Malebolgia is calm, a spider crouched in the center of his web. Spawn tears into the throne room, his claws wet with dark blood. A bestial howl announces his arrival, then Spawn finds his voice again. "Malebolgia!" he yells. "This time you've gone too far!"

The twisted monster glances down with contempt. Before Spawn can begin his tirade, Malebolgia bellows, "Guards!" A large horde of demons surrounds the overconfident Spawn. "One of my slaves has forgotten who his master is. Bind him. It is time for a reminder."

A sea of arms forces Spawn to the ground, wrapping him with thick, dark chains. Spawn begins to realize how much has changed. The last time he attacked, the denizens of Hell let him pass, confident that the challenger would win their collective freedom. This time, they are driven by ancient fear and reborn terror. Malebolgia will not fall. Resistance means death.

"So I've gone too far, have I?" mocks Malebolgia. "I own you, Spawn. I can do whatever I want."

"Not to Wanda!" Spawn yells. "She's not part of our bargain! Leave her out of this!"

Malebolgia snaps back, "Why are you still concerned with that pathetic human? Do you really think she still loves you?" he snorts. "She can't even stand the sight of you!"

Spawn has no quick comeback this time. The truth of Malebolgia's words cuts him deeply.

"I am the only one who can love you now, Spawn," Malebolgia continues. "Humanity has only betrayed you, time and time again. The pathetic humans you fight to protect are the ones who butchered you in the first place! Mankind hates you and fears you. The works of man are fleeting; already the 'heroics' of Al Simmons are being forgotten. They don't remember you. They don't appreciate you."

Malebolgia pauses, studying Spawn's new form. The beast remains silent, his eyes downcast. Malebolgia asks Spawn, "Why be human, when you can be so much more?"

Spawn feels the chains around him tightening. He lifts his head and returns Malebolgia's gaze. Spawn takes a long look at the mighty new form of Malebolgia. He knew the demon survived his last attack, but he never expected this. Even the simple-minded demons surrounding him can see the despair starting to weaken Spawn's resolve.

The unfamiliar form of Malebolgia reminds Spawn -- just how much does he really know about him? How can he kill what he doesn't understand? Spawn has learned much about the ongoing war of souls, but no one ever told him how to destroy a Lord of Hell. He believed that beheading him was the key to his destruction, but that obviously failed. Now what can he do? Did he really think he could just scratch him to death with his new claws? His impulsive attack seems ridiculous now.

"You know you can never truly go back to Earth," Malebolgia states. "Already, you're starting to see the weakness of the world above." Malebolgia points at Spawn and exclaims, "Look at yourself! You have shed your human form and taken the glorious, powerful shape you were born for! Rejoice in the power!"

Spawn isn't even listening anymore. He's letting Malebolgia give him time to figure out what to do next. Spawn realizes now that he needs to get close. He needs to study his enemy; to learn his weaknesses. To find that fatal flaw.

"What choice do you have, Spawn?" Malebolgia asks. "Do you think there's a place for you in Heaven? Mortal sins may be forgiven, but the acts of a Hellspawn are unpardonable. The angels will never end their hunt. You can't run forever."

Spawn has made up his mind. Brute force won't work here. He needs to trick the trickster, to lie to the Lord of Lies. A risky gamble, he knows, but one worth taking to be free of Malebolgia forever.

Malebolgia continues his recruitment speech. "Hell is here for you, Spawn! I have answered your prayers. I have given you power! Together, we can crush the petty, vengeful angels that hunt you! With our power, we will teach Heaven a lesson it will never forget!"

Heaven won't be happy with his plan, Spawn thinks, but its gates were closed to him long ago. Only freedom matters now. Freedom to protect Wanda.

"Yes." Spawn answers. "Let's try it your way. Command me as you will, ..." Spawn hesitates, swallowing hard. With effort, he speaks the most bitter word, finishing his pledge: "...Master."

Malebolgia leans back in his throne, obviously pleased with Spawn's decision. "My chosen one has returned at last," Malebolgia gloats. To his guards, he adds, "Bring him to me."

The chains around Spawn are unwrapped, but not entirely removed. The free ends are brought to Malebolgia, who clutches them tightly in his clawed hand as if holding a leash. Spawn slowly walks on all fours to the steps at the base of Malebolgia's throne, then sits at his right hand.

The assemblage of demons bows to their master, acknowledging his supreme power. A wicked smile spreads across Malebolgia's face, unable to contain his pleasure. Spawn suppresses a grin of his own. He knows to keep his friends close and his enemies closer. "You're a fool, Malebolgia," Spawn thinks. "You may believe you've won, but I have a plan of my own. Your days are numbered. Your reign will fall. I will be free."