Crossover Earth '98
Meanwhile in Hell, II Jay Shaffstall
The man once known as Sebastian the Sorcerer tensed, waiting for the next punishment.
Since he'd offended Morgan, she'd used her influence with the demon Calydrys to make Sebastian's punishments more imaginative. So now, instead of simply a constant searing pain from the rock across which he was chained, there would be periods of no pain. Which only made the resumption of pain that much worse.
The ice cold rain might seem like a blessing until you'd experienced it once. Sebastian knew that he'd do anything to stop the punishment, anything at all.
"Sebastian." The voice was that of Morgan, a unique blend of evil seductiveness that Sebastian had heard many times since being drawn into the demons' home by a failed summoning.
"What?" Sebastian kept his eyes closed.
"How would you like to return to Earth Sebastian?"
Return to Earth? Sebastian allowed himself to hope. God, if he could just get back to Earth, he'd give up working with demons and stick to more conventional magic. Take Vivian and hide somewhere, where their old enemies couldn't find them. Once, the thought of hiding would have been repugnant to Sebastian, but years in a literal hell had changed his mind.
"What would I have to do?"
"Oh, just prepare Earth for the demonic invasion. You know, coordinate the cults, perform some major summonings, that type of thing."
So much for giving up demons and going into hiding.
"If you cooperate, I can guarantee you a long, peaceful life once I'm master of Earth."
What choice did he have, really? If he returned, at least he wouldn't be in constant torment. And if some hero managed to kill him, then he'd be free of Morgan and the demons forever. Although, if the real hell were anything like the demons' home, he could do without an eternity of it.
"I'll go."
With two words, Sebastian felt as if he'd signed a compact with the devil. Only he wasn't certain if the devil were Calydrys or Morgan. The Earth might be better off with Calydrys in charge.