Davy began to stir and heard two voices arguing back and forth, one male and one female.
"I thought I'd made it clear we have a no abduction policy," the female voice reprimanded.
"He wasn't cooperating. What did you expect me to do? I tried on all those dates to get him and he managed to give me the slip," the male voice countered. "You said you wanted him to yourself and now he is. You're welcome."
And with that Davy heard one set of footsteps walking away. He peeked his eyes open a bit and began to adjust to the dim lighting. He was in a stereotypical, square, steel barred jail cell. The cell was in what appeared to be a cave; everything from floor to ceiling was stone and there were dripping stalagmites hanging overhead.
He was lying on his side far enough away so that no one would notice he was awake yet. Davy thought about lying low for some time to get his thoughts together, but ultimately decided against this. He needed to see what he was up against and know what was going on exactly. He began to drag himself up off the floor when his perceived captor spun around to reveal herself as none other than Cate.
"Hello, Love," Cate said brightly spying Davy's movements. "I am so glad you're finally up and okay."
"You and I have two very different definitions of okay," he said rubbing his pounding head. "What is all this about?"
"Oh this? It's for us so we can finally be together," she answered.
"You do realize that kidnapping a guy and holding him hostage isn't the best way to win his heart. Right?" Davy asked warily not quite sure what her response may be.
Cate's eyes studied him for a moment seemingly trying to read his reaction. Davy tried to keep his cool and not give away how utterly terrified he initially felt. Here he was being held captive God knows where, with the person he feared most.
"I know that, silly," Cate said spiritedly. "I guess Blaze just got a little carried away."
"I'll say," Davy answered. "Who is Blaze?"
"One of my minions," she said absently.
"Minions?" he asked.
"You really have no idea who I really am?"
"You'd think the confused looks and blank stare would have answered that for you."
"I don't know what the protocol is for revealing your secret identity so, hi? Surprise? I'm the devil."
"No you can't be the devil," Davy said with amusement having difficulty stifling laughter. "That's Mr. Zero. And I can't go to hell. I think still has a restraining order against me and my friends."
"It's true," Cate continued, "Zero is my uncle. He took on so much shame from the court case against you all that he was banished to doing Hell's paperwork. That's how I knew about you in the first place and how I found you. You see, he would babble on and on about revenge and what have you. I thought that I had to see this group for myself. Little did I know that I would run into you."
"Sure, sure at what point am I allowed to collapse in mortal terror?" he laughed.
"Why aren't you afraid of me like before?"
"Seriously? This is the most ridiculous thing I've heard in a long time. The devil, the person from people's fears and bad dreams. I have worse nightmares about Peter's cooking."
"Whether you believe in me or not, I will continue to exist," Cate was beginning to become annoyed. "Look, my name is not really Cate; it's a nickname for Hecate. I was the goddess of witchcraft, magic, and ghosts. Once Zero took his walk of shame, I got promoted, being next in line for the throne."
"Uh-huh, uh-huh," Davy mused. "Answer me one thing though, if you're the devil why can't you make me fall in love with you, if that's what you want? And if this is Hell then where is all the fire and brimstone?"
"First off, that's a stereotype of what Hell looks like. Secondly, my powers can't make people feel anything. You can't control others feelings only your own."
"I'm still skeptical, where's the proof? You're going to have to do better than that."
At that moment, Cate snapped her fingers and the bars of Davy's cell turned red hot like a poker that has been in the fire too long. Above the sizzling sounds coming from the bars, Davy heard a hiss and turned around to see a venomous snake writhing in the corner of the cell. He carefully looked in all directions to find a safe space. He was not completely believing what she was saying, but how could he deny that verification.
Cate stared on relishing in the fear that appeared to be encompassing her love interest. "Had enough proof?" With that she snapped again and everything was back to normal…well normal for the circumstances.
Davy was hyperventilating and managed to squeak out, "You-you-are…"
"Beautiful, a genius, immensely talented," Cate interrupted.
"Dangerous," he said grimly working towards regaining some sense of composure.
"You flatter me," she said ignoring his tone. "Don't worry, I don't want to hurt you, I wouldn't dream of it. It's so rare to get one of you handsome men down here alive. And such a lovely one too."
Cate attempted to reach into the cell and caress Davy's cheek, but he backed away like a frightened animal. "I understand, darling. This is a lot to take in at the moment. I will give you some time to adjust and be back later to check up on you." With that she blew him a kiss and disappeared into a puff of smoke.
Davy took in his surroundings more now that he was alone. In his cell was a rather comfortable looking bed and he was exhausted. He climbed into the bad and made himself comfy. He lay with his eyes wide open for a few moments trying to replay the instances of recent before closing his eyes and drifting away. Maybe he would wake up from this and it would all be a devilish nightmare.
"Cate? Cate!?" came shouting from the shadows.
The source of the voice came lurking out of the shadows to reveal none other than Mr. Zero. He was looking defeated carrying around a ledger and an abacus.
"Where has that girl gotten to? Blaze just told me she would be down here. I need to go over the expense report for this rather expensive redecorating of this room," Mr. Zero said to no one in particular.
He began to look around at the newest edition to Hell's kingdom. "Hmm, I certainly wouldn't have chosen this color scheme. And isn't this cell a little archaic. Why is there…"
Midsentence, Mr. Zero noticed an occupant of the cell that he initially believed to be empty. There was a brunette head sticking out of the covers on a lavish bed. His curiosity got the best of him and he snapped his fingers and appeared next to the bed. Mr. Zero carefully lifted the covers to reveal Davy's face. He recognized the face immediately.
Mr. Zero backed away in concern. "What is that moral, polite boy doing here?" he said with disdain at the words that went against everything he stood for.
"Davy is here for me," came an answer.
Mr. Zero was startled by Cate's sudden appearance behind him. "For you?"
"Yes," Cate answered annoyed, "he is exactly the type of man I want by my side to rule the underworld."
"But he's so wholesome," Mr. Zero said sticking out his tongue in disgust.
"Precisely, opposites attract," Cate said. "He is a striking specimen of the human world and therefore perfect to create future little demons."
"You do know it's against bylaws to bring mortals down here for extended periods of time. Or have you not gotten the time to read through the manual with the little time you've been in charge?"
"I am aware of the bylaws that were created by you. Now that I'm head of this place, I'm looking to make changes."
"And why is he in a cell?" Mr. Zero asked. "Does he not share your affections?"
"Not exactly…" Cate replied with a hint of despondency in her voice. "But I am confident in my abilities to win him over."
"By holding him prisoner? With all due respect, because I like where your head's at, it doesn't seem the best way to win a man's heart."
"This is just to ensure his safety down here. You know as well as I do the creatures and enemies that lurk around here. Also, I don't want him leaving so soon."
"What makes you think that he will leave those friends of his for you? Do you underestimate that bond?"
"Davy just needs some convincing, that's all," Cate answered assuredly. "And with his friends a distant memory, it will be simpler. I know he will see the darkness."
"Well, congratulations on finding someone who you think can put up with you the rest of your lives."
With that Cate snapped her fingers and she was gone. Mr. Zero stood contemplating the information he was just given. There was no way she was going to be able to break them up. He began to sulk back to his office for paperwork and stopped in his tracks glancing back at the sleeping figure. An idea suddenly struck him. Maybe an arrangement could be made.