EIGHT
Cole moved through the tunnels of the underworld. He suddenly passed from the familiar stone tunnels into an area that was completely shrouded in mists. An area avoided by most demons, even those of the hierarchy.
This part of the underworld lay on the outer fringes. Most demons preferred a more conventional setting, which explained why they avoided this area. Even the former Source had rarely entered this area. Unless they had very good cause most demons simply chose to stay away. All save one.
"Malevant," said Cole, approaching a large demon standing in the swirling mists.
Malevant stood noticeably taller than Cole. He stood some seven feet tall and his skin was a dark green - nearly black - with bright yellow markings. The markings were vaguely reminiscent of the late Belthazor. His eyes glowed bright red like two piercing spotlights in the dark. Malevant was the only upper level demon to call this domain home.
All demons knew of Malevant. He had been the personal adviser to the former Source of all Evil. Half demon, half White Lighter, Malevant despised anything remotely connected with humanity, even refusing to use a human form for any reason.
"Turner," Malevant hissed as Cole walked up to him. "You dare enter my realm unbidden? And in human form?"
"Well, I don't actually have a demonic form any longer," said Cole. "And since we both know that not even you can vanquish me any longer, why don't you just save the unrighteous indignation for your underlings? I just need some information. The sooner I get it the sooner you'll be rid of me."
Malevant just glared at Cole. Cole knew that if he weren't invulnerable as he now was Malevant wouldn't hesitate to vanquish him. All demons had learned long ago that appearing before Malevant in human form was tantamount to a death sentence. But that was not something Cole had need to worry about any longer.
"What do you want?" Malevant asked.
"I need to know about any operations that involve the Charmed Ones," said Cole.
"To my knowledge there are no such operations," said Malevant. "Every demon knows of the foolhardiness of confronting the Charmed Ones."
"Something is going on," said Cole. "I just saw at least four demons on the moral plane. And we both know that nothing goes on in the underworld that you aren't aware of. Or at the very least can find out about."
"As I said," said Malevant, "no demons have any plans that currently involve the Charmed Ones. Perhaps it is only coincidence. Or perhaps you have simply misjudged the situation."
"I haven't misjudged anything," said Cole. "And I seriously doubt if it's coincidence that four Souse demons are involved in the exact project one of the Charmed Ones is involved in."
"Souse demons?" questioned Malevant.
"Yes," said Cole. "They didn't recognize me, though."
"No reason they should," said Malevant. "As you are aware Souse demons are little more than fodder for the higher echelon. They do all the menial tasks associated with the plans of higher level demons. When they are not so engaged they reside on the lower4 levels with the other minions."
"I know all that," said Cole. "I never had call to use any before. But if they're on the mortal plan then their master must be a higher level demon directing them."
"Perhaps not," said Malevant. "After you have been vanquished by your witch one of them came to me with a plan. I must say I was impressed. I had not thought a Souse demon capable of formulating such an elaborate plan. But I dismissed his plan as too risky. Tell me, does this project you mentioned involve a cooking contest?"
"As a matter of fact, it does," said Cole.
"Gildarren," hissed Malevant. "You are aware of the affect Souse demon blood has on humans?"
"Of course," said Cole.
"I would imagine that Gildarren is unaware that a witch is involved," said Malevant. "And certainly not one of the Charmed Ones. Not even a Souse demon is stupid enough to provoke them. It is probably just the fortunes of luck that the witch has become involved with them."
"Luck or their magic," said Cole. "It wouldn't be the first time that their magic has drawn them to demonic activity."
"Still," said Malevant, "this plan is foolhardy. It contains the very real possibility that we could be exposed to mortals. It is why I told Gildarren to forted about it."
"It would seem he chose to ignore your warning," said Cole.
"Something he shall not live to regret," said Malevant. "No lower demon shows such insubordination to me. He will pay for his insolence."
"He must have thought you'd react differently if he was successful," said Cole.
"He is wrong," said Malevant. "Now he forces me to go to the mortal plane. To put an end to his foolishness. And risk contact with humans. He will pay dearly for this insolence, indeed."
"Maybe you don't have to," said Cole. "Tell me about this plane he came to you with. It's very possible I can handle this and you will have no need to leave the underwor4ld. I can take of this Gildarren for you."
"I prefer to deal with him myself," said Malevant. "And those others that have chosen to openly defy me."
"Look," said Cole. "If you go to the mortal plane you'll risk further possibility of exposure. I'm one of them. I can move about them without suspicion. I can put an end to their plan without risking any exposure."
"Sounds reasonable," said Malevant. "But I want to deal with the Souse demons myself. I will allow you to put an end to their plan. But return the demons to me so that I can make an example to the entire underworld of what happens when underlings disobey me."
"Fine, fine," said Cole. "That's not a problem. Just tell me what Gildarren's plan was so I'll know the best way to deal with the situation."
"Very well," said Malevant. "It involved a contest between several human cooks. And the affect Souse demon blood has on humans."