AUTHOR'S NOTE: This chapter, and the ones following it, was a tough one to write. But, this is a part of the story that I couldn't pass by quickly (though I'm trying to write it quickly). But I'm glad that I didn't write the shorter version (to tell you the truth that version seemed too "convenient").
CHAPTER 16-A BEGINNING FOR TRIBULATION-
After an uncomfortable ride on the floor of a van, Mabon was roughly pulled up and escorted along a number of corridors until Bruce stood in front of a heavyset door, still holding firmly to the chain attached to the collar. One of the Kaliffs opened the door and Bruce stepped in pulling Mabon along. The entourage walked through a small front room with a one-way window with a view to the next room.
The room was made completely of gleaming metal, even the table and chair which were the only pieces of furniture in the room. A pair of large manacles hung on chains from the ceiling. Two Kaliffs took off Mabon's cuffs and forced his hands above his head and locked the manacles around his still bandaged wrists. The chains were just long enough to allow Mabon to stand perfectly erect in the middle of the room. The Kaliffs exited, leaving Mabon alone with Bruce.
"I see you were expecting me," Mabon commented dryly as Bruce detached the chain from the collar.
"I knew that that cowardly brother of mine would try to free you sooner or later." Bruce smiled.
Mabon's eyes turned to angry slits. "Bernard was stronger than you will ever be, you filthy murderer."
"I do not take kindly to being slandered by someone like you." Bruce produced a small remote control and pushed the largest button on it.
Mabon gasped as a high surge of energy shot down from where the chains where attached to the ceiling. His body shivered even once the electricity was gone.
Bruce smirked and swung the control before Mabon's pained face. "Just a little preview of what you can expect."
One of the Kaliffs peeked in through the door and cleared his throat. "He's here, sir."
"Perfect timing." He gave Mabon one final look before heading out the door. "Wait right there."
As he closed the eight inch thick steel door behind him, Bruce could not detain a chuckle of pure delight. Composing himself he nodded to the Kaliff standing next to the outer door. The Kaliff bowed and opened the door and moved out of the room to let the visitor enter.
Master Shadrar, a deceptively humanlike demon, stepped into the front room carrying a large suitcase. The first impression one would usually get of him was that of a kindly grandfather. He wore a patient smile on his lined face, but his eyes burned with unknown malice.
Bruce shook Shadrar's hand once he had set the suitcase down. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."
"It's a pleasure for me as well. I heard about your father passing away. Such a shame, he was one of my best students, full of zeal. The ones I have now are absolutely dreadful." Shadrar sighed and gazed up at Bruce. "But I hear you have something of a challenge for me."
"I do indeed." Bruce led the old demon to the window and pointed at Mabon. "This belonged my father once, I just managed to recapture it. Father never could figure out how to break its will. But I trust it would be quite easy for a master like yourself."
"An elemental? Which one does he control?"
"All of them."
"That limits my choices a bit. No burning, no forced drinking, no fumes. A challenge indeed." Shadrar smiled. "You know, that this borders on blasphemy? He may not look like much, but that there is as high as spirits get."
"Which is exactly why my father wanted it for himself."
"What do you wish for me to do with it?"
"Make it obedient. I want to harness the magnificent powers of an elemental."
Shadrar grunted. "I can see why. But you do understand, that it won't be easy or cheap?"
"Naturally." Bruce nodded. "Whatever you want. Money, resources, I'll provide you with anything."
"Then I do believe that we have an agreement." Shadrar stared at his task. "This should proof most entertaining. Just one more question though, how can I be certain that he won't use those "magnificent powers" against me?"
"Father's taken care of that. See that collar? His best invention ever. It keeps the elemental from using more than a tiny fraction of its powers, a torture in itself you could say."
"Francis was always very innovative." Shadrar opened his suitcase and examined its content. "I assume I'll be starting right away."
"You assume correctly." Bruce checked his watch and handed Shadrar the control for the electrocuter. "A present for you. I have business to attend to, but one of my men will be right outside at all times. If you need anything, let him know."
"Good. I may need some things fetched from my place, but for now I believe I can manage with what I brought. Any specific wishes?"
"Try not to take off any limps. Father said that it will take several weeks for them to grow back."
"I am aware of that."
"I'll leave you to it then."
- - - - - - - - - - -
Fred was crying hysterically while Cordelia made an awkward attempt to console her.
"He did it for me..." Fred sobbed.
"It's okay. He knew what he was doing." Cordelia rubbed Fred's back and looked up at the others.
"But he was so afraid. He was afraid, but he still did it." Fred wailed and took another handkerchief from the box that Wesley was holding out for her.
"I don't think that any of us are happy with how it turned out." Gunn set the first aid kit away.
The night's two battles had taken their toll on the gang, both mentally and physically. While no one had been badly injured, everyone was extremely fatigued.
"There must something we can do," Wesley mused. "If we only knew where Bruce lives, we could-"
"Wait a minute," Angel said. "When Lilah came here, Mabon told me that he'd heard of Wolfram and Hart from Bernard."
"And if Bruce has the money to hire that many Kaliffs, he could very well be a client."
"So, all we have to do is to go to them and find out how to get to Bruce?" Cordelia looked up.
"Exactly," Wesley said.
"I think it's time I pay Lilah another visit." Angel got up and glanced at the window. "Damn it! The sun's up."
"I don't think we can do that much anyway until we've gotten some rest."
Fred turned to glare at Wesley. "But Mabon..."
"He will be fine. We all know he's been through similar predicaments earlier. We won't be helping him at all, if we storm Bruce's place in this shape."
"Come on." Cordelia helped Fred stand up. "I'll take you upstairs."
