"Do you think he believed us?" Nathaniel asked after Cole had walked away.

"I don't know why not," Malkus said. "In some ways, he's very trusting. His recent treatment by his ex-wife and her sisters notwithstanding. Despite his demonic heritage, I believe he is basically a good person."

"Good?" questioned Nathaniel. "After all this time you still ascribe 'good' and 'evil' to people."

'Most fall into one of the two categories," Malkus said. "If they didn't, there would be no purpose for us."

"True," Nathaniel said. "What if he should discover what we're up to?"

"I don't think that will be a problem," Malkus said. "Even if he should discover our true intentions, there isn't a lot he can to about it."

"He could warn the Slayer," Nathaniel said. "She is the most promising one yet. I think she is the one we've been looking for. I know I've said that before, but this time I'm truly convinced of it. She defeated The First. No one has ever come even that far before."

"I know," Malkus said. "Don't worry about Cole. He'll be much too busy with Ms. Summers to find out anything. And if he should begin to suspect anything, I'll just steer him in another direction. I'm very good at that."

"How well I know," Nathaniel said. "Well, Malkus, I should be going. I have much to do."

"Yes," said Malkus. "I will see you later."

Malkus thought about Cole after Nathaniel left. They had a lot riding on Cole. And on Buffy Summers. But he wasn't concerned. It had taken them a very long time to get to this point. Soon their plans would be complete. Not right away, of course. But when compared to how far they had already come, the time left seemed almost inconsequential. Malkus smiled to himself.

The End

(Be sure to look for the sequel to this story "Sharper Than A Serpent's Tooth" coming soon that will continue the saga.)

If you've enjoyed this story, you can find more "Charmed" stories at my website, killeenmale/ . You can also post your own "Charmed" stories if you like to write fan fiction.