sisters, this is my husband Mister Warren." She winked at Cole.

He grinned. "And this is my lovely wife, Mrs. Turner." He closed the distance between them and leaned down to kiss her. As Phoebe raised her arms to wrap around his neck, they saw a diamond ring with a silver band on her left hand.

"All right, all ready. Break it up you two. We have bigger things to spend our time on," Prue said, motioning with her hands.

"Wait a minute, what's with the whole Warren/Turner thing?" Piper asked.

Phoebe grinned hugely. "Oh, that's a running joke between us. He won't take my surname cause he's a demon and I won't take his surname cause I'm a witch." She faced Prue, still holding her husband's hand. "I'm back so let's do whatever it is you want me to do."

Prue talked while she led them to the attic. "We've been trying to create a vanquishing spell for the Triad but nothing has come up so far. The Book of Shadows hasn't been very helpful and I think it's because the Book is far more in tuned to you than us."

"I'll try but I don't think I'll have any more luck than you two." She opened the tome and randomly choosing the pages to scan. More often than not this method worked. If not than she'd concentrate on what she wanted to find and will the Book to flip to that section.

Cole was about to move closer to the Book where Phoebe and Piper were standing when Prue blocked his way. He tried to side step around her but she moved to block his path. A muscle in Cole's jaw jerked.

"Got a problem there, sister?" He asked coldly, leaning heavily on the word sister.

"You may be married to Phoebe but you're still a demon. That Book is my family's heritage and I don't trust you."

Cole opened his mouth, but Phoebe shrieked before he could speak. "I found it! I think I actually found something we can use. The information is how To Turn Aside Evil and it says, 'Invoke the power which is yours alone, calling upon the elements or those features of the natural world which lie closest to your heart. These powers have you over all that is evil.'"

"I don't understand. How can this help?" Piper read the passage and looked up.

"I doubt that this will be enough but it's a start. I can work on a spell based off of this and patch work it with the Power of Three and other spells."

Prue's face lit up. "That's wonderful. Now we find their hiding location and use the spell. Simple."

"Not quite," Cole said slowly. "It won't be as simple as you think and if you battle them now, you'd perish. Let me train you two in furthering your power skills. Trust me when I say that the Triad is surrounded by a guard of upper level demons and you'll need to go through them first."

Arguing, protecting her sisters, and calming them as well were Prue's strong points. She hated when someone thought of better ideas than her. She desperately wanted to flat out refuse Belthazor but bit her tongue. The demon had a point. They had to utilize their powers to the fullest and if he knew how to do that, then there was nothing wrong with that.

This would also be a good time to get to know her brother-in-law. It rankled but he was officially family, especially since the bond was binding. Phoebe loved him and Piper was comfortable enough around him. She should at least make an effort to be nice.

Chapter 11

She was not enjoying this one bit. Not one bit. "I think he's doing this for revenge to get back at me," Prue whispered to Piper. With her hands tied behind her back she was practically powerless.

"Prudence, this is only a training session to work on our powers' weaknesses. Besides didn't you say you were going to trust Beltha--I mean Cole?"

"I did but how come your hands aren't tied up?"

"Because I have something else planned for Piper," Cole said as he entered the room. "Be a good little witch, Prue, and stand in the corner over there."

When everything was set up to his liking, Cole stood in the middle of the training room. "Your power is channeled through your hands. But there will be times when you cannot use your hands. So I'm going to show you a different way to channel your telekinesis. Through your eyes."

The next few hours Cole taught Prue how to concentrate to channel her power through her eyes. Then he set up still and moving targets for her to practice on. While Prue was doing that, Cole turned to Piper. "You will be working on a different approach with your power. Many times you can't freeze because the evil being is too strong. So you're going to learn how to freeze selectively. This will allow you to focus all that strength directly to the specific spot you want to freeze."

He motioned for one of the guards to step forward. "This man is human and relatively easy for you to freeze. But that's not the point. I want you to freeze his hands and only his hands. Can you do that?"

Piper took in a deep breath and raised her hands in front of her. She could do this. She was a Charmed one. Instead of letting her magic spread in any direction, she focused it directly on the guard's hands.

The man jerked as he felt a cold shiver go through him. He tried to move his hands but they wouldn't budge from their location. Piper saw this and gasped. "I did it? I did it!"

Meanwhile in another part of the castle, Phoebe was in a private meeting with the Witches Council. Councilor Kenneth had found her in the attic and requested her presence before she could even create the spell. Now standing before them, without her sisters or husband for support, she felt a wave of fear run through her. What did they want of her? She had broken so many of their rules, just like her sisters, but Phoebe was the one who married a demon.

Matilda gazed upon the youngest destined one. Phoebe's heart was always in the right place and she trusted the little dear. "Please come towards me, Phoebe Warren. Let me see your hands." She held Phoebe's hands and stared at them. Letting them go, she leaned back in her chair. "I have far seen into this one's future. Her road is rocky, perhaps the most difficult of all, but I trust in her judgment. It is within the Council's best interests to look upon Phoebe as a candidate for our circle when I pass away."

Her mouth must have been open but Phoebe didn't care. Out of all the things she expected Matilda to say, being recommended to sit on the Council wasn't one of them.

David was ecstatic about this turn of events. The rest of the Councilors would agree to Phoebe being a Council member since Matilda announced her favor. That meant he and Phoebe would be working in close proximity to each other. He didn't believe the whitelighter that the rite couldn't be broken. It had to. So while he researched for a counter ritual, he could begin wooing Phoebe.

"Motion...action...hands?" Phoebe sighed as she laid the notepad on her lap.

"Anything the matter, my love?" Cole asked groggily. Night had fallen and Cole and Phoebe were in bed trying to sleep. Or at least one of them was.

"It's just that I don't know what to classify as Prue's power."

"Uh," he began as he sat up. "Shouldn't that be telekinesis?"

"Oh, I know what it's called, silly. But what feature does it fall under? Your shimmering is under teleportation powers. Got it?"

"Yeah. Sorry, it's late." He began rubbing her shoulders. "Worry about that tomorrow, Phoebe. A good night's rest will do wonders for you. Now go to sleep and stop moving so much."

"Moving? That's it! Movement." She picked up her pen and started writing.

Cole smiled wryly and kissed his wife on her temple. "Promise me you'll sleep soon though, okay?"

"I will. I'm almost done."

He chuckled and went to sleep.

"Are you sure this will work?" Prue asked with doubt in her voice.

"Yeah, I mean it should. See that Turn Aside Evil thing should weaken the Triad long enough for us to hit them with the big spell. I've included the first incantation with the Power of Three, the ancient power, and our bond as sisters. I think that's enough strength to vanquish them."

Prue looked up from the paper and stared into the faces of her sisters, her demonic brother-in-law, her soon to be whitelighter brother-in-law, and then her eyes rested on Bane. Bane. She started hating him at first for something that wasn't even his fault. But now she was getting very fond of him. And he in return was fond of her.

"Our powers have grown, we have the power, and we have the spell. I say we're as ready as we'll ever be."

Her words were light but they could hear the underlining tones. This was it. The prophecy was about to either be fulfilled or crushed within the next few days. Could they do it?

Chapter 12

Everyone gathered into the throne room for last minute instructions and to say their good-byes. Cole held Phoebe in his arms and rested his chin on her head. He was lucky compared to others because he would be with the sisters while the rest would be in the rebellion to fight with the demons stationed in the Palace.

Bane volunteered to command the makeshift army so they could be the distraction to lead most of the demons away from the Triad. Leo promised that the whitelighters would help. With them were many witches and humans that were contacted discreetly to join in the uprising.

"Attention all!" Prue stood on the throne platform facing the crowd. "My sisters and I wish to thank every single one of you for helping us to fulfill the prophecy. It will be tough, and I know some of you may not return. But your sacrifice will not be in vain for we will triumph. This I promise you."

Shouts and cheers rang throughout the room as they showed their support. Prue only hoped that they could really come through. Just before the crowds dissipated, Prue pulled Bane off to the side. "Be careful."

He grinned and winked. "Since you asked so nicely," He sobered. "Prudence, I might not return. But know this, I care for you deeply."

"Bane, I--I care for you, too." Her heart filled with love for the mercenary.

The sisters held hands with Phoebe holding onto Cole's. The air around them wavered until they disappeared from sight.

The first thing Piper noticed was the darkness. Not from lack of light but from the evil emanating from the walls. "This is Chaliceton Palace? It's a far cry from Melinda's day."

"Three hundred years of demons and the Triad living here damned the Palace's essence. Now don't speak until I tell you. We need to wait until the rebellion begins before we can take on the Triad." Silence reigned for many moments until they heard yelling and the ringing of swords. "Okay, let's go."

Cole held on to Phoebe's hand as she held on to Prue's as she held on to Piper's. They walked along a wall, keeping their eyes out for stray demons. Whenever one appeared, Cole or Piper would use their spare hands to kill it by energy ball or freeze it. Prue used her new skill of telekinesis channeled through her eyes to take care of a few.

At the end of the wall were two large chamber doors. "This is the throne room for the Palace. My best bet is that the Triad are in there," Cole whispered to the sisters.

"I hope so. We only have one shot at vanquishing them." Prue squinted her eyes and caused the heavy doors to burst open. "Let's go."

As soon as they entered the throne room, Phoebe shuddered as a vision took hold of her. Images of death and torture fluttered through her mind at an amazing speed. "No! No! NooooOo!" Screams rushed out of her mouth until the premonition ended. "All the evil they've done. So much evil."

"And we'll add killing the Charmed Ones to that list." The quartet sharply glanced towards the middle of the room where three demons in robes stood within a protective circle. The middle Triad member smirked from under his hood. "So the mighty Belthazor has turned traitor on us with a bunch of witches." He raised his bony fingers and lightning crackled above them. "Are you prepared to die?"

"I think the question you should be asking is are you prepared to die? These aren't your normal run-of-the-mill witches. They're the infamous Charmed Ones. Now, Prue!"

With that cue, Prue squinted her eyes and pushed against the Triad with her mind. Yet try as she might, a force field blocked her way. "It's not working."

"Of course not, you stupid witch. Did you think we would be unprepared for an attack like this? We knew the moment you entered the Palace. Anything you do will be blocked by our force field."

"Then we'll just have to take it down!" Cole formed energy balls and began throwing them in rapid force. While he did that, Prue and Piper focused their powers on the demonic guards that flooded in.

Back on the battlefield, Bane pushed off a demon and sliced off its head. All around him, humans and witches were fighting demons with swords and magic. White lights swirled to the side of him and Leo appeared. He lifted his hand and healed a wound on Bane's forearm. "You okay?"

"I'm good." He grunted and ducked from a fireball. "Where are the girls? Are they back yet?"

"Not yet. They're still in the Palace. They're too deep in the heart of darkness for me to get a reading on them."

"But is Prue--the girls, still alive?"

Leo smiled raggedly. "No matter how much evil blocks my senses, I can always tell whether they're still alive. All of them are." As Leo orbed away to heal another, Bane prayed that the girls would triumph soon.

In all the commotion, a Triad member, Huxal, noticed that one of the witches was alone. He could sense something oddly different about this witch. She was even different from her sisters. Then he saw a sight that sickened him. The traitorous Belthazor gazed upon the witch with love in his eyes.

That scoundrel! He fell in love with a witch. No wonder her aura felt different. A demon's protection surrounded her. Not anymore though. Huxal gathered his magick and cast lighting at the witch.

Cole saw the attack in slow motion and was powerless to stop it. The bolt hit Phoebe in her side, and she crumpled to the ground without so much as a whimper.

No. No. "NooOoOoo!" Cole renewed his efforts on breaking the force field. Crack! Leaving the Triad to the sisters, Cole shimmered to Phoebe's side.

"Phoebe, my love. My wife," he cried out as he gathered her into his arms. She tried to keep her eyes open but it was a struggle.

"Ca--call, Leo. Have him," she coughed. "Heal me."

"Beloved, Leo can't hear us from here. He can't even orb inside the Palace."

"Then, then we say the spell, vanquish the Triad, and you can shimmer me to Leo." Already her face was turning pale.

He picked her up gently and shimmered to her sisters. "Say the damn spell now!"

Without hesitating, Prue and Piper linked hands with Phoebe and began to chant. "Power of movement, have I over thee!" Prue cried out.

"Power of time, have I over thee!" Piper cried out, her voice mingling with her sister's own.

"Power of the mind, have I over thee!" Phoebe softly spoke. Together their voices rose higher.

"Throughout time and in your mind,
Movement blocked by we.
We call upon the ancient power;
We summon the Power of Three.
Three sisters together working as one
As we will, so let it be done.
We vanquish you into the night
Cast adrift from heaven's light!"

Huxal tried to attack them again with a lightning bolt but could not move. The Charmed Ones focused their remaining strength and shot it at the Triad. Screams bounced off the walls as bursts of light shot out of the Triad. Piper averted her gaze as the three demons exploded into dust.

Cole did not wait as he shimmered his wife out of the Palace. Unfortunately he left her sisters behind. "Do you think he meant to do that?" Piper asked.

"Who cares? He'll come back for us. Besides, we're in the Chaliceton Palace. Our ancestor, Melinda, used to reside within these very walls." Prue wandered over to the throne chair to examine to examine it.

"Yeah, but three hundred years of the Triad's rule tainted the place to its core. I don't want to live here during our reign."

"We won't. But we'll make sure that no evil takes this place over again. Come on, let's vanquish the remaining demons here."

"Phoebe, Phoebe my love, wake up. Phoebe, come back to me." The sound of Cole's soothing voice reached deep within and she struggled to open her eyes. As her sight adjusted to the light, she could see her husband leaning form and worried face.

"Cole?"

"Phoebe!" He reached down to kiss her lightly. "I got you to Leo just in time. You were so pale, sweetheart. As it was, you've been asleep for three days now."

"Where is Matilda?"

"Dead. She died fighting in the revolt. Leo couldn't reach her in time."

Overwhelming emotions hit her as she digested the information. Cole noticed and wrapped his arm around her. "She's in a better place now."

"Did we...?"

"Defeat the Triad? Yes, they're ash in the wind. Which leaves Chaliceton without a ruler, or perhaps I should say three?"

Phoebe groaned. "Ugh, let Prue do it. She's been waiting her entire life for this."

Cole chuckled and smiled. "That's what Piper said. She wants to marry Leo someday, and teach children of witch heritage. Did you know Prue's going to marry Bane? I wish him good luck." He straightened up. "Phoebe, now that I know you don't want to rule, I need to know. You know that I'm a demon. Well, I can't stay here forever. I took a blood oath with my Brotherhood and I can't leave. But I never want to leave you."

"What are you asking, Cole?"

"Come away with me to the Underworld. I swear that you will be safe. No one would care that you're a witch."

"Cole, I could never do that. I have too many responsibilities, especially now that the Triad is gone. I'm a Council member now."

"I know that. But we could make this work. Six months in the Underworld and six months here. If you need to contact your sisters any time, they're only a shimmer away."

"And the Council? You know, they move from location to location to dodge detection and to reach all the witches who are spread out around the kingdom. How can I manage my time living in the Underworld, here, and on the road?"

"So station them here. Phoebe, I want our marriage to work. The Council doesn't need you twelve months out of the year. But I do," He held her hands between his own. "I love you."

"I love you, too, Cole. But this is a huge decision and I was never good at decisions. I'm too much of a free spirit for that." A smile reached her lips. "Yes, I'll go with you."

When Phoebe fully recovered, she and Cole decided to tell the rest of the family of their decision. Prue refused to let her go but she had no choice. "Are you sure about this, Pheebs?"

"Yes. I want to be with Cole wherever he goes, even if that means going to the Underworld. I'll only be gone six months out of the year, Prue, so it won't be like forever. And I'll visit often."

The sisters said their good-byes to each other and waved one last final farewell before Cole and Phoebe shimmered from sight.

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