"It is quite a dilemma," said the Elder as he and Michael walked through the White Lighter realm. "On the one hand, if you make a move against Turner, the Seer is bound to discover your true identity. Since she has only told Malevant about Turner it would be quite simple for her to figure out where the information has come from."
"Exactly," said Michael. "On the other hand, I can't simply stand by and do nothing. The Charmed Ones could be in very serious danger. Turner is very close to them, especially Phoebe. They're planning to be married. But if the Source has possessed Turner, the consequences could be catastrophic."
"And you can't tell them what's going on," said the Elder. "There would be too much of a risk that Turner might discover what's going on. What about his knowledge of your dual identity? That puts you at risk as well."
"I've taken care of that," said Michael. "Jarrod Parker paid Turner a visit on the pretense of wanting to draw up a will. He was able to remove that little tidbit of information from Turner's mind. So I'm safe at least for the moment."
"Do you have any plans?" the Elder asked. "Your usefulness to us as Malevant is invaluable. But not at the risk of your life. If the Source is reborn in Turner he won't hesitate to kill anyone that stands in his way, including you."
"I've been thinking about that," said Malevant. "It's dangerous but it seems to be my only option. When the Seer brings Turner to me I'm going to say that I don't believe the Source has possessed him. In a fit of characteristic rage at being played the fool, Malevant will vanquish Turner."
"That is dangerous," said the Elder. "If he has access to the Source's power you might be the one that ends up vanquished. Especially if the Seer becomes involved. She may be only a female demon but she is still very powerful. Do you think Malevant can handle both of them?"
"The Source hasn't taken Turner over completely yet," said Michael. "The Seer said as much. Which means Turner doesn't have access to all of the Sources' powers. And I think it will take a while before he does have access to them. That should give me the edge I need."
"Plus," said the Elder, "when he was vanquished, the Source lost the power of the underworld the Ascension Ceremony gave him. To get it back he'll have to go through the ceremony again. That should weaken him considerably."
"My concern are the sisters," said Michael. "Especially Phoebe. If I'm successful she may never believe that the Source has possessed Turner. She may not forgive me for vanquishing the man she loves."
"True," said the Elder. "But there is the greater good to consider here. Turner as the Source would be a grave threat to not only the Charmed Ones but to the forces of good everywhere. They vanquished him once but at such a terrible cost. I'm not sure even they would be capable of vanquishing him a second time. As powerful as they are they are still human. And they do have their limits."
"Yes," said Michael. "But they've given so much all ready. More than anyone should be asked to give. It just doesn't seem right to take away Phoebe's happiness when she's so close."
"You're not doing that," said the Elder. "The Source did that when he possessed Turner. Although I'm not sure the sisters will see it that way. What about forcing the Source out of Turner? Have you considered that option?"
"Yes," said Michael. "I'm not sure that's possible. And even if it were the only magic strong enough to do it would be the Power of Three."
"Which would require telling the sisters of what's transpired," said the Elder. "And I'm sure they wouldn't believe you, at least not at first."
"Phoebe won't," said Michael. "Paige probably would. I get the feeling she's suspicious of Turner anyway. Piper would be eventually come to believe it. But by the time anyone was able to convince all of them of what's happened it might be too late."
"What about Leo?" the Elder asked. "He could be very useful in convincing them. Piper is married to him. The sisters trust him implicitly. They know he would never do anything that would hurt them. You might consider enlisting his aid in this."
"I've considered that," said Michael. "And I'm sure he'd believe me if I told him. The problem is that it could cause strife among them. And if they're distracted by arguing about it they could be vulnerable to a demon attack. Several demons are making overtures about being the next Source. And you know as well as I do that taking out the Charmed Ones would almost guarantee any demon the ascension."
"Yes, it would," said the Elder. "So, what do you plan to do?"
"For the moment, nothing," said Michael. "I have my spies out in the underworld trying to narrow down the demons who are serious about making a play for the throne. Maybe with a little luck an opportunity will present itself."
"I certainly hope so," said the Elder. "But just remember. If it appears that your secret is going to be compromised, get out of the underworld immediately. You'll do no one any good if you're dead."
"Don't worry," said Michael. "Having Malevant vanquished isn't exactly on my top ten list of things to do."
"This isn't good," said Keltock. "Quintor and Shelack should have returned by now. Something must have gone wrong."
"Nothing's gone wrong," said Wolf. "Quintor and Shelack have no love lost for Turner. I'm sure they just want to savor the moment for a while. Turner has no powers, remember? Nothing could possibly have gone wrong."
"I wouldn't say that exactly," said Cole, walking into the chamber.
"Turner," gasped Wolf. "What... How did you get down here?"
"I have my little secrets," said Cole. "You'd be surprised what I'm capable of these days. Oh, by the way. Quintor and Shelack won't be joining us. For the rest of their lives."
"This is impossible," said Tennack. "No mortal is capable of standing against two mercenaries of Quintor and Shelack's status. How did you escape them?"
"You have a lot of nerve," said Cole, ignoring Tennack's question. "Being in the private chambers of the Source. The enchantments on this chamber prevent any magic from being used here. Which means you're safe from any other demons that might want to dispose of you. Other demons vying for the recently vacated throne of the Source."
"Which also means that as long as you're in this chamber," said Wolf, "you're protected from us. How fortunate for you."
"Oh, I'm not real worried about that," said Cole. "You might find I'm not such an easy target."
"How did you get down here?" Keltock asked. "The only way to get to the underworld is to shimmer here. We know Belthazor was stripped from you months ago. What demon helped you get here?"
"Keltock," said Cole. "I should have known if Wolf was here I'd find you and Tennack would be involved. And I have no doubt that Wolf is behind it."
"You haven't answered Keltock's question," Wolf said. "This chamber may be enchanted to prevent magic use. But that is not true of the rest of the underworld. Once you step outside this chamber, you're as vulnerable as any mortal."
"That would be true," said Cole, his eyes flashing. "If I were mortal. I should have vanquished you when you vanquished Pental thinking I'd put you on the Triad with his death. But you've been so useful to me. And now you send those two pathetic mercenaries to kill me. Maybe I should reconsider vanquishing you?"
"Pental?" Wolf questioned. "That's impossible. No one knew I vanquished Pental. No one but..."
"But the Source," said Cole, flashing his eyes again. "Really, Wolf, did you think even those three witches could vanquish me permanently? I was the Source for five hundred years. I have power that no one suspects. And once I reascend my throne again I'll deal with all those who turned on me."
"No," Wolf gasped. "It's not possible."
"It is quite possible," said Cole. "And you're going to tell me why you would think that a former demon with no powers would be considered a threat to you."