Numbers 13:31-33

by MGD109

It was just an ordinary night, everyone was meeting up for dinner and then it happened. Then they came. Now great secrets that Sheldon has fought his whole life to hide are revealed and his friends are thrown into there firing line. For alls survival he is forced to confront his lineage and his true nature. But will the cost be his own Soul? Includes Shamy and other relationships

16. Chapter 16

Numbers 13:31-33

A/N: What can I say, except sorry it took longer than I expected. But here it is, the longer important chapter I promised, I hope its not to long its the longest chapter I've written up to date, and you might want to take a few breaks a long the way. I hope I manage to keep your interest for the whole thing, its just I've cut this part of the story into some many pieces now, that I don't think I can break it down into any more, what was initially only supposed to be two or so chapters turned out to be six. And I don't think you want a seventh part of this storyline.

As such hear it is, I hope you enjoy it. And I hope its not to long, I promise that no other chapters should be this long. Any way this chapter is certainly action packed (I just hope I didn't over do it) and some of the things revealed in this one, will defiantly have some serious impacts later on.

Just a word of advice, pay attention to a few small details, they may come in handy later. Well enjoy:

---

Chapter Sixteen: Break Out

For a few moments there was silence, gasping for breath Sheldon stood there, he didn't even try and struggle. Everyone else watched in disbelief, and then finally Howard spoke. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"We came to rescue you," Penny replied.

"Well how's that working out for you?" Howard replied sarcastically.

Leonard however wasn't interested, "Penny?" he asked almost in disbelief.

"Yes Leonard?" Penny answered unsurely.

"You remember me?" There was a tone of shock in Leonard's voice, "how? He said he wiped your entire memory and threw you out onto the streets."

"Sheldon found me and managed fixed my brain."

"But you…you can function again? How? And how did you find us?"

Penny sighed, "Look sweetie, I'm happy to see you again to, believe me I am, but right now don't you think we've got bigger concerns?"

Leonard paused, she was right. Their situation was actually worse now, the rescue he never believed would arrive, had and it had failed. Now they were trapped to. And now the demons had Sheldon that meant they no longer needed to keep them and there was no way they would let them go. They were all going to die.

Sheldon's wounds were mostly healed by this point and he was finally able to stand up straight. He let out a slight groan as the last of his bruises faded. Looking around his eyes, fixed upon his best friend "Hello Leonard," he said calmly, his expression shifted to one of relief.

"Hello Sheldon," Leonard said uncertainly.

"It appears it worked, we are inside and we found them."

"Worked?" Penny screamed. "How hard did you get hit? We've been taken prisoner, we've got no help coming, there is no way out and the demons have won. How in hells name did any of that plan work? And while I'm shouting, why the hell did you knock me down and try and abandon me for?"

"Wait you did what?" Leonard shouted his fear and relief turning to shock.

Sheldon went to speak, but Howard interrupted him, "Are you honestly surprised? Look at him, it's a miracle he actually came back, he doesn't care, he only cares about himself."

"Howard…" Leonard began.

"No, no, don't you interrupt me, I'm sick of your blind faith in that freak of nature. It's his fault were all in this mess, it's his fault were going to die, it's his fault that Bernadette is dead. I swear I hope Azazel hurts you, I hope he rips your wings off and tears out your spine. I…I… I hope he…he…"

"She's not dead." Sheldon calmly interrupted.

Howard froze, his face went from red to almost white, "what did you say?" he almost whispered.

"Bernadette's not dead; we talked less than an hour ago. She's alive and well."

Howard looked to Penny for confirmation, Penny nodded.

"But…But…But I saw her, Azazel broke her, he killed her right before my eyes, he made me watch. She's dead, I watched her die."

"We found her," Sheldon replied calmly, "I managed to heal all the damage and revive her before she passed on. She's alive, Howard, honestly she's presently in a better state then we are."

Howard was silenced, he just stood there his expression shocked, and slowly he began to cry. "Thank you, Sheldon." He managed.

"Now to carry on." Sheldon said, "In response to you Penny, you're wrong this is exactly as I planned. Thank you for making it all look so realistic."

"What?" Penny and Leonard practically shouted in disbelief.

"Did you honestly think we would be able to sneak into Azazel's fortress and sneak out without being noticed? No we would have been caught, so I decided to play that to our advantage. Now we're exactly where we were trying to go, everything is going as I planned,"

"But why did you knock me down?"

"Only thing I could do, I had to make it look like I was trying to escape or else they would have been suspicious, if I tried to fake being captured they would have realised it, there not stupid, they've been doing this for thousands of years. Besides it was the best thing for you, if you continued to resist they might have just killed you where you stood, this way I was sure they would imprison you."

"Yes, well all that seems to have worked fine." Penny said, "But I think you over looked one small thing, we are now trapped, how the hell do we get out of here?"

Sheldon didn't reply. His eyes focused on Penny.

The others stared at him, waiting for him to say something but he didn't. "Well apart from that it was certainly a good plan." Penny muttered sarcastically.

Howard snapped out of his shock, "wait you mean we still are trapped here and going to die?" he asked, shocked, for the first time in a few days his mind was clear enough for him to think about himself again.

"We're not going to die," Sheldon replied, his eyes still focused, "and we won't be trapped her for too much longer."

"Then how do we get out of these chains?" Penny asked.

Suddenly there was a slight grinding sound, Howards and Leonards eyes fixed up something above Penny. Penny had to crane her neck to see what they were looking at, the sight she saw shocked her. One of the screws that were holding her chain to the wall had begun to undo itself, in seconds it fell out. Then the one next to it began to unscrew, then the next one and so on. The panel fell off and one of Penny's arms was free. Turning she saw the process repeating on the panel holding the chain, holding her other arm. Soon that fell as well.

The chains hit the ground, and Penny was almost free. "Invert and hold up your wrists," Sheldon said. Still stunned Penny complied. As she watched there was a clicking and then the restraints clicked open. Penny was free.

Before she could say anything, Sheldon's gaze turned to Leonard and the process repeated itself. In moments he was free as well, Sheldon was sweating and he looked somewhat tired, but he carried on till Howard was free as well. Pausing he hung his head, closing his eyes as if trying to let his mind rest.

Leonard and Howard let out load groans, finally being able to lower the arms after several days; they could finally slouch after being forced to stretch for so long. Both of them were still in pain, and had problems moving their shoulders and arms to much.

The three of them just stood there staring in shock, "Okay what the hell?" Penny asked.

Not looking up Sheldon replied, "I told you that you wouldn't stay trapped for long."

"But…But…How?" Leonard gasped. "Since when can you do that?"

"Well while I was on the run from the demons for a month, I got some breathing space, and Amy convinced me to use to try and find out a bit more about what I can do. And It turns out I move objects with my mind, only small ones mind you, but its certainly an interesting discovery never the less."

"What else can you do?"

Sheldon straightened his neck, "I understand that your surprised, but right now we've got more pressing concerns, you may no longer be trapped, but were still in the demons base and they could come back any moment."

"Well get yourself free then." Howard said.

"I can't," Sheldon replied, "Didn't you hear them? These are chains of hell, escape from them is impossible."

There was a pause the others looked at each other unsure what to say next. "Well we can't leave you here." Leonard finally said.

"No, indeed you can't," Sheldon replied, "especially considering the fact that without me you have absolutely no chance of getting out of here alive."

"And this was all part of the plan?" Howard asked sarcastically,

Sheldon sighed "I admit, this bit I did not see coming."

"So what do we do?" Penny asked.

Sheldon gulped, "well one of you will have to get the keys."

There was pause, "From the demons?" Penny asked in disbelief.

"I'm sorry," Sheldon said, "but that is only way to get me out of these chains."

"Okay," Leonard said, "were be back as soon as possible." He turned sharply towards the door, only to let out a yell of pain.

"What's the matter?" Penny gasped running to his side.

"Hanging there must have damaged my muscles; I'll be fine I just have to avoid too many sudden movements."

But Penny just shook her head, "you stay here, you to…" she turned to Howard, "I'll get the keys."

"No, it's too dangerous to go alone."

"It will be more dangerous if we all go, I've got this Leonard."

Leonard gulped, "I don't like this," he said worriedly,

"Don't worry, I'll be fine. I just have to get my shotgun back, and then I'll be fine." Penny said it as much to reassure herself as she did to reassure Leonard.

"Penny," Sheldon said suddenly.

"Yes Sheldon?"

"Until you do I have something which will help, I managed to conceal a weapon upon my person, it should provide you with some assistance; thankfully they didn't bother to check me when we were dragged in here. It's in my left pocket."

Uncertainly Penny walked over and reached in. Her hands clasped around something warm, hard and metallic. Grasping it Penny began to tug. Sheldon let out a slight yell. And Penny paused. "Please ignore me," Sheldon said.

Penny paused, before giving a sudden tug, out of his pocket she pulled on of his iron dangers. It was drenched in Sheldon's blood. As Penny watched the blood trickled down the blade right back into Sheldon's pocket.

They all stared in horror, "that was in your leg?" Penny almost shouted.

"Keep your voice down, do you want to attract the demons?" Sheldon snapped, "And yes, it was the safest way to slip it in." They all just carried on staring, "Penny?" Sheldon said.

"Oh, right, I'll be back as soon as I can." Penny walked over to the door.

"Penny," suddenly Leonard said.

"Yes?" Penny asked turning to face her boyfriend.

"Please be careful." He said. Penny smiled, before grasping the handle; Penny heaved and managed to pull the door open, she paused for a moment to catch her breath before slipping out.

---

Sheldon turned his head to face Leonard, "How are you buddy?" he asked.

"Been better," Leonard replied, looking at him Sheldon could tell Leonard had lost weight, he was no doubt starving, although his face remained blank, his fists clenched. He once again strained against the accursed chains, but it was no good they were too strong for him to break free of.

"Sheldon?" Howard said, "About Bernadette, I will see her again after this won't I? I will be with my wife again?"

"I can't promise you that," Sheldon said, "but I'll certainly try my best to make sure we all get out of here alive."

Silence fell; none of them knew what to say next.

---

Clutching her dagger tight, Penny slowly crept across the factory floor, the old floorboards creaked beneath her, it seemed she was in what used to be some sort of office at some point. Penny knew if she was to stand any chance, she would have to get the shotgun back. Thankfully the demons had been so preoccupied with them they had ignored it. She still had the cartridges so she just needed the gun, with any luck it should be where she dropped it.

How she had gotten into this old office, she wasn't sure; carefully she cut across it to the other door and slipped out. So far she had seen no one; she wasn't sure exactly how many demons there were supposed to be in this factory. Sheldon had always spoken in terms of tens, so it was unlikely it was overrun by them. Still she didn't want to run into any before she was ready for them, or rather as ready as she could get.

Slipping out, she came to a set of stairs; slowly she began to descend them. With every step, Penny felt sure a demon was about to pop out of thin air and ambush her. But no, she saw no one, emerging at the bottom. She cautiously opened the door. Looking out, she saw the corridor was empty.

Cautiously Penny crept down the corridor, looking around Penny couldn't help but wonder just how long this place had been abandoned for, it looked like it could all fall down at any moment. Penny was sure this was the corridor that they had dragged her down, that meant that they had grabbed her only a short way ahead. Her gun should be there, once she got it she could look for the keys.

There up ahead was the way; calmly Penny turned the corner only to stop dead in her tracks. A demon stood before her, it wasn't facing her so it thankfully hadn't seen her. It wasn't doing anything it was just standing there, like a statue. Looking around, Penny saw the corridor was empty apart from this figure. What he was looking at Penny had no idea, but he showed no signs of moving any time soon.

Looking past him, Penny could see her shotgun; it was lying there on the floor just ahead of this demon. There was no way past him. Sweat poured down Penny's face, she gripped her dagger tight. Slowly she crept up closer to the demon. Cautiously she raised the dagger up. Just one blow, hopefully it would disable it long enough for her to get the gun. That's all she needed, just one blow. Penny held the dagger poised, her heart was beating like crazy.

Get a hold of yourself and just do it, Penny told herself. She could do this, she could do this. The dagger was poised, she was so close now. Just one straight thrust of her wrist would be enough. Penny took a deep breath and took the plunge. Suddenly the demon spun round, grabbing her arm, he casually pulled her forward and slammed her against the wall.

The dagger fell from her hand and clattered across the room. "Did you honestly think I wouldn't hear you?" The demon chuckled.

Penny groaned and tried to get to her feet. But the demon moved fast, charging forward, he hoisted Penny into the air with his left hand. "Now the boss says I have to kill you, but I'm sure you're worth a few moments of fun first."

Penny shuddered as she saw the dark lustful glint in his eye, knowing full well what he intended to do to her. Penny tried to struggle, but it was no good, the creature was just too strong. Reaching forward the creature grabbed the left side of Penny's dress. With a casual tug, he ripped the fabric, exposing Penny's left shoulder.

Slowly he reached forward for her right; Penny knew what he was doing. He was purposely stripping her slowly, just to increase her humiliation. She had to get out of here, but how? She could see her dagger lying against the opposing wall, all she needed to do was get hold of it and she had a fighting chance, but how?

And then an idea occurred to her. Suddenly Penny pushed her head forward, her lips met with the demons. Surprised by this, the demon lessened his grip. Penny felt sick, it was like kissing cold granite, but it worked the demon paused, clearly it was assuming she was playing along hoping that doing so would save her life.

Quickly the creature ran its free hand down Penny, molesting her sides; Penny shuddered, but managed to control herself, for this to work, he needed to think she had submitted. Slowly she slipped her hand into her pocket and grasped the item she was after. Slowly she pulled it out and concealing it behind her back and equally slowly lifted it up. The demon was still consumed with its lust, it hadn't noticed her actions. And that was all the chance Penny needed.

Suddenly she slammed the Shotgun cartridge down on the creatures left shoulder. She brought it down just hard enough to shatter the casing and the contents poured out. Before the demon could even react, the salt mixed with his flesh. The demon screamed, his grip slipped and he dropped Penny.

Before the thing could regain control, Penny dived to the side. But the demon recovered faster than Penny expected. Snarling the demon spun round to face her, "You little bitch, I'll rip you open," it roared.

Frantically ran towards her dagger, the beast charged at her. Breaking her run into an all-out sprint Penny shot across the room, the angry monster only mere inches behind her. Still snarling the creature tried to grab her. Penny dived forward towards, but the demons right arm moved fast and grabbed Penny's leg.

Penny hit the floor with a thump. Still snarling the demon began to pull Penny towards him. The dagger was only just ahead of her. Frantically, with her free leg, Penny kicked the creature in the head. It didn't hurt the creature, but it did manage to surprise it, giving her an extra second. Reaching forward Penny clasped her fingers around the hilt of the dagger. The demon pulled suddenly. Penny shot across the floor, still snarling the creature hoisted Penny upside down into the air.

Roaring it raised its fist, ready to beat Penny to a pulp. Its eyes no longer contained lust, now it was a cold blend of homicidal rage. Snarling it swung its fist. Frantically Penny swiped the blade through the air. The demon reared back in pain, his hand now had a long cut on it, one that seemed to be burning. The creature let out a snarl, "why you little…" it began.

Before it could finish, Penny plunged the blade straight into the creature's chest. It didn't go as deep as she wanted, but it was enough. The demon howled in pain and fell to its knee's screaming. It dropped Penny onto the ground. Penny groaned got back to her feet, suddenly a loud thundering of footsteps caught her attention.

Clearly someone had heard her noisy friend. Frantically Penny turned, there was the shotgun, her legs still hurt from the fall, but ignoring that she ran forward towards it. Reaching the last three yards Penny dived forward at the gun. Grasping it in her hands, she spun round on the floor just as the door shot open, three demons ran in.

Penny fired, the first blast of salt knocked them back. Before they could recover Penny let off a second blast, this time two demons fell. The third one stood there watching her, suddenly it vanished. Penny jumped to her feet, her eyes flickering around the entire room, where had it gone? Where it gone?

Suddenly the demon reappeared behind her. Snarling it leapt at her, Penny spun round just in time. The third blast was at near point blank range. It hit the demon so hard it caused the beast to shoot backwards into the wall, before collapsing to the ground. Penny paused gasping for breath, the demon she had stabbed was still screaming. Turning towards him, Penny let off her final blast of salt, before walking forward and heaving the dagger from its chest. The gun was empty now and it would take too long to reload, she had to go now.

Penny was about to run, when she spotted something. Lying by the side of one of the demons was the very keys she had seen them lock Sheldon's chains with. "Well that's certainly convenient," Penny mummed to herself. Slipping the dagger into her belt, Penny walked over, then reaching down grabbed the keys from the twitching beast. Before turning and running.

---

It was difficult to run, carrying the heavy shotgun under her arm and solid iron dagger in her belt, but Penny knew she had to run. Who knew how many demons they were in this building, and they were all going to try and kill her. Behind her Penny could already hear the sound of shouting; clearly someone had found the demons she had disabled.

Not thinking Penny ran back down the corridor, up the stairs and back into the office. She paused to pant for breath and listened. The once silent factory was now a buzz, clearly the demons had realised what was going on. Taking this moment's break Penny knew she had to carry on; it wasn't too much further now.

Exiting the office Penny emerged in the other corridor, it wasn't too far to the holding cells now. Suddenly Penny heard a voice shouting, Penny didn't even turn round she just bolted forward. Frantically she ran round the corridor, before darting into another room, slamming the door behind her. Penny paused and waited until she had heard the sound of footsteps run past her.

Suddenly there was a great snarling and a demon lunged at her from in front of her. Penny screamed and dived to the side just in time, the demons fist smashed right through the door Penny had been standing in front of. Frantically Penny grasped hold of the dagger. Before the demon could react Penny plunged it into the beasts back. The demon howled.

Pulling it out, Penny kicked it hard in the back. The sensation hurt her leg, but it succeeding in knocking the demon forward through the door way. Jumping over it, Penny once again emerged and ran. Snarling like a dog, the demon pushed itself back up to its feet. Now frantically running Penny turned the final corner and grasping the old door, heaved against it.

The heavy door was slow to open; frantically Penny continued to push, on the other side Leonard and Howard tried to grab the door but moving their arms to fast only cause them to yell in pain. Heaving the heavy door open Penny rushed in; together they managed to slam the door shut.

---

Penny paused to pant for breath, before rushing over to Sheldon's side. Her hands shaking she fumbled as she jammed the key in the lock. There was a click and Sheldon pulled his hand free, fumbling struggled free of the chains. Groaning he stretched his limbs, before suddenly grabbing the blade off Penny.

Using it he slit both his palms before placing them on Howard and Leonards shoulders "Multus Deus Placeo mitto minister Raphael, ut sano hic innocens vir," he said. Once again his blood glowed and Howard and Leonard arms clicked back into place.

"Thanks buddy," Leonard said.

"Come on," Penny said, having reloaded her shotgun, "It won't take the demons long enough to think to check in here."

"Penny's right," Sheldon said, he handed the dagger to Leonard "we need to move."

Quickly he walked over to the door and pulled it open, sticking his head out he looked both ways. "It's clear, come on this way." Together the four of them quickly crept off. Sheldon led them down the corridors, the whole time eyes darted expecting demons to spill out of every corner, but so far there was no sign of any.

"Here Sheldon, your wings are dimmed." Leonard said.

"Were in a factory filled with demons," Sheldon said, "so I'm afraid that particular ability isn't going to be much use to us."

Looking around Penny realised he wasn't leading them back the way they had come. "Where we going?" she asked.

"Were never get out the way we came in, that's the first place there look, we need to find another way out of here." Sheldon replied. Slowly they came to another door; Sheldon grasped the handle and pulled open the door. The room they emerged into was one of the old work stations, the room was built on two levels, old machinery and conveyer belts filled the room lined the bottom level, while the second was surrounded by a decaying railing and joined only by a rusting old catwalk.

Sheldon paused and hesitated, his eyes surveyed the room. "What is it?" Leonard asked,

"Just trying to get my bearings." Sheldon replied. His eyes fixed on one of the exits, calmly Sheldon walked over to the railing before climbing up and jumping off it, his wings unfolded and he glided across the room to the exit.

"Where you going?" Penny asked.

"To get some help," Sheldon replied. "Come on, hurry."

The others gave him several old looks, but not having any other choice they all climbed down and ran after him. Sheldon slipped down the exit and carried along the passage. The others stayed behind him. Penny clutched her Shotgun tight, while making certain to keep Leonard close. Howards eyes twitched around the room, him being the only member of the three of them who was unarmed.

"Where's he taking us?" Howard asked suspiciously?

"I don't know," Penny said.

"This place he's taking us to, how does he know it's here?"

"I don't know," Penny said again, "to be truthful I wasn't privy to his plans, I have no idea what he's doing. But I trust that wackadoo enough to know he won't lead us into any danger... Wouldn't intentionally lead us into any danger."

"Um, Penny." Leonard said. "Can I ask you a question?"

"You just did, sweetie," Penny replied cheerfully.

The other two stared at her, "what I'm just trying to lighten the mood. Just ask already."

"It's just, well…" Leonard began, "…he did find you very quickly, after the demons tossed you out, I mean…how did they…what happened?"

Penny sighed, "well I woke up in an old street, amongst empty houses with no idea who I was, no information on me or really anything. I tried going to the police, but no one had reported me missing so I had to leave. In the end I just wound up sleeping on the streets. Then two days later they found me. About six hours earlier today he strapped his hands to my head, said some weird words and after one agonising headache, I got my memories back."

"So you only just remember me?"

"Well I'm still fuzzy on some of the details, I can't remember what it is that caused me go into that state in the first place or what I did at my sixteenth birthday for example, but I've got all the important details and that's what matters, I'm sure the rest will come back over time."

"How was it? Getting your memories back I mean?"

Penny looked at Leonard, "Painful." She replied, it was clear she didn't want to say anything more on the matter. Silence fell, and Leonard just leaned a bit closer into his girlfriend. Howard looked at the two unsurely. Ahead of them Sheldon walked through another door, walking through the others found themselves in a large room. It was circular, with a large metal railing around; the railing was old and rusty. All the walls and the floor were blackened, and there was thick level of soot on everything.

Besides the railing was drop of about eight or nine feet, and at the bottom was a pit filled with black rocks, there was no celling above, so the light shone down upon them. They were standing in one of the factories chimneys.

"Sheldon?" Leonard said, "Why have you led us here."

Sheldon didn't reply he was just looking up, smiling he let his wings unfold.

"You can't fly us out of here." Leonard exclaimed. The opening was narrow, maybe large enough for one or two people to squeeze through but not all four of them, and defiantly not wide enough to account for Sheldon's wingspan. And the walls of the tower were badly damaged; the stone was cracked and chipped while the metal was rusted. The whole place looked like it could fall down at any moment, and although Leonard doubted it actually would; it was still too unsafe for them to attempt to leave through here.

"Don't worry I have no intention of doing so, Leonard." Sheldon replied "Someone watch the door, I won't be long."

And with that he suddenly shot upwards, he was clearly going as slow as he could manage, but it was still too fast. For some reason the chimney got narrower the further up it went and Sheldon's wingspan was too wide. Unable to fly any further, Sheldon suddenly grabbed hold of a ledge and after steadying himself, began to slowly shimmy across it.

"What's he doing?" Penny asked.

"I have no idea," Leonard replied.

The three of them starred up at their friend slowly crept along the broken wall. Carefully Sheldon grabbed any holds he could find in the wall, several times they just collapsed the moment he touched them, but Sheldon was undeterred. Carrying on he reached an artificial ledge while most of the stone had fallen away. Reaching across Sheldon's hands touched the object of this mini-quest. He grabbed a hold of a bag.

Suddenly there was a great rumbling noise and the whole tower shook. The old stone cracked and fell, metal split straight in two. Startled Sheldon fell backwards off the ledge. He tumbled downwards. Bellow him the dry coals suddenly burst into a roaring fire.

"No," Leonard screamed, his eyes watching horror as his friend fell towards the sudden pit of flames.

In mid-air Sheldon's wings tried to unfold, but in his spiral all this caused was him to slam straight into the wall. Frantically he grabbed hold of two stones sticking out of the side to stop himself from falling. But the stones just broke off in his hand, causing Sheldon to once again plummet towards the raging inferno.

Bellow him the fire was certainly growing and at unbelievable rate, large clouds of black smoke began to fill the air and the heat was incredible, the others were forced away from the railings as the heat became unbearable.

Steadying himself, Sheldon began widely flapping his wings trying to at the very least slow his decent. And sure enough it was working. He was managing it; he was even starting to gain altitude. And then he collided with the cloud of black smoke. Due to his rapid motions he was quickly inhaling air, causing him to suck in a huge mouthful of the toxic gas.

Coughing wildly, Sheldon lost his concentration; his wings stopped flapping and the moment they did, he fell. Sheldon swerved into the side of the wall, knocking the bags from his hands. Frantically his eyes widened, he needed to do something or he would die. Still falling, in mid-air he managed to throw himself forward, so now he was facing the fire.

Plummeting downwards, his wings folded in and his fall accelerated. He could see the bag, it was just a few centimetres ahead of him, frantically he reached out trying to grab it. Leonard could do nothing but watch in horror as his best friend flew straight down into the flames.

Sheldon grabbed the bag and clutched it tight. He was just above the flames now, no more than three or four meter. As Leonard watched time seemed to slow down, he could see his friends relieved expressions turning to horror as he realised how close to the fire he was. He could practically see each individual drop of sweat fall of his face. At the last moment Sheldon's wings shot out, catching the hot air he forced himself forward. For a moment as they reflected the blaze, Sheldon's white wings glowed orange.

Shooting forward Sheldon crashed straight into the wall and collapsed onto the ground, his eyes spinning he lay there. Frantically Leonard rushed over to his friend, he tried to help him up, but Sheldon's skin was near burning and heat caused Leonard to let go. Not giving up he tried again, recovering from the blow Sheldon forced himself to his feet and let Leonard lead him back down the passage.

Groaning he gasped for air, before coughing several times. His eyes flicked open. "Are you okay?" Leonard gasped.

Sheldon nodded, "I'll heal," he groaned.

"What were you doing?" Penny snapped, "You could have gotten yourself killed."

Sheldon held up the bag to her.

"What's that?" Howard asked,

"Help," Sheldon replied, and then he coughed again. Reaching in he pulled out several vials, "Holy water," he said as he handed them to the others, "these should help." He also took out something else from the bag, something he didn't let the others see, which he quickly slipped into his pocket. Then he fastened the bag over his shoulder.

Straightening up properly, Sheldon's eyes began to focus again. "What was all this doing up there? And how did you know it was there?" Penny asked.

"I planted it there before we snuck into the factory, I figured we would need all the help we could get and as there was no way to conceal it upon my body, I hit it in one of the chimneys. Now come we've got to get going."

"But…" Penny began, however Sheldon interrupted her.

"I said we've got to go, all your questions can wait, we can't stay here."

"I know where in danger but why the hurry now?" Howard asked

Sheldon gave him a look, "Do you honestly think the chimney shaking and the coals spontaneously catching fire at the exact same time I was climbing up was a coincidence?"

The others paused, "are you saying Azazel knew you were climbing that?" Leonard asked.

"Either that or he booby trapped all the Chimneys to stop anyone sneaking in through them and trying to escape, either way we have to go, come on."

Worried now the four of them began moving faster down the corridor, even if Azazel hadn't known they were in the chimney, he certainly would now.

---

Sweating pouring down her head, Amy took another swig from her water bottle.

"Hey, we've only got two of those, and I might want a drink to." Bernadette snapped.

"Sorry, I'm just so hot," Amy gasped, "how are you taking this so well?"

Bernadette shrugged, before lying back on her position, "I guess it comes with less mass, after all it's got to come with one advantage right?" Grabbing her binoculars again Bernadette resumed her observation.

Looking down at her Amy was almost annoyed at how well her friend was taking this heat, to her it was next to unbearable. Sighing she took another drink from the water bottle.

"Amy," Bernadette said not looking up.

"Sorry, I won't drink anymore." Amy said in almost exasperation.

"Not that, look there's smoke emerging from one of the chimneys."

Amy swivelled round; sure enough one of the steel mill's chimneys was now leaking smoke. "Looks like where up."

Bernadette pushed herself to her feet, walking over she grabbed an iron danger and carefully slipped it in, so that it was concealed by her clothes. She then grabbed the other one and handed it to Amy. "Ready?" She asked?

Amy gulped but nodded. Both girls turned and grabbed a wagon, before slowly making their way towards the factory.

---

Emerging out of the corridor, the group found themselves back in the room with all the machinery. Not wanting to wait around Sheldon ran towards one of the doors only for a great whirring noise to grab all their attention. Spinning around everyone stared in shock as the old machinery clicked back into life. The conveyer belt began moving again. Despite all the damage, it was all still working.

There was a cracking noise and then a familiar voice spoke. "Hello Doctor Cooper, what do you think of my Steel Mill?"

Eyes shot around the room searching for a voice, and then Howard saw it, "Look," he said, pointing towards a speaker.

"Clearly PA system is among the things they fixed up," Leonard mummed, for just a moment after he said that, he could have almost sworn he saw Sheldon's eyes flicker.

"Nice you finally made it; I guess you really do care about your friends. Don't worry though, I'll fix that." Azazel's sickening voice continued to echo through the factory, "You and I are going to have a nice long chat; oh I do hope you enjoy it I know I will. And once were done, I'll let your friends join in, I'm sure there be worth a couple of hours entertainment before they well, break. And then once there all done, I'll cook us both a nice meaty dinner, no point letting anything go to waste after all. And if we're lucky, we might hear a few final screams just as I drop the meat into the pot." A cold laugh broke out.

The group shuddered, Azazel paused before continuing to speak "got say, I'm kind of glad you've escaped, it would really have meant all the work my followers have got done over the past few days just for you would have been wasted if you didn't. Still go ahead and try and get out Cooper, I can assure you I've left nothing to chance and I've got plenty of surprises to keep you in here, for example did you see this one coming?"

Suddenly there was a colossal bang; the whole building seemed to shake. The celling cracked open above them. "Leonard!" Sheldon screamed, he dived forward right into his friend pushing him forward just as a huge chunk of plaster plummeted down from the ceiling right where Leonard had been standing. The floor shattered, but the machinery didn't stop working. Instead the sound intensified it was like the whole factory was coming back to life.

"The sound you just heard…" Azazel continued "is what happens when you light several pounds of dynamite in a sewer system below this factory. You know the same one you broke in through? Good luck getting out that way. And before you bother trying, all the other exits are sealed, all the windows have bars on them and I have men on the roof, there is no way out. Still your undoubtedly try, so lets let the games begin." He let out a cold cackle and then there was another crack, then silence.

---

For a moment no one spoke, the only sound was the loud machinery still wiring. "What do we do now?" Howard suddenly said.

"Keep moving," Penny replied, "there be coming."

"They aren't coming," Sheldon almost too calmly said. "There already outside."

"What?" Everyone shouted.

"My ears are a lot better than yours; I can hear at least fifteen sets of footsteps from every direction."

"So were trapped." Howard said, "Great, we finally break out of those accursed chains and now we're going to die slowly."

"We're have to fight are way out," Penny mummed her eyes open wide, darting from door to door to door. She grabbed Leonard with her free hand and pulled him in closer.

Sheldon shook his head, "There's too many," he replied, "they would cut us to pieces."

"Why don't they attack us now?" Leonard asked.

Sheldon shrugged, "I guess the pure sadistic appeal of waiting for us to open one of the doors and finding them standing there is too much for them to resist."

"They're not going to wait out there forever, pretty soon there going to realise we know they're there." Leonard said he then turned around twice, his eyes going over all the exits, "Sheldon were trapped."

"What do we do then?" Howard asked, his voice shaking.

"Grab on," Sheldon replied, as he did his wings unfolded. Before the others could react, he grabbed hold of Penny and Leonard and pulled them against his side. He turned to face Howard "Grab on." This time he said it with more urgency. Confused at what he was planning Howard hesitated, where was he going with this? But before he could finish thinking, there was sudden a loud bang as one of the doors smashed open. Panicking Howard dived forward, wrapping his arms around Sheldon's waist.

Frantically Sheldon's wings began to flap and the group shot upwards into the air straight through the enormous crack that was now in the celling. Gracefully they landed on the floor beside it. "Run," he shouted. Frantically the four of them ran for the door. Bellow they could hear angry shouts, it was clear the demons had seen them escape.

Together they ran down the corridors, already behind them they could hear raging footsteps somewhere behind them. They had the head start, but the demons wouldn't tire. Frantically they ran round the corner, only to stop dead. Another giant wire fence blocked there path, startled they began to back away, but the sound of footsteps was too close and there were no other exits in this corridor, they couldn't risk.

Turning Sheldon started at the fence, he hesitated before suddenly wildly charging at it. However the second he collided with the fence he started to scream. There was a great crack and he was thrown backwards. Groaning he crumbled onto the floor.

"Sheldon!" Leonard screamed, dropping his dagger he ran over to his friend's side. Frantically he kneeled beside him, "he's still breathing, but I think he's out cold."

"Not again," Howard groaned, "Is this place tailor made to knock him unconscious or something?"

Leonard gave him a cold look, Howard quickly shut up.

"What happened?" Penny asked.

Looking up Leonard started at the fence searching for an answer then he noticed the dead rats beside it. "The fence, it must be electric, clearly what ever hit him is more than he can take."

"We've got to get out of here." Howard shouted. The footsteps were too loud now, they sounded mere minutes away.

"Penny," Leonard quickly said, "see if you can buy us some more time, were try and wake him." Nodding Penny held up her gun and walked over to the edge of the corner. She stood there waiting, waiting till the sound was loud enough. Sweat poured down her brow, but if this was to work she had to wait. Turning back she stared, Howard and Leonard were both in the process of trying to wake Sheldon. Howard tried slapping him, but only ended up hurting his hand.

The sound was getting louder and louder. But at the same time slower, it was no longer a frenzy charge, more a calm stroll. They clearly knew they were trapped and not in any hurry. But unknown to them, this just made it easier for Penny. From the sounds of their footsteps she guessed they were perhaps fifty or so yards away. She just needed them to come a bit closer.

Meanwhile Leonard was standing by his friend now, "Sheldon, please Sheldon. You've got to wake up we need you, please wake up." Sheldon lay there, it was no good the shock had clearly done some damage. Leonard new that Sheldon's body healed at a great rate, but he had no guarantee that it would be fast enough for them.

The demons were closer now; standing there Penny guessed they were perhaps twenty yards away. She held up her shotgun, Penny wanted to wait a bit longer, but as the sweat poured down here brow, she realised if they got any closer, it would be too dangerous. Slowly she took a deep breath, before jumping forward.

Before her stood seven demons, confused by her suddenness they hesitated and that was all the time Penny needed. She let off a blast of rock salt. The scattering salt hit one causing it to collapse and two others to dive backwards. Before they could react Penny let of a second and third blast, knocking two more down. But before she could let off any more the demons vanished. Unsure Penny back away, her eyes darting looking for them, where were they?

---

Meanwhile, Leonard took out one of the vials of holy water; opening it he gently sprinkled the water over Sheldon's face. "Come on, come on, wake up, we need you, please wake up." Silence fell, Penny's eyes continued to dart around the room, there still no sign of the demons, she held her gun poised and armed, ready to blow anything out of sight. She still had four shots left.

Suddenly there was a snarling roar and a demon appeared before her, frantically Penny fired, but the beast disappeared before the blast hit it. Started Penny fumbled with her gun; suddenly it appeared again right in front of her. Penny tried to fire, but the beast knocked the gun from her hands. Snarling the creature swung at her, knocking Penny straight back into the wall.

She let out a groan before crumpling onto the ground. Smirking to its self, the demon walked over; grasping Penny by the shoulders the creature hoisted her into the air. Laughing, it began to slowly tighten its grip. The blow had dazed Penny, but at this point her eyes opened wide and she began to yell in pain.

The Demon continued its sadistic laugh. Suddenly the thing yelled out in agony. Dropping Penny onto the ground, in hunched over in pain, an iron dagger sticking into its back. While the thing was distracted by hurting Penny, it had failed to notice Leonard sneaking up behind it. Leonard pushed the demon to the side and rushed to his girlfriend's side.

"Penny," he cried, "Are you okay. Speak to me, Penny."

Penny looked up, she was about to speak when her eyes opened wide in horror. Leonard barely had time to turn, before he was grasped and thrown against the wall. Another demon had appeared behind him. Snarling the beast brought up its fist, planning to squash Leonard's skull with a single blow.

Gasping for air, Leonard quickly grabbed a vial from his pocket. Bringing in up, he managed to throw the holy water on the creatures face. The demon dropped Leonard and howled in agony, its face burning. Frantically Penny kicked the beast in the chest knocking it backwards. Rolling over she grabbed her shotgun and fired a single bolt knocking the demon flying. Snarling she turned on the other one, still lying hunched over and let off another blast. The demon slumped onto the ground.

Leonard grabbed his dagger out of the burning wound, before turning to Penny. "There's only a one shot left," she said.

Looking over, they saw that the demons she had knocked down first where now beginning to twitch. The rock salt may hurt like agony and knock them down, but it didn't kill them, they were recovering.

"We need to get out of here," Penny yelled.

Frantically the two of them ran over to Sheldon and Howard, "How is he?"

Howard looked up, "I think he's coming round, just give him a few minutes."

"We don't have a few minutes. Leonard, give me a hand we need to get going before that lot get back up or more demons find us."

Together they lent down to help Sheldon up, only for a hand to suddenly grab them both from behind. Casually they were both thrown into the walls, there weapons falling to the ground. Howard stared in horror, another demon stood there in front of him.

"Oh c…" Howard began, but before he could finish the demon slugged him knocking him down. Casually the demon strolled over to Leonard and Penny. Groaning Penny tried to get to her feet, but the demon punched her down again. Grasping Leonard he held him against the wall.

"I take it you lot are bad at counting," it hissed, "Either that or you just forgot about me. Now I know the boss wants you for himself, but I'm he won't miss one. And I can always say you were resisting." Casually the demon clasped its hand round Leonard's throat and slowly began to tighten in its grip.

Leonard tried to struggle but the demon was to strong, he tried to grab another vial from his pocket, but the demon just clobbered him in the stomach, forcing what little air was left in him out. Leonard tried to gasp for air, but none was able to get down his throat. With his final breath he just managed one slow "Help."

---

Suddenly another hand grabbed the demon by the leg, with a sudden sharp tug it was pulled away from Leonard and straight to the floor. Leonard collapsed to his knees gasping for air. Sheldon still lay there on the floor, but now his eyes opened wide. Snarling he grabbed the demon by the chest and with both hands threw it. The demon flew straight into the electric fence.

Groaning Sheldon pushed himself back to his face, he was dazed and shaken, but the sight of seeing his best friend being choked had given him all the drive he needed. Not even noticing the electricity, the demon snarled and dived at Sheldon knocking him back down to the ground. Frantically the creature clasped its hands around Sheldon's neck. But Sheldon managed to break his grip. Rolling over he forced the creature underneath him, before repeatedly punching in the head. The blows were so hard they managed to shatter the floorboards beneath the demon head.

Before the demon could react, Sheldon wrapped his hand around its mouth and spat the exorcism at it. The demon vanished into the floor. Recovering Leonard and Penny rushed over to Howard and helped him but. Sheldon pushed himself back to his feet, he looked exhausted, but there was no time to worry about that now.

"Quick," Penny said, "we've got to get out of here." The group turned but already the sound of more, rapidly approaching, footsteps were in front of them.

"What are we going to do?" Howard said.

Leonard's eyes however had focused on something else. "The vent," He shouted, all eyes turned, sure enough on the side of the wall, was a ventilation grill it was a very large grill, like the sort that was found in these old buildings back before they were able to make smaller ones. "Sheldon," Leonard said. Instantly taking the hint, Sheldon rushed over, grasping the grill, he casually tugged at it, causally ripping the metal from the wall.

It was a very large vent, the sort that you normally only see in the movies, but fitting in fine with the age of this factory.

"Quick everyone in," Sheldon yelled.

"Don't ventilation shafts change in size at different points?" Howard asked, "What if we get stuck?"

"Would you rather take your chances with them?" Leonard asked.

"I'm first," Howard yelled.

Quickly Howard crawled in, followed by Leonard, Penny rushed upwards, but Sheldon grabbed her arm. "Give a me a cartridge first." He said. Penny obliged before also squeezing herself into the vent. Sheldon quickly receded his wings so he would have a chance to fit in, then cracked opened the cartridge and poured the salt out forming a line over the vent, before very carefully slithering in after his friends.

---

It was quite dark inside the vent the only light coming from other grills; thankfully none of them were particularly large, so they all managed to fit. But in the mid-afternoon Texan heat, the metal vent was warm, very warm and very humid. And pretty quickly it became uncomfortable; the sound of them moving also echoed throughout entire vent and was near enough deafening. It was truly an unpleasant experience.

"Got to say, this looks more fun in the movies," Howard groaned.

Exactly where they were going none of them bothered to ask, it was purely a question of getting away. In the dark they carried on, one after the other. They had not gone far, when suddenly the line came to a hault.

Leonard crashed into Howard, Penny crashed into Leonard and Sheldon crashed into Penny. Groans echoed through the vent, very carefully all four members moved backwards, so get out of the uncomfortable situation.

"What's the matter?" Penny angrily shouted.

"Why did you stop Howard?" Leonard enquired.

"There's a landmine in front of me." Howard said.

"What?" Everyone else shouted in unison.

"A landmine, you know the things that cause people to fly two hundred feet into the air and scatter over a wide area."

"Howard are you sure?" Leonard asked,

"Yes, I'm positive, its circular, metallic and complete with a pressure pad. Believe me it's a land mine."

"What's a landmine doing in a vent?" Penny practically screamed.

"Clearly," Sheldon said, "and I would think this would be obvious, but clearly Azazel put it here among his methods to stop people being able to escape. Evidently he anticipated we may try to bypass the factory and escape through the ventilation system."

Silence fell throughout the group. "Can you wriggle past it?" Penny suggested hopefully.

"I don't know about you, but I would prefer not be able to see my organs lying in front of me." Howard snapped back angrily.

"Well then we have to go back." Leonard said.

"We can't go back Leonard," Sheldon replied, "As the demons placed them here, there clearly know they are here. And thus still be waiting for us back there."

"Well if we can't go forward and we can't go back, what do you suggest we do?" Penny asked.

"This," Sheldon replied, he crawled backwards slightly so that he was further form the others then suddenly he began pressing his hands down hard, against the metal. There was a pause then the hot metal began to groan.

"What are you doing back there?" Penny called; the vent was too small for them to have room to turn around so they were blind to Sheldon's actions. Ignoring Penny, Sheldon continued to push; sweat was already dripping down his brow, beneath his hands the metal began to bend.

And then with a sudden great bang it snapped. The mental split and Sheldon's hands went through to the other side. Grasping the torn metal Sheldon began to pull, causing it to come back with him and tear more. Blood ran down his hands onto the mental, and then back up into his hands; the process was near simultaneous making it hard to tell which way the blood was traveling. Although straining from the pain Sheldon did not stop.

With on final groan he torn the metal just far enough. "Sheldon what are you doing." Leonard cried.

"I've made a hole in the floor of the vent, that way we can get out of here. I'll go down first, wait till I say and then slowly crawl backwards I'll help you don't. Just be careful, the metal's a bit sharp from where I tore."

"Wait what's beneath us?" Penny asked, looking down Sheldon stared at the darkened room, with his enhanced eyes he saw the sights, several of which caused him to shudder. "An empty room, we should be fine, it doesn't appear anyone has heard all the noise we heard, no come one before they start sending demons into the vents after us."

And with that Sheldon slipped down the hole he made, he fell head first, but landed better than he should have. Groaning slightly he pushed himself back to his feet, then grabbing a chair he placed it below the hole before climbing up and reaching through to help the others down. Casually he placed them onto the floor, before climbing off.

---

The room was dark as the lights were off, and the only window had a large cover over it. In the dim light the others could only make out shapes. There was a funny smell oozing through the air, old and near faded, but still repulsive. "What is this room?" Howard asked.

"Nothing of importance," Sheldon replied, his voice sounded a bit strained however. "Let's keep moving." He said.

Slowly he turned to walk towards the door, but lacking his eyesight the others could only stumble after him. "Oh this is ridiculous," Penny snapped, she turned and walked towards a large box like shape that was clearly the light switch on the wall. Sheldon tried to say something but cut himself off in mid-sentence.

Howard stumbled through the room grumbling to himself he had already bumped into several odd ideas, of varying shapes and sizes. What was this room? Why was it so full? He was under the impression that the other rooms were most often empty. Sighing he turned to face what appeared to be a bookcase. Only to see a man's head staring back at him.

Howard jumped backwards screaming. At that moment Penny flipped switch, the lights flickered on. And true horror of the room became apparent. All eight pairs of eyes stared in dread. It was a big room, the largest they had seen in this factory so far. And it was full to the brim with just about every instrument of pain and punishment ever devised.

The wall was laced with casings holding things like a selection of clubs and spiked maces. The room had several operating tables, complete leather straps and metal chains. By the side of each table were other smaller tables each one holding a disturbing selection of everything from surgical scalpels to meat cleavers; everything from Power drills and nail guns to claw hammers.

By the wall was another case with a line of containers across its top, containers filled with nails, pins, needles and spikes. A collection of Bull whips were neatly arranged on a specific rack. Blood stained iron hooks and metal chains dangled from the ceiling. Axes, saws, picks and crowbars were also neatly placed on the second row. There were two partially open draws, both full of old syringes. Some still with fluids left in them, fluids of a variety of colours such as light blue and dark red and orange. And at the bottom was another set of shelves, upon them was several bottles of bleach, right beside it was a mop and a bucket.

Several bear traps laid across the floor, some open, some closed, flies buzzed around these ones. In the middle was a large pit filled with coal. Across the room, on the far right were a set of chains and hand restraints stretching out of the wall and on said wall was a large but partially faded red stain, there were black burned patches dotted on parts of the wall interrupting the stain. A large wielding torch lay on to the side of it.

Flasks filled with oil and clear solutions, with signs marked "warning corrosive" upon them, was positioned neatly upon a long self. In the whole room that was not one speck of dust, almost all the instruments were cleaned and kept in immaculate condition. A large spiked bed lay against the right wall, over a hundred long thick spikes stuck out of it. If you looked closely you could make out a few flies impaled upon individual spikes, the price they suffered for resting for even a second.

But the most horrible sight of all was the one that was right in front of Howard, a giant case stood before him filled to the brim with glass jars. Jars filled with pickled body parts. Hands, legs, fingers, toes, feet, arms, ears, eyeballs, lips, noses, hearts, lungs, stomachs, spleens, kidneys and even a single whole head. All just floating there before them in mason jars filled with formaldehyde. On the top of the case was a line of human skulls, each one have a large hole in the left side. There was no doubt about it this was Azazel's torture chamber.

Penny threw up, and it was only because of starvation that Leonard and Howard didn't join her. Instead the two of them just shook in horror. Sheldon himself felt nauseous, turning he quickly switched the off lights again, and then taking Leonards hand, led him out of the room, he turned around and went back for Penny, then finally Howard. They didn't speak, they just stood there in silence; they didn't even make eye contact with each other.

---

No one even had any idea what to do next. It's possible they would have stood there forever, but then suddenly a door flew open and something shouted "There they are! Get them or the boss will boil you in oil."

"Run," Penny shouted. Frantically the group darted off down the corridor, however this point they were all beginning to tire, and the Texan heat didn't help. The demons on the other hand didn't tire and clearly nothing of scolding bothered them. They were quickly gaining upon them. Leonard and Howard in particular were lagging behind. Neither of them had eaten anything in several days and was beginning to feel very weak.

With all their effort the group pushed on; suddenly there was a loud clicking noise and a metal gate feel down before them blocking the road. Spinning around they saw the demons standing there blocking the only way back. They had stopped running and were now just staring at them, there were four of them. A cure smile spreading over all their faces.

Calmly Sheldon pushed his friends behind him. Penny held up her shotgun, Leonard grasped hold of his dagger, Howard looked at the other two almost annoyed. For a moment silence stood, the two groups just looked back at each other. It was as if time had slowed down and every second lasted for minutes. You could practically hear the sweat dropping onto the floor.

And then in an instant it was over. Snarling the demons charged at them, one of them vanished. Sheldon rushed forward into the fray, grasping two demons he pushed them backwards, the two parties collided together hitting a skirmish. The third however grasped Howard and smashed him into the wall. Penny aimed her gun, but before she could fire the other demon appeared in front her. Started Penny hesitated; grasping her gun with one hand, the demon casually threw it to the ground. Recovering Penny dived to the side, but wasn't fast enough. The force of the blow knocked her on to the ground.

The Demon snarled and lunged at her, but Penny dived between its legs just in time. The demon spun around, but at that moment Leonard charged at it and plunged his dagger straight into the things back. The demon howled in anger, and slummed to the floor in pain. Hearing its cries, the one holding Howard turned to look. This was all the chance Howard required, grasping one of the vials Sheldon had given him from his pocket, he managed to pull the lid. Feeling the movement, the demon spun back, just in time. Howard poured the contents back on its head. The demon howled in pain, and dropped Howard. Hitting the ground, Howard quickly slammed his shoulder into the demons chest, pushing off against the wall for extra force.

The move caused his shoulder to ache, but succeed in intent. The demon was knocked backwards, holding it face in its hands it staggered for a moment. Grabbing another vial, Howard threw the holy water at the creature. Again it howled, this time the pain was too much and it collapsed on to the floor, its chest and face dissolving.

Meanwhile Sheldon was still struggling to hold the two demons back, it was clear the Se'irim reputation for strength and power was well deserved, as was there brutality, but he still had one advantage. Suddenly Sheldon's wings sprouted out of his back, before the demons could react, they began flapping wildly. In a second all three of them shot up into the air, crashing straight through the ceiling. One of the demons lost its grip and fell, hitting the floor it began to get up, but then a bang rang out and it collapsed again. Penny smiled as she looked down the barrel of her gun, another bullseye.

Sheldon can crashing back down threw another part of the celling, the other demon still holding on tight, frantically the collided with the floor. The demon tried to kick him off, but Sheldon held on tight, near snarling he smashed his fist into the things head. The demon continued to wriggle, angrily Sheldon hit it again, but still the demon was undeterred. Getting its arm free it pushed back against Sheldon's face trying to knock him off. But before it could do anything else Howard hurled another vial full of holy water at it. The demon screamed, but before it could finish, Sheldon brought his fist down a third time. The combined pain of the Holy water and his fist was enough, the demon slumped down dazed.

---

Sheldon got to his feet, "thank you Howard," he said. He paused, before kneeling down again "Vade reto satana…" he began. But before he could finish the sound of more yells and stampeding footsteps filled the air.

"No time," Penny said, "come on run."

Sheldon turned and ran over to the gate before them. "What you doing?" Leonard asked.

Sheldon didn't reply, instead he crouched down and grabbed hold of it. Then with a great heave he began to lift it back up again. Struggling he pushed the large gate up. "Go!" He groaned. The others ran underneath.

Still Straining, Sheldon bent his knees down slightly, and then suddenly sprung up throwing the gate up a few feet into the air. Frantically he dived forward through the gap he made; just in time as the large gate can crashing down behind him. Pausing he panted for breath.

"No time for that," Penny snapped, grabbing his arm, she frantically pulled him forward into a run. Together the group ran off the sound of demons steps were close behind. Swirling round the corner they continued to run. This was all too much for Howard and Leonard exhausted the two of them stopped and leaned against the wall.

Sheldon and Penny were also forced to stop, "are you two okay?" Penny asked.

"No," Leonard groaned. Howard rolled his eyes.

"Penny," Sheldon said slightly irritably, "please let go of my arm."

Penny practically jumped back, having not realised she was still holding on to it. "Sheldon, why did we have to go this way?" Penny asked.

"It's the more difficult route, meaning there is less chance there suspect we took it." Sheldon replied. However he wasn't very convincing. Taking her chance however she began to reload her shotgun, however by this point she was running low on cartridges.

"Whatever, look those two can't keep running; can't you use a spell to perk them up or something?"

Sheldon gave Penny a look, "I can heal wounds and break curses," Sheldon replied, "But I can't cure starvation."

"So what do we do?"

"I would personally recommend less running," Howard panted.

"Still we need to keep moving, we've got to get out of here." Sheldon said.

"Wait, where are we going?" Penny asked.

"This way," Sheldon replied callously, before walking off down the corridor. Forced to except this, the others followed after him. The sound of demonic footsteps had vanished; once again the factory was silent, except for the distant hum of the machinery.

Quick as they could the group made their way along, this part of the factory had clearly fallen into even worse decay than the rest. There were great holes in the plaster and in the celling. The floor was cracked and several times the group saw something furry run along the remains of the skirting boards.

Sheldon continued to walk down the corridors without hesitation, and Penny was getting suspicious, "What is going on, first with that chimney now this, where is he leading us?" she discreetly asked.

Leonard shrugged, "I don't know, but it's probably the way out."

"But why is he being so secretive about it?"

"I don't know, but then he never really was an open book, was he?"

"No, I guess he wasn't. I would still just feel better if he actually told us what he had in mind, rather than expecting us to blindly follow him."

"Yeah, well we've wanted that for years, and if it didn't happen back when it didn't matter, I see no reason why it should change now it does matter."

Penny sighed, "I guess you're right. But it doesn't make me feel any better."

By this point they had reached another metal staircase, the metal was rusted but still appeared sturdy, slowly Sheldon rested his foot on the bottom rung, before slowly claiming upon it. Having assured himself he began to make his way up the staircase. The others hesitated, but knowing he was the heaviest of the four of them soon joined him in climbing up the old staircase, as the climbed the creaks and groans just seemed to get louder. But somehow it stood firm.

They were now on the second level of this factory. "Sheldon, why are we going up?" Penny asked, "You heard Azazel, we can't escape by the roof."

"I have no intent of going to the roof." Sheldon replied.

"Then where are we going?"

"This way!"

"Sheldon. Where are we going?"

Sheldon paused and turned around to face them; "If you must know, we are going..." he paused as if deciding on how to phrase the next bit best. He spoke in a calm but cold manner, with a clear tone of annoyance, "…to the one place where they would never expect us to go. To the one place in this entire accursed factory where there will be an exit we can use to get out. So we all don't end up strapped down to one of those benches we saw, back in Azazel's little break room down there."

Silence fell, no one replied. In a softer voice he continued. "Please follow me; we have to get out of here. If say in one place to long, there find us and we can't keep winning. We're getting tired, and they do not. We're succumbing to fatigue, and they do not. Until we get out of this place, they hold the advantage over us and advantage that is growing with ever second we waste, we need to keep moving."

And with that he simply turned and walked off. The others looked at each other before following him. "Can I ask you something?" Howard enquired, "Has he always been in the subject of actually talking sense after much prompting or is that new?"

"Well he's certainly started talking a lot like that recently." Penny replied.

Sheldon carried on down the corridor, up ahead he turned left, and then coming up to the corner he paused to check his watch. "Should have been long enough," he muttered himself.

"What are…" Penny began. But Sheldon clasped his hand around her mouth and violently shook his head.

"What's the matter?" Leonard whispered.

"There are two guards around the corner and perhaps more inside, I can't tell." Sheldon replied.

"What are they guarding?" Howard asked suspiciously.

"Are way out." Sheldon replied.

"I thought you said that wouldn't expect us going there?"

"I admit, that bit, there is a chance that I might have gotten wrong," Sheldon replied slowly.

"Okay so, what is the plan?"

"There are two of them, you can overpower them right?" Leonard asked.

"It's indeed possible, but sounds of a struggle might alert more of them to are present position. And there is the chance that there are more inside."

"Anyone so does anyone have a plan then?" Howard whispered, almost repeating himself.

There was a pause, "I have an idea." Penny said.

All heads turned to face her, "what I can't have an idea?"

"No, please enlighten us." Sheldon said in a voice that it was impossible to tell if he was being genuine or mocking.

---

The factory may be alive now, from the machinery buzzing and the angry demons searching every noon and cranny but in this part there was silence. The guards had been standing there for several hours now, and they would carry on doing so until they had orders not to fearfully aware of the consequences that would befall them if they were to fail.

Suddenly a loud flapping noise got their attention it sounded like giant swan wings beating. Suspiciously they began to walk forward, one of them watching the celling, while the other kept watch. In either direction they could see nothing. But something had made that sound.

Hesitantly Penny watched from her hiding spot, there they were. She hoped this plan of hers would work, she would never hear the end of it if it failed. All she needed was them to come just a little bit closer, with her gun she could probably take them both out now; neither of them had seen her. But they were intending this one to be stealthy.

The two demons having found nothing were about to turn back, when suddenly another loud flapping sound got their attention. This time they both turned and began to walk towards Penny. Just a bit closer. A bit closer. Penny held her breath, she didn't dare move. Not a single sigh could be allowed to ruin this. She turned to Howard who was crouched down opposite her.

The demons were right in front of them now; it wouldn't be much longer before they found them. Carefully the two of them began to slide backwards, trying their best to make no sound. The demons were still unaware of their presence. Then suddenly a cartridge fell out of Penny's pocket. The bright red tube rolled across the floor only to stop right in front of the demons.

Snarling the demons ran forward, Penny tried to run, but before she could even get to her feet a demon grasped her by the shoulders and pushed her down. Howard tried to back away, but the demons partner saw him. Grasping him with one hand he dragged him along only to thrown him on top of Penny.

Groaning the two lied there as they looked down on them. "Now what do we have here?" one of the demons chucked, hoisting a smile that would have made Charles Manson proud.

"Oh, us well, we're really nobody," Penny said with a smirk, "Truthfully, it's them you should be worried about."

Before the demons could react a pair of arms grabbed one from behind and the other let out a moan of pain and collapsed to the ground, a long knife stick in its back. Sheldon managed to force the demon on top of his friend, his hand covering its mouth. Leonard stood next to him. Holding it in place, the demon struggled to break free but Sheldon managed to hold on firm. He began to recount the exorcism.

The demons vanished and the knife hit the floor. Groaning, they helped there friends to their feet and Leonard retrieved the knife. "Well that worked mostly like I planned." Penny said.

Not caring, Sheldon had walked back to the door the demons had been guarding. "What is in there?" Leonard asked.

"The manager's office," Sheldon replied. "I can't hear anyone inside, I think it's empty."

Grasping the handle he opened the door, "wait, why are we going into the manager's office?" Penny asked.

"Cause," Sheldon replied, as he walked in, the others followed after him. "It is now Azazel's office."

---

The office was large and well-spaced, there was a large desk directly in font of them. It held several decaying books a microphone and dead bird which had had its wings ripped off. An old fish tank stood in the other, although by this point the fish had been reduced to bones and the water was murky. Multiple broken pictures still hung on the wall. Sets of large filing cabinets were by the wall, some of which had fallen down. Several draws were open, and files were scattered beside them. A large grandfather clock stood by the side, and another clock hung on the wall, the first had stopped exactly at one minute past three, while the second had stopped at one minute before four.

An old chessboard was laid out another table. Six white pieces were left, a King, a queen, a knight, a rook and two pawns. While the black pieces had a full set, except it was missing both bishops and the queen. There was another white pawn by the side of the board, as if it had been taken out of the came and not added back yet. The black and the white king were exactly facing each other, being one move from taking the other and putting both in check.

A large window stood on the far wall, right behind the desk. Slowly the group followed Sheldon in. "Wait I get it," Leonard suddenly said, "if is Azazel's office, confronting him is the last thing they would expect so this is the last place they would believe you would go. So they didn't bother to block this exit, aside from a few guards."

"Exactly, Sheldon replied, and as you can see I am right." A slow clapping suddenly began; the group looked around in shock.

"Very good Cooper," a sickening voice suddenly spoke, "but I'm afraid I'm a far too old player of this game to fall for that trick." And suddenly Azazel appeared there before them right in front of the window. "Indeed this is the only exit, but if you want to take it, I'm afraid you're going to have to get through me."

Sheldon stepped forward, he stared slightly in shock, Azazel smiled, "come now Cooper you're a smart man, you know you can't win against me. I wrestled fully grown Nephilim to the ground for fun and broke their arms just so I could watch them fail. Surrender, you know what because I'm in a generous mood if you surrender now I promise to give all your friends a nice and quick death and only stretch out over an hour or so. You can't win; kneel before me it is your only answer."

"Never!" Sheldon replied.

Azazel shrugged, "Well I could do with a bit fun anyway, but trust me Cooper you can't beat me."

"I know," Sheldon replied.

Azazel smiled smugly, "that's why I brought this." Sheldon pulled a cross out from the bag around his shoulder. The sight of it caused Azazel's eyes to open wide in horror. Holding it up at him the demon was forced backwards to his desk. Seizing his advantage Sheldon advanced, the others watched silently form behind.

"Nice move Cooper," Azazel replied, his voice had lost all playfulness and was now simply cold. "And here is my reply." Suddenly flames burst up out of the ground in front of him. Sheldon let out a scream of pain as his arm caught fire and was forced to drop his crucifix. Hit the ground it was consumed by the flames and Sheldon was forced to dive to the side as the dry floorboards at his feet quickly caught fire.

Panicking Sheldon tried to react, but before he could Azazel let out a scream and charged at him. Grasping hold of him Azazel threw Sheldon through the air straight into the wall. Sheldon hit with a loud crash. He barely had time to respond before Azazel came storming at him. At the last moment Sheldon suddenly jumped, his legs propelling him over Azazel, his wings unfolding in mid-air he circled the room and gracefully landed on the other side. Azazel just crashed straight through the wall.

Sheldon gasped for breath, he needed to think he needed to plan. But before he could think of anything Leonard shouted out "Look out Sheldon," Sheldon managed to duck just in time. Azazels blow went over his head. Sheldon tried to respond and swung at Azazel, but his hand just hit air, Azazel was gone. Before he could even process this, another blow hit him from behind, sending him flying across the office again straight into another wall.

Once again Azazel charged at him. Jumping to his feet, Sheldon ripped the grandfather clock off the floor and slammed it down hard on Azazel. The clock shattered, but Azazel was unaffected, he punched Sheldon hard in the chest. Sheldon bent over in pain. Azazel tried to bring his fist down on him, but Sheldon's wings spun into Azazel's side stunning him. Taking advantage of this Sheldon dived at him, knocking Azazel to the floor.

Struggling the two wrestled on the floor, rolling over repeatedly trying to get the advantage. Getting on top, Azazel pinned Sheldon, snarling he brought up his fist and tried to punch him in the head. But Sheldon managed to get his head out of the way in time and Azazel's fist went straight through the floorboards.

"Sheldon," Penny screamed, finally snapping out of her trance, she aimed her shotgun at Azazel's head. Azazel rose up slightly to face her; he just flicked his neck slightly. The end of the barrel suddenly shot upwards colliding with Penny's head. The blow knocked her other. Azazel smirked coldly.

"Penny," Leonard cried dropping to his loves side, thankfully she was only dazed, but now she had a nasty bruise on her forehead.

Still smirking Azazel turned back to Sheldon. He was just in time to see Sheldon's fist, before it collided with his face. The blow knocked Azazel off Sheldon and caused him to land several yards back. He staggered for a moment, before straightening up, and then clicked his jaw into place, before turning back to face Sheldon.

Sheldon rose back up to his feet, his wings flapping he charged at Azazel, taking flight in mid sprint. Azazel however ducked under his blow and grasping him by the chest, spun him around and brought him down hard onto the floor. The floorboards shattered beneath him, in one single loud crack.

"Sheldon," Leonard cried, frantically he tried to rush towards his friend. Seeing this Azazel just flicked his wrist, and all three of them were pulled through the door way and thrown against the wall, they lay there groaning. Turning back to Sheldon, Azazel hoisted him into the air, then holding him by the neck with one hand, smashed his fist into Sheldon's face. Then he punched him again, and again. Blood began to pour down the side of Sheldon's face.

Smiling, Azazel pushed Sheldon back into the wall, there was a crash when he hit, and the sound of several ribs cracking. Sheldon groaned and hung there limply, turning back to the others, Azazel flipped his wrist again, causing all of them to suddenly rise up against the wall. Panicking they tried to struggle but it was no use, they were trapped.

Turning back to Azazel, the demon smirked once again "Honestly Cooper, did you really believe you could beat me?"

"Truthfully," Sheldon groaned, "No." He coughed for air, and spat a bit of blood onto the floor. "That's why…" Sheldon began before coughing again.

"That's why, what?" Azazel asked smugly.

"That's why…I…brought…this." Sheldon gasped, and then suddenly out from underneath his collar he pulled a second Crucifix, which he had managed to conceal by wearing it around his neck. Seeing the sight of the cross so close caused Azazel to scream in agony, he dropped Sheldon and fell to his knees, Leonard, Penny and Howard hit the ground freed. He tried to craw away, but Sheldon suddenly jumped forward and dropped it so it fell right over Azazel's head, forcing him to wear it.

The moment the cross hit Azazel's skin the demons cries became outright howls of pain, he fell on to his back screaming in agony, his limbs flailing wildly. "Shut up," Sheldon groaned. He stamped his foot down on Azazel's head pushing it through the floor boards.

Frantically the others ran over, Sheldon had made his way to Azazel's desk, out of his pocket he pulled out a CD case. "Sheldon," Penny said, "How long have you been wearing that cross for?"

"I put it on during your plan to distract the guards," Sheldon replied. Calmly he turned on the microphone on the desk; the same one Azazel had used to broadcast through the PA system. Turning on the system he inserted the CD into the drive, and calmly pressed play.

"What's that?" Howard asked.

"Just a little piece of genius cooked up by your lovely wife." Sheldon replied. "Now let's get out of here,"

Rushing over, Sheldon kicked the window causing it to shatter. Wings unfolding the others grasped hold and Sheldon dived forward. His wings flapping they shot through the air and gracefully landed in front of the factory.

"Why have we stopped?" Penny asked.

"We still need to pick up two brilliant women before we can leave, by my calculations they should be finished any moment now."

"There," a familiar voice cried out.

The group spun around, Bernadette and Amy ran towards them.

"Bernadette," Howard screamed. He ran forward and happily embraced his wife in a tight hug, "I thought were dead," he said, near tears at this point.

"It's okay," Bernadette said, "it's all going to be okay. We're together again and that's all that matters." Leaning back the two embraced into a warm loving kiss.

Amy came running up to Sheldon, "Are you okay?" she shouted staring at his bruises, "don't worry these are nothing serious, there be healed by the morning. Now more importantly, how did you do?"

"It's all done," Amy said, "every door, window and other possible means of escape is covered. There is not an exit around this entire factory they can use now."

"Wait what you talking about?" Leonard asked, "Sheldon what was on that disk you put in the speaker system."

"Just a little present that should get them off are backs." Sheldon replied. "One which should be starting back now."

---

Back in Azazel's office, there was a final click as the recording began to play. Throughout the entire factory, Bernadette's voice rang out "Exorcizamus te, omnis immundus piritusomnis satanica potestas, omnis incursion infernalis adversarii, omnis legio, omnis congregation et secta diabolica adjuramus te…"

Throughout the factory the sound of screaming rang out. The demons tried to rush for the exits, only to find a line of rock salt blocking every single one, they were trapped in.

---

The group looked back at the factory, as the sounds of screaming got louder. "I don't think there be bothering us again for a while." Sheldon said with a smirk, "That was a brilliant plan of yours if I do say so myself, Bernadette."

"I aim to please." She replied.

"Now let's leave." Sheldon replied. The group grasped hold of him and with a great flutter of wings the disappeared into the air.

---

Back in the factory, several demons managed to force themselves into the manners office and slam the door. There were instantly alerted to their bosses' screams. Assessing the priority they tried to rush forward to assist. After several tries they managed to break the chain around his neck. Summoning his strength, Azazel spun to the side, causing the cross to fall off him.

Slowly he rose to his feet, then letting out a roar he brought his fist down on the speaker system, smashing it to pieces, before slumping to the ground to pant for breath.

---

Night was quickly falling by this point and on a hillside somewhere the group suddenly appeared. The others fell forward, but once again Sheldon held Amy and Leonard tight. Panting for breath he paused.

"Where are we now?" Howard asked,

"Somewhere in Illinois." Sheldon replied panting for breath, "were rest here for the night, then carry on in the morning."

The difference in temperature was easily noticeable, and quite used to the baking Texan heat, the others actually found themselves shivering slightly. Calmly they put their bags by their side and sat down on the grass to rest.

---

Back at the factory, Azazel stood there looking out of his broken window, at the fast approaching night. "Report," he said coldly.

A demon stepped forward from the small group standing behind him. "Losses high, majority of forces lost. Presently all the demons you have at your disposal are the ones in this room now."

Azazel turned to face them, before him stood only six demons, four Se'irim and two regular. With a sigh he tuned back to his original view. "I'm afraid, that defeat hit us very badly my lord." The demon continued, "we will of course begin summoning are lost members back as soon as possible, but it will take weeks before we are at full numbers. That defeat hit us hard."

"Defeat?" Azazel asked, with a cold sneer, "What defeat, my plan went almost perfectly."

"But sir, the Nephilim escaped."

"It does not matter."

"All of are countermeasures failed to detain him."

"It is of no consequence."

"And we lost the majority of our forces."

Azazel's expression turned colder, "I admit the number of causalities was higher than anticipated, I did underestimate my opponent in that regard, I mistake I shall never repeat. But that it is irrelevant, what matters is overall goal of the plan...of my plan did succeed."

"Regardless it was a foolish sacrifice, one that has left us weak."

At this point Azazel suddenly turned to face the demon. "Are you questioning my decisions?" he asked coldly.

The demons eyes opened wide in horror, the others backed away in fear. "No, no, no my lord… I was just… I… I"

Suddenly in a single motion Azazel leapt across the room and grasping the weaker demon by the neck hoisted him above his head. "None may ever question me, NONE!" he bellowed, the factory shook arround them.

Beneath the demon, the ground suddenly split and opened up to reveal a firy pit beneath. "You have gotten a bit too smug, my dear slave. Perhaps a little dip the pool of boiling blood will remind you who is the master." And with that Azazel let go and the demon fell through the portal.

Its screams were heard as it right up until the splash. With a wave of his hand Azazel closed the portal. He turned to the five remaining demons cowering before him. "Continue report, what off my rivals?"

Another demon stepped forward, "Mammon is presently still in Canada, Asmodues hasn't been seen since the assault at his club over a month ago, no new reports have come in it is possible that he has found are spy and as for…"

"That will be enough," Azazel said "Get back to work, I want my numbers back at full strength by next week, we need to move fast to exploit my success."

He paused before stretching out his long hand, "for you see, it was a success, I succeeded in gaining these." Stretching out his hand, Azazel revealed two long white feathers.

---

"Come on," Leonard said, "we better go find somewhere to stay for the night, we can't sleep out here."

Groaning the group got their feet, as Sheldon straightened up, in the glow of his wings Howard noticed something. "Here Sheldon, you're missing a couple of feathers."

"WHAT?" Sheldon suddenly screamed, he pulled his wings forward as far as they could got to look. His face suddenly turned pale when he saw Howard was right. "Oh my God, oh my God." He exclaimed his eyes wide in terror.

---

Back in his office, Azazel hummed merrily to himself as he poured the last ingredient into the cauldron. "הו אדון, תן לי את מה שאני רוצה, ולהביא את הקללה הזאת על היברידית. אה שטן, הו שטן, הו אדון. תנו לו לשרוף!" he spoke, the flames erupted up out of the caldron.

---

"I must have lost it in the fight," Sheldon said near panicking, "I've got to go back, I've got to get them before it's too late."

"Sheldon, calm down," Leonard said.

"What's the matter, Sheldon tell me." Amy cried worried by his strange behaviour.

"My feathers, I've lost two feathers."

"Won't they just grow back," Penny asked.

"You don't understand, those feathers are link to me, with them they could… they could… I have to get to get back before it's too late." Sheldon was near hysterical at this point.

---

Standing over the caldron, Azazel smirked to himself, "You think you have won Cooper? I will teach you that every victory coms with a sacrifice. And this is one you certainly didn't want to make. As it is the one which well spell you and your friends, doom!" And with that he dropped the feather into caldron, and watched as it was consumed by the flames.

---

"You guys don't understand I have to go before its…" Sheldon was cut off in mid-sentence, he just froze. Then suddenly he let out an ear piercing shriek. Frantically he began to shake. His skin turned red. Sweat poured down his face.

"Sheldon? What's Wrong? Sheldon?" Amy screamed horrified by this turn of events.

"It's…To…Late." Sheldon gasped. Before letting out another scream of pain.

The others stared in horror, suddenly he fell over. Hitting the ground he just squirmed there in Agony.

"Sheldon," Amy cried rushing to her side. She tried to help him on to rear back in pain, "His skin, its scorching to touch. He's burning."

"Burning!" Sheldon suddenly yelled, forcing himself to his knees his wings suddenly snap out and they began violently flapping, before anyone could do anything Sheldon shot up into the air.

"What's he doing?" Penny cried.

"He must be trying to cool down." Leonard replied.

"What the hells the matter with him?" Bernadette cried.

"I don't know, wait where is he. I can't see him now."

"There he is," Penny cried, pointing up a faint blip of light in the sky. She grasped the binoculars from Bernadette to get a better look.

"Something must be really wrong," Howard said, "look at how much his wings are glowing."

"Wait he's coming back down now," Bernadette said, "he's getting closer."

Suddenly Penny's eyes opened wide in terror, "Wait a minute, his wings aren't glowing, there on fire."

"What?" Everyone else cried, all eyes strained and to their horror as he got closer, it became clearer she was right. Sheldon's wings were burning. And then something else became clear, he wasn't landing, he was falling.

"SHELDON!" Amy screamed.

Out of sky he plummeted, landing with a loud splash in the lake ahead of them.

"Oh God!" Leonard screamed. Frantically the group ran towards the water, there were now faint traces of steam rising from the lake.

"He can't swim," Amy screamed, "and his body mass is unusually high, he'll drown. He's going to drown!"

Reaching the edge, Penny and Leonard ran into the water frantically looking for Sheldon. "Where is he?" Penny gasped surfacing for a moment.

"There," Leonard suddenly shouted, pointing towards a just make out able, large dark shape.

Diving under the two grasped him and together managed to pull him to surface and then the bank. Getting close enough the others each rushed forward to help pull him in. Frantically they managed to get him back onto ground. Sheldon was unconscious, it looked like he had been since before he it the water. His clothes were drenched, his hair was a strange darker colour and all the colour had drained from his face.

"Oh my…" Amy broke off, tears running down her face.

Penny quickly put her fingers at his neck, "it's okay he has a pulse, its faint but its constant and... yes, he's breathing. He's alive, weak, but alive."

"Um Penny," Leonard said staring at something she couldn't, "you guys might want to take a look at this, here help me tilt him on his side."

Together the two of them managed to turn Sheldon over slightly. Upon seeing what was on the other side, they almost dropped him. Amy and Bernadette clasped their hands over their mouths in shock, Howard just stared in horror and Amy continued to cry.

On Sheldon's back where his wings had previously attached were know just two large burnt patches. Nothing else was left, his wings had been completely burnt off. They were gone...

---

Okay I hope I managed to keep your interest throughout all that. And I'm sorry it took so long. I've got some work to do, so it might be a while before my next addition. Sorry about that, but at least this part of the story is over and I have a feeling your enjoy the next one.

Thanks for reading and please review.