Origins

[noazmale]

CHARMED
"Origins"
By J. B. Tilton
email: [e-mail]
Rating: K+ (for mild language)

Disclaimer: “Charmed” and all related characters and events are the property of the WB television network, except for those characters specifically created for this story. This is a work of fan fiction and no infringement of copyright is intended.

* * *

(Authors note: This story takes place between season 3 episodes “Pre Witched” and “Sin Francisco”.

A very special thank you to Magic_Amethyst80 whose muse helped to inspire this story.)

* * *

The Elders and all the White Lighters suddenly and inexplicably loose their powers and it’s up to the Charmed Ones to discover what’s going on and how to correct it.

* * *

ONE

The demon waited patiently in a darkened corner of the alley. It scanned the alley both ways to make sure it was alone. Other than a lone human female that was cautiously walking down the alley, there were no other people – or beings – present. The demon smiled.

Its mission was simple. Capture a human female for its master. It wasn’t the first time it had performed this mission. But with the appearance of the Charmed Ones a couple of years earlier, the missions were getting riskier. The youngest sister had the ability to see the future. Many times that led them to innocents in danger.

But there was no sign of those accursed witches. They couldn’t be everywhere. And it looked like this was one of those times when the demon could proceed unhindered. It waited until the human was nearly to it before it revealed itself.

The demon was nearly seven feet tall. Its skin was a dark black, allowing it to blend in quite well with the surrounding shadows. Its eyes were a dull yellow that glistened in the half-light of the moon overhead. It smiled at the woman.

“Walking alone after dark?” it said to the woman. “My, that’s such a dangerous thing to do. Especially in this part of town. Now you’ll see the foolishness in such a venture.”

As the demon started its advance on the startled woman, the wind in the alley began to pick up. The demon suddenly stopped and looked around. Something wasn’t right. He knew it wasn’t the Charmed Ones. They didn’t have the power to affect the wind. But it could sense something. Something powerful.

Suddenly a vortex opened several feet from the demon and its prey. Magic began to swirl within the vortex as a figure suddenly started to form within it. Within moments the demon and the woman stood staring at the figure as the vortex began to recede and vanish altogether.

The figure appeared to be human. It was as tall as the demon but much more muscular. It looked like a body builder. Huge muscular arms were crossed over the figures chest as it looked up, its eyes closed. He was dressed in what appeared to be some form of toga reminiscent of the type worn in ancient Rome or Greece. As the demon and woman stared at the figure, he opened his eyes and looked around.

“Who are you?” demanded the demon. “This female is my prey. I’ll not let you nor anyone interfere with my plans for her.”

The demon hurled a fireball at the figure. The weapon engulfed the figure covering him in flames. Within seconds the flames went out leaving the figure apparently unharmed. The demon stared at the figure in shocked disbelief. Realizing it had underestimated the situation, the demon began to shimmer away.

Before the demon could shimmer, the figure extended one hand and a thing blue beam shot from its palm. The beam struck the demon in the forehead, ending its shimmer. The woman stared in shock and horror as she watched the demon simply stare at the figure, offering no resistance.

Within seconds the demons eyes clouded over. The blue beam from the giant figure ceased and the figure looked around. As it did, the demon suddenly fell over, lying dead on the ground. The woman stared at the figure in total horror.

“This place,” the figure said looking at the woman. “It is called San Francisco?”

“Y….yes,” stammered the startled woman.

The figure eyed the woman for several moments. He seemed to be making a decision.

“You are mortal,” said the figure. “I have no use for you. Be gone.”

The figure turned and surveyed the street at the end of the alley. Realizing she had been granted a reprieve the woman turned and began to run in the opposite direction as fast as she could. The figure ignored the fleeing woman as it looked around drinking in everything its gaze fell upon.

[noazmale]

TWO

“So, how are the honeymooners?” Prue asked, coming into the living room.

Piper and Leo were sitting on the sofa talking. Although they hadn’t had the chance to take a real honeymoon, the past few days without demon attacks was a welcomed respite. They had spent that time together as much as possible.

“We’re fine,” Piper said. “Aren’t you supposed to be at work?”

“The shoot was cancelled,” Prue said. “One of the models got the flu so they’re going to reschedule. My boss said I’ve been working really hard lately so he let me take a couple of days off to relax. I can sure use it. After the fiasco I caused at your wedding, meeting the Angel of Death, and that last demon attack, I’m just about burned out.”

“You know we don’t blame you for the wedding,” Leo said. “One of the hazards of being a Charmed One, I’m afraid.”

“I know,” Prue said. “That doesn’t make me feel less guilty about what happened.”

“Just forget about it,” Piper said. “Ancient history. And everything worked out. Leo and I got married, your astral self seems to be behaving itself, and even the demons seem to have taken a holiday. Just sit down and relax.”

“Where’s Phoebe?” Prue asked, taking a seat in one of the chairs.

“I don’t know,” Piper said. “She and Cole left early this morning. I think they wanted to take advantage of the down time, too. Cole said something about a Parisian restaurant he used to frequent.”

“Parisian?” Prue questioned. “As in Paris, France?”

“At least they don’t have to worry about plane fare,” said Leo. “Cole can shimmer them there in a matter of seconds.”

“Yeah, but Paris?” Prue questioned. “As if we don’t have enough restaurants in San Francisco.”

“It’s not really the same,” Leo said. “Besides, you know what they say about Paris? It’s the city of love. I think it will do them good to get away for a while.”

“Just as long as they don’t run into any bounty hunters,” Piper said. “I don’t want them bringing any demons back with them. I’m enjoying this way too much.”

“I’m sure they’ll be careful,” said Leo, smiling.

“So, what’s for dinner?” Prue asked.

“How about pizza?” Piper asked.

“Pizza?” Prue questioned. “Let me get this straight. My sister – the professional chef – who won’t even set foot in a fast food restaurant, wants to order a pizza?”

“Sure, why not?” Piper asked. “I can slum with the best of them. Besides, I don’t really feel like cooking just now. I’d rather just sit here and enjoy being with my husband, if you don’t mind.”

“Fine with me,” Prue said. “Only no anchovies.”

“Hey, they give it flavor,” Piper joked.

“No anchovies,” Prue reiterated, laughing at her sister.

The pizza was nearly half gone when Phoebe and Cole shimmered into the manor. Phoebe and Cole were both dressed for a night on the town, even though it was still early afternoon. Phoebe looked at Piper eating her third slice of pizza and smiling.

“You’re eating pizza?” Phoebe asked. “Since when do you order take out pizza?”

“Since I don’t feel like cooking,” Piper said. “Help yourself. There’s plenty.”

“No thanks,” Phoebe said, patting her stomach. “I think I’ve had enough food for one day.”

“I told you it was one of the best restaurants around,” said Cole.

“Well,” said Phoebe, “I think I’d better get changed. I think I’m suffering from jet lag.”

“Shouldn’t that be shimmer lag?” questioned Prue, smiling coyly.

Everyone laughed as Phoebe headed for the stairs.

The rest of the afternoon was uneventful. After Phoebe and Cole’s trip to Paris, and the pizza the others had enjoyed, no one felt much like a normal dinner. They spent the time in the living room talking and enjoying each other’s company. Just as it was starting to get dark a figure orbed into the manor. He was about thirty, wearing casual attire, and had black hair. As he finished his orb, Leo sat up suddenly.

“Timothy?” Leo questioned. “What are you doing here?”

“I just thought I’d stop by and say hello,” said the White Lighter. “Steph is out on some fund raiser and I thought I’d come by and offer my congratulations to the new bride. Haven’t had a chance since the two of you got married.”

“This is Timothy Shanks,” Leo said the others. “He’s a White Lighter for a witch on the other side of town.”

“Well, glad to meet you,” said Piper. “And thanks. I’m glad some of you guys are happy for us.”

“Oh, quite a few of us are,” said Timothy. “A lot of us thought it should have been allowed a lot sooner. Too bad it took saving the Elders lives to make them come to their senses.”

“Some people are just kind of thick headed,” said Prue.

“Prue,” said Leo. “They’re the Elders. You shouldn’t talk about them that way.”

“Okay, so their they Elders,” said Prue. “That doesn’t make them perfect. Besides, what are they going to do? Uncharm me?”

“Can I get you anything?” Phoebe asked Timothy. “Coffee, a soda?”

“A soda would be nice,” Timothy said. “Steph is kind of a health freak. She always chides me when I eat or drink something that’s bad for me. I can’t seem to convince her that as a White Lighter it’s not the same as for a human.”

“I’m sure she just has your best interest at heart,” Piper said.

“And you must be Belthazor,” Timothy said, turning to Cole. “It’s a pleasure to meet you finally. You’re something of a celebrity among White Lighters. The famed Belthazor switching sides. And for the love of a witch, no less. Not exactly a common occurrence.”

“I prefer the name Cole Turner,” said Cole. “Belthazor is in the past, now. And with a little luck, he’ll stay there.”

“I didn’t mean to offend you,” said Timothy.

“You didn’t,” said Cole, smiling. “I realize it’s pretty hard for some to accept. Especially with my past.”

“Great,” said Timothy as Phoebe handed him a soda.

“Thanks,” he said, smiling. “I rarely get to drink one of these. But what Steph doesn’t know won’t hurt me.”

“Steph is the witch you’re assigned to?” Prue asked.

“Yes,” said Timothy. “Stephanie Morgan. “I’ve been her White Lighter for seven years now.”

“Timothy was one of my initiates,” Leo said. “I helped train him when he became a White Lighter.”

“And a better teacher I couldn’t have had,” Timothy said. “Leo was even instrumental at getting me assigned to Steph. Have I ever thanked you for that?”

“Only about a hundred times,” Leo said smiling. “I’m happy to see it worked out so well.”

“So am I,” said Timothy.

“It’s nice to see a White Lighter pop in for a social call,” Prue said. “Usually when someone just appears they’re trying to kill us.”

“Well,” said Timothy, “every White Lighter wants to come down here. To meet the famed Charmed Ones. You have no idea how jealous many of the White Lighters were when it was announced that Leo was going to….”

His statement went unfinished as Phoebe suddenly grabbed her head and fell to the floor crying out in pain. Everyone immediately rushed to help her wondering what was happening to her.

[noazmale]

THREE

“I’m fine,” said Phoebe lying on the sofa as Piper applied another cold compress to her forehead. “It only lasted a minute. But I’ve never experienced pain like that before.”

“What was it?” Leo asked.

“I think it was a premonition,” said Phoebe. “There was this really big guy. He was talking to another man. He said, ‘I am Damonculous and I’ve come for you, Elder.’ Then he attacked with some kind of blue beam of energy. I’m not sure who the other guy was because I couldn’t see him clearly. But he was wearing robes like the Elders wear.”

“Damonculous?” questioned Timothy. “I’ve never heard a name like that, have you, Leo?”

“No,” said Leo. “Maybe one of you should check the Book of Shadows to see if he’s in there.”

“Cole, what about you?” Prue asked. “Any clue to who or what this Damonculous might be?”

“Name doesn’t ring a bell,” said Cole. “It’s not a demonic name, I can tell you that.”

“I should check the book,” said Phoebe, trying to sit up. “I know what the guy looks like. I’ll have a better chance of finding him.”

“No you don’t,” said Piper, pushing Phoebe back down. “Your premonitions don’t usually affect you like this. You’re going to take it easy until we find out what’s going on.”

“I’ll check the book,” said Prue. “Anything else you can tell me about him?”

“He was wearing a toga,” Phoebe said.

“A toga?” questioned Prue. “Are you having premonitions about Animal House now?”

“Ha, ha, very funny,” said Phoebe. “No, it was like something out of ancient Greece. Or maybe Rome. And he was big. At least seven feet tall. He looked like a body builder or maybe a weight lifter.”

“A weight lifter in a toga?” Prue questioned. “That’s an interesting sounding demon.”

“I’m not sure he was a demon,” Phoebe said. “I don’t know why, but it didn’t feel like he was a demon.”

“Well, I’ll go see if I can find him in the book,” said Prue heading for the stairs.

“Maybe we should check with the Elders,” Timothy suggested.

“Let’s wait until Prue checks the Book of Shadows first,” Leo suggested. “No sense bothering them if we can get the information that way.”

“I’m fine,” Phoebe said, pulling the compress off her forehead. “It only lasted a split second. Maybe my power is increasing. They’re supposed to, you know. Maybe I just need to get used to this increase.”

“I don’t know,” said Leo. “Even if your powers are increasing, you shouldn’t have reacted that way. Besides, you weren’t touching anything. You know your power only works when you touch something. I think something else is going on here.”

“So,” said Piper, “this Damonculous was attacking an Elder? Does that mean he was up there?”

“No,” said Phoebe, “that’s the strangest part. It was right here in the manor. The Elder, or whomever he was, was standing by the fireplace and this Damonculous was standing in the entryway.”

“An attack on an Elder here in the manor?” Leo questioned. “That seems unlikely. There isn’t any reason for an Elder to come down here.”

“I can only tell you what I saw,” Phoebe said.

“Any idea when this attack is going to take place?” questioned Cole.

“No,” said Phoebe. “No clue about when only where.”

“There’s no Damonculous in the book,” Prue said coming down the stairs. “Nothing even close with a name like that.”

“Okay,” said Leo. “I’d better go check with the Elders. If one is in danger, they need to be made aware of it. And I also need to tell them not to come down here for any reason. If there’s no Elder in the manor this Damonculous can’t attack him here. Maybe that will prevent Phoebe’s premonition.”

“Do you really think an Elder could be in danger?” Timothy asked. “With their power they should be able to handle anything that’s thrown at them.”

“It’s best not to take any chances,” said Leo. “The strangeness of the premonition has me worried. I’ll got let them know and get back as quickly as I can.”

“I’ll go, Leo,” Timothy said. “You need to stay here in case this Damonculous shows up here. I can deliver the message and get right back. Besides, I’m not doing anything until Steph is finished with her fund raiser.”

“Okay,” said Leo. “But don’t take too long. With an Elder in danger we can’t waste any time.”

“I’m all ready gone,” said Timothy, smiling.

He stood smiling at the group for a moment and then got a perplexed look on his face.

“Leo,” he said, a note of concern in his voice, “I can’t orb.”

“What do you mean you can’t orb?” Prue asked.

“I tried,” Timothy said. “Nothing happened. And I just realized something else. I can’t sense any of my charges.”

“Now that you mention it,” said Leo, “neither can I.” Leo closed his eyes and concentrated for a moment. “I can’t orb either. What’s going on here?”

“You think this has anything to do with this Damonculous?” Cole questioned.

“I don’t see how,” said Timothy. “He hasn’t attacked yet. All I know is my powers don’t seem to be working.”

“Neither are mine,” said Leo. “I can’t contact the Elders, either. It’s like being human again. None of my White Lighter powers are working.”

“Leo,” questioned Timothy, “what are we going to do? Without our White Lighter powers we’re as helpless as any mortal. And we can’t help our charges. Steph could be in danger if a demon attacks.”

“I don’t know,” said Leo. “And without contact with the Elders, we have no way of finding out who this Damonculous is. Or preventing an Elder from coming down here. Which means he could die. And there’s nothing we can do to stop it.”

[noazmale]

FOUR

“Timothy, calm down,” Leo said as Timothy nervously paced the floor.

“Calm down?” Timothy questioned. “Leo, none of our powers are working. How can you tell me to calm down? Has anything like this ever happened to you before?”

“No,” said Leo, “but getting emotional about it isn’t going to do any good. Piper’s checking the Book of Shadows now. Maybe there’s something in there that can help. You just need to stay calm and not go off half cocked.”

“Okay,” said Timothy, sitting on the sofa. “You’ve been doing this a lot longer than I have. It’s just so unnerving. In the last nine years I haven’t been without my powers. It’s just kind of weird not being able to do things I took for granted only yesterday.”

“Nine years?” questioned Phoebe. “I thought you said you had been a White Lighter for seven years?”

“No, I’ve been Steph’s White Lighter for seven years,” said Timothy. “White Lighters go through a lot of training before they get their first charge. You don’t instantly know everything when you become a White Lighter.”

“Oh,” said Phoebe, “I never knew that. I guess I just figured when you became a White Lighter you all ready knew what you needed to know.”

“Hardly,” said Leo. “There’s a lot of intensive training. The amount depends on whom the White Lighter is being assigned to. I received even more than Timothy did. I didn’t know at the time I was being groomed to be your White Lighter.”

“Not like a demon,” said Cole. “Most of them grow up learning as they grow, just like humans.”

“So I’ve heard,” said Timothy. “Maybe we could chat some time about that. I’d love to hear what it was like growing up as a demon among humans.”

“Maybe,” said Cole uncomfortably.

“Well,” said Piper, coming down the stairs, “I can’t find anything in the book about White Lighters’ loosing their powers.”

“Does that mean it’s never happened before?” Timothy questioned.

“No,” said Leo. “It simply means that no one in Melinda Warrens’ line has encountered it before. That doesn’t mean we’re out of options. There are other White Lighters in San Francisco. Some of them have been around a long time. We can call them and let them know what’s going on. They might be able to help.”

“Call them?” questioned Timothy. “How? Our telepathy isn’t working.”

“On the telephone,” said Prue. “You’ve been a White Lighter too long. Telepathy isn’t the only way to contact someone.”

“Oh, yeah, right,” said Timothy. “I’m sorry. This whole thing has me rattled.”

“Understandable,” said Phoebe. “Now, like Leo said, just relax and take it easy. I’m sure there’s a perfectly logical explanation for what’s going on. We just have to find out what it is.”

“I’ll make a few calls,” Leo said. “With a little luck I should be able to get hold of another White Lighter soon. Then maybe we can begin to get some answers.”

“You can use the phone in the kitchen, honey,” said Piper. “There’s a phonebook on the counter if you need to look any numbers up.”

“Great,” said Leo. “I shouldn’t be long.”

As Leo went into the kitchen the others sat around chatting. They were all worried about the turn of events. But they had weathered bad events before. They knew they would figure it out. It would just take some time. Right now their main concern was keeping Timothy calm.

“No luck,” Leo said, coming in from the kitchen. “None of the ones I called were home or they weren’t answering their phones. I know some others but I couldn’t find their names in the phonebook. They probably have unlisted numbers.”

“I could shimmer you to one of them,” Cole offered.

“Now there’s a great idea,” said Prue. “Shimmer into a witches house with a defenseless White Lighter. You know the witch will attack in self-defense, don’t you? And you have no way to prove that you aren’t there to kill her. Not to mention you can’t prove Leo’s a White Lighter without his powers.”

“Cole has an idea,” said Leo. “I know where some of the witches live. We could shimmer into the backyard or something and knock on the door. That should prevent any attacks and I can choose one whose White Lighter I know. He might even be there which would make things a whole lot simpler.”

“Is that a good idea?” Piper asked. “What if the witch recognizes Cole? She might not trust you.”

“You guys didn’t recognize me at first,” said Cole. “It’s unlikely that another witch would.”

“Besides,” said Leo, “Cole can wait outside. Once I’m inside he can shimmer back here. The White Lighter can orb me back after I’ve had a chance to talk with him.”

“Assuming he can orb,” said Prue. “What if this isn’t restricted to the two of you? What if other White Lighters have been affected?”

“That’s unlikely,” said Leo. “Even if other White Lighters have been affected it’s possible the one we go see won’t be. If he is Cole can shimmer me to another one until we find one who hasn’t been affected. It might take some time but it should work. And the more we find out about what’s going on the more likely we are to discover why it’s happening.”

“Maybe someone put a spell on the manor,” offered Cole. “Something to prevent your White Lighter powers from working.”

“That’s an idea,” said Prue. “It could be a prelude to a demon attack. Make the White Lighters powerless so they can’t heal or go for help. Which means we need to be on our guard.”

“It also means that once I shimmer Leo outside,” said Cole, “he might be able to orb. Or use his other White Lighter powers. It’s worth a shot. If it doesn’t work I can shimmer him to another White Lighter who might be able to help.”

“Sounds like a plan to me,” said Piper. “Only be careful. This might be a trap to lure you out of the manor. Somebody may be after you and not us.”

“She’s right,” said Timothy. “A demon that takes out the Charmed Ones White Lighter would gain a lot of prestige in the underworld. Almost as much as taking out the Charmed Ones themselves.”

Just then there was a knock at the front door. Phoebe jumped and said she’d get it.

“Be careful,” Prue said. “If this a prelude to an attack that could be the demon now.”

“Knocking on the door?” questioned Phoebe.

“You never know,” said Prue. “In the mean time, Cole and Leo can go see if they can find another White Lighter who might know what’s going on. You guys be careful, like I said. Until we know what’s going on any or all of us could be in danger.”

“We’ll be careful,” said Cole. “Leo may not have his powers but I still have mine.”

“See that you do,” said Piper. “I don’t want to become a widow while I’m still on my honeymoon.”

“I’ll guard him with my life,” said Cole, smiling.

“Uh, Leo,” said Phoebe from the front door. “Before you leave I think you’d better come here.”

Curious, they all got up and walked into the entryway. Standing on the front porch was a man in his late fifties. He had white hair and had his hands folded in front of him. Folded inside the sleeves of a white robe he was wearing.

“An Elder,” gasped Timothy as they all stood looking at the man.

[Jad]

This is pretty cool outside the box thinking. Keep it coming.

[noazmale]

FIVE

“It’s nice to meet you all again,” said the Elder with an English accent after everyone had gathered in the living room.

“Which one are you again?” Phoebe questioned.

“His name is Paracellious,” said Leo.

“Para- what?” questioned Prue.

“Just call me Percy,” the Elder said, smiling at them. “It’s much easier.”

“Percy,” said Leo, “what are you doing here? And why did you use the front door? Why didn’t you just orb in?”

“I was down here visiting a White Lighter,” said Percy. “He and I are very close and I occasionally visit him. Anyway, I had just left his place and was communing with the other Elders when suddenly it just stopped. I couldn’t commune with them any longer. And not only that. None of my other powers are working, either.”

“You, too?” questioned Timothy, fear beginning to rise in his voice. “Then we’re all defenseless. This must be a prelude to a demon attack. We’re all in terrible danger.”

“Timothy, calm down,” said Percy. “Getting emotional is not going to solve anything.”

“That’s what I told him,” said Leo.

“So, it’s as I expected,” said Percy. “It isn’t just me. This is quite serious. Quite serious indeed.”

“How serious?” Leo asked.

“If I’m right,” said Percy, “it isn’t just us that’s been affected. It’s all White Lighters and Elders. It’s the only explanation for why I can’t contact the others. And why they haven’t come to find out why.”

“All of them?” questioned Prue. “Has anything like this ever happened before?”

“Quite frankly, no,” said Percy. “And I am at a loss to explain it.”

“Can I get you anything?” Piper asked. “A cup of coffee or something?”

“A spot of tea would be quite lovely, thank you,” said Percy. “I rarely am able to indulge up there. The other Elders frown on it.”

“Tea coming right up,” said Piper heading for the kitchen.

“Percy, do you have any idea what might cause this?” Leo asked.

“Honestly, no,” said Percy. “The level of magic capable of doing this is enormous. It would take all the combined powers of every Elder to duplicate such a feat. And I know of no beings capable of exercising such powerful magic.”

“Could it be a spell?” Phoebe asked.

“Not of this magnitude,” said Percy. “Besides, a spell might affect the White Lighters, but certainly not an Elders. Perhaps one or possibly two Elders but not all of them. And as I said, none has come to investigate why we suddenly lost contact. If even one were unaffected he or she would have come immediately to find out what was going on. Since none have arrived, I can only assume they are all in the same boat, as you humans say, as we are.”

“So shimmering to another White Lighter won’t do any good,” said Cole.

“Ah, yes, Belthazor,” said Percy. “I was aware you were here.”

“I prefer the name Cole Turner,” said Cole.

“Of course,” said Percy.

“Here’s your tea,” said Piper, setting a tray with a pot and several cups on it. “I didn’t know how you liked it so I brought some lemon, sugar, and milk for you.”

“Just a touch of milk, thank you,” said Percy. “I never cared for lemon in my tea.”

“Okay, no lemon,” said Piper pouring the tea for him.

“Well,” said Percy, sipping his tea, “this is certainly a conundrum. And you say you can find nothing about an occurrence like this in your Book of Shadows?”

“Nothing even close,” said Piper. “There are spells and potions for stripping someone’s power but nothing that might cause such a widespread affect. And nothing that pertains to White Lighters and Elders alone.”

“I suppose it could be prelude to a demonic attack,” Percy speculated. “The incident recently where you stopped the warlock from decimating the White Lighters shows that we are far from untouchable. I supposed it could be something along those lines.”

“Trust me,” said Cole, “that’s hardly an option. The power it would take to cause this does exist in the underworld. But getting those demons to work together is another matter. Some of them hate each other and would never work with the others. Not even if it meant getting rid of the Elders.”

“Yes, I’m sure you’re right,” said Percy.

“You seem awfully sedate for someone who’s just lost his powers,” Prue said.

“As I told Timothy,” said Percy, “getting emotional isn’t going to solve anything. Oh, I’m concerned, to be sure. But we must remain logical and clear headed if we are to solve this little enigma.”

“Leo,” said Phoebe, “I think we should get Percy to somewhere else. As long as he’s here my premonition could come true.”

“What premonition?” Percy asked.

“I had a premonition just before Leo and Timothy lost their powers,” said Phoebe. “A demon was attacking an Elder here in the manor. I’m not sure if the Elder was you because I couldn’t see him clearly, but as long as you’re here you’re at risk.”

“You may be right,” said Leo. “Maybe Cole should shimmer Percy somewhere else.”

“That would solve nothing,” said Percy. “If a demon is after me they would simply follow me. And I can think of no place safer at the moment than the home of the Charmed Ones. Another witch may not fare so well if a demon should attack me.”

“He has a point,” said Prue. “But staying here is a risk. If this Damonculous should attack while Percy is here at least we’re here to protect him.”

Everyone was startled as Percy suddenly dropped his cup. It clattered to the coffee table shattering on impact. All of the blood had drained from his face and a look of what appeared to be fear was evident.

“Oh, that was one of my best cups, too,” said Piper, beginning to clean up the mess.

“Where did you hear that name?” Percy demanded very somberly.

“What, Damonculous?” Prue questioned. “It was the demon in Phoebe’s premonition.”

“That’s impossible,” said Percy.

“Hey, all I can tell you is what I saw,” said Phoebe.

“Percy, what is it?” Leo asked. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“This is not possible,” Percy muttered to himself, standing up and walking absentmindedly to the fireplace. “They were destroyed millennia ago. None remain. They were all accounted for.”

“What are you muttering about?” Prue asked. “Who is this Damonculous? You act like you’re afraid of him.”

“My apologies,” said Percy. “Phoebe, are you sure it was a premonition and not a vision of the past?”

“He was attacking here in the manor,” said Phoebe. “I doubt that would be a vision of the past.”

“This isn’t possible,” Percy said. “Damonculous was vanquished a very long time ago. You must have misinterpreted your premonition.”

“No, it was quite clear,” said Phoebe.

“Who are what is this Damonculous?” Piper asked.

“Something far above you, witch,” said a voice from the entryway. “I am Damonculous. And I’ve come for you, Elder.”

Everyone turned to see the demon from Phoebe’s premonition standing in the entryway. They all immediately jumped to their feet taking up defensive postures against the demon. As they did, the demon raised its hand and a bream of blue energy shot out directly at Percy.

[noazmale]

SIX

As soon as the demon raised its hand Timothy reacted. He moved over and grabbed Percy intent on getting him out of harms way. Instead the blue beam caught him directly in the back. He took the full force of the attack. He stood rigid for several moments, and then collapsed on the floor, his eyes clouded over. Leo moved to check him.

“He’s dead,” Leo announced with astonishment.

The girls reacted instantly. Piper raised her hands and tapped into her freezing power. Only Damonculous didn’t freeze. Piper appeared to be as powerless as Leo and Timothy.

Prue tapped into her telekinetic power intent on throwing the demon back. But just as with Piper, her power never manifested itself. Apparently what had affected the White Lighters and the Elders had also affected the girls. They were all as powerless as normal humans.

“White Lighter,” Damonculous spat out angrily. “I don’t need the power of a White Lighter. It will do me no good. I need the power of the Elder. Your powers are useless to you witch. Stay out of this and you will be spared.”

Damonculous raised both hands. This time he was intent on draining the power of the Elder despite any interference from the others. But before he could bring his power to bear an energy ball struck him in the chest sending him hurtling back against the back wall of the entryway. He immediately regained his feet and turned to face his attacker.

“Maybe their powers don’t work,” said Cole standing at the forefront of the group, “but I seem to be unhindered. Now, care to take on someone besides people who can’t protect themselves against you?”

“Who are you?” demanded Damonculous.

“Who me?” questioned Cole. “Nobody. But if you want the Elder, you have to go through me.”

“So be it,” said Damonculous, casting an electrical attack at Cole.

The attack looked like lightning. It came from Damonculous’ fingertips and struck Cole full in the chest sending him crashing against the fireplace. Damonculous, apparently satisfied Cole was out of the way, turned on the Elder once more.

“Now,” he said, “to finish what I started.”

Before he could attack again, Cole cast another energy ball at him sending him once again careening against the back wall of the entryway.

“Not bad,” said Cole, his chest still smoking from the attack. “But if that’s all you have then you’d better rethink what you’re doing.”

“Impossible,” said Damonculous. “You cast fire. What kind of witch are you to cast fire and be unaffected by my power that has blocked all good magic?”

“I’m not exactly a witch,” said Cole. He suddenly changed form. Belthazor stood where Cole had stood only a moment ago. “And as I said, if you want the Elder, you have to go through me, first.”

“Demon?” Damonculous questioned. “Protecting an Elder? How can this be?”

“You want to talk or fight?” Belthazor asked. “Frankly, you’re beginning to bore me to death.”

“This is not finished,” said Damonculous. “I will be back. And when I do, I’ll take the Elder, demon or no.”

Suddenly Damonculous vanished from the entryway. He didn’t shimmer as most demons did. Nor did he orb as the White Lighters and Elders. Instead it appeared to be a combination of the two. A shimmering orb that was gray in color instead of the normal blue. Everyone turned to attend to Timothy. Belthazor changed back into Cole.

“He’s dead,” Leo repeated. “That’s impossible. White Lighters can only be killed by a Dark Lighters’ arrow.”

“He was a good White Lighter,” said Percy. “I shall miss him.”

“Thanks, Cole,” Prue said. “For a minute, I wasn’t sure what we were going to do.”

“Well, I couldn’t very well just stand there and let him kill an Elder, now could I?” asked Cole.

“But what do we do when he returns?” Piper asked. “Apparently we don’t have our powers either. And he said something about blocking the power of everyone who uses good magic. Is that even possible?”

Everyone turned to Percy. Clearly he knew more than he was telling. And he seemed to know who this Damonculous was. He just looked at them offering no explanation.

“Percy,” said Leo, “you know who that was, don’t you?”

“Leo,” said Percy very deliberately, fear evident in his voice, “never ask me that question again. You are forbidden from leaning the answer.”

Percy turned and walked over to the fireplace to compose himself. Everyone just stared at him in shock. He obviously knew something. And even though it could quite possibly cost him his life, he refused to say anything.

[noazmale]

SEVEN

“Timothy’ body will be safe in the arboretum until we can figure out what to do with it,” Leo said as he and Cole came back into the living room. “The question is, what are we going to do about it?”

“That’s up to Percy,” said Prue.

“I can’t help you,” said Percy.

“You damn well better help us,” Prue said, her temper flaring. “It isn’t just your life at stake here. It’s ours. You obviously know something and I mean to know what it is. Damn your rules.”

“I can tell you nothing,” said Percy. “The knowledge is forbidden.”

“Okay,” said Prue, suddenly becoming very calm, “if you can’t help us then we can’t help you.”

“Prue, you can’t mean that,” said Leo.

“I sure as hell mean it,” said Prue. “Cole, when this Damonculous comes back, don’t interfere. If he wants an Elder, let him have him.”

“You can’t,” said Percy suddenly very afraid. “You’re a Charmed One. Your job is to protect the innocent. Right now, I’m an innocent.”

“What are you going to do?” Prue asked. “Strip me of my powers? It seems that’s all ready happened. And without my powers I’m not a Charmed One any longer. I’m just a regular mortal like anyone else. And I’m sure as hell not going to risk my neck for someone who won’t even help himself.”

“Prue,” Leo began.

“No, Leo, she’s right,” said Piper. “Ever since we got our powers we’ve done nothing but do as they say. And half the time they don’t even tell us what’s going on.”

“I agree with them,” said Phoebe. “Hell, just a few weeks ago we kept a warlock from killing all the White Lighters. And this is how you are repay us? By telling us the knowledge is forbidden? Going up against demons is bad enough. But going up against a demon we know nothing about and without any powers is just plain suicide. Sorry, but that’s not on my top ten list of things to do right now.”

“Cole,” said Percy, turning to Cole for assistance.

“Don’t look at me,” said Cole. “I’m a demon, remember? Not exactly any love lost between demons and Elders. I was protecting the girls when I stood up to this Damonculous. I’d do it again. For them.”

“You must understand,” began Percy.

“All I understand,” said Prue, “is that you know something you won’t tell us. We could die fighting this demon. I, for one, won’t risk getting killed when there’s someone who can give us information we need.”

“Prue’s right,” said Piper. “Damonculous as much as said he wasn’t interested in us. Just in an Elder. If you expect any help from us you have to give us something to work with.”

“Percy,” said Prue, “you said that all the other Elders were in the same boat we are. That none of their powers are working. With Cole here he might not risk another confrontation. He might decide to go after another Elder who is completely unprotected. You want to be the one responsible for getting another Elder killed? Or more. He might not stop with just one. He might kill them all. So whatever it is you aren’t telling us, it’s not just your life or ours you’re risking. You’re risking the lives of all the Elders. Do you want to be remembered as the Elder that got everyone else killed?”

“Leo, do something,” said Percy. “You of all people should understand that there are some things that I’m just not at liberty to discuss. This is one of those times. They have no idea what they’re asking.”

“I’m sorry, Percy,” said Leo. “These three are the most stubborn people I’ve ever met, when they want to be. And when all three have their minds set on something, I’ve learned that there’s nothing that will change them. They won’t even listen to me. There’s nothing I can do. I’m sorry.”

Percy looked at them. He was obviously torn about what to do. Even Leo was perplexed at his behavior. Elders had powers beyond those of a normal White Lighter. Powers that would rival even the highest level demons. There wasn’t much that frightened an Elder. But right now Percy was terrified. And Leo was very uneasy about why Percy refused to talk. Whatever it was must be extremely serious.

“Well?” questioned Prue. “You want our help or not?”

“You’re a very strong willed woman,” Percy said finally, a note of resignation in his voice. “Piper, could I bother you for some more tea? It’s very good and what I have to say may take some time.”

“Sure,” said Piper, heading for the kitchen. “Just don’t start without me. I want to hear everything.”

“Not to worry,” said Percy. “Actually, I have to decide where to begin anyway.”

As Piper prepared the tea, Phoebe got a first aid kit and tended to Cole’s wound. It didn’t seem serious. Mostly a burn mark on his chest where the lightning had struck him. He said it wasn’t very painful but Phoebe could tell he was being less than honest. Still, she was very proud of what he had done.

“Okay, you have your tea,” said Prue. “Now, want to fill us in on what you know?”

“First,” said Percy, “what I’m about to tell you must never be repeated to anyone. It is perhaps the most closely guarded secret the Elders have. Something known only to the Elders.”

“Okay,” said Piper. “We promise. We just need the information to prepare for when this Damonculous returns.”

“It may not do any good,” said Percy. “Damonculous is more powerful than you could possibly imagine. Even if you had your powers, I’m not sure they would do you any good.”

“I seemed to have fared okay,” said Cole. “I imagine with the Power of Three they’d do even better.”

“You are only alive because Damonculous was not using his full power on you,” said Percy. “If he had, you would not have survived.”

“Just who is this Damonculous?” Phoebe asked.

“A power older than anything known to man,” said Percy. “A power so great, that even the Elders would be hard pressed to deal with him.”

“What kind of demon is it?” Prue asked. “He’s not in the Book of Shadows and not even Cole has heard of him.”

“He’s not a demon,” said Percy. “Not in the strictest sense of the word, anyway.”

“Then what is he?” asked Piper.

“For all intents and purposes,” said Percy deliberately, “Damonculous is as close to being a god as any creature can be.”

[noazmale]

EIGHT

“What do you mean he’s a god?” Prue asked.

“Damonculous is older than even the most ancient demon,” said Percy. “He walked the Earth before most civilizations had even produced a written language. He’s what you might call one of the first Elders, although that term is not exactly accurate.”

“You mean he’s a Founder?” Leo questioned.

“Founder?” asked Phoebe. “Leo, you mentioned them once before. When I first discovered you were a White Lighter. You said the Founders formed the Elder Council.”

“That’s right,” said Leo.

“No, Leo, he’s not a founder,” said Percy. “Why don’t you fill them in on our history? From the beginning.”

“Well,” said Leo, looking at the girls and Cole, “several thousand years ago White Lighters helped and served mankind much as they do today. A group of senior White Lighters got together and formed the Elders. The Elders were tasked with helping to protect mankind and assigning White Lighters to specific humans to guide and assist them.”

“You mean to witches,” Piper said.

“Mostly, yes,” said Percy. “There are exceptions. But for the most part, White Lighters help witches.”

“That much we know,” said Prue. “Are you saying this Damonculous is one of the original White Lighters that formed the Elders?”

“No,” said Percy. “He is older even than that. He’s one of the original members of the Gray Council.”

“The Gray Council?” Leo asked, shock in his voice. “I thought that was just a myth?”

“More like a legend,” said Percy.

“So what’s the difference?” Phoebe asked.

“A myth,” said Percy, “has no foundation in truth. Something like Robin Hood. A man that stole from the rich and gave what he stole to the poor. There actually was no such person. His reputation grew out of the feats of a number of individuals that over the years combined into the single figure you know today.

“A legend is something quite different. While much of what is believed about a legend is false, the basic premise behind it is true. Such as King Arthur. There actually was such a man. The son of a man named Uther who did rule England. Now, much of what you know about King Arthur never actually happened. But he did exist.”

“So the Gray Council actually existed?” Leo asked.

“Yes,” said Percy.

“What is this Gray Council?” Cole asked.

“According to legend,” said Leo, “they were a group of White Lighters that existed before the Elders. It’s always been believed that they were actually an allegory for White Lighters.”

“To the general White Lighter populous, yes,” said Percy. “But all Elders know the truth about the Council. Something we have all agreed must never become known.”

“Well, that’s changed,” said Prue. “So just what was this Gray Council?”

“Several thousand years before the Founders formed the Elder Council,” said Percy, “White Lighters did serve mankind as Leo said. But there was no single ruling body. They weren’t White Lighters, of course. Just supernatural beings that had taken an interest in humanity. They used their considerable power to help guide mankind.

“There were about two hundred of them in all. No one was considered higher or more important than any of the others. They named themselves the Gray Council so they could interact more efficiently with mankind. Humans seem to have an instinctual need to label things and people.

“Everything was fine for many millennia. The Gray Council used their power and knowledge to assist mankind. Allowing it to grow and mature into a healthy, thriving race. They did this by using their power to influence people and events to take a particular direction.”

“They interfered with free will?” asked Leo in shock. “Percy, that’s the greatest rule of White Lighters. We cannot interfere with a human’s free will no matter what happens.”

“It was not always so,” said Percy. “In those times the Gray Council freely altered destinies to chart the course of human history.”

“So what happened to this Gray Council?” Phoebe asked.

“To better facilitate their ends,” continued Percy, “certain humans deemed worthy were selected and imbued with power. Power to help affect human history. Many of these humans were female. The power they received was passed on from mother to daughter.”

“You’re talking about witches,” said Piper. “This Gray Council created the first witches?”

“Yes,” said Percy. “They weren’t called witches back then. They were called Gray Lighters. Because they had the favor of the Gray Council and led the human race in the direction the Council desired it to go.”

“So what changed?” Cole asked.

“Even back then,” said Percy, “humans could be very determined. And more than a bit arrogant. Many of the Gray Lighters began to think of themselves as equal to the Gray Council. Instead of simply taking orders from the Gray Council they felt they should have a say in the decisions the Gray Council made. They were human, the Gray Council wasn’t. They felt they better understood humans than the Gray Council and could better formulate in which direction humanity should go.”

“Boy, I’ll bet that went over like a lead balloon,” said Phoebe.

“Aptly put,” said Percy. “It caused quite a stir among the Gray Council. Many of the Council expressed a belief that the evil humans were beginning to exhibit was detrimental to the Council’s plan. Damonculous was the most outspoken in this regard. He proposed a plan to rid humanity of this evil. A plan that was also endorsed by a large portion of the Council.”

“A plan to rid humanity of evil?” Prue questioned. “Is that even possible?”

“Frankly, no,” said Percy. “Most human possess the ability for good and evil. Many factors are involved that determine which they will choose.”

“So,” said Cole, “what was this great plan that Damonculous and the others came up with that they thought would get rid of the evil in humans?”

“They proposed destroying humanity,” said Percy.

[noazmale]

NINE

“You can’t be serious,” said Piper.

“I’m quite serious,” said Percy. “Oh, not the entirety of humanity. Some select humans deemed good enough would be spared. The rest would be exterminated. Treated like the vermin many of the Gray Council thought them to be.”

“That’s crazy,” said Prue. “That wouldn’t solve anything. Any subsequent generations would have been the same.”

“That’s what those of the Gray Council opposed to the idea said,” said Percy. “Damonculous and his followers countered saying that each succeeding generation would be weeded out. Those deemed good enough would survive and the rest would be terminated. Eventually, they argued, evil would be excised from humanity.”

“I can’t believe this,” said Leo. “Weren’t they supposed to be helping mankind? How could any of them even consider such a course of action?”

“It is believed,” said Percy, “that many of the Gray Council had become corrupted by their near absolute control over humanity. Playing God, so to speak. And as you are acutely aware, corruption can soon turn to evil. We believe that over time many of the Gray Council became evil without realizing it.”

“Can someone be evil without knowing it?” Phoebe asked.

“Sure,” said Cole. “They think they’re doing the right thing even when everyone around them says differently. They delude themselves into thinking they’re doing the right thing when all the time their motivated by purely selfish ideas. Eventually it becomes second nature to them and before you know it they’re fully evil. I’ve seen it happen a hundred times.”

“I’m sure,” said Percy. “And as you can imagine, this caused quite a stir among the Gray Council. They were divided nearly in half. Damonculous and his followers vying to have the bulk of humanity wiped out while the rest argued just as passionately that was not the solution. Eventually, the inevitable happened. One of the Gray Council lost his temper and attacked an opposing member.”

“You mean they had a fight?” Cole asked.

“Worse,” said Percy. “It nearly immediately escalated into an all out war. The two sides faced off against each other with their considerable power.”

“Boy, that must have been quite a fight,” said Phoebe. “Imagine all that power being used at the same time.”

“You have no idea,” said Percy. “Compared to the power of the Gray Council your nuclear weapons are considered less than a match. The expenditure of so much power all at the same time very nearly did what Damonculous and the others wanted. It decimated the human race.”

“What finally ended it?” asked Piper.

“Damonculous and his followers were defeated,” said Percy. “Most on both sides were killed. But eventually Damonculous and his followers were drained of their power. Those that survived were banished to a realm where magic doesn’t exist. Without magic they have no chance of returning to the mortal plane.”

“What happened to the victors?” Leo asked.

“They became what we know as the Founders,” said Percy. “They spent a very long time trying to decide what they should do. They finally decided that a new order was needed. They selected the very best of the Gray Lighters that sided with them and formed the first Elder Council. It was felt that since Gray Lighters were human they would be more sympathetic to the plight of humanity.”

“But humans don’t become White Lighters or Elders until after they die,” said Leo.

“That’s correct,” said Percy. “The Founders decreed that as new Elders and White Lighters were needed, they would be only the very best humanity had to offer. In order to determine the best qualified, they had to die first. So that the totality of their lives could be judged. The Founders also decreed that the neither the Elders nor the White Lighters could ever again interfere in human history. Mankind was left to whatever the fates decreed. The rule of not interfering with free will was established.”

“What about the surviving Gray Lighters that sided with Damonculous?” Piper asked. “What did they do about them? Were they destroyed?”

“No,” said Percy. “Even though they were by now thoroughly evil, the Founders felt it was not totally of their doing. Had they never been granted the powers they had, they might have well remained good. So they were banished to a different realm from the defeated Gray Council members. A harsh, barren dimension of sorts that held no life of its own.”

“So they still exist?” questioned Cole.

“After a fashion,” said Percy. “Most of the original Gray Lighters have long since died or been killed. Some few remain but for the most part it is their descendents that now inhabit that realm. For many centuries they regarded Damonculous as a virtual god. Originally they called themselves Damonculites, after him. Over the years the name was gradually shortened and was somewhat perverted. Not by any design. It’s just the way things happen some times. They still exist but they are known by a different name now.”

“What name?” Cole asked, fearing he all ready knew the answer to that question.

“Demon,” said Percy. “The realm where they were banished originally had no name. The new inhabitants began calling it by what they felt was appropriate. They called it the underworld. You’re ancestors, Cole, were the descendents of the defeated Gray Lighters banished to the underworld. They are the very demons the Charmed Ones fight to protect humanity against.”

[noazmale]

TEN

“That’s quite a story,” said Prue. “But I don’t understand why the knowledge is forbidden. A lot of cultures have similar type stories. Even the United States began because of something like that.”

“At first,” said Percy, “it was forbidden because of shame and regret. All everyone wanted to do was simply forget about what had happened. Much like the divisiveness that can occur within some families. The so-called ‘black sheep’ that no one ever talks about.

“But it soon became evident that the powers wielded by the Elders and the White Lighters was substantial. The Elders felt that if the White Lighters ever learned of their true history, a similar occurrence might happen. So it was decided that only the story of the Founders forming the Elder Council would be passed on to new generations of White Lighters. Call it selective honesty. What the White Lighters learn is essentially true. It’s just not the entire truth.”

“You said something about Damonculous being vanquished,” said Prue.

“Yes,” said Percy. “Damonculous was one of the most powerful of the Gray Council. It took the combined might of nearly a dozen other members to stop him. Their power virtually vaporized him. It was thought he had been vanquished. Apparently that supposition was wrong.”

“Why has he waited this long to reappear?” Leo asked. “If this happened all those thousand years ago where has he been all this time?”

“I don’t know,” said Percy. “Maybe it’s taken him this long to reconstitute himself. Maybe he simply moved through time and this is where he appeared. Maybe it is only now that he has been able to access his magic again. I don’t know why he has waited for so long. I only know that he is very dangerous.”

“So what does he want?” Piper asked. “Has he come back for revenge?”

“I doubt it,” said Percy. “He mentioned something about needing the power of an Elder. In truth, he probably needs the power of several Elders. I can guess what his plans are. If he can get enough power, he can open a portal to the realm where the remaining Gray Council is imprisoned. If that happens, he will be able to return them to the mortal plane where their power will be restored to them. And I have no doubt they will finish what they started all those millennia ago. They’ll wipe out the human race.”

[Jad]

Nice job of defining the origins of elders, whitelighters and demons, but how do the Titans and angels fit it? You, yourself mentions the Fates in this story, whence the Fates?

Sorry for being critical, but I am enjoying this story.

[noazmale]

Don't worry, Jad, I don't see it as being critical. You have some valid questions. But to be honest, I wasn't even thinking of those when I wrote this story. (My stories are always completed before I start posting them.) But as they say, that's a story for another time. lol. Glad you're enjoying it. Maybe someday I'll write a story incorporating those elements. Well, on to the next chapter. This story actually turned out a lot longer than I had originally envisioned.

[noazmale]

ELEVEN

Damonculous appeared in what appeared to be a modest house. He winced slightly from the pain Cole’s energy balls had made. His power was very low. It would take time to replenish his power so that he could face an opponent as obviously powerful as this demon.

It had taken nearly all of his power to block all good magic. In the old days he would have been able to block all magic if he had chosen to. No one in this time would be powerful enough to be exempt from that blocking. But the powers this demon possessed weren’t good magic. And clearly the memories he had taken from the demon when he first arrived in that alley were incomplete.

Damonculous looked around him. A body lay on the floor. The body of a woman. She had an athame sticking out of her back and was obviously quite dead. Across the room, sitting at a desk going through some papers was a man. He was human but Damonculous could also sense that he was thoroughly evil.

“You must be a warlock,” Damonculous announced.

The man at the desk jumped to his feet instantly. He pulled out another athame and brandished it threateningly at Damonculous.

“Who are you?” demanded the man.

“My name is Damonculous,” said Damonculous. “And I have need of you.”

“What are you?” the man asked. “A demon? If so you can just get out of here. The witch was my prey. I’m not sharing the spoils with anyone.”

“You may keep your spoils,” said Damonculous. “To be honest, they would probably do me little good anyway. But as I said, I have need of you. I need certain information. Information I’m sure you can provide for me.”

“What kind of information?” the man demanded.

“First,” said Damonculous, “what are you called?”

“Persius,” said the man. “Persius Winthorp.”

“So, Persius Winthorp,” said Damonculous, “am I correct in assuming you are a warlock?”

“Yeah,” said Persius. “And a damn good one too. Demon or not you won’t find me an easy target.”

“I am no demon,” said Damonculous. “And as I said, I need only some information. In return I am prepared to repay you handsomely with more power than you could possibly imagine.”

“What kind of information?” Persius asked.

“About witches,” said Damonculous. “Specifically, three witches. All sisters.”

“The Charmed Ones?” questioned Persius. “You want the Charmed Ones?”

“That depends,” Damonculous said. “Who are these so-called Charmed Ones?”

“They’re the most powerful witches in history,” said Persius. “They appeared about three years ago. And they’ve vanquished every demon and warlock they’ve come up against.”

“Really?” Damonculous questioned. “They must be quite powerful.”

“They are,” said Persius. “They have the Power of Three. Nothing can stand against that. I’ve had friends who learned that the hard way.”

“The Power of Three,” said Damonculous. “Interesting. And you say it is unstoppable?”

“So far,” said the warlock. “No one has been able to find a way around it. Why are you so interested in them? If you’re not a demon what could you want with them?”

“They have an Elder,” said Damonculous. “He is the one I’m after. But these Charmed Ones also have a protector. A demon of black and red. A very powerful demon. If I am to defeat them, I must know about them.”

“Belthazor?” Persius questioned. “Yeah, he’s with them. I heard he fell in love with one of the witches. He betrayed the Source and killed the Triad. Now the Source wants him dead. But they protect him so no demon can collect on the bounty the Source has offered for his destruction.”

“The Source?” questioned Damonculous.

“The Source of all Evil,” said Persius. “Who are you, anyway? You don’t know about the Charmed Ones. You don’t know about the Source. And you say you’re after an Elder. You must be extremely powerful or extremely stupid. No one goes after an Elder. That’s as suicidal as going after the Charmed Ones.”

“It is not an Elder I’m after,” said Damonculous. “I want them all. I need their power. But as yet I’m too weak to challenge this Belthazor, as you call him. Now I understand why a demon would be protecting witches. Love is a very powerful and motivating force.”

“You want all the Elders?” questioned Persius. “What, you got a death wish? With their power the Elders are all but untouchable.”

“That is of no consequence at the moment,” said Damonculous. “Good magic can not operate for the moment. If not for this Belthazor I would have had my first victim. And the others would have soon fallen.”

“No good magic?” questioned Persius. “That’s why it was so easy to kill the witch. I wondered why she didn’t use her powers against me. You say you did that? Stopped all the good magic?”

“Yes,” said Damonculous. “And it is only a start. Once I have the Elder, my power will begin to increase. Then I can find the other Elders. Without their powers they will be as little consequence to me as this witch was to you. And when I’m finished they will no longer be a concern for anyone.”

“You don’t say?” asked Persius. “You mentioned something about a trade. My knowledge for power. What did you have in mind?”

“It’s very simple,” said Damonculous. “My knowledge of this time is incomplete. I could simply drain what I need from you but the would not guarantee that I will learn what I need to know. I offer you a deal. You provide me with whatever knowledge you have, and swear loyalty to only me, and when I have accomplished my mission I will give you more power than you could garner from a hundred witches.”

“How do I know you can make good on your deal?” asked Persius.

Damonculous stretched out his hand and flames erupted around Persius. The warlock screamed in agony as his flesh was apparently consumed by the flames. Just as suddenly the flames vanished and Persius stood at the desk unharmed.

“That is but a small taste of my power,” said Damonculous. “Imagine what power I will have when I am fully restored. You will share in that power. And you will command those others who serve me.”

“Keep talking,” said Persius, sticking the athame in his belt and sitting back down at the desk. “You got my attention.”

Damonculous just smiled. Humans had changed very little in the thousands of years since he and his brothers and sisters of the Gray Council had ruled the Earth. Most would sell their soul for the merest pittance of power.

[noazmale]

TWELVE

“Percy,” said Leo, looking toward the arboretum, “about Timothy. White Lighters are supposed to be immortal. Only the poison from a Dark Lighter is supposed to be able to kill one. But Damonculous killed him. How could he do that?”

“Because Damonculous drained all of his magic,” said Percy. “White Lighters are beings of magic. While they have a human form, most of what they are comprised of is magic. Take away that magic and you have nothing but an empty shell left.”

“He claimed to have blocked magic,” said Paige. “Apparently at least part of that claim is true. Is he really able to do that? To block magic.”

“And much more,” said Percy. “Although it seems he hasn’t blocked all magic. Perhaps only good magic has been blocked. That would explain why Cole still has his powers. While he may have changed from evil to good, his powers are still demonic. If Damonculous has blocked all good magic Cole would be exempt from such blocking.”

“Which means all Damonculous has to do is block all magic and we’re screwed,” said Prue.

“I don’t think that is likely to happen,” said Percy. “At least not right away. If Damonculous could have blocked all magic, he would all ready have done so. Which means he is still not fully replenished. That will give us an edge of sorts. As long as Cole still has access to his powers, we won’t be completely defenseless.”

“Except I didn’t seem to hurt him any more than he hurt me,” said Cole. “This,” he pointed to his chest, “will heal quickly enough. But you’ve intimated that Damonculous’ power may start to increase. If that happens I may not be able to protect you much longer.”

“Quite true,” said Percy. “Damonculous seems to be unaware of much about this time. He didn’t know who the sisters were. And he was surprised to find a demon protecting witches. Belthazor’s betrayal of the Source is well known among both good and evil. Which means that however he came by his knowledge of this time much of it is still lacking.”

“We might be able to use that to our advantage,” said Prue. “Any idea how we can remove this blocking he’s created?”

“Not without the power of the Elders,” said Percy. “Or the power of another member of the Gray Council. If we could contact the Founders they could help. But without my magic, I can’t contact them.”

“Won’t they come looking when they see that good magic is no longer working?” Phoebe asked.

“They don’t work that way,” said Percy. “For the most part, they leave the dealings with the mortal realm to the Elders. They exist on a higher plane. They will be occupied with matters there. And as you have learned firsthand, time does not operate the same on all planes. It may be quite some time before they learn of what’s going on. By then it may well be too late.”

“This is just great,” said Piper. “We have an unstoppable creature running around loose with more power than any of us has ever seen. He’s planning on destroying the Elders and wiping out mankind and we have absolutely no powers to stop him with. Other than Cole’s powers and they may not be useable much longer.”

“It would seem to be a hopeless situation,” said Percy.

“Not necessarily,” said Cole.

“What do you mean?” Leo asked.

“Percy said that only good magic was blocked,” said Cole. “As far as we can tell, demonic creatures still have full use of their magic. If we can get some of them together, we might be able to stand against Damonculous.”

“Oh, sure,” said Prue. “We just walk up and ask a bunch of demons to help us defeat Damonculous because we don’t have any powers. Talk about a suicide mission.”

“Not as much as you think,” said Cole. “True, most main stream demons would probably seize the opportunity to kill you. But there’s another option. Demons no longer in the good graces of their masters. I’m not the only demon who’s under a death sentence. There are a fair number of them. It might be possible to persuade some of them to help. Especially when they learn that Damonculous plans to destroy them, too. Self-preservation is a very strong motivator for demons as well as humans.”

“Wouldn’t they just kill us?” Piper asked. “That should get them back in the good graces with their masters. If nothing else the Source might reward them for getting rid of us.”

“That is a risk,” said Cole. “But I do know some of these demons. Some of them have helped me hide from the Source’s bounty hunters. It might be possible to persuade some of them to help us. But they’re going to want something in return.”

“Like what?” Prue asked.

“That will depend on the demons,” said Cole. “I could check around. See if any are interested without actually telling them what’s really going on.”

“You can’t trust demons,” said Piper. “We’ve learned that many times.”

“Normally, I’d agree with you,” said Cole. “But these are hardly normal times. It can’t hurt to check around. I know how to do it without exposing any of you to danger.”

“Which means you wouldn’t be here if Damonculous returns,” said Leo. “Without you we’re helpless against him.”

“Maybe not,” said Phoebe. “Percy, just how powerful is this blocking Damonculous has put on good magic?”

“That’s difficult to say,” said Percy. “As I said, it’s probably using most of the power he still has. Short of his death, it would be almost impossible to break that blocking.”

“Almost,” said Phoebe. “Which means there might be a way, right?”

“It would take a very powerful magic to overcome such a blocking,” said Percy. “As I said, only the Gray Council possesses that kind of power.”

“What about the Power of Three?” Phoebe asked. “We’ve always been told that the Power of Three is the most powerful magic that ever existed. Is it strong enough to break this blocking, you think?”

“Perhaps,” said Percy, thoughtfully. “You magic isn’t gone. It’s simply being blocked so you can’t access it. If you combine your power in a Power of Three spell it might just be strong enough to overcome the blocking. But how to use that power is the question. I doubt even your combined power is enough to remove the blocking altogether. It would have to be concentrated at a single point. Selectively remove the blocking at a particular place.”

“Such as us,” said Prue. “If we could overwhelm the blocking on us, we might get access to our powers. That would put a whole new light on the situation.”

“It’s definitely worth a shot,” said Leo. “We wouldn’t be any worse off than we are now.”

“I’ll get started on a spell right away,” said Phoebe. “Anything special I should know about this blocking?”

“Not that I can think of,” said Percy. “The spell should be aimed specifically at you. To selectively remove the blocking surrounding you.”

“Okay, great,” said Phoebe. “I should be able to come up with something soon. I’ll let you know when I’m finished.”

“In the mean time,” said Cole, “I’ll check around. I might be able to augment our forces with a little demonic intervention. Don’t worry. I won’t say anything that might put you all in danger. But we need every advantage we can get at this point.”

“Just make sure to check back in regularly,” said Leo. “There’s no telling when Damonculous is going to return. It would be a good idea if you kept up with what’s going on here, just in case.”

“Good idea,” said Cole. “I won’t be gone long.”

Cole shimmered and was gone. Phoebe was busy scribbling on a pad trying to come up with a spell.

“What about a potion?” Piper asked. “We might not have out powers but we can still make potions. You think they might be any use against Damonculous?”

“I doubt a potion could cause him any serious harm,” said Percy. “But a strong enough one might be able to hurt him. As least initially.”

“Okay,” said Piper. “Prue and I will begin working on some potions. I guess all we can do now is wait to see what Phoebe and Cole come up with. We’ll be in the kitchen if you need us.”

Prue and Piper headed for the kitchen leaving Leo alone with Percy. Leo felt awkward. The Elders had always been his superiors. Finding himself now as almost an equal made him nervous. He wasn’t sure what to say or how to act. Leo sat down in a chair trying to think of some way to break the ice.

[noazmale]

THIRTEEN

Cole shimmered into what appeared to be a warehouse. The place looked deserted but Cole knew that was only an illusion. The place had been abandoned for years. No one ever visited this place. No one human, at least. There would be guards about. Guards keeping a watchful eye out for any intruders that might learn of the small group that inhabited this place.

Cole moved silently through the abandoned crates stacked haphazardly in the building. Crates containing long forgotten items. None of the items would be of any use to any one now. But they would make an excellent place for someone to hide behind and keep an eye on the entrances to the building.

As Cole moved through the building he suddenly stopped. He was still obscured by the shadows in the unlit place. But just ahead he could see the silhouette of a creature standing in the shadows as well. A creature that, in the dark, appeared to be human.

“I’m here to see Caprick,” Cole announced into the darkness.

The figure ahead suddenly spun and faced Cole. Although its features were still obscured by the darkness, its eyes glowed softly. Cole instantly recognized the glow. It was the glow created by a demon known as a Darknell demon. Demons with the ability to see in the dark nearly as well as humans see in the light.

“Who’s there?” demanded the Darknell demon.

“I’m not a threat,” said Cole, not moving from his spot. “I’m here to see Caprick but I don’t want to have to fight my way to see him. If I wanted to I could have vanquished you. I didn’t. I’m just here to talk.”

“Who are you?” demanded the Darknell demon.

“I’m called Belthazor,” said Cole.

“Belthazor?” questioned the Darknell demon. “You betrayed the Source. He’s ordered your death.”

“That’s right,” said Cole. “It’s something we have in common.”

“Wait here,” said the demon.

It disappeared back into the darkness. Cole didn’t hesitate. He shimmered and appeared several feet away at a new location. Outcast demons were notoriously cautious. They might not believe who he was. If they should decide to attack instead of talk, he wanted at least some advantage. Suddenly the Darknell demon reappeared.

“If you’re really Belthazor,” said the demon, “you can pass freely. But don’t try anything. I’m not alone.”

“I figured as much,” said Cole.

The startled demon spun to face the new location where Cole now stood.

“As I said, I’m just here to see Caprick,” said Cole. “But know this. If you know who I am then you know I’m not to be trifled with.”

“Step out where I can get a better look at you,” said the demon.

Cole moved forward until he appeared in a small circle of light created by the moon shining through a broken window. The demon looked him over.

“You’re in human form,” said the demon.

“That’s right,” said Cole. “Is that a problem?”

“No,” said the demon. “Go to the back of the building. There you will find a crate that looks like….”

“I know the way,” said Cole.

Without another word Cole turned and headed for the back of the warehouse. When he got there he saw a crate that looked like it was turned up on end. Cole reached out and pushed on the crate. Below it was an opening with a ladder leading down. Cole quickly descended the ladder and began to walk through the passageway beyond.

He knew that several demons were even now watching him. They would be the advanced guard for this place. They wouldn’t attack unless Cole appeared to be a threat. Confidently, Cole continued down the passageway until he came to a large room.

Sitting in a chair at a table was what appeared to be another human. He was about sixty with graying hair. He was as tall as Cole but less bulky. There were eight more men sitting and standing around the room. This, Cole knew, would be the main force of this complex. The most powerful demons here.

“Belthazor,” said the man sitting at the table as Cole walked in, “it’s been a long time, my friend. It’s good to see you again.”

At the friendly greeting, several of the other men turned and left the room. Three remained and simply stood watching Cole closely.

“About thirty years as I recall,” said Cole smiling. “I see you’re no worse off for being outcast.”

“Well, not doing as well as I used to,” said Caprick. “Having bounty hunters after you tends to make you a bit jumpy. But then I’m sure you’re aware of that. We heard you had betrayed the Source. Vanquished the Triad and everything. All for the love of a witch?”

“All true,” said Cole. “I can hardly believe it myself. But times change. I would have visited earlier but I didn’t think it was a good idea to come here what with you being hunted and all. I couldn’t risk that a bounty hunter might follow me and find out where you were hiding at.”

“I do appreciate it,” said Caprick. “Which begs the question. What are you doing here now? Come to join us in our exile? We could use a demon with your skills and abilities. With you added to our ranks most bounty hunters would think twice before trying to collect the rewards we represent.”

“No, I’m happy where I am,” said Cole. “But I have come because I need your help.”

“My help?” questioned Caprick. “Now, what kind of help can I give you? You always were more powerful than me. And higher in the hierarchy. I’m just an outcast, like you. What could I possibly have to offer you that you would be interested in?”

“There’s a new player in town,” said Cole. “A very powerful player.”

“I know,” said Caprick. “We’ve all sensed it. Whoever this new player is he’s very powerful.”

“More than you could possibly imagine,” said Cole. “And he’s going to get more powerful. That’s why I’m here. I want you to help me stop him.”

“Stop him?” questioned Caprick. “Belthazor, have you taken leave of your senses? Who is this new player? He’s extremely powerful. And if, as you say, he’s going to get more powerful, is it even possible to stop him?”

“I don’t know,” said Cole. “His name is Damonculous. He’s an ancient being. I can’t tell you how he got here because I honestly don’t know. He’s after the Elders.”

“The Elders?” Caprick asked. “Why should I be concerned with that? The Elders are our sworn enemies, you know that. If this Damonculous is here to destroy the Elders, that would make him an ally.”

“It’s not just the Elders he’s after,” said Cole. “That’s just the start of his plans. When he’s done with them, he’ll come after anyone that poses a threat to him. How long do you think you’ll be safe when that happens?”

“We don’t pose a threat to him,” said Caprick. “We’re outcasts, remember? Marked for death. Why should he be concerned with us?”

“I have it on very good authority that once he’s finished with the Elders,” said Cole, “Damonculous isn’t going to stop there. He’ll move on to anyone who might possibly be able to challenge him. That means demons. All demons. And trust me. The Source and his bounty hunters may not be able to find you here but this guy will.”

“Good authority, huh?” Caprick asked. “Just how reliable is this good authority?”

“The word of an Elder,” said Cole.

“An Elder?” questioned Caprick. “Okay. What do you have in mind? I’m listening.”

“I have a plan,” said Cole.

“I have no doubt,” said Caprick. “Your plans are legendary in the underworld. Just how do we figure into these plans? And what’s in it for us? Let me know what you have in mind and I’ll decide if we’re interested.”

“I’ll start with your last question,” Cole said. “What’s in it for you? How about having your outcasting lifted? Returning to the underworld to pursue whatever goals you have in mind.”

“Keep talking,” said Caprick. “Now you really have my attention. If you can come through on a promise like that.”

“If we’re successful,” said Cole, “I can come through. Now, here’s what I have in mind.”

[noazmale]

FOURTEEN

Phoebe came down the stairs with a pad and pencil in her hand. Leo and Percy were in the living room talking. Prue and Piper were still in the kitchen working on potions. Phoebe walked into the living room and sat down.

“Well,” she said, “I used the Book of Shadows to help with the spell. I think I have one that will work. I just hope it’s enough to break this blocking Damonculous has put on us.”

“Great,” said Prue, coming out of the kitchen, Piper close behind. She held up a potion vial. “Piper came up with a pretty strong potion. It’s similar to her explosive power that should at least hurt this guy. She also came up with a potion that should duplicate her freezing ability. It doesn’t stop time, as her power does. But it should be able to keep the victim immobile for a while at least.”

”I also came up with this,” said Piper, holding up another vial.

“What is it?” Leo asked.

“It’s a power stripping potion,” Piper said. “Since you said this guy is more powerful than the Elders I punched it up a bit.”

“It may not be affective on him,” said Percy. “You have no idea how powerful a member of the Gray Council is.”

“Well, it’s worth a shot,” said Piper. “We have nothing to lose by trying. Besides, it might just work. If it does our problems are solved. We strip this guys’ powers and there’s nothing he can do to hurt us.”

“They are quite optimistic,” Percy said to Leo.

“I’ve always told you they weren’t your average witches,” said Leo. “I know that some of the Elders think they’re reckless at times but as their record will attest, they are also very effective.”

“Quite true,” said Percy.

“Here’s the spell,” Phoebe said, handing a copy to Prue and Piper. “With a little luck, this should help break the blocking Damonculous has put on our powers.”

“Well,” said Prue looking at the spell, “I think we should use this right now. We need to know if it’s going to work or not. If it doesn’t we need to be prepared for that.”

“Good idea,” said Piper. “But even if it does work we should all the potions I created on hand. We need all the advantages we can get against this guy.”

“That would be wise,” said Percy.

“Well,” said Phoebe. “I guess there’s nothing left to do but see if my spell works.”

The three sisters stood next to each other and read the spell Phoebe had written.

“Witches three bound by blood, protecting the innocent and vanquishing evil.

“We call on the ancient power. We call on the magic of Melinda Warren.

“Restore to us that which has been taken. Restore to us the power or our ancestors. Restore to us the Power of Three.”

* * *

“Your plan is intriguing,” said Caprick. “I see now that your reputation is well deserved.”

“I’ve had a lot of practice,” said Cole. “Now, it’s important that nothing go wrong. We’ll only have one chance at this. If we fail, Damonculous will probably vanquish us all just for the attempt.”

“Yes,” said Caprick. “But what is it the humans say? Nothing good comes easy? And you’re sure you can deliver on your part of the bargain? To make it possible for us to return to the underworld?”

“I’m fairly confident I can,” said Cole. “It should be easy enough. And you know I don’t make promises I can’t keep.”

“Yes, I am aware of that,” said Caprick. “I should think seven of my best demons plus myself should be enough to accomplish our goals. I am curious about one thing, however. Why do not the Charmed Ones deal with this Damonculous themselves? They have the Power of Three. There is supposed to be no stronger magic than that.”

“Let’s just say their magic would be less affective against him than it would be against demons,” said Cole. “Remember, Damonculous is from a time before the Elders. The Power of Three, like all magic, does have its limitations in certain circumstances.”

“True,” said Caprick. “From what you’ve told me, this Damonculous should be susceptible to demonic magic.”

“True,” said Cole. He suddenly leaned very close to Caprick. “And let me make one thing perfectly clear. Our target, our only target, is Damonculous. Not the Charmed Ones, not the White Lighter, not the Elder. Just make sure that you and your demons understand that. If you try to betray me I will hunt down each of you. And you will beg me to die. You will beg for a very long time. Do I make myself clear?”

“Perfectly clear,” said Caprick, smiling. “Don’t worry about it. I am no fool. You have convinced me that this Damonculous is our most dangerous opponent right now. I have no intentions of adding to that danger by antagonizing you or the witches.”

“Just remember that,” said Cole. “Now, when we’re ready for you, I’ll send for you. Make sure you and your demons are ready.”

“We will be ready,” said Caprick.

Cole shimmered out of the warehouse.

“Can we trust him?” one of the demons in the room asked Caprick.

“As much as he can trust us,” said Caprick, smiling. “Send Lotack to me. I think he is perfectly suited for our arrival at the Halliwell manor. No one would suspect such a lowly demon. And select our most trusted compatriots for this. I want nothing to go wrong with this assignment.”

“As you wish,” said the other demon, smiling as well.

[noazmale]

FIFTEEN

Damonculous looked the five humans over. They had been picked by Persius and brought to him for his approval. Each of the men was a warlock. Each was powerful in their own right. And each seemed very interested in this being of seemingly ultimate power.

“They are all warlocks?” Damonculous asked.

“Yes,” said Persius, smiling an evil smile. “I’ve worked with most of them before at one time or another. You can count on them.”

“Persius says you have a job for us,” said one of the warlocks. He was average height for a human. He had red hair and was clean-shaven except for sideburns that ran all the way down the sides of his head. “My name is John Pollock. And I don’t come cheap. I’ve vanquished upper level demons when they’ve gotten in my way. This job must be something pretty big for Persius to bring me in on it.”

“Indeed,” said Damonculous. “Only it is not a ‘job’, as you put it. Nothing so mundane as a simple mission. You are to be part of a new order. An order without Elders or demons. An order under the leadership of my fellow Gray Council members and me.”

“A new order, huh?” questioned Pollock. “That’s a pretty tall order. No Elders or demons? You must be crazy if you think you can get rid of all of them.”

“You are arrogant for a human,” said Damonculous. “I should dispose of you right now.”

“Damonculous, wait,” said Persius. “You have to understand the world we live in. Warlocks are considered the lowest form of evil here. Even the lowliest demon has a higher status than we do. And there are some pretty powerful demons out there, not to mention the Elders, witches, and others. It would be like someone coming to you and claiming they could wipe out this Gray Council.”

“That is not possible,” said Damonculous. “Our power is too great.”

“That’s what I mean,” said Persius. “John isn’t arrogant. He just needs to be convinced that you can do what you claim. Like I had to be convinced.”

“I see,” said Damonculous. “Very well. With you help I will rid you of your greatest enemies. And, if what Persius has told me is true, cripple the forces of good in such a way that they cannot possibly recuperate from it.”

“Our greatest enemies?” questioned Pollock. “That could only be….” His voice suddenly trailed off. He chuckled aloud. “You’re talking about the Charmed Ones. You’re planning on going against them? Now I know you’re crazy. No one who goes up against those witches lives to tell about it. They’ll vanquish you the moment you appear in their manor.”

“They did not so earlier,” said Damonculous. “Had it not been for the demon that protects them I would have had the power of the Elder they now protect. I wasn’t prepared for the demon. But with your help, I will destroy these Charmed Ones and get the power I desire from the Elder.’

“If you’re so all powerful,” said Pollock, “what do you need us for? I know the demon you’re talking about. His name is Belthazor. He supposedly betrayed the Source. And he’s extremely powerful. But he’s nothing when compared to the Charmed Ones. He should be easy for you to deal with.”

“You are insolent,” said Damonculous. “But Persius is correct. Perhaps I do need to prove myself to you. It has been a very long time since I walked among mortals. And it seems you humans have forgotten who your true masters are.

“I need your help to gain the power of the Elder. With it I shall be able to prevent all beings of magic from using their power, not just those who use good magic. The plan is really quite simple. We shall return to the home of these Charmed Ones. Once there, you will need to keep the demon occupied while I drain the Elders’ power. When that is accomplished, we shall dispose of the witches.”

“Go against the Charmed Ones and Belthazor in their home?” Pollock questioned. “With an Elder thrown in? That’s suicide. You want us to fight the most powerful witches in history, one of the most powerful demons from the underworld, and an Elder all at the same time? Might as well just kill us now and safe us the trip.”

“The witches and the Elder will be of no concern,” said Damonculous. “Their magic is not available to them. I have blocked all those who use so-called ‘good’ magic. Once I have the power of the Elder, I will be able to block those who use so-called ‘evil’ magic as well. Save for those who follow me. You will need only concern yourself with the demon. And you need not even vanquish him. Simply keep him occupied so he cannot interfere while I take the Elders’ magic.”

“The Charmed Ones don’t have their magic?” questioned Pollock. “Are you sure?”

“Trust me,” said Persius. “He can do what he says. Now, John. What do you say? One demon against the six of us? And when it’s over we can kill the witches and take their power as well. Nothing will be able to stand against us then. Not even the Source. And when Damonculous is finished, we’ll no longer be the lowest of the low. We’ll be superior to all the demons who spit on us now.”

“This isn’t going to be a fight,” said Pollock smiling. “It’s going to be a massacre. When do we do it?”

“What is that phrase Persius told me about?” Damonculous asked.

“No time like the present,” said Persius, smiling.

“Yes,” said Damonculous. “It is time this petty dispute between good and evil was ended. Keep the demon occupied long enough for me to get to the Elder. Once I am finished with him, I shall dispatch the demon. Then, the witches and their White Lighter will be yours to do with as you wish.”

“What about the witches powers?” Pollock asked. “If you’ve blocked it then it won’t be any good to us when we take it.”

“As I said,” said Damonculous, “once I have the Elders’ power I can block all magic save for those who follow me. Help me accomplish my goal and you will have the full use of any powers you gain from the witches.”

“What are we waiting for?” Pollock asked. “Let’s get going.”

Damonculous waived his hand and the entire group vanished from the house.

[noazmale]

SIXTEEN

Cole shimmered into the living room of the manor. Everyone was there sitting around. They looked depressed.

“Well, this is certainly a somber greeting,” said Cole. “Did something happen?”

“More like nothing happened,” said Phoebe. “The spell I wrote to break the blocking on us didn’t work. I don’t understand it. It should have worked. I just don’t know what went wrong.”

“It’s not your fault,” said Percy. “Damonculous is more powerful than anything you’ve ever faced. His power is just too great even for the Power of Three, I’m afraid.”

“Well, I have some good news,” said Cole. “I’ve managed to convince some outcast demons to help. They’ll be ready when we need them. That should help provide some advantage for us.”

“Can we trust them?” Prue asked.

“No,” said Cole. “But I made it perfectly clear that if they try anything they’ll have to answer to me. Trust me. Even if they think they can somehow take you out none of them are going to mess with me. They are very aware of my reputation. And I made it extremely clear if they try anything funny, I’m not going to be the least bit amused.”

“So, what did you have to promise them?” Piper asked.

“That you’d vanquished the demon responsible for their exile,” said Cole. “Once this is over all you need to do is vanquish one demon. And that demon should be easy to handle. I know him. He’s not as high in the hierarchy as I was and I know all his weaknesses.”

“Vanquish one demon?” asked Prue. “That doesn’t seem like much of a payment compared to what those demons are risking.”

“More than you know,” said Cole. “He’s responsible for their outcast. He’s ordered them vanquished on sight. If he should suddenly be vanquished himself, that order becomes null. Those demons will be able to return to the underworld and find new masters to serve.”

“Assuming we survive,” said Phoebe. “We don’t have our powers and this Damonculous seem all but unstoppable. Are you sure these demons can help vanquish him?”

“Probably not,” said Cole. “But that wasn’t the deal I struck with them. All they’re going to do is help protect you and Percy. If they have to, they’ll shimmer you to their lair where you’ll be safe at least for a while.”

“I’m not comfortable putting my safety in the hands – or claws – of a demon,” said Percy. “As Prue intimated, we cannot trust them. Despite whatever threats you may have leveled against them, they may still feel they can safely eliminate any of us.”

“Relax,” said Cole. “They don’t know you can’t use your magic. I simply told them that your magic is less affective against Damonculous than against demons. As long as they believe you still have your powers – and that my threat is good – they aren’t likely to try anything.”

“It’s still risky,” said Prue. “I don’t like it either. And we still haven’t found a way to vanquish this guy.”

“There must be a way,” said Leo. “All beings, no matter how powerful, have a weakness. Percy, is there anything you can tell us that might help us? Any kind of weakness Damonculous might have, no matter how small?”

“I’m afraid not,” said Percy. “As I said, he’s from a time long before the Elders and White Lighters even existed. The only weakness they appeared to have was against the magic of another Gray Council member.”

“And without access to our powers,” said Piper, “there’s no way to find out if the Power of Three might have an affect on him, even a minor one. But I agree with Leo. He must have some weakness. Something we can exploit to our advantage.”

“Even if he has,” said Percy, “it may not be possible to use that advantage. Good magic is not available. And it is possible that even the most powerful demons may not be able to exploit that weakness. Remember, the Gray Council was initially good. It was only their near total control over humanity that corrupted many of them.”

“More than likely,” said Cole, “the demons capable of exploiting that weakness would wait until he’s done away with the Elders and White Lighters. Then they would use that weakness to get rid of him leaving all witches vulnerable. Let him do all the work and simply step in and reap the rewards.”

“Percy,” said Leo, “what about us? You and me? With our powers blocked are we vulnerable to being killed by demons?”

“No,” said Percy. “Our powers are blocked, not removed. But White Lighters and Elders are still immortal beings. That immortality is not part of our magic, it’s part of what we are. Damonculous is capable of draining our magic from us and killing us. But we are still as invulnerable against most demonic attacks as we have always been. Even your natural healing will still function, even if you can’t heal someone else.”

“Well that’s good news anyway,” said Piper. “All we have to worry about is Damonculous. If we can keep him away from the two of you at least we don’t have to worry about you dying.”

“Most demonic attacks,” said Cole thoughtfully.

“Yes,” said Percy. “As you know physical harm is ineffective against White Lighters. And Elders are also White Lighters, just a higher echelon, so to speak. Just as the Founders are a higher echelon than the Elders. It’s similar to the hierarchy of the demonic underworld. Something I know you are very familiar with.

“Yes,” said Cole, still thinking.

“Cole?” questioned Phoebe. “What are you thinking?”

Before Cole could answer, seven figures suddenly appeared in the entryway of the manor. They shimmer-orbed as Damonculous had done when he had previously left the manor. The six warlocks stood in front of Damonculous facing the group.

“Well now,” said Persius. “What do we have here? The Charmed Ones, their White Lighter, and an Elder. And Belthazor, I presume. It’s a shame only Belthazor has his powers. A shame for you, that is.”

The six warlocks began to move toward the group as Damonculous turned and headed for Percy. Almost unnoticed by everyone, Cole’s shadow slipped away and vanished below the floor of the living room.

[noazmale]

SEVENTEEN

“Cole,” said Prue as the sisters took up defensive positions in front of Leo and Percy, “they’re after Percy. Damonculous doesn’t want us. Get him out of here.”

Persius raised his hand and threw an athame at Cole. Cole had to duck to avoid the weapon. Unfortunately he had turned and moved even farther away from Percy. As he did, the six warlocks began to descend on him.

Damonculous was ignoring everyone but Percy. He moved immediately toward the Elder intent on taking his prey.

“No you don’t,” said Piper, throwing one of the potion vials at Damonculous.

Before the vial could strike, Damonculous simply raised his hand and the vial evaporated. As he was occupied with Pipers’ potion vial, Prue threw one of her own at Damonculous. The vial shattered against the Gray Council member and Damonculous froze for an instant. Just as quickly he broke through the freeze and continued his advance on Percy.

Cole was in no position to offer any assistance to the Elder. The six warlocks were attacking him in earnest. Cole had been able to vanquish two of the warlocks with energy balls but the remaining four still moved toward him. Although not as powerful as the half demon, their attacks were having an affect on him.

Leo turned toward the fireplace and pulled the poker from its resting place. He swung the poker at the nearest warlock striking him along the side of the head. The warlock backed away, blood seeping from the wound. He turned toward Leo anger flashing in his eyes.

Phoebe moved up and attacked one of the warlocks with her martial arts. Taken by surprise, the warlock had to turn his attention from Cole to Phoebe. As he turned and raised his hand to bring his power to bear on her, she threw a potion vial at him. The vial shattered and the warlock exploded into a thousand shards that evaporated instantly.

Prue and Piper continued their assaults on Damonculous. After being struck by the potion that Piper had used on him, he had turned on her. He swung out with one of his mighty hands, striking along the side of the head. Piper went flying back and landed in the middle of the living room unconscious.

As Damonculous turned back to Prue she threw another potion vial. This one shattered against him immediately erupting into flames that covered him. Damonculous howled in pain as the flames threatened to consume him. Suddenly the flames went out leaving Damonculous apparently unharmed. He raised his hand toward Prue but nothing happened.

“Looks like you’ve had our powers stripped from you,” said Prue smiling. “How does it feel to be as helpless as the rest of us?”

“Impossible,” screamed Damonculous. “This cannot be. I am immortal. Your puny potions cannot harm me.”

As Damonculous stood facing Prue, Cole still continued his defense against the two warlocks facing him. He was tiring quickly. Persius and Pollock, the two most powerful of the warlocks, pressed their advantage. Although both had been injured by Cole’s attacks, they were able to force Cole to split his attention between them. He would defend against one and the other would attack him. When Cole turned to defend against that attack, the first would attack again. While neither was able to vanquish Cole, together they were wearing him down. And keep him from shimmering Percy out of the manor.

Leo was still facing the warlock he had attacked. The warlock kept shaking his head. Blood continued to seep from the wound in his head and he could do nothing but defend against the attacks of the White Lighter wielding the fireplace poker as if it were a sword. The warlock backed away trying to bring his magic to bear with little success.

Phoebe turned to go to Piper’s aid. Her sister lay on the floor of the living unconscious. Phoebe feared the worst. That the attack by Damonculous had killed Piper. As Phoebe reached to turn her sister over, an electrical shock shot from Pipers’ body. Phoebe recoiled in pain and confusion. She didn’t know how or why something like that would happen. Suddenly lightning shot out from Damonculous’ fingertips narrowly missing Prue. She dived away from the attack, coming up on her feet nearly instantly.

“Stupid witch,” said Damonculous. “Did you think your mere potions would affect me for long. I will have what I came for. I will have the power of the Elder.”

Ignoring Prue and everyone else, Damonculous turned again for Percy. Cole was still occupied with the two warlocks facing him. He could do little more than defend against their attacks. Leo was occupied with the warlock he was attacking. He knew if he gave up for even an instant, the warlock would bring his magic to bear.

Leo wasn’t concerned for his own safety. He knew whatever attack the warlock made wouldn’t hurt him permanently. But it would take him at least several seconds to recuperate from those attacks. Seconds that would allow the warlock to turn on Cole. And without Cole’s’ magic, Percy was as good as dead.

Percy backed away from Damonculous, fear in his eyes. Without his powers he was as helpless as any mortal. He knew that in moments he would be dead. With his death, the rest of the Elders would soon follow. And there was no one who could prevent it.