"The Source," gasped many of the demons in the room.
"I haven't been the Source for quite some time," said Cole, casually taking a seat at the table. "And to be perfectly honest, that doesn't really interest me much any more. I have other things to occupy my time. But I did live in the underworld for a hundred years. When Malevant contacted me and told me of his plan for me to act as arbitrator, I figured why not? There's no reason your underlings should be made to suffer and die for your greed."
"What trick is this?" demanded Torlock. "Belthazor is no longer with us. When he returned from the Wasteland he had no interest in resuming his position as the Source. It has been many months since anyone has even seen or heard from him. You're playing us for a fool, Malevant, with some shape shifter pretending to be Belthazor no doubt."
"I see," said Cole. "So, you're saying that you won't abide by the agreement we reach at this table?"
"No, I won't," said Torlock. "It's about time we stopped hiding in the shadows like frightened children. The world used to quake with fear at the very mention of our names. Most humans no longer even remember that we exist. It is time we returned to the way things used to be. When demons were feared and respected by the lowly humans as they were in times past."
Cole didn't speak. Instead, he simply raised his hand and Torlock exploded into a thousand shards that instantly evaporated into nothingness. The rest of the demons looked on in astonishment as they watched Cole vanquish one of the most powerful demons in the underworld. Cole turned to Talm, Torlocks' chief lieutenant.
"You now command in Torlock's place," said Cole. He looked around at the rest of the demons gathered in the room. "Anyone else want to express any reservations about me being the arbitrator?"
"How is this possible?" asked Pilnok. "Torlock was one of the most powerful of our kind. How can even you, with all the power you possess, vanquish him so easily?"
"This room is specially enchanted," said Malevant. "None of your powers will work here. You are as defenseless as any mortal. A simple precaution of mine to make sure that none of you tried to take advantage of this truce."
"Now," said Cole, "It's time to put an end to this war. I know each of you here. I also know which domains you command and which you wish to command. When we're done you may not command the domain of your choice. But I can assure you that you'll be happier with your new domains than you are right now. Anyone have a problem with that?"
None of the demons spoke. It was clear they all feared Cole. But many of them also respected him. Some of them had respected him since he had been Belthazor, mercenary for the highest bidder. When none of the demons said anything, Cole just smiled.
"Good," he said. "Now, everyone have a seat. We have some arrangements to work out and I don't want this to take all day. Well start with Pilnok. You've always been forced to command the least impressive domains. What domain most interests you and why do you think you're best suited to command there?"
Cole, and the rest of the demons, listened intently while Pilnok spelled out the reasons he felt he would better serve in another domain.
Shartan was the last demon to shimmer out of the room. The others had left only moments before, not totally satisfied with the results of the agreement but happier than when they had arrived. Each faction leader had agreed to call off the war that had been waging in the underworld. With a stern warning about the consequences of a double cross, Malevant had allowed the demons to exit the room, allowing them to shimmer back to the underworld.
"I must admit," said Shartan to Malevant, "when Turner walked into the room I was taken back a bit. I know how you despise humanity. You've even been known to vanquish your underlings that had the temerity to appear before you in human form. Seeing you vouching for Turner who had not even assumed a demonic form took me by surprise."
"A necessary concession," said Malevant. "Turner no longer has a demonic form. I also knew he was the best equipped to settle this foolish war once and for all. Believe me if I could have found any other way I would not have subjected myself to this. But what I did I did for the underworld. We must all make concessions if we are to achieve that goal."
"You know, of course, that the skirmishes will continue," Shartan said to Cole. "While the war may be over many of the others will still seek to increase their status and power. That will at times necessity demons fighting each other."
"But our secret will be protected," said Cole. "And we won't risk exposing ourselves to mortals. Magic will be protected. That's the important thing."
"I suppose," said Shartan. "I should be going. I have a new domain to organize."
"Just see that you abide by the agreement," said Malevant.
Shartan didn't say a word. He simply walked out of the room and then shimmered back to the underworld. After he was gone, Piper, Phoebe, and Paige entered the room and stood next to Malevant and Cole. Malevant suddenly changed form back to Michael.
"Well, the war is over," said Michael. "I can't thank you enough for all your help. Phoebe, that Power of Three spell that suspended the demons' magic worked like a charm."
"Too bad we couldn't make it permanent," said Phoebe. "We might have been able to make them powerless permanently."
"Well, with Cole's help," said Michael, "at least we were able to put an end to the fighting. Magic and innocents are once again protected thanks to the four of you."
Suddenly Cole changed form and Leo stood where Cole had apparently stood only a moment before.
"I'm not sure how I'm going to explain this to the Elders," said Leo. "I don't think impersonating a former Source of all Evil is what they had in mind when they gave Whitelighters the ability to shape shift."
"Don't worry," said Michael. "I'll help you explain it to them. When they learn why we did it I'm sure there won't be too many complaints. Besides, you helped protect innocents. Seems to me you did exactly what Whitelighters are supposed to do even if your methods were a bit unorthodox."
"I suggest we get out of here while we can," said Piper. "Some of those demons may be hanging around. If they find out we tricked them we could find ourselves in the middle of a fight and I'm not interested in that."
"Good idea," said Michael. "Let's get back to the manor. We should be safe there."
Together, Michael and Leo orbed the entire group back to the manor.