#11 - Rebellions Part 4

[Stardrifter]

by
Stardrifter

#11 - Rebellions Part 4
Dance With the Devil

Jason dodges aside as volcanic blood spills forth from the chest of a dying demon. The sword Jason planted in it's chest has already begun to melt. The smell is almost overwhelming. He doesn't have time to dwell on it, as more demons charge toward him.

"You imbecile, release me! Say the words and set me free!"

Jason ignores Etrigan's voice in his mind, as he often does, and continues the fight. The last thing they need right now is a loose canon like him. After tearing up the earth around him into spikes to dispatch a group of demons, Jason takes a moment to check on Xanadu and Dawn. It takes him a couple seconds to find them in the chaos. When he finally finds them further up the hill, he also sees the man in black leather walking toward them. Jason starts to run that way, the man likely being the one behind this, when a familiar voice stops him.

"So nice to see you again, dear Jason." The voice is dark and sultry, dripping with sarcasm.

"Lady Blaze, I should have known." He turns to find Blaze standing with her arms crossed, her posture almost bored. As always she is dressed in a revealing black dress, so black you could lose yourself inside it. The demons army comes to a halt, waiting for their mistresses next command.

"I'm surprised you didn't, with your fortunetelling witch up there." Blaze nods in Xanadu's direction. Jason glances behind him to see the demons surrounding her and Dawn also waiting. The man in leather has drawn his sword and has it at the ready. Upon closer inspection, he realizes who it is.

"Sir Guy? He's still in your service after all these years?"

Blaze smirks, revealing vampire like fangs, all perfectly white. "Such is the contract he signed. It is hard to find good help these days."

"As I recall, he wasn't good help in days past either. Xanadu can attest to that." Jason narrows his eyes, studying Blaze. Biding for time will only work so long, and he doesn't see many options to get out of this alive.

"Yes well, that's why I brought him this time. Centuries old vendettas can be a great motivator."

"She has broken the laws of Lucifer! Let me loose and I will handle this cur!"

Jason doesn't respond to Etrigan, though his words do make him think. "So is that what this is all about? Vengeance? Is our death worth defying Lucifer? By bringing an army to Earth, you risk open war with Heaven."

"Oh please," Blaze scoffs. She takes a couple steps closer to Jason, close enough he can smell the brimstone on her breath. "Lucifer cares little for his own laws, so long as I don't interfere with his plans. And Heaven doesn't have the stomach to start another war. Not over the three of you."

Despite her confidence, Jason can see the hint of doubt behind her black eyes. She is worried, her actions a gamble on her part. A gamble she would not have made over Jason and Xanadu alone. "What do you want with Dawn? What is this about?"

A sinister chuckle escapes Blaze's lips. She raises a hand to her chest in an exaggerated motion. "You truly don't know what she is? How lost you two have become. The mighty Jason Blood, Merlin's heir and immortal sorcerer, can't even tell what his own apprentice truly is?"

"So tell me!" Dawn shouts from up the hill. Jason turns to see Xanadu holding her back, Dawn's entire body seething with rage. "Why me? Why does everyone want me?"

"You'll find out soon enough, dear," Blaze patronizes her. She turns back to Jason and lowers her voice to a whisper. "Just let me have her. I'll let you and your witch go. As much frustration as you two have caused me over the centuries, I must admit I enjoy sparring with you. Give me the girl and you can live to fight another day."

"She has overplayed her hand! Set me free, let's make a stand!"

Jason smirks at the truth in Etrigan's words. A smirk that causes Blaze's brow to furrow. She has overplayed. With her army of demons, it would be only a matter of time before she overtakes them. There's no reason to offer a deal, except to end this quickly.

Jason turns back to the ladies. He can see the rage and fear playing across Dawn's face. He shares a look with Xanadu, who nods slightly in response. They have a plan, and it just might work.

"I don't think so," Jason says, turning back to Blaze. "Leave now or face the consequences."

Blaze's confidence fades as anger overtakes her. Fire begins to rise out of her eyes. "You're a fool! Surrender the girl or die!"

"Gone, gone the form of man! Behold the demon Etrigan!"

****

When the flames pull back from in front of his eyes, Jason finds himself standing beside a lake of fire. He quickly turns around, trying to find his bearings. The landscape is all volcanic rock and flowing lava as far as he can see. The ever present darkness looms above him, like a night sky without a moon or stars. The cries of the suffering can be heard from every direction, as the damned are tortured in an infinite number of ways.

In the distance, Jason can see a mountain looming over all of Hell. His destination in view, Jason breaks into a run. It's not long before his presence is noticed, and the demons of Hell discover a new plaything. A dark green gargoyle spins in the air, soaring on it's scaly wings toward Jason. He barely manages to duck under the gargoyle's razor sharp claws, sending a spray of volcanic rocks after the gargoyle, shredding it's wings and sending it crashing into a lava flow.

The smell of burning rubber mixes with the brimstone as the volcanic rock begins eating through the soles of his shoes. It's not long before the bottom of his feet begin to burn as well. Jason grits his teeth and continues to run, not allowing himself to slow for even a moment. As he goes, more and more demons see the lone human running through their land and start to give chase.

His heavy breathing brings the fumes into his lungs, burning his insides. Sweat pours down his body, causing his dress shirt to cling to him. The demons giving chase soon begin pelting rocks and blasts of fire at him. Yet still, Jason doesn't slow.

****

"What's wrong, Guy?" Xanadu asks as she parries a sword strike and returns with a thrust of her curved dagger. "Nothing to say? Sore throat?"

Guy's eyes widen in rage. He leaps back a step, dodging her attack, then raises his sword above his head. His mouth opens as if he were screaming a battle cry, but instead all that escapes is a mild choking noise. His mighty swing brings his sword down over Xanadu's head. She crosses her daggers and blocks the attack, falling to one knee from the force.

"Robin and I used to laugh about you," Xanadu continues to taunt. She risks glancing to the side to check in Dawn, who is currently holding off three demons with a force field. "How the great Sir Guy of Gisbourne was knocked on his ass and slaughtered like a pig!"

Xanadu pushes back against his sword, rising to her feet as Guy begins swinging wildly in anger. His attacks are clumsy and telegraphed, easy for Xanadu to avoid even if she couldn't see the future. She leads him back onto a rocky outcropping, not bothering to raise her weapons, simply back stepping out of reach of his attacks. Finally when she's in position, she stops and offers a mischievous grin. "Duck."

Guy doesn't hear her warning, and before he can react, a spider demon flies up the hill and smashes into him. The two fall to the ground, a mass of legs and leather. Xanadu looks down to where the spider demon came from and sees Etrigan being piled on by a dozen various demons. He spins around and tosses demons in every direction.

"You coward, come and face me! I would do battle with thee!"

Blaze stands away from the battle, not getting involved herself. As powerful as Etrigan is, even he can't defeat her entire army. It's not a fact lost on Etrigan. After finally shaking off the last of the demons, he leaps high into the air and over the gathered demons, landing with a loud thump next to Blaze. He swings at her with his claws, but she blocks the attack with her forearm and with her other hand fires a blast of energy, knocking Etrigan back.

"You would dare attack me, mongrel?" Blaze shouts, disgusted. "You are a lowly creature, who should be kneeling at my feet!"

"Etrigan does not kneel!" he bellows defiantly. "But I will make you squeal!"

A black oil demon leaps onto Etrigan. He rises to his feet, struggling to get the demon off him. With a mighty roar, he breathes fire onto the demon, lighting it ablaze. He then gathers it together and packs the burning oil like one might pack a snowball. He hurls the ball of oil and flame at Blaze. She catches it, the fire doing no harm to her, but it serves as a distraction so that Etrigan can tackle her.

The two roll around on the ground for a moment before Etrigan lands on top of her. He pins her wrists to the ground and leans in, biting into her neck with his sharp fangs. Blaze screams in pain, then raises a knee into Etrigan's crotch. She pushes the stunned demon off her and rises to her feet. Feeling the side of her neck, her hand comes back covered in black blood.

"You shall pay for such insolence!" Blaze screams, her usually dark voice now shrill with anger. "I will have you in chains before me!"

"I have been in chains for centuries on end," Etrigan growls, rising to his feet. In his hand he materializes a glowing, red hot chain. "Now it is your turn, let us see how you fend!" Swinging the chain at his foe, it wraps around Blaze's throat. Etrigan yanks on the chain and pulls Blaze toward him, slamming his meaty fist into her face.

****

By the time Jason reaches the mountain, most of his clothes have been burnt or torn apart. Blood flows from scratch marks covering his back, soaking into what remains of his pants. The right side of his head is horribly burnt, much of his hair and flesh gone. Still, he does not slow. He runs around the perimeter of the mountain until he finds the entrance, a set of black metal doors the size of a four story building.

Two guards, red skinned demons with two foot horns sticking out of their bald heads, lower their long spears at Jason's chest. The guards wear no armor, merely simple loin cloths, their hardened skin all the protection they need. Finally coming to a stop, Jason raises his hands up, fighting to remain on his feet. His breathing is heavy and raspy. The guards wait, giving him the chance to speak one sentence before they decide if he should be punished or not.

"I...I am," Jason begins before doubling over in a coughing fit. A horde of demons round the corner before coming to a quick halt. They too wait, knowing better than to interfere with the guards before they've made their judgement. "I request...an...audience with...Lucifer."

Silence falls as the gathered demons and Jason all wait for the guards response. Jason continues to breath unevenly and his body shakes slightly as he tries to remain standing. The guards continue to hold their spears at his chest, neither moving. They don't so much as look at each other. After what seems like an eternity, the great metal doors begin to creak open. The guards raise their spears and step back into their positions. Jason looks back at the horde of demons that couldn't catch him and offers a self satisfied smile before limping in through the doors.

Inside the mountain is a scene in stark contrast to the outside. The grand hall is the size of a football field, it's floor covered in white marble tiles. Columns the size of sequoia trees lead up to a ceiling covered in a grand mural depicting the war between Heaven and Hell. The walls are covered in banners depicting the symbols of various factions in Hell. Every time Jason has been here before, the banners change, as the chaotic nature of Hell leads to factions rising and falling almost every day.

The walk toward the throne at the other end of the hall is long, Jason's burnt and bloody feet leaving a trail on the marble behind him. All the while, Lucifer sits patiently, surrounded by a half dozen of his servants. By the time Jason finally arrives at the stairs before the throne, it takes all his strength not to fall to his knees. He's grateful he has that much left. The last thing Jason wants is to kneel before Lucifer.

For a few minutes Lucifer offers no comment. Sitting atop an ornately crafted black and white throne, he stares unflinching into Jason's eyes. Here in his kingdom, Lucifer allow his wings to be seen, their glowing brilliance laying at rest over the arms of the throne. His white toga shows off his perfect skin, flawless in every aspect.

After minutes just staring at each other, Jason's knees start to buckle. Finally, Lucifer breaks the silence. "Oh will someone get him a chair already."

One of his servants, a naked, hairless woman with skin as pale as snow and a red cloth tied around her eyes, brings over a simple wooden chair. Jason sits slowly, easing down onto his injured back, and whispers his thanks to the woman.

"You seek an audience with me," Lucifer states. He rests his head in his right hand, his fingers partially covering his mouth. "In the millennia we've known each other, never before have you been so formal."

"Never before have I come seeking your aid," Jason whispers, his throat hoarse and his mind weary.

"Indeed," Lucifer says, raising his head up, intrigued by this turn of events. "So what would Jason Blood ask of me?"

"I would have you put your house in order," Jason says in a flat, almost accusatory tone. The servants all look to Lucifer, anticipating an outburst at such an insult. It doesn't come.

"My house?" Lucifer asks, rising to his feet and walking down the stairs to stand before Jason. He stretches his wings outward, their brilliance reflecting off the marble surrounding them. "And who is out of order?"

"Lady Blaze," Jason announces, sending the servants buzzing. Lucifer holds up a hand, silencing them. Jason continues, "As we speak, she has taken an army of demons to Earth. She openly defies you and risks war in pursuit of vengeance."

A crooked smile spreads across Lucifer's handsome face. "What is the point of having laws if they aren't broken?" His words cause Jason to flinch slightly, making Lucifer smile wider. "My word may be law here in Hell, but we are talking about demons. It's in their nature to lie, cheat, and betray. I expect it. I assure you, Lady Blaze's actions are quite known to me. As are her motives, which go beyond simple vengeance."

Jason doesn't respond, not sure what to say to that. His entire plan rested on Lucifer being outraged with Blaze for defying him. If Lucifer truly doesn't care, there's nothing else he can hope to do.

"Let us be honest here, Jason," Lucifer continues. He tucks his wings in behind his back and slowly walks around Jason's chair. "You came all this way to save your precious apprentice. What was her name again?"

"Dawn."

"No, no that's not it," Lucifer replies, waving a hand in dismissal. "Your apprentice is more important than you know. More important than even Blaze knows, though she suspects enough to risk so much to have her."

"Why?" Jason barks, frustration overcoming him. "Why is she so special? What is it about her?"

"Mmm mmm," Lucifer hums, shaking a finger like a scolding parent. "You already asked what you would of me. You can't expect me to do everything for you." He suddenly turns and walks back up to his throne, sitting down with a flourish. "I will grant your request, if only because I don't want Blaze to have such a prize. And because you shall now owe me a debt. I always collect my debts."

The last sentence sends a chill down Jason's spine. He fears he may have made a grave mistake this day, but what's done is done. "Of course. Thank you."

"Very well," Lucifer says, standing back up and walking down to Jason. "Let us go collect my wayward children." With a flourish of his wings, Lucifer and Jason disappear.

****

"Aaaaah!" Dawn screams, a glob of spider venom having landed on her arm. She uses magic to wash it away, leaving behind scarred flesh, and conjures a blast of fire to envelop the spider demon. It barely gets the job done, exhaustion beginning to set in. She looks about for Xanadu and finds her slaying another goblin. A dark shape appears behind her, causing Dawn to call out. "Xanadu look out!"

It's too late. Xanadu spins in time to see Guy impale her through the shoulder with his sword. She falls to the ground, pinned by the blade. An evil smile spreads across Guy's pale face as he reaches down to grab one of Xanadu's daggers.

Dawn desperately tries to reach Xanadu, but her way is blocked by more demons. It's all she can do to avoid them, her powers almost completely gone. Dawn looks to Etrigan, who continues to face off with Blaze, and tries asking for his help. "Etrigan! Help Xanadu!"

The demon ignores her, his full attention on Blaze. His arms are wrapped around Blaze in a bear hug. She squirms but is unable to break out of his tight grip. Instead she grabs his face and blasts him with magic point blank. Etrigan howls in pain and drops her to the ground.

Dawn looks back to Xanadu and races toward her. She slides under a giant's legs and leaps over a shadow demon. Just feet from them, she cries out as Guy reaches down with Xanadu's own dagger to slit her throat. "NOOOOOO!"

Just as the blade touches Xanadu's neck, darkness envelopes them all. It last less than a second, like a blink of the eyes, but when it's over, Guy and all of the demons are gone. Xanadu reaches up and wipes a small drop of blood from her neck. The two women look around, confused, and in place of Etrigan they see Jason sitting on the ground. Standing next to him is Lucifer, dressed in an all black suit. On her knees before him is Blaze.

"My lord, I'm sorry. I..."

"Silence!" Lucifer's voice echos throughout the woods. He stands tall, looking down on Blaze like a master would a disobedient dog. "You had your chance, Blaze. You defied me, and you lost. Accept your punishment gracefully." Lucifer places the tip of his finger on Blaze's forehead and she disappears.

Dawn offers Xanadu a hand, helping her to her feet. "Are you okay?" Xanadu merely nods, never taking her eyes off of Lucifer.

"My task here is done," Lucifer says with pride. He turns to the ladies and offers a mocking bow to Xanadu. "Until we meet again, your majesty." He turns and bows to Dawn as well, "Your majesty." Before anyone can react, Lucifer disappears.

"What...what did he mean by that?" Dawn asks, confused. "Who was that?"

"That," Xanadu says in a whisper, "was Lucifer Morningstar himself."

"That...that," for a moment Dawn is at a loss for words. "That...was the Devil?"

"In a manner of speaking," Jason whispers through his gravely voice.

Finally realizing just how hurt Jason is, Xanadu kneels down to do what she can to heal him. Dawn, still overwhelmed, just stands there until Xanadu grabs her hand and pulls her down. "Help me heal his feet so he can walk back to the house. We'll deal with the rest there."

Dawn starts working on Jason's right foot, but can't remain silent. "So wait, did you just make a deal with the Devil?" Xanadu and Jason share a look but don't answer. "Did you?"

Jason sighs, then coughs for a moment. Finally he whispers, "I did what I had to do. Now I owe him a favor. Someday he'll come to collect."

****

The next morning, Xanadu is up as the sun rises. The injury to her shoulder is mostly healed, but she still favors it as she makes her way downstairs. It was well past midnight when the two of them finished doing what they could for Jason. Now it's up to his unique situation to heal the rest of his wounds.

Xanadu creeps down the steps and toward the door as silent as a mouse. Still, she's not surprised when she hears Dawn ask, "Going somewhere?" Turning around, she finds Dawn with her arms crossed in the living room.

"My job here is done," Xanadu whispers. "It's time I moved on."

"You could stay," Dawn pleads. She walks up to Xanadu and takes her hand. "You could help teach me. Or help me find out who I am. Just...please don't go."

A sad smile forms on Xanadu's lips. Part of her would enjoy staying, yet the complications with Jason are too great. "I have to go. Jason and I...things are bad right now. I don't want to be here any longer than necessary." Dawn lets go of her hand and backs away. Xanadu reaches out and hugs her. "But I'll always be here when you need me. Trust me."

Xanadu turns to open the front door. Before she can make it outside, Dawn asks, "You're not even going to say goodbye to him?"

Without turning around, Xanadu says, "I already have. A long time ago." Without another word, she walks away, shutting the door behind her.

-The End-