forty-One:
Hell- how do I explain it?
There are many levels of Hell, each one more horrific than the last, but the one I was in- it was Hell, pure and simple in my book.
I can't describe the agony, the sounds, the smell- but I can try.
A million screams, millions upon millions of blood-curdling pain and agony of the people I couldn't see around me.
But I knew they were there.
The smell of charred flesh and just plain burning filled the darkened smoky air, almost suffocating in the many tunnels.
Chains, rusted and hooked, hung into my skin, holding my aloft in the great, soul-crushing abyss, ripping deep and pulling at irregular, excruciating intervals.
I cried out, so loud it hurt my ears, and off in the corners demons roared with laughter.
I tried to move, breathing hard, but was restrained by my wrists and ankles, tied to an old, hard gurney.
That was what my Hell was going to be like- except a billion times worse.
I heard the sound of someone singing to themselves and sharpening two surgical items against each other- that couldn't be good.
'Finally, you're awake. I thought you was gonna sleep through all the fun stuff.' The Texan demon leaned down close to me, his hidden face twisting and distorting sickeningly.
I swallowed hard and clenched my jaw. 'Wouldn't miss it for the world.'
'If I didn' know any better, I'd reckon you was dead- except for all the snorin'.'
'I don't snore!' I strained against the leather straps, but to no avail.
'Ah!' Falling back, I struggled to breathe properly.
Harsh lights suddenly clicked on overhead, momentarily blinding the both of us.
'Jeez, man, give a mate a little warning next time.' The demon complained, rubbing his eyes tenderly.
'Who are you?' I asked, still unable to see the doctor. 'And what's he going to do to me? What are you getting out of this?'
He shrugged. 'Name's Will Cutlass, thanking you kindly. And to tell the truth, I don't rightly know what he's gonna do to you. Something painful, here's hopin'.'
'Oh, well, now I feel SO much better.' I relaxed against the bonds.
'You know, you look pretty sexy lyin' like that.' He said, giggling like a little boy.
'Get out of here!' I yelled, pulling against the strains again.
He shrugged and left, and the doctor took his place, holding up a long scalpel.
'Don't worry.' He said, leaning over and pulling up my shirt to reveal my stomach and the tattoos there. 'This won't hurt for long.'
Screams echoed up from the higher floors, and both Dexter and Gloria looked up as if they could see through the many floors.
'You think that's-' Dexter began.
Without answering, the demon bolted off, moving with inhuman speed up to the steps.
'Ugh,' Dexter gasped as he eventually caught up. 'I hate running.'
'You never did like it.' Gloria said, slowing down to a normal pace. 'We don't have much longer. She's only got a day left and they'll come for her at midnight tomorrow. But if he's already started cutting her open, then as soon as he's finished harvesting he'll call up the demon.'
'Why?'
'To make sure she doesn't ask for her organs back, probably. And one less Hunter in the world- who's complaining?' She tried to laugh.
'Uh, I am. And you should be too, if you're really on our side.' Dexter pointed out, keeping pace.
'Oh. Yeah. Right.' She smiled weakly. 'I knew that.'
'Talking time is over.' His voice was soft, but forceful, and as he put the bloodied scalpel down and picked up a long bandana, folded it over, and got ready to cover my mouth I called out again.
He tied it tight, so tight I could barely breathe out of my mouth.
'You sick son of a bitch!' I tried to yell, but it didn't even get close to coming out right.
I really, REALLY hoped Dexter would forgive me and come help me.
