”Tiibbbuuurrrrrooooooonnn!!!”

I screamed out. My head jolting forward, causing sweat to drip from my face. Feeling the sensation of breathlessness in the pit of my stomach; as the air was hot, hard, and suffocating. That even breathing, I could barely find my rhythm. For my heart was beating so fast, it felt as though I just ran three marathons, back-to-back. No longer wishing to be calmed.

...soothed even.

Fear and panic spreading within me like wildfire, to escape out of these straps. To free me. To stand up....only to slowly realize, I was never held down, to begin with. That-that, was a memory...from so long ago. A time. A life...

When I was still alive...

’Fucking A.’ I thought. Giving up in my attempts. ’Even after a few millennia, I still can’t get over this sin of mine.’

I hissed.

“Just how many times has it been now. Seven. Eight. Nine hundred times? Or is it a fucking a million already, that I have to endure this hellish-nightmare! Huh?!!” I asked.

Waiting for an answer to come. For someone to reply and hear my words. Hoping that despair and discomfort would be over-placed with hope. Just for once.

But like always, the echo of screams was heard in the dark halls of this godforsaken place.

“...haha. That’s right.” My voice, raspy. Beginning to chuckle as a bit of humor came to mind.

“Almost forgot where I was. In here, no such thing as a slither of hope can exist.” My head lowering as my wrinkled fingers clutched what was left of my distorted face. Streams of red tears sliding down and off my cheek.

“After all. There’s no place like hell.” Hysterical madness washing over me in a familiar sense.

“Ah, it’s good to see a dead girl learn her place in the world. After all, what better place can she call home; if not here.” A voice I’ve grown accustomed to hearing over the years spoke.

“Well, if it wasn’t for my insanity I’d never know.” I joked.

Raising my head up. An all too familiar gatekeeper graced my presence behind a locked cell door. Only his bloodstained colored eyes were seen through an opening.

“And how are we feeling today? Courageous. Brave. Dumb enough even, to try our luck again in escaping. Hmm?”

“Curse you Zoalun!.” Agitation evident. No longer wishing to be this sadistic pig’s prisoner.

Placing my right hand on the floor and the left on the wall. I used them as support to ease the burden on my legs, since the muscles I once had. Gradually diminished over time.

After finally finding my balance. The wall as my support.

“Just you wait. I’ll get out. Try all you might. I’m not squeamish like the others. You can’t break me.” I said in defiance. “I won’t let you!”

“Let me?” He laughed. A sound clicked in the doors. Sliding over deliberately in an intimidating way. As slowly, Zoalun’s demonic image. Came into full view, which made me regret the bravado I just had.

“Oh. Do tell. Exactly, what aren’t you going to let me do?” Stepping into the cell. His height nearly reaching the ceiling. Heat from outside radiating the room and melting my insides.

I couldn’t help but kneel before him. Coughing up a fit as one do when they have asthma.

“Ahahaha. What’s wrong now sweet cakes. Is the air too hot or is it just me?” He chuckles.

While I trembled.

A feeling of hopelessness in the room as I came face to face with a monster out of a horror film. “Zoalun.” A crack in my voice.

Standing about twice the size of a human male. Skin dark as shadows. Tattoos in a strange Hawaiin design covered over the shoulders and spread above his open chest, in a style of hot molten lava. He was fit. In a physique, most bodybuilders wished they had. The clothe he wore around his waist, sprouted to shredded pieces reaching his lower legs. Death-metal skulls could be seen on them and a strange centerpiece. I imagine was a belt buckle. Held his attire as one of Hell’s scariest gatekeepers. His feet or flesh encased in metal. Molten lava seen flowing through them. As steam emitted from beneath his feet.

The sound of movement caught my attention. Looking up, I couldn’t tell if he was angry or happy cause with a metallic jaw like that. Blazing red eyes. Horns bending in different ways from one another. A red glow among the epicenter of his forehead. And a metal staff behind his head had me more focused rather than on his mood.

“Last time I checked. Yes?” Reaching down. Lifting me up, pretty easy to eye level.

“What do you want from me?” Squirming in his grip. Trying to get loose. “I thought I had another millennia or two in this memory trick shit. Or is it back to working in the mines. Maybe another ligament you guys wanna take.” I coughed.

“Don’t tell me. It’s my turn for the pit again?”

“As much fun as my Pit is, it sounds boring at this point. If you ask me.” Looking away for a sec. Then back to me. “How about a shower for starters. Bet it would feel nice to get rid of some of that filth.” He smiled.

“A shower. Really?” I questioned. Like that’s the best he could come up with.

“Well, you make it sound so bad. I would’ve thought a lady of your virtue...” He paused. “would appreciate it. After all, since when was the last time you took a bath.” He said.

“Oh no. That’s a trick question.” I waved my hands in a no manner. “I’m thirsty as hell. But even I know there’s no water down here. It’s hell after all.” Saying the obvious.

“Sorry to hear that.” Swinging me around and fitting me between his left side. His arm holding me horizontal and claws dug into my waist. The torn and frayed robe I wore, now in a worsening state. “But surely you realized you never had a choice. Right?” Flashing a grin. “Let's go.”

And with that. We were off. Out the cell for who knows how long I’ve been left there and strolling through the dark corridors of this ghoulish cell block. A Gothic theme running here, for terrors of anguish is heard from every cell, as people relive their worst tragedy and greatest sin. Over and over.

Till their time of dying.

That or some were just being tormented for the fun of it. And of course.

“Hahaha, hear that Katherine. A minute ago that was just you in there. Balling your eyes out, reliving your worst fears. Now, look at you. Out early and with your favorite demon. Aren’t you grateful I came to save you?” He said.

“Save me?! Whatever this is, I’m sure your gonna do the opposite of that word.” I fidgeted in his grip. “Now tell me what you really want.”

“Oh come now, Katherine. Look at this poor fool.” Pulling to a stop near a cell. Then threw me in the air, before unsheathing another eye hole. As my ragged-doll body came falling down. Nearly close contact with face-to-ground, only to be caught by the few remaining strands of my hair. As years of decay had withered them away.

“Aaahhh!!” I screamed.

“Shhh~” He shushes me. “Look.” Lifting my head to see through the peephole.

What I saw could hardly be put into words. A prisoner. A teenager was experiencing first hand what’s it like to have to relive his worst memory. Thrashing about in an angry fit. Please and cries in a symphony of sorrow. His eyes dark. Lifeless. A swell of dark ink, pouring out of them as I knew exactly what this was.

“Corruption...” I breathed.

“That’s right.” Turning to see Zoalun with a sadistic grin plastered on his face. “No matter how many times I’ve seen it. The smell of it is intoxicating.” Taking in a deep breathe. “Hearing his anguish of moans and screams excites me. The look of pain as he undergoes the transformation pumps the fire within this dark heart of mine to do unspeakable things!!” He said aloud.

Silence was the only thing I could muster as I couldn’t watch the boy any longer but did anyway. Not out of curiosity. Or out fear of ever becoming one. No. I’ve seen this happen before. Many times in fact. Souls pure or not whom fallen into the darkening.

I watched on only to wonder if I could escape a fate coming for me worse than this. That anything would be better than becoming a mindless slave. A mindless servant. A mindless pet-demon.

ROOOOAAAARRR!! The transformation complete.

What I saw would most likely remain with me till the end of time. And what I saw dared me to hope. Pray a little even. That, I will never become such a thing.

“Heh. Over already. He’s only been here half a decade. What do you think? Ended too soon?” He asks me.

“I think I want a refund.”

“A refund?” He said quizzically.

“For the bad show.” I stated. “What. Was I suppose to wet myself in fear and feel bad for the kid or something.”

“He was only seventeen you know. Human. Young. Innocent looking enough to get at least somewhat compassion from you.”

“.....”

“Are you serious. Nothing?” Looking skeptical. Cocking a brow.

“Am I serious?” Responding back with a deluded look. “Is a demon lord actually wondering how I 'feel’, over some brat corrupting.

Shocked by my statement and a bit amused in voice.

“And if they are?”

Facing his annoyed stare. “Then don’t be. If there’s one crucial thing I’ve learned since my imprisonment here, is that benevolence and compassion, isn’t a luxury I can afford. Cause anyone, no matter the age nor looks. Who they say they are, what they do, or whom they were before all this. Can never be trusted. So no, I don’t feel anything for him.” A lesson I took to heart. Long ago.

Zoalun, just passing a look in thought.

“Unless I should?” Asking, in a way, if there was more.

“He killed a girl.” He simply replies.

What should’ve been concern, worry, or some form of human emotion; washed over me in a sense of ease. A story heard and told a thousand times here. Something that denied whatever humanity left in me to diminish. If not already.

(Sigh) “Tell me something I haven’t already heard. What, was she his friend. Victim, ex, or...” Trying to find the right words. “..his lover?” I said in a bored tone.

“Hahahaha!!~” Laughing uncontrollably, as if a hilarious joke was told. “Your definitely my favorite mortal here Katherine. Always have been. Forget what the other gate lords say about you. Your a stone cold bitch.” Continuing his antics. “And they say you used to be a kind-hearted soul. In with the new and out with the old. Eh!”

"Yea. Yea. My heart is ice. Now which one were they." A headache coming along if possible.

"Neither. Bromeo here thought it be wise to get high with sis. A celebration of her birthday. But like him, she was an addict. So hooked up on drugs that they overdosed by mistake. The pollution of man's narcotics got them in the end. Point is, she's dead. He's dead. Their both down here, suffering damnation. Well...one of them is. The other, a mini-demon before our very eyes. Doesn't it just move your dead beating heart, Kate." Euphoria in written words.

"Hardly seems like a crime. He's in this gate because of that." Noticing the mini-demon run amok in his newfound cage.

"No, he's here cause of some other petty sins. That and...because I placed a bet with Scarm. To see if he breaks in three decades." He snorted aggressively. Flickers of flame fumed from his nostrils. "He broke in three years." Disappointment there in depth.

Placing me like before. We headed on as nothing else was said.

'This is really pathetic.' Closing my eyes. 'Are we really this powerless to change our fate. Not that there's much left to it anyway. But still...'

Re-thinking the time I lost Natasha. The things I did afterward. The officer I once was, dye in pitch black; as she was cloaked in all forms of malice. Further branched by hate...Dread...Desire...And so much more. The craving, she felt to express her bottled up frustrations, into something more....artful. The amusement she held, of the lines and deeds, crossed. The sense of that forgotten feeling...

A bit of pleasure forming at the corner of my chappy lips.

...when I killed Tiburon's men.

.........

.........

'...no. I guess we all must pay the price.'

Remembering why I'm here.

After a bit of time walking pass some demons, chambers, and through the corridors of this hollow-fest asylum. Floor levels to new ones. Hidden passages to who knows where. We finally made it to the entrance of this horrible place. The doors, tall. Steeled. A big skeleton framed skull, as it's insignia design. Etched in the middle. So when the doors open. The skull splits in half, inward.

Each side, a stone guardian statue in the shape of hounds. Big, but scrawny. A predatory look held within. Patiently waiting for the next meal. To let those who come, to believe that once entered. None may escape. For your fate is forever sealed in the Sixth Gate. The Castle of Agony.

Once out, for the first time. In a long time. I imagined the scent of fresh air would be refreshing, instead of the stench of death. However, what awaited us had me baffled.

The field outside the castle a barren wasteland. It's soil dark, lifeless, and edged rock formations all around as far as the eye can see. Some just poking out of the ground. The sky red and covered with dark clouds. As purple lightning struck every now and then.

But that wasn't the part that had surprised me. No. It was the souls.

Many and many rows, of souls, stretched for miles. Each row filled in a line of the damned. Some floating in the sky, attached with an iron ball to both feet. While others, saunter in a deceased courtyard, making way outside the castle's ground. Chains to their feet, hands, and locks around their neck's. Shackled to each other. Waiting eternally to reach their next demise.

All of them, leaving from different entrances I spotted in the castle's walls. As Zoalun walked towards the steps, heading down to the courtyard.

'Sa'eer.' Looking back at the tall monstrosity. Truly a castle made of many.

'Guess I just graduated to another level of torture. Huh.'

In mere moments, all stopped and faced us. With one look, some scrammed over to Zoalun's feet when he reached the bottom. Dragging others unintentionally. And some just fighting to stay in a spot, no longer making eye contact as they knew what awaited.

"Please master. Oh, gatekeeper of Agony." A girl was the first to approach.

She was frailer than me. A child no doubt. Just trying to imagine what possible reason she was here escaped me. Enough to the point that I watched in fascination, as to what would happen next.

"I beg of you. I want to go home. I wanna see my mommy." She got on her knees. Begging. "I want to see her. I'll do whatever you want. so ple-"

"Move!" Someone cuts her off.

"Omph!" She lets out, as she's skids across the ground.

"Oh, dark lord. Don't mind this child. She's a misdeed of incest. I, however, am your true believer." Some old frail man spoke.

"And why's that?" Zoalun asked.

"Because I am a believer. A follower. I member of satanic followers in your name and everything unholy. I was apart of its uprising. It's hand in most of the world's government affairs. And I was the one whom taken great measures to ensure the cult's success. It's because of my knowledge, influence, and power over the Fuhrer, that there was even another World War!" Raising arms in a proclamation. "The mass of fe-"

"Wait-what?! You help start the second World War?" I questioned.

"Yes. There wasn't much to it. Especially when I showed him the truth. His...truth anyway." He phrased. "He believed in it so much he was willing to drown the world in chaos."

"And what truth may that be?" Getting a bit frustrated. While others watched on.

"The fool actually believed he was placed on this world with a sole purpose. To save his people. By punishing all who stood in his path and gripping the continents in an iron rule. A savior to his country. A monster to the world. He desired power to rule as a god. But no man can ever become one. Still, with my skills at hand; a few hallucinogenic tricks here. Whispers there. I gave him what he wanted. To be more than just a god. A conqueror." He smiles.

As if reliving the event in full detail. The expression he had as he created yet another worst event, in human history.

"Only in his folly, he couldn't realize there was a leash wrapped around his neck." His mind wandering elsewhere. "The resources. The power. The profits. Oh~, how I wish I knew what my fellow brethren did with that."

"Profits! Is that what you wanted? You created another world case disaster. With Hitler! Just for some cheap change!!" I bellowed. Trying to grab this s.o.b to no avail.

With Zoalun holding me back, just watching in interest.

"How dare you!" Anger boiling. "My ancestors fought in that war. I was always reminded by my grandmother that I came from a lineage of hunters and explorers. That the men were renown war heroes in battle and gave their life's for our freedom and happiness. Do you have any idea what you put them through at that time? To everyone!" Wedging between Zoalun's hold on me.

Nothing but scorn for the one who plagued my ancestry.

"Come here!" I squirmed. Pushing up against Zoalun's arm and side stomach. The old man backing up.

"Then they were good sacrifices for our cause. You should feel honored that they fought."

"Honored?" I grunted and took a breath. Picking up on the darkness rising within. "My forefathers never made it back home. Their bodies were never found!"

"And?" He gazed at me. "I wasn't the one in person, who killed them. I didn't instruct the Fuhrer to commit mass genocide. Or for the Americans to drop the first A-bomb, that claimed the lives of many." Feeling braver. Taking a step closer for each claim.

"It's in the human nature to fight. To wage wars. To destroy, rape, kill, steal, hurt, and poison one another. We all tell ourselves we're better. Peace and equality we say. But in the end, it just lies we say to one another. Look around you. Look at where you are. You dare to judge me for creating a war." Getting discomfortly close in my face. "I'm here cause I gave a man a desire he wished for. What of you?"

I couldn't respond, nor for the letters to form in actual words. Cause more than anything. In a sense of way, he was right. I made some bad choices. Mistakes on my part. Even after death I still continued to do so. I learned the hard way multiple times. That if you wanna survive here. Or have a tiny piece of some form of rationality. Sanity.

Best not play nice.

Cause anyone sent down here has a history. A hidden side behind their conniving eyes.

If what he says is remotely true. And even if he is a horrible person, who deserves to be in hell. He might have indirectly killed people. Me. I did it willingly. And enjoyed it. So do I even have that right to judge him...

After a moment of silence. "Like the filth you are, learn your place like the rest."

He stepped in front of the sixth gate lord.

"For all your talk of ancestry and they being fearless, you might've failed to notice a crucial thing." I met his stare. "Your grandmother could have told you those stories because she was afraid."

"Afraid of what?" I gulped with whatever spit I had left.

"That your forefathers died on the battlefield screaming like infants after a good fright. That if possible. They might've fled, hid, and ran for dare life like sheep-less cowards. Watching as one by one, the comrades they knew fell one at a time. Who knows. It's even possible they might've deserted the country and your family for a new home. Or....." Smiling once more at me.

"they were served as scraps for the dogs. I heard all about what the Fuhrer did to prisoners. The sort of games he played. What it became. If what you say is true how your ancestors were good hunters. Then pray tell... were they also good at being prey?"

Like before. Nothing was heard nor said.

"As I was saying, lord Zoalun. I am no more than a humble follower, just following the creed's agenda. The money was just a means to an end."

"And the end was what? As I see it, a war was the only goal in mind. That or, controlling some puppet of a nation behind the strings.'' Zoalun responded.

"To amass a fortune of power, followers, resources, and to one day ensure the arrival of the child. The bringer of Armageddon, in which it was prophesied. The son of Satan!" Lowering his head, opening arms wide. As one does in a ceremonial way.

"By the Seven Gates. Your all the same." Indignation in his voice.

"What do you mean my lord?"

"By prophecy, did you get this from a stone tablet."

"Yes." The man sounded unsure.

"Found in a temple in Arabia or Europe?"

"Arabia my lord. But what does th-"

"'And the son of Satan will cast the sky red. The sea in blood. The land in waves of fire and in its place. Ash to ash. As the wicked and damn, engulf the world in discord; running amok anarchy. The devil will finally be free to enter the world of the living. For thousands of years of internal darkness, shall cleanse the world and the race, known as humanity, into a forgotten time. A dark saga.' Something like that in the texts right?"

"One of the verses in perfect definition yes. But what do-" He was cut off again. This time by laughter.

Mine. All eyes on me once more.

"And what's so funny. Realized that your heroes were no more than false idols or has madness consumed you by now?" The man demanded.

"You. You stupid idiot. That's what's funny." I quipped. Laughing internally as he still hadn't realized the truth.

"How so?"

"Oh no. I don't wanna spoil it. I'll let your lord here say it." Facing Zoalun. Seeing a smile of excitement, at where this was going.

"I'm not sure if he can handle the bad news. He might drop dead from it." This demon loves his jokes.

"Na." I smiled back. "I'm sure his heart will skip a beat of joy." Amusement there in words.

"If it still beats at all."

"Well, why wouldn't it. It's not like he hasn't gotten a heartburn before."

Zoalun cracked up at that, while everyone else watched on. Stunned, for what seemed impossible.

A mortal trading jokes with a gate lord.

"What is so damn funny? I demand to know." He raised his voice.

"You demand? Are you saying that I'm like one of these flesh-lings? Where you can break formation and approach me without any repercussions." His tone easily switching from pleasure to disdain.

A pressure of some sort, exerting from him; placing a strain on our bodies as the burden was too much. Everyone in vicinity kneeling all together as they couldn't resist whatever effect gravity had on them. As for me, Zoalun just dropped me. And apply the pressure, it felt a lot like the time I had a pile of stones placed on top of me. Crushing me to death.

"I meant no disrespect, my lord." In a kneeling position. Like how a servant bows to higher authority.

"And what exactly did you mean!" Zoalun's demonic voice kicking in. Dark and edgy. The ground smelting beneath him from steam and pressure.

"I...I....I..." Repeating without reason. An explanation he couldn't muster or use against the one he called his lord.

"Is that all you've got to say. 'I.'" He questioned the imp before him.

"......"

'This feels a bit familiar. Like a flashback not too long ago.'

"Fine then." Zoalun snapped his fingers. The chains on the man puff out of existence. The invisible force no longer weighing us down.

"You, kill her..." Pointing a thumb my way. "And you're free."

"Free?" Suspicion in his voice.

"Yes. If you win, I'll personally send you back to the world of the living. But if you lose..." Taking a knee to stare him down directly. His dominance in height and build. The blazing glare his eyes flickered. Overpowering the man in dismay. "...then for the next eleven millennia. You'll remain in a cell to carry out the rest of her sentence." He said with glee.

As for me, I was a bit grateful for the circumstances today. Cause not even I want to remain in that confinement any longer. It smelled at best.

Stepping to the side. "You both may begin." He says, striking the ground with his staff as if a bell signaling the start of a fight.

I looked at the man in front of me. Seeing him frayed by time. And by his look, he thought the same of me. Too old for some fight-night shit like this.

But in quick response. And surprise, he made the first move. Taking a good second of picking up a jagged-stone rock from the ground as he lunged at me. Probably planning to end me in the confusion.

My reaction time was poorly. As in a few meters away from me, he flipped the weapon around in his fingers. Jumped and clasp his hands together around the rock. To drive its edge into me.

Careless was he, as he gave me the time I desperately needed.

In one swift motion, I laid on my back; cuffing his hands in mine. My legs kneeling in as my feet connected with his stomach. Using the momentum in spinning back and kicking him off me, propelling him away. As we stared one another in the eye, at the display that unfolded.

He landed with a thud. A sharp gasp as the air was knocked out of him. Rolling over to his stomach he faced me and me, him. Getting up slowly this time together, to ready ourselves.

"Before I kick your ass, what's your name old man?" I asked in greeting terms. Knuckles tightening. Drifting my feet apart in preparation for anything.

"Sedrick. And you?" Beginning to walk across from me. Never breaking eye contact.

"Katherine." Doing the same.

"Well then Katherine, it's nothing personal. But I'm getting out of here."

"That's funny." Cracking the joints in my back. "You made it personal a minute ago."

Shooting forward.

In defense, Sedrick threw the stone at me. Dodging it was easy. The hard part was the kick that followed next. Getting on my knees and sliding under the arc swing, as flesh scathes off. The rest of me made it out unharmed. Then quickly turning around behind and getting on a knee. I grabbed his right leg that was planted. Holstered him up with force over my shoulder. And slammed him back down.

'No time to rest. Move!' I heaved. Rushing to my feet.

Climbing on top. I punched him successive blows till he brought up his guard. Thus turning me over. Him on me. Swinging madly. Fiercely even. Just barely blocking the hits as I covered my face.

But he was careless again. As he punched with his right, I weaved under that arm's side. Quickly en-cuffing my arms, around his arm and neck. Where his arm was stuck and suffocating him if he resisted. A choke hold position. Textbook move at the academy.

Squeezing more and more as he thrashed in his uncomfortable position. His free hand punching my sides. Repeatedly.

'Still breathing huh.' Something growing in me. Leisurely taking its time. Increasing gradually over the fun we're having. "Hang in there." I said in a playful manner. "I hate it when new toys break." Wrapping my legs around him to keep him from shifting so much. Tightening my hold. Pressing my back against the ground. Stretching him further. As the pummeling, he's been doing to my side halted.

Tap again.

A halt.

Nothing...

"Just to make sure." Pulling hard and exerting force. A pop sound was heard. "There, now you're dead...well. Dead till you revive again, eventually."

Kicking him off. Standing back up to see a sight of familiar faces in horror, fear, and smirks. Zoalun sitting on a chair made of stone. A sad look a spectator makes when the spectacle was too short lived.

"What's the matter Zoalun. No popcorn or drink to go with your theater seat." I joked. Walking forward.

"And where are you going?" He spoke.

"I won. So I guess I'm free now right." A smile of triumph creasing on my face as I finally found a ticket out of here. "Well, let's go. A deal's a deal."

He stared and face-palmed in disbelief. "Okay. First, it was Sedrick who was stupid enough to fool for one of Liliana's tricks. Now you're telling me you believe I'll set you free. And two, The deal was for Sedrick. Not you. I already have something in store."

"....Of course." Crossing arms and rolling my eyes. Feeling stupid for the thought.

"Besides, whoever said the fight was over." Pointing my way. But more like...

"Behind." I whipped around and cursed my luck even more. There stood Sedrick. Completely restored and pissed. Rubbing his neck with a hand. But something off about him.

The look he gave.

Taking a defensive stance, body faced sideways. Feet spread out. Pivoting in the ground, ready again for more. Left-arm stretched down. My right close to chest. Fingers unclenched in preparation for something brewing.

"That really hurt" Words so small I barely heard escape that dried up well.

"You judged me. You mocked me. You laughed at me. You humiliated me. And you killed me! Me!! And worst of all, you have the gall to turn your back to me!" A sense of dread kicking in.

"I've spent years trying to get in good grace with Gatekeeper Zoalun. Trying to tell him and the other demons I'm one of their worshipers. How I dedicated my life to their name. But day after day, week after week, months to years, centuries to millenniums. My cries and please never answered." Placing a hand on his face. "Tortured like a squealing pig as one of their bootlickers." Clawing away flesh. Piece by piece in a steady motion.

"When all this time. It was some fucking JOKE!!" The air around him becoming dark.

Usually, here it's always gloomy. But Sedrick was doing something. The space around him contorted. Shifted. The air pressure rising as he continued to rant.

'Oh, great.' Sarcastically thought.

"I can't take this anymore. I won't take it. I refuse to stay any longer!" His voice angry. Changing with hate.

"Noo~. Sedrick, calm down." Raising arm's in a chill the hell out manner. "I understand what you're going through, but there's no need to flip out." I said. Hoping he'll calm down. But may have said it wrong.

"Flip out? Flip Out?! I'm done with this place. And if I have to kill you a thousand times over, then so be it!!" Hostility written clearly. Eyes sinking within themselves, leaving a swell of darkness. As all trace of light vanished from sight. His eyes leaking as would an over pour cup of tea.

"No. No. Stop it right now!!" Shouting to the top of these dusty chords. "Your corrupting Sedrick. If you keep this up, you'll never get out of here." I tried to reason with him.

"That's it, boy. Keep going." A set of clapping hands heard. Facing the source of applaud. There, Zoalun sat forward on his rocky throne, a smile forming. Then, raising left palm openly and slowly tightening his grip with every passing word. "Your entire life's purpose was a sham. A lie. Everything you loved, treasured, held in belief. Was nothing more than a ruse to trick suckers like you."

"It's no wonder I kept you for so long in my gate. Watching you wail for years never ceases to bore me. Even now.... you're bitching like on the first day you arrived here. A sad, narcissistic, pitiable old fool whom till this day, believes he doesn't belong in hell." Placing his staff beside the made chair. Hands-on arm-rest, as he stood. "And is too much of a pussy-cat to do anything about it!"

"Now her." Pointing at me again. Taking an involuntary step back. "She's not like you. More like she got balls to actually do something than nothing. Been trying to escape for years. Retaliated even. Heck, she's got a rap sheet for rules broken and hated by so many demons. And I mean a lot, that she just keeps getting sent from one gate to the next." Getting uncomfortably close. Wrapping an arm over my shoulder. "And of course she gets the worst kind of punishment, but she does it over. And over. And over again."

An expression of pride on his face as he spoke. "I think she actually likes getting tortured. The one thing that makes her feel alive."

'What the fu-..' Was my only thought. Completely lost at what's going on.

"A stead that refuses to be broken and a wolf that follows it's own rules." Standing up firm. "No matter the risk, she somehow pushes on. That's why I'm willing to bet..." Flashing a wink and smugness.

"..she'll kill you again." The words hanging in thin air. An unfamiliar sense of...well...I'm not gonna say something cheesy as, pride. But that's what it kinda felt like. Surprisingly good, that I was beginning to have second thoughts about Zoalun until realization screams out in a scary tone.

It's source, Sedrick looking meaner than ever and halfway in transformation. Sighing internally for another dumb thought.

'...fuckin demons...'

"Now..." Stepping away. Sitting back in his seat. "Kill her, if you wanna leave." All he wrote.

To that, Sedrick responded like a hound listening to its master's command. Bearing teethes and charging at me, a mad zombie craving for food, it hadn't had in days. I, however, was not taking the chance to find out how hungry. Hauling ass. I ran out of the castle's grounds, passing many eyes watching. As they all started stepping out of the way.

Not for me, but of the half-crazed man-eater giving chase. Once out of the passing, I headed to the stairs and of course, it was a long way down to bottom's surface. The castle was really high up, but it was no more than a trick, the stairway placed on those who grew impatient.

I had to climb it once. So, best not to think of the wait.

Heading down, not thinking of the number of steps. Nor how fast or soon I'll reach. Just moving as quickly as possible, something tripped me. Causing me to lose footing; tumbling down the steps in an uncontrolled spiral. Thankfully, someone stopped me. And helped me up on my feet. Yet, by this sincere false security of a moment. A deafening cackle was heard from my aid. Facing them, was another hideous soul laughing hysterically, in their voice.

"Better run deary. Wouldn't want to become supper for the tantrum-baby now, would we?!" Taking a false bite at me. Making me stumbled back away, out of reach. Then with a shove pushing me from them, barely finding my sense of balance on the steps. I glanced quickly toward Sedrick as he was closing in.

Hauling ass again. Running down the steps by two. Carefully navigating my way to make sure no one tries the same trick twice. A roar of chants reverberated through the atmosphere of hell. Engulfing me, as I became a spectacle to these crazed savages.

The stares of an audience in a crowd, as they stood back. Watching.

Every little detail. Every little thing. Not blinking for a sec as I zoomed by. Afraid that something magnificent will happen if they close their eyes. And once open, the great trick already done. Behaving in such a way at a circus, holding on to their seats and breathe as a spectacular show of a lifetime, began its play.

I was close. I knew it. Felt it. Deep inside I actually believed it. Releasing a breathe my lungs been holding before all this. Just waiting for a sign of relief to take it easy. Unfortunately, like always, something just wants to take away my sense of security.

Because at last, Sedrick had me in his feisty grip. Claws dug into my back shoulder, causing a miss step. As we both took a dive forward. Panic spreading within me as all I could do. Instinctively, was to grab onto Sedrick's left arm, leaning my weight forward in a momentum of hopefully throwing him over my shoulder.

He hit the stairs first and hard, but we began barrel rolling over one another downwards. Impacting the solid ground.

Wincing on my back in pain gave me the resolve to just lay there, but the stench of corruption had me otherwise. Begrudgingly getting up and moving this tiresome body through the edged rock terrain and open lava flows. Was definitely not on my list of things to do today.

Hiding behind a structure and catching a breath, which defied the physics of a corpse. I took a minute to formulate somewhat of a plan. That anything would do.

I just got to weigh my options here.

'Okay, first off, Sedrick isn't completely a demon yet. So whatever I plan to do, it's gotta be now. His strength's most likely increased a bit. Can possibly handle pain immeasurably. Senses, sharper. Little intelligence for newborns. So impulsive and erratic in thinking. Maybe a tantrum fit, if he's that kind of guy.'

Smirking to myself. More of an inner chuckle.

'What am I thinking. He was just doing that a minute ago. Of course, this is his hissy-fit.' Holding another chuckle from escaping.

Looking over my cover. There he was, a close distance away. Searching. Flexing hands out, peeling away a side of his face. Sniffing the air for a whiff of my scent.

'Glad to know you still got jokes and a sense of humor Katherine, given the fact someone wants to possibly eat you. So what do we do?! Think brain. Think!' Looking around.

'There's no weapon around. No blunt or stick. And a rock ain't gonna do it.' Lowering head. Contemplating what next to the failed scheme. Feeling warmth as sweat trickle down on me. For the gaps that were open in the trench, emitted tremendous heat. That being near it...

'But perhaps the flame of the seventh gate might do the trick. But if to get him near it. In it. I'd have to...' Not liking at where this was heading. 'Well...I did ask for a worse fate.'

Thinking over my conundrum and an alternative answer I could come to. But no luck. Thus leaving me really with only one choice.

'To hell with it.' Doubts dissipating and mind made up. 'You want me Sed...' Having a clear view of my surroundings. A cliff, not to far off in the distance. A flame geyser shooting out from a chasm that was over the edge. "..then come and get me!" Rising from my crouch position.

Dashing B-line for the cliff's end. And of course...

Follows the former satanic cult member/ blood crazed lunatic hot on my trail. He was faster. Scary fast. Catching up to me as he weaves his way through the terrain.

Kicking to third gear I hopped over some stone terrain. Skid under an opening. Jumped over gaps, whilst dodging Sedrick's constant attacks. As little by little, we grew closer and closer, but little cover was left as evading proved troublesome.

He got a few licks in if blood dripping off the side of my face was any indication.

Running uphill was challenging. For a place that's supposed to be an inferno, it's too nice of a word to explain the depth of how hot it truly is. Flames erupted from beyond the edge carrying a torrid breeze. So broiling I felt like a pastry being overcooked in an oven. The insides smelted. Cooked from soft and squishy to solid lumps hard like a rock, as the outside layer. Charred to a crisp. Burnt beyond recognition of what it formally was.

The wave so unbearable I had to use a hand to cover my eyes. The bedrock sizzling, burning away the flesh under my feet. As step by step. I was being cooked alive...or dead. Wind ferociously strong that if not careful, can easily blow me back and into the arms of my demon. Looking back, Sedrick's humanized parts were being singed off. Replaced by new white, metallic skin. Cloth reduced to almost nothing. Guessing his transformation was starting to adapt to the hottest bowels of hell.

The sense of immense pressure against me. Time running out before he fully transforms. The disparity of the situation, my situation. Where I might no longer exist if the plan goes well or end up roast beef; well cooked for Sedrick to feast on. Had me somewhat...

ecstatic.

I felt something I hadn't felt in a while. In a long time in fact. Coming to life deep within the very core of my soul. So twisted and rotten it pushed me to go further. Even when I dropped to my knees, unable to take another step forward. Insides exploding due to being simmered. I crawled. From crawl to squirm. Squirm to drag. Drag to slither. So on and so forth. Constantly moving as I didn't care anymore.

Not out of fear. Pain. Sorrow. Or anything else. But to ruin this assholes day. I ventured on.....

..into the fray.

Finally making it to the cliff's edge a dazzling sight had me a mix of emotions. As looking over the edge, to the source of uprising flame geysers. Was a nexus of lights in a dark void. Flowing like a sea of stars in space. Lighting up every now and then in multiple swirls of colors, revealing itself like a new universe forged and created. Till it disappears as if a dying star collapsed; taking worlds with it. Gathering the collected energy, into a single mass and releasing an explosion. Of a rising geyser.

Pulling my head back and twisting onto my back, as the flame bursts with multiple colors of light, from the trench. I didn't realize it before until now, but it truly is a wonderful sight to behold.

Even if it is blinding and chars away parts of my clothing and skin. This light was born from the very darkness of everything foul here. Seeing it just once, up close.....was perhaps not on my list of things to do. But is damn well worth the shit I've been through.

Receding back down. The show over and embers flicking out. A low growl was heard carrying my name.

"Katherine." Halting in stiffness. Completely forgetting a crucial thing. Begrudgingly facing him as he stood a few meters away. No longer looking like his usual self.

"Well if it isn't the mad dog himself. You caught up. Good for you." I said while getting up slowly, but finding hard to do. Body feeling numb as I tried to stand up straight. "Hold on. Just give me a sec to properly kick your rear." Settling in just hunching over. "Much better."

Or so if my right arm didn't just detach.

Hitting the ground as we both stared at it for a moment. Before it decayed into dust upon contact, scattering in the winds.

"......"

"......"

"...guess I can't just hold it together." Closing eyes and smiling. Shaking my head no for the bad joke. Taking two steps back.

"Kaatheriiine." Bearing his new shark-like teethes as he licked his jaws. Taking steps.

"I know the atmospheres dead and all, but would it kill you to smile. I mean, yea, it sucks to finally figure out that your whole cult thing in preparing for the bringer of doom was a hoax. And that no one told you about it for a couple millennia, but the least you could do is tell me how bad my comedy is. Maybe then, I can spring a new arm that will beat you to death....again." Nothing left to do, but wait.

"Kaaatthheeriiiiiine!!" The last remnant of his humanity disappearing. The air folding in on itself as visible dark aura surrounds Sedrick. Contorting his face into another monstrous figure with black eyes.

"Yea, your right. Jokes were never my specialty. Might as well kill myself right?" Hopping backward, over the edge. As bit by bit, the demon before me began to vanish from sight.

"NOOOOOO~!!" Sedrick leaps over and skydives, towards me.

Opening my only arm in a welcoming manner. "Come at me." As he descends upon me, increasing our velocity into the well of the seventh flame. Taking a harsh, deep bite in my neck. Clenching in deeper. Never letting go, by wrapping arms around me in a bear bug.

For what I have to deal with, the end result is fine by me. As piece by slow incinerating piece, my mind became unresponsive.

Broken.

It's not that I couldn't process the situation. Not that I was physically and mentally tired. Perhaps a little emotionally too, at this point.

But, because I grew sick of it all.

"Natasha...."

My left-hand stretches forth. Fingers grasping for something to grab onto.

'I'm sorry. For everything.' Tears beginning to run.

Feeling my end draw near as gravity worked its way, somehow down here.

'Are you even happy?' My eyes close. Reminiscing on the fun times we had. Remembering her kind and gentle smile. For the last time.

'I hope you are...'

Picking up on speed. More and more. Free falling into oblivion.

"....cause I miss you." Tears evaporating along with this form. As I was soon torched, in an inferno.

In an epic dive. Whatever that was left of me crashed into the pit.

As my decent began. It was then, like the other flames of hell. This one had its own unique properties.

Instead of intense agonizing pain, excruciating heat, tremendous pressure to my soul, or some inconceivable fate. Just waiting to hit me. I was surprisingly calm. Warm inside even. Under the distinct impression, I was wrapped in soft fabric sheets. A cushion to rest my weary head. And a cozy bed for once to relax this tiresome body. A strange cessation taking place.

A strange one indeed.

For the first time, sleep had me at it's beckoning call. A well...needed rest...giving up in thought...

"Hahaha, was I right. Or was I right."

'Oh god.' Annoyance picking up.

Something hooked onto me. Disturbing me from my peaceful nap, short-lived. Dragging me from my wishful, resting place.

Opening my eyes. What should've surprised me, looking up over the edge was Zoalun and some person wearing a long black cloak, but I was too distracted by the sight of...my hand glowing...

A blue color.

Here I was being lifted back up. By a reformed right hand, fastened by a chain Zoalun was holding. Following the glow down to my forearm, elbow, chest, and... let's just say clothing was gone along with my old wrinkly skin and scars. Leaving me quite exposed.

"Whaaaatt the Shiiiiitt~!!!" Screaming a breath of new life. "What's going on? How do I still exist? Is it really that impossible to stay dead...Zoalun!! What did you do?! I asked the gate lord.

Only smiling at my antics, ever more.

"How interesting..." The hidden figure spoke. Though from their tone, they sounded feminine. "..you did not lie Zoalun. Katherine's soul does show promise. Especially if she just survived the core of hell's seventh flame. In fact...she may very well be the first creature, ever, to actually come out from it...Renewed."

Making it back on top the cliff, stood the two deities in front of me. Me trying to hide the embarrassment I'm placed upon. Luckily the cloaked figure saw this and came up to me. Standing a little over Zoalun's height, but the strange thing was I couldn't see her eyes under that hood. Just blackness, leaving a distinction that nothing was there or some way to hide her face.

Reaching out with a hand freaked the fuck outta me. For there was no flesh, skin, or muscle tissue. Just an exoskeleton of a hand reaching towards me.

"Come child. You'll draw unwanted attention if you stay out like that." She says.

"Um. I'm, fine. Thanks." Backing up, to the edge.

"Are you sure?" She questions. "Your soul is radiating such purity, it may as well be a beacon of where to find you. If you continue to stay in the open like this, you'll be drawing the attention of some very powerful demons. If not already."

"Best to go with her Katherine." Zoalun appearing beside the figure. "Trust me, if it wasn't for the favor I owe her, I'm not sure I could resist devouring you right now. Cause your soul looks mighty delicious right now." A little drool on his metallic mouth.

"Screw that. I just been through an ordeal today. An ordeal you started by the way." Flicking him off.

"Well, I imagine that's how it is in hell, every day. It's not called the field of false paradise for nothing." He shrugs.

"Katherine..." Taking a step my way. "..you must decide. And decide quick. A choice of your own that may decide your very fate, here and now. For there is no longer enough time, for any of this."

"And what choice is that.." I questioned. Not sure what else to do in this predicament.

"Stay here and really get the short end of the stick. Or, come with me."

"Where to?" Asking, clarification.

"...To a world unlike any other. One where I may have need of someone like you and everything that you are. Serve me and I promise you freedom. If not, then good luck surviving the hoard. Approaching." Saying the last part in playfulness.

Looking her way. The red sky was filled with a black mass of wing-beat creatures. Clusters of stampeding hoards of imps and demons heading my way across the land. In every direction imaginable. Two recognizable gate lords, watching from the distance.

'So these are my choices. Stay and continue to be a prisoner of hell. Possibly.' Seeing another group of hungry lunatics, 'Or...' Facing the masked figure once more. 'Serve her and get sent to another world.'

Pretty much a no-brainer. Right?

"I accept your offer." I begrudgingly said.

"Wise decision." Standing by my side, unreasonably close in my comfort zone. Using an arm by bringing me in and another to wrap her fabric around me. "Goodbye Zoalun. I hope for your sake we never meet again."

"Katherine." Facing the menace of the day. "It was fun while it lasted. And a hell of a time too. So don't die in the next life, alright." Giving me a thumbs up. "Live life to the fullest, cause you never know." Pecking closer. "I might see you sooner than you think." Smiling a smile, unrecognizable for a standard demon.

"...Zoalun..." Not sure what his ploy, but giving him one more flick of the finger.

"Take care of her.....Death." The last word I heard before a hand brushes in front. Cascading reality into shifting fragments. The world vanishing before us in a blinding light.

Author's Note

Finally. Another chapter done. Did not think it would take so long. Might need to work on vocab though. Hope you guys enjoy.

Again feedback is appreciated. Just let me know if I'm on the right path as a writer. Thnks.