Chapter 55

Buffy didn't scare easily. But here she was surrounded by a satanic cult, seemingly ready to kill her. Internuntious Caligo approached her, not angry but amused by Buffy's presence. Buffy didn't see a clear opening, but she flt her best chance was to run. Had to keep looking for a way out. Caligo wanted to talk, Buffy decided to let him while she analyzed the area.

Caligo: This was suppossed to be by invitation only.

Buffy: I thought this was suppossed to be a holy place. I just came to pray.

Caligo: Now's a good time to start. You came for answers, just ask.

Buffy: Okay, why did you try to kill me?

Caligo: I didn't.

Buffy: So the flying knife wasn't your doing?

Caligo: That's the first I've heard of it. I have no quarrell with you.

Buffy: Even though I tried to stop you from killing Marcie Ross.

Caligo: Marcie died by her own hand. She said she didn't want her brain tumor to eat away at her.

Buffy: I heard the autopsy revealed no tumor.

Caligo: Yes. Marcie lied to me. In hindsight she was suicidal and wanted attention. I'm truley sorry if I helped her death.

Buffy: Like you're sorry about the suicide bombing?

Caligo: Yes. We believe that Satan was the very first champion of human rights. Was it God or Satan who killed the first born of Egypt.

Buffy looked at the others. Warren and Amy seemed anxious to kill her. Violet seemed worried. As Caligo went into his speech Violet seemed relieved, Amy and Warren seemed dissapointed.

Caligo: Was september 11th caused by worshipers of God or Satan? The serial killer who is out there shooting children, is she doing it for God or Satan?

Buffy; Aren't those people just lunatics?

Caligo: Perhaps. So you believe God is good, Satan is evil. Yet people have done evil in the name of God. Is it not therefore possible to do good in the name of Satan?

Buffy: I guess.

Caligo: That is what we're doing. I came to preach charity and peace in the name of great Satan. We have a bit of an image problem. Unfortunately my plan becme overshadowed by Marcie Ross' death, and the bombing. The first I take responsibility for. I've had to remain in hiding. A couple of friends are letting me crash on their couch. But word has gotten out. As you can see a few curious people have arrived. My religion might not be popular, for now, but my lawyer assures me it is still protected by the first amendment. May Satan bless Lindsay Mcdonald.

Buffy: I get the feeling he has.

Caligo: Likely, with brains and charm. I'd like to begin. You're welcome to stay, or leave.

Buffy: I can go now?

Caligo: Ofcourse, you're not a prisoner.

Buffy started to walk out. Noone tried to stop her. When she got out of the cave Buffy never felt so relieved. Not wanting to take stupid chances, any more than she already had, Buffy continued to run away as fast as she could.