FOUR

Isladec stood facing the sisters as they recited the spell. Leo
simply watched, hoping that the spell would be enough to end this
conflict once and for all.

"Ancient demon, from the past, you face the Power of Three at
last.

"We combine our power with this spell, we now command you,
return to hell."

Flames erupted around the demon. Isladec fought against the
vanquishing spell with every fiber of his being. The girls and Leo
watched as Isladec struggled against the flames.

Suddenly, the flames went out. Isladec dropped to his knees,
visibly weakened. He looked up at the sisters and smiled.

"Excellent," he said. "This Power of Three is everything I've
heard it was. Little wonder you are so often victorious against your
enemies."

"Again," said Prue.

Once more the sisters recited the spell, and once more the
flames engulfed the demon. As before, Isladec struggled against the
flames. This time the flames lasted longer and Isladec was weakened
even more.

"They say third time's the charm," said Piper.

But before they could recite the spell a third time, Isladec
reached out with his telekinetic power. The sisters were cast back
onto the floor of the entryway. Isladec stood up.

"I'm afraid I can't allow you to do that," said Isladec. "I
came to test myself against the Power of Three. And I must admit, it
was quite a test. It has been a very long time since I faced
opponents as worthy as you.

"But I have no desire to be vanquished. Your power is very
great. And if I allow you to use that spell a third time, I wouldn't
be able to resist it. I'll make the end as quick and painless as I
can. It's the least I can do. You've earned that much."

He raised his hand and started to form a fireball. The sisters
were still stunned from his telekinetic attack. He had only to
destroy one of them to leave the others defenseless.

Leo had already moved over to help the sisters. He was nearest
Phoebe and he was helping her to her feet. Prue had already gained
her feet and turned to help Piper. Piper had apparently struck her
head and lay unconscious on the floor. With Piper unconscious, they
could not use the Power of Three against the demon. And without the
Power of Three, they were helpless against him.

Suddenly a fireball struck Isladec, sending him crashing into
the railing of the stairs. The railing collapsed under his weight.
The demon fell to the steps and rolled down them to the foot of the
stairs. As he rolled off the bottom step, he quickly gained his feet.

Isladec turned in the direction from which the fireball had
come. None of the Charmed Ones could cast fire. Neither could Leo.
Casting fire was a demonic power. Isladec expected to be facing one
of his own kind. What he saw made him stop for a moment. Standing in
the living room, with another fireball in his hand ready to cast it,
was Belthazor.

"I won't let you kill them," said Belthazor.

"Belthazor," said Isladec, "it's good to see you. It's been a
long time."

"Leave them alone," demanded Belthazor. "You've proven what you
came here to prove. You've beaten the Power of Three. There's no
reason to kill them."

"I accepted this assignment," said Isladec. "It was quite clear
that my employers wanted them dead. Surely the best student I ever
had should understand that. And why should you care anyway? You're a
demon, just as I am. If given the chance, they'd vanquish you just as
they would any demon."

"I still won't let you kill then," said Belthazor.

"I had heard rumors about you," said Isladec. "But I never
believed them. Perhaps I should have. It seems they are true.
You've fallen in love with a witch and betrayed your demonic masters.

"Stay out of this, Belthazor. As I told the White Lighter,
there's no reason for you to die. I have no quarrel with you. Just
walk away. I will forget this ever happened."

Isladec turned back to the Charmed Ones, apparently unconcerned
with Belthazor. Piper was still unconscious. Leo was desperately
healing her, hoping she would wake up quickly enough so they could use
the Power of Three against the demon one last time.

Belthazor didn't wait. He cast the fireball in his hand at
Isladec. But the older demon was ready for the attack. He turned and
simply plucked the weapon out of the air, and then threw it back at
Belthazor.

The fireball struck Belthazor, forcing him back against the
wall. Before Belthazor could react, Isladec cast another fireball,
striking the younger demon again. Belthazor fell to the floor.

Belthazor was able to raise himself and cast another fireball,
but Isladec simply caught this one as he had the previous one. He
then sent it flying back at Belthazor, forcing him onto the floor once
more.

Belthazor found the strength to rise again, but only partially.
With nearly the last of his strength, he cast another fireball at
Isladec. Then he collapsed on the floor, weak but still conscious.
His form changed and Cole lay in his place.

Isladec reached out and grasped the fireball in midair. But
this time he didn't cast it back at Cole. Instead, he simply
extinguished the weapon. Isladec moved over and stood over Cole who
lay on the floor, his breath coming in labored gasps.

Even in his demonic form, Cole had been unable to resist the
damage caused by the attacks from his former mentor. He had a cut
over his right eye that trickled blood. His left eye was partially
swollen and was beginning to turn a purplish-blue color. Blood ran
from his mouth.

"Why?" Isladec asked Cole. "You were the best student I ever
had. You were the best mercenary, second only to myself. Why should
you care so much about some humans? And witches at that?"

"You wouldn't understand," said Cole. "It has to do with caring
about someone more than you care about yourself. That's something no
demon could ever understand. Not even one as old as you are."

"None save you," said Isladec. "You're only half demon. You
have a soul. I suppose it gives you some insight into humanity that
most demons can't possibly have."

"Something like that," said Cole.

Isladec caught a movement from the corner of his eye. He looked
over and saw Leo helping Piper to her feet. Prue and Phoebe turned
from Piper to face Isladec. The Power of Three was ready again.

Isladec shimmered and vanished. Just as quickly he reappeared
behind Phoebe. Before anyone could react, Isladec reached out with a
clawed hand and grabbed Phoebe by the throat.

"I can snap her neck before any of you can move or utter a
sound," said Isladec.

Prue and Piper just stared at Isladec, knowing their next move
could cost Phoebe her life.