The black linen bag was ripped off of Evan''s head with such savagery he thought it’d rip his skull off his neck along with it.


    Blinding lights flared straight into his eyes, forcing him to keep them shut until they slowly adjusted. He coughed with relief at his newfound freedom from chains, moving his neck side to side. He then moved to stand up from the chair, but his back and legs were still bound to it. He checked, and saw that his right arm was in a metal brace pushing his hand up to his shoulder.


    Aww, bummer.


    Evan took a few long blinks to clear the haze from his eyes. He expected the room he was in to be a lot less... normal than it was. It was a large, empty, open venue. The walls were a fleshy reddish hue and aside from some seats and some desks scattered around there was nothing remarkable. All Evan noticed was a small cubicle far off to his left and many doorways and hallways branching off of the room. No windows as far as he could tell at a glance. After he inspected the place, he turned his head towards the shadow that lingered over him from the side. If he could have jumped out of his seat, he would have, considering he saw what could only be described as an abomination.


    “Jesus FUCK!” He shouted, frightened.


    The being was a gargantuan, hulking pile of protruding bone and rotting flesh. Massive flaps of meat and skin stitched together and held with bloodsoaked bindings covered its generous-to-call-it-so body. Countless wounds and sores burst from underneath them, seeping pus and blood out from its putrid skin. The stench was ungodly and Evan nearly threw up on the spot. It had at least four arms that he could count, one of which held the sack he had over his head. It slowly lurched away and it was then that Evan noticed a quite peculiar man standing behind the beast.


    Is he… floating?


    “My apologies.” He said plainly, drifting into view. “I hope my brute wasn’t too rough with you two.”


    Two? He thought, his head immediately snapping back over his shoulder. There, his heart leapt and anger coursed through him as he saw Wrath, visibly thinned and diminished. Her mouth was still bound by the special binding devised earlier, but she was given a bit more freedom to see at least. Her pallid golden eyes looked back at him, a brief spark of joy shining from the hopeful sanctity his presence offered her.


    “No…” Evan turned his head back to the unusual tri-horned man and began. “I’ve seen worse in the last year. Nearly got turned into paste by some giant snake-chicken just some months back.”


    “One of Lord Baphomet’s pets if I recall. You’re quite lucky to be alive.”


    “Yeah.” Evan nodded. “Though... you’re not even trying to hide your freaky demon nature, are you, ya floaty bastard?”


    There was no reaction on his face, nor in the dark slits of his lidless eyes. “Is it the horns that gave it away?” He said, painfully faking a smile. “How unfortunate, I was really trying to keep it a surprise.”


    “I… uh what?” Evan mumbled, confused. “W-was that a joke? Are you trying to be… sarcastic?”


    “Yes actually, was I not successful?” The man’s face remained motionless, but he pulled out a small black notebook and inscribed something in it. Evan noticed at that moment that the man wore thin black gloves over his hands. “It has been a long time since I’ve been entrusted with sentient prisoners. I have been told that a more amicable approach makes intelligent prisoners that much less likely to have heart attacks or other… accidents within the first few weeks of their stay here.”


    Evan was dumbfounded by the demon’s unnatural behavior, but despite the apparent naivety, there was an uncanny wrongness lurking below his outward actions. Like a mannequin painted just too realistically to be comfortable. Fearful sweat dripped down his forehead, but Evan decided to play into the demon’s whims.


    “I see. Do they… have accidents often?” He said.


    “Not particularly, but it has happened once with a particular skinny fellow a while back that chewed through his wrists on the second night of his arrival. I believed measures needed to be taken.” The demon said. “After all, I enjoy being a respectable host.”


    “Well you really need to work on your acting skills buddy. Cause you wouldn’t fool a five year-old with that. Maybe try doing an eye-roll too.”


    The demon did not react once again. He just floated closer to Evan and suddenly grabbed his mouth, hard. Evan’s eyes shot open, scared if he said the wrong thing, but the demon only moved his head left and right with his fingers. He was inspecting him. His unblinking amber eyes stared bloodshot into his. The demon’s gloved thumb pressed against his lips, and an order was said with crushing simplicity to it.


    “Open.”


    Evan hesitated for a moment before he parted his trembling lips. The moment there was no resistance, the demon’s index and thumb were shoved into his mouth making him gag and choke. They pressed against his teeth and gums, even his tongue, but all with a strange curiosity. The demon seemed more intrigued than angered in any way. Although Evan found it hard to tell with his unchanging expression.


    “Fascinating. No fangs, no extra mandibles or jaws, no tusks, your tongue’s not even barbed nor laced with poison spores. I thought you might be a bloodsucker or some form of malnourished ogre taking on a glimmer. But no… you’re just a regular human.” He said. Very faintly Evan could feel disappointment in his tone.


    “Uhh, fhanksh?” He spat sarcastically even with the fingers in his mouth. The demon pulled his hand back, wiping his hand on a piece of cloth attached to his flesh monster.


    “I don’t see the point of keeping something as unremarkable as you in my precious collection. I have no need for you.” He said with a flick of his hand.


    In response, a thick calloused hand grabbed Evan by the head from behind. Whatever it was then began pulling him away along with his chair. He heard Wrath’s muzzled grunting, and the rattling of her chains in protest.


    Oh shit, oh shit. Wrath’s in no state to fight. Especially not this clown, he might be weird, but he gives me a bad vibe. Think Evan, think, do what you do best… What do I do best…? Stall! Stall with that mouth of yours… stall… for what…? His thoughts raced in that one instant. In his panic, he began blabbering.


    “He-he-hey! C’mon now buddy, I’m sure there’s plenty I can add to your collection! I’m quite a renowned piece of art in the demonic underworld.”


    “Doubt it.”


    “You say that, but didn’t I just give you some tips? I saw you write that down. I can help teach you some more stuff, how to be more efficient in your jokes and sarcasm.”


    “Doubt it.”


    “C’mon man, I used to be a great comedian before the world went to shit. Friends used to laugh at me all the time.”


    “Doubt it. Except for that last part, I am inclined to believe that.” The horned demon said with a smug smile creeping on his face.


    “See you’re laughing right now! You seem like a super serious kinda guy, that''s an achievement worthy of keeping me around no?”


    “I’ve grown tired of your ceaseless drivel… man. I was going to kill you later, but feel free to die now.” He said, followed by another flick of his hand.


    The fleshbeast from behind Evan stopped, and grabbed him by the neck with one arm and by the face with another with the intent of snapping his neck. A terrified croak escaped Evan’s throat as he braced himself for the abrupt end. But then, a savior shouted from the back.


    “Asmodeus, WAIT!” The familiar voice called out.


    The man called Asmodeus instantly raised his fist, and the monster stopped, letting go of Evan’s body and stepping back. Evan breathed a sigh of relief as he looked upon his rescuer running close.


    You’re a real lifesaver Mephy, though I wish you wouldn’t cut it so close all the time.


    “What exactly do you think you’re doing?” Mephisto shouted, poking Asmodeus in the chest with a bandaged arm. “Who the hell gave you permission to kill my prisoners?”


    Asmodeus looked down, staring at Mephisto’s finger with the intent of making the demon pull his hand back. When he showed no inclination to, Asmodeus slowly grabbed his hand and pushed it away. A bead of sweat dripped down the inanimaliat’s temple at the act.


    “Firstly. They are not your prisoners, they are Lord Baal’s. Secondly, even if they were entrusted to you for a time, the moment they crossed within the borders of Dudael, they became my property. Lastly, by what right do you dare try and stop me from doing as I please with this puny human?”


    “Hey Assfaceyus, I might not have an arm but-”


    “Shut it!” Mephisto said with a finger point before turning back to the demon. “Listen, Asmodeus. You do know why the twerp is still alive right?”


    “Enlighten me, please.” Asmodeus said, his voice accentuating every syllable.


    Mephisto only moved his head over his shoulder in the direction of the other prisoner. Asmodeus followed him and locked gazes with Wrath. Her pale golden eyes shot daggers at him, and he couldn’t help but smile in understanding.


    “So? You are aware of the fact that I control much more dangerous beings in this prison, correct?”


    “You don’t know that Asmodeus. You might have heard the stories about the Violet Demon, but I doubt you’ve ever crossed swords with her.”


    Evan heard a low snarl come from Wrath’s direction.


    “Are you mocking my capabilities Mephistopheles?” The demon said with an icey undertone in his voice.


    “Maybe, but I am trying to get you to not underestimate hers. Whatever your strength is, the kid’s a safety valve. Wrath’s gonna play nicely as long as he''s around. You kill him now, she goes apeshit, you and I have to tie her back up, and look at me…” He said, showing off the bandages under his overcoat. “...I just got my ass handed to me by the Huntress. Do I look in any position to fight?”


    The Huntress? Evan shot to attention, his eyes wide. Katherine? He has to mean Katherine, right? That fucking bitch is... still alive?


    “Very well then. You make a compelling argument, Mephisto. Lord Baal might be displeased. After all, he entrusted the prisoners to you and then to me, alive. Therefore to keep them and my underlings safe, both prisoners will be locked up in the level five cells.”


    That doesn’t sound good. And going by the look in Mephisto’s eyes, it really is not good.


    Asmodeus turned around to face Evan once more. He waved his fingers forward, and the flesh golem then pushed Wrath until her seat was right next to Evan’s. Evan looked at her and his heart leapt with worry.


    “Hey, you doing okay there?’ Evan asked. Wrath only gave a weak nod back. She looked at him and then at Mephisto. There was a perplexed look in her eyes, perhaps confused by why the traitorous demon would so adamantly help keep Evan alive. He saw an inkling of the truth forming in her mind. He nodded slowly at her, hoping to help her understand.


    “My apologies for mistreating you earlier. I was under an incorrect presumption regarding your usefulness.” The floating demon began. “I am Asmodeus, Archdemon Warden of Dudael.”


    “No worries Aspie mate, its all good demons have been trying to kill me for some time now.” Evan said with a feigned smile. He couldn’t help but notice Wrath’s pensive expression at his comment.


    The demon’s facial expression remained statuesque. He then continued. “You are now prisoners of my extensive and grandiose collection. As prisoners of Dudael, I would inform you that you shall never see the light of day again. You will be taken to your living cells, and I ask that you familiarize yourself with them. For you will spend the rest of your lives there, however long they may be. Do not despair at this prospect however. Know that neither I nor any of my subordinates will mistreat any of you. You will be fed, clothed, bathed, and be given all the necessary elements for survival.”


    And what’s the catch, Asmodeus? Evan thought as he stared at the demon’s hypnotic cat-like eyes.


    “Aside from some few rules of decent conduct that I ask of you, there is only one unbreakable rule. Any attempts to subvert this rule will be met with swift retribution. No one leaves Dudael.” Asmodeus said, his unflinching voice sending a chill up Evan’s spine.


    <hr>


    The descent into the god-forsaken pit of Dudael was one unlikely to be forgotten by Evan anytime soon. At first, Asmodeus’ horrific monstrosities led him and Wrath down a series of normal-looking corridors. The long hallways were decorated by various plain walls made from wood or concrete or plaster all in numerous shades of alabaster. Many large iron doors littered their path along the way, and Evan was left to wonder who or what could possibly be locked behind them.


    No one’s making any sound here.. Everything must be soundproof. Damn it really reeks of burnt wood everywhere too, when’s the last time they cleaned this place?


    Rarely from a corner or hallway some sort of humanoid creature would cut across their path before vanishing from sight, uninterested in their presence. These encounters were few and far between. Aside from appearing human-like except twisted, malformed in some way, Evan thought them unremarkable. But as they were being taken down countless flights of stairs, the gravity of the situation began to weigh on Evan’s mind. The buzzing of the neon lights on the ceiling droned on and on in his ear. His mind began to ruminate on the possible outcomes of their predicament and he felt an anxious pit in his stomach. But then he noticed something that snapped his stream of consciousness: a lone water cooler against a yellow wall, with nothing around it save for a small potted plant.


    A water cooler huh, guess my nightmares of working in a cubicle all my life have caught up to me. I expected a demon prison to be less… boring. Wandered his first thoughts. I doubt I’d be lucky enough for that to be the case. We’ve been walking for what feels like hours now. Just how far down does this place go..?


    “How far down to level five?” Evan asked one of the abominations in a vain attempt. The monstrous creature did not react.


    Expected as much… Worth a shot though.


    The next time they descended down a long flight of stairs into the pitch darkness, the atmosphere drastically shifted. They came before a large ethereal gate that floated like a veil of purple mist. Evan paused, inspecting it for a moment, awed by its massive size. High at the very top, etched into the doorway’s black frame, were two burning parallel lines that pierced through the dim light of the cavernous chamber they were in..


    W-we’re barely at… the second level?


    The creatures pushed them through the gate, and it parted without any hassle. But here, the haphazard, almost random assortment of common, plain walls gave way to something much more suffocating. The straight pathways became winding, branching, twisting corridors made of a coarse blackstone that seemed to seep away all light. Unending darkness stretched forward with each step they took. Evan soon found himself unable to breathe in fear. It was not the darkness that terrified him, but the screams. The constant, pulsing wail of a thousand different voices echoed from the massive cavern. It was all encompassing, overbearing from every direction. His skin seemed to vibrate, and his bones shook. The dreadful noises flooded his mind with tormenting visions. Screams of men and women in unimaginable pain, horrid shrieks of tainted creatures being dissected and reformed endlessly and grotesque howling of souls being clawed apart by forces beyond his comprehension. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    My... hands… are trembling… c’mon Evan… you’ve seen… worse... He tried inspiring himself, to little effect. This is… this… these aren’t my thoughts… I don’t… want to see this… He tried steadying his breathing, but he could only gasp and choke. If there really is a God out there… he''s a long way from here.


    He searched for anything, something to break away the sights in his eyes. Then two golden lights seemed to shine in the darkness, revealing their soothing warmth. It called to him, like water to a man dying of thirst. Evan quickly pushed himself against Wrath, rubbing his shoulder and stump against her elbow. Had their hands not been chained, he would have grabbed hers. Feeling her cold skin against his was as if the noose around his throat had been instantly cut.


    “W-Wrath… I’m sorry… this place is… scaring me something fierce… I can barely move.” He whispered to her with trembling lips, hanging his head in shame.


    Wrath then lifted him by the chin with a shove from her shoulder. She stared at his teary eyes in understanding. Evan then noticed that even she had trembling goosebumps and the knowledge that he wasn’t the only one afraid was enough.


    “Heh, I’m glad you’re here with me. If I had to face this place alone… not sure I would have been able to.” He said, forcing himself to laugh.


    “Push back the fear, Evan.” Wrath whispered despite the metal binding over her mouth and jaw. “This place was made to terrify. To break down our minds. The gate took the desires within you and twisted them into an unrecognizable cacophony of pain and suffering. I feel the same, but you have to endure. We’ll push through. Together.”


    Evan couldn’t help but smile, his cheeks turning a faint shade of red. Thankfully, it was so dark that Wrath most likely did not notice.


    “I honestly didn’t think you could talk with that thing on.” He said, trying to lighten the mood.


    “I couldn’t, but I chewed through the plastic gag Mephisto made over time on our way here.” She said smugly. “It was annoying me, and it finally broke. Somehow, I expected it to have some sort of seal on it to prevent just that… but I wonder...”


    C’mon Wrath you’re a smart girl you can figure it out. I can’t risk telling you outright, not with these goons behind us.


    “You sound a lot livelier. Do you know this place Wrath?” He asked, quickly changing the subject.


    “Yes, I feel somewhat better. I must have been fed a small amount of blood when we got here. And no, thankfully. I suppose, unfortunately now. Being friends with Azazel kept me from ending up here no matter what I did.” She responded.


    “So you might not have an idea how long till the fifth level?”


    “No, but we did pass through what has to be a security gate. Descent should be much faster now. Speaking of.”


    Wrath nodded forward, making Evan turn and peer into the darkness. A tiny light was forming at the end of the tunnel. Evan’s eyes widened with relief, as the light seemed to deafen the incessant screaming. He quickened the pace, and Wrath followed. The two hulking creatures behind them moved at the same glacial pace, yet they were still always behind them.


    The light turned out to lead into a truly gigantic opening. The corridor opened into a circular floor twice the size of a football field surrounded by tall, cylindrical, metal walls. Hexagonal patterns with blood-drawn runes decorated every spot on them even as the walls seemed to stretch above farther than Evan could see. What Evan also noticed after a couple moments was the massive red pentagram that was drawn beneath his feet.


    “What.. the hell is this..?”


    “An elevator…” Wrath responded pessimistically. She hung her head low, and Evan, sensing something, moved beside her. But even he remained silent, not knowing what to say. As they wallowed in the hopelessness of their situation, the floor lurched, trembling beneath them. Slowly, it began descending. Evan spun around, and noticed they were alone on the platform.


    “Guess we’ll be here a while. What’s the pentagram for, Wrath?”


    “The pentagram is a seal. One of the most ancient and most powerful symbols.” Wrath began, stretching her legs as well as she could with the bone chains before she sat down on the cold metal floor. “Its age and familiarity makes it useful, but over time, the most cunning demons have learned methods to break the seal. Risky, dangerous methods. Its usually best to leave these sort of primordial forces be, but some are tempted by the powers they promise. A demon bearing a broken or incomplete pentagram is the quickest sign you’re dealing with a truly formidable opponent. My guess is our friend Asmodeus used this to transport big creatures directly from the surface. Seeing how slow its moving, it doesn''t seem like he''s used it in a while.”


    “Does this seal affect us? I’m not feeling anything.”


    “Most humans are immune to this particular seal. But in some situations they can be affected. If I tried using my powers I would have difficulty doing so. Especially on one this size.”


    “Ah, so I’m too plain to be affected.” He said, sitting down in front of her as well.


    “Pretty much.” Wrath said, chuckling. Evan pouted.


    “This one’s not broken at least.” He mumbled after a moment of pause. “We got that going for us.”


    “Always the optimist… No, the warden needs it whole to safely transport whatever he needs transporting. In this case, us.”


    “Do you think he could break it if he wanted to?” He asked.


    Wrath chuckled underneath her mask. “Asmodeus? Absolutely.”


    “You know him?”


    “Heard stories. Never met him. Thank fuck for that. Few have. He''s definitely a monster beyond your average demon. Seeing him in person confirmed as much. Even weakened as I am…” Wrath’s voice trailed off and Evan could see a fearful look in her eyes.


    Its strange… seeing Wrath so… frail… He thought. I guess being locked up for months will do that to anyone, no matter how strong they are.


    “Asmodeus the Faceless, The Hydra, The Shattered One, demons of the underworld speak of him by many names.” She said, continuing. “They say entire clans of demon hunters came together to fight him when he first reincarnated on earth, god-knows how long ago.”


    “Given how he just had his creepy-ass fingers in my mouth earlier, I bet they didn’t succeed.”


    “Not at all, most were slaughtered. In the end the most they managed was to imprison him and make a pact with him. Lock him up here in this forsaken corner of the world and put him in charge of all other shit they couldn''t kill or contain.”


    Well, I really dodged a bullet insulting him there… I’m glad he doesn’t seem like the kind of guy to hold a grudge. Evan thought as he wiped away the sweat dripping down the side of his neck. Wrath chuckled at his reaction as if she could tell what he was thinking.


    “I remember this one demon once suggested he might be one of the Thirteen Knights. Back then it seemed ridiculous. Now, not so much.”


    “Thirteen Knights? Those don''t sound ominous at all.” Evan said, gulping.


    “Azazel told me about them once. Primordial demon lords or something like that.” Wrath explained.


    “What happened to them?”


    “Who knows? Countless eons swallowed them and whatever they did. Now even their very existence is questionable.” Wrath said, as her gaze drifted away. Evan decided to let the moment of silence sit between them as the floor kept descending. After a while, his boredom compelled him to start talking again.


    “Man I gotta say Wrath, it felt so good to be able to move and walk after being bound to that chair for so long.”


    Wrath looked at him with a bored, annoyed expression in her eyes. She rattled the chains that still bound her arms and chest.


    “Hey I’m tied up too!” He said, wiggling his right brace. “I just meant my knees hurt so bad earlier.”


    “Yeah, you’re not wrong there.”


    The two enjoyed each other’s company, like a spark of hope in the silent dark. The elevator slowly descended and after some time, the ancient machinery came to a sudden halt. They rose when they saw the doors behind them slide open. Evan remarked on their futuristic decorum as they made their way through.


    “Ah, you must be the new guests!” A delighted, hypnotic voice sang from behind them, startling both. The figure whizzed past them when they turned towards it. Evan’s nostrils were flooded by a powerful, dizzying perfume. “Over here sweeties, this way.”


    “The hell?” Evan said when he finally laid eyes on the woman. She had a significantly long, sleek figure. So long, in fact, that the further down Evan’s eyes went the more he realized her lower half kept going, coiling like that of a serpent. Shining scales like black diamonds adorned her massive tail, in contrast to her spotless, pure white skin. Her tail was accentuated by her long, tight, similarly-colored black dress. A dress that had an absurdly low décolletage all the way down to her belly button. Three metallic spikes were fashioned from the dress around her breasts, two on the sides and one down the middle across her chest. Additionally, the dress was styled with golden trim and metallic accessories all the way up her right arm, while her left arm was completely bare all the way up to her shoulder. From her waist down, a bright yellow tabard flowed down covering her dark gray serpentine underbelly.


    Lady you need to… cover it up god damn.


    That notion made an embarrassed Evan blush fiercely. Her dress continued upwards flowing into a standing collar around her neck. He noted its strange shape, like droplets of blood flowing against gravity. Her cherry-red twintails flowed down her shoulders matching the inside of her dress collar. Finally resting his eyes upon her face sent a fearful shiver through Evan’s body. Her eyes were stitched tightly shut with thick red twine. The lines continued from the edge of her eyes down through her cheeks, and stitched through her bright red lips. The twine ended in two black needles that pierced once more through her lips, giving them the appearance of fangs.


    “I am Aramia, The Gorgon. Empress of The Pit and your esteemed host. Be welcomed to the fifth layer of Dudael. It will be my pleasure to spend an eternity with you.” She spoke without moving her lips. As she moved closer into the light, Evan could see two bone-white horns emerge from her head, just above her ears. They each angled back, before taking a sharp angle back up.


    Evan gulped, and it was as if she heard him. Her head snapped towards him, and he nearly fell back. She undulated herself forward, grabbing him by the chin much the same way Asmodeus had earlier. Sweat dripped down his temples as he felt her terrifyingly sharp claws press against his skin.


    What’s everyone’s deal with my chin!? He protested to himself.


    “My, my, Master Asmodeus sent me a truly handsome one hmmm!” Her silky voice cooed. “Its been a long time since I’ve had anything but ghouls and ghasts and truly repulsive creatures. What’s your name, sweet one?”


    Evan felt a terrifying aura to his right, and noticed Wrath with a very peculiar expression on her face. He could almost make out a vein twitching violently on her forehead.


    “C-cansh you leth go of me firsht?” He said, thinking quickly.


    “Ihihih, Terribly sorry, bad habit.” She smiled devilishly. “And don’t worry, you can stare all you’d like at me. I don’t mind.” She said, blowing him a kiss.


    “I… uh… Uh see I... I’m-” He babbled, struggling to even say his name.


    “Oh don’t worry Evan, I already know, I was teasing you. I read your mind the moment I laid eyes on you.” Aramia said with an alarming glee in her voice. “As for you...” She said, turning to Wrath and gently scratching her cheek with the back of her fingers. Her long, sharp golden claws left red marks on her skin. She shook back in disgust. “...Don’t worry sweetie, I won’t do nothing to your man. Master Asmodeus is much cuter anyway.” Aramia whispered, before giggling loudly.


    Evan’s eyes went wide. He didn’t imagine it was possible for Wrath’s gray skin to blush in such a powerful purple hue, but there it was. He stared intensely, saving the memory for years to come.


    “But enough chat for now sweet ones, you must be tired from your long journey.” The demoness began with a clap of her hands. “You must now rest. You’ll wake tomorrow in your newfound homes, and I will give you all the assistance you need to make your stay one to remember.” She clapped once more. “Good night sweets, don’t let the spiders bite!” She sang, and with the final clap, Evan’s sight was swallowed by shadows.


    <hr>


    Mephistopheles followed Asmodeus down the narrow corridors of the prison. The demon seemed to float onward with purpose, and Mephisto was compelled to follow. Soon, they came towards a lounge of sorts, and Asmodeus motioned for him to enter. He obliged. Asmodeus followed, floating past some support columns towards a nearby large display cabinet.


    “Do you have to do that?” He asked, not even bothering to look at the room.


    Asmodeus stopped dead in his tracks and turned around. His lidless eyes stared at Mephisto, with what he thought was confusion.


    “Do… what, Mephistopheles?” The demon’s calm, inexpressive voice said as he walked close..


    “Float, look like that, talk like that. You’re being creepy.”


    “Ah, I see. My current form is not something you are used to seeing, is it?”


    “Yeah that''s it.” Mephisto nodded.


    “I’ve not needed to change my appearance in forever. Most demons hide their true natures to blend in the world of men, but there are no humans that might wander in this place so I’ve never needed to. How about this one, then?” Asmodeus said.


    His skin began moving, trembling as the muscles and flesh beneath began to shift. Mephisto watched with a knot in his stomach as his face bubbled and twitched and slowly but surely changed. His horns melted into his black long hair, taking a slightly lighter tone, his pale skin took on a noticeable tan, and instead of cat-like bloodshot eyes, Mephisto found himself staring into a mirror.


    “You son of a bitch.” Mephisto shouted angrily. “You mocking me?”


    “This doesn’t suit your fancy either? Tsk, tsk.” Mephisto’s own voice called back at him. “You’re quite picky Mephistopheles. Or is it that you don’t enjoy the sight of your own face? What sins are hidden underneath I wonder…”


    “Fuck yourself. What’d you drag me here for?”


    “There are matters to be discussed. I was hoping to give you a tour of the prison later. Mainly the important areas. But right now I was hoping to show you my exquisite collection of classical music.” The demon smiled. He snapped his fingers and music began playing from a nearby victrola.


    “A demon who likes Mozart. How rich.”


    “Not quite. This is a fantastic opera long before him, about a queen, her star-crossed love and the loss of her kingdom at the hands of a holy man.”


    Mephisto’s head twitched upwards. His breath went shallow and rage coursed through his veins. His hands curled into fists. “What did you say?” He said softly, trying to keep himself from lunging at the demon.


    “Its a wonderful story, truly.” Asmodeus began. He placed his hand over his black hair. “So, if this shape doesn’t please you, how about this one then?” He smiled, and as he moved his hand away, his hair went from pure black to a bright, vibrant, blue with drops of red intertwined between the strands.


    Mephisto’s body acted before he could, his fist aiming straight for Asmodeus’ head. He exhaled, and when the dust cleared, his fist was lodged deep into the stone column behind the demon. Asmodeus’ head was tilted at a right angle away from his hand. His face had shifted back, and now his cat-like eyes stared daggers into him.


    “I am going to pretend… for your sake, that you were just trying to protect me from a particularly venomous insect. Maybe a spider of some kind.” Asmodeus began, the calmness of his voice making Mephisto justifiably retract his hand and back away. “Mephisto, I have known you for longer than just tonight. You might not be aware, since Lord Baphomet ripped your soul from your body, but I was able to see Camael’s city fall through the eyes of a… friend that was there that day. She was there to reclaim the body of that imbecile, Baphomet you see. But, after Samson was reborn and the army decimated, my dearest friend brought me a truly rapturous gift in the form of the queen’s body.”


    Mephisto’s eyes bulged from his head in rage. He wanted to lunge again and clasp his hands around the demon’s neck, but he couldn’t. Even though in part, the fear of the consequences held him back, that was not the reason. His body was paralyzed by Asmodeus’ gaze.


    “Y-you… why..? Why are you telling me this?” He shouted through gritted teeth.


    “A corpse of such power as the Queen of the Moon’s could not just decay like that, no, no, no. My friend knew as much, so she took her and brought her to me. I hid her in the safest of places. Do not worry, I took great care to not defile her any more than you already did. Who knows, perhaps she’s hidden somewhere in this very prison.” He said, smiling. “As for why, I was going to tell you eventually, but you annoyed me greatly tonight. Tormenting you has given me great pleasure. How does it feel, knowing that I could, if I so desired, show you her face, I remember every face I see perfectly Mephisto. Every detail of her face that you can no longer recall, I can show you. I cannot imagine what that must be like.”


    “You… sick… freak…” Mephisto spat.


    “Come now Mephisto. You might have fooled Baal for a while, but did you really think I’d be as easy?”


    “Baal never had any intention of coming here, did he?” Mephisto said, the weight of his realization dragging his shoulders down.


    “No. I cannot speak for when he realized, but you must have slipped at some point and he did. I was given the word to throw you into the pit along with your friends.”


    “Then what are you waiting for, you bastard? Do it already.” Mephisto said, shouting aggressively.


    Asmodeus floated gently to the side, clearing some plaster and dust from his shoulder.


    “I have no intention of doing that. After all, I still have the tour to give you.”


    Mephisto stared at him in stunned silence. Asmodeus stared back, his blank expression turning into a smile, and then, into laughter. He laughed a subdued, quiet laughter that filled Mephistopheles with dread. Sweat dripped down his brow, and it felt like eons since he had taken his last breath.


    “Oh Mephisto, I have no need to lock you up. You are free to wander around as you please. I even welcome you to keep your little charade of being on Baal’s side. There is nothing you can do to threaten me. The main rule was not a suggestion, it was an absolute truth of this place. No one. Leaves. Dudael.”