"Demons killing demons?" questioned Piper. "Gotta tell you, Michael, I'm not seeing any down side to this."
"Normally, I'd agree with you," said Michael. "As Malevant I've often set factions against each other. But this time it's different. You saw what happened earlier. You walked into the midst of one of their skirmishes. Demons from at least two different factions trying to vanquish each other.
"But it's no longer confined to the underworld. Many of the demons have retreated to the mortal plane to give them some more fighting room, so to speak. And they aren't bothering to fight their war covertly as they've done in the past. Each faction is so set on their leader being the new Source they no longer care who sees them. And as you saw they're getting bolder in their attacks."
"Michael, this is bad," said Leo. "If the demons are seen by mortals it could expose magic to the world."
"Not only that," said Michael. "Mortals are beginning to get caught in the crossfire. The little girl you went to save is just the latest potential victim. There have been nearly a dozen similar occurrences over the past week."
"Have any innocents been killed during these attacks?" Piper asked.
"Not yet," said Michael. "Three have been sent to the hospital but they survived. They're injuries will heal in time. But it's only a matter of time before an innocent is killed. In the mean time demons are becoming more and more noticeable."
"Can't you do something about it?" Phoebe asked. "As Malevant, you're one of the highest level demons left in the underworld. Isn't there something you can do to put a stop to this? They want a new Source give them one. You could take that position. It seems to me you could do a lot more as the Source with all that power and authority."
"That's a nice theory," said Michael. "Except that as the Source I would be much too visible to be of any use to the Elders. As Malevant I've carefully incorporated the idea that I need to spend time alone to formulate my elaborate plans. That allows me to pass information to the Elders without suspicion."
"There's also another problem," said Leo. "Even without the Grimoire that we took from the underworld, the ascension ceremony that installs a new Source would instill all the power of the underworld in the new Source. Not even Michael could withstand that much evil being absorbed into his body all at once. It would instantly turn him evil."
"I thought you always said that being evil was a choice?" Paige asked.
"It is," said Michael. "But like anything, you can over dose on it. Ingest too much sugar and you can become a diabetic. Ingest too much alcohol and you can die from alcohol poisoning. Have too much evil introduced into your body all at once and any good in you is overwhelmed."
"I see," said Piper. "So going through the ascension ceremony would literally make you the Source of all Evil."
"Exactly," said Michael. "It has little affect on demons other than making them more powerful because for the most part they're all ready evil. That much evil would convert virtually any creature to evil in mere moments."
"Okay," said Phoebe, "so that idea is out. We have to do something. If this war continues much longer an innocent is going to get seriously hurt. Or worse. And eventually magic is going to be exposed. Can it get any worse than this?"
"Actually, it can," said Michael. "Two of the faction leaders have been espousing the belief that operating covertly has placed the demons at a disadvantage. Not like it was in the old days several thousand years ago. When people believed in magic and demons and witches. They've been rallying their followers by saying that once they become the new Source they'll put an end to all that."
"So if one of these faction leaders wins this war," said Leo, "they'll start open warfare on humanity."
"Yes," said Michael. "Actually, they may not have to. If this war continues to escalate like it's been doing they'll be exposed long before it's over. If that happens they won't have to keep their fighting under wraps. They'll start fighting whenever and wherever they want."
"Boy, talk about going from the frying pan into the fire," said Paige. "If that happens they won't be the only ones exposed. Witches will be exposed, too."
"That's right," said Michael. "Now you see just how devastating this war can be. If it doesn't end soon all beings using magic will be exposed. It will be total chaos. Thousands, hundreds of thousands, of mortals could be killed in its wake. This war has to stop now."
"We agree with you," said Leo. "The question is how?"
"Actually," said Michael, "it's less about choosing a new Source and more about the power and prestige the demon hierarchy possess. The more power and prestige a demon has, the more followers he has. The demon with the most power and prestige has the best opportunity of becoming the new Source unopposed."
"The one with the most toys wins," smirked Paige.
"Something like that," said Michael, smiling at Paige.
"Okay," said Piper. "Any ideas how to put an end to this?"
"Frankly, no," said Michael. "That's one of the reasons I came here. To give myself a chance to think. In the underworld demons are constantly coming to me for advice, guidance, or to see if I've chosen a side yet. I finally told them I had some plans to finalize and that I would return when they were finished. I'm hoping that by staying here for a few hours I can clear my mind and think of a way out of this. That is if you don't mind putting me up for a bit."
"Not at all," said Piper. "You've helped us out several times. I guess the least we can do is let you have a place to stay for a while. Just out of curiosity, is there any chance any demons will be coming here looking for you?"
"Not likely," said Michael smiling. "Malevant's hatred of humanity is legendary in the underworld. No demon would even suspect me of coming here. So at least you won't have to worry about that."
"Okay," said Phoebe. "You can use my room if you want. It will be private and you can think as much as you want."
"Thanks," said Michael. "I really appreciate this."
"No problem," said Piper. "Take all the time you need."
Michael headed for Phoebe's bedroom leaving the others in the living room alone.
"It must be hard on him," said Paige. "Personal advisor to the Source and now trying to keep a demonic war from erupting on Earth. He certainly has a full plate on his hands."
"Not to mention secretly funneling information to the Elders," said Leo. "Michael does a lot more than even most Whitelighters are aware of."
"Well, I hope he comes up with a solution," said Piper. "It's not a pleasant thought knowing that we may be outed by some demons."
"I'm sure he'll come up with something," said Leo. "Malevant's plans are legendary even up there. Some are risky but they are all quite brilliant. Michael was born for the role he's playing."