Dr. Zeus opened up the bedroom door to his Portland house, exhausted at the events of Aftershock. He walked into his room, and sat at his bed, breathing out a massive sigh. This was the first time Zeus had let his guard down in the last three days; when nasty wasties were around, Zeus always knew they would try to attack him. They couldn't attack him physically, as Zeus had proven. The only way Kurtesy could land attacks on Zeus was through mind games; the only place that Zeus was vulnerable was his own mind.
Other than that, Zeus was God's impenetrable weapon. And now that Kurtesy was in the crosshairs, it was time to finally pull the trigger.
Or maybe he'd allow for Sandy to pull the trigger on her best friend. This thought amused Zeus as he got up, and walked towards the bathroom to ready himself for bed. As he looked into the mirror, he looked like a man who's crusade had taken a toll on him. His hair had grown mangy, and his goatee had bloomed into an outright beard. Zeus was still muscular, but he had lost some weight, always on guard for an imminent sneak attack from that reprehensible villain, Kurtesy. But none of this mattered; God's soldiers always have the protection of the lord, keeping them ageless. Zeus may have looked years older, but he felt rejuvenated, born again from the strength of the Holy Spirit empowering his blood. Still as vigilant as ever, Zeus knew that all he needed was to have Kurtesy face to face to finally vanquish him. Not only would he have that, he would have his best "friend" Sandy, there to help drag the carcass to the pit.
And when she was done? Then Zeus would finally send her where she belongs, too.
Dr. Zeus finished brushing his teeth, and stood in the stillness of his room. This was a calming dark, not like the ones he could feel when Kurtesy and Sandy's presence was known. Still, Zeus kneeled at his bed, and offered to the lord a prayer;
"Thank you, my dear lord, for giving me strength,
and for keeping dark magic at arm's length.
Soon, Kurtesy will fall down to the flame.
I'll destroy that demon at his own game.
I plan to choke the life out of that thug.
I'll bloody him up, and then pull the plug.
He needs to pay for his sins upon you.
I'll present him to you when I am through.
So you can send him where he belongs.
And make him pay for all his sins and wrongs.
Zeus took in a deep breath, and asked for a favor
I have one thing to ask before I sleep.
That just for tonight, the peace, you'll keep.
No Michael waking me up late at night.
No more trying to fill me with pure fright.
May the angels watch me but from afar.
Tonight I need to avoid the bizarre.
Just this I ask, in the name of the lord.
I pray that I'm heard, and won't be ignored."
He felt a calm flush over his body, and knew that tonight, he would sleep well. Perhaps for the first time in months, he wouldn't be on guard all night. He would dream nothing but wonderful dreams.
And so he climbed into his bed, and began to sleep. But before he could fall asleep, Zeus picked up a photo frame from his nightstand. He looked at the picture; It was a wedding picture of Ellie and Dorian. Ellie looked so beautiful in her dress; she looked beautiful in everything. But on the day of their wedding, Ellie looked like an absolute angel.
Ellie...
Ellie...
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Zeus was roused from his sleep, as he tossed and turned. He could sense a light in his room, one that did not normally come from his lamp. This was an otherworldly light, again coming for him. He opened his eyes slowly, aware that he would not get rest until he at least acknowledged the presence in the room. Zeus sat up in his bed, as he asked;
"Did my prayer go unheard? Is Michael here?
How could this be, I-"
He was stopped mid sentence by what stood before him. Mouth agape, he stared at the body of a gigantic man. A dark man, who had a lit cigar in his mouth, and stood before Zeus, arms crossed, with a smirk on his face. This was a face that Zeus saw only once, but could never forget. His mind raced with thoughts, a near panic, as he grabbed for the knife he kept near his bed.
This was the demon Alistair, escaped from the fiery pit. And Dr. Zeus would dispatch of him, now that he had the chance. He reached for his knife, but Alistair only offered a gigantic belly laugh. He looked to Zeus, and playfully chided,
"Bringing a knife to a fight with a demon? Tell me really, do you think that'll do you good. Surely you understand the old phrase-" Alistair opened up his palm, and fire rose from his hand. The fire danced tantalizingly, as Alistair and Zeus stared at it. Alistair closed his palm, and finished his thought,
"Fight fire with fire."
Dorian looks to the gigantic man, and almost instinctually lays down his knife on his bed. He moves a little farther away, and reaches for a crucifix. He clutches the cross, his knuckles turning white as his grip tightens. Alistair stares at Dorian, almost staring deep into his soul and as his smirk turns into a bright smile.
"Oh, Dorian, were you expecting someone else? Only angels can do this, right?" Alistair fills the room with a radiant light, the same light that signaled Michael's entrance over the past two weeks.
"Oh, that's right... I am an angel." Alistair offers a small chuckle, and closes his eyes. When he opens them, his eyes are blood red. His pupils and iris are gone, and Dorian can only stare into the pure red in Alistair's eyes.
"Fallen angel, to be more precise."
Dr. Zeus hurriedly rummages through his nightstand to find his flask of holy water, to ward off the demon. He grasps it and opens it up, but decides against throwing it. He thinks for a second, realizing that Alistair has done nothing to attack him. Demons are demons... But Michael mentioned Alistair welcomed Zeus and Michael to his home, and they both made it out alive.
"Why have you risen from the unholy gate?
Answer me, demon, or meet your untimely fate."
Alistair chuckled, and replied,
"Big talk, soldier. But understand... A soldier's nothing to a general." Dorian rose out of bed, to get face to face with the demon. Alistair sized Zeus up, and pondered the situation for a second. After an uncomfortable silence, Alistair waved off his aggressor, and went to walk around the bedroom.
"At ease. I thought it was only fair if I visited your home. After all, I invited you to mine. And you seem to have a lovely place." He sauntered around the room, sure to always keep one eye on Zeus, as Zeus tensed up. He walked past Dorian, to the nightstand, and picked up the wedding picture.
"This," he started, holding up the picture so Dorian can see,
"looks very familiar."
"Why have you come tonight? I said my prayer!
You shouldn't be here, you should be down there!"
"You prayed that you wouldn't see Michael, Dorian." Alistair looked at the wedding photo, not even giving Zeus a passing glance.
"You two really aren't all that good at this prayer thing, are you? At least in praying for things we can't find ways around." Dorian furiously lunged at Alistair, and started to throw punches at the demon. He had enough, and though his punches seemed somewhat ineffectual, Zeus kept trying to take down Alistair. He lunged for the knife on his nightstand, and Alistair managed to get enough leverage to push Zeus to the ground.
"Tense, aren't we? Besides, I didn't come to fight, Dorian. I came to talk business. So if you're willing to put your petty pride aside, and do God's work."
"What do you know of God's work? I am-"
"And I was God's soldier, too. Besides, I need you. I need you to send Kurtesy back. Lucifer needs you... No, the balance of Heaven and Hell demands you send Kurtesy back to Hell."
"So what do you have to offer to me,
If I were to bring you back Kurtesy?"
Alistair lit his cigar, as he folded his arms again.
"What you want more than anything; to see Ellie again."
Dorian's bloodshot eyes widened. His jaw hung, as he got up from the ground. For a moment, he couldn't speak.
"Ellie.... Ellie...."
"See, I'm not that bad a guy, am I, Dorian? I mean, God wanted you to send Kurtesy back to Hell, anyway. All I'm doing is sweetening the pot."
Dorian considered this, still unsure of what to make of this. He thought for moments, and finally replied;
"Why should I trust you? You're a demon, still.
Your kind will hoax a man, just for the thrill.
"Smart man, you are. We have the same goal, Dorian. We both know if the balance of Heaven and Hell is disrupted more, the Earth shall suffer. But I don't believe you fully understand what that means for everyone; I don't think you understand what it means for you." Alistair finally put down the picture, and looked into Dorian's eyes.
"So here's my offer; you spend one night in Hell. Just one. See what it would be like down there. See what it would be like if down there merged with up here. Find that little extra motivation to send Kurtesy back to Hell. Do that... And you can see Ellie again."
Dorian pondered this for a second. One night in Hell. One night, unprotected from the tormented souls. Some of which he had already sent back to Hell. One night, for the chance to see Ellie again. Alistair interrupted Dorian's train of thought, booming,
"Have we got a deal?" Alistair offered his hand, with a grin on his face. Dorian looked to his hand, and grimaced at the thought of making this deal.
Ellie...
Ellie...
Dorian begrudgingly extended his hand and grabbed for Alistair's.
"Excellent," Alistair exclaimed in his deep baritone voice.
"Why don't we seal the deal back at my place. After you... Dorian... After you..."
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Dr. Zeus regained consciousness what felt like years later. Shaking the cobwebs, he lay on the ground, completely confused. Where he was now; this was like nothing he had ever seen before. He remembered the fire, the maggots and decomposing bodies of Hell. He even remembered the agonizing screams for help, and the blood curdling cries of mutilation. This wasn't even like Chastity's Hell; that at least had the trimmings of a normal home. This place... This was pitch black, with absolutely no light to be seen. Zeus placed his hand over his face, and saw absolutely nothing. Had he not been able to feel his extremities, he'd believe that he were disembodied. Absolutely nothing could be seen. Zeus felt a cold shiver crawl up his back; Hell was supposed to be hot. Where was he?
"Did you have a nice trip down?" Zeus slowly turned his head to see where the noise came from. He couldn't make out Alistair, but he felt powerless. This was the demon's trap; perhaps he was preparing to finish Zeus off here. How foolish was he to agree to this deal?
"Don't worry, you'll get used to the dark." Dorian could hear the sound better now, as it drew closer. He looked around, trying to spot the voice. This may be time for battle... Actually, it might be time for war. As he turned his head he looked for any sight of the demon. As he looked forward, Alistair was standing right in front of him, toothy grin intact.
"Everyone gets used to the dark."
Zeus backed up and balled his fists, preparing for a fight. Alistair struck a match, and lit a lantern, quipping,
no fight here, my boy. Remember, I'm on your side. You want to see Ellie, right? Zeus shook his head, almost instinctually.
"Well then, some people do their best when we hold their feet to the fire." The floor started to get immensely hot; Zeus felt as though he wanted to jump out of his skin. Like mercury had been injected into his veins, and was flowing through his blood stream.
"You're one of those men, Dorian. You're the guy that needs that little push. You wanna know what's in it for you?" Alistair lit a cigar with another match, and puffed it in. He took a large inhale, and breathed out the smoke.
"And I respect that, Dorian. You'll do God's will... But are you really doing it for God, son? Or are you just a little interested in knowing what's in it for you?" God would want to stick you down here, and have you thank him for doing it. God's mercy that he doesn't throw you out of the fire... Just like he threw Ellie."
"You bastard! Don't you ever say her name!
I'll ravage your kingdom, pillage and maim!
I'll destroy all of Hell, then finish you.
I'll watch you bleed out, I swear this is true."
"Swearing won't do you a lot of good here," Alistair replied, with a chuckle.
You're always so tense to see me; don't you see I'm offering you a deal here. God wants you to chase Kurtesy all across the world, and then wants you to thank him for the chance. Me? I just want Kurtesy and Sandy here. And look what I'm offering you... Did God ever offer you the chance to see Ellie again?"
Zeus thought of this, and thought hard. His fists unballed, and he loosened his shoulders.
"Why have me come to Hell? What is your goal?
What can I gain down here in this hole?
Alistair set the lantern on a hook, and said,
"A warning. That not bringing Kurtesy back could mean you stay here forever. I'm sure Michael's already held this over your head; those angels like that. I'd prefer to show you exactly what forever could look like."
A distant image became more and more definite as Alistair hung the lantern. It was a crib; it was Jacob's crib. The very same crib that Zeus' baby would sleep in, had he lived. Faint coos and movements could be heard... Someone was alive in there. Alistair looked on, and walked over to the crib. The damning darkness that Dr. Zeus was originally in turned into a well lit nursery; Jacob's nursery. The room was painted brightly again, the walls bursting with life as the furniture filled up the room. Alistair walked to a desk with a music box on it, and wound up the box. He set it down, and a wonderful music began to play.
[YOUTUBE]-qXsGYxmiqs[/YOUTUBE]
The music lulled Zeus into a comfort. It was almost as though everything was back to normal. That everything before this moment was an awful nightmare. Alistair... Alistair was giving him his family for the night. How wonderful!
His boy! His sweet baby boy! He could be with him again. And that must mean.
Ellie. Alistair was going to give him it all back... He understood now. If Zeus could bring Kurtesy back to Hell, where he rightfully belonged, there was hope. If he could obliterate Kurtesy and Sandy, then maybe his family would e brought back. He got weak, and almost began to cry.
He can have it all back.
Dr. Zeus asked meekly,
"Alistair... May I... May I see him?"
"Not yet.... There is someone you must see, first." Dr. Zeus noticed a door, saw a door knob turning.
My God... My God, Ellie. She was here... For some time, the knob turned, until the door started to open. The music had stopped, and Zeus waited with anticipation to see his loving wife. He was near giddy, about to explode at the thought that everything could be ok again.
Here she is.
The door opened, and in sauntered someone Zeus knew very well. The face was different, and Zeus wasn't sure what to think. His anticipation deflated at this sight... This was unimaginable. How could this be? What was happening? Zeus looked at the figure in front of him; drenched in blood, sullen face, and dejected posture.
This figure was Dr. Zeus himself... Or more appropriately, Dorian. A bloody, aged version of Dr. Zeus, staring him right in the face. Dr. Zeus looked on completely aghast, not able to make a noise. A figure stood in front of him, never letting up his icy glare.
"Hey there, Zeus.... We need to talk."
Dr. Zeus looked over to Alistair, desperately.
"What's the meaning of this? This can't be real."
Alistair, this wasn't part of the deal!"
"You took the offer... Come to Hell for a night." The bloodied Dorian opened his arms, in a sardonic welcoming gesture.
"Here we are. Home sweet home, huh? Not exactly what you were expecting? I've been here, waiting, wondering when you'd come by. He scoped Zeus for a second, and offered a smug grin.
"Aren't you a handsome son of a gun, huh? Someone's been working out."
Dr. Zeus looked around, to Alistair, to this demonic imposter in front of him. He tried to muster a smile himself. As uncomfortable as it was, he smiled, and looked to Alistair.
"I get it now. Great job: I'm my own Hell.
Tacky, but you tried to do the job well."
"Joke all you want, smartass. You think I don't see right through you? Your rhymes, your smirk? I know it all. And the funny thing is... So does he." With a point of his decrepit fingers, the Dorian gestured to Alistair.
"He? He knows you're not worried about Kurtesy. You're not worried about Sandy. You're not even worried about being in the same ring with the both of them." He looked down, and chuckled.
"You? No, you're scared that if you don't send them to Hell, that this is going to happen. That you'll be down here."
Dr. Zeus noticed a disquieting metamorphosis in the room; the bright colors that adorned the walls of the nursery started to decay. The bright whites turned into a beige, within seconds turning to yellow. The reds on the wall started to drip, down the sides of the wall.
"And you will, make no mistake about it. Fail to bring down Kurtesy, and this will be you. Doesn't sound that appealing, does it?" Alistair wound up the music box again, and this time, a different music emanated.
[YOUTUBE]Fwz7bt1muXc[/YOUTUBE]
Zeus looked on to Alistair, frustrated, and screamed,
"This isn't going to work! Nice try, pal!
This is just-"
"Silence!" The room was deathly still, as the red continued to drop from the walls. Soon, the red paint was covering the walls. Dr. Zeus stood, defiantly refusing to believe any of this. He felt a drip fall on the top of his head.
Drip.
Drip.
Drip.
Zeus placed a palm on his scalp, to feel what was dripping. The same red paint now had covered the ceiling. Except... This didn't feel like paint. It felt much slimier, more like... Blood. Blood was raining down on Dr. Zeus' head. He heard cries coming from the crib; loud, painful cries. As much as Dorian didn't want to, his instinct was to turn his shoulder, and look at the crib. When he looked over, he saw blood oozing from the crib. Zeus motioned to run over to the crib, and as he reached the crib, it had vanished.
"You don't want to see it, I promise! I've had to look at it for so long! And if you don't stop Kurtesy now, you'll finally see it! Do you really want that?! Is this what you want?!"Zeus felt a chill run down his spine, as the bloodied Dorian walked up and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Because it's what you deserve. I mean, you did let Ellie and Jacob die..."
"You son of a bitch!" Zeus reached into his pajama pockets, and opened the Holy Water he still had. He tossed it into his imposter's eyes, who recoiled in pain. Zeus grabbed his neck, and locked in Euthansia.
"I didn't let my wife and son die! It was those demons, they're responsible for this! Kurtesy and Sandy, they took away my wife and child! Them and the rest! I didn't deserve to have them taken away! And I don't deserve to go to Hell!" Zeus threw the lifeless body down, and breathed heavily, almost surprised at his own violence. He looked down at the prone body, making no motions whatsoever. Zeus looked over to Alistair; even he seemed surprised by what he'd just witnessed. Zeus looked down, and saw that his imposter's eyes were now opened. They weren't his normal eyes; they were pure blood red.
"You can't escape me! You're going to fail, and you're going to die! And this... This is what you're going to become!"
The next thing Dr. Zeus knew, he was back in his room. It was near morning, as Zeus looked around. He felt his own face, and felt the scalp of his head. No blood. Nothing from the night, to signify it happened.
But Zeus knew it had. Zeus spent the night in Hell... And he never wanted to go back.
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Some hours later, Chastity came to Zeus' home, at his request. He had one more present he wanted to give to Kurtesy and Sandy. He asked for her to come that morning, and to bring a camcorder. As she walked through the house, looking for Zeus, she felt concerned. It was like him to hide from the rest of he world, but not from her. She finally walked up the stairs, and saw a door. She knocked on it, and faintly asked,
"Doctor? Doctor, are you here? A sound could be heard of the door unlocking, and nothing more. Chastity hesitantly opened the door, to find Dr. Zeus staring at a grandfather clock.
"Doctor, I-"
Start filming now, that's all I demand.
I have a message they'll all understand."
Zeus never broke his fixation from the clock, never even moved. He stayed there for some time, staring at the clock, as Chastity fidgeted with her camcorder. Chastity opened it, and focused the lens on Zeus. Even when recording, Dr. Zeus did not speak; he just allowed the grandfather clock to tick. The ticking is consistent, and Chastity wonders what the message is. Suddenly, he begins to speak.
Tick, tick, goes the hands of the clock.
I sit, watching you like a hawk.
Watch the seconds pass on your days.
Before I set your soul ablaze.
Or, whatever soul you have still.
Combined with the blood I will spill."
Zeus pauses, and his voice grows angrier with each stanza,
Tick, tick, like all of your friends.
Slipped away, right out of your hands.
Sandy's gone, you're all on your own.
She'll watch me bleed you to the bone."
His fists clench, as he fixates on the clock. At this point, he as reached a yell.
"We've finally reached your demise.
I'll stare into your lifeless eyes.
You'll beg for mercy, and get none.
Your days of torture are now done!"
Dr. Zeus looked at Chastity, with blood red eyes. He's shaking, as the idea of ridding the world of Kurtesy fills his head. It calms him, in a way nothing else can. He points to the clock, and says;
"Kurtesy, Kurtesy, look at the clock.
Time is up; hickory, dickory, dock.
