A/N : After I saw the movie several times (yes, several), I found myself thinking about Balthazar's line "You don't know anything about a living Hell," and I started to wonder how he would deal with the completion of his quest. He's been given everything he'd hoped, but all that pain stored up over 1000+ years wouldn't just melt away – especially if Horvath had anything to say about it.

This is my version of events post-movie. Please R&R!

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Balthazar and Veronica looked up as the giant steel eagle flew overhead with Dave and Becky on board. "I guess we're taking my car," Balthazar said with a loving smile. Veronica took his arm and they began their exodus from the park. He was weak from the fight. His heart still fluttered slightly out of rhythm. Dave was powerful, but he'd acted on instinct rather than on knowledge. There were bound to be some gaps, gaps that would be overcome through further training. Veronica supported his weight as they made their way across the green, now littered with scorch marks and broken marble.

Because he was still on edge from the fight, he felt, rather than heard, footsteps coming up behind them. He stopped in his tracks, frowning, suddenly watchful. The footsteps ceased, too. Veronica looked up at him quizzically.

"Now, Balthazar, it is my turn," came Horvath's voice. Veronica gasped and spun her head to face him. Balthazar closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Letting it out slowly, he tried to ignore the pain of his injuries sustained in the battle with Morgana. He gingerly turned to face Horvath.

"It's over, Horvath," Balthazar said in as strong a voice as he could manage. He had to talk some sense into his former apprentice brother. "Morgana is dead. You lost."

Balthazar watched Horvath's gaze flicker to Veronica's face then back. He was still in love with her after all these centuries. It was never meant to be. He'd lost in more ways than one. "No," said Horvath stubbornly, "I still have my revenge." He raised his cane and threw Veronica against the metal fence.

"No!" screamed Balthazar and took a step toward Horvath. Without Veronica's aid, he stumbled and fell to his knees, catching himself with his hands. He struggled to a kneeling position and focused on pulling in air, trying to clear his mind of pain. Morgana had done more damage than he'd realized.

Horvath laughed. It was a hollow sound that filled the park as he closed the distance between them. Balthazar watched Horvath through thick curls of dirty-blonde hair. He was weak. He didn't have enough strength to fight. Fighting Morgana had taken everything he'd had, including his life. If Dave hadn't been there, he'd still be dead. Damn Dave anyway for leaving before ensuring they'd all gotten to safety. He hadn't enough strength to stand, never mind strength enough to fight a powerful sorcerer. He looked to Veronica then back to Horvath. "Spare her," he said quietly, barely loud enough to be heard. Horvath stopped his approach, watching him curiously. "Spare her," Balthazar said again, "I'll do anything you want."

"Balthazar, no!" cried Veronica from the far side of the garden.

"Silence!" shouted Horvath and Veronica fell quiet. He turned his attention back to Balthazar. The weak sorcerer knelt before him like a penitent before his god. The edge of Horvath's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Anything I want?" he repeated. Balthazar nodded. A knot formed in his stomach as he confirmed that Horvath had heard him correctly. "Make the Oath!" snarled Horvath.

Balthazar bowed his head and brought his hands together in apparent prayer, interlacing his fingers. He glanced at Veronica. She shook her head, begging him not to do what he was about to do. She had given everything for him. He had to do the same for her. The Oath bound a sorcerer to obey his word, to stay true to whatever promise was uttered at that moment. It was part sorcerer's creed, part incantation. If he uttered the words and made the Oath, he would be bound to Horvath's will. Tears spilled down Veronica's porcelain cheeks. He loved her so much. He'd just gotten her back. He couldn't lose her again. With great effort, Balthazar tore his gaze from Veronica's and looked to Horvath. "You must join me. Swear you'll not harm Veronica," Balthazar insisted.

Horvath considered a moment before replying, "Very well."

Balthazar opened his praying hands palms up to the sky and lines of fire formed in the air above them, mapping symbols and ancient runes. "I, Balthazar Blake, sorcerer of the seven hundred and seventy-seventh degree, swear my will to Maxim Horvath so long as Veronica remains unharmed."

Horvath raised his staff and blue flames entwined with the red, creating areas of purple fire. "I, Maxim Horvath, accept these terms."

It was done. Balthazar let his hands fall back to his sides and he sat back on his heels, exhausted. As the symbols faded from the air, Horvath released Veronica. Horvath turned, taking his hat from the fence where Dave had placed it. He turned back as he put the hat on. "Destroy the Prime Merlinian."

Pure shock must have registered on Balthazar's otherwise stoic face because Horvath leered a grin. All the breath went out of Balthazar. He was bound by the Oath. He had to act. But he was also bound by the oath between master and apprentice, an oath he'd taken in the Merlin Circle. Perhaps there was a way out of this, "I – can't!" Balthazar managed, "He is my apprentice! I – ,"

"You must obey me!" Horvath interrupted in a loud voice. Balthazar fell silent. "Or Veronica will die." With a glimmer of delight in his dark eyes, Horvath left the park.

Balthazar watched Horvath disappear into the darkness. When he was gone, Balthazar collapsed, falling onto his arms, curling into the child's pose. He lay there a moment, his muscles shaking in silent horror at what he'd just done. He could feel Veronica standing a few paces behind him, hesitant, unsure what to do. How could he have taken such an oath? How could he have avoided it? How could he possibly complete such a task? Anger flared suddenly. Anger at Dave for leaving them behind in such grave danger. Anger at Horvath for asking this of him. Anger at himself for the betrayal he must commit. Balthazar raised himself from the child's pose, threw his head back to the black night sky and released a cry of pain and fury.