So...I didn't think I actually had enough typed up to make a decent-sized chapter. I just happened to be checking to see how much more I would need to write before I would be happy posting the next chapter, and I had typed MUCH more than I thought. So it's time to continue this angsty and stressful tale. As always, I do not own Welcome to Hell or any of the characters. That honor belongs to the wonderful and talented Erica Wester. Thank you, Erica, for creating this story. My best friend also deserves some gratitude. Though she longer betas for me (my decision, not hers. She's a busy lady), she's still so encouraging when it comes to me writing this fic. All right, enough the sappy stuff. I need to finish the disclaimer. Though I do not own any of the characters from Welcome to Hell, there are still some concepts and characters in this pic that I do own, like Bal, Saol, and the Cataclysm. Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, I hope you all enjoy this chappie!

"I seem to remember us having a similar conversation and it not ending well for either of us." Jonathan stated calmly, reclining on his bed. "Besides, aren't you supposed to be torturing the love of my life? Can you stick by any of your promises, Caius?"

The small demon snarled and clenched the fist of his free hand. He did not have the strength to beat the life out of this insolent mortal, but Jonathan Combs would pay for his insolence and crimes later.

"It appears that my fiancée has taken the matter out of my hands." Caius replied through clenched teeth. "He has decided to perform an exorcism on that prat of a spirit in order to exorcise the Cataclysm."

Jon raised an eyebrow. "Is that why you're so upset? Because Sock isn't sick anymore?" He couldn't keep the hope from his voice, and Caius all but sighed in pleasure at the thought that he would be destroying that hope in a mere moment.

"Quite the opposite, Jonathan Combs. You see, I've returned to this disgusting plane of existence to tell you that the exorcism will fail unless you come assist Mephistopheles."

The sight of the light fading from the mortal's eyes was nothing less than a feast for Caius. He could already feel his strength returning.

"How…" Jonathan began in a hoarse voice. He cleared his throat and started again. "How can I trust that you're telling the truth? Isn't it more likely that you're only spinning a tale so that I'll willingly follow you into Hell?"

"And why would I want you in my home, Jonathan Combs? You are not destined to go there or Heaven. You are a Limbo-bound soul. Nothing I could manage to do in the few seconds you would be in Hell would change that fact."

Jonathan frowned, hating that Caius made a certain sort of sense. There was no point in tricking Jonathan into going to Hell if he couldn't keep him there. That could only mean he was telling the truth. He wasn't going to give up that easily, though.

"All right. Say you're telling the truth. Why does Sock need me? Why can't they complete the exorcism without me?"

"Sock will not allow Mephistopheles and his elder brothers near his heart because he is afraid. He is allowing himself to be consumed by the anger and darkness of the Cataclysm. If he were to see you, he may feel safe enough to allow Mephistopheles and his brothers to complete the exorcism."

"And what will happen to Sock after the exorcism ends?" Jonathan asked, almost afraid to ask the question.

Caius grinned, and Jonathan flinched, beginning to feel regret at having asked the question. The young demon had been looking forward to this question.

"Well, young Jonathan Combs, there are two ways in which the exorcism can end. Either the Cataclysm will be exorcised and thus destroyed, for Cataclysms cannot live without their hosts."

"What's the other option? Please don't tease me, Caius. If you're telling the truth, and I assume you are, time is kind of ticking away far too quickly."

"Good observation, Jonathan Combs." Caius replied, almost impressed. Despite all that he had been through, he still thought of humans as being lower life forms who were only capable of the most basic of bodily functions and emotions. In other words, they were primitive. Thus, Caius was almost impressed that Jonathan had come to the correct conclusion regarding their time limit. The fact that Jonathan had politely asked Caius to continue only furthered Caius' surprise. "If the exorcism is not successful, Sock will be completely and utter consumed by the Cataclysm, which will, in turn, lead to his destruction in a most painful manner. After destroying Sock, the Cataclysm will proceed to consume all the known universes. Now, I quite enjoy my immortality, and I do not prefer that manner of death. Do you?"

Jonathan sighed, knowing that not even Caius would use the destruction of every possible universe to convince Caius to go to Hell. Besides, it was obvious that Caius was injured. Everything rode on Jonathan agreeing with what Caius had said, and he didn't think that Caius would have come back in such an unprepared fashion if he didn't need Jonathan to come with him.

"All right, Caius. I'll come with you, but if you're lying, I'll kick your ass to next Tuesday."

Caius rolled his eyes and held out his hand. "Get in line, Jonathan Combs."

And with that, the two disappeared in a cloud of black smoke. No one else in the house had any clue about the deal that had just been made.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! As always, constructive criticism, reviews, and the like will forever be appreciated. Flat-out negativity, flames, and hate are not and will be ignored. See you soon!

XOXOXOXOXO