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 loose 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 Whitelighter, 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.