Part 2
Spike landed with a heavy, extremely painful thud.
"So much for soft landings" the vampire complained bitterly noticing that the** short arse demon** had made a perfect entry. Climbing to his feet he brushed the dirt off his hands and let his eyes slowly adjust to the darkness.
Spike didn't need a welcome sign to tell him where he was; the unbelievable heat combined with the sickening smell of sulphur and brimstone lead him to only one conclusion
** Welcome to hell, Spikey boy**
"Forward" the demon guard pushed roughly at the back of Spike's legs, propelling him forward. Growling slightly the vampire's hands formed into tight fists with fury, the temptation to smash the annoying little bastard was growing by the second. Only the realisation that there was no way out of this hole stopped him from doing just that.
Spike was then confronted with a maze of dark twisting tunnels, each leading to a different level of hell. As he was moved forward towards the lowest level, he felt the heat continue to grow until it totally engulfed his whole body leaving his skin prickling. He wondered not for the first time if spontaneous combustion was going to be a slight problem.
The tunnels continued for what seemed like miles. Spike slowly stumbled and cursed his way along with increasing difficulty; even his sensitive vampire sight struggled with the blackness that surrounded them. But, as his feet continued to squelch through the deepening quagmire, he became slightly grateful that he couldn't see what was beneath him. The stench was so bad, Spike was sure the sight would be enough to turn even his hardened stomach.
As the tunnel narrowed, the eerie silence was continuously broken by the piercing screams of the dammed. The journey finally came to an end outside a small stone entranceway. There was just enough light for Spike to see the most hideous stone gargoyles standing guard.
" Now what?" the vampire asked turning around only to find himself completely alone.
Shrugging his shoulders, Spike made his way past the gargoyles and into an enormous flame filled cavern.
" William" the smooth rich voice came out of nowhere and everywhere at the same time.
All of Spike's senses came alive as he prepared for attack.
**One good thing about being in hell was that it was full of demons** Spike knew he could still kill demons with ease.
" Or do you prefer Spike these days?" A deep red mist materialised from the ground. It swirled around the whole cavern and then transformed into human form.
Despite the intense heat, Spike shivered.
"Wow! I didn't know George Michael was a demon" he joked nervously studying the transformation.
A low, evil, chuckle came from the being in front of him. Spike took a step closer but quickly stepped back, the heat this creature generated was intolerable even for a vampire.
The human form was dressed from head to foot in black satin. Its appearance was completed with a shock of jet-black hair, black sunglasses and a trim goatee beard.
" I thought my human form would be far less intimidating" Again the low voice seemed to fill the cavern
" Personally, I always found George Michael pretty intimidating, something about the eyes" Spike continued in awe.
The creature reached up and slowly removed the black glasses to reveal eyes of flaming fire. This creature's eyes were not in the same league as the demon who had opened the vortex; these eyes held an eternity of cruelty, evil and damnation.
This was evil personified.
"Holy shit" Spike muttered in recognition
" I'd prefer you not to use such offensive language in my presence, if you don't mind" the voice was spoken with a menacing threat.
Spike stood rooted to the spot
**Oh sure he'd heard the rumours** but coming face to face with the man himself blew Spike away.
" So are you really the..."
" The Devil, Satan, Lucifer, Anti Christ, Beelzebub? Yes. All those and a few million more. I have many names and many faces" at that point he transformed again, this time the image offered was of the typical red devil complete with two horns and a tail.
" I like this one the best" Its evil mouth twisted into a sickly smile.
" You can call me Lucifer, I think it fits the red image perfectly"
Spike knew it didn't matter what you called it, whatever this creature was, delusions of grandeur aside, it was incredibly powerful and extremely dangerous.
"So, what do you want from me?" Spike regretted the question as soon as it left his mouth.
" I need your help"
"Me? I'm only a lowly vampire and a redundant one at that" Spike tapped the side of his head with a finger pointing out his Achilles heal. Then taking advantage of the situation he continued.
" Hey! Talking of redundant any chance of removing thi...." The look in the devil's eyes stopped him cold. Spike knew this was not the time or the place to be asking favours from the most evil creature in creation.
" The Slayer. I understand you're quite friendly with the annoying little bitch" The fire in the devil's eyes intensified and flashed with anger. Spike physically flinched.
" Would hardly call it friendly, although I do agree with the annoying bitch part.
No, I think you have me mistaken with another vampire. Big brooding fellow goes by the name of..."
Angelus" the tone in the devil's voice was beyond frightening even for a hard ass like spike.
" Yep, that's the vamp, he happens to be an old grand-sire of mine, bloody big poof if you ask me. But, hey! he and sluttie the slayer are like that" Spike held up crossed fingers to prove his point.
" You're lying Spike...A wonderful little curse put an end to that relationship........ Angel" he rolled the name around on his tongue and then spat in disgust.
"I'll deal with that traitor in my own good time. The End of Days is almost upon us, my minions will rise up from every level of hell and smite out the curse of humanity once and for all...I want the slayer Spike. I know you can get close to her...I want her soul" the devil growled.
"One question" Spike raised his hand impersonating a small schoolboy.
"Why not take this chip out of my head and I'll kill her for you?"
The devil's throaty laughter shook the cavern walls sending jets of steam hissed all around them.
" I don't want her dead you fool, a dead slayer equals a new slayer. No I want her soul, once I get it down here I'll trap it for all eternity. No new slayer to stand in my way I'll leave an empty shell to walk the earth, or maybe let a demon set up home inside"
" Hate to rain on your parade mate, but there's already another slayer, that dark haired bitch with far too much attitude for her own good. But if you deprogram me I could kill the other one for you" Spike offered optimistically. To get that bloody chip out of his head he was more then willing to make a deal.
" You're too late Spike, my agents got to her already. It was just so easy, once she killed that human her fate was sealed. We stole her soul. She was a tricky little minx, caused me no end of trouble when she escaped and made her way back, just in time to confess her sins and save that Judas vampire's neck. But no matter, Faith will be incarcerated for the rest of her natural life, the judge is a very old friend of mine" Once again the hideous laughter caused the temperature in the cavern to rise.
" And what's to stop Buffy from escaping in the same way?" Spike asked.
" Me. There will be no mistakes this time" he spat. A large strike of fire flew across the cavern exploding against the wall. Burning rubble fell crashing towards Spike. The blonde vampire jumped and rolled just in time to prevent him self being buried in molten rock. Climbing back to his feet, he made a mental note not to piss off the devil with stupid questions - it could seriously damage his health.
" I'll be sending an assassin, one of my very best. When it arrives you will assist it in anyway it demands. Is that clear?"
"Crystal" Spike nodded his eyes were then drawn to bright light above his head as a swirling vortex opened again. This time an energy force swept down wrapping the vampire in its pull and propelled him up into the world above.
Back in Xander's bathroom the disorientated vampire slumped onto the tiled floor taking deep unnecessary breaths. The smell of brimstone and sulphur hung heavily in the air. After a few moments reflection, Spike reached up to the shower and turned the hot water back on, feeling an urgent need to scrub again. This time it wasn't the smell of holy water he needed to rid himself of, this time it was the stench of hell.
So lost in thought, Spike failed to notice when the hot water ran cold. His mind was on far more important issues.
"Well Slayer you've really done it this time" she was finally going to be brought down, literally. Spike then thought of something even better.
** And with a little luck he might take Angel as well**.
TBC.....
Spike landed with a heavy, extremely painful thud.
"So much for soft landings" the vampire complained bitterly noticing that the** short arse demon** had made a perfect entry. Climbing to his feet he brushed the dirt off his hands and let his eyes slowly adjust to the darkness.
Spike didn't need a welcome sign to tell him where he was; the unbelievable heat combined with the sickening smell of sulphur and brimstone lead him to only one conclusion
** Welcome to hell, Spikey boy**
"Forward" the demon guard pushed roughly at the back of Spike's legs, propelling him forward. Growling slightly the vampire's hands formed into tight fists with fury, the temptation to smash the annoying little bastard was growing by the second. Only the realisation that there was no way out of this hole stopped him from doing just that.
Spike was then confronted with a maze of dark twisting tunnels, each leading to a different level of hell. As he was moved forward towards the lowest level, he felt the heat continue to grow until it totally engulfed his whole body leaving his skin prickling. He wondered not for the first time if spontaneous combustion was going to be a slight problem.
The tunnels continued for what seemed like miles. Spike slowly stumbled and cursed his way along with increasing difficulty; even his sensitive vampire sight struggled with the blackness that surrounded them. But, as his feet continued to squelch through the deepening quagmire, he became slightly grateful that he couldn't see what was beneath him. The stench was so bad, Spike was sure the sight would be enough to turn even his hardened stomach.
As the tunnel narrowed, the eerie silence was continuously broken by the piercing screams of the dammed. The journey finally came to an end outside a small stone entranceway. There was just enough light for Spike to see the most hideous stone gargoyles standing guard.
" Now what?" the vampire asked turning around only to find himself completely alone.
Shrugging his shoulders, Spike made his way past the gargoyles and into an enormous flame filled cavern.
" William" the smooth rich voice came out of nowhere and everywhere at the same time.
All of Spike's senses came alive as he prepared for attack.
**One good thing about being in hell was that it was full of demons** Spike knew he could still kill demons with ease.
" Or do you prefer Spike these days?" A deep red mist materialised from the ground. It swirled around the whole cavern and then transformed into human form.
Despite the intense heat, Spike shivered.
"Wow! I didn't know George Michael was a demon" he joked nervously studying the transformation.
A low, evil, chuckle came from the being in front of him. Spike took a step closer but quickly stepped back, the heat this creature generated was intolerable even for a vampire.
The human form was dressed from head to foot in black satin. Its appearance was completed with a shock of jet-black hair, black sunglasses and a trim goatee beard.
" I thought my human form would be far less intimidating" Again the low voice seemed to fill the cavern
" Personally, I always found George Michael pretty intimidating, something about the eyes" Spike continued in awe.
The creature reached up and slowly removed the black glasses to reveal eyes of flaming fire. This creature's eyes were not in the same league as the demon who had opened the vortex; these eyes held an eternity of cruelty, evil and damnation.
This was evil personified.
"Holy shit" Spike muttered in recognition
" I'd prefer you not to use such offensive language in my presence, if you don't mind" the voice was spoken with a menacing threat.
Spike stood rooted to the spot
**Oh sure he'd heard the rumours** but coming face to face with the man himself blew Spike away.
" So are you really the..."
" The Devil, Satan, Lucifer, Anti Christ, Beelzebub? Yes. All those and a few million more. I have many names and many faces" at that point he transformed again, this time the image offered was of the typical red devil complete with two horns and a tail.
" I like this one the best" Its evil mouth twisted into a sickly smile.
" You can call me Lucifer, I think it fits the red image perfectly"
Spike knew it didn't matter what you called it, whatever this creature was, delusions of grandeur aside, it was incredibly powerful and extremely dangerous.
"So, what do you want from me?" Spike regretted the question as soon as it left his mouth.
" I need your help"
"Me? I'm only a lowly vampire and a redundant one at that" Spike tapped the side of his head with a finger pointing out his Achilles heal. Then taking advantage of the situation he continued.
" Hey! Talking of redundant any chance of removing thi...." The look in the devil's eyes stopped him cold. Spike knew this was not the time or the place to be asking favours from the most evil creature in creation.
" The Slayer. I understand you're quite friendly with the annoying little bitch" The fire in the devil's eyes intensified and flashed with anger. Spike physically flinched.
" Would hardly call it friendly, although I do agree with the annoying bitch part.
No, I think you have me mistaken with another vampire. Big brooding fellow goes by the name of..."
Angelus" the tone in the devil's voice was beyond frightening even for a hard ass like spike.
" Yep, that's the vamp, he happens to be an old grand-sire of mine, bloody big poof if you ask me. But, hey! he and sluttie the slayer are like that" Spike held up crossed fingers to prove his point.
" You're lying Spike...A wonderful little curse put an end to that relationship........ Angel" he rolled the name around on his tongue and then spat in disgust.
"I'll deal with that traitor in my own good time. The End of Days is almost upon us, my minions will rise up from every level of hell and smite out the curse of humanity once and for all...I want the slayer Spike. I know you can get close to her...I want her soul" the devil growled.
"One question" Spike raised his hand impersonating a small schoolboy.
"Why not take this chip out of my head and I'll kill her for you?"
The devil's throaty laughter shook the cavern walls sending jets of steam hissed all around them.
" I don't want her dead you fool, a dead slayer equals a new slayer. No I want her soul, once I get it down here I'll trap it for all eternity. No new slayer to stand in my way I'll leave an empty shell to walk the earth, or maybe let a demon set up home inside"
" Hate to rain on your parade mate, but there's already another slayer, that dark haired bitch with far too much attitude for her own good. But if you deprogram me I could kill the other one for you" Spike offered optimistically. To get that bloody chip out of his head he was more then willing to make a deal.
" You're too late Spike, my agents got to her already. It was just so easy, once she killed that human her fate was sealed. We stole her soul. She was a tricky little minx, caused me no end of trouble when she escaped and made her way back, just in time to confess her sins and save that Judas vampire's neck. But no matter, Faith will be incarcerated for the rest of her natural life, the judge is a very old friend of mine" Once again the hideous laughter caused the temperature in the cavern to rise.
" And what's to stop Buffy from escaping in the same way?" Spike asked.
" Me. There will be no mistakes this time" he spat. A large strike of fire flew across the cavern exploding against the wall. Burning rubble fell crashing towards Spike. The blonde vampire jumped and rolled just in time to prevent him self being buried in molten rock. Climbing back to his feet, he made a mental note not to piss off the devil with stupid questions - it could seriously damage his health.
" I'll be sending an assassin, one of my very best. When it arrives you will assist it in anyway it demands. Is that clear?"
"Crystal" Spike nodded his eyes were then drawn to bright light above his head as a swirling vortex opened again. This time an energy force swept down wrapping the vampire in its pull and propelled him up into the world above.
Back in Xander's bathroom the disorientated vampire slumped onto the tiled floor taking deep unnecessary breaths. The smell of brimstone and sulphur hung heavily in the air. After a few moments reflection, Spike reached up to the shower and turned the hot water back on, feeling an urgent need to scrub again. This time it wasn't the smell of holy water he needed to rid himself of, this time it was the stench of hell.
So lost in thought, Spike failed to notice when the hot water ran cold. His mind was on far more important issues.
"Well Slayer you've really done it this time" she was finally going to be brought down, literally. Spike then thought of something even better.
** And with a little luck he might take Angel as well**.
TBC.....