Our nameless, young hero was suspended by two chains, tied around his wrists in Darkness for a thousand years, and a thousand years more, before a door opened in the pitch. The light of a dull fire illuminated the opening, and demons walked in with a metal rolling cart, housing ritual blades and metal instruments.
The two demons had faces of stone as they approached him. The broader one looked him over and spoke in a gruff monotone. “The choice is yours, kid. Do you want us to stay or go?”
The other one was emaciated and bent. This one prepared the instruments while laughing and conversing with himself.
“Where am I? Who are you?” our hero asked.
“Asking questions wasn’t an option. I asked if you want us to stay or if you want us to leave. If we leave, we won’t be back for a long while. If we stay, I might be able to answer some questions, but nothing’s for free around here.”
Our hero knew the cost. It was laid out next to him on the rolling cart.
“Stay,” he said.
“Okay.” The gruff demon took a knife from the tray and sniffed. “I’m going to cut out all of your teeth, and if you can still ask your questions after that, I’ll try to answer them.”
Our hero nodded.
In the background, the hunched and crooked demon laughed to himself.
“Alright,” said the leader, “here we go.” Adjusting the small angled knife in his hand, without malice or passion, the demon began his work.
And our hero screamed.
