Numbers 13:31-33
A/N: Okay here it is, I meant to add this earlier to make up for taking so long with the last one, but it took longer than expected to write still I hope you enjoy reading it. I also hope this serves as the bit of a game shaker that you've been requesting. Also just in case there's any continuity questions in this chapter, I would like to note that unlike previous chapters, not all the separate paragraphs events occur after each other.
Chapter Six: Cry Havoc and Let Slip the Dogs of War
Silence fell, no one in the group spoke everyone just stared. Sheldon was still kneeling, his cuts had already healed. But he hadn't noticed. Howard just stood there staring in horror "the demons have Bernadette?" he asked, his voice was almost broken. "They have her?"
Silence continued. Leonard and Penny were still staring at Sheldon who was still looking at the ground. Howard however was changing; his vision was starting to focus. "They have her?" he said again this time more forceful. "The Demons have her?" His eyes fixed upon Sheldon, "You," he spluttered, "this is your fault, this is your fault!"
Angrily he dived on Sheldon. Taken by surprise he knocked Sheldon to the ground. "You, You Freak, you brought this on her on us this is your fault." Angrily he swung his fist into Sheldon's face. He winched back in pain, Sheldon just stared at him in surprise. However his pain just made Howard angrier. "You you monster. You halfblooded freak of destruction. You've done this, you selfish uncaring beast, you've caused all this with your stupidity and anger. You don't care about anyone, you've dammed them to die and you don't care!"
Sheldon's eyes suddenly narrowed. Suddenly he flicked his backhand into Howard, the force of the blow send him flying off Sheldon right through the air; he hit the ground several feet behind them. Nostrils flaring Sheldon got to his feet and stormed towards him. Penny tried to interfere but Sheldon just pushed her to the side. Howard was just lying there groaning, when Sheldon grabbed him by the throat and hoisted him into the air. Howard hung there limp like fish on a line. "Don't Care?" Sheldon shouted "Don't Care? Don't you dare ever say that about them, ever; I could crush you in heartbeat, so shut up, worm!"
Leonard put his hand on Sheldon's shoulder, "Calm down," he said gently, "your both angry, but that's not important right now, what's important is what we do next."
Sheldon paused, he sighed and let go of Howard causing him to fall to the floor. "Your right," he said solemnly, "Now is no time for hurting each other."
"Um, sorry," Penny said, "But I'm not following any of this, what is going on? Why did the demons take Amy and Bernadette? And where are the other demons now?"
"They're gone," Sheldon replied solemnly, "don't you get it? This is there method of driving me out, there going to use the girls as bait to force me to come rescue them. Evidently they deemed this area too strong a point against them to risk a confrontation, so instead they want me to meet on there turf, where they will hold all the advantages."
"So why poison the water?" Penny asked.
"Just a little demonstration of Asmodeus intelligence, he managed to pull off a perfect Xanthos Gambit."
"What?"
"A Xanthos Gambit, is a scheme were both potential outcomes are favourable to the schemer. It succeeded in drawing me away and thus made the girls vulnerable to Asmodeus's tricks, thus putting them in a position where they could be taken away, which will force me to leave here to go save them. And if it failed in its intended objective, it would still be in his favour as it would mean we would be forced to abandon the siege in a few days, as none of us can survive without water."
"So what do we do?" Leonard asked.
Sheldon paused before drawing himself up; he pulled his shirt off and then his wings spread out of his back, they flapped magnificently before them. "We have to get them back," he replied, "There is no other choice, we cannot leave Amy and Bernadette in the hands of Asmodeus, there be dead within days and wishing they were dead within hours."
Silence fell again as the effect of his words sunk in. Sheldon turned and looked around several times. "All the demons are gone; I cannot see a single one." He said it as if reassuring himself. Calmly he walked back over to the edge of the church yard and gingerly stepped out, he paused his fist raised waiting just in case, but nothing happened. Calmly he lowered his fists before letting his wings start flapping.
"Wait, where you going?" Leonard shouted.
Sheldon turned to face him, "On a supply run,"
"What?"
"I'll explain when I get back, in the meantime see if there's any holy water in the church, it should be in the font. Penny can you unscrew and load shotgun cartridges?"
Penny paused surprised, "sure, why?"
"Just open as many as you can and take out the buckshot,"
And with that Sheldon turned and flapping his wings took off into the air, he shot up quickly accelerating till he vanished. Pausing Leonard and Penny stood there watching him before turning back to go in. Howard still lay there on the floor, his body ached. The look in Sheldon's eyes when he had almost choked him to death had shaken him all over.
'Are you really willing to put your own and everyone else's lives in the hands of someone like that?' The demons words echoed through Howard's mind. And try as he might, he couldn't shake them. He was still thinking about them as Leonard helped him to his feet and led him back into the church.
Groaning Amy's eyes slowly started to flicker open. She was standing up in a brightly lit room, so bright it caused her to squint. Her arms ached. Amy tried to move forward only to hear a loud clinking sound. Surprised, Amy spun her head around, looking to the side she found her arms were chained to the walls. Turning to her other side she saw Bernadette next to her, also chained to the same wall.
Bernadette however was chained a little higher, so her feet were actually off the floor. "You're awake." She said upon seeing Amy staring at her.
Amy groaned her head really hurt. "What happened?"
"The demons got us," Bernadette admitted, "they took us and chained us up here to the wall. I don't know what happened to you, either somewhere along the line you hit your head or you passed out from shock."
Amy shuddered, "wait, the demons?"
Bernadette nodded solemnly. Amy frantically tried to pull free but all she did was cause the heavy chains to clink some more.
Bernadette shook her head, "Amy," she said softly but sadly, "don't waste your energy, there's no way you could possibly break free."
Amy stopped, starting to sob she hung her head. "Don't cry," Bernadette said surprised and a bit saddened.
"We've been kidnapped by demons and are now completely at there mercy, when is there a better time to cry,"
"About now," another voice spoke.
The girls head shot back to the front, into the room walked Asmodeus and three other demons. Two were male, one was female. Asmodeus walked up so he was standing straight in front of Bernadette, "hello ladies, I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long, just had to perform a few renovations you understand, we want to be ready for are guest, when he arrives."
"What do you want with us?" Bernadette snapped.
Asmodeus smiled "nothing I can't take from you,"
"You won't get away with this?"
"And whose going to stop me? Your little Nephilim friend? Because if it hasn't dawned on you yet, getting him here is the whole reason I took you in the first place."
Bernadette paused not sure what to say. The female demons walked up closer to her; she was tall with black hair and tanned skin. Her eyes went up over Bernadette's body and back down again, all in a way that made Bernadette uncomfortable.
Asmodeus smiled coldly upon seeing this. "Now then, for the moment I can assure you my servants will make sure you are well looked after during your stay here." The female demon was now much closer to Bernadette; Bernadette tried to edge away, but as she was hanging from the wall she could barely move. Smiling the demon reached out and began to stroke her hair.
Bernadette's eyes watched uneasily as the demons hands slowly moved down her hair onto her neck and then down lower onto her body. Bernadette was staring in horror as she watched her hands slip over her, unable to pull away or move or do anything but watch. And then a sudden pain caused her to scream. Asmodeus just continued to smile. Bernadette shuddered, while the demon slowly leaned in and nuzzled her head against Bernadette's chest.
"Having fun?" Asmodues asked cheerfully.
"I like her," the demon replied, "she's just the right size, can I keep her master?"
Asmodeus smiled coldly, "we'll see," he said chuckling, "no sense letting a good toy go to waste, if you succeed in getting the Nephilim, I'll let you keep her."
Amy and Bernadette stared in horror. The demons laughed.
"You filthy scumbag," Bernadette shouted before spitting on Asmodeus.
His smile faded, and as it did the other demons expressions turned to fear. Asmodeus slowly brushed his shirt. The other demons quickly ran to the edge of the room. Asmodues slowly looked down slightly so he was directly facing Bernadette and as he did his eyes turned bright red.
"You know something?" he said seemingly calmly as he walked in closer, he was now mere feet away from her "For a doctor you're not very bright." His hand moved and suddenly Bernadette was hoist up further into the air. He held his hand there pointing straight at her. Her chains clinked and straightened as she was pulled both up and towards him. Bernadette groaned as her arms stretched, Asmodeus flicked his fingers and she was silenced. Her neck started to compress as if she was being strangulated.
"I am one of the worst people in the history of creation to get angry and you are at the present completely at my mercy, which for the record is low even by demon standards. The limits of my cruelty are enough to stretch even their imaginations," he gestured to his followers, "so…" he said calmly, "…I would advise you to NOT MAKE ME ANGRY!" The lights exploded around them, the other demons dived for cover.
Gasping and choking Bernadette nodded as fast as she could manage in her state. Asmodeus dropped his hand and she fell back against the wall. Asmodeus casually stepped forward, before suddenly slapping Bernadette with back of his hand. She was knocked violently to the side, to hurt and shocked to speak she slowly swung back and forth, trapped in a swinging motion. "Bitch" he murmured. Bernadette was crying in pain, the left side of her face was burning and her jaw hurt so bad she felt like it had been dislocated.
Asmodeus meanwhile was now looking at Amy, "But what have we here?" he casually stepped forward so he was no in front of her, his eyes turned back to brown; however the way they flickered over her in a way that chilled her to the bone. Slowly he leaned in and deeply sniffed Amy's hair. Pulling back he smiled again, "virgin." He said coldly. "I love virgins." He turned to his demons, "You take this one, when were finished work, bathe her, dress her and then bring her to me." And with that he slowly walked out.
Amy stared after him, she was shaking all over. The demon walked over to her, "well you heard the boss." And with that he laughed coldly, reaching out his hands he began to undo Amy's chains. Panic filling her Amy started to violently struggle and squirm. The demon just laughed louder.
"Amy," Bernadette screamed, "Let her go, let her go."
The demon turned to face Bernadette, while holding the still panicking Amy against the wall with one hand. "Shut up," he barked, smashing his fist into her chest.
Bernadette gapped and hung there winded, her head hanging over gasping for breath. Her body arched like it had been rammed against the wall, her stomach felt punctured, her ribs were sore. The demon hoisted the still panicking Amy over his shoulder and just walked off leaving Bernadette hanging there helpless unable to do anything other than watch. The other demon followed after him. But the female one was still standing next to her.
"I'll see you later blonde, don't forget me now." it said rubbing its hand against Bernadette's face before walking off, leaving her hanging there.
There was a flapping noise and church doors flung open, Sheldon walked in carrying two bags, a large bag over his shoulder and a smaller one in his hand. "Sheldon," Leonard cried upon seeing his friend standing there.
Sheldon walked calmly over to the desk and put the bags down by the side. He began to unpack. "What is all this?" Leonard asked as he slowly walked over, Penny was right behind him but Howard was further behind, his body was still slightly sore.
"Everything we need," Sheldon replied he turned to Penny "How you doing with the shotgun shells, Penny?"
"All done," She replied.
Sheldon nodded, "Good, go fill them with these," he took a bag and a jar out of one if his bags. "And here just in case," he tossed her a box of cartridges.
"What are these?" Penny said eying the two items suspiciously, "and why do you want them for anyway?"
Sheldon turned to face her, "Best if I show you," he reached into his bag and brought out a map. He then spread it over the desk. "We need to get Amy and Bernadette back from the demons at any cost, presumably they will have made their base somewhere in town. Asmodeus is the demon of lust he would have made his lair in a den of iniquity, in a land of sin. So probably here." He pointed to a building on the west side of town.
"Club 69," Penny murmured, "yeah that sounds about right."
"Now Asmodeus will be expecting me to burst in, all of this is his plan, we are playing the game by his rules in which case victory is impossible, so I think it's time we flipped the board."
"How?" Leonard asked,
"By adding a few elements that he doesn't expect," Sheldon replied, "Namely you,"
The others stared at him, "We can't fight demons," Penny said in amazement.
Sheldon nodded, "no you can't, none of you can, but you can shoot a shotgun can't you?"
Penny shrugged, "sure, my dad taught me, but I already tried that, shotgun blasts do little more than annoy them,"
"If a weapon does not kill, get another weapon. Regular cartridges won't have any effect on them, but these will." He gestured towards his things.
"What are they?" Leonard asked.
"One's rock salt, the others cold iron pellets,"
"What good will they do?" Howard asked, finally contributing.
"Demons are strong creatures, but they do have weaknesses, holy water burns them, exorcisms banish them, consecrated ground stops them and these also work quite well on them."
The others just stared; Sheldon could sense they didn't believe him. "You doubt me?"
"It's just, why would iron or salt stop them?" Leonard replied.
Sheldon shook his head, "Cold iron is the age old symbol of protection; people hang iron horseshoes over their doors for luck, because it was originally used to stop evil entering. They put iron bars around churches, because it was originally to stop the restless dead leaving. Pure iron has a terrible effect on unclean spirits, namely demons."
He paused, "if you don't believe me, do you believe your own eyes?"
"What?"
"Don't you remember? Back in the barn, when you stabbed Alastor with the pitchfork?"
Leonard paused, his memories sweeping back "it, it burned his flesh like holy water only slower and less obviously," he admitted.
Sheldon nodded, "exactly, now imagine getting hit by multiple pellets of that, if that doesn't stop it…it will stop it."
"And the salt?" Howard asked.
"Rock salt or Sea salt has been used to face demons for thousands of years, in ancient Babylonia it was imported and placed in building foundations, to stop the demons being able to enter. Rock salt or Sea salt represents purity and incorruptible life, demons are the epitome of corruption and the two go together like an acid and a base."
"Sheldon," Penny said, "was it salt that was in that tin you gave me?"
Sheldon nodded, "Now that I've convinced you that you can trust me and that they will work against demons, would you mind getting started loading."
Penny took the stuff and went to loading the shells, Sheldon turned to the others, "now was there any holy water?"
"Yes," Leonard replied, "It was where you said it would be he pointed to a jug on the desk."
"Good," Sheldon took several small glass containers out of his bag, "fill these with it."
"Isn't this stealing?"
"I think the circumstances allow it." Sheldon replied, having already started pouring the water. "We will need all the help we can get if we want to win."
Leonard shrugged, he was right. Howard just stood there watching; Sheldon's eyes slowly looked up and went over him. "I'll be back in a moment." And with that he walked around the table and led Howard over to the corner.
The two paused unsure what to say, "Okay," Sheldon began, "about what happened earlier."
Howard looked up at him, "when you almost killed me?" He asked bitterly.
"You're the one who attacked me,"
"You're the one who threatened to crush me,"
"The point is we can't afford any disagreements not at this point, if we want to get Amy and Bernadette back from the demons, we need to be in total agreement so for the moment will you trust me."
Howard paused, unsure what to say, "fine," he finally remarked, "but don't threaten me again."
"Don't attack me again." Sheldon replied callously.
He turned back to the table. Leonard was almost finished as there wasn't that much holy water all together. He looked back at Penny; she was almost done with the cartridges. Sheldon looked down at his watch, it was almost seven. That meant the demons had had them for five hours, he shuddered, he had to get Amy back, he had to, it was his fault this had happened to her.
Amy stood there silently, how long she had been waiting here she had no idea, it felt like hours. The demon had put her down in here and told her to wash before slamming the door and locking it. Looking around Amy had no idea what the room was for, but there was a bath. Amy had hesitated but fearing what they would do to her if she refused, Amy had taken one.
She was now dressed again, sitting there Amy shuddered. Demons, demons? She didn't come from a very religious family, and although she had long excepted that there being a or multiple deities was at least theoretical possible, she had always dismissed demons as simply works of human fears and imaginations like fairies and unicorns, but now… did this mean fairies and unicorns were real to?
She shuddered as she remembered the way Sheldon had described them, 'insane…highly sadistic…brutal.' And she was completely at their mercy. Why had Asmodeus wanted her? That's what she wanted to know, he had said he liked virgins, but what could… Amy's face suddenly turned pale. She had to get out of here.
But there was no way, the door was locked, the building was fixed, she was trapped. She had until whatever the demons were up was finished till he wanted her and the sounds of construction had just stopped… Amy's eyes frantically shot around the room, before suddenly stopping. For the first time since she was taken, she smiled. Amy jumped to her feet and ran over the window, it lead out to the street, maybe she could climb down? No, it was no good she wasn't tall enough to reach it. Looking around Amy's eyes fixed upon the table on the other end of the room.
The others stood over the map, "now is everything ready?" Sheldon asked.
Penny nodded, "I've reloaded all those cartridges as you requested, there ready for use."
"Holy water is all ready," Leonard added.
"You didn't give me anything to do," Howard replied.
Sheldon nodded, "then let's go," hoisting his bag over his shoulder he turned and walked out the church. Penny grabbed the shotgun and her bag of Ammo, Leonard and Howard followed close behind. Exiting the Church Sheldon's wings extended, he gave them a gentle flap before nodding. He grabbed Leonard with his left hand and Howard with his right. Penny had to jump on his back. Ready he slowly rose up into the air, before suddenly shooting forward. The others clutched on tight for dear life. But before they had even noticed he had landed.
They were standing on a roof top, "there," Sheldon said pointing forward, "That is club 69," his eyes fixed forwards. "And it is Asmodeus lair."
"How can you tell?" Penny asked, Sheldon pointed to the two guards in front of the building.
"Demons?"
Sheldon nodded, "could be one of the other demon lords bases," Leonard suggested.
"There both Incubus's."
The others stared at him, "What's an Incubus?" Penny asked.
Sheldon turned to them and shook his head, "Incubuses are demons of lust and desire, tempters and seducers, who normally lead women astray and impregnate them to create cambions, there female counterpart are succubus's. Now tell me what sort of demons is the Demon of Lust himself going to have as his followers?"
He paused, "if there seducers not fighters does that make them weaker than normal demons?" Leonard asked hopefully.
Sheldon nodded, "indeed, but not by so much that you will notice, besides I doubt that Asmodeus only has Incubuses and Succubus's in his retinue, he's presumably only using them as guards because he wants me to know that he's in there. Which means he's probably got something set up to trap me when I go in there."
"So what's the plan?" Leonard asked.
"I'll go in and get Amy and Bernadette, Penny your with me. As for you two, you're my distraction; you distract them so they don't notice I've arrived." He opened his bag and took out three long daggers "solid Iron, won't kill but it will hurt them like hell." He handed one to Penny, one to Leonard and one to Howard. The two looked at him in surprise. Sheldon nodded, "I know you're not fighters and I'm not asking you to become ones, but if you get attacked, your need something to defend yourself with, these will do that."
He paused and took two crucifixes and a book out, "these should also help," he handed one Crucifix and the book to Leonard and the remaining crucifix to Penny. "There stop demons, but they must be held up at them, if you let dip or drop them, the demon will be free to come after you."
"What's this?" Leonard asked, looking at the book,
"The Rituale Romanum," Sheldon replied, "If you need to, skip to the chapter on Exorcisms and read it, its long but will work on any demon."
He paused and looked round, "if anything goes wrong, and I mean anything, run. Just run and don't stop running until your somewhere safe."
"Sheldon, we're not going anywhere," Penny replied.
Sheldon stared at Penny, his gaze unblinking, "then you will die. And believe me, there is no nastier method of death, than the one the will think of for you. Trust me, run!" He paused to let the effect of his words sink in, "now we begin, I'll be back in a moment Penny." And with that he grabbed both Howard and Leonard. His wings flapped and the next thing they knew they were standing in an alley way. "Are you ready?"
"What do we do exactly?" Howard asked.
"Distract the guards, so they don't realise that we've slipped in, hopefully I and Penny will be able to find the girls then give us twenty minutes before creating a distraction so that we can slip out before the demons notice, hopefully."
"Okay how?"
"There," Leonard said pointed towards a box on the side of the building across the street, "that's were all the wiring connects, if we damage it, it will cut out the power in the building, that should distract them long enough for you to escape."
Sheldon nodded, "okay, but you still need to get past those Incubuses. If this all works out, we'll meet up here." He handed Leonard as small folded up map, "you wait for one hour, if anyone doesn't turn up we leave understood." Before Leonard could reply, Sheldon's wings flapped and he was gone.
The two of them paused, how did they get past the demons to the other side of the building?
Penny spun round to the sound of wings flapping, Sheldon stood there. He walked over to the edge of the building. "As soon as they distract the guards, were up."
"Okay how do we get in?"
Sheldon pointed to the buildings balcony, "I'll fly you across there, were enter that door, find Amy and Bernadette, get out of there, meet up with the others, then get as far away from this town as possible." Penny nodded.
Sheldon paused, "will you be okay," he asked suddenly.
Penny stared at him in surprise, "sure, I'll be fine."
Sheldon didn't reply he just looked at her. "Why do you ask?"
"Because," Sheldon replied, "I can hear your heart beating and it's sped up quite a bit since you caught sight of those demons."
Penny paused, "Okay, I'm nervous, but I can do this, trust me I can. There my friends, I will help you get them back."
Sheldon nodded, "okay, but remember at the first sight of problems run."
Amy let out one final heave and the table hit the wall, collapsing with her back to it, she stopped to pant for breath, moving that table had been exhausting, "If I get out of here," she mummed to herself, "I've got to seriously think about getting in shape." Straightening back up, Amy climbed onto the table; she could reach the window now. Wrestling with the clamps, it clicked and the window opened.
Pausing for a second, Amy groaned before trying to wriggle through it. It wasn't a large window, and it didn't open all the way, never the less she was making it, with some difficulty she wriggled halfway through, when suddenly a hand grabbed her leg. Like a rag doll she was pulled back through the window and left hanging upside down with her head mere centimetres above the floor.
The demon who had grabbed her held her there. His piercing inhuman eyes stared down on Amy smugly. "So you thought you could escape?" it jeered. Bringing its other fist down, it shattered the table Amy had spent so long moving into kindling with a single swipe.
Amy hung there the blood rushing straight to her head. "Well?" The demon barked. Suddenly it flipped its arm, throwing Amy across the room. Casually it strolled over and grabbed the shaken Amy by the throat and hoisted her in the air. Her vision fuzzy and her head aching Amy was overcome with worry. The demon continued to hold her there, her feet off the ground. The way he held her there shook Amy to the core. Amy had always been somewhat sensitive about her weight, but right now she was seriously wishing that she weighted a lot more. It was unnatural for a being to be able to lift and overpower her so easily; he was carrying her like a child would carry a doll. And he wasn't even sweating. The sheer casualness of it all, made Amy feel so…helpless.
"You know, I should probably beat you to blood for daring to try and escape." The demon began. "I've got to know, how would you like me to beat you? Start with your limbs and carry on till they've each snapped or hit you in the chest, till your ribs are visible sticking out of your back? I would leave the choice up to you. Of course if you don't answer, I'll just do both."
Amy struggled meekly, as he was choking her, Amy was almost unable to speak, "limbs" she replied weakly.
"I'm sorry what was that?"
"Limbs," Amy's voice was even weaker the second time.
"I can't hear you; you've got one more chance to decide or you get both, so speak up."
Amy couldn't even manage a third attempt, she was starting to black out. The demon smiled coldly, and then it dropped Amy. Hitting the ground Amy quickly gasped for breath. Panting heavily she lay there, before slowly looking up at the giant, good looking, monstrosity standing above her. A cruel smile stretched across its face like a scar. "I should beat you to the point where I could drink you…but I won't."
Amy stared in surprise, but the demon kept on talking, "After all the boss wants you and I can honestly tell you he doesn't appreciate receiving damaged goods." Chuckling he walked over to the side and produced a bright red dress. "As you've already bathed, put it on." Amy stared in horror at the dress he held in his hand, it was sort of dress that would probably get you arrested for indecent exposure in this part of America. It was tight as a corset and so skimpy, exposing so much of the body that it didn't seem worth the effort of putting it on.
Amy continued to stare, she could wear that. Never in her wildest dreams would she ever wear anything even half as sluty as that. "I can't…I won't," The demons eyes narrowed.
"Well I guess it's back to that beating I mentioned earlier." He said cracking his knuckles.
Amy cowered back into the corner; submissively she reached out her hand and took the dress. Amy slowly got her feet, her body was still somewhat sore from earlier. She paused holding the dress, the demon stood there watching her. Silence fell between them. "Well? What are you waiting for?" The Demon asked.
"Aren't you going to look away?" Amy replied timidly.
"No, why would I do a thing like that?"
"But I have to get changed,"
"Good point, wait a moment, I'll go get a larger audience."
Amy's eyes opened wide in horror, "No!" she screamed.
"Then strip and change!"
Amy hung her head, and reluctantly started to undress. The Demons eyes stayed upon her the whole time. Watching as a hawk would watch a mouse, as if it was constantly ready to swoop in and devour its venerable prey. Not once did he look away, not once did his eyes move, he didn't even blink. For the whole ordeal, his eyes were stuck solid, watching Amy in all her humiliation. By the time Amy finally managed to get the unnaturally tight and uncomfortable dress on, she was on the brink of tears. Not once had he touched her and yet all over, Amy felt violated.
The demon laughed cruelly at her. Amy felt like she had a millstone tied around her neck. How she wasn't crying she had no idea. "Cheer up dear, just remember no matter how bad things fell now… after five minutes with Asmodeus, you'll be praying to whatever powers you believe in to be able to go back to this moment. If I was you, I would relish it, because it only goes downhill from here. You think this is bad, downstairs this is what are victims consider paradise. Now fix your hair and come on, the master awaits your presence."
Submissively Amy brushed her hair, before following behind the demon, her head hung low the whole way.
"Are you sure this will work?" Howard muttered.
"Trust me," Leonard replied.
Calmly the two of them slowly walked out of the alley towards the club. The two incubuses didn't seem to notice at first, but as they got closer, they the demons slowly turned to face them. "Excuse me, do you know the way to the…"
He didn't to finish, the two demons gave them one look before smiling. Suddenly they lunged forward at them. Howard and Leonard, recognising the look on their face, learned through years of traumatic memories, didn't waste a second. The two of them turned and ran down the alley. The demons chased after them.
Frantically they dived behind several bins. The demons ran past them, before pausing having come to a dead end, they paused confused. Howard and Leonard got back to their feet, "see, I told you they would recognise us from the chase."
The demons spun round, they charged forward at them. Leonard grabbed the cross Sheldon had given him from under his coat and held it up. The two demons screamed and backed away. "Okay read,"
Howard stared at him, "you do know do this make me feel slightly uncomfortable,"
"Read it," There was a pause, Leonard stepped forward. The two demons were close to the wall. Both were facing away, clearly unable to stare at the cross. However where they were staring frantically, it was clear that they were looking for a way to escape. "Howard."
"Give me a minute, it's difficult to find, ah got it…how long is this thing?"
"Just Read it, before they get lose."
Howard shook his head and began slowly reading the exorcism, slowly being the key word.
There was gentle flapping noise and Sheldon and Penny were standing on the balcony. Calmly Sheldon pulled his lock pick out and got to work on the lock, the door clicked open. Sheldon turned to her, "we've got twenty minutes, don't shoot unless you have to, we don't want them to know we're here until we have no other choice. Now come on." Carefully the two of them slipped in.
Bernadette struggled, she had almost got it still struggling she continued to tug. Fortunately for her, during Asmodeus's telekinetic assault, he had accidentally managed to pull her arm loose. She stopped for a moment, but she knew she had to continue trying. Once again she began struggling. She gave one sharp tug and her thin arm managed to slip out of the restraint. Bernadette suddenly fell and tipped to the side.
Straining she could just touch the ground and keep her other hand in the restraint. Struggling she tried to pull this one free, hoping that gravity would help her out, but this arm was struck. Bernadette let out a sigh of frustration, this was painful. She had to keep trying, she had to. And that's what she did. And eventually with one final tug she managed to pull her arm free. However not expecting it, she fell to the floor.
Groaning she got back to her feet, she was free…partially. She paused contemplating what to do next, her instincts told her to run, but that would mean leaving Amy. The two weren't exactly close, but she could never abandon any one to demons. Calmly Bernadette walked over towards the doorway, only for the female demon from earlier to suddenly appear.
Bernadette tried to back away, but the demon grabbed her. Licking her lips, she lifted Bernadette off the ground and held her at arm's length. "Hello," the demon hissed, "You know if I told them you broke free they would just kill you now."
"But," she continued, "As were both girls, I'll think I can give you something first." Bernadette stared in horror, "And then I'll kill you."
"P…p…please don't," Bernadette starred in horror, as the creatures piercing green eyes stared straight at her.
"Sorry dear, it's non-negotiable, I told you I liked you, you're just the right size" and with the demon started to laugh. Bernadette tried to struggle, but the much stronger creature held her with ease, "don't fight it dear, it will just make it worse in the end,"
Suddenly a pair of arms grabbed the demon from behind and pulled her back. Bernadette fell to the floor, looking up she watched Sheldon smash the demon into the wall. Holding her there, the demon tried to scream but Sheldon had wrapped his hand round her mouth. She tried to struggle, but Sheldon clearly the much stronger of the two. With almost ease he held her in place, leaning in he began to recite the exorcism.
The demon vanished into thin air. Bernadette just sat there on the ground staring in surprise, Penny emerged from behind him.
"Bernadette," she cried. Rushing over she helped her friend to her feet, "are you okay?"
Bernadette nodded, "I'm fine, just shaken,"
Sheldon however wasn't paying attention, his eyes shot around the room. "Where's Amy?"
Still shaken Bernadette didn't hear him, "Bernadette." Sheldon said urgently, "Where's Amy?"
Bernadette spun round to face him, "Asmodeus, he took her."
Sheldon's eyes opened wide and his face turned pale. "No," he mummed in disbelief, "not that!"
"We have to save her," Penny said.
Sheldon however was still staring.
"Sheldon...Sheldon…Sheldon!"
Snapping back he turned to face her. "Your right, Penny take Bernadette and get out of here. We're going to have to change plans, meet the others and get away. I'll go get Amy."
"Sheldon, can you do that by yourself?"
"It doesn't matter, I'm going to." And with that he walked off down the hallway.
Penny paused before turning back to Bernadette. "Come on let's get out of here," and holding her gun up led the way.
Amy stood almost paralysed with fear despite being alone. The demon had left her here, the door was locked and there was no other way out. The walls were red; there were several tables and a long sofa in the middle.
Looking around Amy could see no other way out, there wasn't even windows, just blazing lights, as if she was on a stage. The whole room made her feel uncomfortable, not just for the portraits on the wall. Each one was of some form of passion and desire, but they had all been slashed so large pieces of them were cut in a way that resembled claw marks. All Amy knew was she had to get out of here. But how?
She walked over to one of the tables and taking a glass, poured herself a drink, she had to stay calm she had to calm down.
"Nice to see you could make it." A cold voice said.
Amy dropped her glass, it shattered onto the floor. "Oh, why did you do that? That was such a nice wine."
Amy spun round, but there was no one else in the room. She slowly walked forward. "Who…whose there?" she said timidly.
"Who do you think?" the voice replied. A cold laugh followed it.
Amy turned and standing in front of her stood Asmodeus. "Hello Amy, I must say you look…" he paused spending extra time looking over Amy's virtually exposed body, Amy blushed and hung her head slight. "…good enough to die for."
Amy turned, not thinking what to do next but just wanting to go. She ran forward, straight into Asmodues.
"Where you going?" he asked playfully.
Amy backed away, staring in horror, "But…but…how?"
Asmodeus laughed, "oh Amy, you should have realised by now, I'm…" and with that he vanished, Amy spun round, but he was gone. Suddenly his hands grabbed her shoulders from behind and pulled her against him, "…Everywhere!"
Amy tried to get away, but Asmodeus strong arms casually held her in place. "Don't bother trying to fight it Amy, you really don't have a choice." Casually he leaned forwards so his lips were right next to her cheek. "There is really nothing you can do," Amy shuddered and tried to squirm. Smirking Asmodues let go.
Amy ran straight at the door, only to suddenly stop and fall flat on her face. Asmodues flicked his fingers and she was dragged across the ground back at him. "I told you there was nothing you could do, you just a puppet on string." Amy had gotten back to her feet, she tried to back away. "I just need to pull a string and you will…" he snapped his fingers and Amy suddenly jumped forward landing right next to him, "…Dance for me."
Amy suddenly jumped backwards, it was impossible to explain, it was like something was pulling her legs and there was nothing she could do about it. She jumped backwards again and then again, and then she fell backwards, so she was now lying partially on the sofa. Asmodeus casually strolled over and sat next to her.
Amy tried to move, but Asmodeus shook his head, "no don't get up, I like looking at you from this position it reminds me of the worth of your race."
"But how?"
"Oh that, that's nothing, you want to see something truly scary, what if I told you my little trick works on the inside as well as the out?" Amy paused confused, inside? Then suddenly she felt her heart speeding up, it was beating faster and faster. She clutched her chest in surprised. Asmodeus chuckled, "and I can make it keep on going faster right up until, well…"
"Please stop," Amy cried, "I'm begging you, stop!"
"As you wish," Asmodeus replied, he cut the air with his hand and Amy's heart stopped beating. Amy starred in horror for the last split second. Before her heart restarted again, she gasped for air. "You know your right," Asmodues said, Amy heart stopped again and then started. "This is more fun."
Amy was at the point of tears now, "Please, please just let me go."
"Why would I do a stupid thing like that?" Asmodeus chuckled.
"But I'm innocent, what did I ever do deserve any of this?"
"Absolutely nothing and that's what makes it all the more enjoyable, well for me at least." His eyes went over her, "still maybe your right, maybe that's enough foreplay. I would like to tell you what they say about it afterwards; sadly none of them manage to survive long enough to tell me."
Amy winched in terror. She tried to move but she was completely paralysed, whether by the demons magic or her own fear she had no idea. Tears were flowing down her face now. "Oh don't cry, don't worry, it is after what you want."
"No it isn't," Amy screamed back in his face.
Asmodeus chuckled, "Isn't it, I am just desire. You all have desires, there the most basic part of human nature, you all want something. And it is when dealing with desire's that you finally can see the truth of humanity. The truth that you hide under all your lies and denial, the truth that in reality you are nothing more than a bunch of smartly dressed savage animals, which have learned to walk upright."
"It's not true,"
"Isn't it? You know the one thing I really hate about humanity, the one thing that made me side with my lord against my father was how hypocritical you all are. You all march around declaring all your great morals, all your honours, laws, standards and strengths. All Your abilities, you're greatness. But none of its really true, sure it sometimes seems like it is, hell maybe you've even managed to fool yourselves in to believing its true. But really it isn't. You all have desires and once you find an opportunity to express your desires, do you know happens to all your so called morals, standards and strengths? They all disappear into naught. When faced with desire you succumb, you all succumb. If you haven't yet, you simply haven't found your desire yet. Don't worry one day you will, and when that happens the truth of your nature will be revealed. Don't tell me it doesn't happen, I've watched it happen, I've made it happen, over and over again for the last fifteen thousand years. There are no exceptions, not solutions, none at all, all of you have some desire and when faced with it, you're always run towards it with open arms. And that is what makes me superior to you, to all of you. I control all desires, especially my own."
Asmodeus paused and laughed, "still why am I telling you, you already know what I mean, you have plenty of desires of your own don't you."
Amy didn't reply she just stared in shock. "What are you talking about?" she asked uneasily.
Asmodeus laughed, "I am the demon of lust, I know everything about desire, don't think that I am unaware of specifically your desires." He paused, before gently touching Amy's forehead, "You know, looking at you it's hard to believe what a dirty mind you have."
"Y…y…you know all my desires?" Amy said, her eyes opened wide in terror.
Asmodeus nodded, "Indeed, I even think about them every time I want a good laugh and in all these thousands of years I have to say yours are some of the most entertaining."
Amy just stared, her face had turned scarlet.
"There sheer scale and detail, compared to the severe lack of content, it's incredible. I always look forward to the monthly update, seeing what great mothballs your mind can dig up next time." He let out a hearty laugh; Amy sat there wishing that he would just kill her already. Every time she had thought about…those things, a demon had been listening in?
"I must say," Asmodeus went on, "it's simply incredible how quickly your fantasy's all became directed at one guy. Most people still have lingering thoughts or at least keep some of their old ones, if for nostalgia if nothing else. But you, practically overnight they all became the same man. The same man that is responsible for me meeting you."
Asmodeus paused and then a cruel smile spread across his face. "I must say, I wonder what he would think if he knew all those things you're thought about him." By this point Amy just turned blank.
"You can't tell Sheldon!"
Asmodeus chuckled, "Amy," he said cruelly, he flipped his wrist and suddenly Amy slapped herself. "At this point in time, I can and will do anything I like." He paused again. Amy rubbed the side of her face. "Especially…" suddenly her hand grabbed her hair and tugged sharply, "…to…" her hand let go and slapped her again "…You!" Her hand fell limp by her side.
Amy looked up terrified. Asmodeus laughed "But, yes I think I will tell him, I'll tell him everything." Asmodeus leaned in over Amy. "In fact, I'll make an exception and actually let you live through this, yes that's what I'll do," he shifted so he was almost lying on top of her. "I'm sure I can find a use for you somewhere in the meantime." Asmodeus grabbed Amy by the Shoulders and pulled her closer. "I'll tell him you're every thought, every dark secret you intended to take to the grave." Tears were running down Amy's face. And then, leaning in, in almost a whisper he said. "I wonder how he will react when I'm done."
Amy didn't know how to react, if there was a gun with the barrel pointed at her head, in her hand right now, she would have probably pulled the trigger. "Still enough dithering, let's get to good stuff." Calmly he held up his hand, and pointed it straight at Amy's face. At the moment Amy felt a sudden burning spreading through her body. Asmodeus smiled coldly. Temptation boiled inside Amy, she had to resist, she had to… The temptation was overpowering, before she even realised it was happening, Amy was making out with Asmodeus. She felt his hands caressing her body. Tears still falling down her face, Amy found she couldn't stop, it was all too much, there was nothing she could do physically or mentally, everything was subject to the demons will and she couldn't do anything about it, what so ever. She was truly and completely helpless.
Suddenly Asmodeus went flying off her, Sheldon stood there above them, his eyes burning, he held Asmodeus above Amy with both arms and with both arms he threw the demon into the wall. Asmodeus brushed his shoulders and got to his feet. "Ah, I was wondering if you would join us, we were just talking about you Nephilim."
Sheldon's stared coldly at Asmodeus, "now you are here, let's talk."
Sheldon almost snarling now held up his hands, his eyes fixed upon Asmodeus. Amy lay there shocked. Sheldon walked round the sofa towards him. Asmodeus chuckled, "come let's sit and talk, I'm sure we have much to discus."
"I have nothing to say to you,"
"Well then, how about we try something else; tell me Doctor Cooper, what is it that you desire?"
"Right now? Your head on a spike."
Asmodeus laughed, "You really think you can take on an Arch demon? Boy, you may have knocked out a few of my slaves but I'm a completely different class of being, you are nothing compared to me."
"I don't care,"
"Very well, I can always break and corrupt a virgin after I've beaten you. Here take a seat!" Asmodeus flicked his writs at Sheldon. Sheldon just stood there uninterested. Asmodeus stared in surprise.
Sheldon smirked, "I hate to break it to you, but those sorts of tricks don't work on me."
Suddenly the table went crashing into him knocking him to the floor. "That does."
Sheldon dived to his feet; Asmodeus flipped his wrist and another table shot forward at Sheldon. He brought his fist down into it, smashing it to sawdust. Asmodeus pointed and a bolt of energy shot out of his finger tip, it hit Sheldon sending him flying backwards into the wall. Asmodeus smiled and pointed, another bolt shot forward. Sheldon's wings folded forward covering him. The blot collided with his white wings and went flying back straight into Asmodues. He too went flying into a wall.
Sheldon snarled and ran forward at the demon. Grabbing holding of the remains of the first table, he smashed it over his head. The wood shattered. Asmodeus looked up at him smiling, before upper cutting Sheldon. He went flying backwards across the room. Sheldon jumped back to his feet. "This fight is pointless, I'm not really interested." Asmodeus went on.
Sheldon dived and hit. He swung but Asmdoeus grabbed his fist in mid-air. He held it there, straining. "I only want to talk," he said, before tossing Sheldon backwards. Sheldon lay there gasping. He dived forwards once more. Asmodues clobbered him in the chest, Sheldon kneeled over. Asmodeus leaned in closer, "Oh yeah, I almost forgot you're a virgin to…just like your girlfriend is…for now."
Sheldon let out a great snarl. Rising up he brought his shoulder into Asmodeus, taking the demon by surprise he knocked off balance. Sheldon's fist swung fast, hitting the demon straight in the face. He shot backwards into the wall. Asmodeus rose to his feet and clicked his jaw line back into place. "You know I'm starting to think you not in the mood for a conversation." The lunged at each other again, while Amy huddled behind the sofa, watching in shock.
Penny led Bernadette down through the building; surprisingly they hadn't run into anyone just yet. Suddenly the lights went out. "What happened?" Bernadette cried.
"Must have been that distraction that Leonard and Howard were working on, come lets go." The two of them ran down the corridor. Suddenly a demon emerged out one of the rooms.
"And where do you think you're going?" it hissed. Penny let out a single blast and the creature went flying backwards, in the dim light it was just possible to watch it twitching as parts of its skin burned.
"What's in there?" Bernadette screamed in amazement.
"I'll explain later, come one, there's no way that no one heard that." With that the two of them continued to run.
More demons began to emerge; firing Penny knocked several of them down. Looking down Penny wondered just how many would they meet, the gun only contained seven shells. Suddenly a demon ran into her knocking her back into the wall. In her distraction she had failed to notice a demon running out of the room next to her. Penny tried to push back but the demon was a lot stronger. She held the shotgun still, now wedged between them, even if she could fire, it wouldn't hit it.
The demon licked its lips and suddenly it seemed to be getting closer, as it did suddenly Penny's mind flashed: she was standing in her bedroom on the night all this started and she had just gotten out of the shower. The demon was still getting closer; it was now touching her completely. Back in her room Penny heard a noise, turning she saw a figure standing there, he leered at her. The demon was still getting closer; it was no longer simply touching her it was pressed up close to her. In her room, Penny tried to speak but the demon dived forward, upon touch it just went straight into her, Penny had tried to scream but it was too late, the creature had already merged with her.
Now the demon was actually entering her, it was slipping through her skin into Penny, but still Penny was out of it, lost in her memories. Back in the room, the demon had dropped Penny's towel before turning to the mirror to strike a pose. Standing there it just laughed long and coldly. The Demon was almost entering Penny when suddenly Bernadette smashed a viral on its back. The demon screamed and staggered backwards.
Bernadette tossed another two of the containers that Penny had dropped at the creature, it screamed as its skin burned. Happy her gamble had paid of Bernadette rushed forward; Penny was just standing there staring blankly. "Penny!" she screamed.
"I remember," Penny murmured, "I remember everything."
Having no time, Bernadette grabbed Penny's hand and pulled, she would never be able to pull Penny along, but in her dazed state, Penny didn't resist. Bernadette led Penny towards the door, the angry demon was already recovering and more were catching up. Frantically Bernadette heaved at the door; she pushed it open and then pushed Penny out. She was getting to the steps when an arm grabbed her and hoisted her into the air. The demon snarled.
A dagger shot into its arm. The demon screamed in agony dropping Bernadette, Leonard pulled the dagger out of its arm. Howard slammed the door. Bernadette stood there panting. "What is that?"
"Never mind, let's go." Howard replied.
"Wait, Sheldon and Amy are still in there," Bernadette cried.
"Sheldon can handle himself,"
There was a loud crashing noise above, causing them all to look up. Suddenly a demons arm went through the door.
"Run!" Leonard screamed. Grabbing Penny's arm he lead her down the stairs. Howard and Bernadette also ran. Panicking they ran down an alley and then ran down a turning and stood there behind the building, panting for breath. Penny still stood there staring shocked. "I remember" she mummed to herself.
The Demons smashed their way out of the building, but found themselves in an empty street, splinting into groups, half ran off while the others went back inside, but as luck would have it, none of them ran down the alley.
Sheldon went flying backwards again. "Come now Cooper," Asmodeus jeered, "you have to at least attempt to justify all the expense I've been putting into finding you." Sheldon dived back to his feet and once again ran at the demon. Amy continued to kneel there under the sofa, she couldn't stay here it wasn't safe. As much as she hated leaving Sheldon, Amy was well aware there was nothing she could do for him.
As quietly as she could, Amy began to crawl for the door. Sheldon swung at Asmodeus knocking him back. Asmodeus recovered quickly and swung back knocking Sheldon to side. Seeing Amy he flicked his wrist and she went flying towards him. Grasping her in his arms he lifted her up with one hand, "You can't go, I'm not done with you yet."
Sheldon dived forwards tackling Asmodeus, Amy fell to the floor. Asmdoeus kicked Sheldon back, he lunged forward at Amy. But Sheldon dived at him again. Snarling Asmodeus grabbed Sheldon and smashed him into the floor. "You cannot beat me Cooper, I am the stronger." His fist smashed into Sheldon's head. Sheldon screamed as his nose cracked, his own blood ran down his face. Asmodeus chuckled and was about to swing again, when suddenly Sheldon shot up head-butting him backwards.
Sheldon dived upwards, snarling he smashed his fist into Amadeus face and then tried again. Asmodeus grabbed his hand in mid-air, Sheldon struggled, but the demon was stronger. Suddenly Sheldon pulled forward, spinning round he threw the demon back. Asmodeus recovered quickly. He clobbered Sheldon knocking him to the ground.
"You just can't win Cooper, there is no possible way, you will capitulate it's all you can do."
Panting heavily Sheldon looked up at him, "Never!"
"Brave words, I wonder how brave you will be, when you watch your girlfriend die." Asmodeus spun round and pointed at Amy. Amy fell forward gasping for air.
"Sheldon," she gasped, "help!"
Asmodeus just continued to laugh. Snarling Sheldon rose up his eyes burning his nostrils flaring. He ran straight into Asmodeus. His fist swung, the demon blocked. Asmodeus tried to swing, but Sheldon kicked him in the chest knocking him back. Jumping forwards, Sheldon lunged for Asomedues. Asmodeus dived to his feet and grabbed Sheldon in mid-air; he spun round tossing Sheldon back at the wall.
Sheldon spun in mid-air, his wings extended. His feet hit the wall, using the momentum, Sheldon ricocheted off the wall. He flew forwards crashing into Asmodeus. His fists did not stop pommeling Asmodeus for more than a second. The two of them shot forwards, smashing straight through the wall, and then through the wall behind that. Amy stared in amazement. For a moment there was silence.
Then there was a great whacking sound and Sheldon went flying backwards, he hit the floor and skidded backwards several feet. He lay there panting heavily, his body and face badly bruised, his blood dripping down his face, interspaced with his sweat. Slowly out of the darkness, Asmodeus staggered.
"You can't beat me, Cooper." he gasped, also panting, "I am the stronger, you will lose, make the choice, kneel now and I will spare Amy."
Sheldon looked up at him, the two eyes met. Asmodeus eyes glowed red, Sheldon however glowed pure white. "Have it your way," Asmodeus gasped, snarling he charged forwards. Sheldon dived to his feet, running into him he knocked him back crashing into the wall. Asmodeus head smashed forward knocking Sheldon to the floor.
Sheldon hit the ground next to a pile of debris from the partially destroyed wall, "You can't win," Asmodues gasped.
Suddenly out of the debris Sheldon grabbed a broken metal pole, snarling he jumped upwards stabbing the pole straight through Asmodeus. The demon screamed in agony as the iron went into it. Frantically it tried to grab the pole and pull it out. Sheldon's fist hit Asmodeus in the face and knocked him back. Smashing his fist down Sheldon split the edge of the pole. Before grabbing Asmodeus one final time, rushing forward he smashed him once again into the wall, breaking through another section, crashing it into pieces, before dropping the demon in the debris.
Turning Sheldon stopped to pant for breath, suddenly the sound of running feet caught his attention. Turning he ran forward to Amy, who was still lying there, partially out of shock, partially out of pain. Scooping her up in his arms, Sheldon's wings spread and began to flap. Emerging from the rubble Asmodeus stood up; frantically he grabbed the other end of the pole and began to pull it out of him. His hands burned but his determination was stronger.
Too scared to speak, Amy nuzzled in closer. Exhausted Sheldon continued to flap his wings. The door broke open and several demons ran in. Asmodeus gave the pole a final tug heaving it out of his body, turning he rushed forwards. The other demons ran forwards, but it was too late. Sheldon and Amy shot upwards, through the ceiling, in seconds they were gone.
Out of the Alley, the others emerged the demons had vanished, Penny was still out of it, but she was getting more coherent. "Come we have to help the others," Bernadette said.
"No, Sheldon told us to get out of there at the first sign of trouble, we have to go." Howard replied.
"We can't abandon them," Bernadette replied shocked.
"We don't have a choice."
"We're going to help them,"
"But…"
They were interrupted by a great crashing sound above, all heads shot up. Through the roof shot Sheldon and Amy, like a rocket the shot into the sky, over the horizon before vanishing into the distance.
Silence fell, before they all turned to each, "He's abandoned us…" Howard mummed.
Okay I hope you enjoyed that chapter, I will try and update soon, but it may take a while. Still I will upload before the end of the month, and you can hold me to that.
Please Review.