001

[azuredemonic]

[At first, there's nothing but the sound of a book being quietly opened, and the light flipping of pages. Flip. Flip. Flip. Far too close to one another for any page to be properly read.

And then stops. And after a period of silence, a tired, mirthless couple of chuckles are quickly transcribed and transmitted through the pages]

To think, the denizens of Hell would go to such lengths to receive me. Such lavish furnishings do not fit the Demon Realm. And that does not even broach the subject of this book, the inane little gimmick it is. [Despite his words, there is absolutely no humor in his tone.]

I demand an explanation. If not from the scum that chose to snatch me away, then from those that fill this book with utter nonsense and idiocy. And I will only say this once, and you should be thankful for it.

I am in no mood for games. Think to play one with me, and I will see to it you do not live to regret it.

Don't keep me waiting.

[And the book snaps shut]

Comments

[heloise]

But this is not Hell. It is paradise.

[azuredemonic]

So far, it is a sham of both. And that does little to explain anything.

[heloise]

Some things are beyond explanation.

[azuredemonic]

Let us both hope this is not one such thing.

[heloise]

Is it so terrible to be uncertain?

[azuredemonic]

In this case, yes. Perhaps not the most terrible, but terrible enough for me to resort to force in order to ascertain some certainty.

[heloise]

You mean--torture for gathering information?

[azuredemonic]

I would imagine the threat of torture would serve just as well.

[heloise]

They could tell you nothing they do not know.

[azuredemonic]

Perhaps. Only one way to find out.

[heloise]

You mustn't hurt anyone. I would tell you all I know.

[azuredemonic]

Perhaps I have not been clear. I am expecting Hell itself. This is an unforeseen, and as I am swiftly learning, incomprehensible surprise.

If you have answers, speak them. As my patience is exceedingly low at this point, and I am not unwilling to bring some of that very same hell to this paradise until I am so obliged.

[heloise]

But I have told you that this is not Hell. You have been transported from--wherever you may have been before, to here, a sort of paradise.

You may leave only when the castle deems you may.

[azuredemonic]

A paradise that holds one against their will, and robs for them something without leaving any indication. One that also appears to play with memories. Among other things, I presume.

That is hardly a paradise to me.